cara, Author at Elivad

3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Even the slightest dental issues can cause a person to hide their smile. Of course, beauty is subjective and what may seem like a barely visible issue to one person may stand out like a beacon to another. Anything from sudden temperature changes in the mouth to getting hit in the face with a hockey puck can cause a tooth to chip or crack. And they’re not always exclusive. Once a deep crack sets in, the chip is often inevitable. Wait too long to treat it, and the injury can cause extra sensitivity, pain, lower self-esteem, damage tooth pulp, and even require a root canal to repair. But if you act relatively quickly and see your dentist as soon as possible, simple repairs even such as dental bonding or crowns may just save the day and the tooth. But what are the three easiest ways to fix a tooth and how exactly do they work?

Dental Bonding

Bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable dental solutions to repair minor problems. So if the chip is relatively small and uncomplicated, your dentist will likely suggest dental bonding. This is a quick and simple procedure in which your dentist uses a tooth-colored composite material to cover the healthy area of the chipped tooth. They’ll file the enamel slightly and mold the composite to look like a natural extension of the tooth. Light rays harden the material, and once it’s applied a professional dental bonding can last a decade or longer without any issues or worries.

Porcelain Veneers

Larger, more prominent, or otherwise more severe chips that seriously affect your appearance may need the help of porcelain veneers. These wafer-thin porcelain shells are the Hollywood secret for red carpet smiles. But they’re easily adapted to general life needs as well. This procedure takes two to three office visits to achieve, and they are an investment. But if you’ve ever wanted a perfect smile, they’re completely worth it. Your dentist will make molds, color match the porcelain shells to your surrounding teeth, lightly file down the enamel of the tooth or teeth involved, and affix the shells once they’re created. Clinical testing has concluded that porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years without any issues, so they’re a potentially permanent solution for more obvious chips.

Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped topper or cap that fits over a damaged tooth to correct the damage and restore the strength and structure of the broken or cracked tooth. Dental crowns are suggested for multiple reasons over bonding or veneers. If the tooth in question those surrounding it are especially weak, or the damaged tooth is badly discolored your dentist may heavily suggest a crown. The patient may also request a crown for cosmetic reasons. Crowns are generally applied when the chip is relatively severe, and a significant amount of the tooth is missing. A crown usually requires two visits: one to file the damaged tooth and make the mold, and the second appointment is the fitting once the crown has been completed. Regardless of which option you and your dentist decide upon to correct your chipped tooth, a simple call is the first step to a new beautiful smile.

Get a Great Smile in the New Year with Lumineers

When it comes to New Year resolutions, personal and self-improvement goals come in just after weight loss goals for countless Americans. Over 80% of Americans admit they’d focus on dental repairs if they had the option. While 41% of Americans make resolutions, only 8% ever reach any of their goals. In fact, according to US News, 80% of all resolutions made fail by February. An easy way around that is to enlist cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve at least one goal right off the bat. And if you really want to get a great smile quickly in the New Year, Lumineers may be the perfect solution.

Lumineers Are Convenient, Comfortable, and Long-Lasting

Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that is about half as thick as traditional veneers. Custom-designed Cerniate porcelain shells are created in widths of around 0.2 millimeters, so a bulky look or feel is never an issue after a brief breaking in period. Digitally created to be strong enough to withstand life demands, Lumineers are more resistant to leakage and cracking than traditional veneers. And since they can last up to two decades with good dental habits, the investment easily pays for itself.

Lumineers Correct Multiple Dental Concerns

Unlike other cosmetic dentistry procedures that take care of one or two issues, Lumineers can correct multiple dental concerns at once. Ditch the whitening strips and head to the dentist. Lumineers all discolored or seriously stained teeth without the addition of harsh chemicals or weakened enamel. Gaps, cracks, and chips can be corrected and covered instantly in exchange for picture perfect replacement “teeth”. You can even avoid the need for implants and partial dentures in some cases as long as your jaw structure and surrounding teeth are in decent condition.

Lumineers are Non-Invasive

Although traditional veneers are still thin compared to other dental solutions, their composite makeup requires a more aggressive approach to ensure they’re properly affixed. As such, irreversible removal of healthy enamel occurs. The process, while painless to most, can cause discomfort and require anesthesia to reduce sensitivity. That’s not usually the case with Lumineers. If your teeth are relatively strong prior to the procedure and you have no serious oral health issues, you may be able to avoid any tooth removal. And unlike porcelain veneers if you’re unhappy with the final outcome or placement Lumineers can be reversed.

Lumineers Are Time-Efficient Smile Solutions

Lumineers are one of the most efficient cosmetic dentistry procedures that offer almost instant gratification. Two office appointments are all it usually takes to get the smile of your dreams. Lumineers require no surgery or drilling. Minimal alteration of existing teeth is required, and the entire procedure is relatively hassle-free. And since there’s no pain and minimal to no discomfort, painful recovery time compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures is completely avoided. Before you decide to undergo, your Lumineers transformation, be sure to do your research and choose a certified Lumineers dentist. Give us a call to start your New Year off with a bang and see if Lumineers are right for you.

Are You Dreaming of Whiter Teeth for the Holidays?

As the holidays approach, many Americans prep and plan, forgetting about an unavoidable part of the season: the inevitable celebration pictures. In this day and age of mobile connection, chances are your image will be displayed on countless social media posts and profiles before you can say “Bah humbug”. According to a major study from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), over one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile and almost 50% of social media users untag themselves from images because of their personal lack of confidence. If only they knew how easily whiter teeth could restore their smiles. But what are the real benefits of opting for professional teeth whitening this holiday season?

Professional Teeth Whitening Is Customized and Powerful

Store-based box treatments work in a pinch, but they’re not one-size-fits-all solutions. While some people may experience decent results, others often end up seriously disappointed and repeat the process multiple times hoping to see the change they desire. Of course, that just leads to an empty wallet and potential enamel damage. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, is customized to each patient’s needs and personal desires. Each tooth is attended to and the right amount of bleaching and activation agents are used to ensure enough power to whiten and brighten up to ten shades over the store-bought box kits.

Professional Whitening Is Efficient and Comfortable

Over-the-counter whitening products rarely provide dramatic results, so you may need to repeat the process several times to see a difference. That can take months and who has the time for that? The chemicals also often cause irritation and sensitivity that didn’t previously exist. Pro whitening can provide dramatic results after the first visit. Your dentist also knows how to shield your gums and provide optimal comfort so all you have to think about is a beautiful smile.

Professional Whitening is Natural Looking, Thorough, and Safe

Over-the-counter solutions can actually leave your teeth dingy or patchy. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, however, professional dentists prioritize natural appearances over idealism. So while your favorite celebrity may have translucent or blinding teeth off-screen, your dentist knows precisely how much whitening you’ll actually need to optimize your natural beauty. Cosmetic dentistry results are thorough, whitening all teeth evenly. And the materials are compatible with biomimetic dentistry standards so the procedure is completely safe and worry-free.

Professional Teeth Whitening Is a Long-Lasting Confidence Booster

Over-the-counter kits use weaker solutions than professional whitening options. So you have to use more to see anywhere near the results you want. That can take a long time to achieve, lead to sensitivity issues, and actually discolor or unevenly bleach your enamel. Professional teeth whitening customizes your treatment for your specific needs and desires, thus extending the lifespan of a single whitening. The longer your teeth stay naturally beautiful, the more confidence you’ll experience in the process. Why not schedule your holiday smile makeover session today?