Author: cara

Does Your Social Media Profile Need a Smile Makeover?  

Posted on by cara

Pretty Smiling GirlThere are hundreds of active social media sites on the internet, but Facebook is still the grandfather with over 2 billion active users. Considering that’s almost one-quarter of the planet’s human population, that’s a pretty significant turnout. Like it or hate it, social media is here to stay, and even with multiple site accounts, almost 40% of the world’s population is social media-driven. Younger users tend to be the majority, but there are still over 60 million business pages on Facebook alone. That translates to a lot of potential connections or even customers possibly picking apart every picture listed on your page. The right cosmetic dentistry procedures can help make everything shine, but how do you know if your social media profile really needs a smile makeover?

 Your Teeth Are Significantly Or Severely Stained
Life is messy and food, beverages, and vices stain more than your clothes or upholstery. They stain your teeth as well. Over the course of time, even certain produce like dark berries can darken your enamel by several shades. Store-bought whitening aids like whitening pastes, rinses, and even dental strips rarely come near delivering the promises on the packages. Moreover, they can be abrasive enough to cause damage or set the stains in further. In-office professional teeth whitening can be fully customized to fit each patient’s needs to remove several shades. It can even be completed over your lunch break, split into several appointments, or packaged to apply at home. The results can thereby be as subtle or shocking as your online social media presence requires it to be.

 Your Teeth Are Obviously Crooked
A number of factors can affect the positioning of one’s teeth, and they’re often hard if not impossible to control on your own. First impressions are everything, and the human brain recognizes someone with straight teeth to be more attractive than someone with obviously crooked teeth. Social media is a quick-paced connection that often relies on first impressions and instant decisions to build followers. But straight teeth are far more than aesthetic. They also offer less places for decay to hide, so there’s less risk for cavities and gum disease. Your Midtown Manhattan dentist can provide solutions to clean, straighten, and adjust teeth to make them ready for their close up. And that effort can result in better first impressions which translate to extra connections and customers.

Your Teeth are Misshapen
Stains and alignment are common cosmetic dentistry concerns, yet misshaped teeth are often overlooked or ignored. Straight teeth can still be unattractive if they’re not shaped correctly. Uneven or worn down teeth can be a result of several issues including cracks, chips, decay, injury, and bruxism. No amount of straightening can repair those issues. However, other cosmetic dentistry procedures can. Bonding, contouring, caps, bridges, and porcelain veneers are some of the most common solutions. Your Midtown Manhattan dentist can help you decide which procedures fit your needs to ensure your social media profile’s picture perfect.

Time for a Summer Makeover in Midtown with Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on by cara

smile makeoverSummer’s in full-force and that means your smile has likely been on display for better or for worse. If you feel the latter is more likely, join the club. Almost one-third of Americans refuse to smile in pictures due to the condition of their teeth while over 80% feel their smile keeps them from being attractive enough to be tagged in pictures. Life’s too short to be that unhappy, especially when it’s so easy to obtain a stunning smile makeover. But what options can fit your needs for a much-needed summer confidence boost?

 Professional Tooth Whitening
Anyone can pick up an over-the-counter home whitening kit at their favorite box or discount store. But to see real results the process often needs to be repeated continuously, and in many cases that just eats through the buyer’s budget and enamel. Professional teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure for several reasons. The procedure is quick enough to see dramatic results in as little as an hour. It’s non-invasive so there are no discomfort or post sensitivity issues to worry about. And the process is completely customizable, so whether you have two or twelve shades to lose, your Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist can easily tackle the job.

Porcelain Veneers or Cerinate Lumineers
If you think your favorite celebrities or reality stars were born with perfect smiles, think again. Porcelain veneers are generally the go-to solution for the red carpet crowd. While the average American doesn’t have the luxury of having on-call beauty teams, they can still easily get the smile makeover solution of their dreams within a few office visits. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are customized to fit right over your existing teeth. The solution is invasive as a small amount of enamel needs to be removed during the fitting process. However, if that’s a concern, Cerinate Lumineers can potentially fit the bill. At about half the width of veneers, these shells are often just as strong and durable. And since they are so thin, no enamel needs to be removed in most cases… which means they’re non-invasive and reversible if you have a change of heart later.

