I have never had much money to do anything. I have done nothing but work and pay my bills… barely. Now I am 52 and my smile is an embarrassment to me. I was recently gifted some money. I’m trying to figure out how to fix my smile. My teeth are very yellow and I have a lot of fillings. They are all those ugly silver fillings because I went to charity clinics. Is there a way to get my smile pretty?
Amanda
Dear Amanda,
I am glad you wrote. I do not know how much you are wanting to spend, but you have a range of options. First, if you want a complete smile makeover, you could get porcelain veneers. This is what celebrities use in order to get that Hollywood smile. It can change everything about your smile, including the shape, size, and color. The only downside is it is pricey. It’s worth it if you can afford it, though.
Teeth Bleaching Trays
If that is out of your budget, do not despair. The only things you mentioned not liking about your smile are the fillings and the staining. There is an affordable way to improve both of these things. First, have teeth whitening done. Your dentist can provide you with custom fitted teeth whitening trays and professional strength gel. These can get your teeth as white as you would like. Simply whiten your teeth until you are pleased with the shade. Once that is done, give it a couple of weeks and then have any fillings replaced that you feel detract from your smile.
Your dentist can switch out your silver fillings with composite fillings. They are white and can be made to whiten your teeth. However, silver fillings are made mostly of mercury, a known toxin. You will want a dentist who knows how to remove them safely. I would look for a mercury-free dentist. They can perform what is known as a sanitary amalgam removal.
You will find whitening and replacing your fillings much lower in cost than veneers.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.