Apr 14, 2016 | Blog
Dental veneers can transform a smile through the application of thin, wafer-like shells that are bonded to the surface of your natural tooth. These wafers can change tooth characteristics such as color, alignment, length or gaps. Dental veneers are available in a wide range of colors and materials, with each material having different strengths and uses.
A great majority of dental veneers are crafted from porcelain (ceramic) or from a tooth-colored composite resin material. Depending on your particular issues, your veneers might be made in a lab by a dental technician or sculpted directly onto your teeth.
Composite resin can be a good choice for correcting small chips, tiny cracks or minor discolorations. Known as “direct veneers,” this composite is applied directly to the natural tooth and is shaped and then hardened and polished. It strongly resembles a natural tooth.
Larger chips, gaps, acute cracking or extremely discolored, worn or dull teeth should be treated with “indirect veneers.” These veneers are made of porcelain, are formed in a laboratory and are applied in a second visit to the dentist. These porcelain veneers are very long-lasting and can improve the shape of a patient’s face and lips.
The majority of dental veneer types require some form of enameloplasty, or removal of a small portion of the enamel of a tooth in order to allow the dental veneer to look natural. This process is not reversible. “No prep” veneers are available to some patients that require the least amount of enamel be removed for application, preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
If you would like to know what type of dental veneer material is recommended for you and your smile goals, talk to your cosmetic dentist in Central Falls, RI today.
Apr 21, 2016 | Blog
An embarrassing smile can ruin your ability to smile freely, opting to hide your teeth so that others can’t see them. Dental veneers, thin shells often made of porcelain attached to the fronts of your teeth, transform your smile to one you can display with pride. They are customized for each patient to give you the look you desire.
There are numerous dental problems that can be hidden with porcelain veneers. Common reasons that people choose veneers include tooth discoloration, chips, breaks, worn down teeth, gaps, misalignment or misshapen teeth. These restorations cover all of these problems and more, giving you the perfect smile.
The process for getting veneers is not painful and usually requires a few trips to the dentist. First you’ll need a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate. You should tell the dentist exactly what you dislike about your smile and learn if veneers can correct those issues. If so, your next appointment will include preparing your teeth by removing a small amount of your enamel so the veneers can be attached. Your dentist will make an impression of your mouth so that veneers can be crafted in a lab to fit exactly. The last step is a visit to have the final veneers bonded to your teeth, adjusted, and polished for a flawless appearance.
You can count on porcelain veneers to resist stains so that they continue to look just like they did when applied. You can choose the veneer color to get just the shade you desire, and your smile will look very natural. Another benefit is that your gums should adjust very easily to porcelain veneers. Keep in mind, however, that veneers are a permanent solution and if they do become damaged it’s likely you’ll have to completely replace them. The lifespan of veneers is often ten years or more, and they don’t require any special care other than normal dental hygiene.
Veneers provide patients with the ability to turn their smiles around for good. If you’re unhappy with the look of your teeth, consult your dentist to see if veneers will help you regain your confidence.
Cosmetic dentist in Central Falls, RI
Apr 28, 2016 | Blog
Any dental procedure you undergo comes with a set of potential problems. The safest cosmetic dentistry procedures can sometimes go wrong. Even if the risk associated with your treatment is very small, it’s important for you to know what can go wrong so that if you need to return to the cosmetic dentist for help, you can do so in plenty of time.
If your body isn’t healing the way it should, or if you discover that you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you need to pursue follow-up care with your cosmetic dentist immediately.
Dental veneers are a safe and popular choice for patients seeking whiter, brighter, more even smiles. They are meant to last ten to twenty years, or even longer. If your veneer has cracked, chipped or fallen off completely, it must be replaced. If your veneer discolors shortly after being applied, it will also need to be replaced. Improperly applied or fitted veneers can lead to irritated gums and damage to opposing teeth.
Dental crowns are the cornerstone of many dental treatments, including dental bridges. They are used most often to complete a root canal therapy and to protect the natural tooth by preventing re-infection of the inner canals of the tooth. If you have a cracked or wiggling crown, bacteria can make its way to the tooth pulp and infection can form. These issues, as well as the crown coming completely off, must be addressed by a dentist.
Dental implants are the state-of-the-art choice for tooth replacement and for hybrid dentures. Implants can fail over time, however, and may wiggle or ooze from the implant site. Serious swelling and redness definitely indicates a problem. If your implant has fallen off or you have serious pain at the implant site, call your cosmetic dentist.
