Friday 27 September 2013

Cosmetic Bonding Vs Porcelain Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry has become extremely popular in California to get a winning smile. Whether it’s a misalignment problem, unsightly spacing issue, dark or uneven colored dentition, or even gum erosion, dentists use new ways to make sure the treatment is satisfactory and painless for the patient.

In yester years, crowns were the main choice for hiding tooth problems, but since the past four decades, cosmetic dentistry has been offering both veneers and bonding to enhance smiles. However, this does lead to the main question: “Veneers or Bonding?”

Dental bonding

Dental bonding pertains to the application of a strong composite material right onto the tooth’s surface, by a dentist, who then sculpts and shapes it to look exactly like a natural projection. It is made to blend seamlessly and naturally with the existing teeth of the patient. The teeth are then exposed to a laser light that cures the composite, reinforcing and hardening it.

This technique of bonding has several applications, not just for cosmetic uses but also for pediatric and prosthodontics dentistry. The benefits of dental bonding include,
Quick treatment time as the procedure can be finished in one visit after consultation.
Low cost per tooth in comparison to porcelain veneers.

Bonding also has some drawbacks. For instance, durability of the material might get affected by the oral environment. Also, since composite bonding is a mix of resin and quartz particle, breakage and discoloration is inevitable if the mouth has high acidic pH value. Breakage is also imminent if the patient does not have a solid tooth structure, or if he/she is a night grinder.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers need to be fabricated in the lab. They are filled with tough mineral particles that enhance durability. In comparison to bonding, the work process of veneers is a lot more complicated. There is a range of fabrication techniques that can be used and all require applying different methods to prepare the tooth. Pressing technique, for instance, produces an extremely strong veneer, but needs 0.8mm thickness of the veneer. Porcelain powder on the other hand can create super thin veneers that produce an extremely conservative look on the tooth structure, while also keeping a very natural profile. The veneer lays on the surface of the tooth and is very much like a press-on nail. 

Veneers adhere to the projection with the help of bonding cement. Since porcelain is resistant to acid and a lot stronger than composite, this form of restoration lasts longer. The process of getting veneers, however, involves more than one appointment. The first visit involves taking imprints of the teeth. A thin veneer is then crafted out of the porcelain and is cemented to the surface of the tooth on the next visit. Apart from straightening the teeth, porcelain veneers also help to close gaps, whiten teeth, and protect dented tooth surfaces. The main benefit of porcelain veneers over tooth bonding is that veneers last longer than composite.

Whether a patient decides to invest in porcelain veneers or dental bonding, it is important to get the procedure done from a reputable dentist, preferably at a clinic that has experienced professionals. When such work is left for experienced and skilled doctors, any last minute alteration can be done without hassle. Remember, the results of cosmetic procedures are truly diverse depending on the ability of the ceramist, dentist, the clinical history of the patient and the communication between the parties involved. Hence, it’s best to perform proper research. California boasts of several dental clinics offering cosmetic treatment. The patient can narrow down to a clinic that best suit his/her needs by reading online reviews and checking with family and friends.

Thursday 12 September 2013

Are Braces Advisable for Adults?

Gone are the days when braces were only for children and teenagers. In the present times, adults make up almost fifty percent of orthodontic patients with the intention of getting that perfect smile. There have been considerable advancements in the past two decades in the field of cosmetic dentistry with the development of cosmetically friendly and lightweight options for adults.

A great smile can make quite a difference in the personal and professional life of an individual. In fact, the payoff is worth the momentary nuisance and expense of braces.

Is orthodontic treatment different for adults?

Just like children, adults can also receive the benefit of braces. However, because adults are no longer growing, treatment takes longer than usual. Typically, grownups need to wear braces for eighteen months to two years. Once the braces are removed, they may require wearing retainers to maintain treatment results.

How can an adult find out if he/she needs braces?

Ones interested in getting their teeth straightened should consult their dentists and ask for proper evaluations. Depending on individual cases, dentists will analyze the patient’s mouth structure and then suggest a treatment. Here are some questions that patients must ask their dentist:

Ø  What is the cost involved?

Ø  How long do patients need to wear braces?

Ø  How do braces correct an alignment problem?

Ø  Does the dentist have any experience?

Ø  Can appointments be scheduled at convenient times? It is a good idea to obtain references from former or current patients.

Ø  What are the various benefits of using braces?

Healthy Smile:

A lot of adults are also asked to get their bite corrected for health reasons. With problems such as, cross bite, misaligned teeth, there is a chance of food buildup, plaque buildup, in between the projection. Improper bite can also make it hard for the patent to chew food, which may lead to gastrointestinal problems.

Traditional metal braces

If someone has crooked teeth or bite problem, metal braces are more effective in moving the teeth than cosmetically friendly braces. Clear braces also work fine but there are certain drawbacks. The adhesive that sticks the brackets in place may stain due to smoking and dark drinks, and may cost a lot more than metal braces.

Braces Vs Invisalign

Another alternative is Invisalign. Patients are made to wear several removable orthodontic aligners that dentists adjust as the patient’s teeth shift from one place to another without wires or metal. A series of customized aligners are worn for duration of fifteen days. Every aligner shifts the teeth into place progressively. The total treatment time is a few months to about two years. While most dentists say Invisalign can be an excellent alternative to conventional braces, there are restrictions.

Veneers

If a patient does not have time for a conventional orthodontic treatment and needs instant results, then porcelain veneer is the right option. Porcelain veneers are essentially wafer-thin shells bonded to the teeth to enhance their cosmetic look.

With veneers a doctor can typically fix the shape, the position, the appearance, and the color of the tooth, all in one swoop. However, in case the patient has virgin, beautiful, healthy teeth that are just crooked, then braces are a better option.

How much do braces cost?

The cost mainly depends on the kind of braces advised by the dentist. In an average, braces tend to cost from $5,000 to $6,000. The price depends upon the condition of the patient’s teeth, and the city where the treatment will take place.

California is known to offer some of the best cosmetic dentistry clinics. These clinics use state of the art techniques to provide healthy and beautiful smiles to their customers.