Affordable smile makeover

I really need to re-do my smile.  I’m too embarrassed to smile. I just don’t have much money.  Right now I only have about $1000. I know that’s not enough. Any ideas to get something affordable that will make a big difference until I can save up for porcelain veneers?

Rhonda B. – Baltimore

Rhonda,

If you’re short on funds, the absolute best thing you can do first is to get your teeth whitened.  You didn’t mention how old you are, but it instantly takes years off your smile. With most cosmetic procedures, I suggest you get a highly qualified cosmetic dentist. However, teeth whitening is such a basic procedure, any dentist can do it. This means there is no harm in price shopping.

Porcelain veneers are a great choice for when you are ready for your total smile makeover, but it is an advanced procedure and therefore would require someone who has the skills necessary. It requires both technical training as well as an artistic eye. I would definitely NOT price shop in this case. Instead, I’d look at it as an investment.

There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. You can find some of the best cosmetic dentists on the mynewsmile.com website. The man who runs this site is a retired cosmetic dentist. He prescreens the dentists for their technical knowledge and training as well as their artistry before allowing them on the site.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.