Differences and Similarities Between Lumineers and Veneers

Lumineers and dental veneers are two popular choices in cosmetic dentistry today. There is one central idea behind them both – to cover cosmetic imperfections in the teeth. Beyond that, what are some similarities and differences between the two?

Similarities

Both Lumineers and veneers can cover a wide variety of dental flaws. These include:

·         Stains and discolorations

·         Chips

·         Cracks

·         Gaps between teeth

·         Crowding

·         Crooked teeth

·         Small or misshapen teeth

They are both made of porcelain, a material used often in dentistry. Porcelain is preferred by both dentists and patients due to its strength, durability, and translucency, making it much like dental enamel. Another commonality is that they are both bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. Essentially, these two cosmetic tools are used and work very similarly. There are, however, a couple of big variances.

Differences

The main difference between Lumineers and veneers is that the latter requires some enamel to be removed. This is so they do not make the teeth look too big or misshapen. Lumineers, on the other hand, are even thinner than veneers, and so do not require any alteration to the teeth.

Patients should also consider the fact that Lumineers can last longer than veneers. With the proper care, Lumineers can last as long as twenty years, while veneers typically last only about fifteen.

These are some facts that you should consider and discuss with our cosmetic dentist in North Hollywood before deciding between the two.

Can Veneers Solve My Problems?

Even taking good care of your teeth can leave you open to problems as you age. Teeth do not hold their original whiteness even in best cases. Teeth that were straightened by orthodontics in adolescence can relapse. Also accidents happen. Veneers are one of the most popular fixes in cosmetic dentistry, both for aging flaws and dental mishaps. Here are some problems veneers can solve:

•    Chipped teeth
•    Cracked teeth
•    Teeth worn down due to bruxism
•    Teeth discolored by smoking or tetracycline exposure
•    Teeth with malformations, unsightly ridges, or bad contours
•    Teeth excessively gapped or spaced

The primary way veneers solve problems is by misdirection. You keep your damaged teeth, obviously, except for the tiny modifications the dentist makes . Veneers are ultra-thin laminates that go over your existing teeth and act as camouflaging agents. The laminates are made of either porcelain or composite resin, and are meant to exactly mimic tooth color and, in the case of porcelain laminates, the way teeth reflect light. Most people will never know you have them, and most of the time neither will you.
Please note: our veneers dentist does not recommend veneers if you have orthodontic problems such as bite irregularity, jaw dysfunction, or extremely crooked or misaligned teeth. These should be taken care of by orthodontic methods.

Treatment Options for Gum Recession

Although “long in the tooth” is commonly used to refer to age, teeth do not actually become longer as you grow older. The appearance of longer teeth is actually due to receding gums, which is not a sign of age, but rather poor oral health. It is often an early indication of gum disease, and when left untreated, can lead to serious problems for your smile.

Early treatment offers the best chances for full recovery. A deep cleaning is typically the first step. Also called scaling and root planing, this procedure removes the plaque and tartar that are causing the gums to recede. Once these irritating, bacteria-containing substances are removed, the gums can begin to heal and reattach to the smooth surfaces of the roots. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. Surgical options include pocket reduction surgery, gum grafts, or regeneration therapy.

After any periodontal therapy and to prevent gum recession, proper dental care is essential. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothbrush to brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes at a time. Clean between your teeth daily, and rinse using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Call our expert in gum recession in Huntington Beach today to learn more about protecting your gum health or to schedule a consultation with our team.

Types of Full Mouth Implants

There are several options available in restorative dentistry for replacing teeth, including replacing all of the teeth in one or both arcs. Dental implants are considered the best option for tooth replacement, as they are just as stable and functional as normal teeth, and work to reverse the negative effects of tooth loss. The two ways to replace all of the teeth in the mouth with dental implants are full bridges and full dentures.

The process for both methods is basically the same. It begins with placing a few implants into the jaw bone. This involves creating a hole in the hard tissue and inserting screw shaped titanium posts. These will require as long as nine months to heal and fuse to the bone tissue. After this is complete, patients can return to our dental implant doctor in Beverly Hills, who will uncover the implants and attach extensions, or temporary healing caps, as well as some connecting devices. Depending on the number of implants the patient receives, a few different connecting methods are used, such as a bar clip or ball anchor. This will be the foundation upon which your new smile will be placed.

