What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Key benefits of dental veneers include:

• Aesthetics. Veneers provide a natural and beautiful appearance, closely mimicking the look of natural teeth.
• Stain resistance. High-quality porcelain veneers are resistant to stains from coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Minimal tooth alteration. Only a small amount of your tooth surface is removed (usually less than a millimeter) to accommodate the veneer.

Ideal candidates for veneers typically include those who have cosmetic issues with their teeth, such as discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth, and gapped teeth [1].

What Are Dental Crowns?

Unlike veneers, dental crowns cover the entire tooth, right down to the gum line. They are typically made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or metal alloys. Crowns are often recommended when there is a need for more substantial tooth restoration due to damage.

Dental crowns provide benefits such as:

• Full coverage and protection. Crowns offer complete coverage, protecting the entire tooth structure.
• Strength and durability. Crowns can restore both the form and function of heavily damaged or decayed teeth, providing long-term stability.
• Versatility. Suitable for restorative applications like holding a dental bridge in place, dental implants, or restoring cracked teeth.

Ideal candidates for dental crowns include those with severely worn-down teeth, damaged teeth (such as those with cracks or fractures), and those who require additional protection for a tooth after root canal treatment [2].

Deciding Between Veneers and Crowns

Choosing between veneers and crowns is not always straightforward. The best choice can depend on several factors, including the condition of your teeth, your aesthetic goals, and your budget. Consider the following factors:

• Purpose. Veneers are primarily cosmetic, covering just the front surface of teeth, while crowns provide both restorative and cosmetic benefits, covering the entire tooth [3].
• Tooth condition. If your teeth require extensive rebuilding or are weakened, crowns may be necessary. Veneers are less invasive but not suitable for severely compromised teeth.
• Lifespan and maintenance. Both veneers and crowns require good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. The lifespan of each can vary depending on the materials used and how well you care for your teeth.

Are Crowns or Veneers Right for You?

Ultimately, a consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine the most appropriate option for you. Your dentist will review your dental health and smile goals to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you’re considering enhancing your smile with veneers or crowns, contact your dentist today to start your journey toward a healthier, more beautiful smile!

Sources:

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns 
3. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)65062-5/fulltext 

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But what happens when the healthy things we do for our bodies aren’t exactly healthy for our smiles? These four health trends have been touted as beneficial, but they could actually be hurting your teeth!

Lemon Water

Drinking lemon water, particularly in the morning, has become a popular practice. The idea is that you add the juice of about half a lemon to a glass of water and drink first thing in the morning to rev up digestion, detox the body, and even help with weight loss.

Despite the fact that these claims have little scientific evidence to back them up, there’s another problem with lemon water: it has an extremely low pH of just 2.25, meaning it’s very acidic [1].

In fact, this pH is even more acidic than most types of soda, which means that lemon water could be eroding your tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth and an increased risk for tooth decay.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another practice that’s gained popularity. An ancient method of pulling toxins out of the oral cavity, this regimen requires that you swish sesame or coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes upon waking every morning.

Not only does the American Dental Association not recommend oil pulling due to lack of evidence, but oil pulling requires that your brush your teeth after spitting the oil out [2]. As we know, tooth enamel is porous and brushing immediately after your teeth come into contact with food isn’t recommended.

Kombucha and Other Fermented Foods

Foods such as kimchi and kombucha are fermented and packed with probiotics, which are beneficial organisms that exist in food. Research is showing that probiotics play a much bigger role in our oral and bodily health than previously thought [3].

However, as a result of their fermented nature, these foods are also acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel and leave it vulnerable to damage. For example, kimchi, which is fermented vegetables, has a pH of around 4, which is lower than the neutral number of 7 on the pH scale [4]. You can still reap the probiotic benefits of these foods by drinking water after consuming them, and, of course, avoiding brushing your teeth until about one hour after consumption.

Charcoal Toothpaste

You may have seen black toothpaste at the store or advertised. For some people, the charcoal toothpaste trend has been in full swing for a few years now. Charcoal toothpaste is said to remove toxins from the mouth, naturally whiten teeth, and even help sensitive teeth.

Unfortunately, charcoal toothpaste is also known for being extremely abrasive. When used daily, charcoal can actually remove tooth enamel and lead to even more sensitive and discolored teeth [5]. Until more research is done, the efficacy of these products is still in question.

