A Ridiculously Simple Way To Improve Your Smile

Do you feel that, as an adult, you’ve missed the boat on straight teeth?

Maybe you never had braces growing up.

Or you did, but never wore retainers (oops!) and things have shifted since.

What if having straight teeth didn’t matter then, but it matters to you…now?

The simple answer that your teeth may be looking for is Clear Braces.

Clear Braces are the modern adult’s straight teeth solution.

They are:

• esthetic
• convenient
• removable
• effective

As an adult, you get to decide what your perfect smile is. If you’ve discussed porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding with your dentist, and decided those are not the way to straight teeth for you, orthodontics may be the option ‘X’ that marks the spot.

Being clear on what you want

If you know your goal–and you very well should–is to dot every “i” and cross every “t”, perhaps traditional braces are the way to go, because they offer more control and can do more.

Heck, if your bite is off kilter, using clear braces to correct it is like using a tugboat to pull a tanker. Getting a proper diagnosis and deciding which one you’re a better candidate for is KEY.

When the solution is clear

Now, if want to improve what you’ve got, to correct a relapse from previously having braces, especially if your front teeth look like drunken sailors trying to prop each other up……well, clear braces may be the perfect solution to get them looking like the guards at Buckingham Palace instead.

The popular brand making airwaves is Invisalign. While it’s a great system (and we have it available), we work with one called Red, White and Blue. Same principles, similar method, half the cost, great results.

If you think your ship has sailed on straight teeth and a confident smile, you may want to do a double take. There’s another one in the harbor, clearly waiting just for you.

Did I get you hooked? Call or email us and we’ll get you straightened up in no time (well, almost):

(214) 522-3110                            www.raodentistry.com

Photo credit: chokphoto

Are Veneer Or We Far? Your Porcelain Guide Is Here

99 porcelain veneers on the wall, 99 porcelain veneeeers……

take one down and pass it around, 98 porcelain veneers on the wall!

Yikes! This song makes no sense whatsoever. You can’t put porcelain veneers on a wall.

They go on your TEETH.

And for a lot of people, veneers have given them the smile they’ve always wanted.  

Luckily, no human has ever been discovered with 99 teeth, so the good news is that they’re quite achievable. In fact, they can be a reality.

Your reality.

If mother nature did not bless you with naturally straight, even, white teeth (the nerve!), what is a guy or gal to do in the 21st century? If a prettier smile is what your heart desires, well, modern cosmetic dentistry can offer you some options.

Might you be a candidate for braces or Invisalign? It may take some time but getting your teeth all lined up may do the trick. Perhaps add a dash of whitening to glam them up.

Not enough? Well, next step up might be some tooth colored fillings or minor re-shaping that you’d be amazed could make a major difference.

If you need to make some bold changes, however, it would be advisable to have a sit-down chat with your dentist about veneers.

But what are veneers, aka “laminates”?

Veneers, my friends, are thin shells of porcelain (or sometimes tooth-colored filling material, called “resin veneers”) that are placed on your front teeth to improve their appearance.

If you have healthy but misaligned, severely discolored, chipped or uneven teeth, veneers could be a GREAT choice.

Typically, a minimal amount of enamel is removed from the front of your teeth, and 2 to 3 weeks later, veneers are bonded to your teeth. They can be made to match any tooth shade, and once placed; voila! Straight, even, white teeth are yours.

Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 5-10 years, sometimes longer, and are much less invasive than crowns. They look very natural, and your smile becomes a thing of beauty once again.

Before you decide on an option, a pro/con discussion is always advisable.

If your teeth have decay, you have gum disease, you clench or grind your teeth, you chew ice, or your bite is off kilter, you may need to drop veneers off your list.

Smile transformations are possible; miracles, perhaps not. Be sure not to force it, or else you’ll find yourself in the land of lamination damnation. *Shudder.

Costs vary, and most insurances don’t cover them. And no, you can’t skimp on brushing and flossing. If they chip or break, repairs are rarely possible, so you may need to wear a night guard to protect them.

Be honest, and realistic, with yourself and your dentist so you both pick what’s best for you.

But be careful; if you make the RIGHT choice, you may end up with a smile better than you’ve ever imagined, and won’t be able to help yourself giving it away, perhaps 99 times a day.

If you have questions, we have answers! Feel free to ask in the comments, or visit our website, or give us a call. See, lots of options!

www.raodentistry.com     (214) 522-3110