A full bridge or denture will be created specifically for you and your specific smile goals. It will connect to the implants perfectly, and within a few weeks, you will feel comfortable enough to begin thinking of this as your new and improved smile. Talk to our expert in full mouth dental implants in Beverly Hills to discuss your options and which restoration would be best for you.

When are You Not a Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are often, but not always, a great option for cosmetic dental patients. In some cases, another treatment may be better or required before veneers can be used. Here is a look at what may affect candidacy for veneers.

When Veneers Are Insufficient

Some cosmetic problems cannot be effectively hidden by veneers. For example, stains that are too heavy may show through veneers. Flaws surrounding teeth may be better concealed with crowns. Finally, larger gaps cannot be closed with veneers.

When the Teeth Are Very Crooked

When teeth are very irregular, putting veneers on them can require significant modification and may be impractical. Patients in this situation may benefit from first using Invisalign to straighten their teeth before getting veneers.

When Commitment to Lifelong Veneers Is Missing

Conventional veneers do require some enamel removal, which means that they cannot be removed later. Minimal prep veneers do not necessarily require this commitment to lifelong veneer wear.

A consultation with our dentist is beneficial before getting veneers. During this appointment, you can find out whether veneers are the best choice for your interests. You can learn more about veneers candidacy criteria at a consultation with our expert in dental veneers in Los Angeles.

Different Versions of Invisalign

Many patients prefer Invisalign treatment to that required with braces. This is for several reasons, including the clear, removable aligners.  Because so many patients are interested, Invisalign is offered in three different forms: Full, Express, and Teen.

Invisalign Full

Most patients who are candidates for Invisalign will get this type. Typical Full treatment involves twenty to thirty aligners over the course of twelve to eighteen months. It can address crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, and bite irregularities.

Invisalign Express

This option is for those with only minor orthodontic issues. This treatment requires only about ten aligners within six months. Candidates include patients with less than two millimeters of spacing, crowding, and midline adjustment per arch.

Invisalign Teen

Even teenagers can benefit from Invisalign treatment. Aligners with this option can expand to accommodate growing jaws and erupting wisdom teeth. Up to six aligners can be replaced if lost or damaged. Furthermore, the aligners feature a blue indictor dot, which disappears as they are worn. This will let the patient, patient’s parents, and our Beverly Hills Invisalign specialist know if they are being worn enough.  

Talk to our expert to find out which Invisalign treatment option is right for you and your orthodontic needs.

How Often You Need to Visit the Dentist

How often you need a dental checkup depends on you and your dental needs. The standard recommendation has been every six months, and that schedule works for most people with good dental health who are at low risk of problems. However, not everyone has the exact same dental needs, so some patients may need to visit more or less frequently.

Tooth decay tends to progress slowly, but gum disease can move much more quickly. Dental cleanings can be a great chance to evaluate your teeth and gums for signs of these problems and to remove buildup, which could increase the risk of both diseases. If you have active gum disease, you may need more frequent checkups, as well. You may also need more frequent visits if you have health issues or use medications that increase your risk of cavities or gum disease.

Some patients need to visit monthly or even every three months. Those who are especially vigilant with their at-home care, have excellent dental health, and have no risk factors may need to visit only once a year. We can recommend a specific exam schedule at your next cleaning. Call our office today to schedule your next appointment with our West Hollywood dentist.

What is the Purpose of Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a periodontal procedure that your dentist may recommend strictly because of your bad breath. This is because bad breath, or halitosis, can signal something wrong with your gums. Since periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the gums, a lot of maintenance and repair is done after a referral to a periodontist. And one of the first steps a periodontist may take toward getting your gums healthy is scaling and root planing, regardless of which symptom came first.

Our expert in scaling and root planing in North Hollywood will do their best to rid your mouth of etiologic agents like plaque and calculus, which break down structures and destroy your smile a tooth a time. The dentist literally scrapes these agents off the tooth surfaces, and smooths the tooth root to make it less hospitable to bad organisms. In some cases, the procedure delivers antimicrobial agents below the gumline as an extra layer of defense.

