7 Reasons Why Porcelain Veneers Are a Better Option Than Crowns

Is your chipped or broken tooth marring your otherwise perfect smile? If yes, then it is time you take action to correct the minor imperfections. While the options available are plenty, how do you know which is the best one for you? If you want to rectify the problem without tampering with your other perfect teeth, then veneers could be an option for you. Veneers not only correct the flaws, but also whiten, brighten and straighten your teeth. Here 7 benefits of porcelain veneers that you can look forward to.

Improves Smile

Veneers can restore the brilliance of your smile. Why spend thousands of dollars on complex treatments when you can correct any visible dental flaws with veneers? Veneers are thin porcelain laminates with the thickness of an eggshell, made to fit snugly over a tooth's surface and hide any blemish. The shade and shape of veneers are designed to suit the surrounding teeth, so that they fit in seamlessly.

Stain-Resistant

Mangy yellow teeth can break your image like no other. The best thing about veneers is that they are stain resistant. This means you can indulge in coffee, tea and other such beverages to your heart's content without having to worry about stains. This might just be the thing avid coffee drinkers are looking for.

Durable

While a dental crown will not last more than 5 to 7 years, veneers can last a lifetime, if taken proper care of. Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkup will make sure your veneers look sparkling new for a long time to come. Furthermore, they are not as costly as an average crown.

Corrects Rotated Teeth

Braces are not for everyone, as they are awkward-looking, uncomfortable and a hassle. If you do not want to go through the pain and money to straighten your teeth with braces, then veneers can be an option for you. By simply placing the veneers over the crooked tooth can create the illusion of perfectly ordered pearly white teeth.

No Downtime

Braces can take months to generate an effect, teeth whitening are costly and bonding does not last nearly as long as veneers. Whether you want to change the size, shape or color of your teeth, it can be done with veneers in just a couple of sittings. And immediately after the treatment, patients can resume their normal activities. Experiencing a certain amount of discomfort after the procedure is normal. The pain usually subsides after some time.

Minimal Risks

The possibilities of side effects involved with the treatment are fairly non-existent. The dentist will prescribe medications to keep the swelling or pain in check. The only major flaw involved with the procedure is that it is irreversible. A small layer of enamel is usually removed from the tooth surface to make enough room for the veneers. Consult with your doctor to know more about the risk involved; opt for the treatment only when you are sure.

Can Be Used In Conjunction with Other Treatments

For a complete smile makeover, the dentist will undertake the procedure in collaboration with other treatments for that picture perfect smile.

Porcelain veneers are on any day a better option from their counterparts.

Brighten Your Smile with Dental Porcelain Veneers

'Fact: A crocodile grows a new set of teeth to replace the old ones throughout its life.'

Unfortunately, for us humans, we have to make do with a fixed set of 32 that we are blessed with. That is why it is essential that we take care of our teeth and treat dental problems, however small, at the early stages itself.

Since not every set of teeth is identical and very obviously not perfect, there exists a branch of dentistry Porcelain Veneers   that solely deals with making it function and look better. Cosmetic dentistry is the art of improving the function, appearance and health of dental structures, mainly teeth.

Cosmetic dental treatment is sought by people who either have worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, uneven, irregularly shaped teeth or by those who simply want to improve its esthetics. Common treatments include bleaching, contouring, bonding bridging, use of dental veneers, etc. It has been seen recently that cosmetic dentistry veneers are being sought after by most people to enhance their natural smiles.

Cosmetic dental veneers are extremely thin custom-made porcelain or composite laminates that are permanently grafted in front of the teeth by using special dental adhesives. They are useful for bridging gaps between the teeth and to cover up teeth which cannot be whitened by bleaching treatments. Customers mostly prefer porcelain veneer treatments since they can usually be done in a few sittings as opposed to the traditionally slow orthodontic methods.

Dental porcelain veneers are better in appearance and longevity than crowns. With advanced bonding techniques and adhesives, veneers can typically last up to 15 years! Veneers can be used to treat and cover teeth discolored due to dental treatments, tobacco habits, etc. They also come handy in cases where the patient has small or chipped teeth. Thanks to advanced cosmetic dental treatments with veneers, it can replace the clunky and uncomfortable teeth braces. Not only can they be used to fix a single tooth but also the entire set of teeth.

