Comparing Lumineers To Traditional Veneers

Crooked, chipped, discolored, or worn down teeth are often viewed as unattractive, but they are a common occurrence among many. If you suffer from these problems, you no longer need to worry – there are ways to treat them! Two of the ways to treat these problems are lumineers and traditional veneers. 

Here is a look at both treatments:

1. Both are suited to people on the go because under the hands of a qualified dentist, these can be finished in as little as two visits. Both are made from thin and porous porcelain, are stain proof, natural in appearance, durable and resilient. They are also designed to last for years if coupled with proper home care, cleansing and regular visits to the dentists.

1. Since there is no removal of sensitive tooth structure, no injections are required in this procedure, making this comfortable even for sensitive patients. It can be placed directly over the whole front of the tooth and requires no temporaries to be worn. In most cases, this can be reversed in case you do not like the results. Also, Lumineers give the appearance of straighter teeth.

However, these are recommended only for minor cosmetic adjustments and not for serious dental makeovers or orthodontic work. They are best for minor tooth imperfections like covering visible portions of the teeth, straightening and lengthening teeth and concealing stained or discolored fillings.

Traditional Veneers

Traditional veneers, also called “dental porcelain laminates” are custom-shaped thin shells that permanently bond to teeth. Tracing its first use in Hollywood in the 1930’s, it has since grown in use and deemed an ideal replacement for your teeth and less bulky and more natural looking than lumineers.

Advantages: Its primary advantages range from providing relief from severe crowding of the teeth by straightening these, giving your teeth a more symmetrical and balanced look, and filling a gap or space of a cavity. Since it uses thin porcelain, it should not feel bulky nor cause additional extra thickness.

Disadvantages: It is a non reversible procedure. The preparations for this include drilling of the tooth and removal of some structure, thus requiring the use of an anesthetic. In some rare instances especially if a deep cavity is present and needs to be cleaned, nerves could be exposed despite the restoration. Before the procedure is fully completed, you might need to wear temporaries.

Lumineers

Lumineers are really custom designed veneers that require lesser preparation with very little or virtually no removal of tooth structure. It is ultra thin and considered a pleasant way to restore whiteness of your tooth to add to your beautiful smile. Strict guidelines govern the placement of cement to warranty the product and resolution is quick and permanent with very few complaints.

Disadvantages: Most complaints stem from it detaching soon after the procedure is done which may require additional visits to the dentists. Since these are ultra thin and quite translucent, it may not adequately cover the natural tooth color. If your tooth if is a bit darker than usual, another layer may be needed to “block” the darker tint from showing through. Patients also complain of a “toothier” or a more prominent look of their teeth.

Veneers and lumineers have similarities and differences, which are mentioned above. Combined with your dentist’s professional advice, we hope you will have an easy time deciding which treatment best suits you.

A Family Dental Care Center
2030 W. Main St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403

When Should I Take My Child To Their First Dental Appointment

Every child is a parent’s delight. We dote over them, worry when they are sick and celebrate every developmental milestone of their young life. Thus, for their health and general well-being, we have their pediatricians to go to for regular check-ups and for the occasional cold or fever. But one question every parent asks is how early should my child see the dentist? When the best time and what is the ideal age for that first visit?

Dental Visits: How Soon Is Too Soon?

Ideally, your child’s first visit to the dentist should take place before they reach their first birthday or within six months from the time their first tooth erupts. Remember, tooth decay can happen anytime as soon as your child begins to grow his or her tooth or teeth. However, it is generally acceptable to do this between the ages of two to three but bringing them earlier comes with certain advantages.

But It’s Only Milk Teeth!

Oftentimes, parents harbor the mistaken notion that since baby teeth are not yet permanent and since your child will eventually lose them in due time, there isn’t much that can be done about them. Please realize, however, that even if we can’t see them, your child's permanent teeth are already developing under their baby teeth. This is why it is very important for the dentist to see at the soonest if the development of your child’s teeth is taking place in the normal way.

