My mother-in-law is a former beauty queen. She grew up in a wealthy family and so did my husband. All their friends are stunning. I grew up in a trailer park and my parents lived on welfare. As you can imagine, my husband’s family wasn’t too thrilled when we got engaged. I don’t look as glamorous as even her friends who are twice my age. She keeps suggesting I get a smile makeover. Apparently, my teeth aren’t good enough to come to her country club. Once, my makeover is done (which she’s offered to pay for), I’m supposed to be introduced to her society group. It’s not that I’m opposed to improving my smile, but I’ve always taken care of my teeth and I don’t quite understand what to expect when I go to her dentist, which of course she says is the only dentist worth going to. Apparently, people travel from all over the country to have him do their teeth. What should I expect? Is it painful? My husband said I don’t have to do it, but of course, I think it would help her accept me. I know it shouldn’t bother me what she thinks, but I’m tired of being looked down on by that part of the family.
Lilly P.
Dear Lilly,
Wow! I can’t imagine the pressure you must feel. What a pretentious group of snobs. I’m glad your husband sounds like he supports you. I’d hate to have someone constantly telling me I wasn’t good enough.
To answer your question, a smile makeover is simply using cosmetic dentistry procedures to change the appearance of your teeth. It can mean anything from teeth whitening all the way up to porcelain veneers. My guess is your mother-in-law is referring to porcelain veneers. And, seeing as she’s paying for it, you should go for it. Not for her, but because of the unbelievable confidence it can bring you…on her dime.
I want to assure you it’s not painful at all. You can click here to read all about porcelain veneers on Dr. Dennis’s website. Normally, I’d warn you to be certain you get an artistic cosmetic dentist, but I have a sneaking suspicion your mother-in-law has that well in hand.
The big picture here is that porcelain veneers can completely change everything about your smile—the character, shape, size, color. Anything you’d want. Between now and your consultation, you may want to look at smiles of people on TV or the internet which you find attractive and you think would look nice on you. Maybe you can print out copies of them to bring to your appointment.
Some cosmetic dentists are able to give you a “virtual smile makeover” which allows you to see what you’d look like with the change. Even if they can’t do that, don’t worry. They’ll place them with a temporary paste and let you look at them on your teeth before permanently bonding them.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.