Porcelain Veneers

Placing Dental Veneers

Placement of porcelain veneers is one that requires the skill, precision, and artistry of a talented cosmetic dentist. Having your smile made over with veneers usually takes about three office visits.

In the first visit, a dentist will first plan your new smile by determining what size, shape, and type of veneers will best complement your smile, face shape, and aesthetic desires. Next, he will carefully prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the veneer. He will then place temporary veneers to protect the teeth while the permanent version is crafted in a dental laboratory.

When the permanent veneers are ready, you will return for your third visit to have your permanent veneers placed. This is the final step in your smile transformation, and you can leave the dentist’s office with a brand new, beautiful smile.

What Will My Porcelain Veneers Look Like?

The glass-like ceramic that forms porcelain veneers closely resembles natural tooth enamel. This is because, much like real tooth enamel, porcelain veneers are translucent. When light strikes a natural tooth’s surface, it is not immediately reflected off. Instead, it penetrates the tooth enamel and reflects off the opaque tooth dentin that lies just beneath. This translucent effect is what gives teeth their luster. By replicating this, porcelain dental veneers provide patients with bright, natural looking smiles.

Porcelain dental veneers can also cover and repair cracked and chipped teeth. Because porcelain veneers are custom made and fitted to your teeth by a skilled cosmetic dentist, you can customize and improve much more than just the color of your teeth. Crooked and chipped teeth can have their appearances improved to give you a beautiful new smile. Any broken teeth can be repaired using dental crowns, or caps, that can be color matched to your dental veneers.

Cosmetic Digital Imaging

Cosmetic digital imaging is provided by many dentists to aid patients considering porcelain veneers in their decision making process. Cosmetic digital imaging is meant to supplement the porcelain veneers consultation that you will have with your cosmetic dentist. This allows the dentist to give patients an idea what the end result of the porcelain veneers procedure will be without performing any medical treatment. Cosmetic digital imaging, however, is meant to serve only as a guide and it is important to remember that the end result is likely to differ slightly.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The cost of porcelain veneers depends on the number of teeth being treated. Porcelain veneers generally cost from $700 to $2,000 per tooth. When considering the cost of porcelain veneers, you must take into account their longevity and attractiveness. Porcelain veneers are long lasting alternatives to other treatments that cost less but must be repaired more often and lose their cosmetic appeal more quickly.

Find a Dentist Who Offers Porcelain Veneers

DocShop is a unique resource to help you find reputable dentists in your area who provide the services you require. By directing you to the informative websites of dentists, you can learn about the procedure or procedures you are considering as well as the qualifications, backgrounds, and experience of dental professionals. If you are interested in finding a cosmetic dentist near you who provides porcelain veneers, or if you would like more information about porcelain veneers cost, find a cosmetic dentist in your state.

Dental Veneers: Composite and Porcelain Veneers

Dental Veneers: Composite and Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks.

Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

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Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

* Worn enamel: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumption, smoking, medication use, etc.).
* Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.
* Genetics: Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth that grows wider as they age.
* Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.

Porcelain Veneers and Composite Resin Veneers

The two most common materials used in the manufacture of dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain veneers. Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory; composite veneers can also be directly fabricated inside your mouth at the dental office.

Dental veneers that are indirectly fabricated — fabricated in a dental laboratory — are bonded to the teeth with various types of resin cement. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more expensive.

When are Veneers Appropriate?

Bonding often serves as an inexpensive and effective restoration for small chips and cracks in the teeth. Such minor problems may be functionally and cosmetically repaired with a composite "white filling." A composite resin material is bonded to the tooth in order to fill in the chip or crack and better protect the surrounding tooth structure. But for more severe cases of dullness, wear, discoloration, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven teeth, dental veneers may be recommended as a more appropriate solution.
Veneers or Whitening?

Teeth whitening may provide a white smile for mildly discolored teeth. Some people who are interested in veneers will find that their cosmetic dentist will steer them to the simpler alternative of whitening, perhaps combined with some simple orthodontic alignment. The placement of dental veneers requires the “shaping” or “prepping” of all teeth being fitted with the custom-designed shells. This process permanently alters the teeth that are treated and is therefore not recommended if your natural teeth are functionally and esthetically adequate.