Cosmetic Tooth Bonding
There are few solutions that can match the effectiveness, ease, and affordability of tooth bonding. This option corrects multiple issues including cracks, chips, discoloration, and jagged or misshapen teeth. The non-invasive procedure is usually completed within a single appointment and only requires light sanding of the enamel for the tooth or teeth in need of repair. The tooth is then covered in a conditioning agent, brushed with tooth-colored resin, the resin is cured, and the repaired tooth is sculpted to match its original state. A final polish completely restores the tooth or to its natural beauty.  

Invisalign
If you have the time and desire to permanently repair your dental concerns but want to avoid traditional braces, Invisalign may be the clear solution for your stunning smile makeover. The crystal-clear aligners are custom designed to fit over your existing teeth and help them realign to correct multiple orthodontic issues. Unlike braces, Invisalign can be removed for meals, snacks, and cleaning needs, so there’s far more freedom with this treatment option. And since there are no metal wires or brackets involved, your smile will shine through all summer long. Contact your Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist to discuss which smile makeover solutions would best fit your needs.

 

 

Top 3 Options for Missing Teeth in Manhattan

Posted on by cara

 

 

dental implantsEdentulism is a nationwide concern with almost 180 million Americans missing at least one tooth and 40 million missing an entire mouthful. As we age, the problem intensifies. Decay is the primary culprit of shifting, loose, and eventually dislodged teeth, and it often begins with early signs of gum disease. Inflamed, tender, and bleeding gums are serious warning signs of advancing periodontal disease… from which approximately half of Americans suffer. Once the advanced symptoms set in, simple home oral health care isn’t enough to reverse the problem. Ignored or avoided too long and avulsion is bound to occur. Fortunately, your Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist has a few effective solutions for missing teeth.

 Porcelain Fixed Dental Bridge
A missing tooth leaves a gap in the mouth that not only results in severe confidence issues and the refusal to smile. It also provides the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and decay. While the surrounding teeth may be strong at first, ignore the missing tooth long enough and bacteria will begin eating away at the unprotected teeth as well. Damaged teeth often are repaired with porcelain crowns, but once a tooth completely falls out a porcelain bridge is needed. In this procedure, two crowns fit over the surrounding teeth on either end of the gap and the bridge itself fits directly into the gap. Thus, all spaces are secured and normal tooth functionality returns. With proper dental care and professional check-ups, a bridge can last well over a decade.

Dentures
Dental procedures have pretty much stayed the same over the years, but dental materials constantly evolve and improve. So modern dentures aren’t the same as the fake-looking gum-smacking variety your great-grandparents may have worn. Depending on the amount of tooth loss, your Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist may recommend full or partial dentures. Full dentures replace the entire top or bottom row of teeth while partials are created to fit into your mouth like a puzzle piece or Lego block, effectively replacing the gaps left by a few missing teeth. The porcelain caps within dentures are attached to a base resembling your natural gum. Color compatible dental-strength adhesive then holds the partial or full denture in place to your natural gum or even snaps onto metal clasps so slippage and discomfort are things of the past. Like many things in life, there is a learning curve for wearing dentures comfortably. But it’s a short curve for most patients.

Dental Implants
The concept of removable or non-permanent tooth replacement structures doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you’re among that crowd, dental implants may be a better option for your needs. Unlike other tooth replacement options that attach to surrounding teeth or are glued into the mouth, dental implants are surgically implanted to permanently replace the missing teeth. As such, all functionality is restored, and that often results in reverse aging as the facial structure also returns. Due to the surgical aspect, dental implants are an invasive procedure and require several appointments to complete. Three phases of the procedure include abutment implantation, osseointegration (bone acceptance and healing), and finally, placement of the porcelain crowns. Regardless of your needs or budget, Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist has a replacement solution that can fit your needs.

