A Journey to A Perfect Smile... Naturally

Confession: I almost got veneers.  Last fall I went to my dentist, Dr. Lombardi, to discuss what I was going to do about my imperfect teeth.  In case you haven't noticed, one of my front ones was a slight bit darker than the rest thanks to a root canal I had when I was eight and I have a space between my two front teeth.  Because of his dedication, he fixed the coloring in front, but when it came down to the idea the instant gratification that Veneers would've given, we both decided they were a bit too invasive for me as I wanted a more natural mainstream look.  Enter Invisalign... Yes, I'm a 29 year old professional woman who's about to wear aligners.  That's one way you could look at it, but according to my orthodontist, Dr. Hung, his average patient is a 31 year old woman.  I've partnered with the brand and it couldn't have happened at a better time in my life.  I was truly considering the treatment when they came to me to discuss how we could work together.  I had to promise two things before getting started:

1. I would wear my aligners 22 hours per day while in treatment.
2. I would wear them every night for the rest of my life (or as long as I want straight teeth) after treatment at night.

I made the commitment and learned that the mission was a little more complicated than closing a small space in between my two front teeth.  Let's just say that at the end of treatment I'll have a million dollar smile.  I have to note that the space in between my front teeth never bothered me that much until I started doing on-air work.  It reads as black on camera, which is not attractive!  In order to fix it, Dr. Hung will be fixing my bottom crowding, the angle of my top teeth and positioning of my lateral incisors (the one's next to my two front teeth).  Who knew my mouth had so many issues?

I was really impressed by the technology Invisalign uses called ClinCheck, which took a digital scan of my teeth and will be able to show me a time frame of how they'll be moving month by month.  Dr. Hung says I'll be in treatment for a little under a year.  My journey started with the consultation and aligners are ordered.  Yes, I'll be keeping you posted along the way!

*I am a spokesperson for Invisalign (sponsored) and I have received complimentary treatment, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

The Veneer Scoop

These days it seems everyone in Hollywood is rocking an A-list smile thanks to a little help from veneers.  Celebs such as Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Kate Beckinsale are smiling bigger than ever before.  I got the scoop about these precious teeth from Celebrity Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Sherri Worth, who is credited for Kelly Carlson from Nip Tuck's gorge chompers.

 
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
Candidates for veneers vary.  If you do not like the shape, color or size of your teeth, you can change that with veneers.  Cracked, broken, misaligned teeth can be straightened, strengthened, and made beautiful with porcelain veneers.  If you love the size, shape, color, but your teeth are crooked--orthodontics is a better alternative.  However, you should take a close look at your teeth to determine if you like the look because if you don’t, simply straightening them might not solve your problem.
 
What are the benefits of having veneers?
The benefits of having veneers is that (when done properly) they create a gorgeous smile that is durable and do not change color or stain like natural teeth do.  Few of us are born with fabulous teeth--veneers have enabled those of us who are not satisfied with our teeth to obtain a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a long time.
 
Exactly what are they and how are they done?
Porcelain veneers are a thin porcelain sheet that is bonded to your tooth to correct cracked, broken, crooked, stained, or unattractive teeth.  The teeth are prepared by removing 1/2-1 mm of teeth structure on the surface, taking impressions, and lab fabricating porcelain veneers that are bonded on permanently.  The final result is a beautiful smile.  You must have a healthy dentition to have porcelain veneers fabricated.

About how much does a set of veneers cost? 

Veneers range from about $1800-3000 per tooth.
 
Do they last forever? 
Veneers are very durable and pretty indestructible, but can break like normal teeth.  They do not last forever.  You need to replace them every 10-20 years--depending on how well you take care of them.