A Restorative Benefit to Veneers

Because dental veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping when bonded onto the tooth. Once veneers are bonded into place, they are relatively strong and durable; however, care must be taken so as not to abuse veneers because the thin porcelain shells can damage or break. Your dentist may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies (such as eating carrots) and may recommend you wear a protective appliance while your sleep, especially if you are a bruxer.

Dental Bonding

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures: Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding and cosmetic tooth filling, covers a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments designed to correct flaws in one's teeth, including discoloration, chips, misalignment's, gaps between teeth, cavities in front teeth and more. Unless prescribed by a licensed medical professional to repair a problem brought on by an accident, dental bonding treatments generally aren’t covered by health insurance policies, but they are now available at affordable rates.

Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding is a process of applying a veneer, usually made of composite materials, to repair a client's teeth. These composite materials, known as dental composites, come in different shades that help ensure a match with the overall color of a client's teeth. At their core, dental composites are essentially plastic mixed with a variety of fillers and modifiers — finely ground particles of quartz, silica, glass and/or other tooth filling materials that enhance the strength and appearance of the composite.

Once a tooth bonding procedure has been prescribed, the dentist will numb the teeth with local anesthesia as needed to minimize any discomfort during the shaping step. Next, the dentist cleans the tooth and selects a dental composite that matches the color of the client's tooth. The dentist then prepares the area, keeping the tooth in question dry and protected from saliva and other oral fluids. The dentist then shapes the tooth as needed, buffing it down to make room for the dental composite and/or drilling away any decay, just as in a tooth filling procedure. The dentist applies an acidic gel to the tooth, then adds a dental bonding agent to the prepared surface and cures it with light to trigger the bonding action.

Once the tooth is prepared in this manner, the dentist will add layer after layer of dental composite to the tooth, hardening each layer with a curing light. When the amount of composite fully covers the treated area, the dentist will use a dental drill to shape and polish the area. After checking to ensure that the composite doesn't interfere with the client’s normal bite, the dentist will polish and buff the dental composite as needed to achieve the final, desired result.

White Fillings

The best candidates for tooth bonding are teenagers and adults whose teeth have minor problems, including cavities, chips, poor alignment, gaps, discoloration and other flaws. Dental bonding can be done on any tooth, front or back, top or bottom, and can even be used to fill cavities in back teeth if a client wants a less visible white filling than the more common silver-colored dental amalgams.

There are no major risks or side effects to a dental bonding procedure when it's performed by a board-certified dentist in a sterilized setting. The buffing, cleaning and preparation process can cause discomfort to a client, but the dentist can administer Novocaine to minimize sensitivity. Clients may undergo a period of adjustment as they get used to the feel of the dental composite in the treated area.

Except in extreme, complicated cases, dental bonding can be performed in one session. The length of the session will vary from individual to individual, based on how much repair work is required.

Cosmetic bonding procedures are intended to address flaws in the client's teeth. Other facial needs may be treated through different cosmetic procedures. Clients should discuss their goals and desired results with a qualified, board-certified cosmetic dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Teeth Straightening

Teeth straightening refers to a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to correct crooked teeth. Recent advances in technology have introduced new methods for straightening teeth, including aligners, removable retainers and more.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are among the latest technologies dentists can rely on to straighten crooked teeth. Through a series of clear aligners that are customized for each individual, Invisalign braces gradually realign a client's teeth into their desired positions.

The Invisalign procedure begins with a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist, who will discuss goals and desired results with the client. The dentist then takes bite impressions from the client's mouth and uses computerized mapping and design technology to create a series of invisible, removable teeth aligners. Once the aligners are made, the client returns to the dentist's office to receive the first one. The client wears that aligner night and day for 2 weeks, taking it out only to eat, brush and floss. Every 2 weeks, the client goes back to the dentist's office to pick up the next in the series of aligners, repeating the process for about a year, on average, until the client's teeth reach their final, desired positions.

