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5 reasons veneers are the makeover you’ve been waiting for.

Are you ashamed of smiling during events or in photos? Don’t be too hard on yourself. The problem may be your teeth. If you want to cover up embarrassing dental problems like discoloured, chipped, misshapen, or unevenly shaped teeth, a dental veneer is the most suitable choice for you. Dental veneer has several benefits, which explains why it is one of the most popular cosmetic industry procedures. 

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers, also known as dental porcelain veneers or porcelain veneers, are a layer of tooth-like material placed over the teeth. It is a custom-made shell of tooth-coloured material placed on your tooth to give you a better look. These shells are bonded to the front teeth changing their shape, colour, size, or length to suit your needs.

5 reasons veneers are good for the Teeth

How Veneers work

Veneers are made of either resin or porcelain material. They are shaped and colored to camouflage the appearance of natural teeth.  The teeth are prepared by shaping a little bit of the enamel; afterward, the custom-shaped veneer is permanently bonded with the teeth.

Bear in mind that modern veneer is very different from the ones manufactured years ago. When the first set of veneers were created, it was vital to closely shave down the teeth to create space for dental veneers. Today, veneers are designed to be as thin as contact lenses; hence, very minimal or sometimes no tooth preparation is needed. This means that the procedure is now less invasive and may not even require an anesthetic yet still gives you that beautiful smile you seek.

To correct a single tooth flaw, veneers are bonded to just one tooth; however, it needs to be placed on all the front teeth to create a total smile makeover.

If you are considering veneers, below are reasons why it is an excellent choice for your teeth.

Veneers cosmetically repair teeth without stress.

Veneers are designed with thin pieces of medical-grade porcelain and are cemented to the front teeth for a more appealing smile. They are custom-made, tooth-colored, and can reflect light in the same manner as natural teeth. Veneers don’t stain easily and are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a perfect appearance. If you need to solve the cosmetic problems of your teeth, a porcelain veneer is the best choice for you.

Dental Veneers give you a natural look.

Although you need to attend several appointments to get this type of dental restoration done for you, the result is worth the effort. During the first appointment, the dentist examines your teeth and sends specifications to the lab where your veneer will be produced. The lab takes ample time to create the veneer according to the dentist’s descriptions (such as the contour of your natural teeth and the color of your enamel).

Once the lab produces the veneer, it’s finally time for the dentist to place them in your mouth. He will carefully sculpt each veneer on your teeth so they can create a natural-looking smile. Also, the design is made such that it fit your facial symmetry and overall style. After placing the veneer in your mouth, your smile will look and feel natural to you and others.

Veneers are suitable for treating enamel loss

Although the enamel on your teeth is very strong, it can still be worn-off during over-ambitious tooth-brushing, when exposed to highly acidic foods, or acid reflux disease (where stomach acids get into the mouth). Once the enamel is worn away, it won’t grow back. Veneers provide a durable yet cosmetically pleasing way to replace the removed enamel.

Easy to maintain

Caring for your dental veneer is easy. It is the same process as maintaining your regular teeth. All you need to do is brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. Also, you need to attend regular checkups with your dental clinic to maintain the natural white and shine of your teeth.  

Veneers are durable and permanent.

Porcelain veneers are permanent and can resist stains and decay better than real teeth. This is possible because they are non-porous while natural teeth are porous. With adequate care, a dental veneer can last for as long as 10 – 15 years.

Everything you need to know before going for a Dental Implant

Have you ever thought of how you would look or feel when one or more of your teeth fell out? You don’t want to even think about it, right? I totally understand.

One way to deal with losing a tooth is to get a dental implant. This procedure involves a surgeon or periodontist surgically inserting and fusing an artificial tooth into your jawbone. It is an excellent long-term option for tooth replacement. When you lost a tooth decades ago, you’re only limited to either a fixed bridge or removable dentures. A fixed bridge depends on the neighboring healthy teeth for support and can affect them negatively over time. Removable dentures may slip off or make annoying clicking sounds when you speak.

Today a dental implant (made of titanium metal and fused to the jawbone) is preferred. Unlike fixed bridges which could be removed twice or three times in a lifetime, implants last longer and are rarely ever replaced.

Everything you need to know before going for a Dental Implant

Why do you need an Implant?

Dental implants are used to replace a tooth, several teeth, or entire teeth. The aim of teeth replacement in dentistry is for aesthetics and function restoration. Hence, teeth replacement can be done using any of the options below:

  • Dental implant
  • Removable dental appliance (partial or complete denture)
  • A fixed dental bridge (connected)

 

Advantages of Implants

The following are the merits of replacing missing tooths using dental implants.

