https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:40:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690258 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:29:13 +0000 shiny 690258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is why I'm fiercely passionate about health care reform. But let's not get started on that. :-)</p> <p>I know I'm extremely fortunate -- here I am debating about whether or not to drop $5K into my teeth for vanity reasons, or would I rather spend that money on clothes or a trip. #firstworldproblems!! It wasn't always that way. I've been through some tough economic times, and I have not forgotten what it was like, and the very real challenges. In fact, that is playing into this: there is still a part of me that is frugal and cautious about how I spend my money and this seems extravagant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690194 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:26:48 +0000 Mo 690194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Understood - we all have times in life that 'the squeeze' is on. I've lived on friends' couches with all my stuff in the back of my car. I didn't mean to single you out necessarily, just the comment came up a few times about not going without insurance. And unfortunately, it can very often cost more in the end if we don't keep up with it every year.<br /> I hope you find the solution you are happy with! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690188 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:20:12 +0000 Aziraphale 690188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a dumb question. :-)</p> <p>A veneer is more conservative than a crown. They drill some enamel only off the front surface of the tooth, and bond a thin veneer over it. A crown, on the other hand, covers the whole tooth. They grind off all the enamel, leaving only a little peg, and the crown fits like a little hat over it! </p> <p>In my experience, crowns are less likely to fall off, but the more enamel you remove, the more traumatizing it is to the pulps. I haven't needed a root canal on a front tooth yet, but it could certainly happen. With veneers, it's very unlikely that the pulps will become damaged enough to require root canals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690176 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:09:11 +0000 shiny 690176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elisabeth -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!</p> <p>Thanks so much for your post; you've outlined everything quite well. Yes, the difference in color is annoying... crown vs real teeth vs areas that were bonded. It looks fine right after a cleaning. More frequent cleanings may help. Then again... hmm. </p> <p>Possibly dumb question: what is the difference between veneers and a crown? Is there a difference? </p> <p>10-15 years... that would put me around retirement age. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690173 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:04:40 +0000 bj1111 690173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>your (own) teeth are so important to your good health, regardless of how they look. </p> <p>whiten, straighten, fix. but veneers-- too much damage to the underlying teeth. not so concerned about the 5k, more about how long will your "real" teeth last.</p> <p>i have no issues with cutting into my face for vanity--in fact i am considering an eye tuck. but as someone with extensive dental work, i have an unnatural desire to keep my own teeth until science can grow one for me to implant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690168 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:58:26 +0000 shiny 690168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Declawed -- "Unfortunately, I think a lot of our self-consciousness stems from deep inside, and no amount of cosmetic intervention can fix that." EXACTLY! That is what I wonder. Maybe this is all in my head? </p> <p>Re, sonicare toothbrush: I also use one of those. My dentist complains about it, says that it wears the bonding down faster. But I love it ... </p> <p>Mo -- I agree with you. My only defense is that this was a period of 4 years when I was going through a custody battle with my ex. All of our finances were locked by the courts, until we could reach a settlement which took 4 years. I had been a SAHM for years and was only getting my career back on track. I had no choice but to live in a high-rent area because the custody battle meant I couldn't move farther than 15 minutes from my ex. I also had NO credit cards because after 7 years of marriage I had no credit history in my own name. Those were very, very tough years for me. Every last cent went to my kids, not to me. There were many days I didn't eat and went hungry because I had no money. Food and keeping the heat on was a higher priority than teeth. The stress of the situation only compounded matters -- stress does a number on one's health overall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690164 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:49:16 +0000 Aziraphale 690164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, we're nearly birthday buddies! (Mine is today).