Yes, Oral pH Matters
Did you know that tooth stains are normal? Yep, it’s true. They come with normal wear and tear, age, eating and drinking certain things, and habits like smoking. There’s nothing wrong with having some stains, and many of them can be removed just by getting your regular dental cleanings. Of course, you can change your dental hygiene and other habits to reduce the amount of staining. But what if you want that pearly white smile? The truth is that even in their purest state, teeth aren’t naturally white. They’re more of a pale yellow — the color of the dentin inside the tooth that you can see through the enamel’s slightly translucent surface. If you really want that bright white smile without the maintenance of tooth whitening, veneers might be an option you consider. BEFORE DECIDING IF THEY’RE RIGHT FOR YOU What You Should Know About Veneers
January is National Hobby Month, and since it falls at the beginning of the year, it’s the perfect time to try something new! Hobbies add variety to your life and ensure you aren’t just living to work, so to speak. The best way to find a hobby you enjoy is to be open to new things. Whether it’s gardening, reading, drawing, running, fishing, crafting, or even beekeeping, finding an activity you enjoy is important. Here’s why! HOBBIES ARE STRESS RELIEVERS. Hobbies offer a healthy escape from your busy lifestyle by keeping you engaged in something you find pleasure in. Instead of just relaxing on the couch and turning off your mind for a bit (which is totally acceptable sometimes), hobbies allow you to remain mentally productive while winding down at the same time. HOBBIES ALSO PROVIDE EUSTRESS . Believe it or not, one type of stress is deemed beneficial: eustress. If you aren’t overly stressed and are feeling a little under-stimulated, a hobby can provide activity for both your mind and body to keep you feeling excited about life and ready to take on new challenges and adventures. HOBBIES OFFER A SOCIAL OUTLET. Some hobbies involve group activities, such as bowling, sports teams, book clubs, and even wine tasting. Connecting with others offers the social support humans depend on to lead a healthy and fruitful life. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find some great friends who share the same passions as you! HOBBIES DEVELOP PATIENCE. When you take on a new hobby, you are tasked with learning something new. Whether you’re practicing a new instrument, learning a different language, or figuring out how to make jewelry, a learning curve is involved. Building new skills takes patience, a very important attribute for success. Finding a hobby that suits you may take some exploration and trial and error, but it is all in good fun! Make it your goal to try something new or learn a new skill each month until you find something that sticks. Once you do, you’re sure to find that hobbies are both enjoyable and enriching! SKILLS THAT ENRICH US The Importance of Having a Hobby
Veneers are an investment in your smile, so here are some things to know when considering them.
1. THEY TAKE A LOT OF TIME TO DESIGN. What is the angle the veneers come to in your mouth? How much of your gums do you want to show in your new smile? Do you want to change the length or roundness of your teeth? There are many questions to take into account when dentists create your veneers. They are custom solutions that can take a lot of time to design. Your appointment may be long or may even require multiple appointments to get the results you want. 2. YOUR DENTIST AND ASSISTANT HAVE SPECIALIZED SKILLS. Don’t just go anywhere for veneers. Veneers are small and fragile, and dentists and their assistants needs to have the specialized skill set to place them in your mouth. This treatment is very aesthetic-based, too, so you need to trust the doctor’s eye for the shade (tooth color) and shapes you want. 3. THE LIFESPAN OF VENEERS IS GOOD, BUT IT DEPENDS A LOT ON HOW YOU CARE FOR THEM. Veneers typically last from 7–15 years, but this will depend a lot upon how well you take care of them. Brushing is still required, and regular dental cleanings are a must! Being careful of what you drink and other oral hygiene habits is also important. 4. INSURANCE IS PROBABLY NOT GOING TO COVER THIS ONE. Because veneers are typically used for strictly cosmetic purposes, many dental insurances do not offer coverage for this service. You may have to pay for them out of pocket. It’ll be worth it for that pretty smile, but you should look into your specific dental plan’s coverage before making your final decision. There are other options for teeth straightening and whitening, too, so if you have any questions about the best options for achieving your ideal smile, we’ll be happy to help!
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator