May 2014 - The Dental Place

May 26, 2014

Veneers are very thin, tooth colored shells that are created to match your natural teeth that will be used to cover teeth that are imperfect due to being deeply stained, broken, chipped, misshapen, or poorly spaced.

Veneers are most often made from porcelain. This is significant as this material is stain resistant, yet provides a most natural appearance when placed over teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth for veneers by taking dental impressions and photographs to make sure the finished result will create a natural appearance designed to cover the offending teeth while maintaining the shape and shade of neighboring untreated teeth.

Your dentist will remove a very thin layer of your dental enamel about the thickness of the veneer itself. On the day of installation, the veneers will be “tried-in” to make sure they fit and look perfect. Any small adjustments that may be needed can be performed by your cosmetic dentist at that time.

Since the veneers are fastened to the front of your teeth, the surface of the tooth will be roughed up slightly in an effort to help secure them in place. The veneers are permanently cemented into place and a laser or curing light will complete treatment by speeding up the drying process. Veneers are one of the least invasive cosmetic enhancements available and can be made to improve one or numerous teeth.

Once your smile makeover with veneers is completed, there are a few cautions to observe. Biting into hard substances such as ice, hard candy, or crunchy vegetables; biting your fingernails; using your teeth to open packages … these actions are highly discouraged to protect your new veneers.

Your porcelain covered teeth will actually be strengthened, but that does not mean your teeth are invincible. If you should break your veneer, it will need to be replaced. Repair is rarely an option.

Caring for your veneers is very similar as what you should do for your natural teeth. Daily flossing and brushing at least twice per day with a fluoridated tooth paste or gel and a soft bristle tooth brush are important. Of course, twice yearly visits to your dentist for a thorough cleaning and dental exam will keep your teeth and veneers looking their best.

Veneers are permanent, so to keep them at peak performance follow the instructions provided by your cosmetic dentist. Call 972-264-5795 to reserve your appointment today.

May 15, 2014

Patients can replace lost teeth by numerous methods. One of the most natural ways to restore your appearance and functionality is with dental implants.

When thinking about the best way to replace lost teeth, there are several primary considerations. Most patients have the main goal of restoring aesthetics, but being able to eat an unrestricted diet along with eliminating any side effects that will impact their speech are important concerns.

A consultation with the implant dentist will be very informative. There will be two major factors your dentist will discuss and consider … your overall health and the status of your dental health. Patients that are healthy enough to undergo tooth extractions are generally considered healthy enough for dental transplants.

One of the most natural ways to restore your appearance and functionality is with dental implants.

But what about your oral health? What qualifications make you a good candidate for dental implants?

Commitment – The dental implant process is lengthy. The patient must be dedicated to keeping the implant area clean to prevent infection, a primary cause for implant failure. This means daily flossing and brushing along with agreeing to keep all appointments with your dental provider coupled with following any instructions issued by your dentist.
Tobacco use – Patients that either smoke or chew tobacco will be asked to discontinue this habit as any kind of tobacco use is another threat to implant success.
X-rays and extensive dental preparation – The amount of bone structure where tooth loss has occurred is very important to the success of a dental implant. If there is insufficient bone, this does not automatically disqualify the patient. There are steps available that can promote bone growth.

Once all qualifications are met, and the patient and dentist have decided to pursue dental implants, the process is well defined – depending on how many teeth are being replaced, the patients will undergo one or multiple implant placements. The patient may supplant one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch … this will dictate how many implants are placed.

In the next few months, the patient will keep the implant area pristine to safeguard against infection. During the healing process (approximately four to six months), the jaw bone will grow to incorporate the implant as part of the permanent dental anatomy.

A final restoration will cover the implant completing treatment providing the return of both functionality and aesthetics that will last a lifetime.

Our implant team at The Dental Place can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Call today to schedule an appointment.

May 3, 2014

Dental imperfections can ruin your appearance. Your cosmetic dentist can provide you with a treatment plan that will fit your timeline and budget and with today’s materials and dental procedures, you can enjoy a smile makeover that will rival the most perfect natural smile.

Drab, discolored teeth; misshapen or crooked teeth; stained or decayed teeth; unwanted gaps between teeth; or to replace missing teeth … cosmetic dentistry has become mainstream and affordable for most patients allowing individuals of all ages to redo their smile.

Teeth Whitening: As we age, the shade of teeth are impacted by foods, beverages, tobacco use, lackadaisical hygiene habits, some medications, or illness. Removing stains and lightening teeth multiple shades can provide a magnificent smile improvement. In-office whitening can be accomplished in one brief visit or take-home kits are available for patients who wish to whiten at their own pace in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Either method allows the patient to obtain the maximum benefit under the care of their cosmetic dentist.

Dental decay and exposed dentin: Composite resin or teeth colored fillings are used to repair dental decay especially when cavities appear in the smile line. Dental bonding can be used to cover specific stained areas, and when gum erosion leads to exposed dentin, composite resin can be placed to protect these areas.

Missing teeth: For patients wishing to replace teeth that have been lost due to trauma, decay, or disease, dental implants are natural in appearance while restoring total functionality. Missing teeth can impact speech, restrict what you eat, and discourage smiling and interacting due to being self-conscious or embarrassed by your appearance.

Dental implants are placed in gum tissue where teeth are missing; bone in gum tissue will fuse to the implant making the implant a permanent part of your dental anatomy performing much like the root of a natural tooth. The final restoration that covers the implant will match neighboring teeth making your implants indiscernible while returning total functionality.

Dental veneers: Most of these are made from porcelain, a stain resistant material fabricated to match surrounding, untreated teeth. The wafer thin covers are permanently cemented to the front of teeth to hide a variety of dental maladies from deep stains; crooked, uneven teeth; unwanted gaps … this least invasive procedure allows your cosmetic dentist to permanently remake your smile.

For more information about cosmetic dental procedures, call our office at 972-264-5795 to schedule an appointment.