Have you heard of any of these health trends? Use caution when adopting practices without knowing how they can affect your body or your smile. Talking to your professional dentist can help you know what’s safe, and to take the best care of your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/JADA_The%20pH%20
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oil-pulling
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22632388
4. http://farmtotable.colostate.edu/prepare-ferment/kimchi.pdf
5. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/charcoal-and-white-teeth

The post These Health Trends Could Be Hurting Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sustaining a tooth injury has the potential to create different types of cracks in your tooth.
Since fractured teeth can lead to tooth loss, you shouldn’t delay getting treatment from your dentist. How do you know if you have a cracked tooth and how can you treat it?

How to Tell If Your Tooth Is Cracked

A cracked tooth may not be obvious even if you do have an accident that affects your smile.

However, the pain may manifest itself through tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing or biting your food. For others, a cracked tooth may be asymptomatic depending on the location and severity of the crack.

There are numerous diagnostic methods your dentist may use to tell if you have a cracked
tooth, including an oral exam or a radiograph [1]. Even if you’re not aware of a tooth injury, your dentist may be able to tell if you have a cracked tooth during your regular dental exam as well.

How to Treat a Fractured Tooth

Treatment for your cracked tooth will depend on the location of the crack and how severe it is.

For instance, you may have fractured the biting surface of your tooth, which typically doesn’t cause damage to the inside of the tooth where nerve tissue lies. However, your dentist may still need to place a filling or a crown over the tooth to keep it safe from bacteria and decay and prevent future damage [2].

If the crack extends below the gumline and all the way to the tooth’s root, it’s likely that you’ll need root canal therapy to save your tooth and stop the crack from spreading even more. If you have a split tooth that completely separates the tooth into two or more pieces, an extraction may be your only treatment option.

If you’ve just recently cracked a tooth and have a piece that may have separated from the
intact tooth, be sure to save the tooth fragment in a container with saliva or milk and see your dentist as soon as possible [3].

Preventing Damage to Your Smile

Preventing cracked teeth is as easy as not misusing your smile for things like cracking nuts, chewing on ice, or opening packages. Cracked teeth can also be caused by teeth grinding, so if you wake up with headaches, an aching jaw, or sore teeth, it’s time to see your dentist.

Of course, accidents do happen and can cause tooth fractures that negatively impact your smile. Regardless of what’s caused your cracked tooth, getting prompt treatment from your dentist can help restore your tooth and prevent the need for additional treatment.

While having a cracked tooth isn’t the end of the world, it will require professional treatment from your dentist. If you’ve experienced a recent tooth injury or have an old injury that’s causing you discomfort, contact your dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467890/
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590084/

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Meanwhile, Lumineers are made of a patented form of ceramic and offer an even thinner
option for restoring your smile. So which one should you choose? Here are the fundamental
differences between these cosmetic treatments and why some patients would favor one over
the other.

The Difference Between Lumineers and Traditional Veneers

Lumineers provide many of the same benefits as traditional veneers. They’re strong, thin, and
transform your smile. However, Lumineers offer a difference that porcelain veneers can’t
provide—in many cases, no tooth preparation is necessary.

In traditional porcelain veneers, a bit of tooth enamel needs to be removed in order for the
veneer to bond properly to the surface of the teeth. Many patients would prefer to skip this
step to avoid the removal of some of their tooth enamel, even if it is only a tiny amount.

Lumineers allow patients to keep more of their natural tooth structure and tend to be less
translucent than porcelain veneers, which can look slightly less translucent but provide a robust
shade of white that’s resistant to stains.

Why Lumineers Appeal to Some Patients

Lumineers appeal to many patients for a few reasons, the first being the ability to forgo tooth
preparation and keep more of their tooth structure.

Another reason is that the procedure has the possibility to be reversed without permanently
damaging your natural teeth. With porcelain veneers, the removal of tooth enamel is
irreversible and so these are considered a permanent form of treatment.

However, since Lumineers allow the patient to keep their natural teeth the way they are, they
tend to not fit as snugly against the natural teeth as porcelain veneers do. This means they may
protrude slightly, which can make the lips appear fuller (which some patients like).

