A Cosmetic Dentist Explains the Difference Between Crowns and 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.

Orthodontics Are for Adults, Too!

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.

Orthodontics Do More Than Straighten Teeth

Many patients think the only reason to visit an orthodontist is to get braces. This is the most popular aspect of orthodontics because it straightens people’s teeth and creates beautiful smiles.  However the reality is that it is used to accomplish far more than beautiful straight teeth.  Those who are suffering from a variety of oral health issues can benefit from working with an experienced orthodontist. 

It is fairly common for people to have challenges with their bite.  A misaligned bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly.  This can lead to pain in the jaw and teeth and can make it difficult to eat properly.  An orthodontist has a variety of procedures that they can use to correct this problem and prevent bite issues. 

Another reason patients may need orthodontics is when their teeth come in improperly.  For example, when baby teeth fall out too soon the rest of the teeth can move out of place, and adult teeth can come in behind where they should, which is commonly referred to as overcrowding. Sometimes a spacer is the best way to treat this problem rather than traditional braces. 

As an expert in all forms of orthodontics, Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center can make recommendations about which procedure will help to correct your bite or your smile.  We offer traditional metal braces that can be used to straighten your teeth and adjust your bite at the same time.  This is a benefit to many patients as it involves one form of treatment for correcting multiple issues.  We also offer a variety of removable appliances that can be used to correct dental issues. 

Braces have improved significantly and if you decide to wear them it is important to know that they are more comfortable than they used to be.  A customized treatment plan will be created based on your needs and lifestyle so that they are as effective as possible. Invisalign may be the best option for adult patients who want to straighten their teeth without wearing metal braces. Invisalign is an excellent option for those who want to straighten their teeth without anyone noticing they are having a dental procedure performed.  With Invisalign a patient wears clear aligners that look like a clear retainer.  They fit completely around a person’s teeth and move them slowly into place without the need for constant adjustments.  This is one of the many ways that orthodontics has improved and provides people with more options than ever. 

Wearing braces or Invisalign may be unnecessary if you only have one or two teeth that need to be corrected.   Cosmetic dentistry may be the best solution if this is the case.  Dental veneers and dental implants can both be used to straighten teeth and improve their appearance without the need for ongoing treatment.  Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center offers both orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry and can customize treatment plans based on the individual patient’s needs.

The Many Benefits of Dental Veneers

Those who are looking to improve their teeth should try dental veneers.  This is an excellent option that makes transforming your smile while keeping your natural teeth possible.  As a cosmetic dentist, Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center provides a variety of options for restoring teeth and improving a person’s smile – dental veneers are one of them. 

If your tooth has been damaged in an accident it can be saved with help from a cosmetic dentist.  Previously, damaged teeth may have been pulled but now they are saved whenever possible.  This is a better and healthier solution that a cosmetic dentist can offer to patients.  Millions of people damage teeth in car wrecks, an accident at work or at home, a slip and fall accident, and more every year.  If you have a damaged tooth, visit a dentist right away to see how they can save your tooth.

When a cosmetic dentist uses dental veneers to save a damaged tooth they place the veneer on top of the existing tooth, so the root structure still needs to be intact.  The process is fairly straightforward.  A veneer is a thin shell that goes on top of a prepared (filed down) tooth in order to prefect its’ appearance and provide the stability the tooth needs in order to fully be prepared. 

Dental veneers can also be used for cosmetic purposes.  A dentist can use them to close gaps in between teeth, make teeth even in length, cover dark stains, and even straighten teeth.  This is an excellent option for those that don’t like their smile but want to keep their natural teeth in place. Veneers provide a dentist with the ability to improve a person’s smile without the need for oral surgery. 

To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule an appointment with Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, discuss the goals that you have for your smile, and determine if veneers are the best way to achieve them.  If it is decided that you could benefit from a dental veneer, a mold will be taken of your teeth so that the dental lab can create your veneers.  They will be matched in size, shape, and color to your existing teeth.  This way they will look completely natural once placed

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The teeth must be prepared before a dental veneer can be put in place.  This typically involves the dentist filing down the existing teeth and placing grooves on top of them.  Filing down the tooth is an essential step for ensuring that the veneer lays flat so that it fits perfectly with the gums.  The grooves serve to hold the cement glue in place so that the tooth and veneer can bond together. 

The entire procedure can be completed in two or three visits over the course of a month or two. It is reasonably fast for the dramatic results that dental veneers produce.  Once the veneers are secure and fully healed a person can eat all of their favorite foods and speak normally.  To learn more about our dental veneer services, call and schedule an appointment today.

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. 

New Trends in Orthodontics

Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center practices orthodontics in order to give patients the gorgeous straight smile they have always dreamed of.  We offer the latest options and stay up to date on industry trends in order to give our patients choices in how they want to straighten their teeth.  While the goal is always the same, by giving patients control they can select the option that works within their schedule and fits their lifestyle.

Here are some of the options we provide patients with.

Six Month Smiles©

This innovative procedure is revolutionary for orthodontics.  It is ideal for patients, especially adults that do not want to wear traditional braces and are looking for a quick way to straighten their teeth.  With Six Month Smiles, patients wear clear braces that are less noticeable and therefore more comfortable for many of our patients.  The procedure is geared towards adults so call our office to see if it is right for you.

Traditional Braces

There are times where traditional braces are still the best option for correcting a smile.  Traditional metal braces can correct common problems such as:

·         Severe overbites.  This is unattractive and can cause problems with speech and even eating.  Metal braces can be used to correct your overbite and give you a beautiful smile.

·         Problems with your jaw.   When your jaw is misaligned or out of place, it can cause headaches and pain.  Braces can align your jaw and prevent you from experiencing those symptoms.

·         Crossbite.  When your upper teeth bite inside of the lower teeth, it is a crossbite.  This is uncomfortable and interferes with normal eating patterns. 

·         Overcrowding.  Sometimes people need to have their pallet expanded to make room for all of their teeth.  Overcrowding is a common issue that can be corrected with traditional braces.

Technology continues to improve, making it easier to wear braces and making them more effective.  Traditional metal braces can solve the largest amount of problems and go far beyond the cosmetic side of straightening teeth.  This traditional orthodontics procedure is ideal for patients that need to address issues with their bite while straightening teeth.

Invisalign

Patients that want to close gaps in their teeth and fix more minor cosmetic issues should consider Invisalign.  This is an ideal option for busy professionals and people that may have had braces as a child and need to have some minor issues corrected again.  The process is fairly simple and requires fewer trips to the orthodontist.  A mold is taken of your mouth, and custom aligners are created in order to straighten your teeth in a gradual fashion.  The aligners look like a full, clear retainer, and you simply switch them out every couple of weeks.  As you place a new one in your mouth, your teeth will become that much straighter. 

We offer the latest in orthodontics in order to provide our patients with options, flexibility, and control over how they want to fix their teeth.  As an expert cosmetic dentist, we can also correct other problems like cracked or chipped teeth.  Call us today to schedule your consultation and to learn how we can transform your smile.