 

5 Summertime Dental Tips for Kids

Posted on by cara

dental tipsThe 12 weeks of summer break offer freedom and fun to over 55 million school-age children nationwide. But those 84 days of adventure can lead to more than giggles, sunburn, and scraped knees. Ignoring, avoiding, or postponing dental needs during summer break can lead to disastrous consequences that can permanently damage your child’s smile. While homework, schedules, and uniforms may be put on hold, proper dental care and attention must continue. Fortunately, protecting your kid’s smile during summer vacation is easy if they follow a few simple but effective dental tips.

Continue Or Improve Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing teeth in the morning before school starts is an easy habit to maintain. But once summer hits, schedules change quickly and throw everything off. It’s easy for dental hygiene habits to be forgotten as sleep and play routines adjust. Your kids may still be asleep when you leave for work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still monitor their dental behaviors. Leave reminders. Enact reward systems. Even load fun game-like dental apps on their phone. It will make summer brushing a blast.

Go Toothbrush Shopping
According to industry experts, you should be changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. So chances are, everyone in the household is just about ready for a new toothbrush. Even if they’re not, they’re generally cheap enough that making summer toothbrush shopping an annual family event can keep your kids and their dentist smiling through the summer. Let the kids pick out their own to keep them motivated. And if the budget allows why not pick up some new floss and some fun rinse options? Make your kids feel like they have a say in every step of the process and oral hygiene won’t feel like a chore. 

Watch the Sugar Intake
Summer is guaranteed to offer plenty of chances to rot your kids’ teeth. From Popsicles and soda to festive deserts and even gum, sugar’s bound to be easily obtained. Fortunately, you can offset those cravings by keeping the right food on hand. Instead of loading the freezer with confection, opt to freeze some cotton candy grapes. Keep plenty of fruit and veggies in the crisper. And make sure your kids primarily drink water and milk throughout the day. While cutting all sugar is practically impossible, a few simple tweaks can make a huge difference. 

Use Mouth Guards for Summer Sports
Over 5 million teeth are avulsed annually at a lifetime cost of anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Many of those teeth are injured or knocked out during summer sports. But using a simple device can help decrease the risks of dental injury so everyone can continue having fun. Risks of orofacial injury in sports are almost 200% more likely without the use of a mouth guard. Both the International Academy of Sports Dentistry and American Dental Association recommend mouth guards for almost 30 different activities. And since they can be easily and affordably obtained via your dentist or even at a box store, there’s no reason not to stock up.

 Schedule Your Dental Visits Early
The ADA recommends bi-annual dental visits for each family member to keep everyone’s teeth healthy and strong. Most parents opt to wait until the end of the summer to schedule their kids’ appointments. But that can create quite a jam for a busy dental team and extra stress for families busy with back-to-school errands and obligations. Scheduling the appointments with your Johns Creek dentist in early to mid-summer can ensure your kids’ teeth are fresh and ready for fall. And you can even pick up the mouth guards and summer health tips needed to keep everyone active and safe all summer long.

4 Benefits of a Holistic Smile Makeover

Posted on by cara

dental fillingIf you happen to hate your smile, you’re definitely not in a club by yourself. Accordingto studies, almost 30% of American adults hate smiling due to dental-related confidence issues. No one’s really born with a perfect smile, regardless of what Hollywood and reality shows reflect, but the average American doesn’t have a beauty team on call 24/7. Nonetheless, whether you have one issue or several dental issues to correct, the right smile makeover can drastically improve your appearance and also improve your life. But what are the real benefits of opting for holistic dentistry treatments?

Silver Fillings Are Never a Solution
Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, the fact is that mercury is one of the most toxic elements on the planet. The average person gets enough mercury through fish and various products we come into contact with on a regular basis, so why should your dentist opt to seal your fillings with the toxic substance? That’s never an issue with holistic dentistry treatments. Using modern composite materials that can be easily matched to the shade of your surrounding teeth, you’ll neither need to worry about the toxicity or unsightliness of mercury fillings.

