Category: Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentists commonly use dental veneers for smile designing. Aren’t you happy with your smile? It has stains or is chipped or oddly placed? If yes, dental veneers are the perfect treatment option for you. The longevity of dental veneers has drastically increased and it is possible to retain the beautiful smile for a long time. Dental Veneers are very natural and do not look artificial.

But what are dental veneers and where is it of use?

Dental veneers are very thin, tooth-colored materials and custom-fit and stick to teeth by means of special dental adhesives. They can recommended by dentists to address the following complaints:

• Spaces between the teeth:
• Chipped teeth
• Yellow teeth/ Stained teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Uneven or undersized teeth

Veneers are a great option for patients who are not happy with their smile. For instance, those who have the above mentioned problems. They make an effective and durable method of smile designing.

What are the types of Dental Veneers?

There are two types of dental veneers, direct and indirect. Let’s look at each separately.

Indirect Veneers

Indirect Veneers require multiple appointments with the dental surgeon . It offers better results as compared to Direct Veneers. These are thin shells of ceramic which bond to the tooth surface and give lustre and shine to the teeth. We usually do a mock up and show you the final outcome prior to placing the veneers. We reduce the tooth by approximately one half of a millimeter or even less. An impression taken of the teeth and sent to the laboratory fr creation of the custom-made veneer. Ceramic veneers are custom-made in a laboratory and glued to the teeth with the help of dental cements. They resist stains better than composite or direct veneers. And better simulate the shine of natural teeth. With routine care and good oral hygiene, ceramic laminate veneers can be a conservative and ideal treatment option.

Direct Veneers

Direct Veneers is made of composite which is a tooth colored material and directly bond to the tooth. It is fast and cost effective and small defects can be beautifully restored with composite. The dentist will match the shade of composite to your teeth to get the perfect natural result. Composite veneers are thinner.Therefore, require less removal of the tooth surface before placement. The dentist clinically examines the teeth and takes radiographs if necessary. We understand the expectations of the patient and the extent of correction and recommend the treatment plan.

How should you care for your veneers?

• Brush and floss your dental veneers regularly like normal teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene is paramount for maintaining the luster of the veneer. Use non abrasive toothpastes .
• Chewing on hard items like ice and hard candy might cause chipping and wearing out of veneers over time. For instance, this is also true for natural teeth.
• Frequent intake of wine, coffee, tea and tobacco can cause direct veneers to discolor with time. Indirect veneers are more resistant to discoloration.
• Polish dental veneers periodically to allow you enjoy longer results.
• Protect the teeth by using mouth guard while playing. Similarly, use a night guard if you are a night grinder.

What are the risks associated with dental veneers?

These are very safe and minimally invasive. However, do take the following facts into account before you decide to plunge for them.

You can not remove veneers

A thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. And the enamel lost will not repair itself which makes the porcelain veneer procedure irreversible. The veneers must be maintained or replaced to avoid tooth decay.The protective enamel is no longer covering the tooth. Ceramic veneers may not last a lifetime as they wear down over time, break, chip, or fall off. If a veneer gets damaged, replace it to protect the tooth from decay.

Conclusion

A beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence and well-being. With proper oral care and regular dental visits, long lasting success can be achieved with veneers. Book an appointment to discuss veneers for a smile makeover with your dentist and take your first step to a beautiful smile!

Would you believe me if I told you that I can straighten out your teeth with invisible braces to? You can say goodbye to traditional braces. These look ugly and unappealing to some of us and for those, we have clear aligners. Clear aligners or invisible braces substitute traditional metal or ceramic braces. These use a gradual force to bring about tooth movement. But did you know? It is done without the use of wires or brackets like conventional braces.

What are clear aligners (invisible braces) made of?

The aligners are basically a strong plastic material. They are transparent and snugly fit into your mouth. These are easy to use and are literally invisible. The dentist would clinically examine the patient. We record the teeth alignment and tale full-mouth X-rays and facial and intraoral photographs. We digitally scan the teeth to record details to make 3D models. This helps us to decide the number of aligners needed to correct the malocclusion. Initially, we give a set of aligners. Each aligner moves the teeth in increments until the desired movement is achieved.Wear each aligner for two weeks before you move onto the next one. In addition, a number of tooth ‘attachments’ which appear as small white bumps ia placed on the teeth. They help the aligners to grip properly and shift the teeth gradually into position. In conclusion, you need to also understand that not every case can be treated by clear aligners. Depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of correction required, aligners will be recommended. If major corrections are required, the use of aligners alone is not sufficient to achieve the desired result.

How long will I need to wear clear aligners(invisible braces)?

Firstly, wear each aligner for at least 20-22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness. Secondly, each set of aligners is worn for three weeks before you go onto the next one. The length of treatment with aligners depends upon the severity of each case. Aligner treatment time is variable ranging from as short to three weeks or as long as six months. Aligners offer a much shorter treatment than traditional braces.

What are the advantages of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners?

• Esthetic
• Clear aligners are removable.Therefore, it is easier to maintain oral hygiene
• Very comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks
• Clear aligners can prevent tooth wear from grinding

What are the disadvantages with clear aligners?

• We can not do major corrections with clear aligners
• The success of the treatment heavily relies on the patient compliance. If you fail to wear them regularly, treatment will be delayed by weeks.
• Few foods and spices can stain and discolor the aligners.
• The buttons or tooth attachments on the teeth put by the dentist can sometimes bother the patient.
• It is expensive.

The orthodontist monitors and supervises the entire treatment.Clear aligners easily correct mild spacing, dental irregularity and mild crowding. To know if you can get your teeth straightened invisibly, book an appointment with us today