Whatever kind of dental treatment it be, it is necessary that you take proper care of your teeth. Not only does that help in retaining dental implants but also to maintain dental hygiene. Oral hygienists advise that every person should brush their teeth at least twice a day along with adequate flossing and mouth- rinsing. It is also important that one visit their dentist or an oral hygienist once a year for a complete dental checkup.

Inculcate a few simple steps of good dental hygiene in your routine and keep your set of pearlies healthy. 

Porcelain Veneers  

Enhancing Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers

The purpose of porcelain veneers are to improve the health and appearance of the teeth. Porcelain veneers can look completely natural and whiten dark yellow stained teeth or tetracycline stained teeth. Teeth can be whiter and straighter looking (often referred to as "Instant Braces"). The shape of teeth can be improved, lengthened, shortened, fuller or less full, be more round, more square or bolder looking.

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of heat-fired porcelain that is custom made to fit your teeth. They are separate veneers of porcelain that are bonded to the teeth. The patient brushes, flosses and eats normally. Whatever the needs or desires of the patient, veneers can be an effective cosmetic solution that will last for many years. The restored teeth will permanently be whiter than the natural teeth. The oldest case by Dr. Sam Muslin was completed in 1984 and the patient's teeth are still better looking than his natural teeth would have been by now. The veneers have been in his mouth for over 23 years and the patient is 85 years old.

Non-Invasive Cosmetic Dentistry

With the development of the thin non-invasive, no tooth grinding type of cosmetic treatment, the patient's natural tooth structure can be saved. No grinding on the patient's teeth is also referred to as Non-Invasive Dentistry or Non-Invasive Porcelain Veneers. Sometimes if a tooth is protruding, some surface grinding is necessary to make the teeth line up evenly. Non-Invasive Porcelain Veneers can create permanently whiter teeth. Patients can have white teeth without the hassle of bleaching or ongoing teeth whitening to maintain a whiter color. Continual use of bleaching agents such as Zoom, or BriteSmile, or Crest Whitening Strips or any other teeth whitening or teeth bleaching agents compromise the tooth structure. Teeth bleaching can make the teeth sensitive towards temperature, sweet and fruit juice. Ceramic dental bonding that is non-invasive or requires no grinding protect the teeth.

Less Tooth Sensitivity

The non-invasive porcelain veneer adds another layer of porcelain to the existing tooth. The tooth can be much less sensitive, much whiter and very natural looking. Less tooth sensitivity is a huge advantage if the dentist is highly skilled in dental bonding. The extra layer of porcelain over the existing tooth covers all of the sensitive areas. The patient can have an exceptional smile that highlights their eye color, complexion and lips. There are many brands of non-grinding or non-invasive porcelain veneers such as Lumineersa made by Cerinate, Da Vinci Labs, Glidewell Labs and Mac Labs. Many other dental porcelain labs make veneers that require no grinding. The non-invasive porcelain veneers are not new; Dr. Sam Muslin has been doing them for many years. A word of caution: thin porcelain veneers require an artistic and talented hand skill or the results can look unnatural (see bad veneers below).

Traditional Porcelain Veneers

The traditional porcelain veneer requires the tooth to be reduced (ground down with a dental drill) about 1mm in order to make room for the porcelain. The porcelain veneer will fit inside the area of tooth that has been ground away. The advantage of the traditional veneer is the porcelain is thicker and can hide a dark colored tooth better than thin porcelain veneers. The disadvantage is that the healthy natural tooth structure has to be ground away. The dentist has to be very precise with the work otherwise the teeth can be sensitive after treatment due to the loss of tooth structure. This type of veneer is better if the patient has "buck teeth" and needs to have them less protruded. The teeth will not be sensitive if bonding was completed to perfection.

Bulky Porcelain Veneers - "My teeth look too thick!" This type of bad porcelain veneer is too thick and square. They lack the natural contour of a tooth. They look heavy and have a tendency to collect food near the gum line because they are too think and over contoured. Over contouring refers to a sudden bulk of tooth that abruptly emerges from the gum line which then collects and traps food. A natural tooth has a streamlined contour so the food slides off easily and does not collect food. Listen to what this person has to say about her bad porcelain veneers experience.

Fake Porcelain Veneers - "My teeth look like dentures!" Some veneers are way too white. White teeth can still look very natural but cannot have too much opacity. Opacity refers to the density of the white color. If there is too much white coloration, the light translucency through the tooth is interrupted. The tooth looks fake or has the "Chickletts" look.

