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The term “self-care” is trending on social media - but what does it mean when it comes to your teeth and how you feel about your smile? Many patients know they would like the results of cosmetic dentistry, but talk themselves out of it because they are uncertain of the result, cost or time commitment.
Self-care is when you take action that supports your mental, emotional and physical health. Maybe for you it’s meditation, treating yourself to a massage… or hey, maybe it’s flossing. ;)
Cosmetic dentistry is a form of self care too. Imagine the difference it would make if you really loved your smile. When you look in the mirror in the morning and you love what you see, it sets the tone for your day. That’s a difference worth investing in.
So if you’re ready to take the step, you have two great options for fixing chipped or cracked teeth, discoloration or other damage: Veneers and Dental Bonding. (And don’t forget to check out our post on teeth whitening.)
Porcelain veneers fit permanently over your existing teeth, and they are highly customized for each patient. The number one concern we hear from patients about veneers is whether they will look real. When veneers are done well, no one will ever know they’re not your natural teeth.
We start with a consultation for your veneers, and use computer imaging to prepare before-and-after photos. This is an important step to help you see exactly how the veneers will look. We share the style, shape and color before the procedure, and make any modifications together.
Veneers are a great permanent solution because they are stain resistant and as strong as your natural teeth. We guarantee veneers for our patients for 5 years, but they usually last 15-30 years.
Learn more about the consultation and procedure for veneers here.
Dental bonding is a great option for anyone. If there is a cosmetic change you want to make, it can be achieved in a single visit. Bonding is also one of the most affordable cosmetic options, so it’s perfect for patients who are keeping budget in mind.
We shape and polish bonding to match your teeth. As a result, it can resolve discoloration, reshape teeth and address other damage. Another advantage of bonding is that it removes no enamel. Your natural tooth keeps its structure, which makes bonding a more conservative cosmetic approach to your teeth than veneers.
Something to keep in mind is that bonding isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, so you should be careful about biting your nails or chewing ice. If you’re careful about these habits, bonding can last several years before it needs to be repaired.
Are you feeling a bit more confident about your options for improving your smile?
Taking care of your smile and turning to professionals to do it is a big step forward in self-care. If you would like to review your options, schedule your free smile consultation today. Helping our patients smile with confidence is one of our favorite things about what we do at Midlothian Dental Center.
