     |
| What are some of my options for improving my smile? |
| Professional teeth whitening is one procedure that will help the color of your teeth. Bonding and veneers are two procedures that will do that, along with fixing chips and cracks. |
| |
| What is a veneer? |
It is a paper-thin, custom-made front and side "mask" for you tooth.
|
| |
| Does a veneer weaken your natural tooth? |
| It is made of very durable ceramic material that actually strengthens your tooth. |
| |
| Does it hurt? Will I need anesthesia? |
| No and No!! Many patients say that it is as easy as having their teeth cleaned and in most cases no anesthesia is needed. |
| |
| Will veneers look odd next to my other teeth? |
| The porcelain veneers can be color matched to the rest of your teeth. They are made to have the same translucent quality as tooth enamel. Veneers can correct breaks and odd shapes and even lengthen your teeth to give a more uniform and attractive smile. Even though they are thin, they can block out even the most severe stains, such as those from antibiotics, coffee or tobacco. |
| |
| How often to they need to be replaced? |
| Since they are made from ceramic, they last longer than bonding material. |
| |
| How are they placed on teeth? |
| The teeth are buffed and an impression made on the first visit. On the second visit, microscopic holes are made on the surface of the tooth and the inside of the veneers. Cement is applied to the veneers and then placed on the teeth. The cement is hardened with a bonding light. Veneers are then polished to achieve a natural look. |
| |
| Why would I choose veneers over bonding? |
| Bonding only lasts an average of 3-5 years before it needs to be redone for discoloration or weakening. (Bonding is less expensive because so much less is involved.) |
| |
| What is the difference between a crown and a bridge? |
| A crown (cap) is a ceramic or gold covering for an individual tooth that has been severely damaged by a fracture, weakened by decay, or has a very large old filling. The dentist removes the decay, prepares the tooth, takes a mold, and makes a temporary crown until the lab fashions the permanent crown. A bridge is recommended when there is tooth loss. A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side of the gap. |
| |
| What is an impacted wisdom tooth? |
| It is a third molar that is trapped in the jawbone and causes crowding, displacement, decay, infection or gum disease. These teeth continue to grow in many different directions- horizontally, vertically or at an angle. |
| |
| What is a dry socket? |
The site where the tooth was extracted is usually sutured closed. If the sutures come loose too soon or the site is traumatized (by eating something crunchy, too hot too soon, not drinking enough liquids, etc.), it can heal improperly. This can be very painful and you need to see your dentist immediately !!
|
| |
| When should baby teeth be extracted? |
| If the permanent front teeth do not have room enough to erupt properly, then it is often advisable to remove certain of the baby teeth in sequence. This is called serial extraction. This minimizes the severe crowding and severe rotations of the front teeth and reduces the chances for tooth decay and tissue damage that often occur when teeth are crowded. |
| |
| What age is "too old " for braces? |
| Never!! More and more adults (25% of all orthodontia patients) are improving the way their teeth fit in their mouths through orthodontic appliances. They (braces ) even improve overall health by making it easier to care for teeth and gums and making it more comfortable to chew. Improving your smile and your self confidence may include wearing braces for lasting benefit! Have an orthodontist analyze your goals with you. Your first visit is complimentary. |
| |
| Sealants- what are they and who needs them and when? |
| Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where cavities usually begin. These prevent decay by keeping gums and food out of the tiny grooves and pits in the tooth enamel. They are recommended for children as they get their permanent molars and for young adults. |
|
How are they applied and how long do they last?
|
Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden with a special light to form a shield over the tooth. With regular dental check ups, these can last up to ten years!!
|
|
What is your question?
|
Please E - mail us and we will get your answer to you!!!
|
