For some people, it seems as if simply brushing their teeth each day is enough to keep their teeth looking great. However, most people find they aren't so lucky. Other people can have reasons for their teeth not looking so great. If you have a problem with the looks of your teeth, whether it be due to thin enamel, naturally jagged teeth, chips, gaps or side effects of a medication, there are still options for you that will help you to have the great-looking smile you always wanted. This will introduce you to a few good options: veneers, bonding and ceramic crowns.
Veneers
When you want better-looking teeth, porcelain veneers can be one of the best ways for you to get them. They are made in a lab to fit on your existing teeth, while fixing your dental issues and making them stronger. Each veneer is also made to fit correctly against your other teeth and to keep your natural bite intact.
If you are having veneers put on just some of your teeth, they will be made to match the coloring of your other teeth. However, you can have a full set of veneers put on that are the color of your choosing. This is your chance to get your teeth as white as you want them.
Having veneers put on is a two-step process. During the first appointment the dentist will grind your teeth down to the size they need to be for veneers to fit. Temporary veneers may also be put on your teeth until your permanent ones come in. In the second appointment, you will come in to have the veneers permanently put on your teeth.
Bonding
Another option for better-looking and stronger teeth is to have them bonded. To do this, the dentist will use a bonding material in their office and hand-sculpt material on each tooth to correct any problems it has with regards to an odd shape, chips, permanent discoloration or other issues.
When you go in to have your teeth bonded, an etching acid will be used to rough up the surfaces of them so the material will adhere to it. Then, the material will be put on with a small dental spatula and a variety of tools will be used to mold, shape and trim the tooth for an exact look. The material used will be the same color as your natural teeth, or a color of your choosing if it's going on all your visible teeth for whitening purposes.
A special light will be used to dry the bonding material all the way and when you leave the office that day, you will be leaving with your improved permanent smile. Keep in mind, bonding material can stain just as teeth can, so you still want to stay away from foods known to discolor teeth such as wine, coffee and pasta sauce.
Ceramic crowns
Ceramic crowns are made from the same material as all-metal crowns, but there is ceramic put on the outer part of the crown to give it a natural look. As with the other tooth replacement options listed above, the ceramic on the crowns will also be made to match your other teeth and they are shaped to fit your mouth naturally.
When you are having a crown put in, much of the process will be similar to having veneers put on. You will have your teeth prepared so the crowns fit, the crowns will be made to fit an impression of your mouth and they are cemented in place by a durable dental bonding agent. The result is a brand new tooth that even you can't tell isn't your own.
Once you have your dental issues corrected, you want to be extra diligent about taking care of your teeth so you can avoid future problems. Talk to a dental office like Pittsburgh Dental Spa for more information.
Share21 January 2016
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.