You should enjoy the results of your cosmetic dentistry treatment; however, if these signs begin to show, don’t wait to address them. The problems will only worsen, and your cosmetic dentist will need to work harder to resolve your issues.
Cosmetic dentist in Central Falls, RI
May 7, 2016 | Blog
One of the best things you can do for your health is to maintain regular checkups with your general dentist. Practicing good oral hygiene is vital too, but you’ll be remiss in keeping the best oral health possible if you skip your visits to the dentist.
General dentists offer a wide variety of care for you and your family. You’ll receive all of the traditional care you might expect such as exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and other procedures. Many general dentists are also trained and experienced in providing restorative care like crowns and dental implants, as well as cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening. Your smile will be protected and preserved through your general dentist.
You might think that you’re doing enough just by good brushing and flossing at home. That’s not true though, because in spite of your efforts plaque and tartar can build up around your teeth and gums. General dentists have the best tools and skills to properly remove deposits and bacteria so that you’ll have the best oral health and most attractive smile.
One thing that your general dentist will look for is gum disease. You might not notice a problem, but there will be early signs of gum problems that your dentist can catch and treat in order to avoid worsening disease. If necessary, X-rays and other tools for diagnosis will allow the dentist to ensure your optimum health. If your gum disease has advanced, general dentists can help save your teeth through procedures like scaling and root planing.
As tempting as it may be to skip your trip to the dentist, don’t do it. Allow your general dentist to provide you with all the care you need to achieve a great smile.
General dentist in Central Falls, RI
May 14, 2016 | Blog
A brilliant, sparkling smile can offer many benefits. Enhancing your appearance can boost confidence, improve your attitude, and open doors both personally and professionally. With modern cosmetic dental options, your dentist can remove flaws and create a vibrant, new image. Teeth whitening, veneers, and porcelain crowns can transform your smile from drab to dynamite.
You may want to consider cosmetic dentistry if you want to:
Change the color of your teeth
Over time, your pearly whites can start to look dull or yellow. Age, certain foods and beverages, and lifestyle choices may produce undesirable results on your smile. With professional teeth whitening, you can erase stains and brighten your teeth up to 10 shades. Many dentists offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening.
Create a uniform look
If you have gaps between teeth or chips you want to cover, you might think about porcelain veneers. These thin shells of dental porcelain permanently cover your front teeth, producing a sensational smile. Typically, your dentist can place porcelain veneers in just two to three visits.
Straighten your smile
Crooked teeth not only look less attractive, but they can also cause oral health problems by making home hygiene more difficult. With options like Invisalign clear braces or ceramic brackets, you can enhance your smile without compromising your mature image.
Replace missing teeth
Even one lost tooth can cause oral health issues such as misalignment and shifting of remaining teeth. Dental implants and bridgework can fill the empty spaces so that you can once again enjoy a complete smile.
Repair damaged areas
Sometimes, your teeth sustain damage. With composite filings and porcelain crowns, your dentist can restore stability and still leave your gorgeous smile looking its best.
Cosmetic dentist in Central Falls, RI
May 21, 2016 | Blog
Everybody knows basic oral health care: brush twice a day and floss regularly. Beyond these simple facts, many people may not know the truth about other important dental care tips. You only get one set of teeth, so it’s important to take good care of them.
Take the following short quiz to see if you know how to keep your teeth healthy and strong:
True or False: Brush your teeth for four to five minutes intervals.
False. The standard recommendation is to brush for about two minutes, about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” Any longer, and you could damage your gums.
True or False: Flossing before you brush provides the best results.
True. When you floss first, you break up debris and remove food particles, which your brush can then easily remove from your mouth.
True or False: Soda is harder on your teeth than fruit juice.
True. While soda does more harm than fruit juice or milk, sports drinks cause the most damage, weakening tooth enamel faster than the other options. Your best bet for healthy teeth is good old fashioned plain water.
True or False: Gum disease starts in your forties.
False. Research indicates that people in their 20s start to show signs of gum disease, especially if they have still have their wisdom teeth.
True or False: A medium or hard toothbrush gets teeth cleaner.
False. Most dentists suggest soft-bristled brushes for their patients. Medium or hard-bristled brushes can irritate gums and wear away the dentin layer on your teeth.
Family dentist in Central Falls, RI
