A model’s confidence restored with veneers.
Rebecca’s* modeling career was skyrocketing.
In an industry where image is everything, Rebecca knew that any minor flaw in her appearance could damage her prospects in an exceptionally competitive profession.
One of a model’s best assets is her smile, and Rebecca was growing increasingly self-conscious about hers.
“A model has to project an image of self-confidence,” explains Rebecca, “and although I felt good about myself, I needed my smile to complement my strong self-image. Even a slight flaw could send a subtle, negative message, and I had a few areas where I knew I needed expert help.”
One of Rebecca’s upper front teeth was chipped, a badge of honor Rebecca earned at the age of 12 in a rambunctious scuffle with her sister. Another upper front tooth had darkened following a root canal.
For years, Rebecca improved the appearance of those teeth with bonding, a fast and inexpensive method for hiding dental flaws. Although bonding materials and techniques have improved over the years, bonding is still a temporary measure; the process must be repeated periodically.
After moving to Bradenton, Rebecca looked for a local dentist who could keep her smile attractive. When she chose J. Terry Alford, DMD, who practices general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, she expected him to pick up where previous dentists left off, periodically bonding her teeth. Instead, Dr. Alford offered Rebecca a better solution: porcelain veneers.
Restyling Her Smile
“Porcelain veneers are thin, semi-translucent shells that are permanently affixed to the teeth,” explains Dr. Alford. “They offer a long-lasting, cosmetically appealing solution for a variety of dental conditions, including spaces between the teeth, broken or chipped teeth; unsightly, stained or washed out fillings; permanently stained or discolored teeth and misshapen or crooked teeth.
“Veneers can last more than twenty years without any problems and are as permanent as natural teeth can be,” Dr. Alford assures, “depending on how professionally they are done and how well maintained they are by the patient. Because veneers are stronger than bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping, but personal habits such as nail biting or opening bobby pins with the teeth, and even chewing on hard objects, can damage veneers just as they do natural teeth.”
To prepare Rebecca’s teeth for the veneers, Dr. Alford first reduced the thickness of her natural teeth to make room for them. He then took an exact impression of her teeth so the veneers could be customized to precisely fit her prepared teeth.
During Rebecca’s next appointment, Dr. Alford used a mild solution to abrade the prepared surfaces. He then placed the veneers, securing them to Rebecca’s teeth with a tooth-colored fixative.
“When we were finished, my smile was everything I’d hoped for,” marvels Rebecca. “I had a lot more confidence because when you look great, you feel great!”
Rebecca knew her smile looked great, but she says the real proof of Dr. Alford’s artistry came two years later when she was hired specifically for her smile.
“The ad I was hired to do was for a manufacturer of porcelain veneers,” Rebecca relates. “They didn’t know when they hired me that I had veneers on my teeth. When they found out, they were thrilled that their advertising was going to prove the truth of their claims: Porcelain veneers can provide a dazzling, natural smile. What better ad for veneers – and for Dr. Alford – can you have?”
