I've had porcelain veneers for over a decade--on my two front teeth. Kind of the most important ones. I'd had one veneer for 17 years and another for 7 years (the original one cracked, so I had to get a replacement). I don't remember either of the dentists who did the previous work--they were good, and the veneers were absolutely fine. I was much younger then, and the first time I had them done at the age of 21, my parents paid for it.
Creeping up on the age of 40, my veneers looked awful. My gums had receded over both teeth, so the veneers were uneven and varying degrees of my original discolored front teeth showed.
I had stopped smiling.
Denying myself one of the simplest joys in life, I decided to call a dentist. I did a Google search, like any lost but feeling informed person does. I landed on Smiles at Glenwood and called. $1100 a tooth. I thanked the receptionist who had given me a lot of her time and thorough information. The next week, I called another cosmetic dentist, and the price was even higher without any of the cordiality of Dr. Arrick's office. Another week went by (no smiling), and I called back to Smiles at Glenwood and said I wanted to do it.
The staff was so welcoming and kind. Every time I came back, one or more of them would say, "Are you excited?" And I always was. I took the plunge, and to be honest, the 2 weeks of the temporary pieces while we waited for the veneers was difficult. The temps weren't pretty at all.
But Dr. Arrick had me back to her office that first day of temporary composite on my teeth, within hours of me calling to say I thought the shade might not be right. Together we agreed to lighten the veneer one shade.
Today, Dr. Arrick finally put on my new porcelain veneers, and they are perfect. Her attention to detail in placing them was flawless, and she was with me from start to finish today. The veneers themselves look ten times better, but feel as comfortable and well-fitted as my old veneers.
Members of the staff gave me nice compliments, and once I saw myself smile again in the little mirror, I knew their compliments weren't just for the sake of patronizing a client. I smiled big again, and it looked good.
A smile is what you put into it, from the inside--it's your own moments of happiness or surprise or even nervousness. A smile is the most salient non-verbal expression of who you are. Having that thwarted is unfortunate. Having it renewed is wonderful.
Need cosmetic dentistry? Visit Smiles at Glenwood.
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