</p> <p>After reading your more detailed explanation, it sounds like you are perhaps a good candidate for veneers. If several teeth are damaged, plus you don't love the shape of them, and you already have a crown anyway, it might be worth it. The crown will not, of course, change colour over time, but your natural teeth will, and then they won't match. Also the bonding on the damaged teeth won't match, and it tends to need to be re-done periodically because it falls out. Veneers will take care of that problem. Your teeth will match the crowned tooth perfectly, and they will all be white and nicely-shaped. (Also bear in mind that the gum issue is really NOT an issue for most people; only for me, because I have such a gummy smile and an annoyingly nitpicky eye).</p> <p>As far as them needing to be re-done? The dentist will tell you the average lifespan of a front crown or veneer is 10 to 15 years. It's an average. Some can last far longer than that, some far less. Of my six front crowns, two needed replacing within the first five years (one because it was defective from the beginning; the other because I cracked it while eating a sandwich at the beach, and the darned thing eventually fell right off). The other four are going strong and still look great, ten years on. </p> <p>One of the biggest reasons front crowns/veneers need replacing is that as you get older, your gums recede, and will show the edge of the veneer (which originally would have been hidden below the gumline). Functionally the veneers could be fine, but it'll look bad, so people replace them. And it's hard to predict how fast the gums will recede. Taking care of your gum health is thought to help.</p> <p>Hope that helps! Good luck with it all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690163 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:46:32 +0000 shiny 690163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana -- yes veneers are damaging, it is true they have to destroy the tooth to give you a new one. But, I already had that done with one front tooth, which required a crown. I waited a long time (too long, now I regret not doing it sooner) to get a crown, for precisely this reason. </p> <p>As for the other teeth that would be affected, they have already been damaged -- though the roots are still alive. My second front was chipped off in half. So half of that tooth is already fake. A third and fourth tooth suffered more minor chips which were repaired with bonding. </p> <p>I guess what I wonder -- if anyone knows? -- is there a limit to the amount of times a tooth can be bonded? In other words, is it possible that eventually I'll no longer be able to bond these three teeth, leaving me with no other choice but veneers? In which case, sooner rather than later may be the better strategy. </p> <p>Right before I had the accident last year, my dentist had told me that the dead tooth could no longer be bonded. The tooth had become too fragile to handle it. She did one last touch up but then said next visit I had no choice but to finally get the crown. So, that was in the plan already... and then I fell and whacked my mouth... and the fragile dead tooth broke in two, then off completely. At that time (emergency visit) she did bring up veneers as an option but said I couldn't get them for at least a year, because the gums had been severely bruised and needed to heal first. I was sore for a long, long time... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690154 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:37:58 +0000 shiny 690154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Going through the thread again... I never thought about spending the extra $ for more frequent cleaning! That is a great idea. </p> <p>Also, what is a cap? How is it different than a crown?</p> <p>As for veneers having a less than perfect gum, I'm okay with that, because the gum line has already receded enough as it is. My gums certainly don't look perfect. Though they are healthy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690140 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:27:21 +0000 Mo 690140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have some minorly chipped teeth - snowboarding fall. My dentist filed/ground them down a little to help.<br /> As an aside, I see several people mentioned not going to the dentist when they didn't have dental insurance. I only have had it for a few years out of my adult life, mostly I've been without, and I find it very odd to not go just because the $175 cleaning and exam isn't covered. I mean, we spend probably that much on our hair each year (which is already dead!), and our teeth are SO much more important. Anyway, I thought I'd throw that out there. My dentist would just cut back on frequency of x-rays and such if everything else looked okay. Preventive medicine is the best course - insurance or not! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory/page/2#post-690135 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:24:52 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 690135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, thank you for a more detailed explanation. It's hard for me to be objective, because I have tens of thousands of dollars in my mouth (lol, too bad it's not in cash). I've had problem teeth all my life, lots of cavities, lots of crowns, now one implant -- all despite very good dental hygiene. My teeth are not perfectly aligned either, but my dentist comments every time on how pretty they are, which makes me feel better. In short, dental work has and will always be a priority for me. ETA: I should have married a dentist! ;)</p> <p>The question of the veneer's longevity is the main obstacle to me. If money is no object, I'd say do whatever is necessary to make sure your smile never makes you feel self conscious. Unfortunately, I think a lot of our self-consciousness stems from deep inside, and no amount of cosmetic intervention can fix that.