Friday, October 31, 2014

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are incredibly thin shells that are custom made to cover the surface of a patient’s teeth in order to improve appearance.

Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of a wide range of flaws, such as the discoloration of some or all teeth, or severely worn-down, chipped or broken teeth. They can also assist with correcting teeth that are misaligned, irregularly shaped, or separated by gaps.

Veneers are composed of either porcelain or resin and are tooth-colored. We usually work with patients to customize the best shade to match the rest of the teeth, but sometimes patients use veneers to boost the whiteness of their smile, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, we encourage it – a whiter smile makes you look and feel great.

Porcelain veneers are more durable and look more realistic than other coverings, but can be difficult to insert. This is why we strongly recommend a consultation to see if veneers are right for you.

Getting veneers is a three-step process:

1. Consultation: we meet with the patient and discuss the merits of dental veneers and other individualized options.

2. Preparatory treatment: we give your teeth a thorough cleaning and exam to ensure that no other procedures are needed before the veneers are placed.

3. Veneer installation: we set the veneers in place and provide post-placement touch-ups, as needed.

The consultation is free – contact us today!

Source URL - http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/what-are-veneers/

Seven Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be a painful and difficult problem to have when trying to live our daily lives. The pain caused by tooth sensitivity can be cause by a variety of issues, including hot or cold temperatures, and sweet and sour foods. There are a number of ways to reduce tooth sensitivity that can be achieved with ease (and with the help of a qualified dentist).

1. Regular Brushing
Improving general oral hygiene can be a simple way of reducing the sensitivity that affects many people. Brushing teeth at least twice a day and combining this with a daily flossing regimen will keep teeth healthy and reduce sensitivity levels.

2. Softer Bristles
A major cause of sensitivity is simply brushing your teeth too hard. Brushing too hard exposes the dentin beneath the layer of enamel, causing sensitivity to worsen over time. Hard-bristled brushes can create major problems with lost enamel. A soft-bristled brush will reduce the irritation felt on gums and help protect the remaining layer of enamel.

3. The Right Toothpaste
Finding the best toothpaste – one designed to reduce sensitivity – is always a good idea. Every mouth is different, so buy small tubes until you find the best toothpaste for you.

4. Lower-Acid Foods
Those who are already affected by sensitivity should consider what they eat and avoid foods that are high in acidity. The enamel is further damaged and its protective qualities are reduced by acidic foods, which should only be consumed in small quantities.

5. Fluoride Mouthwash
Adding a fluoride mouthwash to the daily oral health routine will help reduce sensitivity, as well as help fight gum disease.

6. Mouth Guards to Help Grinding
Grinding the teeth is a major cause of dental problems for many people. This damages the enamel on the teeth and increases sensitivity. Our dental staff helps with grinding problems by fitting patients for mouth guards to reduce the effects of this problem.

7. Visit Your Dentist
Visiting a dentist on a regular basis is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and reduce sensitivity. At least two visits to the dentist each year can help reduce the pain of sensitive teeth and limit other oral problems.

If you’re in Studio City, CA, give us a call today for a free consultation!

Source URL - http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/seven-solutions-tooth-sensitivity/