Which Dental Veneers Are Right for Me?
A beautiful smile can create a great impression—and achieving that perfect smile could be easier than you think. Dental veneers are a proven way to cover common cosmetic problems and improve your smile.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers mask the front surface of your teeth to improve your smile. These covers, placed by licensed dentists, help to hide flaws in your teeth, including:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Gaps between your teeth or crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stains that won’t come clean
After an initial consultation to determine if veneers are right for you, your dentist will remove some enamel from your natural teeth to create a better surface for the veneers. Depending on what type of veneer you choose, you will likely get dental impressions to ensure a natural look that fits with your smile. It may take a few weeks for them to be produced.
Once they arrive, your dentist will use dental cement to bond your veneers to your teeth. They will make any final adjustments, including checking the fit, evaluating your bite, and polishing or removing any excess material.
What Are the Different Kinds?
There are several kinds of dental veneers you might consider. But your dentist will likely recommend a specific kind depending on your budget and goals for your smile. Still, understanding what types of veneers are available will help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Porcelain Veneers
The gold standard of veneers, porcelain veneers offer a high-quality, long-lasting, natural appearance. These veneers can last more than a decade and are easy to maintain. Your dentist will custom-make these veneers to fit over your teeth.
While porcelain veneers offer the best aesthetic option, they are more expensive than other types of veneers. Placing them takes longer and your dentist may need to remove more enamel than they would for other types of veneers. Further, any chipped or broken porcelain veneers must be replaced by your dentist.
Composite Veneers
Composite dental veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers. They are made of resin and require less enamel removal than alternatives. Many dentists are also able to apply composite veneers in a single, less invasive visit than for porcelain veneers.
However, because they are made of resin, stains can show up more quickly on composite veneers. These veneers require regular maintenance, including professional cleanings, and the material will need to be replaced faster (less than eight years) than porcelain veneers.
Removable Veneers
For a less permanent solution, your dentist may recommend removable, or pop-on, veneers. These veneers fit on top of your natural teeth like a retainer, and you can remove them at any time. They are often cheaper than permanent veneers and do not require any enamel removal.
Because they fit over your teeth, removable veneers may make eating and speaking more difficult. It’s also important to keep pop-on veneers clean to prevent issues like tooth decay from trapped food and bacteria.
Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?
Dental veneers can help create a whiter, brighter smile by hiding many cosmetic problems with your teeth. Your dentist will work with you to fix any existing oral health problems, like gum disease, cavities, missing teeth, and teeth grinding, before moving forward.
While veneers are a cosmetic solution, they may also offer some protection to damaged teeth. Your dentist will discuss the best options for your dental health, including if dental crowns would work better for your needs.
Start Your Journey to a Brighter Smile
The smile of your dreams is closer than you might think. Request an appointment now to learn how dental veneers can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Our care team is here to help answer any questions you have in a low-stress, no-pressure environment.
How to Ease Dental Anxiety
While we’d love to think that everyone looks forward to going to the dentist, we know that dental work like root canals, fillings, and veneer placements can feel downright scary. In fact, more than a third of Americans fear getting dental treatment. And in extreme cases, this anxiety may cause patients to put off getting oral care, which can make problems worse over time. But here’s the good news: There are ways to make uncomfortable procedures feel more manageable, including the use of sedation to ease dental anxiety.
What Is Dental Sedation?
The goal of sedation dentistry is to help patients feel more relaxed during otherwise stressful dental procedures. During sedation, your dentist will use drugs or chemicals to help ease your feelings of anxiety throughout your procedure.
Unlike general anesthesia, patients undergoing sedation dentistry are usually awake. However, they won’t feel pain from the procedure, nor will they remember what happened during the procedure when it’s over.
Patients may benefit from sedation dentistry if they have:
- A lengthy procedure
- A fear of drills, needles, or other equipment
- A fear of the dentist
- Very sensitive teeth
Using Laughing Gas to Ease Dental Anxiety
Your dentist will advise you on the right kind of sedation dentistry for you. Keep in mind that the recommended sedation may vary depending on the procedure you’re getting.
