Aug 7, 2015 | Blog
Dental veneers are very thin shells of custom-made materials that are crafted to cover the entirety of the front surface of a tooth. Made of tooth-colored materials, your cosmetic dentist will specifically design them to improve your smile. They will be made to flatter your face shape, your skin and lip color and tone and your hair coloring. Veneers are permanently bonded to the front of your tooth and can change everything about a tooth including size, shape, color or length.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain, composite resin materials or porcelain bonded to metal. Porcelain is the most popular choice for veneers, as they possess light-reflecting properties that are very similar to the translucency and reflective properties of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are also more stain-resistant than composite resin over time. Resin veneers have the advantage, however, of being thinner, and thereby requiring less removal of natural tooth prior to bonding and final placement.
All types of veneers can correct a host of dental problems such as chipped or broken teeth, discolored teeth, or teeth with gaps between them. Misshapen, misaligned or irregular teeth can also be corrected with veneers. Teeth that are worn down due to age can be made to appear longer with veneers, something that instantly makes you look more youthful.
If you choose veneers, you will begin by planning your therapy with molds or x-rays. Preparation for a dental veneer requires less than half a millimeter of enamel be removed from your tooth’s surface. An impression will be taken of your tooth or teeth and sent to a dental lab where your tooth can be crafted. Some dental offices have in-house labs for faster turnaround. While you wait for your new veneers, temporary veneers may be applied.
Central Falls cosmetic dentist, Dr. Frias will apply each tooth by hand, examining it for shape, color and optimal placement. Once the bonding agent has been applied, the bond is set with a special light, making the bond permanent. Your brilliant new smile is complete!
Jul 28, 2015 | Blog
With advances in cosmetic dentistry, almost every aspect of your smile can undergo a transformation with a smile makeover. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, a combination of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatment procedures can help you to achieve the beautiful smile of your dreams. Some of the dental issues that can be changed with a smile makeover include:
- Dull, yellow or stained teeth can be whitened and brightened up to 10 shades through a variety of teeth whitening methods.
- Chipped, cracked, stained or gapped teeth can be hidden, repaired and straightened by utilizing porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
- Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants that restore the look, feel and function of natural teeth.
- The problem of missing teeth can also be corrected with the placement of a dental bridge.
- Receding gums, or an uneven or low gum line can be fixed with gum contouring and grafting procedures.
- Crooked or misaligned teeth can be corrected with orthodontic options like Invisalign or traditional metal braces.
In coordination with a qualified cosmetic dentist, a customized treatment plan can be created to address any or all of your cosmetic dental concerns. Your plan may start with just one procedure or include a combination of several treatments to achieve the look you desire for your smile. A smile makeover can not only change the look of your smile through a series of dental treatments, it can also change your self-confidence by giving you a beautiful new smile with which to face the world.
Sep 7, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Your family dentist is fully aware of the extreme importance of establishing and continuing a routine of excellent oral hygiene. This information is crucial to each member of your family in order to have a lifetime of good oral health. Whether your children are just learning about oral hygiene or if your older family members need to refresh their habits, your family dentist is the one to turn to for advice.
Your family dentist can tell a lot about you, about your nutritional habits and your lifestyle choices, just by looking in your mouth. In fact, your dentist can often be on the front line in diagnosing overall health issues. Studies have shown that a very high percentage of health issues manifest themselves in oral symptoms such as dry mouth, inflamed gums, mouth ulcers and gum disease. Systemic diseases including leukemia, kidney disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, oral cancer and pancreatic cancer all have oral manifestations.
In addition to providing clues as to problems elsewhere in the body, your oral hygiene can directly affect the conditions in your body. Research has shown that infection and bacteria in the mouth can lead to pregnant mothers having low birthweight children, or babies who are born prematurely. As well, conditions in the mouth can contribute to heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The mouth and the body are linked!
It is essential that you brush following each meal, or twice a day, especially before bedtime. Flossing each evening is vital; floss is able to reach the places between your teeth and beneath the gum line in order to remove food debris and bacteria that can lead to infection. Replace your toothbrush every six weeks or as needed.
