Would you pay for the perfect smile? Cosmetic dentistry’s expensive. I have never had a mouth full of sturdy gnashers. Unlike my husband, Patrick, who, apart from having a whitening treatment from our dentist, recently (he’ll not like me disclosing his beauty secrets!), hasn’t had any work done at all. Not so much as a filling in years – or, anything else, come to think of it. Obviously, I’m envious.
I always knew from a young age that if I didn’t visit the dentist, regularly, and keep my teeth clean and in order, they wouldn’t last. I remember trundling off to our family dentist on my own when I was only twelve years old, and this habit has never waned. It is now instilled in my children, too.
Studies show that how our teeth look can make us feel better or worse about ourselves. The health and appearance of our teeth is socially important to us. However, I agree that we need to be careful not to push the unrealistic standard that everyone needs a “perfect” Hollywood smile. A few improvements, here and there, without breaking the bank, can achieve great results.
My own state of play regarding my 65-year-old teeth is…
I have four composite veneers at the front of my top row.
They are now seven years old and, unfortunately, are suffering from wear and tear. My teeth are also now discoloured. This seems to speed up as we age, don’t you think? I am currently using custom-fit whitening trays provided by my family dentist. I’ll give you more detail further on.
I have always had slightly crooked teeth on my bottom row, too – which seem to be looking more “wonky”, now. And, I still have some ancient amalgam fillings from my teenage years – which will stay, as they are still good.
My Dentist
I am lucky that we have a family dentist – one we have been going to for over thirty years. The practice has changed hands a few times. But, Mr Towndrow, our dentist, is still there and has grown older with us all over time. I don’t think you can beat a dentist who has a deep understanding of your dental history.
In my forties, I began to see a noticeable difference regarding gum recession. I remember having the odd cosmetic touch-up which helped improve my smile.
The recession worsened in my fifties, and I became self-conscious when talking or laughing. I have a big laugh which I curbed by doing a closed-mouth snuffle, which didn’t always come out right.
Then, around seven years ago, I did lots of research and found Dr Richard Coates, a cosmetic dentist from the Riveredge Clinic in Sunderland. I nervously took the plunge and booked an appointment. Richard was very easy to talk to and gave me all of the options – the treatments, veneers and everything available to improve my smile.
Following this, I decided on composite bonding for the top four. Richard assured me this would improve my smile and, importantly, it was cheaper than porcelain veneers. I initially decided to get my top four teeth done as this was the problem area regarding recession and what was seen when I talked, smiled, etc.
Here’s a quick explanation of veneers
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted in a dental lab to fit perfectly over your teeth.
How it works: The dentist usually has to shave off a tiny layer of your natural tooth enamel to make room. They take a mould, send it to a lab, and you wear temporaries while your permanent veneers are made. A couple of weeks later, they are glued on.
Pros: They look incredibly realistic because porcelain reflects light just like natural teeth. They are highly resistant to staining (from coffee, tea, etc.) and last a very long time—usually 10 to 15 years or more.
Cons: They cost significantly more, take multiple appointments, and the process cannot be undone because your natural enamel was shaved down.
Composite Veneers (Mine)
Also known as composite bonding, this uses a tooth-coloured plastic resin (the same material used for white fillings).
How it works: The dentist applies the liquid resin directly onto your teeth in layers, sculpting and shaping it right there in the chair. They use a special light to harden each layer, then polish it up.
Pros: It is much cheaper than porcelain, happens in just one visit, and usually requires zero shaving of your natural teeth—meaning the process is reversible. If a composite veneer chips, it is very easy and inexpensive for the dentist to patch up.
Cons: The material is more porous than porcelain, so it stains over time and can chip more easily. They don’t last as long, usually needing to be replaced or refreshed every 5 to 7 years.
Then!
Following the treatment, I was happy with the results of my composite veneers and the improvements they gave me. So I called a halt to any further dental work. I can’t remember the exact amount – but I think it was around £3,500 mark.
Now!
A year ago, my composites were showing signs of wear and tear. So, I visited Richard for a consultation. While there, he gave my composites a good old buff, polish and clean-up to get rid of any discolouration. I was also relieved to hear they will last a while longer. At least I didn’t need to think about replacing them, just yet. This appointment alone cost £350.00.
To carry on maintaining my teeth, I had my regular check-ups with my NHS dentist, Mr Towndrow.
On my last appointment, I asked him for whitening gel because the teeth around my composites have become discoloured. I then made a private appointment with him where I was measured up for custom trays. Two weeks later, I returned for the whitening gel. The gum shields are meticulously fitted. This has to be precise so the gel doesn’t leak.
I am onto my fourth syringe and I am so happy with the results. There are two gel choices. The one you wear overnight, which I couldn’t do, or the one you pop into your mouth for an hour a day, which I prefer.
The consultation was £75.00 and the fitting cost me £380.00. The strength of the gel is very important as this can cause excruciating pain if you use a gel that is too strong. Mr Towndrow said that, with my sensitivity, he recommended I use the 6% Hydrogen Peroxide.
My Experience with Teeth Whitening
I was advised not to use the gel for a few days if I experienced any sensitivity. I was also told the incisors would take the longest to lift with the gel, and that is also correct in my case.
I have a friend who has sturdy teeth, and the whitening gel has improved her smile, enormously. She’s lucky as she has no recession and doesn’t need any other work done. For her, whitening gel has been a great way to improve her overall look. There is a noticeable difference in the apearance of my teeth. They have a slightly improved look to them and feel cleaner for some reason! Therefore I will carry on using the gel in the future.
What I Use to Keep My Teeth and Gums and Teeth Healthy
An electric toothbrush.
I find this to be the most efficient way of removing that unwanted plaque from the surface of your teeth. The latest models have built-in timers to tell you when to start and stop brushing (two minutes is ideal), and they are ergonomically designed, making them even easier to hold and manoeuvre around your mouth.
Dental floss and interdental brushes.
My favourite dental floss is the Oral-B Pro-Expert Deep Clean Floss Tape Mint 50M. I have used this for years, mainly because the tape is wide, soft and has a minty taste. I find some flosses to be too rough on my teeth.
I also use interdental brushes. The trick with the brushes is to keep buying the size bigger until you find the ones which suit the gaps in between your teeth. Then, they will glide in without getting stuck. These tools clean the tight spaces between my teeth.
A magnifying mirror.
This is essential for lots of reasons! I can see precisely what I’m doing for a start, especially in the areas of my mouth that are harder to reach.
Conclusion
I have my next appointment with Mr Towndrow in September. I am going to enquire about aligners for my bottom teeth. So the improvements will hopefully carry on. It’s never too late!
One thing Barbra Streisand said in her autobiography has always stuck with me:
“I genuinely enjoy going to the dentist because I love how my teeth feel after a cleaning.”
I like that feeling, too.
I am very lucky that Mr Towndrow is a very good dentist and knows my mouth, “warts and all”. I trust him.
We’ve all listened to the horror stories of dentistry gone wrong. And, that is one of my worries when venturing into the world of cosmetic dentistry. It’s very expensive so research is key.
Have you had any cosmetic work done, or are you thinking about it? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Disclosure
This is not a sponsored post but may contain affiliate links. All costs were covered by me. If you click through to a product, there is no additional cost to you. The small commission I may earn helps support the running costs of my blog.
See you next time, and take care!!!