Making the Best Choice for Your Smile

Both porcelain veneers and Lumineers are custom-made, meaning that your dentist will help
you decide on the best size, shape, and color for your smile. Your restored smile should always
suit your preferences and provide you with confidence and functionality.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers can provide very similar results, but the choice you make will
be based on your unique smile and what you’d like the end result to be. Your dentist can help
you make the best choice for you by discussing the pros and cons of using each in regards to
what you want to accomplish with your smile.

If you want to change the appearance of your smile, considering either Lumineers or porcelain
veneers can help dramatically improve your smile without the need for teeth whitening,
orthodontics, or even tooth bonding. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to ask how one
of these cosmetic treatments can improve your smile!

The post Are Lumineers or Porcelain Veneers the Better Choice for Your Smile? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Veneers are essentially a very thin layer of durable porcelain that’s placed over your natural smile with minimal preparation. Although veneers are considered a permanent form of treatment, they have many benefits. What are some of the benefits of dental veneers?

Get a Whole New Smile

Instead of having numerous treatments to restore your teeth, dental veneers provide a whole new layer to your smile. Veneers can correct uneven teeth and even crooked teeth to make them smooth and uniform. Veneers can dramatically transform chipped or gapped teeth or even shorter teeth, giving them a new appearance in just one to two weeks for dramatic results.

For patients who want a new smile in a short period of time with minimal preparation work, veneers may be a good choice. You can talk with your dentist about whether or not your concerns about your smile would improve with dental veneers.

Get Rid of Stains

If teeth are deeply stained and don’t respond to a traditional cleaning or even professional whitening treatments, it may be time to consider veneers. Veneers can make yellow or stained teeth whiter and younger looking. It can make thin or translucent teeth thick and strong.

The best part about dental veneers is that the veneers themselves are very resistant to stains, so you won’t need BriteSmile, Zoom, Crest Whitening Strips, or any other chemicals to whiten your teeth after the treatment. Instead, you can just enjoy your beautiful new veneers!

Improve tooth Sensitivity

For people who have experienced enamel damage and have very sensitive teeth, dental
veneers can actually help stop tooth sensitivity from worsening and, in fact, can even improve existing tooth sensitivity by adding a new layer onto teeth and shielding your natural teeth from hot and cold temperatures.

Many patients who receive dental veneers appreciate that their teeth are less sensitive after the treatment. In fact, some dentists use a desensitizing treatment before bonding porcelain veneers to your teeth to help enhance the protection from extreme temperatures you’ll experience with dental veneers.

For patients that qualify, dental veneers make a dramatic transformation and give many
patients the smile of their dreams without whitening treatments, orthodontic work, or tooth bonding. If you have several issues you’d like addressed with your smile, you can ask your oral healthcare professional if dental veneers could be for you!

The post Are Dental Veneers the Best Option for Enhancing Your Smile? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When you want to have a beautiful smile but aren’t thrilled about the idea of getting orthodontic work done, you can talk with your dentist about the following options to finally get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, sturdy shells that cover the visible surfaces of your teeth. Veneers are versatile and can help fix a variety of issues with your smile. Whether you have crooked teeth, stained teeth, chipped teeth, or gapped teeth, veneers can provide a beautiful, long-term solution for you.

Veneers are often considered to have the most impact on your smile for the least amount of work. You can customize the look of your veneers including the shade to target and fix your alignment problems so that all people see when you smile are your beautiful teeth!

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding consists of using a composite resin material much like the one used in non-mercury fillings to help fill gaps in the teeth and also to remedy spacing issues. The composite resin matches your natural teeth and is used to cover any alignment problems you may want to hide, or if you want to fix gaps or even the shape of your teeth.

Although dental bonding is effective when it comes to shaping teeth and filling gaps, it’s best used for minor dental problems rather than a complete smile makeover. Your dentist can better help you determine if dental bonding would be a good fit for what you’re looking for!

You and your dentist can discuss porcelain veneers or dental bonding would work as an alternative for braces, whether you want to delay your orthodontic treatment by a few years or if you want a permanent solution for your
smile!

You deserve to have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you need orthodontic work done but don’t want to have braces, consider these alternative cosmetic treatments. In just a couple dentist visits, you can improve the look of your smile and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy-looking teeth!

