Choosing Between Veneers And Lumineers

Choosing Between Veneers And Lumineers

When people become displeased with their smiles, they often turn to the dentist for solutions. Outside of normal cleaning and whitening, the dentist may offer the choice of getting veneers or lumineers. Both options can create a smile that people will love, but have differences that will be a deciding factor. Here is a breakdown on what veneers and lumineers can offer.

Veneers, otherwise known as dental porcelain laminates, are a kind of covering that can be placed on the teeth. They are mostly used as a solution for imperfections that can be normally found on teeth, such as chipped portions, cracks, discoloration, and even fillings. Veneers can even be used to provide a solution for a condition known as diastema, where there is a gap between the teeth. The veneers will fill in the necessary space and make the teeth appear as they would in a normal mouth.

The veneers give those who have them the appearance of teeth that look exactly the way they want, but there are some drawbacks to them. Veneers are applied using a bonding process, where the surface of the existing tooth is reduced, usually by about 5mm. This involves removing the enamel, leaving only an unprotected surface behind. This process is irreversible and if the veneers have to be removed for any reason, the tooth will be unprotected again.

Lumineers are a type of veneer, but they’re not entirely the same as veneers. They perform the same function of acting as a covering for teeth to hide any dental issues. The process of applying lumineers differs greatly from that of veneers. While veneers are more involved and use tooth reduction to facilitate the bonding process, lumineers are simply applied to the teeth without doing any kind of removal of enamel. This means that the process of adding lumineers can be reversed to give the wearer their normal teeth back.

Although lumineers are easier to apply and provide wearers with a good smile, they’re not entirely perfect. Lumineers are pretty durable and strong, but they’re are not as thick as veneers. When lumineers are worn, they have a bulkier look than veneers because of how they fit over the teeth. A bad lumineer application can find some wearers with gum inflammation and irritation as the lumineers might occasionally scrape against the lining of the gums.

Between lumineers and veneers, lumineers seem like a better option for those who want to have better looking teeth without as much difficulty. Although veneers offer a more permanent solution than lumineers, the fact that the teeth must be reduced and that it isn’t reversible can be a turn off for many. Still, either option can create a great smile.

October 13, 2018

4 Ways to Replace a Tooth

4 Ways to Replace a Tooth

Let’s face it, accidents happen and it’s quite unfortunate when someone loses a tooth. Luckily for us, with new modern cosmetic dentistry procedures there are a couple of options to replace it. Here are five of the most common ways to replace a tooth!

Removable Partial Denture

If you were to lose a tooth a majority of people would agree they wouldn’t want it to be their front teeth. A removable partial denture, which is typically worn during the day, can replace one or many missing teeth. Depending on which teeth need replacing, the partial denture may need a metal clasp to stay in the mouth. This metal clasp will be shown when a individual speaks or smiles. Other disadvantages include: removable partial dentures can shift in one’s mouth while speaking or eating causing them to feel uncomfortable. The positives of removable partial denture is the fact that there is no need to file down any teeth so this option is the most affordable.

Temporary Denture

This is a short-term solution for a missing tooth. Temporary dentures are also known as “flippers” because it flips in and out easily. This procedure is recommended when the tooth will be restored in the future with a different cosmetic technique such as a bridge or an implant. These are similar to a removable partial denture, but the structure is less bulky, less sturdy and less expensive. Flippers can only be used if the surround teeth allow it to.

Dental Implant

The implant is probably the most recommended solution to a missing tooth. An implant will feel and acts the most like a natural tooth when eating, brushing and smiling. The implant will replace the root of the missing tooth and heals in the bone for 2-4 months. An abutment, which will later be placed with a crown, is installed. The advantage s of implants are that no other teeth need to be alter prior to installment and the fact that when smiling no one can tell that it’s fake. Another option if this isn’t for you are veneers

Do Nothing

When a tooth is removed the bone eventually melts away with the other teeth in the area. This will result with the possibility of the other teeth shifting over to fill the gap. Unfortunately, this can create difficult places to floss and brush.

October 8, 2018October 4, 2018

Dental Implant Types

dentist showing the process of dental procedures

Dental Implant Types

What are the types of Dental Implants?

Currently there are two dental implant types, which include the Endosteal implants which are placed into the jawbone. These implants are typically made from titanium and shaped similar to small screws. These are the more commonly used implant type. The Subperiosteal dental implants are inserted under the patients gum but, or above the patient’s jawbone. This is the implant type used for patients that don’t have enough natural and healthy jawbone available for the endosteal implants.

