Bright, White Smiles with Veneers

                                    

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over the front surface of teeth.  Veneers provide a natural tooth appearance and they can restore chipped, stained, misaligned and worn down teeth.  

Types of veneers

·       Composite resin veneer is a resin material that is bonded over the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance.  The treatment of composite veneer can be completed in a same day dental visit and no laboratory work is required.  Composite veneer can restore and correct small chips, cracks and discoloration of the tooth.  However, the resin material may not be as durable as porcelain and it is not stain resistant.

·       Porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded over the front surface of the tooth.  It usually requires a minimal amount of tooth (enamel) reduction.  Porcelain veneer is strong and resilient once placed, and highly stain resistant.

What to expect during a veneer procedure

·       Dentist removes a small amount of the tooth surface to allow placement of the veneer

·       An impression is taken of the prepared tooth and it is sent to the lab

·       Laboratory fabricates the veneer to fit the tooth

·       The veneer is bonded to the tooth with resin cement

Can you whiten veneers?

·       Both composite resin and porcelain veneers do not respond to whitening.

·       Talk to your dentist before you whiten your teeth.

·       It is recommended to whiten the teeth prior to having restorative treatment.  The whitened teeth match the shade/color of the restorations (veneers)

How to care for veneers

·       Avoid chewing on hard foods or non-food items (pens, biting nails)

·       Limit food and drinks that stain teeth (coffee, tea, curry, pasta sauce, berries and others)

·       Regular dental checkups, at least 2x/year

·       Brush 2x/day and floss daily

·       Teeth grinding can cause chipping and damages to veneers.  Talk to your dentist, you may need to wear a protective occlusal or bite guard to protect the veneers

 Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

·       Porcelain and composite resin veneers provide a natural tooth appearance

·       Porcelain veneer is stain resistant

·       Restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned

·       Change the color and shape of teeth

·       Minimal tooth (enamel) reduction

·       Composite resin veneer-reversible

·       Composite resin veneer-treatment can be completed in one office visit

Disadvantages

·       Porcelain veneers-irreversible

·       Porcelain veneers-patients wait 1-2 weeks (laboratory time) before they can be bonded onto the teeth

·       Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. Sensitive to hot or cold temperatures for the first few days after the treatment, but it usually goes away

·       Porcelain veneers are usually not repairable if they chip or crack

Longevity of veneers & cost of veneers

·       Porcelain veneer can cost between $925-$2500 per tooth.  According to a 2013 survey of members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost of a single veneer was $1253.54.

·       Porcelain veneer can last from 10 to 15 years

·       Composite resin veneer can cost half of a porcelain veneer

·       Composite resin veneer can last from 5-7 years

Veneer cost Factors

·       The fees of the dentist performing the procedure

·       The artistic and technical skill of the dental laboratory technician

·       The location-where dental veneer is fabricated (region of the country, metropolitan areas versus small towns)

·       Types of dental insurance (most dental insurance companies do not cover veneers)

Dr. Anna Lee is a cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you have any questions about porcelain and composite resin veneers, please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.

Tooth Brushing Techniques

Many patients are frustrated and often say that they brush their teeth 2-3 times a day, but they still have bleeding gums, cavities, and bad breath or gum disease. They want to know whether they brush their teeth enough or brush properly.

What is the proper tooth brushing technique?

Proper tooth brushing is important for cleaning the teeth and gums.  Here are the recommended steps:

·       Place bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle.  Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gum line.

·       Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back & forth rolling motion; the brush makes contact with the gum line and is moved downward toward the chewing surface.  Move brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.

·       Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gum line.  Gently brush using back & forth rolling motion along all the inner tooth surfaces.

·       To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and –down strokes

·       Gently brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor producing bacteria

 How long is the proper tooth brushing take?

·                                     Proper brushing takes at least 2 minutes.

       What type of toothbrushes should be used?

·                                    Soft-bristled toothbrushes

·       

       Small-headed brushes are recommended because they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including back teeth.

·       

        Powered toothbrushes are good alternatives for people with limited manual dexterity.  Talk to your Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, about your dental needs and be advised on the type of toothbrushes that is right for you.

What type of the toothpaste?

·       Fluoridated toothpaste

·       There are toothpastes designed for many conditions: cavities, gingivitis, tartar control, stain control, and sensitivity (cold/sweets). 

·       Talk to your Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, about your dental needs and be advised on the type of toothpaste that is right for you.

How often should toothbrushes be replaced?

·       When the toothbrush bristles flare out or show wear.

·       

      Every 3 months

·       Replace the toothbrush after you have had a cold.  The toothbrush bristles can collect bacteria and may lead to periodontal infections.

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you have any questions about the proper tooth brushing techniques and any concerns about your dental care, please visit us at                   www.annaleedds.com or call for a FREE consultation at 626-335-5114.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

  Many people may not be aware that they have gum disease because often there is no pain.  There are warning signs.  Call and consult with the Glendora dentist if you experience any of the following:

·       Gums that bleed during brushing

·       Red, swollen or tender gums

·       Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

·       Persistent bad breath

·       Pus between the teeth and gums

·       Loose or separating teeth

·       A change in the way your teeth fit together when biting

·       A change in the fit of partial dentures

How to Prevent Gum Disease:

·       Brush for two to three minutes, at least 2x/day, with fluoridated toothpaste

·       Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth

·       Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

·       Eat a healthy diet

·       Regular dental checkups and dental cleanings with the Glendora dentist, at least once every 6 months

**The good news is that gum disease is preventable.  Gum disease does not happen overnight.  Be aware of the symptoms and if you notice of persistent bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, consult with the Glendora dentist and get help with necessary treatment to protect and preserve your teeth.  Contact the Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, for a dental checkup at 626-335-5114 or email at drannalee1@gmail.com