In the musical Bye, Bye Birdie, Albert Peterson sings: “Gray skies are gonna clear up! Put on a happy face.” But what if he had been singing about gray teeth instead of gray skies? How are you supposed to put on a happy face when your smile is marred by dark and discolored teeth?

One of the permanent solutions to your gloomy-looking smile is a set of Veneers. Whether your sad face is caused by gaps, crooked teeth, discoloration, other damage, or some combination, veneers act as a natural-looking mask for your teeth. Think of it like a false front for a building. The functionality of the inside of the building (or your mouth, in this case) is completely the same, but thanks to a fancy front, it looks drastically better.

So how can you obtain a set of fine veneers to turn that frown upside down? Here’s what you need to know.

The Process
After you have met with your dentist for a diagnosis, you will need to return two more times. During the first of these two visits, your dentist will shave off a tiny bit of enamel from your tooth. This makes room for the veneers. Once the enamel is removed, the dentist will make a model of your mouth so that the veneers will fit your teeth perfectly.

The second appointment will follow in a week or two. This is when the veneers are applied to your teeth. This is done with a special dental bonding cement. Your dentist will carefully set, trim, and adjust the look and fit of the veneers so as to affect only your look and not more important things like your bite.

Choose Carefully
While veneers are right for many people, you need to remember that this is a permanent decision. It cannot be reversed, and when your current veneers wear out in about 5 to 10 years, you will need a new set. In addition, veneers can be expensive. Usually costing hundreds or even a thousand dollars for one tooth, veneers are also generally not covered by insurance, as it is a cosmetic procedure.

We have all heard people say, “Her smile made my day.” Let’s be honest—everybody wants to have that kind of smile that makes others forget their worries for at least one, tiny moment. But you may find it hard to keep that glowing smile. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and even certain foods and drinks can all contribute to bad teeth—even if you are trying to floss and brush regularly.

Why Should You Turn To Preventive Dental Care?

The best way to keep your teeth looking new is actually to use preventive dental. As obvious from the name itself, preventive dental entails taking care of your teeth through simple measures like brushing your teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, etc. These two simple steps should be a part of everybody’s daily routine in order to have healthy teeth and gums. The basic purpose of both these steps is to get rid of the accumulation of bacteria and plaque, therefore preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

These basic preventions are aided by specific treatments available from a dentist, such as sealants to protect molars with deep grooves from cavities. Some people have grooves that are too deep for a toothbrush to clean properly. Sealant and other measures sure as mouthwash will help.

Another key to great teeth and gums is eating healthy. Shy away from foods with high sugar content and lots of carbohydrates. These are fuel for bacteria and will cause more plaque and mouth diseases. In addition, the rest of your body will be healthier too! What’s not to like?

Lastly, don’t forget the “radical” step of visiting your dentist at least once a year, but preferably every six months. There are some problems only your dentist will be able to spot, such as gum diseases or conditions. These problems are all easier to treat early on, so it is important that you visit your dentist to catch these problems and nip any potential problems in the bud.

Everybody can be benefited by following these steps of preventive dentistry. Contact us to get more preventive services and make your smile brighter.