</p> <p>P.S. I finally got a Sonicare toothbrush recently. It's a miracle! Feels like a I'm getting a cleaning at the dentist every time I brush. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-690124 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:12:36 +0000 Diana 690124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, wow, I did not realize veneers were so damaging to one's teeth! I would definitely not get them then, although I still *would* theoretically spend 5K (if I had it to spare) on my teeth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-690081 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:42:42 +0000 Janet 690081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know what's funny? I'm less self-conscious now about my teeth than I am about my jawline, so I smile a lot more to hide the saggy jaws! Ah, aging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-690050 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:21:41 +0000 D'Ellen 690050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, first let me say that in the photos I've seen you are lovely! I have long been self-concious about my very imperfect teeth, but I've often been complimented on my "pretty smile". I think that's because I smile big and I smile often, and it's the warmth and sincerity that really matter. Yes, a smile is the best of fashion accessories, and it doesn't have to be perfect to be perfectly beautiful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689882 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 07:00:07 +0000 ramya 689882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 27 and I have a birth problem with my smile :)...<br /> When I smile my entire gum can be seen...<br /> Oh and a school bus accident also chipped my lower incissors...<br /> But I have not spent anything to correct it... My parents were always comfortable with it... My DH not so much but then now he is ok with it...</p> <p>Somehow I think the expenditure isn't justified... I feel beautiful inside and out... What others think about my smile... Well they have their opinion and me mine </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689842 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 04:51:12 +0000 shiny 689842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry I have been out celebrating my birthday! </p> <p>Just read through the responses and wow, I love the forum. You are all so wonderful! I'm tired so I won't call people out one by one, but I read every word. I will come back tomorrow and re-read again, but for now -- </p> <p>First I want to say that I don't think my dentist is giving me a sales job. I've known her for over a decade now. Her response was completely genuine. She's gently suggested veneers in the past, no pressure. </p> <p>Second, complicating matters: about a year ago I had an accident and I chipped three of my teeth, pretty badly. The fourth, which had a root canal eons ago, broke off completely, and she put in a crown. She did a good job fixing the other three with bonding. At that time she said let's take a wait-and-see approach, because it was possible that at least one of the teeth might wind up with a dead root, necessitating a root canal and later a crown. It seems that is not the case -- if the root was going to die, it would have already. The bonding is fine, but already after a year, it was showing staining and she had to re-grind it down. She had to do this to the other two as well. </p> <p>I really like the crown I got last year and honestly I would be just fine getting a second one on the other front tooth, and coping with bonding on the other two that were chipped -- but not quite as badly. You don't notice those other two quite so much. But I see her point here -- instead of just fixing one then maybe another then another... i.e., maintaining... why not do all at once and be done with it?</p> <p>That said, I'm VERY concerned with issues raised on this thread: will it last??? If it was $5K and it lasts the rest of my life, sure! But if it has to be redone sometime when I'm retired.... that is another story altogether. </p> <p>Thank you Angie for saying my teeth are fine! Others asked if they are that horrible. I am on the fence on that. I have major insecurities because of my dental history... small jaw, too many teeth, too big to fit the jaw, long years with braces. That scars you for life when you are at a delicate age. Then I had the years without dental insurance and when I first started going to my dentist, my teeth were a total mess. So she has listened to me fret about that. </p> <p>Regarding whitening, she also told me to just use Crest white strips and that in-office whitening wasn't any better... which is one reason I do trust her and don't think she's giving me a sales job. My teeth are whiter than they ever where; the color doesn't bother me -- it only bothers me when I'm on month 5 after a cleaning and no whitening or amount of brushing will get stains off, because the bonding has worn at the edge. It's the uneveness that bugs me. </p> <p>As for gappiness and all that.. I don't mind my teeth when I smile for pictures. But that's controlled. The problem is when I laugh out loud... which I am apt to do QUITE OFTEN... then all you see is GUMS and horsey teeth. </p> <p>So yeah, I'm a bit self conscious about my teeth.. self conscious enough not to post a totally candid picture (cringe) to show what I mean. But am I self conscious enough to spend that much money to fix it? </p> <p>Which gets into the philosophical/aging gracefully question. And I am definitely moving, at 47, towards a more graceful acceptance, embracing me and all my imperfections. I would not go under the knife and get a tummy tuck, or anything like that. Not judging anyone who would -- just saying that I have come to a point where that's where I personally draw the line. </p> <p>Just mulling over whether my teeth fall into that same category! