STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

fashionista L · Coach

Cosmetic dentistry?

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

When I turned 18 I got ceramic bonding done bc I had straight teeth but they werent full size, some were narrow and left me with gaps. Bonding is a little different from porcelain veneers and a lot cheaper. First the dentist roughs up your natural tooth, then gets a tooth colored ceramic and shapes it around the tooth. He then uses a little machine to dry it, and the drill to smooth it and shape it. I have had several teeth done, it looks great, only downside is that it is not permanent, is prone to chips and scrapes and need to be redone every few years. They're probably about $200-$400 a tooth.

Elle · Hermes

I got my 5 front teeth done in veneers when I was 17. I had some gaps and the same small side teeth you're talking about.

They're not scary at all IMO. Not tons o' fun either, but not scary. First they grind the tooth they're going to cover a bit, and then then take a mold of it - that part involves lots of rubbery goop in your mouth and can be a bit gaggy, but it's not that bad. Then, then send the mold out to a lab and the lab makes your tooth and sends it back. During that time the dentist will bond a plastic temp over your tooth.

IMO the temps and the waiting are the worst parts, because the temps are only plastic and can break and/or come off pretty easily. But I had all my top front teeth done at once so I doubt it'd be as bad for you. I'd try to do it at a time where you're able to lay low a bit and don't have any big meetings or parties or events. Once your veneers are made then you go back in and they adhere them to your teeth, and sand the back edges so nothing is sharp. Ta-da!

My dentist charged about $400 a tooth, and has a low-interest payment program so you don't have to pay for it all at once. Their conservative estimate is that they should last at least 10 years, but can last indefinitely if you're not chewing ice, biting carrots, and banging glasses/bottles agains them .

-- Edited by Elle at 12:17, 2007-01-14

blubirde · Chanel

Elle wrote:

I got my 5 front teeth done in veneers when I was 17. I had some gaps and the same small side teeth you're talking about.

They're not scary at all IMO. Not tons o' fun either, but not scary. First they grind the tooth they're going to cover a bit, and then then take a mold of it - that part involves lots of rubbery goop in your mouth and can be a bit gaggy, but it's not that bad. Then, then send the mold out to a lab and the lab makes your tooth and sends it back. During that time the dentist will bond a plastic temp over your tooth.

IMO the temps and the waiting are the worst parts, because the temps are only plastic and can break and/or come off pretty easily. But I had all my top front teeth done at once so I doubt it'd be as bad for you. I'd try to do it at a time where you're able to lay low a bit and don't have any big meetings or parties or events. Once your veneers are made then you go back in and they adhere them to your teeth, and sand the back edges so nothing is sharp. Ta-da!

My dentist charged about $400 a tooth, and has a low-interest payment program so you don't have to pay for it all at once. Their conservative estimate is that they should last at least 10 years, but can last indefinitely if you're not chewing ice, biting carrots, and banging glasses/bottles agains them .

-- Edited by Elle at 12:17, 2007-01-14

I also have porcelain veneers. I've had them for years and years and years. I broke my front two teeth out when I was pretty young and I had permanent veneers put on (at least that's what the dentist told me) about 3 years ago.

It's just like Elle described above. The process of putting on the temporary teeth and the permanent veneers are pretty similar. I didn't have any pain at all, unless you count the very first shot they numb you up with, which isn't as bad as a regular shot, so I don't really count that.

Three things to remember/consider: #1) the temps they put on turned green at the gums once they were on for a bit. I managed to smile without showing them but it was difficult and pretty ugly. #2) Whiten your teeth before you go. Do the Crest strips or something as significant. The whiter your teeth are, the whiter the veneers will be since they match the color to your current teeth. I have my front two teeth done, they're pretty white, and even when the whitening faded a bit on some of my other teeth, my smile still looks bright and white. #3) It's a bit pricey. The higher quality teeth you get, the more they cost, obviously. Mine cost a few thousand dollars, all together. Mine may have been more expensive due to the fact I was repairing the damaged teeth underneath but I'm not sure. Either way, be prepared for the cost.

All that said, I love mine. They always look beautiful and I get compliments (oddly) on my good teeth all the time. And people are always surprised when I tell them they're veneers. Definitely good work.

Elle · Hermes

Blubirde wrote:

2) Whiten your teeth before you go. Do the Crest strips or something as significant. The whiter your teeth are, the whiter the veneers will be since they match the color to your current teeth. I have my front two teeth done, they're pretty white, and even when the whitening faded a bit on some of my other teeth, my smile still looks bright and white.

Oh, yes! How could I forget? I had custom trays made and did an extensive bleaching regime, too, and that was one of the most painful parts! The bleach made my teeth extremely sensitive and severely irritated my gums. Looking back on it now I think that was a bit excessive - as long as your teeth don't look yellowed or stained now, doing the Crest whitestrips or even GoSmile would be likely sufficient - and cheaper - then letting the dentist do it.