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.

Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, it is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky and colorless film that forms on the teeth. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed and maintained with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings & check ups with the dentist.  Gum disease that is left untreated can lead to tooth loss and other periodontal complications and problems.

This is the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification of Periodontal Disease:

Type I  Gingivitis

·       Earliest stage of gum disease

·       No loss of attachment, no bone loss

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversible since there is no bone loss.

·       Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings help to remove plaque

Type II  Early Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 3-4mm.  Bone loss is present.

·       Periodontal pockets are formed as the dental tissues (gums and supportive ligaments) begin to pull away from the tooth.  These pockets trap bacteria and causes gum infection

·       Localized area of gingival recession; gums pull away and expose the root

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Type III  Moderate Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 4-6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show mobility (loose)

·       Damages cause by gum disease is irreversible

Type IV  Advanced Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: greater than 6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Supporting tissues and bone are destroyed. 

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show increased mobility (loose).  Some teeth are so loose that they may need to be extracted.

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Signs of Periodontal Disease

·       Gums are red, swollen or tender

·       Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

·       Teeth that look longer due to gum recessions

·       Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

·       Loose or shifting teeth

·       Persistent  bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

·       Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting (occlusion)

·       Changes of the fit of a partial denture

Gum disease can occur at any age.  If gum disease is detected and treated at early stages, it can be reversed and maintained.  Currently, there is no cure for gum disease. 

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.  Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth. Call and schedule a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  Patient may not be aware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night. The sleep deprivation (can’t fall asleep or can’t stay asleep) caused by sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and increased risk of driving accidents.  Sleep apnea is also linked to some serious medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, liver problems, and diabetes.

Major warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Loud and chronic snoring almost every night

·       Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep

·       Pauses in breathing

·       Waking up at night feeling short of breath

·       Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

                                         Other warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Insomnia or nighttime awakenings; restless sleep

·       Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

·       Going to the bathroom frequently during the night

·       Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

·       Moody, irritable, depress

·       Morning headaches

*If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, for a free consultation for Sleep Apnea. Call for an appointment at 626-335-5114 or email: drannalee1@gmail.com.

                                           Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea

·       Lose weight

·       Quit smoking

·       Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives

·       Avoid caffeine and heavy meals with 2 hours of going to bed

·       Exercise regularly, maintain regular sleep hours

·       Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)-dental device that fits inside the mouth, like an athletic mouth guard. OAT is a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea. OAT is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and convenient for travel.

Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea

·       Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)-machine is used with a variety of breathing masks that cover the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keep the breathing passages open while sleeping.  CPAP machines are being updated and improved; they are lighter, quieter and more comfortable.

·       Sleep Apnea Implants-one of the newest treatments; involves the insertion of a pacemaker system that stimulates muscle to keep airways open for breathing during sleep.

·       Surgery-increase the size of the airway; risks of complications and infections.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who can assist you with treatment.    Dr. Anna Lee performs an airway assessment and Sleep Apnea evaluation.  Dr. Anna Lee also conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  If you have any questions, please call for a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com