One of the most common and least invasive types of sedation is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This sedative is a chemical that you inhale through a mask just a few minutes before your dental procedure. This gas acts quickly to make you feel calm and, as the name implies, happy and light-headed. Your dentist will keep the mask on throughout your procedure and may adjust the dosage to make sure you continue to stay calm. After your procedure, your care team will switch your mask so you breathe oxygen and flush the laughing gas out of your system.
According to the American Dental Association, laughing gas is a safe and effective method of managing anxiety for most patients. Many patients prefer laughing gas because the sedation doesn’t last long after the procedure and they are able to return to their normal activities – including driving home – almost immediately.
Other forms of sedation include:
- Oral medication, such as diazepam
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia (for long procedures or severe anxiety)
Other Ways to Ease Dental Anxiety
While sedation dentistry can help lower your dental anxiety during your procedure, other techniques can help before you even head to the dentist’s office:
- Bring a friend. Have someone with you before the procedure to help calm your nerves.
- Distract yourself. Read a book, listen to music, or stream a show while you are waiting.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing or meditation to slow your heart rate ahead of your procedure.
Most importantly, speak with your dentist about your procedure. Understanding what to expect – including if sedation is an option – can help ease anxious feelings heading into the day!
Make Your Next Dental Visit a Breeze
Don’t let fear of the dentist keep you from getting the care you need. Request an appointment now to learn how sedation dentistry can help. Our care team is here to help answer any questions and make your dental visit as stress-free as possible.
Tooth Extraction: What It Is and How to Avoid It
There’s a reason we say difficult situations are like pulling teeth. While there’s no denying that tooth extractions have come a long way, and that pulling teeth isn’t as uncomfortable as it used to be, you would probably still prefer to avoid it if you can. But if one or more of your teeth is damaged beyond repair—which means other methods like fillings, crowns, or root canals can’t fix it—a tooth extraction may be necessary for your dental health.
Why Might I Need a Tooth Pulled?
During a tooth extraction, your dentist will “pull” your entire tooth from its socket. While this process might sound scary, your dentist will make you as comfortable as possible before, during, and after your procedure. And while you may not realize it now, pulling teeth can often provide immediate relief from painful, damaged teeth.
Some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction include:
- Broken teeth: In some cases, if most of the external tooth has broken off, your dentist may recommend removing the rest of it.
- Crowded or impacted teeth: If teeth are too crowded or cannot erupt through the gums, your dentist may recommend removal to help your remaining teeth better align. Impacted wisdom teeth are often extracted.
- Gum disease: For patients with severe gum disease, teeth may become loose and require extraction to avoid further damage.
- Tooth decay: When bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the teeth to the middle, or pulp, of the tooth, it may need to be removed. According to the CDC, tooth decay is the most common reason for tooth loss in adults.
In certain cases, you may need an emergency tooth extraction if one or more of your teeth needs to be pulled right away because of trauma, severe pain, or infection.
How Are Teeth Pulled?
Before the tooth extraction, your dentist will look at the affected tooth, gums, and surrounding area. They will also take X-rays to understand the extent of damage or decay of the tooth. Additionally, if needed, they will provide dental sedation such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax during the procedure.
During the extraction, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. You should not be able to feel any pain during the procedure. They will then loosen and pull the tooth out of its socket. After the removal, your dentist will clean and stitch the socket closed. Finally, they will place gauze over the socket to aid in healing.
You may continue to bleed for about 24 hours following your tooth extraction. While you may have some discomfort, most people feel back to normal within a couple of days of their procedure.
How to Avoid Tooth Extraction
The best way to avoid having teeth pulled is to maintain good oral hygiene every day, including brushing and flossing. You can take other steps to prevent the need for tooth extractions, including:
- Eating a healthy diet, including limiting sugary beverages
- Getting early treatment for dental issues like cavities and chipped teeth
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports
Many of the issues that lead to tooth extraction take a long time to develop. Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups can not only help with keeping your teeth sparkling but also help identify small issues before they become big problems.
Helping You Find the Way to Your Best Dental Health
Whether you’re looking for a pain-free tooth extraction or trying to avoid one with regular dental care, Monticello Family Dental can help. Our care team is here to help answer your questions and make your dental visit as stress-free as possible. Request an appointment now to learn more.