Alternatives to Dental Veneers

If you are thinking of veneers as a possible way to make your teeth look better, it is good to first consider all the available options. Different dental procedures have different benefits, results and costs.

Here are some basic choices for the patients looking for brighter smile:

1. Tooth whitening - This is a conservative way to remove tooth discolorations. The basic structure of your teeth remains unchanged. Not all stains can be whitened with this approach. This approach will only provide a color change for your teeth, so if their alignment or shape isn't already pleasing, it's not the right solution.
2. Micro abrasion - It is a process where a thin outer layer of tooth enamel that contains blemishes is abraded and eroded away. It involves the use of a coarse polishing compound mixed with 5 to 10% hydrochloric acid.
3. Reshaping - Some patients choose to have their teeth actually reshaped in order to improve the look of their mouths. This is generally not effective for changing discolored teeth, but it is a similar service that some patients consider as opposed to filling in gaps with porcelain veneers.
4. Porcelain crowns – These are a good solution for teeth that are damaged, misshapen or decayed. Crowns can be used alone or with dental bridges and dental implants. A crown will improve a tooth’s size, shape, strength and appearance.

If any of these procedures sounds like something that could help you improve your smile, talk to our general dentists at Expressions Dental™ about these dental treatments and the risks and benefits.

Tips To Take Care of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers do not require any special care. But you can take good care of them with proper oral hygiene, flossing and routine cleanings.

Home care

Porcelain is stain resistant, however, the resin composite cement used to bond to the teeth can be susceptible to stain. Alcoholic beverages soften the surface of the resin, increasing the likelihood of staining and wear. Aggressive tooth brushing can wear away the glaze on the veneer. Avoid frequent carbohydrate intake and increase home flossing to maintain your veneers in good condition. Also avoid highly abrasive toothpastes as you may lose the shining lustre of the veneer.

During visit to a dentist’s clinic

Your hygienist will be conservative with power polishing equipment. It can remove the glaze layer put on veneer. Once the glaze layer is removed, it cannot be reapplied. With the glaze intact, porcelain is resistant to stain.

If you have any questions about porcelain veneers, contact Expressions Dental™.

Life Span of Dental Veneers

It is difficult to put a number of years for a lifespan for porcelain veneers. Everyone's mouth is different.

If you are using veneers you should avoid certain things such as:

• Biting pins or other metal objects, which may chip an edge of veneers
• Power polishing of veneers. By doing this, the surface can become rough and porous and the porcelain veneers will then stain very easily
• Frequent snacking, which can lead to cavities on the edges
• Clenching and grinding your teeth

The chances of longer life span depends on your oral habits, your occlusion and how well you maintain oral hygiene. 

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, contact Expressions Dental™. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve optimal dental health.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Tartar can also form at and underneath the gum line and can irritate gum tissues. Bad oral hygiene habits cause dental plaque to build up and dental tartar to eventually collect above your gum line, which provides more sticky surfaces for dental plaque to grow on that again collect dental tartar. It's a vicious cycle. This leads to more serious conditions, such as cavities and gum disease.

• Having your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist
• Proper brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• Preventive debridement or dental scaling at least twice a year is recommended if your teeth tend to accumulate tartar.
• Using tartar control toothpastes
• Using non-alcoholic anti-bacterial mouthwashes
• Munching fruits and vegetables like apples, carrot or celery sticks is recommended. They help remove food particles, plaque or tartar on your teeth.
• Avoid smoking.
• Drink sufficient amount of water after each meal to wash out any food particles in the mouth.

Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line.

If you have been affected by tartar, Visit Expressions Dental™ Clinic in Calgary and seek dental help.

When to Consider Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

What Problems Do Veneers Take Care of?

• Teeth discoloration - This is a condition where a tooth changes from its natural color. It can be the result of many factors. Certain foods and drinks like wine, cola, coffee and tea can be major contributors in teeth staining. Also, poor dental hygiene can cause discoloration. Lack of proper brushing and flossing affects the enamel and the dentin, leading to a build-up of plaque that causes this condition. In addition, there are some medications, if used for a long period, can result in teeth staining. Other causes may be genetic. Teeth discoloration or staining may be covered by the use of dental veneers.
• Chipped or broken teeth – Many things can cause teeth breaking such as, accidents, fighting, sports, teeth grinding, eating ice or other hard foods, etc.
• Irregularly and unevenly shaped teeth - Most causes of this condition start very early in a life. They include inherited conditions, injuries, failure to restore a missing or misaligned tooth, continuous biting of nails affecting jaw muscles etc.
• A gap between front teeth - One can use dental veneers to close the gap.

How to Take Care of Removable Dentures?

Removable partial or full dentures require proper care to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best.
For good denture care:

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating - Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink or put some water in the sink so the dentures won't break if you drop them.
• Handle your dentures carefully - Be sure you don't bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
• Clean your mouth after removing your dentures - Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate).
• Brush your dentures at least daily - Gently clean your dentures daily by soaking and brushing with a nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits. If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Do not use denture cleansers inside your mouth.
• Soak dentures overnight - Most types of dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
• Rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution - These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.
• Schedule regular dental checkups - Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can help ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort. Your dentist can also check the inside of your mouth to make sure it's healthy.
• Think of them as real teeth - Just as you would brush your natural teeth twice a day, you should brush your dentures twice a day as well.
• Follow directions - Be sure to follow all instructions that your dentist gives you regarding care and cleaning, and do not hesitate to ask questions.
• See your dentist if you have a loose fit - See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.

Here are a few things you typically should avoid:

• Abrasive cleaning materials - Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
• Whitening toothpastes - Toothpastes advertised as whitening pastes are especially abrasive and generally should be avoided on dentures.
• Bleach-containing products - Do not use any bleaching products because these can weaken dentures and change their color. Don't soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish and corrode the metal.
• Hot water - Avoid hot or boiling water that could warp your dentures.

You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture. If your denture breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call your dentist.

At Expressions Dental™, our general dentists can answer your questions. Click here to connect to our general dentists to know about dentures and removable dental appliances options.