How to Tell if Dental Veneers are Right for You

Many people benefit from dental veneers and how they can improve a smile.  Veneers are a natural looking solution for turning dated, worn, or damaged teeth into something strong and beautiful.  They are created in a lab using a mold of your mouth so that they will always be the perfect fit and look great.

There are several types of cosmetic dentistry procedures so before you decide which one is right for you it is important to consider what your overall goals are.  Here is information you can consider prior to speaking with your dentist.

Do you want a whiter smile?

If your biggest complaint is that your teeth look yellow, you should start by having your teeth professionally whitened.  This is an easy way to brighten your smile and your appearance.  Professional teeth whitening solutions are much stronger than what you can purchase in the store so the results are significant and can whiten teeth by up to eight shades.  Once you are done with your procedure you will be able to tell if there are lingering stains that won’t come off.  When this is the case, dental veneers may be a good option.  They can be placed on top of stained teeth and made to match the white shade of the surrounding ones.

Is your tooth damaged?

If your tooth has become cracked, chipped, or damaged in some way, it is important to fix it for your appearance and for your health.  The type of damage will determine what type of procedure you will need.  Most basic issues like cracks and chips can be corrected with dental veneers.  Since veneers are placed on the front of your tooth they will provide a natural looking appearance without the damage being visible.  If the damage comes from a severe tooth infection that needs a filling or root canal, a dental crown may be a more viable option since it surrounds the tooth entirely and can provide additional strength and durability.

Have you lost a tooth?

If your tooth has fallen out, or is about to, dental veneers won’t be able to help.  Veneers require an existing tooth in order to be placed.  They cannot sustain on their own.  People that have lost a tooth can still have it replaced but a dental implant or bridge is a better solution.  Both will stay in place and give a patient the functionality that they are looking for.  Partial and full dentures can also be worn when there is tooth loss.

Do you want to close a gap?

Small gaps in between your teeth can be corrected with dental veneers.  This is an excellent way to improve your smile and your appearance without waiting for braces to work and then be removed.  Instead of taking a couple of years to close a gap, it can be done in a single procedure with stunning results.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and the options that are available for your smile, give us a call.

Orthodontics Can Help People of All Ages

Many people think that orthodontics is only for young people.  Older children and teens are the largest group wearing braces but according to the New York Times, in the past two decades the percentage of adults getting braces has jumped by over 58 percent.  This increase means that over 1.1 million adults are having braces installed on an annual basis.  What once was reserved for young people is now perfectly acceptable and common for people of all ages.

The reasons why adults get braces is as unique as the people that get them.  The reality is that the benefits of braces remain, regardless of how old you are.  Here are some of the ways that they can help you:

• Change your appearance.   Braces can straighten your smile and transform your appearance.  A crooked smile stands out and can make a person look and feel awkward where a beautiful straight smile will enhance your features and improve your appearance.  Orthodontics can accomplish this.
• Correct a bite.  A misaligned bite can lead to a variety of oral health issues and cause pain.  When the top and bottom teeth don’t fit together correctly it can make eating difficult.  Many patients with misaligned jaws also suffer from TMJ symptoms and jaw pain.  Aligning the bite can resolve many of these issues, making it important for long term oral health.
• Improve speech.  People that have gaps or spaces in between their teeth may have difficulty speaking clearly or whistle when they do. Fortunately, this can be corrected with braces.
• Promote oral health.  Teeth that are crooked or oddly placed have a greater chance of getting teeth and bacteria stuck in between them.  By straightening your teeth, it will also reduce the risk of oral health issues and promote general wellbeing. 

Modern dental technology has greatly improved, making orthodontics more effective than ever.  Adults that are considering getting braces have multiple ways of doing so.  Traditional metal braces are still extremely effective when a patient has a misaligned jaw that needs to be corrected or needs to have their pallet expanded in order to make room for their teeth straightening.  This is the most intensive form of braces which allows the orthodontist to modify your teeth and bite at the same time.

Adults that need to have more minor adjustments made, for example their teeth need to be straightened but their bite is fine, may prefer to use Invisalign.  This is a completely clear alternative to traditional metal braces.  Custom aligners that look like a clear retainer, are made in the dental lab.  Each aligner takes your teeth one step closer to being completely straight.  Every couple of weeks you simply replace the current aligner with a new one, until the procedure is complete.  Since they are completely clear, most people will be unable to tell that you are wearing them.  An additional benefit is that they come out so you can remove the aligner for a special occasion or eating dinner with friends. 

To learn more about orthodontics and the options available for straightening your teeth, call Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center today.