Made of thin layers of porcelain, veneers look natural and can endure the pressure of biting and chewing foods. Dr. Matthew Bridges may recommend veneers to improve the appearance of front teeth that show when you smile. 

Because they cover the front surface of teeth, veneers correct stains, cracks, misalignments, and other imperfections to create a gorgeous smile. A ceramist handmakes each veneer in a dental lab with durable, esthetic porcelain tinted to blend with the patient’s natural teeth. Usually, the process takes two appointments and about a month to complete, following the initial consultation.

Today’s blog will review who needs porcelain veneers. We’ll explain in more detail the conditions that warrant veneers and what you can expect following the procedure.

Choosing Veneers

Also known as the all-in-one smile makeover, porcelain veneers can tweak or completely transform a smile. Cosmetic veneers improve one or more of the following attributes of a tooth:

• Shape
• Size
• Alignment
• Color

Porcelain Veneers Candidacy

Age

Because veneers are permanent, we recommend them for older teens and patients in any stage of adulthood. If a child gets veneers, the restorations will need replacement as the child’s natural teeth grow. Oftentimes, bonding is a more desirable cosmetic enhancement for children and young teens.

Health

Dr. Bridges wants your investment to last, so he will help bring your mouth into good health before placing porcelain veneers. This may involve treating tooth decay, gum disease, and occlusion issues that can lead to clenching and grinding (bruxism) and TMJ disorder. If you clench and grind your teeth, you can wear down veneers, as well as the other teeth and dental work in your mouth.

Prerequisite Orthodontics

Porcelain veneers can close mild to moderate gaps between teeth and correct the appearance of twisted or malformed teeth. However, if your teeth are too widely spaced or crowded and overlapping, you may need orthodontic treatment prior to veneers. 

Bad Habits

If you chew on your fingernails, pen caps, ice, straws, and other objects, you’ll need to break the habit before having veneers–or your veneers may break!

Also, tobacco will permanently stain tooth enamel, as well as dental work. If you smoke, your porcelain veneers will discolor over time.

Care and Mainteanance

DO NOT USE WHITENING TOOTHPASTE ON VENEERS. The abrasive paste will scratch your veneers and promote staining, rather than remove stains. Note also that chemical teeth whitening does not work on dental work, including veneers. Teeth whitening is intended for use on natural tooth enamel only.

Plan to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning, and as needed for toothaches and oral abnormalities. Also, you’ll need to practice good dental hygiene every day, morning and evening. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once, and use mouth wash to kill bacteria and bad breath. If veneers are damaged, contact Dr. Bridges immediately for an appointment.

Call Today for Porcelain Veneers Consultation

Are porcelain veneers right for you? Let’s chat about it! Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center today at 580.255.4880 and reserve your consultation with Dr. Matthew Bridges. He’ll take time to talk with you about your concerns, then conduct a comprehensive oral evaluation. He may want to take x-rays, as well. After reviewing his findings, the doctor will create a custom treatment plan, share it with you, and answer all of your questions. We love new patients!

The post Who Needs Porcelain Veneers? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your smile, contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. He and our dedicated team can help you choose the best treatment for you–like veneers! Call our friendly team at (580) 255-4880 to learn more.

Before getting veneers, you should be aware of several important factors to ensure that you make the right decision for your dental health. In this blog post, we reveal six things you should consider before getting treatment.

Veneers Are Not Reversible

When a dentist prepares a tooth for veneers, they remove a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface. Dentists must do this to make room for the veneer. Otherwise, it will not sit flush against the tooth properly. 

The process of removing tooth enamel is irreversible. This means that once the enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced. Patients must be sure that they want veneers for the rest of their lives before proceeding with the procedure.

They Require Regular Maintenance

Although veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. To prevent accidental damage, patients should:

• Practice good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day and flossing once a day)
• Avoid biting into hard objects
• Avoid using the teeth as tools

Additionally, patients should continue to visit their dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to ensure their prosthetics are in good condition.

Veneers May Not Be For Everyone

While veneers can improve the appearance of many dental issues, they may not be suitable for all cases. Patients with severe tooth decay, gum disease, or weakened teeth may require other dental procedures to restore their oral health.

Veneers Can Be Expensive 

While these prosthetics offer some protection from wear and tear, most insurance companies view veneer treatment as an elective, cosmetic procedure. This means that most insurance companies do not cover this treatment. As a result, patients may be responsible for all costs, which can average roughly $1,000 per treated tooth.

The Process Requires Multiple Appointments

During the first visit, the dentist examines the patient’s teeth and creates a treatment plan. In subsequent visits, the dentist prepares the teeth, takes impressions, and places the veneers. Patients should be prepared to commit to the process and follow the dentist’s instructions for the best results.

Veneers May Not Be An Exact Match

Patients can customize the color and shape of their prosthetics to match their natural teeth. However, surrounding natural teeth may continue to discolor over time while the prosthetics may not. This can make treatment more noticeable over time.

