If you are looking for a holiday gift for that special someone, I have a suggestion for you. Give the gift of a beautiful smile. This is a gift that goes with everything, is more valuable than jewelry, always fits, and subtracts years from your face.
Although there are several ways to achieve a beautiful smile, I would like to discuss porcelain veneers. Most of you are familiar with veneers though reality makeover shows, but I want to assure you that veneers are not only for the rich and famous or those people lucky enough to be on a television show. You would be surprised at how many people, with whom you come in contact, are reaping the benefit of veneers.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells, prepared in a dental laboratory, that are permanently affixed to prepared teeth. A good analogy is a laminate countertop or artificial fingernails. These shells, which are usually done in multiples on the top teeth, are precisely placed by the dentist in his office, and are usually completed in two visits, the first for the preparation and the second visit for the placement.
Candidates for veneers have healthy gum tissue and have had decay problems resolved by restorations (fillings) and/or crowns. Veneers can be placed in conjunction with crown and bridge work with very natural looking results. Once the veneers are placed, and the bite is perfected, you can expect to “wear” your veneers without being aware of them. You will only think about the veneers when you see your smile.
You can reasonably expect your “holiday gift” to last 10 to 15 years, and a good dentist will guarantee his work. What other gifts, other than fine jewelry, have that kind of life span?
One last thought – maybe this is the year to give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile! Have a wonderful holiday season.