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689800 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:40:55 +0000 velvetychocolate 689800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just saying 'hi' to my tooth twin dianthus...yes, I literally ran into a pole and chipped the very bottom corner of one of my front teeth - they bonded it, and it needs re-bonding/fixing every now and then. </p> <p>And like Janet - I spend extra to go for additional cleanings. I get my teeth cleaned 3-4 times a year instead of every six months. And I'm also someone who likes my coffee, tea and red wine. </p> <p>Meanwhile, the store-bought white strips (well, the wraps work much better than strips) actually helped a lot, and since then - the custom tray that I got from the dentist works even better (mostly because it fits properly). </p> <p>You know what? I think my Mom might have veneers - I'm going to ask her when I talk to her on the phone next. Her teeth look *great* and I think she did spend the $ and got veneers or someting long those lines. I'll ask, and report back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689782 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:11:08 +0000 Janet 689782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I might spend thousands on my teeth, but maybe not for veneers. I have problems with my gums (hereditary, and also a period of about 3 years when I lacked dental insurance and didn't go to the dentist) so I am a regular at the periodontist's office. I live in a constant state of semi-fear that the next visit is when he'll tell me we need to remove one of my teeth and replace it with an implant. So I already spend some $$ each year on more frequent cleanings than most people have to keep the disease at bay. So far, so good. </p> <p>But I have a slightly chipped front tooth (have no idea why/how it happened), and my teeth have never been pearly white -- again, heredity, plus my love of coffee, tea and red wine. The more frequent cleanings help the staining issue, but if I had my way, my smile would be a bit whiter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689777 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:05:28 +0000 Sveta 689777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any experience with veneers but I don't think I would go for them personally unless your teeth are awful (and it sounds like they are not).<br /> I did spend a big amount on teeth at some point ($3.5K ) but it was an implant for a missing tooth. Even for a very good reason it was a lot of money to spend and it took me some time to accept that I need to do this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689774 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:01:22 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 689774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read VCs post and realized I have bonding too and not veneer. I also ran into something as a teen and caused damage to my front tooth. VC we are tooth twins. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689768 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 02:55:51 +0000 MsMary 689768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had braces as an adult and also a little nippage/tuckage, so I am all for whatever makes you feel fab. That said, I wouldn't get veneers if there were an alternative because the "we have to destroy the tooth in order to save it" aspect makes me twitch. Also, it does sound like your dentist is doing the hard sell on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689629 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:45:11 +0000 Aziraphale 689629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should qualify my first comment, which I've decided may have sounded overly negative. :-)</p> <p>I have become very interested in other people's teeth because of my own dental problems. I got six front teeth capped (not veneered, but the process and aesthetic results are similar) ten years ago. Mine was necessary, not cosmetic, so mostly covered by my dental insurance, so cost was not much of a factor. </p> <p>Most people would say my teeth look great. They are perfectly straight and white. Coffee and wine won't stain them. However, I liked them better before, even though they were slightly less straight (still white though), because they had character, and I certainly don't like how it made my gums look. I've got gums that show when I smile, so it matters to me. The gums don't look terrible, but they're no longer perfect. I've looked carefully at a number of people who have veneers and caps, and I see the same thing with their gums. Most people wouldn't notice such things, however, so I don't want to freak you out unnecessarily. </p> <p>And one of the six caps didn't adhere properly to the tooth, necessitating a replacement cap by a different dentist -- because by that time we had moved to a different country. Then I found out a couple of years ago that the American dentist didn't do a very good job, and the cap had been slowly leaking. So just six months ago I had to have the same cap replaced a third time! (and yes, I could tell it was leaking after the dentist ground the old cap off, because the smell was nasty). So all in all, what a tiresome chore. I really wish I could turn back the clock and have my old teeth back.