Veneer Dentist in Duncan, OK

Although this treatment is safe, effective, and long-lasting, it is important for you to have all the facts. If you’re interested in moving forward with treatment, then contact the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today! Simply send us a message here or call (580) 255-4880 to get started now.

The post Everything You Should Know Before Getting Veneers appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges helps patients decide which teeth shape looks more flattering on them and which cosmetic dentistry techniques can help them achieve their goals aesthetically. Here, we go over three considerations when deciding which shape your teeth should be that may come up during your initial consultation. 

Consider Face Shape

Facial recognition scientists define nine distinct face shapes, and knowing yours can help you look and feel your best. As a rule of thumb, go for a tooth shape opposite your natural face shape.

For instance, if you have a more angular (such as a heart or square-shaped face), round teeth may look more suitable when you smile. Conversely, consider square teeth if your face is more soft and curved (including oval or round face shapes).

Use the Golden Ratio Method

Discovered by the ancient Greeks, the golden ratio is a mathematical formula that describes two numbers (a and b). The sum of (a+b) divided by the larger number (a) must be equal to the ratio of the larger number divided by the smaller number (a divided by b). 

Sometimes nicknamed the “divine proportion,” the golden ratio frequently exists in the natural world and is often showcased by the number of petals on a flower, the seed pattern in a sunflower, the number of sides in an unpeeled banana, and more.

Dentists can incorporate the golden ratio into your smile by using it as a tool to assess the widths of the anterior maxillary teeth and to create a more natural-looking, proportionate smile.

Incorporate Your Personality Into Your Smile

You might not realize this, but how your teeth are shaped may subconsciously convey certain personality traits when you smile. 

As people get older, teeth tend to experience more wear and tear, so square teeth can come across as more mature or weathered. Conversely, people with round teeth are generally perceived as more gentle and feminine. Furthermore, the incisors of younger patients tend to be more rounded, so round incisors can appear more youthful.

Square or Round Teeth? We can help you decide.

Although there’s no wrong or right answer, consider what will make you feel the most confident about your smile and your cosmetic dentist’s opinion. When it comes to changing the shape and size of your teeth, here are some services offered at our Duncan, OK location that can dramatically transform your smile:

• Porcelain and composite veneers are paper-thin shells adhered to the top of the teeth that can add dimension and hide minor imperfections (such as gaps between the teeth).
• Dental bonding will do the trick and can smooth out small flaws when bonded to the existing teeth.
• Tooth contouring can address minor cosmetic imperfections by gently reshaping the tooth.

Should your teeth look rounder or more square? Find the answer to this question by scheduling a cosmetic dentistry consultation by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online.

The post Square vs. Round Teeth: What Shape Should My Teeth Be? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Looking for a smile makeover in the Duncan area? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges at Chisolm Trail Smile Center! We are proud to be one of the oldest dental practices in Duncan. Our team makes it a point to get to know all of our patients and understand their dental goals and issues so we can provide personalized, compassionate care. If you are looking for a dental care home in Duncan, OK, call us today!

Porcelain veneers conceal flaws in your teeth.

Think of dental veneers as a beautiful, durable cover for your teeth. Sometimes, teeth are healthy but are simply unaesthetic due to chips, gaps or uneven spacing, deep discoloration, or misshapen or under-sized crowns. Veneers can hide these issues with a thin ceramic layer that looks extremely natural.

Veneers are not one-size-fits-all.

Dr. Bridges takes impressions, X-rays, and photographs to help the dental laboratory create unique veneers that are made to fit seamlessly within your smile. The veneers placed by Dr. Bridges are anything but bulky or unnaturally bright. We aim to improve your smile aesthetic while maintaining a naturally healthy appearance.

Placing dental veneers is not a painful procedure.

Most patients experience very mild discomfort, if any, when receiving porcelain veneers. Dr. Bridges will numb the area before prepping the natural teeth for bonding. Optional sedatives such as nitrous oxide can help you relax in the dental chair during the length of your treatment. While some sensitivity is normal after placement, your mouth should be feeling back to normal within one to two weeks after treatment.

Veneers are a long-lasting solution.

Veneers do not last forever, but they’re one of the longest-lasting smile solutions available. Most patients find that with regular dental care and diligent at-home hygiene, they can maintain their new smile for 15 to 20 years before needing replacement veneers.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are not usually covered by insurance.

Dental insurance typically covers preventive and restorative procedures that help improve the health of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic procedures to improve the aesthetics of your smile are considered elective procedures by most insurance providers. However, CareCredit®, a dental financing plan accepted at our practice, can be used toward cosmetic treatments and help many patients afford beneficial elective treatments.

Veneers are more costly than other cosmetic solutions.

Different types of veneers for different smile solutions vary by price, but typically you can expect veneers to cost $900 to $2,000 per tooth. While it seems expensive, veneers are custom solutions that last for up to 20 years. Their dramatic results achieve the same final appearance as that of whitening, bonding, and orthodontics combined!

