A smile is worth...

So, sometimes I'm not very bright. I learned late last year that our Health Savings Account (HSA) money could be used for dental and vision too. This is pre-tax money that we put into an account, the amount equal to our Health deductible or more, and we have a debit card to use at Dr offices, pharmacies, Hospitals, etc. Once our deductible is spent (from the HSA) all of our medical is covered 100%. Well, at the end of the year, we still had about $1200 in our HSA. No biggie, it can be carried over year to year, and the amount put in by-weekly can be adjusted if you wish.

However, if you use any of the HSA money for Dental and Vision, it doesn't count against your deductible. It's best to use any cary-over money for Dental and Vision, because if you have more medical expenses...yep, it comes right out of your taxed pocket.

Once I learned that we could use this HSA money for Dental and Vision, I looked through our preferred provider list to find a new dentist. I hated our last one (Reynolds Corners/Corner Dental - DO NOT EVER GO THERE), and needed to find a new one.

I occassionally listen to 92.5 KISS-FM in the car - actually, I never really listen to anything. It's pretty much background noise, so whatever is on is on. Anyway, on the morning talk show, when Carlos Diaz is on, he promotes Dr. Frankel. Good enough for Carlos, good enough for me.

Sure enough Dr. Frankel was a preferred provider. And, ooh, goodie, free whitening for new patients.

So, I made an appointment in November. I've since had 6 fillings filled - some of them old old silver ones that had cracked - with the new and improved white porcelan looking fill. My mouth no longer looks like it's full of metal. YAY. And I've had a wisdom tooth extracted. ICK.

So, next up was the free whitening. I was a smoker for 13 years, I've drank coffee for 20+ years, I've never whitened my teeth. I didn't know what to expect, and honestly I do see a difference in the photos, but it's not huge. When I smile in the mirror though, it is like WHOA, HOLY SHIT, MY TEETH ARE WHITE!!!

What do you think?



Next up, the crown on my right front tooth (left one, looking @ the pics). I've never been happy with it. Its always been too big. I've had it for about 13 years. My insurance covers 60% of it, so I'm getting a new one. I am so excited!

On March 21st, the old one will be removed and a temporary one will be put on until the new tooth is made. I hope it doesn't take long, because I am consumed with excitement by the thought of having a new front tooth. HORRAY!

Down the road, I will probably do Invisalign, to straighten up my one little crooked tooth on the bottom, but the extra HSA money is almost gone for now.

BONUS: Dr. Frankel is YUMMY! So nice and a pleasure to look at. Can't beat that.