Dental veneers provide a great way to hide problems with your teeth, ranging from tooth discoloration to chips to gaps and other issues. They fit right on the fronts of your teeth and can give you a brand new smile. Veneers are most often made from either porcelain or composite materials. If you are deciding between the two types, here is an outline of their similarities and differences.
Porcelain and composite veneers are alike in that they both are attached to your teeth using a cement bonding material. Also, for both procedures, you may opt to have an anesthetic used to ease discomfort during the process of scraping or shaping your teeth. No matter the type of veneer, the outcome should be that your smile has improved and your self-confidence level has increased.
There are some things that set composite and porcelain veneers apart from one another. These include:
- Material – Obviously, porcelain veneers are made from porcelain. Composite veneers are created from a resin material, which is similar to plastic. Composite can absorb liquids, making them susceptible to staining.
- Appearance – Porcelain veneers look as real as natural teeth. It is difficult to tell them apart from real teeth, because they are uniform in color and reflect light naturally. Composite veneers easily stain and may not look as natural.
- Durability – Porcelain tends to last much longer than composite. They are more durable, as porcelain is not prone to breaking or chipping like composite is. Composite veneers may be repaired if they are damaged, but porcelain veneers cannot. The whole set of porcelain veneers would need to be replaced if damaged.
- Process – It takes longer to get porcelain veneers than it does composite, which can be placed in only one dental visit. Porcelain requires at least two appointments because they are created in a lab before they can be attached. It can take up to two weeks for porcelain veneers to be made.
- Maintenance – Porcelain veneers do not require extra maintenance besides regular brushing and flossing, while composite veneers require frequent maintenance to have the best, long-lasting results.
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Some people have the wrong idea that taking their children to the dentist isn’t that important, and that it’s really a healthcare choice for adulthood. Young teeth are vulnerable to bacteria that lead to cavities and gum disease, so teaching your kids how to practice good dental hygiene is a must. However, it’s just as important to get into the habit of taking your kids for regular checkups at the dentist.
Does it matter which dentist we choose?
Sometimes the hardest part about the whole process is talking your child into seeing a dentist. Many kids are afraid of the dentist, even if it’s just the idea of an unknown experience. Then once they go to the dentist and see all the unfamiliar and sometimes noisy equipment, you can be in for an uphill battle. That’s why it’s important to choose a dentist who is experienced in treating kids and equipped for their unique needs. Select a dental office that strives to make kids comfortable and helps them through the process. You may even want to consider a pediatric dentist, who specializes only in treating kids.
What can we expect at a checkup?
The goal of a dental visit is to clean and protect your child’s teeth, and to prevent and treat diseases or other problems. The dentist will start with an examination and X-rays if needed, in order to get a better view of your child’s oral health. The appointment will also include a teeth cleaning, which provides a much more thorough and deep cleaning than your child is able to perform at home. If there are any problems diagnosed, treatment procedures will be discussed and you can decide with the dentist how to proceed.
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Changing your smile through the treatments available in cosmetic dentistry is a great way to improve your look and boost your self-esteem. Here is some food for thought if you’re considering cosmetic dentistry procedures.
There are lots of treatments to consider.
Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of procedures, each targeting certain issues and goals. Some of the options include teeth whitening, orthodontics, bonding, veneers, implants, crowns, and contouring. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss what you dislike about your smile, and find out what treatments might be most helpful in achieving your goals.
Choosing the dentist is important.
Different dentists specialize in different areas, so it’s important to find one who is qualified and experienced in cosmetic procedures. Ask about the dentist’s training and continuing education, and request referrals from other patients. Also ask to see before and after photos of patients who have undergone the procedures you are interested in having done. Your experience with cosmetic dentistry will only be as good as the dentist who performs the treatment.
Your teeth aren’t the only thing to consider.
It is easy to focus only on your teeth when you think about your smile. There are actually many other important factors, such as face shape, bite alignment, lip structure, and gum position. For example, sometimes teeth may look uneven but it is really the gums that are not consistent in your smile. Your cosmetic dentist should consider all aspects of your oral health before embarking on treatment.
Your gum health is important.
Gum disease should be treated prior to cosmetic treatment to help ensure the success of any work you have done.
Your bite can make a difference.
If your upper and lower teeth don’t fit properly together when you bite, you will likely damage any restorations that are used to improve your smile. Bite issues also can trigger teeth grinding and clenching, both of which are hard on restorations. Your bite must be considered as part of your cosmetic dentistry treatment.
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Traditionally, most dental restorations contained some type of metal such as silver, mercury, or tin. In addition to the metal being visible in your mouth, there are some other reasons that dentists have turned to composite materials as an alternative to metal for restorations. Here are some reasons to consider composite materials for your next dental procedure.
What is composite?
Made of a mixture of plastic and glass, composite is a tooth-colored material used for cosmetic dental improvements and restorations. This mixture does not contain any metal and can be shaped and molded to look like a natural tooth.
What are the benefits?
Patients are selecting metal-free restorations for a number of reasons. The most obvious is that they blend right in with the rest of your teeth so that many times others can’t even tell they are there. Another benefit is that they do not impact on your teeth. For example, less of the healthy portions of your tooth need to be removed to place a composite filling. The material is able to securely bond directly to the tooth, basically recreating the tooth in that area instead of just filling a hole. This lessens the risks for breakage later. Also, composite restorations are free of mercury and avoid the controversies surrounding that material being used for dental purposes.
Are there any disadvantages?
Patients sometimes experience heightened tooth sensitivity for a short time following a composite restoration. Also, the material is susceptible to staining from foods like coffee, tea, berries, and red wine. If you are worried about discoloration, your dentist may place a clear plastic coating over the composite to protect it from stains. Finally, composites used in large areas or in areas prone to extensive chewing pressure may be less durable than some other materials available. Consult your dentist to see if composite restorations are a good solution for your dental needs.
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