</p> <p>However, caps and veneers certainly have their place, and most people I know who have them are pleased with the results. But keep in mind that these are people who really didn't like their teeth to begin with, or who suffered trauma that necessitated dental work. If you quite like your teeth as is, think hard before committing to veneers, because like I said, you can't go back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689627 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:42:49 +0000 velvetychocolate 689627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. - Would I spend $5K on my teeth? Maybe.</p> <p>2. - Do I have any experience with veneers? No. </p> <p>A few points:</p> <p>A couple of years ago, I asked my dental hygienist about in-office tooth-whitening, because there were advertisements around the office for it, and I had a big family wedding coming up. The hygienist said that the only difference between the in-office whitening was "time" and that I could get the same results from using those store-bought strips, just that it would take a bit longer and I'd experience less sensitivity. I really appreciated her honesty on this one. So, with the strips you can buy in stores - you get the same level of whitening as you would with "professional whitening" at the dentist's office, it's just that the 'in-office' whitening happens all in one appointment, and the strips can take a week or two. </p> <p>Meanwhile, fast forward to last fall, and I spent a little more having professional, custom-made "trays" made for me - these fit a lot better than those strips. Sometimes the strips don't stick properly - they go a bit wonky at times, or slide around. I've found that in terms of store-bought whitening strips - the ones marked "wraps" are better than the typical strips. Having said that - the $150 I spent on custom-made trays was well worth it. You apply a tiny bit of bleaching solution into each tooth/cavity in the flexible, custom-made tray and wear the tray for about half an hour per day until you reach desired whitening. </p> <p>I also have a front tooth that has bonding (don't ask! I ran into a pole when I was a kid running around in a dark gym), and when I do some of the at-home whitening, my dentist fixes up the bonding to match things up. The bonding needs to be re-done every once in awhile anyway, so I just time it to when I've done some of the whitening at home. </p> <p>Meanwhile, my teeth are kind of sensitive, so I'm very glad I didn't do the "fast" in-office whitening that I'd asked about. Having said that - the custom made tray is a heck of a lot better than the strips/wraps that you get at local mass-market stores. Worth the $, imo, because the strips are usually at least $30 anyway. The whitening gel is only $14 (at my dentist's office) and lasts a good two weeks. In the end, this is less expensive and more effective than the strips, and no heavy-duty sensitivity. </p> <p>Having read at least some of the replies to this thread, it sounds like veneers can be slightly problematic?</p> <p>Sure, I'd spend the money if I thought I needed it (probably do, but that's beside the point)...but I'd careful about buying into something that required constant fixing (flossing) and fussing. </p> <p>If I were you, I might investigate upgrading from the typical whitening strips to an 'at home' custom whitening tray which has you buying the whitening solution (in a syringe) every once in a while. The tray will never go bad, and it fits a lot better than the strips/wraps. Plus, you can tailor your whitening to your own degree of sensitivity - ie. if ten minutes a day is better for you, then you might do ten mintues a day for several weeks. </p> <p>I would not go from buying store-bought whitening strips to veneers. I'd try the custom trays, and/or "in-office" whitening (if you can handle the sensitivity) first. The veneers sound a little bit too permanent? </p> <p>Excuse my rambling...just throwing in my thoughts.</p> <p>Editing to add ---&gt; the custom tray and 'at home' whitening system I got rom my dentist is called "Lumi Brite". Works quite a bit better than the usual whitening strips, and the custom fitted tray helps. There *are* "in office" whitening treatments, but I opted for the home whitening system, due to fears about sensitivity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689617 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:35:09 +0000 Kari 689617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I forgot to add - happy birthday! Are you spending the day doing something fun with the family? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689612 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:32:28 +0000 Kari 689612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, to be honest, it sounds like a sales technique by your dentist. Perhaps that's just my unfair opinion. (My dentist doesn't push cosmetic treatments, which I'm very glad about. He's even conservative about fillings; there's a "watch spot" that may need to be filled in the future, but he's said that as it's VERY minor, and fillings only last for a certain number of years, he'd rather just keep an eye on it and not do the filling unless it gets any worse.)