Non-Invasive Smile Makeover Options
Repair and cosmetic work via traditional dentistry can be invasive and even painful. Porcelain veneers require removing existing enamel. Decay removal can lead to a painful and expensive root canal. And many anesthetic treatments result in overdose, allergies, or other adverse reactions. That’s not the case with your Fort Lauderdale dentist. Lumineers can offer the same type of results as porcelain veneers without invasive prep work. Root canals are never part of a holistic dentistry treatment. And in most cases, anesthesia doesn’t need to even be suggested. 

Biocompatible Testing Is Always Provided for Safe and Effective Treatment
So many things in life parade as one-size-fits-all solutions, but your dental treatments should never be among them. Traditional dentistry doesn’t undergo the strict material testing that holistic dentistry does to ensure all products are biocompatible with the patient’s natural body chemistry. Such compatibility testing eliminates threats and concerns regarding systematic reactions and multiple diseases linked to toxic materials that easily break down via the mouth and are inhaled into the bloodstream. So you can rest assured your new smile won’t be the cause of future chronic conditions and disease.

Say Goodbye to Dental Avoidance and Yes to Success!
A recent study by the American Dental Association discovered that tooth pain and anxiety hinder job search success for many millennials. The study also disclosed that over 30% of young adults suffer from untreated dental decay and 28% believe the condition of their teeth undermines their chances of a positive interview. Unlike traditional dentistry, holistic dentistry treatments focus on non-invasive, natural relaxants, and toxic-free solutions to correct multiple issues or simply the one that is keeping you from flashing those pearly whites. Special techniques preserve as much as the existing tooth surface as possible so you don’t lose your natural beauty in the process of repairing the problem. Contact your Fort Lauderdale holistic dentist today to discuss which holistic dentistry treatments can improve your life.

Make Your Summer Fun with Invisalign

Posted on by cara

InvisalignSummer and freedom go hand-in-hand, but traditional orthodontic treatments can create serious seasonal challenges. Sports, snacks, and smiling galore are part of the summer experience, yet all three of those are all-too-often limited while wearing metal braces or dealing with untreated dental issues. Wearing Invisalign can make all the difference this summer. But just how can your Red Bank dentist make your summer fun with Invisalign?

 Invisalign Lets You Enjoy Your Favorite Treats

 Summer treats are around every corner, and even items like Popsicles, pizza, and trail mix can get stuck in braces. Moreover, they can damage the wires leading to an expensive and often painful experience. That’s not a concern with Invisalign. While the general rule is still not to go overboard, the ability to remove the aligners means there really are no limits on what you can enjoy… within reason, of course. So taste that taffy, pulverize that pizza, and chomp on those churros. Just make sure to follow-up with proper cleaning and replacing your aligners after snack or meal time.

 Invisalign Lets You Play Your Favorite Sports

 Sports and rough play of all kinds are just part of the summer experience, but that can be a serious challenge with traditional braces. In this day and age of extreme sports-related injuries, mouth guards are often a requirement. Invisalign aligners may seem as though they’d work for that purpose, but that can be a painful and expensive mistake. Invisalign is not the same as a mouth guard and the aligners can actually shift and harm the mouth if left in during sports play. Plenty of fun can still be had. Just make sure your kids know to remove the aligners prior to wearing the appropriate mouth guard for sports play and replace the aligners when they’re done.

 Invisalign Keeps Everyone Smiling

 According to a national study, almost one-third of Americans don’t smile in pictures and over 80% of Americans admit they don’t think their smile is attractive. With social media invading homes, schools, and businesses, millions of Americans end up scrambling to untag themselves on a regular basis. This is a common situation while wearing metal braces because social media easily becomes viral and kids have it rough enough without the extra bullying from complete strangers. But Invisalign allows your confidence shine through. So let that gorgeous smile reflect the fun you’re having this summer. No one has to know you’re wearing your aligners unless you disclose that fact, and all anyone will notice is your brilliant smile.