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There are many types of restorative dentistry to get your smile back on track. Regardless of
whether you’ve experienced tooth decay, missing teeth, cracks, or broken teeth, restorative
dentistry is here to return your smile to its absolute best. What are your restorative dentistry
options?

Fillings

Dental fillings are a very common restoration. Using a filling material that’s safe and effective,
your dentist will fill in your cavity to protect the tooth from further decay and keep the rest of
your mouth healthy. Almost everyone has had some type of dental filling in their lifetime.
Dental fillings will need to be maintained and ultimately replaced to ensure continued
protection.

Bridges

A dental bridge may be a good fit for you if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row. Dental
bridges rely on the surrounding teeth to bridge the gap with a dental crown. Bridges are ideal
for missing back teeth and, like most other forms of restorative dentistry, will need to be
maintained and replaced after a certain number of years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a ceramic tooth replacement that looks very much like your natural tooth.
Crowns are used in restorative dentistry when a filling is too large to be restored or the tooth is
so damaged it needs to be capped to protect it. A sturdy crown will fit over your existing tooth
to prevent it from experiencing further decay or harm. A dental crown will be indistinguishable
from the rest of your teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers, like crowns, consist of ceramic. They are thin and light, yet very durable and
strong. Veneers are placed over your natural teeth and permanently fixed into place. They can
fix a variety of issues with your smile for a complete transformation, from stubborn stains to
extensive chips to worn-down teeth.

Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant that’s inserted into your jaw where your missing
tooth is. Once this is healed, a crown is placed on the end of the implant. Dental implants mimic
your natural teeth and, once healed, will never need to be replaced, although your dental
crown will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin—a tooth-colored material sometimes used
for fillings—to fix cracks, chips, broken teeth, and even gaps. Dental bonding is effective for a
variety of uses in restoration dentistry to complete your perfect smile.

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth that are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. Unlike dental
implants or veneers, dentures are removable and will need to be removed and cleaned daily.
You have the option of a partial denture or a full set depending on how many of your natural
teeth are missing.

For whatever has impacted your smile, restoration dentistry can make it right. Addressing the
root cause of your concern can help you and your dentist make the best choice for your smile.
Make an appointment with your dentist today to talk about your restorative dentistry options
and get your beautiful smile back!

The post What Are the Different Types of Restorative Dentistry? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Hollywood? The following are some options to upgrade your smile to look just like your favorite people in Los Angeles!

Professional Teeth Whitening

Even those who are born with naturally straight teeth have had a little help. One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options is a professional teeth whitening, which enhances the beauty of an already straight and problem-free smile.

A professional teeth whitening procedure is available at most dental offices. You’re able to customize your level of whitening; from a subtle improvement to a dramatic dazzle, your dentist can help you choose the right shade for you. A teeth whitening typically only takes an hour and has no lasting side effects, leaving you with a camera-ready smile in just an hour!

Orthodontic Treatment

For the majority of us who weren’t blessed with naturally perfect teeth, there’s orthodontic treatment. Before they were stars, and even some while they were stars, many of Hollywood’s most famous people had some form of orthodontic treatment—including Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, and even Prince Harry.

From traditional braces to Invisalign, Hollywood knows the value of having straight teeth. Besides an aesthetic improvement, getting your smile properly aligned sets you up for a lifetime of oral health. Because crooked teeth can be difficult to clean and a misaligned bite can cause chronic pain, orthodontic treatment is well worth the investment.

Dental Veneers

Many celebrities have benefited from getting dental veneers to improve their smile. Dental veneers consist of a very thin yet strong porcelain shell that’s placed over your natural teeth. Veneers can correct a variety of dental issues, such as:

 Deep staining that won’t respond to a professional whitening
 Teeth that have been worn down from an improper bite or teeth grinding
 Mildly crooked teeth or teeth that are pointed or oddly shaped
 Gaps in the teeth

You can also customize the color and fit of your dental veneers, making them unique to your smile. Dental veneers are considered a permanent solution, so be sure to discuss all your options with your dentist to determine if veneers are the right fit for you. If your smile has more than one of the issues above, dental veneers may be the best choice to correct all these problems with just one treatment!

Are you ready to show your best and brightest smile? Consider these most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Hollywood to show the world what you’ve got. Your smile can benefit from a simple whitening, get straight with orthodontics, or see a total upgrade with dental veneers. Why wait? Discover your perfect smile today!

