What are dental veneers?
One of the things that is very common in cosmetic dentistry is something called dental veneers. A veneer is a material placed over a tooth to help enhance its natural appearance, whether in shape, size, color, or overall aesthetics. They can be made of different types of materials, such as composite, which is like a filling-type material, or more permanent materials like porcelain. These are the different types of veneers available in dentistry.
Who are veneers best suited for?
Veneers are suited for people who have good oral hygiene and don't have significant decay or previous restorations. When applying a dental veneer, it's essential to have a fresh tooth surface for bonding. The longevity of a veneer depends on the strength of the bond. Ideally, you want a healthy, clean tooth that has never had any work done so the veneer can adhere properly and remain secure.
What options do I have for teeth whitening?
In cosmetic dentistry, whitening is a great option. There are three different whitening methods available. The first is the standard tray that you can buy from stores like Target or Walmart. Although professional grade, these trays are not custom-fit, which can sometimes cause the whitening solution to irritate the gums. The second option involves creating custom trays that fit snugly against the teeth, ensuring the gel stays where it should, preventing irritation. Lastly, there's in-office whitening, where you receive the strongest solution available, providing the fastest results. Take-home options usually take about two weeks to show results, but in-office treatments deliver noticeable changes within an hour and a half, and you receive custom trays for touch-ups afterward.
What is a smile makeover and what treatments are included?
A smile makeover is the ultimate cosmetic option, involving enhancements on all of your teeth. This could include bonding, veneers, or crowns, with the aim of improving the size, shape, proportions, and even positioning of your teeth. The result is a brand new, personalized smile that enhances aesthetics and potentially improves function.
How do you choose the right cosmetic dentist?
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is crucial as this decision impacts your smile and long-term dental health. Start with a consultation to understand the number of appointments needed before treatment begins. Avoid choosing the cheapest option as it may involve cutting corners that could result in problems later. A good practice should ease you into the process, ensuring you're prepared and aware of each step. The dentist's artistry is also vital, as they play a significant role in designing your smile in collaboration with the lab. A skilled dentist will ensure a beautiful, functional, and durable result.
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
The primary difference between a veneer and a crown is coverage. A crown covers the entire tooth, whereas a veneer covers only one side and may wrap around slightly. The choice between a veneer and a crown depends on the tooth's needs. Veneers are more conservative, requiring less removal of tooth structure than crowns, which necessitate removing structure from all around the tooth. The goal is to choose the option that best suits the tooth and provides the most beautiful, long-lasting result.
The practice of dentistry encompasses an amazing array of services and procedures, all with a common goal: to help you to preserve your natural teeth as long as possible, ensure your oral health, and keep you looking and feeling great throughout life.
There’s so much that can be done these days to improve the appearance of a person’s smile — at any age. From powerful, professional whitening treatments to amazingly realistic porcelain veneers to state-of-the-art dental implants, there’s a wide range of exciting possibilities.
The first step in any smile makeover is a thorough dental examination to make sure that your cosmetic problems really are just that, and not a sign of underlying dental disease. Once your health has been established, your smile can be cosmetically enhanced in a variety of ways.
Cosmetic & General Dentistry Procedures Modern dentistry offers a wide range of services to make sure your teeth stay healthy, function well and look great. These procedures include:
- Cleanings & Oral Exams, to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and catch early signs of dental disease
- Cosmetic Bonding, to repair small chips or cracks
- Crowns & Bridgework, to replace large amounts of lost tooth structure and/or missing teeth
- Dental Implants, for the longest-lasting tooth replacement available today
- Extractions, to remove unhealthy teeth that cannot be saved
- Fillings, to restore decayed teeth
- Inlays & Onlays, to fill teeth with larger cavities
- Invisalign Clear Aligners, for highly discreet orthodontic treatment
- Oral Cancer Screenings, to detect a dangerous disease that can be cured if caught early
- Orthodontic Treatment, to move teeth into the right position
- Porcelain Veneers, for repairing larger chips and cracks, and reshaping teeth
- Removable Dentures, to help you smile again
- Root Canal Treatment, to rescue diseased teeth
- Sealants, to help prevent cavities
- Teeth Whitening, to brighten a faded or discolored smile
- TMD Treatment, for pain in the jaw area that can interfere with biting and chewing
- Tooth-Colored Fillings, for a completely natural, healthy look
- Tooth Decay Prevention, so you keep your natural teeth as long as possible
When to Visit the Dentist?
Many people only go to the dentist when something is wrong. That is truly a shame, because they are missing out on so many preventive services that can save discomfort — and expense — down the road. Regular dental visits are essential to make sure oral health problems — from tooth decay to oral cancer — are detected and treated in a timely manner. Some individuals may need to see the dentist more often than others to stay on top of problems like plaque buildup and gum disease, but everyone should go at least once per year.
Your regular dental visits will include a thorough oral exam to check the health of your teeth and gums; and oral cancer screening to spot any suspicious signs early; and a professional cleaning to remove stubborn deposits and make your teeth look and feel great. So don’t miss out on the many benefits dentistry offers you and your family!
Your Smile Makeover
The most important job you have as a member of your own smile makeover team is to communicate exactly what you don’t like about your smile and how you’d like it to be different. Before the first consultation, give some thought to the following questions:
- What do you like or dislike about the color, size, shape and spacing of your teeth?
Are you pleased with how much your teeth show, both when you smile and when your lips are relaxed? - Do you want teeth that are perfectly aligned and a bright “Hollywood White,” or would you prefer a more natural look with slight color, shape and shade variations?
- Would you like more or less of your gums to show when you smile?
It is extremely helpful for you to bring in pictures you have collected — of smiles you like, smiles you don’t like, and/or photos of the way your own smile used to look, if that’s the result you’re aiming for. Now is the time to get started on creating a smile that will make you feel as good as you look!