1-800-PAINLESSRemember that old show Extreme Makeover? I loved that show. In just one short hour a person could be totally transformed from head-to-toe. Maybe that type of makeover isn’t realistic for most of us, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a mini-makeover? If you’re looking to put some pep in your step and just plain feel better about your appearance, why not start with your mouth?
Your smile is often one of the first things a stranger will notice about you when you meet for the first time. If your smile has been neglected for many years it can make you look older or more tired. There are some simple dental procedures to consider that can drastically improve your appearance and make you feel more confident and younger. The options are endless, only you and your dentist can decide what would be best for you but here are some cosmetic dentistry basics for you to consider:
Veneers
Dental veneers are made of porcelain and they are thin, custom-made shells that attach directly to your teeth. They can literally transform your smile without the need for surgery or braces. Veneers can close gaps between teeth instantly. They can also improve the appearance of teeth that are badly stained, misshapen, or out of alignment. According to www.BrightSideDental.com, veneers are put on in six simple steps:
1. A Bright Side Dental doctor will remove any decay and old fillings on the tooth.
2. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth to make room for the veneer.
3. Next, the shape, size and shade of the tooth are determined and an impression is taken of the prepared tooth.
4. The impression of your tooth will be sent to a dental lab where the veneer is made.
5. A Bright Side Dental doctor will check the color, size and shape of the veneer. This ensures a proper fit.
6. Finally, the veneer is shaped and polished and you get to show all of your friends your new beautiful smile.
Lumineers
Lumineers are similar to veneers in the sense that they are a shell applied to your tooth and can be used to fill gaps and improve the appearance of stained or misshapen teeth. What’s unique about Lumineers is that they are super thin and translucent and because ofthis, they require little to no tooth reduction.
The application of traditional veneers can require grinding, cutting, and filing of your teeth. Lumineers require none of this since they are so super thin. It’s quite amazing, really! You don’t even need to be numbed to have the procedure done!
Invisalign
Maybe you wore braces as a kid but neglected to wear your retainer and your teeth have shifted back. Or maybe you never had braces as a kid and now you’d really like to straighten your teeth.
If you’re like me and you wore traditional metal braces complete with the shiny brackets and colorful rubber bands as a kid, you might get jealous when I tell you that it’s possible to straighten your teeth today without the use of any metal whatsoever. Invisalign
straightens teeth with a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into alignment.
Because Invisalign works with the use of the clear plastic aligners, they’re practically invisible so no one needs to know you’re straightening your teeth. You can even take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth! Visit www.Invisalign.com for more information or to find a provider near you.
If any of these procedures sound appealing to you I would encourage you to talk to your dentist about your cosmetic options. You never know where a more dazzling and confident smile might take you!
Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan. Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.
