Many people see their tax refunds as unexpected cash flow. This can make it a little too easy to blow what might be a large sum of money on a fancy luxury. While a new couch or a videogame console might be tempting, investing in your oral health can be the gift that keeps on giving. Here’s how using your tax refund for needed dental work can be a great way to bolster your confidence and save even more money in the long run.

Why Is Dental Health Important?

Many people procrastinate about seeing the dentist, but this is not a wise move. Even if your teeth feel great now, there’s no guarantee that you won’t be suddenly hit with a splitting toothache that could have been prevented by a dentist. To make matters worse, untreated gum disease or tooth decay may lead to serious overall health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, or even dangerous secondary infections like sepsis.

Seeing your dentist regularly gives your teeth the benefit of professional supervision. A trained dental professional can catch and address oral health issues in their early stages, averting the need for expensive corrective work later.

How Can My Dentist Improve My Smile?

While dental insurance plans don’t usually cover cosmetic work, a tax refund may be able to float the bill nicely. Your dentist can help you achieve a smile you can be proud of through treatments like:

• Veneers: These thin porcelain shells are designed to fit over troubled teeth to permanently conceal dental flaws like chips, cracks, and gaps.
• Teeth whitening: Your dentist can remove stubborn stains or discoloration from your teeth through in-office treatments that can be completed in about an hour or take-home kits that can be finished in about two weeks.
• Cosmetic bonding: Your dentist can conceal many cracks, chips, gaps, or stains using a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin. This painless treatment can be completed in minutes without anesthesia during a routine dental appointment.

Your tax refund is an opportunity to significantly improve your quality of life. Why not use these unexpected finances to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted?

About the Author

Dr. Melody Stampe graduated as valedictorian from the Baylor College of Dentistry and was one of five dentists chosen for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Richardson, TX offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, teeth whitening, and cosmetic bonding. To learn more about achieving a more ideal smile, contact her online or dial (972) 231-9499.