Cosmetic dentistry goes beyond the skills of the conventional dentist. The average dentist does not do enough of it to know how to control all of the variables from one patient to the next. Just taking a weekend course is not enough. Be very selective with the dentist you choose. Ask for photos of his or her work or speak to their patients that had it done.


The Best Compliments about Dr. Sam Muslin:

"Every time I am up for a promotion, my competition is just as qualified. The decision to pick one of us for the higher position can be subjective. I wanted to present myself in the most professional manner. I asked Dr. Muslin to cosmetically treat my teeth so I would present myself as more youthful, intelligent and healthy. He said cosmetic dentistry could be done to improve my dental health and appearance simultaneously. It was simple; I appeared more professional than my competition. I am now one of the top bank executives in the country."

Freelance internet marketer and copy writer. Santa Monica cosmetic dentist Sam Muslin has gained an international reputation for his cosmetic dentistry. See his gallery for before and after pictures of actual patients.

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Whitening Your Teeth? What to Consider

With the variety of tooth whitening products available today, it is now easier and more accessible than ever. Whitening your teeth can come in the form of toothpaste, over the counter whitening strips, take home bleaching trays from your dentist, and in office bleaching. It is important to find out which method is appropriate and best suited for you.

The first step before whitening your teeth should include an exam and cleaning at your dental office. For best results, surface staining and heavy build-up should be removed from your teeth to ensure a clean slate to allow proper penetration of the whitening solution. It is also important that your dentist determine if you are a good candidate for whitening. An individual with a large amount of decay or active periodontal disease will want to address these areas before beginning whitening therapy. How often you should whiten is something that should be determined by you and your dentist.

It is important to understand that when whitening teeth, only natural teeth and tooth structure can be whitened. Due to this, not everyone is a good candidate for whitening. Crowns and Veneers which are constructed from a variety of materials from porcelain to gold, will not be altered by the whitening gel. Tooth colored fillings are also restorations that will remain the original shade after whitening is completed. This is most applicable when addressing the esthetics in the front of the mouth.

Individuals that typically have sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in their mouth should be aware that whitening may have the effect of heightened sensitivity for a prolonged period of time that can last anywhere from a week to a month. It is also of importance to note that teeth that present with a hue of gray to dark brown, or patients that had a history of tetracycline use may not achieve their desired result. In these cases the shade will improve, but the degree of improvement varies.

Now that we have determined that you are a good candidate for whitening, it is time to decide which method is best suited for you. Toothpastes are the least expensive method, but require the longest period of time to improve tooth shade and often are not as effective at achieving the whitest smile possible. Over the counter whitening strips are another available method. Whitening strips can improve the shade a reasonable amount but typically only cover the front teeth and are not customized to fit your smile. Individuals with rotated or malpositioned teeth will have a hard time achieving the desired result with the whitening strips as they do not conform to these teeth accurately. Bleaching trays are fabricated at your dental office from impressions taken of your teeth. These customized trays cover all of your teeth completely. You will then be given bleaching material and can expect to see results in a typically case in 1-2 weeks. In office bleaching is the most expensive method and is typically completed in one appointment and as such is an instant way to achieve a bright smile.


Kendall Wood received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Kendall is a member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Southern Willamette Dental Society. You can visit his dental practice website at http://www.corvallisdental.org

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Are Cheap Dental Veneers Covered by Insurance?

Dental veneers are mostly cosmetic, and because of this there are many dental insurance companies that simply will not cover you for having this procedure done. If you want a cheap and simple solution you may want to take a look at discount dental plans, which will often give you big discounts of up to 50% on cosmetic dentistry like braces, teeth whitening and often porcelain veneers.

Before we go any further it is important to understand what a veneer actually is. We know that in furniture it is used to go on the surface of a table to give it a nice shiny appearance even if the old exterior was worn. In the same way, our teeth can be discolored, chipped, and broken, and a dental veneer is a way of covering all of that with a lovely looking surface made to look very natural.

Some things to be care about before getting veneers:

Before the dentists can apply the veneer he needs to scrape away a layer of the enamel on your teeth. This may cause your teeth to be extra sensative to hot and cold, so if they are already very sensative you may want to consult with your dentist first. Also, this process is not reversible. So once you go through with it there is no way to undo the treatment. It is bonded to your teeth and made to last, which is a good thing because you don't want them coming off anyway.

