There’s no time like the holidays for a smile makeover. Not only will you feel great about showing off your new pearly-whites at holiday parties, but you’ll go into the new year with a brand new sense of self-confidence. In fact, studies show that people who have a nice smile are perceived as more attractive, likable, intelligent and even younger than those who don’t. With such a big impact on every area of your life, a smile makeover in Bellingham is a gift that will keep on giving. Learn more below about several cosmetic procedures that can transform your smile!

Porcelain Veneers

These thin, strong “shells” are adhered to the front of the teeth to give them a brand new appearance. This one cosmetic procedure can practically do it all and is perfect for any of the following flaws:

• Chips
• Gaps
• Severe staining that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments
• Minor crowding
• Small or oddly shaped teeth

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding involves using white filling material (the same material used for white fillings done on back teeth) to repair small imperfections on the front teeth. It’s great for small chips, cracks, cavities and discolorations.

Whitening

Whitening is incredibly popular because it provides big results for a relatively small investment of time and money. And since the strength of over-the-counter products is limited by the FDA, you’ll get the best results, safely and reliably, with a professional treatment.

After having custom-made trays made, you’ll fill them with a professional-strength whitening gel and wear them for 30-60 minutes a day. Most people get their final result in about 2 weeks.

Gum Recontouring

Gum recontouring is a great way to treat the following cosmetic issues:

• A “gummy smile” – If you have a high proportion of gum tissue, your teeth may look smaller than they actually are when you smile. Gum recontouring will lengthen the teeth for a beautiful, well-proportioned smile.
• Uneven gums – Many people think that their teeth are uneven or misshapen when the problem is actually their gum tissue. After the gums have been reshaped, the teeth are much more uniform in appearance.

The best way to find out which of these procedures is best for you is to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Bellingham. In some cases, a simple whitening treatment may be all that’s necessary. In others, more than one procedure may deliver the best results.

About the Author

Dr. John Young is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist in Bellingham who knows that cosmetic work isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. He begins each smile makeover by closely looking at each patient’s unique needs and goals so he can recommend the best treatment plan for them. If you’d like to enhance your smile this holiday season and have any other questions, he can be contacted via his website or at (360) 676-0642.