The best candidates for Invisalign braces are teenagers and adults whose teeth are overly crowded, widely spaced or exhibit overbites, underbites, crossbites or other alignment problems. There are no real risks or side effects to Invisalign treatments performed by a board-certified dentist in a sterilized setting. Because there are no wires or brackets, clients experience little to no discomfort.

Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontic braces are the most common instruments used for straightening teeth. Fortunately, the old, metal-and-wire dental braces have by and large been replaced by newer, less noticeable, more comfortable braces. Cosmetic dentists can now use improved adhesive bond technology to affix smaller brackets — in many cases, clear braces — to the front of a client's teeth, thus eliminating the shiny steel smiles caused by earlier braces.

The process for getting braces remains relatively unchanged. The cosmetic dentist adheres the brackets to the teeth, either on the front or the back. (Lingual-type brackets can be positioned on the back of teeth these days for greater concealment.) Once the brackets are in place, the dentist connects them with stainless steel wire. The size of the wire will vary according to how much pressure is needed to realign the teeth. The dentist then tightens these wires to begin moving the teeth from their original positions toward their desired positions. The dentist will continue to tighten the wires at regularly scheduled intervals until the teeth reach the client's desired final positions.

While there are few risks or side effects to an orthodontic braces procedure performed by a board-certified dentist in a sterilized setting, many clients feel discomfort when their braces are first installed, and again when the dentist readjusts them. This is a common reaction that subsides over time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve the discomfort.

The initial appointment to install dental braces can take up to two-and-a-half hours, depending on the individual client. After that, the client will see the dentist every 4 to 7 weeks for wire readjustments. Teens and younger children generally wear orthodontic braces for about 2 years before the final results are achieved, while adults typically need to wear them for about 28 months.

After dental braces are removed, clients may need to wear retainers for up to a year. The retainer, a custom-fitted device usually made of rubber or clear plastic, along with metal wires that fit the outside of the teeth, will help the newly positioned teeth maintain their new position while the gums, bones and muscles in the mouth adjust to the change. The retainer is usually worn around the clock during the first 6 months, then only while the client is sleeping for the remainder of the treatment cycle.

It's important to point out that cosmetic dentistry procedures involving Invisalign or orthodontic braces can only correct flaws in the client's teeth. Other facial concerns can only be addressed through different cosmetic procedures. Clients should discuss their goals and desired results with a qualified, board-certified cosmetic dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry procedure.
including aligners, Invisalign Braces, removable retainers, straightening teeth

Tooth implants

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures presents Tooth implants

Crowns, bridges, and dentures, all three are conventional approaches to replacing missing teeth. They are not the only options for filling in the gap left by teeth lost through disease or an accident.

Dental implants, or tooth implants, are a more natural-looking and natural-feeling alternative for many people. Teeth implants are manufactured devices that are placed surgically in the upper or lower jaw and function as anchors for replacement teeth, which look and feel like natural teeth. If healthy, the surrounding teeth remain untouched. Implants not only improve the look of the teeth, but they stabilize the bite and help prevent problems with the jaw.

Tooth implants can be used to replace 1 or 2 missing teeth and can also be used for a full set of upper or lower teeth.

Can I get Teeth Implants?

Candidates for teeth implants must be in good health both orally and physically and have healthy gums and an adequate bone structure to support the implant. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, may interfere with healing after surgery and should be revealed to your dentist. Smokers should be aware that they are at greater risk of experiencing gum disease, which weakens the bone and tissues needed to support the implant. Your dentist can evaluate all your factors to determine if dental implant surgery is an option for you.

Dental Implant Surgery

Implant surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure in either a dental office or in a hospital, and a local or general anesthetic may be used.

The implant process usually takes place in 3 steps over several months. It can be performed by a dentist or a specialist, such as a periodontist, prosthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

The first step involves the surgical placement of the implant in the jaw and can last up to several hours, depending on the scope of the procedure. Once in place, the top of the implant is slightly visible above the top of the jawbone. A screw is inserted into the implant to protect it from gum tissue and other debris. The gum is then secured over the implant. It remains covered for 3 to 6 months, giving the implant time to fuse with the bone. This process is called osseointegration.

