Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do in your life.
Why?
Because without your teeth, you wouldn’t be able to chew, smile, or even talk. You won’t know how much missing teeth affect you until it happens, and believe me, you don’t want to go down that road.
But if you do have poor oral hygiene habits and your teeth are suffering, there are a few cosmetic dental procedures that can bail you out, such as veneers, teeth whitening and dental implants.
Veneers are are great for covering up blemishes on your teeth and protecting them from harm. This procedure involves adhering thin sheets of porcelain over the top of teeth to give them a white sheen, and make your smile look pearly white once again. This procedure is fairly pricey though, sometimes costing up to $2,000 for the treatment.
You could also have teeth whitening done if you need help with a discolored or stained smile. Over-the-counter products have been extremely popular, and Americans spend billions of dollars on teeth whitening products and procedures every year. If the whitening strips that Crest or Colgate sell don’t work, you could always find a cosmetic dentist to treat your teeth with a laser. They will first place a bleaching gel on the surface of your teeth, and then use the heat from the laser to speed up the breakdown of stains.
Dental implants have been extremely popular for replacing missing teeth. This is a cosmetic dental surgery in which a dentist drills an artificial tooth root in the jawbone in place of the missing tooth. The root, usually made of titanium, and is then connected to the new crown via an abutment, or connector. As the jaw heals over the next few months, it secures the dental implant in place.
Implants are the only cosmetic dental work that give patients the feeling of natural teeth, and they are also 98% successful. In addition, they can last a patient a lifetime with proper care, unlike dentures, which often have to be replaced because of normal wear and tear.
But why go to all this trouble and money? Implants can cost you $4,000 per tooth, and teeth whitening isn’t cheap either. Instead, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist every six months — this is the best chance you have at keeping your smile as white and healthy as possible. Continue your research here.