Back to your bad breath: removal of all this bacteria can really reduce it. Ask your North Hollywood dentist about secondary benefits of scaling and root planing, like removal of surface stains.

Purpose of Sinus Lift

Eligibility for dental implants often comes down to bone density. If the patient has suffered a high degree of bone loss due to missing teeth, periodontal disease, or a degenerative condition, an exception may need to be made. Sinus lift, a form of bone graft, provides that exception.

Your sinuses are located on either side of your nose, like long rooms. The floor of these rooms, called the sinus membrane, needs to be lifted before the bone graft can be completed. The bone is inserted in the space between the raised, or lifted, sinus floor and the upper jaw.

There are three types of bone used in bone grafts. Autogenous bone is taken from elsewhere in your body. Allogeneic bone is taken from a human cadaver. Xenogenous bone is taken from another organism, typically a cow.

If you receive a sinus lift at our North Hollywood dental office, it will precede your dental implant surgery by 4 to 9 months. This allows the graft to merge successfully with existing bone structure, a process called osseointegration.

Our expert in sinus lift in North Hollywood advises you that a sinus lift procedure involves some discomfort, and rigorous aftercare.  Technology exists by which sinus lift and dental implant can be combined in one procedure, but the model is still being studied. 

What are Dental Implants?

When a tooth is lost, you need a replacement to stabilize the mouth. The risk of bone loss goes up when a tooth is missing, and the adjoining teeth will gradually slip toward each other to try to fill the space.

One of the most common measures of tooth replacement is the dental implant. This is an entirely new tooth structure sunk into the gum and left to fuse with the jawbone. This first feature of the implant is called the anchor, and is made of titanium. Next, a part called the abutment joins the anchor to the replacement tooth, which is cemented or screwed into place.

The three-part procedure requires at least two sessions, and several weeks of downtime during which the titanium root bonds with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.

There are two types of dental implants: endosteal and sub-periosteal. An endosteal implant, the most common, is the one described above. A sub-periosteal implant usually goes in a patient with a shallow jawbone, and the implant is placed in the gum but above the jawbone itself.

Dental implants lead to superior speaking and smiling, compared to the difficulty of dentures. Their permanency is meant to mimic the natural feel of your old teeth.

Ask your dentist for more about dental implants.

What are Dental Implants Used for?

Dental implants are anchor-like titanium devices that are implanted into the jaw. They are made to replace the root of a lost tooth, and once the bone heals around them, are restored with a crown that looks and feels just like your teeth. Our dentist can help you decide if an implant is right for you.

Candidates for implants include those who:

•    Have lost one or more teeth
•    Have good general and dental health
•    Want a permanent restoration
•    Are committed to healthy dental hygiene habits

The implant is placed during a simple surgical procedure. Most people experience no complications. After the bone and implant have fused together, the implant is uncovered so that a special abutment can be attached. This abutment connects the implant with the restoration.

Implants can be used with on their own, or with bridges or dentures depending on your needs. They are easy to maintain and can be brushed and flossed along with your natural teeth. Visit us regularly for cleanings and checkups, where we will check to ensure your teeth and your implant are strong and functioning properly. Call our expert in dental implants in Los Angeles to learn more about restoring your smile with implants.

How Long Does Snap On Smile Last?

Your Los Angeles Snap On Smile provider offers many credible solutions to your smile difficulty. Many clients mention special occasions as motivating factors. Maybe you have a class reunion coming up, or a job interview, and you have anxiety about jagged or discolored teeth. Snap On Smile is the perfect solution for these events.

You only wear your Snap On Smile prosthetic when you want to. That could be every day, or only occasionally after the event you bought it for is over. The device is yours to do with as you wish, so saving it for the special occasions referenced above is not unheard of.

The less you wear it, the longer it will last. As it is, your Snap On Smile device is designed to last as long as 5 years with proper care. There are cleaning products you can get to ensure your device stays free of bacteria and erosion. Ask your provider about these products.

Snap On Smile includes a 12-month limited warranty, and our dentist can walk you through the service agreement. At your consult, be sure to ask about Snap On Smile before and after pictures, which can really give you an idea of what to expect from this exciting and affordable product.