About Me

Exploring Dental Tool Improvements

Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.

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Whiten Your Smile With Veneer Restoration

Dentist Blog

Once your teeth have become discolored or broken, it can be difficult to restore them to their original shape and whiteness.  One possible solution is to join the ranks of George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Moore by having a prosthodontist install veneers over your teeth.  Dental veneers can whiten and beautify your smile, but there are many pros and cons you should consider before undergoing this permanent procedure.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are like press on fingernails for your teeth, but, unlike fake fingernails, they cannot be pulled off.  During veneer restoration, a small amount of tooth material is shaved away from the front of the tooth. Because of this shaping procedure, veneer restoration is a permanent form of cosmetic dentistry.  A thin shield of porcelain is then cemented in place on the front of the tooth.  The entire process will take a couple of sittings for preparing the teeth, taking impressions, and attaching the veneers to your teeth.  The veneers are constructed in a laboratory between visits and are specifically fabricated to fit your teeth and mouth.  

Why You Might Want Veneers

Even if you do not have aspirations of becoming a movie star, there are many benefits to dental veneers, which:

  • Return whiteness to your teeth.
  • Can effectively change the size, rotation, and shape of teeth.
  • Can fill gaps between teeth.
  • Feel and look natural.
  • Do not irritate the gums.
  • Are resistant to staining from food or drink.
  • Require a minimal number of sittings.
  • Protect teeth from further damage.
  • Require no additional maintenance.

The Drawbacks of Veneers

While veneers can do wonders for your smile, there are some drawbacks to this procedure, which:

  • Can change color over time if the bonding cement changes color.
  • Could debond, especially if they are cemented to dentin.
  • Could fracture if they contain flaws from fabrication.
  • May require the use of a nightguard for protection, especially if you grind your teeth at night.
  • Wear out in about 10 years and will need to be replaced.
  • May cause tooth sensitivity because of enamel removal.
  • Are not removable.
  • Are expensive.

​Alternative Options

If veneers are too costly or you are concerned about them breaking, there are some other options available that are similar to veneers.

  1. Glass Ceramic Veneers - This type of veneer is stronger than porcelain veneers and has less of a chance of fracturing.  The method in which they are fabricated can also increase accuracy, reducing the amount of time you may have to spend in the dentist's chair getting the right fit.
  2. Componeers - Componeers are prefabricated enamel shells that can be used to restore anterior teeth.  They are more affordable than veneers because there are no laboratories involved.  The prosthodontist can position, shape, and size the componeers for a patient in one sitting.  They are long lasting but can have a tendency to discolor over time.

Veneers can do so much more than whiten your teeth.  A new smile can give you confidence and increase your self-esteem.  Ask a prosthodontist about veneer restoration as an option for your teeth and get ready to smile for the camera.

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23 January 2015