Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

• Protect a weak tooth from breakage or  decay
• Restore a chipped, broken, or worn down tooth to its original state
• Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
• Cover and support a tooth with a large dental filling that does not have very much remaining natural tooth structure
• Serve as a prosthetic tooth for a dental implant
• Support a dental bridge

If you are considering porcelain veneers as part of your smile makeover, you may have read about Lumineers while researching the procedure. Lumineers are a common alternative to porcelain veneers. Both restorations utilize a thin porcelain shell that gets bonded to the front surface of your tooth to mask a variety of aesthetic flaws with your smile. But which one will deliver the results you desire?

The main difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers involves the amount of tooth structure which must be removed as part of the procedure. Porcelain veneers are thicker than Lumineers and as a result, require a small amount of natural tooth structure to be removed in order for your tooth to accommodate the veneer. This ultra-thin material used with Lumineers eliminates the need to remove this small amount of tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth.

While there are clear benefits of retaining more of your natural tooth structure, you also sacrifice a great deal in terms of the aesthetic result achieved by your procedure. If your teeth are severely discolored, Lumineers will not be thick enough to mask this discoloration. As a result, you will not be able to achieve the bright smile you desire. Lumineers are also considerably less durable than porcelain veneers, making them a poor solution for patients who grind their teeth.

For these and other reasons, many cosmetic dentists prefer to work exclusively with porcelain veneers. At your initial consultation, ask your cosmetic dentist which option will work best for your smile makeover.

Please contact us today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.

The dental implant process takes about six months to complete, mainly due to the recovery time required after the dental implant is inserted into your jawbone. Before the abutment and prosthetic tooth can be attached to your implant, it must become firmly rooted in your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, takes about six months to complete.

During osseointegration, your jawbone grows around and fuses with the dental implant. This process enables your dental implant to become permanently fixed in place, allowing it to function just like a natural tooth root. As a result, your dental implant can function just like a natural tooth, making it a much more durable and highly functional tooth replacement option than alternatives such as dental bridges or dentures.

Once osseointegration is complete, you will return to your cosmetic dentist’s office to complete the procedure. A titanium rod, called an abutment, will be attached to the dental implant. A dental crown will then be placed on the abutment to serve as a prosthetic tooth.

In order to successfully complete the osseointegration process, you must have sufficient bone structure in your jaw to allow the dental implant to fuse properly. If you do not, you may require a bone graft to undergo the dental implant procedure. At your initial consultation, your cosmetic dentist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether this additional step is necessary.

Please contact us today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.

The benefits of working with a cosmetic dentist to achieve your tooth whitening goals have been widely documented. The professional grade tooth whitening gels use by cosmetic dentists are much more concentrated than over-the-counter products and as a result, achieve much better results. The use of customized whitening trays by cosmetic dentists also ensure the whitening gel will be applied more consistently across your teeth while minimizing gum sensitivity. For these reasons, it is always best to opt for professional tooth whitening performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Most cosmetic dentists offer both in-office and at-home tooth whitening options. Both achieve comparable results. It is generally a matter of personal preference when deciding which option will best meet your needs.

In-office tooth whitening can be completed in one visit to your cosmetic dentist. Your whitening session will be monitored from start to finish, ensuring optimal levels of safety and effectiveness. In general, in-office tooth whitening treatments are ideal for patients who prefer to have their procedure completed quickly while under the supervision of their cosmetic dentist.

At-home tooth whitening is completed in the comfort of your own home. You will receive the same professional grade whitening gel from your cosmetic dentist and customized whitening trays will be created to ensure a consistent result. However, you will generally need to use the whitening trays every night for several weeks. As a result, this method is best for people who prefer to have their tooth whitening completed gradually over several weeks.

Which option do you prefer? Ask your cosmetic dentist if tooth whitening can help you achieve the dazzling, bright smile you desire.

Please contact us today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.