Presented by Dr. Steve Marsh
As we approach the holidays and the end of 2021, we begin to think about presents we might give to our family and friends. We’d like our efforts to be appreciated, and one that can be enjoyed is the gift of a smile.
Very often, dentists hear that the treatment we have given to a patient has been life-changing. This is especially true when cosmetic dentistry has played a role, though restorative dentistry often is a factor, too.
Looking Good
Restorative dentistry includes things like fillings, crowns, implants and denture work — both removable partials and complete dentures. For people who have missing teeth, it can be very difficult to chew their food, which limits their ability to take in nutrition. This may additionally cause stomach problems due to the limited eating options.
Pain in teeth, especially in the rear portions of the mouth, may cause insomnia, problems with work, and, like missing teeth, nutrition issues. Medications may also dry the mouth, leading to more decay due to the lack of saliva that both cleanses the teeth and buffers the acids.
Like most things in life, when problems are caught early, the treatment is usually easier and less expensive, which is why regular dental visits can be so important. A dental check-up at the end of the year can be especially cost-effective for patients with dental coverage and/or HSA accounts, since they generally expire at year’s end, with little to no carryover into the next. Most patients who finally do have required dental treatment often remark, ‘”I wish I’d have done this sooner.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to help a loved one or friend get this kind of care?
Cosmetic dentistry helps people get their smile back. The use of bleaching can help a mature adult get brighter teeth, providing a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Bonding can help restore chipped or discolored teeth, while veneers, crowns and bridges can fix broken or missing teeth, helping the patient’s confidence — whether for meetings with others, dating, or their self-worth.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” said a patient recently. What made it even more special was that a loved one — a daughter — made the appointment for her 80-year-old mom and brought her to the office.
The daughter brought her mom because they were attending a family reunion, and mom was bothered by the space between her front teeth. Two appointments — with some gum reshaping (with a laser), four upper porcelain veneers, and lower teeth bleaching with the Zoom technique — helped ensure that she was the hit of the party. Mom said, “I was so proud of how I looked, and I feel better than ever!”
With all that can be accomplished with today’s dentistry, what better present can one give than “the gift of a smile?” And with modern materials and techniques, this gift should last a long, long, time, bringing lots of joy to both the giver and the receiver.