Getting Baby Used To The Dentist

First visits are usually about getting your child used to and being comfortable in sitting in a dentist's chair. Thus, if your child’s first visit to the dentist is done early enough, is not associated with any pains or aches and is relatively stress-free, then it will turn out to be a positive experience for your child, free from anxiety and fear. This is especially crucial so that any trauma associated with visits to the dentist can be avoided.

Should the time come for you to go to the dentist for real teeth problems, your child will now have developed an understanding and appreciation that the dentist is his or her friend.

To help in this, it is best to bring your child for his or her first dental visit to a pediatric or family dentist. These types of dentist have received additional training in treating children and understanding their psychological make-up and needs. Their clinics are also designed with children in mind and are filled with child-friendly amenities and stuff like toys and games, play areas, and prizes to make children look forward to their next visits.

Bringing your child to the dentist before any dental problem has taken place helps you take better care of your child’s teeth. You can learn, at the earliest possible time, the proper way to clean their teeth, to know their fluoride needs, prevent plaque from building-up and avoid the formation of cavities.  It is this type of positive experience with you and with their dentist at an early age that helps your child form and develop proper dental care habits as he or she grows older.

A Family Dental Care Center
2030 W. Main St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403

How Often Should I Brush and Floss?

Brushing and flossing are two major elements of dental hygiene. Both actions can help to keep plaque levels down to a minimum and reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Mouth bacteria are harsh invaders that can spread fast if you do not constantly fight them with dental products. If you brush and floss on an acceptable schedule, then you can avoid requiring extensive work when you visit your local dentist for a checkup. You should never go without brushing or flossing, and you should be mindful of the amount of time you spend performing either activity. The following are some tips pertaining to brushing and flossing:

Brushing

Brushing at least twice per day is imperative. A first morning brush is necessary to remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria that forms a layer over your teeth while you are sleeping. Brushing once at night can help to add some protection to the inside of your mouth when you go to bed. You should brush your teeth for approximately two minutes and make sure that you touch all surfaces. A two-minute brushing session will ensure that the fluoride penetrates your tooth enamel and does its job. A wide range of fortified toothpastes is available to add to your level of protection. Additionally, brushing extra times throughout the course of the day cannot hurt you at all. The more you brush, the more you eliminate bacteria. 

Flossing

Flossing has a great deal of benefits that come with it. One of the greatest benefits of flossing is that it eliminates bad breath that is caused by plaque and food particles in between the teeth. The recommended number of times you should floss per day is once. However, flossing can help you in between meals and before you retire for the night. Mint-coated antiseptic floss is the best kind to use because of its anti-bacterial properties. Therefore, you will want to search for a brand that offers layers of protection against the harsh elements that invade your mouth.

Additional Tips

Gentle antiseptic mouthwashes can help to keep your breath smelling fresh, and they can add moisture and hydration to the mouth by stimulating the glands. You can use them once or twice per day in addition to vigorous flossing and brushing. If you have any problems such as tooth pain, bad breath or bleeding gums, you should schedule an appointment with an emergency facility.

A Family Dental Care Center
2030 W. Main St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403

What is Fluoride and Why Should I Use It?

When we think of fluoride we think of children between the ages of 6 and 15 when permanent teeth begin to come in. At those ages, fluoride is important for dental development, particularly with all of the sugars kids consume. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel by replacing nutrients that are lost over time. It can even repair small holes in your teeth caused by loss of those nutrients. It aids in dental development prior to age 6 making teeth more resistent to decay. Fluoride is found in many fruits, vegetables and juices, water and of course in toothpastes and mouthwashes. A dentist can also treat teeth with fluoride using foam, gel or varnish. These treatments are very fluoride rich as opposed to toothpastes or mouthwashes. Fluoride supplements can also be prescribed.

Many dentists also recommend fluoride treatments for adults, because believe it or not, adults get cavities too. If you drink bottled water exclusively, you may need fluoride treatment. Extra fluoride protection is warranted in conjunction with medications that cause dry mouth because reduction of saliva increases the risk of cavities. Radiation patients also experience loss of saliva. The process of aging often results in gum recession, exposing part of the root of the tooth and increasing the risk of decay. Even people with braces are exposed to a higher risk of tooth decay from the braces trapping in bacteria.