  • Implants are beautiful. They are aesthetically superior to dentures and bridges. They are strong, and one can hardly differentiate them from real teeth.
  • They don’t place burdens on adjacent teeth.
  • Since implants don’t need to be supported by adjacent teeth, they maintain the health and vigor of the entire teeth.
  • They build confidence. Remember that awkward feeling you get whenever people laugh at you because one or two of your teeth is missing. Annoying right? There will always be that embarrassment about the weird sounds and slippage of dentures. Implants are different. They will remain firm for decades, giving you maximum confidence when you smile.
  • They are reliable. Unlike dentures, you don’t have to worry about your implants falling off. Also, unlike bridges, you don’t have to keep replacing them often.
  • They make eating convenient. Chewing food with an implant is equal to eating with your natural teeth. If you are worried about the problems associated with dentures or the several restrictions that come with other teeth replacement options, opt for implants. It allows you to conveniently chew your favorite food, carrots, and other crunchy foods.

What to expect before going for a dental implant?

The dental implant process is not a quick one. You need to prepare for the following.

A dental exam. Examinations and checkups will be made. This could be in the form of X-rays.

Treatment plan. You and your dental provider will have to create a treatment plan. Before the process, your provider needs to consider the conditions of your jawbone and the number of teeth that need replacement. After the procedure, you will be briefed on how to effectively care for your implant – which is basically the same way you care for your regular teeth (brushing and flossing to prevent plague).

Procedure. Implants are fused to the jawbone using several surgical procedures, and the entire process can last for about 3 – 9 months. Although it is time-consuming, most of the period is for healing and allowing the new bone to form in your jaw. During the process:

  • A dental implant cylinder is inserted into your jawbone
  • You need to heal for several months
  • Once you are healed, an abutment is placed, followed by an implant crown or prosthesis.

Pain control. To deal with the procedure’s pain, you will be given anesthesia (be it local, general, or a sedative). Also, someone will have to take you home after the surgical procedure.

 

Final thoughts

It is never too late to take action towards getting a healthy smile. Dental implants have been proven scientifically to stop the adverse effects a missing tooth can have on your dental and medical health. Also, they can improve your life quality.

Why not take the next step today and schedule a consultation? Trust me, it’s worth it.

5 Common Myths about Natural Teeth Whitening

Today, several natural teeth whitening methods are advertised online (via Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and in magazines. Good examples of such procedures include lemons, oil pulling, and charcoal, which are all DIY techniques. However, not everything on the internet works, especially natural teeth whitening solutions. The mistake many people make is that they think all-natural ingredients are good for their teeth and smile. However, many people are unaware that most of the ingredients used for teeth whitening can wear away the enamel over time.

This article aims to expose you to some of the most common myths about whitening teeth. Some of them could be a real shocker. They could be remedies you may have tried in the past. Let’s get started.

5 Common Myths about Natural Teeth Whitening

Common Teeth Whitening Myths

Whitening Toothpaste

We come in contact with these so-called whitening toothpastes almost every day. They are produced by many companies and often sold to us are higher prices compared to standard toothpastes. Stop wasting your money on these products because the chemicals needed to whiten the teeth effectively must be in contact with the enamel for a long time. Since you brush and wash your teeth in minutes, the whitening agent in the toothpaste won’t get the chance to do anything.

Coconut Oil

We use coconut oil in making smoothies, cooking, as a hair moisturizer, and on our face and body. In 2015, coconut oil sales rose to $239 million – primarily because of its presumed health claims. For example, many believe that swishing coconut oil in the mouth can produce a health treatment called “oil pulling,” which can whiten the teeth. However, till date, no scientific proof has been made to back the claim that coconut oil can whiten teeth.

Lemons and Strawberries

Many patients use lemon juice or crushed strawberries to whiten their teeth. However, this method may seem effective at first, but the acid in the fruits gradually wear away the enamel over time. The damage caused can lead to other dental problems in the future.

Activated Charcoal

 Activated charcoal is a black powder which comprises olive pits, peat, slowly burned wood, coconut shells, and other natural ingredients. However, just because they are natural products doesn’t mean always mean they are healthy.

There has never been any scientific backing to prove that activated charcoal can whiten the teeth. In fact, this product acts as an abrasive, which wears away the protective layer of the teeth revealing the yellow dentin beneath. This action makes the teeth look yellowish rather than whitish and increases teeth sensitivity and damage. After all, your goal is to whiten your tooth enamel and not weaken it.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Although eating fruits is good for your health, allowing an acidic fruit juice to sit on your teeth for a long time can be dangerous. The acid in the lemons can gradually dissolve the outer layer of the teeth. Together with the abrasiveness of the baking soda, this combo can accelerate enamel wear and loss. Our enamel not only makes the teeth white but protects the sensitive layer of dentin underneath. Once the enamel wears away, your teeth will become vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.

Another common myth is the use of baking soda to whiten teeth. However, unlike toothpaste, baking soda is abrasive and can wear away the enamel over time.

 

How do you whiten your teeth effectively?

Maintaining white teeth is relatively easier than you think. According to the Australian Dental Association, you need to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once each day. Book appointments with your dentists for teeth cleaning and oral examination at least once every six months. The above recommendation would quickly help you get rid of tartar and plaque from your teeth, thereby giving you a white and attractive smile.

Reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and other staining beverages that can dull your smile. Also, stop using products containing tobacco as they can stain your teeth over time. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most effective Home Remedy for whitening teeth.