The post Hollywood’s Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If you’ve been considering getting your smile treated before the New Year officially hits, you’ve
still got time! Here are the top dental treatments you can get before the New Year that will
completely transform your smile and make you unforgettable in 2018.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

When was the last time you got your teeth cleaned at your dentist’s office? Even if you brush
and floss regularly, plaque is difficult to remove from every surface on your teeth. When you
get professional cleanings with your dentist, you allow your smile to be thoroughly cleaned so
that you can have the healthiest smile possible.

Regular cleanings also consistently remove surface stains, so you’re getting a brighter smile just
by visiting your dentist. If you’ve been putting this important visit off, make an appointment
before the holidays. You’ll be surprised by how different your smile will feel afterward!

Get a Bright Smile with Teeth Whitening

If a professional teeth cleaning doesn’t remove the stains on your teeth, your dentist may speak
with you about a teeth whitening procedure. These procedures are often able to remove
deeper stains that regular home care and even professional cleanings aren’t always able to
remove.

The best part about a professional whitening is that you can customize your shade of white.
Whether you want to go for the brightest smile possible or just make a subtle change in your
color, you and your dentist can decide which shade would best compliment your smile. A
professional teeth whitening is also safer than using home kits, and much faster—most
procedures are done in just an hour!

Cosmetic Work for a Stunning Smile

There’s no reason to wait any longer to improve your smile. If you’ve been considering
cosmetic work, there’s no better time to schedule a consultation than before the holidays.
Cosmetic dentistry can help you look and feel your best this holiday season, and present the
smile that best showcases your beauty to the world.

Whether you’ve been considering dental veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, or just a
simple whitening, make an appointment to talk to your dentist. He or she can help you make
the best decision for your unique smile. It’s never too late to improve your smile and enjoy the
benefits of teeth that are both healthy and attractive for the rest of your life!

What improvements have you been wanting to make to your smile this holiday season? From
brightening your smile with a professional cleaning to making a transformation with a teeth
whitening procedure to getting a cosmetic makeover for your smile, there are so many reasons
to smile this holiday season. Talk to your dentist about getting these treatments done to show
your best self in 2018!

The post Top Dental Treatments to Get Before the New Year appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Snap-On Smile

Snap-On Smile can be completed in just two visits and is completely reversible, meaning the change won’t be permanent. It’s also non-invasive, so you won’t need any type of altercation to your natural smile in order to take advantage of this smile improvement.

Your Snap-On Smile will be thin yet strong and will have all the advantages of your real smile. It’s made of a durable dental resin and fits right over your natural teeth. It can hide many imperfections such as staining, chips and cracks, gaps in your teeth, and missing teeth.

Snap-On Smile is for both upper and lower rows of teeth and can be used as a short-term or long-term solution for your smile. You can even eat and drink with it in, so you don’t have to worry about taking it out in public. You and your dentist can talk about whether Snap-On Smile is right for you!

Implants in a Day

Dental implants are an excellent replacement for your missing natural tooth or teeth. They’re permanent, they’re sturdy, and they’re easy to care for. However, dental implants are part of a restoration process that’s known for taking months to complete. What if you knew you could get dental implants in just one day?

For people who qualify, you can get dental implants in just one appointment. With a carefully planned procedure and the right technology, you can go home that day with your new teeth. A consultation with your dentist can determine if you’d be a candidate for dental implants in just one day.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin yet strong shells that go over your natural teeth. Veneers can address a variety of cosmetic dentistry concerns, such as deep staining, gapped or pointy teeth, and in some cases, even crooked teeth. Dental veneers are typically made of ceramic and are resistant to stains and chips. Veneers should be considered a permanent replacement to your natural smile.

The good news about dental veneers is that they can be placed in as little as 1-3 visits, depending on the type of veneer you choose. If you have any oral health concerns such as tooth decay, they’ll need to be addressed before your restoration is complete.

Are you ready to have a brand-new smile? Regardless of what’s holding your smile back, you can have a beautiful new smile in less time than you think. You can make an appointment with your dentist to discuss all these treatment options that take less time than traditional cosmetic procedures. Happy smiling!

The post Want to Improve Your Smile in Less Time? These Options May Be for You appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.