When you gaze in the mirror first thing in the morning what do you see? Missing teeth? Gaps in your smile? Crooked teeth? Yellow teeth? Below average confidence? Now’s the time to make an investment in your outward appearance by improving the value of your smile. Restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures are the road to smile success. Once you’ve made the decision to restore that beautiful smile, the initial steps are up to the skilled dentist, Dr. Jose Sanchez. He can help your appearance and quality of life.

Invest In Your Smile

There are several ways to improve the appearance of your a smile. There are also select procedures and measures you can take to ensure your smile doesn’t go by the wayside. Here’s a look at options to upgrade your smile:

• Teeth Whitening – This is the less expensive route to making your smile feel whole again. Teeth whitening enhances the brightness of natural teeth, however, it’s not for everyone. If you have damaged or sensitive teeth, white spots or decay on your teeth, or infected gums, bleaching your teeth might not be the best option. Discuss it with your dentist first before you take action. The lifespan of this procedure ranges from 4-12 months, depending on maintenance thereafter and the foods you eat.
• Veneers – A veneer improves the appearance of the tooth by covering the visible front surface with a custom-made porcelain overlay. This procedure can be completed in one office visit, and with proper care and good oral hygiene, veneers have a lifespan of 5-10 years.
• Crowns – If a natural tooth-colored crown is chosen, the porcelain restoration aids in the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. A crown fully encases the visible portion of the tooth or dental implant. The life of a crown is from 5-15 years.
• Dental Implants – This treatment has become the standard for missing teeth. A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or dentures. The basis for modern day dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration, whereby materials such as titanium is used for a long-lasting bond to the bone. The implant fixture is first placed to elicit the osseointegration process, then the dental prosthetic is added. Dental implants are the permanent solution for falling teeth, and with a solid oral hygiene regimen, the implant fixture will last a lifetime, however the prosthesis will need to be replaced over time. The general rule of thumb is 5-15 years for crowns and every 3-8 years for dentures.

What’s It Worth?
Having a sensational smile requires planning, patience, a healthy budget, and responsible follow-up care, yet the investment is so worth it. Each patient that enters a dentist’s office for an evaluation or consultation has already made the decision to take their smile to the next step. Tehachapi dentist, Jose David Sanchez, D.D.S. is aware how embarrassing a crooked smile is, or how gaps in your teeth make you feel, or when you’re in the midst of securing a relationship or public speaking event, the confidence you’ll need to get you to the next step. Dr. Sanchez at Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi also knows that dental implants are the solution to success in all avenues of your life. He is ready to help your smile become the center of attention. Give him a call at (661) 822-3727, and see what the buzz is about in Tehachapi!