 Invisalign Is a Comfortable, Convenient, and Quick Solution

 Wearing Invisalign can be a comfortable, convenient, and quick solution to multiple orthodontic needs as long as the basic rules are followed. Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day to be effective. Since they’re removable, that allows extra freedom to eat, snack, drink your favorite beverages and even give your gums a break if needed. Cleaning is simple since gentle detergent or even toothpaste and a soft toothbrush work wonders. And while traditional braces may take up to five years to complete treatment, Invisalign treatment can be completed in an average of 18 months. Contact your Red Bank dentist to see if Invisalign is right for you.

 

5 Smile-Friendly Tips for Summer Dental Care

Posted on by cara

summer dental careSummer freedom and fun can do a real number on your family’s schedules and personal habits. All that free time can specifically create havoc on oral hygiene habits. After all, sleeping in and late nights may be highlights of the season, but your kids’ teeth will likely suffer the consequences if they’re not careful. The last thing anyone wants is a mouth full of decay and potentially damaged teeth upon starting the new school year. Fortunately, it’s easy to protect your teeth if you’re diligent and follow five simple rules for summer dental care.

Go on a Dental Shopping Adventure
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so chances are at least someone in the household needs a new one. Even if they’re not quite worn, summer’s still a good time to reinforce the habit while focusing on the fun element. An easy way to achieve this is to take your kids shopping and let them pick out their new equipment. From superheroes to princesses or even just funky color combinations, everyone’s bound to find the perfect new toothbrush to keep their dental habits strong all summer long.

Schedule Daily Oral Health Care for the Entire Household
Most dentists agree that brushing should be done for at least two minutes twice a day. If you’re able to do it three times per day, even better. Once in the morning, or whenever they finally roll out of bed, and again at the end of the day is a good plan for ensuring it gets done. Flossing should be done once a day. Leave reminders on the refrigerator, have daily text check-ins for verification, or even create a reward chart so there are some fun prizes linked to good check-ups.

Stock Your Kitchen with Summer-Friendly Snacks
Play dates, overnights, and beach or pool adventures provide plenty of access to poor food choices and sugary treats. Candy, cookies, soda, and even a pizza binge can result in an acid attack on the teeth. But when healthy snacks and options are available at home, there’s less chance your kids will have so much junk food on their minds. Keep your refrigerator stocked with fresh produce like baby carrots, berries, and baggies of fresh goodies ready to grab and go on a moment’s notice. And encourage water and milk as their main beverage options instead of sugar-laden drinks like soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks.

Prepare and Prevent Dental Emergencies
Water fun, sports, and bike riding increase in the summer, but so do the injuries. Over 5 million teeth are avulsed annually nationwide, and many of those occur during summer play. Talk to your kids about the importance of following pool rules and street rules. Make a curfew and house rules to ensure everyone’s where they’re supposed to be at a reasonable time. And stock up on mouth guards to help avoid or minimize orofacial injuries.

Schedule Your Back-to-School Dental Visits Early
A back-to-school dental exam is a great way to ensure your kids’ teeth remain clean and strong. And some schools actually require the exam prior to returning for the school year. Regardless of whether your school requires or simply recommends the option, it’s still important to fit it into your summer schedule. But you certainly don’t have to wait until a few weeks before school resumes. Schedule your appointments early with your Moorestown Biomimetic Dentist to beat the inevitable August rush and get some tips from the pros for ensuring the entire family keeps smiling all summer long.

 

4 Benefits of Invisalign for Teens

Posted on by cara

invisalign teenThere’s no doubt or use in debating the effect of braces for serious orthodontic concerns. In fact, according to Humana, more than 4 million Americans currently wear braces. That total almost doubled between 1982 and 2009, and it keeps growing. But not everyone who needs orthodontic improvements wants braces. In many cases today, the cons of wearing braces often outweigh the pros. Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to just keep dreaming of that perfect smile thanks to Invisalign, the almost invisible way to straighten teeth. But what are some major benefits of Invisalign for teens?