You can even buy certain fluoride gels over the counter for home use. You need only apply a little in the mouth, let it sit for awhile and rinse. The usual fluoride treatment at the dentist's office involves the dentist filling a mouthguard with flavored fluoride and putting it in your mouth for a few short minutes. The guard is then removed and your rinse your mouth.

Studies have conclusively shown that when used correctly, fluoride treatments significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay in both children and adults. Each patient is different so if you're worried about not getting enough fluoride, just talk with your dentist and he or she will be happy to let you know if fluoride supplements are recommended.

A Family Dental Care Center
2030 West Main. St.
Jeffersonville, PA 19403

What is root planing, and why is it done?

Pain, inflammation, and swelling of the gums are the most telling signs of gingivitis and periodontitis, and if left untreated these conditions can lead to a receding gum line, loose teeth, mouth sores, and the eventual loss of teeth rooted in the affected areas. Research also suggests that poor gum health leads to additional health complications, and can affect an individual’s overall well-being. Although several treatment options are available, many patients are reluctant to seek out the proper methods for coping with gum disease that has progressed to the point of pain. Misinformation concerning treatment and recovery may be one cause for such reluctance, but there is good news for those who are hesitant to begin looking for relief.

Root planing and scaling is a comfortable, non-surgical procedure offered to patients suffering from gum disease, and is often the first option for treatment when a diagnosis is issued. The procedure involves the use of scraping instruments, an ultrasonic tool or both to deep clean and remove dental plaque and calculus that promote bacterial growth along the gum line and at the root level. A local anesthetic is generally offered to minimize any discomfort, and most patients will feel only the pressure of the instruments being used during their visit.

The risks involved with the procedure are minimal, with the possibility for infection being the primary cause for concern. For this reason, patients may have antibiotic fibers or gels inserted during the planing and scaling session, which will usually be removed about one week after the first visit. For patients who run a higher risk of infection, antibiotics after the procedure may be prescribed.

Immediately after the procedure the gums may be more sensitive than usual, and certain precautions will be advised until normal sensitivity levels are regained. For this reason, some patients may have small areas of the gum line treated over several visits to ensure minimal inconvenience and shorter recovery times. Patients may also be advised to take over-the-counter pain relief medication immediately after their visits, and to brush and floss more gently until any discomfort or pain subsides.

Root planing and scaling is highly effective, and most patients can expect to see the return of healthy pink gums after treatments have been completed. The procedure is an excellent option for patients struggling with gum pain, bleeding, and other signs of disease seeking a minimally invasive treatment option.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 W. Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

When will my child get his/her first tooth?

For first-time parents wondering when their child will get his or her first teeth, expect teeth to first show when your child is between 4 and 7 months old. Sometimes, children – who the dental community refers to as “early developers”— have teeth develop as early as 3 months, and, more rarely, a tooth or two is visible at birth.

Your child actually begins to develop teeth when they are in the womb, where tooth buds start showing in the gums. Generally speaking, though, your child’s teeth will grow in this order: the bottom two middle teeth are first to appear, followed by the top middle teeth. After that, the teeth that make up the sides and back of your child’s mouth will start to come in.

Typically, the teeth do not come in straight, but straighten out over time as the mouth starts to fill out. The molars situated at the rear of your child’s mouth will be the last to appear. By the time your child turns three, he or she should have 20 teeth, all of which should remain in place until their permanent teeth begin coming in. 

Teething Symptoms

Currently, there is a debate among physicians and dentists as to whether or not teething causes various symptoms, or whether these symptoms develop coincidentally when a child’s teeth are growing in. In any event, your teething child might drool more frequently while teeth are appearing, which sometimes causes a facial rash.

Other teething symptoms include gum swelling and general gum sensitivity and increased irritability. Your child may also exhibit biting behavior, and they might have problems sleeping. Babies also commonly refuse food when a tooth is freshly ruptured through the gum tissue.

Some experts believe that teething leads to increased diarrhea and diaper rash. The theory is that the teething creates excessive salvia, some of which will end up in your child’s gut, loosening the stool, and resulting in diarrhea.