</p> <p>I've never seen your smile up close, true, but I've seen it plenty of times over the years in pictures and think your teeth are fine. See, to me, this looks like a beautiful smile with straight teeth:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/upload/images/d7d1d30fd1c044502d596f539a47af4d246_image.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/upload/i....._image.jpg</a><br /> If there are gaps, I don't see them. (My dad had a noticeable gap between his front teeth for much of his life that was MUCH bigger than anything I can see here - in his 40's he got it filled in.)</p> <p>The side effects of veneers scare me, and I doubt I'd ever do them unless my teeth REALLY were in visibly poor condition.</p> <p>A couple articles that would really make me hesitant if I felt like my teeth were fine:<br /> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1046622/Porcelain-veneers-ruin-teeth-smile--life.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/hea.....-life.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/205080-side-effects-of-dental-veneers/" rel="nofollow">http://www.livestrong.com/arti.....l-veneers/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.napervillecosmeticdentistry.com/blog/?p=97" rel="nofollow">http://www.napervillecosmeticd.....blog/?p=97</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689587 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:15:11 +0000 Anonymous 689587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to mention, the fact that she is using age insecurity to pressure you to have this very expensive procedure is beyond the pale! What next, facelift? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689572 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:05:55 +0000 Aziraphale 689572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd think twice. Veneered teeth can look very nice, but I've got a very discerning eye and I can ALWAYS tell when teeth have been meddled with. They are never quite as translucent as natural teeth. Also, it makes a person's gums look funny. They have to shove this "retraction cord" up between your gums and teeth in order to take an impression, and the gums never really look the same. Also there will be a little edge, between the neck of the natural tooth and the veneer, where plaque can grow and that must be flossed extra carefully.</p> <p>And yes, Laura is correct, the dentist grinds off the surface of your tooth and bonds the veneer on. The process is irreversible. So if you don't like 'em, too late.</p> <p>Another thing: some people have trouble with veneers falling off. They're not supposed to, but sometimes they do. The dentist will normally fix it for free, but it's still a pain. My mother-in-law has a front veneer that fell off three times in a row (the same one). The dentist had no idea why it kept happening. Once it happened when she was on holiday.</p> <p>I would only do veneers if I was really unhappy with the appearance of my front teeth -- for example, if they were gray from tetracycline staining, something that can't be fixed by bleaching. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689551 Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:43:50 +0000 Laura 689551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, happy birthday to you!</p> <p>I would hesitate about veneers, both for the cost, and for that fact that if Angie says your teeth are fine, IRL, I would believe her. </p> <p>Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the dentist would grind off the surface of your tooth, the enamel, to apply a veneer. That's always scared me. If you do anything, I would considering bonding over your teeth first. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689493 Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:47:16 +0000 Angie 689493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope that you feel celebrated :)</p> <p>That's a lot of money to spend on your teeth - which I have seen irl. FWIW, I don't think you need new teeth </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-smile-as-fashion-accessory#post-689455 Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:35:29 +0000 julijuli 689455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's obviously a personal decision but I think one thing to consider is how veneers might impact your dental health in the future. I'm 50 and I did get braces (for a second time) when I was 40 but one of my main reasons for doing so was because my bite was off and there was the potential for even more dental issues in the future if I didn't re-align. It was a huge pain and expense but I'm glad I did it. </p> <p>I too have gum recession and 2 of my front teeth have bonding. I recently went to a new dentist who really turned me off by pressuring me to get veneers. I don't know all the details, but I believe veneers also have to be replaced on a fairly regular schedule. In the end I switched dentist and am sticking with minimal cosmetic work (and expense - i've got one in College too!) </p> <p> I do think your smile is your best accessory but that doesn't mean that smile has to be perfect and blindingly white. Your personality really shines through in your photos and your smile looks amazing just the way it is! </p>