Transparency

Most adolescents at one point or another are caught between wanting to be the center of attention and wishing they could fade into the shadows. While traditional metal braces are a rite of passage for many, they also often make an already insecure or visually focused teen retreat… at least until the procedure is completed. However, Invisalign can help your teenager come out of their shell and rejoin the human race. The clear aligners are almost completely invisible and allow teens to engage in social activities without the potential negative stigma of metal mouth. And that’s priceless.

 More Food Freedom

One problem with traditional braces is the food limitations. Crunchy snacks, popcorn, gooey sweets, and even certain fruits and vegetables are completely off limits unless you want to end up with broken wires and extended procedure time. However, that’s not such an issue with Invisalign. The clear aligners are removable which make strict dietary limitations during orthodontic treatment a thing of the past. So your teens can still enjoy their favorite treats, sweets, and snacks to a point. As always, moderation is key to avoid other potential health and dental issues down the road. But certain foods don’t have to be off-limits for years anymore simply due to a dental procedure.

Easy Care

Braces usually come with an extensive list of dos and don’ts that confound and confuse the patient before they leave the orthodontist. And cleaning… well, that’s another chore altogether. But that’s not a problem with Invisalign. In fact, if your kids have decent dental hygiene habits, they’re already armed with the knowledge and abilities needed to maintain and care for their aligners. Invisalign aligners need to be removed for mealtimes and snacks. The teeth and aligners simply need to be brushed afterward before the aligners are replaced, and then again before bed. As long as the aligners are cared for correctly and consistently, decay shouldn’t be a concern.

Invisalign Is Compatible with Extra-Curricular Activities

Braces can get damaged easily, so some orthodontists limit specific activities such as sports and band. Sports and musical equipment can easily jar the mouth and pop out wires or dislodge brackets. But that’s not the case with Invisalign. The aligners still need to remain in the mouth during practice and games or performances, and the patient may require practice or a learning curve to get used to the feeling and responsiveness while wearing the device. However, a little patience is all it usually takes for your teens to get right back on track with their favorite activities. Contact your Johns Creek Dentist to see if Invisalign is right for your kid.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Invisalign

Posted on by cara

invisalignAccording to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), over one-third of American adults dislike their smiles for some reason. Almost 50% of adults remove social media photo tags, and close to 25% blame their smile for a disappointing or lackluster social life. And on top of that, nearly 80% of American adults connect a crooked or unattractive smile with being professionally unsuccessful. While that’s simply projection and opinion, the truth is someone’s opinion is often the only thing standing between remaining stagnant or advancing in life. Cosmetic dentistry offers an array of solutions to improve confidence and increase chances for success. Porcelain veneers and Invisalign are among the most popular and effective solutions to improve your smile. But how do they differ and which option is best for your needs?

 What’s So Special About Porcelain Veneers?

Anyone can have the appearance of perfect teeth thanks to porcelain veneers. This procedure is the not-so-secret celebrity solution for Red Carpet-ready smiles. Whether you have gaps, misalignment, chips, cracks, bite issues, or bad stains, porcelain veneers can quickly give you the smile of your dreams. These wafer-thin porcelain shells are custom made to each patient’s specific needs and desires. A couple appointments are usually enough to get the smile of your dreams with porcelain veneers. The dentist will discuss the patient’s needs and virtually prepare the shells during the first appointment. And the follow-up appointment will be scheduled to approve and affix them. The veneers are lab created between appointments. Porcelain veneers are somewhat invasive as the dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the affected teeth to affix the shells. Therefore, they’re an irreversible procedure. Veneers tend to be more stain resistant than natural enamel, but heavily pigmented food and beverages can discolor the materials over time. However, if they’re taken care of properly porcelain veneers can last up to a couple decades without any issues or replacement concerns.

