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- Are Porcelain Veneers Reversible?
- What Treatments are Common in a Smile Makeover?
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Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
Thursday, December 27, 2012
What Problems do Porcelain Veneers Correct?
Porcelain
veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic
dentistry restorations available and can
correct a variety of aesthetic imperfections with your smile. They consist of
thin shells of porcelain which get bonded to the front surface of your teeth.
Your porcelain veneers procedure can be completed in two visits to your
cosmetic dentist’s office.
Your porcelain veneers can be designed to fit the unique
shape of your teeth, and your cosmetic dentist can match their color to the
shade of your natural teeth. This ensures your porcelain veneers will look very
natural and blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Common problems addressed by porcelain veneers include:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Teeth that are worn down
- Crooked teeth
Often, porcelain veneers are called “instant orthodontics”
due to their ability to improve the appearance of crooked teeth in just a few
short office visits. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatment which can take
one to two years to complete, porcelain veneers can give you the appearance of
straight teeth in a matter of weeks. However, it is important to understand
that porcelain veneers do not actually straighten your teeth. They simply
provide you with a cosmetic fix. If you want to address the underlying cause of
your misaligned teeth, you will need to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Please contact us
today to find a qualified cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by
Andrew
at
3:49 PM
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration is an issue impacting many people. Over
time, your teeth will likely dull and become stained due to a variety of
factors. Some of the most common include:
- Foods/drinks – Tea, coffee, colas, red wine, and certain fruits and vegetables are the most common staining agents you consume.
- Smoking – Tobacco is a common staining agent for teeth, regardless of whether you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco.
- Poor dental hygiene – A failure to brush and floss regularly can cause plaque to build up on your teeth, resulting in discoloration.
- Genetics – Some people are predisposed to having dull, yellow teeth.
- Age – As you get older, your tooth enamel (outer layer of your teeth) wears away, resulting in your teeth having a yellowish color.
- Disease – Certain diseases, as well as the treatments for certain conditions, may cause your teeth to become stained.
- Medications – Certain medications, particularly antibiotics containing tetracycline and doxycycline, can stain your teeth.
If you would like to brighten discolored teeth, you may want
to consider tooth
whitening. However, keep in mind that not all whitening systems are created
equal. Professional tooth whitening, whether performed in your cosmetic dentist’s
office or using take-home
kits, will achieve safer, more effective results than over-the-counter
tooth whitening products.
In certain situations, such as with chemically-stained
teeth, tooth whitening may not achieve your desired results. In these cases, porcelain
veneers may be the ideal option to help you achieve your goals.
Please contact us
today to find a qualified cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by
Andrew
at
11:40 AM
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers
Porcelain
veneers and Lumineers are both used to correct cosmetic imperfections with
your smile and improve its appearance. But which option is right for you? It is
best to understand the differences between the two in order to make a fully
informed decision.
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which
are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can address a wide range of
aesthetic issues with your smile, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Asymmetrical teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
Lumineers function similarly to porcelain veneers and can
address the same issues. The main difference between the two is their
thickness. Lumineers have the thickness of a contact lens and are much thinner
than porcelain veneers.
This difference in thickness will impact your results in
several ways:
- Unlike porcelain veneers, Lumineers do not require preparation of your tooth (and the removal of tooth structure associated with this preparation)
- No temporary veneers are needed with Lumineers, whereas porcelain veneers will require temporaries while your permanent veneers are being constructed at the lab
- Since no tooth structure is removed with Lumineers, the procedure can be reversed in most cases
However, the thinner material used in Lumineers also tends
to produce a less natural looking result. This is particularly true when you
are trying to brighten severely discolored teeth. In these cases, it is common
for the darker shade of your natural teeth to show through the Lumineers.
Most cosmetic dentists typically prefer porcelain veneers due
to their aesthetic advantages and their ability to provide a more natural
looking result. However, the best way to determine which option is best for you
is to speak with an experienced cosmetic dentist.
Please contact us
today to find a qualified cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by
Andrew
at
12:37 PM
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Replacing Dental Crowns
Dental
crowns are very durable restorations that should last a long time. When properly
cared for, you can reasonably expect your dental crown to function properly for
10-15 years, possibly longer.
However, your crown is not meant to last forever. Eventually
it will wear down and need to be replaced. This is natural and should not be a
cause for concern. However, if your dental crown does not last at least 10
years, it may be a sign that one of these conditions must be addressed:
- Excessive clenching or grinding of teeth
- Failure to maintain good oral health
- Your diet contains too much sugar, possibly from excessive consumption of soft drinks, candy, or junk food
- The tooth has significant decay
- Periodontal disease
In absence of one of these issues, you should expect your
crown to serve you well for years to come. When you finally must replace your
dental crown, it will most likely be due to one of the following reasons:
- Recurrent decay around the edges of the dental crown
- Wear and tear on the crown
- Broken porcelain
- Poor aesthetic appearance
- Chronic buildup of plaque between teeth
When replacing your dental crown, your cosmetic dentist will
first remove the old crown by either cutting it off the tooth or wiggling it
free of the tooth. Any decay present will be removed and repaired prior to
placing the new dental crown.
Please contact us
today to find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area.
posted by
Andrew
at
3:20 PM