If you have questions about your oral hygiene habits, ask your family dentist today. You’ll be happy you did!
Sep 14, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
If you think the placement of veneers involves a major dental overhaul, think again. A wonderful solution for patients who wish to improve the quality of their smile while avoiding changes to the tooth structure are no-prep or minimally invasive veneers.
Lumineers are one of the most popular of the “no-prep” variety of veneers. Lumineers use an exceptionally thin veneer layer that is placed on the front side of your teeth. Unlike traditional veneers, the placement of Lumineers does not require the modification of the natural tooth structure or the use of temporary veneers.
Some of the advantages of Lumineers include:
- The placement of Lumineers is minimally invasive and does not require shots, drilling, or anesthesia.
- The teeth do not need to be ground, filed, or cut down with the placement of Lumineers.]
- With Lumineers, treatment is faster than with traditional veneers, and there is no need to use temporary veneers.
- Lumineers can permanently whiten, shape, and lengthen your teeth as well as serve as “instant” orthodontia by covering gaps and misalignments.
- Because there is no need to alter the tooth structure, the placement of Lumineers is painless and especially attractive for patients with highly sensitive teeth.
- Lumineers restore and strengthen your teeth.
- If you are unhappy with the results, treatment with Lumineers is completely reversible because the tooth structure has not been altered in any way.
Lumineers can help to improve a wide array of dental concerns, including chipped, cracked or misshapen teeth, gaps, and discoloration. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, talk to your dental professional about how Lumineers can quickly and easily help you achieve the look you desire.
Sep 21, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
Often one of the first clues to a person’s age is the appearance of their smile. Unfortunately for many people, their teeth age quicker than the rest of their physical features. As you age, your oral health and aesthetics are often compromised by staining foods and beverages, certain medications, teeth grinding, decay or periodontal disease. These factors can cause gums to recede and teeth to yellow, loosen, crack, break, or even fall out.
Growing older does not mean your looks have to grow older, too. Cosmetic dental technology offers a wide range of options to rejuvenate your smile.
Some of the treatments available to restore your youthful looks include:
- CEREC restorations
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign or SPEED braces
- Dental Implants
- Implant supported dentures
- Gum treatment
- Professional teeth whitening
If you suffer from multiple dental concerns, you may consider a full mouth reconstruction, which combines restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments to both improve the function and beauty of your smile. Your dentist may recommend, for example, tooth colored fillings to replace old metal fillings, implants to replace dentures, and follow it all up with professional teeth whitening to create the finishing touch.
You may be surprised by how quickly and easily many of these procedures provide the results you desire. Some treatments can be completed in as little as one office visit. With advances in sedation dentistry, you can breeze through your time in the dental chair remaining relaxed and comfortable. Gone are the painful and extensive dental treatments you may remember from your younger years. Consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist to find out more about how cosmetic dentistry can return the youthful spark to your smile.
Sep 28, 2017 | Blog, Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist
If you have recently had dental implants placed, you will certainly want to protect your investment with the proper care and maintenance. Dental implants can last for decades with just a little extra effort on your part.
To ensure your implants retain their function for a lifetime, follow these simple guidelines:
- Brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day to avoid periodontal disease. Although the implant will not decay, an accumulation of plaque can lead to infection that is a common cause of implant failure.
- Ask your dentist if there are any special oral care products recommended. Special toothbrushes or oral irrigation systems can help to better remove plaque and other debris from the implant area.
- Maintain a regular schedule of dental cleanings and checkups to detect any problems that may be of concern before they can affect your dental implants. For the first year after implant placement, you can expect to visit your dentist about every three months. After the first year, you should return for examinations every six months for the life of your implants.
- To prevent damaging your restoration, refrain from exerting extreme pressure on the implant area. Avoid eating hard foods that could also damage the implant.
- If you suffer from teeth clenching or grinding, consult with your dentist about being fitted for a night guard to prevent issues these habits can cause for your implants.
- Wear a protective mouth guard when playing contact sports.
Your dentist should provide you with specific aftercare instructions to follow immediately after implant placement. By taking excellent care of your dental implants and restorations, you will reap the rewards of a lifetime of excellent oral health and function.