The benefits of dental veneers:

You can have whiter teeth and healthier looking teeth with a simple porcelain veneer, and they look very natural. The porcelain will not cause any problems with your gums, and these veneers can help extend shortened teeth and even change the shape of them. Unlike crowns, they are a little cheaper and when properly done, will provide many years of beautiful smiles.

Check with your insurance company first:

Because many insurance companies will not cover dental veneers because it is cosmetic in most cases you will want to call them up to be certain. The last thing you need is to be stuck with a big bill that you will not be compensated for.


You may be able to get cheap dental veneers by checking out these dental plans. They offer big discounts on all kinds of dental treatments and can even pay for things like braces and teeth whitening.

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Wisdom Teeth - What to Expect

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to grow in the human life cycle. They are called the third set of molars. When the wisdom teeth begin to grow, they cause discomfort and are often painful. However, if they turn out to be extremely painful, then they have to be removed while they are still growing. Otherwise, they are usually left in their places to grow.

The most common problem faced with the growth of wisdom teeth is that when the tooth begins to grow, it is blocked by other teeth causing pain and discomfort to the person. This usually happens when there is insufficient space in the jaw for the teeth to emerge. In such a case, only a professional dental surgeon or dentist can offer the right advice.

The dentist would normally suggest taking X-rays so that they know the exact position of the tooth and how bad it is. There are actually several options when it comes to dealing with a wisdom tooth. The most common option is to opt for a surgery under local or general anesthesia. This procedure involves removal of the tooth. If the roots are tangled and deep, then the removal process can become complicated and painful. After the procedure, the surgeon usually prescribes painkillers for a few days. Also, one has to care for the gums and the surgery site for a few days to ensure that no infection sets in. Even regular brushing has to be done with care.

The surgery for the removal of wisdom teeth can take a few hours. Also, since the wisdom tooth removal involves anesthesia, it is better to have a family member or friend to care for you in the initial hours after the surgery.


Pauline is an online leading expert in dental care industry. She also offers top quality tips like: Dental Implant Complications, Dental Bone Grafts

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Are Professional Laser Teeth Whitening Techniques Better?

The latest advancement in laser whitening gel is used with an in-office laser that results in a very fast and effective bleaching system. The gel is applied to the teeth after appropriate gum and mouth soft tissue protection is placed. Then, a laser light is used to activate the chemical in the gel that has been especially designed to absorb energy from the light and quickly penetrate tooth surfaces. This technique results in a very fast laser whitening effect.

The ZOOM teeth whitening system is an example of this type of system. The length of time needed for full color restoration of course depends on the amount and type of tooth enamel discoloration apparent. Although very fast, many dentists are wary of this process due to the potential of gum and soft tissue discoloration.

The cost of this very fast laser whitening can vary based on your location with many of the larger cities being more expensive than other areas. Laser teeth whitening process in a professional dental office can be expected to cost between 250 and 500 dollars on average for the full treatment.
Generally speaking, the price of teeth whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required. So the more discolored the teeth, the more visits are required and the potential of a higher total cost. Dental insurance typically does not cover laser whitening as it's considered cosmetic.

Remember though that once the dentist has you in the office, they will want to do a complete exam to check for general dental health. Few if any dentists will do a whitening treatment on teeth that need corrective dental work done. That is, a good cleaning, cavities filled, etc.

Dentists, like all professionals, will push to get all the business they can from you. It's in your best interest though to carefully consider the importance of good dental health. So if it comes to a choice between teeth whitening and good dental health, your best interests are served by having a solid set of teeth even if they may not be as white as desired. This means that if you want whiter teeth from a dentist office, plan on a full commitment to total tooth care and mouth health.

Laser teeth whitening treatments though are not more effective on whitening teeth than many quality custom tray home products. Though much faster results are available, you run the risk of gum and tissue damage due to the aggressiveness of the products used in laser whitening. Teeth sensitivity can also be an issue.

So the results are in. Much faster and expensive laser teeth whitening or a slower though probably safer home teeth whitening solution, the choice is yours.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, travel, health, and business. For More information on Laser Teeth Whitening visit the site at [http://www.4-home-teeth-whitening.com/laser-teeth-whitening.html]

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