Monday, May 16, 2016

Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Same-Day Crowns

Thanks to advances in dental technology, achieving a beautiful smile through cosmetic dental procedures has never been easier. However, with so many available treatment options, knowing which cosmetic solution best fulfills your aesthetic goals without compromising the health and function of your smile is important. If you are weighing your treatment options, consider the following differences between some of the most common cosmetic procedures.

Teeth Whitening

For patients looking to brighten their smiles, professional teeth whitening is an ideal option. During this procedure, bleaching gel is applied to the dentition and activated using a specialized light. After about an hour, patients are able to notice a striking difference in the color of their teeth.

Unlike other cosmetic options which alter the teeth, teeth whitening is minimally invasive, making it ideal for patients who prefer to not make significant changes to their smile. However, for patients with deep, intrinsic staining caused by cavities or medication, teeth whitening may not provide sufficient coverage to transform the look of the smile.

Veneers

For patients with deep inner-tooth staining, as well as those with chipped or cracked teeth, veneers offer a comprehensive way of covering unsightly flaws, as well as creating a more uniform smile. Made of porcelain veneers are designed to blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable. To place the veneer, the tooth is buffed and a small portion is removed, ensuring that the prosthetic sits flush on the tooth. Dental cement is then used to securely attach the veneer to the tooth.

Whereas teeth whitening may require touch-ups in the future, veneers are a permanent, non-reversible treatment. As a result, taking good care of the veneer is a key component to ensuring lasting results. In the event the veneer is damaged or the tooth beneath the veneer becomes subject to cavity or infection, patients may need to pursue more advanced restorations in order to regain dental function and aesthetics.

Same-Day Crowns

In some instances, a tooth may be so severely damaged that veneers and teeth whitening are insufficient cosmetic options. As a result, these patients can still achieve beautiful, complete smiles with same-daycrowns. Unlike lab manufactured crowns, which can take around two weeks to create and place, same-day crowns are manufactured in office and placed in one dental visit. Made of highly durable porcelain, this immediate prosthetic alternative allows patients to improve their oral health, function, and aesthetics in just one appointment.

Like all other crowns, same-day crowns do require that the tooth be reshaped in order to accommodate the crown. However, the convenience of this option makes it ideal for patients seeking a cosmetic restoration.

Learn More about Cosmetic Dentistry Today

In Newton, Dr. Ted Filandrianos and his team utilize the latest in dental technology to provide patients with the best treatment option for improving their smile. To learn more about available cosmetic dental care in Newton, contact Ted Filandrianos, DMD, FAGD & Associates today. 

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