During the second step, the implant is uncovered and the dentist attaches an extension, called a post, to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post which, along with the implant, serves as the foundation for the new tooth.

In the third step, the dentist makes a custom artificial tooth, or dental crown, that matches the surrounding teeth in size, shape, color, and fit. Because several fittings may be required, this step can take 1 to 2 months to complete. The crown is attached to the implant post, and the process is complete.

There may be some swelling and tenderness for a few days after the first phase of the dental implant surgery. Pain medications and/or antibiotics are usually prescribed for any discomfort and to ward off infection, and a diet of soft foods is recommended during the healing process.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Porcelain Crowns and Caps

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures presents Porcelain Crowns and Caps

Dental crowns are restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken down teeth. A crown strengthens your existing damaged tooth so as to preserve its functionality. Dental crowns are also commonly known as caps because a crown sits over your existing tooth covering the entire outer surface analagous to how a baseball cap would cover your head. The animations below graphically illustrate the procedure of placing dental crowns:

Why May I needs Crowns?

* If your tooth has undergone significant decay and there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a filling or an inlay and maintain functionaility.

* If a large portion of your tooth has fractured and it cannot be built up using traditional composite bonding techniques .

* If you have a large cavity andopt for the additional protection a crown offers to your tooth over a large composite filling or an inlay.

* If you have had a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, a crown will be fitted to the abutment of the titanium implant.

* Following root canal treatment a crown is often needed to strengthen the tooth.

* If you grind your teeth and have a poor diet, acid errosion may reduce your teeth to a point where the only option available is to crown them.

* For cosmetic reasons to improve the aesthetics of your smile, you may opt for all porcelain cosmetic crowns.

Are dental crowns always the best option?

Crowns should not be the first treatment of choice just to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, because a dentist needs to grind a significant portion of the original tooth away. Less invasive alternatives include veneers or dental bonding. Crowns are required when the strength of the tooth supporting the restoration is compromised since veneers and dental bonding restorations are only as strong as the supporting tooth.

What materials can crowns be made from?

In modern day dentistry there is a wide variety of dental materials to choose from. Some crowns are made from full gold, where as others are made from an alloy of metals fused to a porcelain outer shell. After time, crowns that are made from a combination of metal fused to porcelain can begin to show dark gum lines that are not aesthetically attractive. All porcelain or ceramic crowns are the best choice for a natural cosmetic look. There are many different brands and types of porcelain crowns and the variation between the costs of dental crowns at different dental practices may well reflect the quality of the materials used.

What does the procedure of having dental crowns fitted involve ?

Once you have had a consultation with your dentists and discussed all the treatment options, your dentist will prepare the tooth ready to be crowned. The first stage is to clean the tooth, remove any decay and reshape it using a burr (a special dental drill for shaping teeth) under local anaesthesia. The shape of the prepared tooth is usually tapered to allow the crown sit comfortably over the top of it. Once the tooth is prepared an impression (mould) of your teeth will be taken using a special “dental putty”. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory who will use the impression of the prepared tooth as a guide to fabriacte the new crown to the exact specifcation of the dentist and to fit perfectly. It usually takes between two to three weeks for a laboratory technician to custom fabricate your new crown. During this time your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to cover and protect your prepared tooth.

On your second visit your dentist will remove the temporary crown, and roughen the outer surface of your prepared tooth with a special etching acid to give the dental cement a good surface to bond to. Your dentist will sit the crown over your tooth to see if it fits with your smile correctly and is the right colour match and shape. Once you are both happy with the restoration and how it looks, your dentist will cement the crown firmly into place.

How long do crowns last?

This will depend largely on how well you look after your teeth. Dental crowns require the same level of care and attention as your natural teeth. Provided you have a good oral hygiene program and attend regular check ups at your dentist and do not suffer from teeth grinding, maintain a toothkind diet and do not do things like open beer bottles with your teeth then a high quality dental crown can last 10-15 years.

How Much do crowns cost?