What is universally agreed upon by both physicians and dentists, however, is that if your child is teething and has a rectal temperature that exceeds 101 degrees Fahrenheit (or 100 degrees Fahrenheit if your child is younger than 3 months), or is experiencing any other symptoms that worry you, seek immediate medical attention.

How to Ease Your Child’s Teething Discomfort

If your child is suffering pain while teething, give them something to chew on. A cold washcloth, rubber gnaw, or massaging rattler are all excellent options. If your child has already advanced to eating solids, giving them something cold – like diced fruit or yogurt -- will ease the pain,. Rubbing a clean finger on your child’s tender gums will work if the aforementioned methods do not diminish your child’s discomfort.

If the teething discomfort persists, consider giving your child a dose of children’s pain reliever. Make sure to consult with a physician before administering the medication. For babies with a rash on their chin, rubbing away the drool with a soft cloth and then rubbing the affected areas with a thick layer of petroleum jelly typically reduces redness and sores.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Top 5 Services a Cosmetic Dentist Can Do For You

Your teeth do a lot for how уου look to others. A nice set of truly white teeth саn instantly enhance уουr appearance and confidence, while a set of less than perfect and less than white teeth саn hаνе the contrary effect. Since a lot of score is put on beauty and the way people look, many people are visiting a dentist to hаνе countless procedures like dental implants or porcelain veneers performed.
 

Below are the top five services your dentist саn do for уου:

Teeth Whitening

The enamel – or the outer mοѕt layer of уουr teeth – іѕ οftеn tarnished due to a number reasons such аѕ aging, stains from food or drink, or οthеr chemical degradation.

A dentist саn whiten уουr teeth for уου by removing the brown or yellow staining that has occurred. Thеrе are, in fact, numerous uncommon procedures by whісh уου саn get уουr teeth whitened: chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, harsh teeth whitening and laser teeth whitening.

Thеѕе gentle dental procedures саn range from јυѕt a few hundred to numerous thousands of dollars and mау demand јυѕt one or many visits to a local dentist to hаνе the treatment concluded.

Gum Surgery

Yουr gums are the frame on whісh all of уουr teeth are placed. Often, due to lack of proper care and hygiene, the gum might be infected or the actual gum tissue in between the teeth might become weak. Moreover, уου might even hаνе a ‘gummy' smile – one that exposes a lot of gum in comparison to the teeth. Gum surgery саn fix thіѕ problem along with any οthеr issue that might arise due to уουr gums.

Dental Implants

A dental implant іѕ a rod of titanium, whісh іѕ affixed surgically to уουr jaw, such that іt becomes an anchor for a natural looking false tooth or a set of false teeth. The titanium fittings that are used in the implants are inserted into the jaws and are very successful in fusing with the bone (osseointegration). Thеrе are again three uncommon types of dental implants (уουr dentist will talk аbουt thеѕе with уου in great detail) – root form implants, plate form implants, and subperiosteal implants.

Typically, if уου are missing a tooth and hаνе enough bone left in that рlасе to hold the rod, and then уου саn go for a dental implant.

Contouring and Reshaping

Dental contouring and tooth reshaping are again two well lονеd procedures that go hand-in-hand. Thеѕе procedures саn correct ѕοmе of the mοѕt common complaints that people hаνе with thеіr teeth, such аѕ broken teeth, a chipped tooth, cracked teeth, and overlapping teeth.

Tooth Bonding

Thіѕ іѕ a procedure in whісh a composite resin filling іѕ placed in уουr teeth, used typically in the refurbishment of decomposing teeth, making improvements and improving the color of уουr teeth аѕ well. The entire treatment саn be used to improve stains, and fill up gaps between the teeth.

Уουr dentist саn do all thіѕ and more. No longer do folks hаνе to simply deal with the teeth and gums thеу hаνе been given. A dentist can now do a lot more than ease tooth ache and tooth pain, or perform dentistry such as root canals or crowns. By being able to find a dentist, thеу саn correct nearly anything concerning thеіr mouth to get the perfect smile thеу hаνе always wanted.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 W. Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403