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January 24, 2013

You may realize that getting treatment from a cosmetic dentist can give your smile a major upgrade, but did you know that you can get a brand-new smile in just a matter of weeks? Veneers can help you achieve this goal.

In addition to the quick turnaround, veneers are one particularly versatile option to enhance a smile’s aesthetics. These devices are thin, tooth-shaped shells that are typically made of porcelain or some other material that has optical qualities similar to biological tooth enamel. They are bonded on top of the problematic tooth or teeth.

A cosmetic dentist may use veneers to correct any number of issues with the smile. A chipped or broken tooth can be made “like new” with a veneer, and veneers can conceal deep stains in the teeth, as well. Veeners can even be used to realign slightly crooked smiles. In fact, they are sometimes used in a treatment called “instant orthodontics.” 

Did you know that you can get a brand-new smile in just a matter of weeks? Veneers can help you achieve this goal.

The process of getting veneers involves just a few appointments with the dentist. At the first visit, the dentist will take impressions and examine the teeth to plan for the veneers. The dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel to accommodate the veneer.

The dentist will also discuss your preferences for the shade of the veneers at the first visit. If you plan to whiten your teeth, it’s important to do so before getting the veneers, as the porcelain cannot be whitened further after it is bonded to the teeth.

The data gathered at the first appointment is then sent to the dental lab that is tasked with creating your veneers.

When the veneers are back from the lab, typically a few weeks later, you’ll go in to the dental office again to have them placed. The cosmetic dentist can make further adjustments to the shape and shade of the veneers according to the patient’s wishes. In the final step, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth.

Patients who want to improve their smiles are encouraged to consider veneers. Schedule a consultation with any of our skilled cosmetic dentists at The Dental Place to learn if this treatment option is appropriate for you.

January 15, 2013

Dental implants require a significant investment of time and effort on the part of the patient, so patients typically want to maximize their chances of success.

Most dental implant patients will enjoy a positive outcome. In fact, according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the success rate for dental implants is approximately 95 percent.

Many factors influence dental implant success, including the quality of available bone and the patient’s oral and overall health, among other concerns.

The patient must have a sufficient amount of bone into which the implant dentist can insert the implant. This aspect is central to long-lasting dental implants, as the implant may ultimately fail if there’s not enough bone to support a strong bond between the implant and the jaw.

Patients with extensive bone loss need not be discouraged, though. They still can be candidates for this treatment by undergoing a preliminary bone graft to provide supplemental bone at the implant site. This step does extend the treatment timeline, but it can ultimately allow the patient to access the desired treatment.

Uncontrolled gum disease can also compromise the dental implant if it continues to attack the soft tissues and eventually the underlying jawbone. Therefore, patients with gum disease should have that problem addressed prior to getting dental implants.

Additionally, patients must be in good enough overall health to tolerate the surgical procedure involved with dental implants.

Smoking also presents a potential obstacle to dental implant success. This habit is associated with tissue inflammation, which can negatively affect the healing process.

The patient also plays an important role in the long-term stability of dental implants. Proper oral hygiene at home becomes even more critical to reduce the presence of bacteria that might lead to bone loss and, subsequently, implant failure.

Choosing dental implants as your tooth replacement option gives you a good chance of a positive treatment outcome. Contact The Dental Place to have a discussion with any of our implant dentists and learn what steps you need to take to improve your odds of a successful implant treatment. Call us at 972-264-5795 to schedule an appointment today.

January 6, 2013

Many patients put off going to the dentist until they experience pain, but that’s not a good practice if you want to maintain your oral health. If a dental problem has progressed to the stage that it’s causing discomfort, the treatment is likely to be more invasive and expensive.

Serious dental issues, like abscesses and gum disease, often are preventable. Routine semi-annual visits to the dentist can reduce your chances of developing such conditions.

A professional dental cleaning is tremendously valuable to a patient’s well-being. This thorough cleaning helps to clear out oral bacteria found in plaque and tartar. You may think that brushing and flossing according to recommendations is sufficient, but in reality it’s not. The bacteria continue to build up even with the most dedicated oral hygiene regimen and need to be periodically removed by a hygienist. 

If a dental problem has progressed to the stage that it’s causing discomfort, the treatment is likely to be more invasive and expensive.

Regular exams also give your dentist an opportunity to spot a minor concern, like a small cavity, before it becomes extensive, requiring more drastic treatment. In some cases, these exams can be lifesaving. For example, a dentist may be able to detect a suspicious lesion or tumor and identify oral cancer and treat it before it has a chance to spread.

The methods of modern dentistry are far more comfortable than those used decades ago. The techniques and instruments used can improve the patient experience, and those who are still skittish can take advantage of sedation to ease their minds.

Patients who don’t make regular dental appointments should re-consider their reason for doing so. Do you have anxiety about going to the dentist? Bring this issue to your dentist’s attention so that he can take extra care to ensure your comfort.

Are costs a concern? Keep in mind that delaying treatment can ultimately hit your wallet harder than having routine exams every six months.

It’s best to develop an ongoing relationship with a dentist who knows the details of your oral health. One important way to achieve this goal is by going for exams and cleanings every six months.

Contact our experienced team at The Dental Place to discuss which preventive measures might be right for you and your smile.