Social media makes it look so easy: walk in with a smile you hate, walk out with perfect teeth. As with most things, reality is a lot different. Cosmetic dentistry can mean anything from whitening strips to veneers, and the difference in cost, maintenance, and commitment can be significant.
In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Michelle DeFelice Hucke, owner of Jax Beaches Family Dentistry in Neptune Beach, Florida, we talk about what to know before you change your smile.
We start with what actually works for whitening: at-home versus professional treatments, Zoom, Sensational Smile, Perio Protect trays, and whether LED whitening devices are worth it. Then we get into when bonding may be a better option than veneers, what no-prep veneers really are, why a veneer is really a crown, how many veneers you actually need, how long they last, and what maintenance and future replacement can look like.
We also talk about cost, how to know if you’re a good candidate, why straightening and whitening often come first, what to look for in a cosmetic dentist, and how sleep and grinding affect any work you have done.
Because the before-and-after photo is only part of the story. You also need to know what happens after the “after.”
Missed Part 1? Listen to Dental Health After 40, where we cover how teeth and gums change with age, fluoride versus hydroxyapatite, and how to find a good dentist.
This episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized dental or medical advice.
Learn more about Dr. Michelle DeFelice Hucke and Jax Beaches Family Dentistry.