What’s So Special About Invisalign?

Like veneers, Invisalign is an aesthetic solution to multiple dental concerns. But Invisalign does far more than simply mask or cover the problem. Like braces, the clear aligners help straighten teeth over time and correct moderate to serious issues such as gaps, bite issues, overcrowding, and misaligned teeth. But unlike braces and veneers for that matter, Invisalign aligners are clear. Custom designed for the needs of each individual patient, the aligners are worn at least 22 hours each day and only removed for meals and snacks. And like traditional braces, Invisalign can take several months or years to correct the orthodontic issues. Unlike veneers, an Invisalign patient can opt out of the procedure if they suddenly change their mind. But if they use the aligners correctly, their patience will be rewarded with a beautiful new smile.

What’s the Best Solution?

The best solution is completely subjective and should be based on each patient’s specific needs and desires. If your dental issues are primarily visual issues such as gaps, stains, cracks, or chips and you want to improve your smile quickly, porcelain veneers may be the best choice. But if your teeth can be straightened, you have time to devote to that cause, and you’d like to save some money in the process, Invisalign can be the clear solution. A call to your Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist can help you make the final decision and get the smile you deserve.

Love Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Posted on by cara

cosmetic dentistryIt’s no secret Americans are known for their smiles. But it’s also surprising just how many Americans hate smiling. According to a recent study, almost 30% of people refuse to smile in pictures due to their smile, and over 80% of people openly admit to not liking their smiles in photos. Cosmetic dentistry provides multiple options for obtaining the smile of your dreams, and porcelain veneers are among the most popular solutions. A simple call to your Moorestown dentist can get the ball rolling on having the smile of your dreams. But why should you consider porcelain veneers?

Porcelain Veneers Correct Multiple Issues at Once

Realizing you need serious dental work can be a nerve-wracking experience. The potential expense of correcting multiple issues is often enough of a reason to avoid the dentist altogether. But that’s not necessary thanks to porcelain veneers. Whether you have annoying or unattractive gaps, chips or cracks, or even severely stained teeth from years of coffee, wine, and even smoking, porcelain veneers can close, cover and correct those concerns.

Porcelain Veneers Are a Quick and Minimally Invasive Solution

After deciding porcelain veneers are the right solution, your dentist can usually improve your smile in just two visits. The first appointment will involve running x-rays and taking various photographs and impressions of your teeth. Computer generations may be provided to show what you’ll look like with your new smile. Another appointment will be arranged to fit in with your schedule. During the second appointment, numbing spray and local injections will be administered to numb each tooth receiving treatment. Your dentist will file minimal amounts of enamel from the front and bottom of the teeth to ensure proper and seamless of the new veneers. Then temporary veneers will be placed on the necessary teeth. Depending on the number of teeth needing veneers, this appointment may take one to three hours. You’ll be expected to wear the temporaries for two weeks before returning for one more permanent fitting of your final porcelain veneers.  

Porcelain Veneers Are Easy to Maintain

Porcelain veneers aren’t maintenance-free. But as long as you have good dental hygiene habits in place, taking care of your veneers should be a piece of cake. As always, brush your teeth twice a day and floss once to keep stains and decay at bay. Wear oral protection or a mouthguard when playing sports or in extreme activities. Avoid grinding your teeth or talk to your dentist about controlling the habit. And see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Porcelain Veneers Are Stain Resistant and Durable

Porcelain veneers are created from a special material that resists decay and stains better than natural enamel. However, staining is still quite possible in extreme cases. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), specific tannins in foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine can still stain dental-grade porcelain. Chomping on ice or other hard items may also occasionally cause a porcelain veneer to chip. But when cared for correctly, veneers can withstand normal life strains and average a 15-year lifespan without many, if any, concerns. When you’re ready to get the smile of your dreams, contact your Moorestown dentist to see if porcelain veneers are for you.