The price varies between dental practices but you can expect to pay from £250.00 per tooth up to £2000.00 per tooth depending on where you go for your treatment. The price will depend on the skill of the dentist, the quality of the crown and the materials used and also number of teeth that you are having crowned.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Smile Makeover

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures presents Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, composite bonding, dental implants and teeth whitening.

Essentially, a smile makeover is something that you choose to have performed, while a full mouth reconstruction is something that you need to have performed.Smile Makeover

Smile Makeover Considerations

A smile makeover takes into consideration your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal smile. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and customized according to your unique considerations.

What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your teeth? Some aspects of your smile that your cosmetic dentist will review with you and that could be improved with a smile makeover include the following:

Tooth Color: Silver or amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with natural, tooth-colored composite restorations, while teeth whitening can improve the color of stained or dulled teeth. Tooth color and shading are important considerations during the evaluation of and preparation for various procedures, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, composite bonding and dental implants. When considering the color of your teeth, keep in mind that dark or discolored teeth may suggest an aged mouth. A well-shaped smile comprised of bright, white teeth lends to a youthful appearance. The shade your dentist selects for teeth whitening and veneers is carefully evaluated with special consideration given to the tone and color of your face and hair. Cosmetic dentists are skilled at finding the right balance between providing you with a brighter, whiter smile and maintaining a natural tooth color.

Alignment and Spacing: Teeth that are crooked, overlapping or have gaps between them can be straightened and aligned when necessary through orthodontics or Invisalign and improved with veneers.

Missing Teeth: One or more missing teeth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile — as well as affect your bite and increase your risk for tooth decay — making replacement an integral part of oral health and facial esthetics. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, bridges or partial dentures.

Harmony and Balance: Uneven, chipped and cracked teeth can be cosmetically bonded for an improved appearance, and a gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the overall look of the smile.

Fuller Lips, Smile and Cheeks: An unshapely or aging face can be improved or rejuvenated with certain procedures in the smile makeover category, including orthodontics and/or oral maxillofacial surgery.

Esthetic Components of a Smile Makeover

In addition to the color, alignment and balance of your teeth in the esthetic zone of your smile (the section of upper and lower teeth that show when you smile), there are several attributes of your teeth and smile that your cosmetic dentist will evaluate with you when planning your smile makeover. These include:

Tooth Length: Long teeth lend a youthful appearance. Aging produces wear and tear that often results in shorter teeth, and a gummy smile also can make teeth appear shorter. A smile makeover treatment for shorter teeth may include reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth with composite bonding or porcelain veneers. If you have a gummy smile, your cosmetic dentist may provide treatment to modify the gum line and lengthen the appearance of the teeth using laser dentistry procedures. You may also be referred to a periodontist for crown lengthening if necessary.

Teeth lengthening may also impact your overall facial appearance. For example, shapely, long, square teeth on a round-faced individual can provide a slimming effect.

Smile Line: The smile line is an imaginary line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from side to side, which ideally should be the same as the curve of your lower lip when you smile. This standard point of reference for smile makeovers may be used to help determine how long your new teeth should be.

Tooth Proportions: Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth to determine if they are in correct proportion with each other. Most people recognize a pleasing smile as one in which the two central front teeth are dominant and have a width-to-length ratio of 4-to-5. This proportion guides the length and width of other teeth in the esthetic zone so that the smile line appears balanced.

Tooth Texture and Characterization: Cosmetic dentists performing smile makeovers are adept at blending functionality and esthetics. An artistic dentist can characterize your crowns or veneers to create a more feminine or a more masculine appearance, in addition to matching the look and feel of natural teeth or those you’ve seen in photographs.
The Life of Your Smile Makeover

Cosmetic dentistry procedures require regular oral hygiene care and may require maintenance over time. Permanent composite bonding may stain and require enhancement or replacement. Dental crowns typically require replacement after 10 to 15 years. Gummy smile improvements may also require enhancement over time. Your ceramist, lab technician and the materials chosen by your dentist also impact the longevity of your smile makeover. To achieve the best results, take special care in selecting your cosmetic dentist and inquiring about your material options.

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