Are Dental Veneers For You?

Dental veneers are a product being used more often in the world of cosmetic dentistry. In the old days, dentists were mainly tooth doctors who pulled, filled and cleaned teeth. DDS's performed root canals and prescribed antibiotics for infections. Today's cosmetic practitioners focus on the appearance as well as the health of each tooth. Oral healthcare is important but having an attractive smile is beneficial, too. Today's practitioners can transform unsightly choppers into bright pearly whites. Veneers, crowns, dental implants, bleaching, bonding and composites are all treatments that can transform problematic teeth into gorgeous smiles.

-Veneers: These products are shells that are custom made in a laboratory to fit over a patient's teeth. They are ideal for covering up stains, discoloration, gaps or malformed structures. They can even correct a mild misalignment instead of the traditional orthodontic methods. This option entails removing a layer of enamel before applying the shell so once it's done, it's permanent. Patients are often warned to stay away from coffee, tea or foods that might potentially stain the veneer.

-Crowns: A crown is a way of covering up a cracked or broken tooth. These devices are often utilized during the root canal process or after a dental implant. They add strength to a fragile structure.

-Implants: Instead of having dentures, many are opting for the technologically advanced implantation technique. This is a method of permanently attaching a false tooth or a bridge to one's jawbone. A few years back, a European doctor was performing bone research when he discovered the amazingly strong bonding quality of titanium. After further research, dentists were able to apply his revolutionary discovery to dentistry. Instead of ill-fitting dentures, individual implants are attached to the jaw bone with titanium screws. The process entails several appointments in the dental chair to complete but the end result is well worth it.

-Bleaching: Transforming dingy, yellowed or spotty enamel into bright white can be done via bleaching solutions. Gels, strips, liquids and even toothpastes are able to create a whiter look. Patients can have this procedure performed at their DDS's office or can purchase a kit for at-home use.

-Bonding: Bonding is a process where bondable products that are the same color of a tooth are applied to a cracked or discolored surface. Teeth may become broken or cracked in an accident or by eating hard food. Some individuals have softer teeth than others and are more prone to broken oral structures than others.

-Composites: Composite fillings are made from a durable resin. To this resin, the lab adds glass and quartz to form a product that looks like tooth enamel. These products can be used to cover discolored, broken or flawed structures or to fill them in the case of cavities.

Dental veneers, crowns, implants, bleaching, bonding and composites are all ways to create more attractive smiles. Not only are the teeth made more attractive but the surrounding structures are strengthened as well. If patients have any questions about veneers or any of these cosmetic dentistry procedures, they should discuss them with their oral healthcare practitioners.