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I have Porcelain Laminate Veneers, why are they so special?
Many times, the demands of cosmetic changes in the mouth are too
great for simple bonding. This is when porcelain laminate veneers may
be used. Porcelain veneers (sometimes referred to as laminates) can
change an entire smile. Porcelain laminate veneers are quick, painless,
and dramatic. They can change shape, color, size, and arrangement of
teeth or any combination of these factors. They can be used as an
alternative for orthodontic treatment. The best part about porcelain
laminate veneers is that they can be placed in two visits.
When are Porcelain Jackets recommended?
When there is not enough tooth structure left, or the chewing
demands in the mouth are too great for laminates, a stronger, more
extensive restoration is needed. In this case, porcelain jacket crowns
are used. Porcelain jackets are pure porcelain crowns placed on a fully
prepared tooth. They are the most life-like of all full crown type
restorations.
What if Porcelain Jackets are not enough?
When biting pressure is too great for porcelain jackets, teeth are
loose due to periodontal disease, or gaps from missing teeth must be
filled in, metal alloy must be placed under the porcelain for strength.
This is the porcelain fused to metal crown technique. More tooth
structure is removed to accommodate both metal and porcelain. Once an
impression is taken, a metal coping is made on the prepared tooth. This
is then covered with porcelain. Porcelain fused to metal crowns do not
have the translucency of pure porcelain crowns. However, a talented
ceramist with experience in custom staining can usually overcome this
limitation. When individual back teeth are broken down but some good
healthy tooth structure remains, porcelain fused to gold inlays are
used. This is the strongest and longest lasting back teeth restoration
procedure. Once the tooth is properly prepared, the technique is
similar to the porcelain fused to metal crown technique. The benefit of
this restoration is the advantage of gold underneath which supports the
tooth during heavy biting, therefore protecting the tooth and the
nerve.
What causes dulling and discoloration of teeth?
Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage
to teeth. Tooth dullness or staining is an indication that whitening
should be considered. Smokers and those who drink coffee and/or tea on
a regular basis accelerate the discoloration and require cleaning more
often. This is among the most common reasons for teeth whitening. Teeth
Whitening is usually the first solution to try due to its lower cost.
What is Bonding typically used for?
Bonding is a tooth-colored composite resin (similar to an enamel)
that is bonded to the tooth surface to repair and/or change the color
or shape of a tooth, then sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished.
When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may
be the material of choice. Bonding also makes a great tooth colored
filling for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. It can also
be used to close spaces between teeth. Additionally, it is used to
cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and
shape.
What can be done for missing teeth?
Bridges are designed to replace missing teeth. Not only do they
fill the unsightly spaces left by lost teeth, but they also help
support the teeth adjacent to, and directly opposite, the missing
teeth. Often a dentist will recommend an Implant to fill in the space
as well.
How can jagged teeth be corrected?
In some instances, simple reshaping (contouring) of the front
teeth, even without anesthesia, may produce a dramatic result to
correct jagged, chipped or slightly uneven teeth. The cosmetic dentist
simply utilizes sanding discs and creativity, to create a natural look
with existing teeth.
I was told that I have a weak biting surface, what can be done?
Crowns are used when making cosmetic improvements to the teeth is
the goal, and serve an additional purpose. A crown is placed over a
tooth, replacing most of its enamel. It surrounds the tooth, giving it
strength and providing a strong, durable biting surface.
What are Porcelain and Ceramic Inlays?
Porcelain inlays are considered durable, with a manufacturing
process that enables a high degree of accuracy in placing the inlay.
Porcelain inlays bind onto the tooth and increase the overall strength
of the tooth. These inlays may cost more than other types of filling
procedures. Ceramic inlays are used to repair somewhat damaged back
teeth. They are made of very strong and durable industrial ceramics.
Glued into place with special adhesives, they hold the damaged parts of
the tooth together. These inlays are quiet durable, and look exactly
like a tooth in every way. They are also significantly stronger than
regular filling materials.
Why is Orthodontics a specialty in dentistry?
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that addresses occlusal
problems, or the mouth's ability to close with the teeth in the proper
position. Orthodontics brings the teeth, jaw bones, and facial profile
into proper alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed
an additional two to three years of continuous study in an ADA
approved, university affiliated graduate orthodontic program. |
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