For all the annual flip-flopping on the commercialism of Valentine’s Day, love is truly not a negative four-letter word. According to the National Retail Federation, approximately 55% of Americans openly celebrate Valentine’s Day and sales are already expected to be considerably higher in 2018 than they were the previous year. Total spending is expected to reach almost $20 million for the heart-filled holiday, and most of those splurges will include candy, flowers, romantic dates, and all the trappings involved with romantic folly. Of course, regardless of whether you’re currently connected with your soul mate, Valentine’s Day can be a prime opportunity to spoil yourself, and your New York City Cosmetic Dentist is the perfect place to start. But what smile makeover options can help you fall back in love with yourself?
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has become a huge business over the past decade as the procedure became one of the easiest, most effective, and most popular smile makeover solutions. But not all options are equal. It all comes down to the percentage of dental-grade peroxide included in the kit. Most store kits contain a 5-6% concentration while dental office alternatives usually start off at 10-15% and can go up to 40%. Professional teeth whitening can, therefore, whiten far more quickly and effectively.
Porcelain Crowns
Natural teeth are strong enough for most life conditions, but certain activities and habits can compromise or weaken the tooth structure. Teeth can be chipped or broken by blunt force or even chewing incorrectly. And excessive decay or large fillings can crack or weaken the structure significantly. Porcelain crowns can be custom-created for each patient’s needs to cover or restore the affected teeth to their original strength and functionality while stopping any further or potential damage to surrounding teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Many people have silver fillings (amalgams) but despite the name, they actually contain up to 50% elemental mercury. Over time, the mercury vapors can seep into the bloodstream and lead to potential health problems. Amalgams can also turn black over time and permanently stain surrounding teeth. Tooth-colored fillings can correct issues and reduce risks of future health concerns. After amalgams are safely removed and disposed of, teeth are thoroughly cleaned and assessed. Dental grade composite resin is then molded, dyed, and cured to create a more aesthetically and healthier appearance over existing fillings.
Porcelain Veneers
Almost 85% of Americans are planning to share some type of candy or chocolate with friends and loved ones on Valentine’s Day. But all that sugar can quickly corrode or decay your teeth to the point where even professional dental cleanings and teeth whitening options may not bring out the brilliance of your smile anymore. Porcelain veneers can help aesthetically correct a variety of dental issues in just a couple office visits. The porcelain shells are about the thickness of a contact lens and affix to existing teeth. Call your New York City Cosmetic Dentist today to see what solutions may work for your needs and show yourself some love with a smile makeover for Valentine’s Day.