Alternative Dental Implant Techniques

Dependent on the condition of the jawbone and the specific needs of the patient, the dentist might suggest alternative options over and above the multi-step, traditional dental implant procedures. John Powers DMD does a variety of cosmetic dental procedures such as Implants and he highly recommends these alternative options. Everyone’s jawbone is slightly different so it’s essential to find the proper technique to help get you the healthy and beautiful smile that you deserve. John Powers recommends these other following options. Besides these treatments, Dr. Powers highly recommends veneers as an option.

1. Immediate Load Dental Implants

Also known as Teeth in a Day or same-day implants, the immediate load-dental implants allow for the placement of temporary teeth in the same day as the dental-implant placement. This is usually ideal for patients that have a strong jawbone, along with an implant that is secure enough in order to support immediate pressure and placement of the new (temporary) tooth or teeth.

2. MDIs (Mini Dental Implants)

Also known as narrow or small diameter implants, these implants are toothpick-sized and much narrower that the traditional implants. They are also placed using a less-invasive technique and are primarily used to stabilize lower dentures.

3. All-on-4

This is one of the latest alternatives to placing either a bottom or top set of the replacement teeth, which is known as a full-arch. The 4 dental implants will be inserted into the available bone, which does away with the requirement of bone grafting. Specialized abutments will be used so a set of temporary teeth can be positioned on the very same day. After six months, the patient will return once the implants have bonded successfully into the natural bone for the permanent set of replacement teeth.

October 5, 2018November 8, 2018

All About Dental Implant Problems

All About Dental Implant Problems

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is one of the most effective as well as popular treatments for missing teeth. It is a metal post that is surgically attached to the jawbone of the patient. This metal post is used to support an artificial tooth later on. Once the metal post is in place, a cosmetic dentist will insert the replacement tooth onto the implant. Although dental implants have a high success rate, there are about 5-10% failures – either shortly after the procedure is completed or after several months of the procedure. This article provides information on some of the most common dental implant problems out there.

What do the experts say?

John Powers DMD a highly recommended dentist in the Greenbelt, MD area, states “Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. A candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system for a successful implant. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.” Dr. Powers recommends cosmetic treatments such as veneers.

Should I be concerned with Dental Implant Practices?

Healthy gum tissue and jawbone are vital factors for the success of an implant. If the patient has a gum disease, he or she won’t qualify for the implant procedure. If you have gum disease, you have to consult a qualified dentist before you avail yourself for a dental implant procedure. Your dentist will treat the gum disease before recommending an implant for your condition.

What are other risk factors that will effect if Dental Implants are right for me?

Smoking can become a dental implant problem since it restricts the blood flow to the gum area. It can slow the healing process if you already have an implant. In fact, the latest research shows that smokers could have an implant failure rate of up to 20%. In fact, you should make sure to stop smoking at least 2-3 weeks before the implant procedure if you want it to become a success. Also, you shouldn’t smoke for at least 3-4 months soon after the implant procedure. On the other hand, implant failure becomes a possibility in case you are suffering from diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. This will cause your body to heal at a slower pace. That is why you should tell your dentist if you have such conditions when availing yourself of a dental implant.

October 2, 2018November 8, 2018

Are Dental Veneers Worth It?

Dental Veneers, what are they?

When you want to improve your looks, you may think right away about the different ways that you can change your looks. This is when you should know more about dental veneers and if these are worth the cost of getting the work done or not. What is even worse is the cost of these can be quite a bit and you need to get the answer before you make the decision on if you should be getting a veneer or not.

Can I get that perfect smile I always wanted?

When you are getting a veneer you will tend to have a perfect smile all the time. However, what you will find is this perfect smile will only last you about seven to fifteen years. So you will need to be concerned about the veneer wearing off, which can be a major issue as you would then have to get a replacement.

Now, because of the materials, the veneers are made from they will start to have some problems with the rest of your teeth. That is because the veneer will not have any changes over time like your normal teeth would have, with fading or staining. The veneers will remain the same, so it could start to look out of place.

A great aspect you will enjoy with the veneers, though, and what can really make it worth the cost is it can help cover up broken or missing teeth. This will help you get the best smile around and with that comes the confidence you need to have to get a better paying job or even get a chance to flash your smile.

When you are looking at cosmetic dentistry one aspect that tends to come to mind are veneers to get your great smile. However, the common question is are these worth it? The quick answer is a resounding yes if you want to have a smile that shows and exudes confidence.

So who can I trust?

When looking for a trustworthy Dentist for this procedure, we recommend John Powers DMD a trusted dentist in the Greenbelt, Maryland area. Dr. Powers has over 15 years of experience and will take care of your cosmetic dental and general dental needs.