Friday, August 29, 2014

A Cosmetic Dentist Explains the Difference Between Crowns and Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers
If your tooth needs to be restored, dental veneers are a common option for doing so.  There are multiple ways to restore a tooth, with dental crowns and veneers being extremely popular.  Both options can be used restoratively and to improve the appearance of a tooth by covering dark stains, holes, chips, and cracks.  There are many similarities in the process but also several key differences.

Here is what you need to know.

Primary Uses.  Dental crowns are typically used when a large portion of the tooth has been removed, or the tooth has become cracked to the point that it is no longer stable.  Veneers, on the other hand, are frequently used to cover dark stains, make teeth even in length, close gaps, and correct a tooth that has been chipped.

Appearance.  Crowns are made from one of three main types of materials: all-metal, porcelain-on-metal, and all-porcelain.  Metal crowns are the most stable while the all-porcelain crowns look the most natural and are better for front teeth.  Dental veneers are made either all-porcelain or all-ceramic so that they look completely natural.  A cosmetic dentist can make recommendations for how to have the most natural and beautiful looking teeth.

Structure.   Dental crowns fit completely around the tooth like a cap.  This is why they can provide additional strength.  Veneers are a thin shell that fits on the front of the tooth, so they are better for cosmetic purposes, but don’t protect like a crown does.

Preparing the tooth.   In both scenarios, the tooth needs to be prepared which involves removing a portion of it in order to make room for the crown or veneer.  With dental crowns, more of the tooth has to be removed since the crown surrounds it on all sides.  A veneer requires only a minimal amount of enamel to be removed.

Temporaries.  Patients need to wear a temporary crown or veneer in between the time that the tooth is prepared, and the permanent one is ready.  This is used to protect the tooth and help it to hold its shape.

Permanent ones are created in a lab.  The dental lab will use a mold or impression of your teeth to create a crown or veneer that is perfectly sized and shaped.  With a crown, this will be created in the material that you have selected ahead of time.  The color will also be matched to your surrounding teeth.

Bonding.  In both cases, the new device will be bonded with the tooth using glue and a light beam.  This will secure the crown or veneer in place so that a person can eat and speak without fear of it becoming loose.

Maintenance.  Once the tooth has healed, it can be maintained just like natural teeth.  Brushing and flossing are necessary along with teeth cleanings twice a year.  This will keep your teeth in good condition. 
If you are looking for a solution for restoring a tooth or improving the appearance of your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help.  

Learn more about crowns and dental veneers by calling Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center today.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Orthodontics Are for Adults, Too!

Orthodontics
Orthodontics Are for Adults, Too!
As an adult, orthodontics can help you to look and feel better.  Many people assume that braces are only for kids and once you reach adulthood they are no longer necessary.  The truth is that braces can be helpful at any age. 

When teeth are crooked, they can create a variety of health issues that extend far beyond physical appearance.  For example, a misaligned bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together like they are supposed to. This can create jaw pain, promote teeth grinding, make it difficult to eat and negatively impact speech patterns.  Oftentimes, people with TMJ suffer symptoms due to a misaligned bite that, once corrected by braces, goes away.

Additionally, crooked teeth are more susceptible to becoming infected due to how easy it is for food and bacteria to become trapped in between them. Severely crooked teeth are very difficult to clean which can lead to cavities.  By simply straightening them with orthodontics, teeth can become healthier.

The Importance of a Beautiful Smile

Straightening teeth is an important step in creating a beautiful smile.  Recently, studies have shown how important a beautiful smile is.  Match.com polled 5,000 men and women and found that a smile is the number one thing that makes a person attractive.  Oral-B did more in-depth research and found that when someone had a beautiful smile they were thought to be 20 percent more attractive than those without.  The reason these studies matter is that the University of California conducted research into how being considered attractive can impact a person’s life.  The results were very enlightening.  People that were “attractive” made 12 percent more money than their peers.  They were also viewed as being a better team player and more helpful overall.  To put it all together – people with beautiful smiles are more attractive and attractive people are more successful.  This may sound like a reach, but the data is clear.

As an adult, you may not be concerned with your outward appearance but apparently the rest of society is, and there are clear benefits for taking care of yourself.  If this doesn't feel particularly relevant, there are health benefits associated with orthodontics that can make wearing braces worth it. 

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to straighten teeth, now.  Traditional metal braces are still the most effective for aligning a jaw and closing an open bite.  Rubber bands are typically required to help teeth move into place, and the braces provide the anchor those bands need.  Those that don’t want to wear metal braces can try Invisalign®.  This is a clear way to straighten teeth that is perfect for people that have busy schedules or don’t want people to notice that they are having their teeth straightened. If teeth are not responding to traditional orthodontics, oral surgery is also an option for correcting a tooth or two. To learn which option is best for you, schedule a consultation.