Now that you know the six things every patient should understand before receiving veneers, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Bridges to discover if this treatment is for you! Call today to speak with a member of our team.

The post Considering Veneers? 6 Things You Should Know appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Are you interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile? Dr. Matthew Bridges can help you love the way your smile looks and boost your confidence in your professional and personal life. Call us at (580) 255-4880 for a cosmetic Bray dentist.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are super-thin shells of dental ceramic that fit over the front of each tooth. They are permanently bonded to each tooth, and adhere as well as dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns. What makes veneers such an attractive cosmetic option is the fact that they can change virtually any aspect of your teeth. They give you a brand-new surface for each tooth, therefore they can correct: stains, chips, gaps, small teeth, pointy teeth, irregular arch lines, jagged edges, and nearly any other problem you might have with the way your teeth look.

Another great benefit of veneers is the fact that they can be designed to your aesthetic preferences. If you like the uniqueness of your smile, you can retain its original features, while improving the color, size and hue of each tooth. Alternately, if you want a movie-star perfect row of symmetrical teeth, you can have that, too. Patients often bring in a picture of a celebrity smile they wish to emulate, as veneers can make that dream a reality.

Can Veneers Really “Straighten” Teeth?

Since veneers are attached to the front of each tooth, they cannot actually change the alignment of your teeth. However, they can be designed and placed in such a way that they correct a crooked or crowded smile. Many patients with gaps between their teeth have been able to close those gaps with the use of veneers, as well.

Cosmetic dentistry is as much an art as it is a science, and in the hands of a skilled practitioner, many amazing transformations are possible. If you’ve ever assumed you would need orthodontics to correct your crooked teeth, visit Bray dentist Dr. Bridges for a cosmetic consultation. He will examine your teeth and determine whether your teeth can be “straightened” with veneers—or whether orthodontics are recommended.

What You Should Know About Porcelain Veneers

Officially, the life-span of porcelain veneers is estimated to be about ten years. After this time, some individual veneers may start to crack and may require replacement. If you do a little research about veneers, however, you’ll see some amazing stories. With careful use, some patients’ veneers have lasted 17 years or more. It really all depends on how you use them and how well you take care of them.

Another important detail to be aware of is the fact that veneers are permanent, and the treatment is not reversible. What this means is that once you get veneers, you cannot go back to not wearing veneers. Why is this? In order to permanently bond each veneer to the tooth, a small amount of enamel must be removed. This means the tooth would be vulnerable to decay, cracking, and sensitivity if not protected by a veneer. If and when your original set of veneers begins to wear out, you must get replacement veneers for your teeth.

Why Do Patients Choose Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are capable of creating a brand-new smile, and can correct virtually any complaint you have about your smile. Patients who dream of having an even, beautiful smile get the most impressive results from veneers and are happy when they can finally show off their smile with confidence!

If you are thinking about improving your smile with porcelain veneers, call us for a cosmetic consultation at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Your Duncan and Bray dentist, Dr. Matthew Bridges, will explain all the details and assess your candidacy for the treatment. Call us at (580) 255-4880 for an appointment.

The post Can Porcelain Veneers Replace Orthodontics? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

As you age, teeth can begin to lose their sparkle and shape. Though enamel is durable, it is also porous and can be affected by the foods and beverages you consume. If you drink dark-colored foods, such as red wine, coffee, black tea, or tomato-based products, you may notice teeth that are yellowy, grayish, or stained. Teeth can also develop stains from smoking and other lifestyle habits.

When your pearly whites don’t seem so bright anymore, it can prevent you from enjoying your smile to the fullest. Your smile is one of the first things others notice about you and we want to help you make sure yours has a positive influence. There are numerous cosmetic dentistry solutions available, but two of the more popular are teeth whitening and dental veneers. Deciding which one is best for you will depend on your specific imperfections and cosmetic goals.

Dr. Matthew Bridges provides both teeth whitening and dental veneers at our Duncan, OK practice and will help you decide which one is right for you through a personalized consultation. To book your appointment, contact us today online or call (580) 255-4880.

When Teeth Whitening is Best

When staining and discoloration are centralized to the outer surface of your teeth, but you are happy with the overall shape and symmetry of your smile, professional teeth whitening may be the right choice for you. The whitening agents used in these treatments are stronger and more effective than store-bought options. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening depending on how fast you want results. Our Zoom® whitening in-office treatment can lighten teeth by up to eight shades and deliver results in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for individuals who have a wedding, class reunion, or special event to attend.

If time is not a concern, Dr. Bridges can provide you with custom-made trays and whitening gel that can be used together in the comfort of your home. Trays should be worn at least 30 minutes a day, or can even be worn overnight. In about one to two weeks you will enjoy a brighter smile.

How Dental Veneers Can Transform Your Smile

Teeth can also change in color from certain genetic factors or medications taken. Overexposure to fluoride or the consumption of tetracycline can affect the underlying layers of your teeth, causing them to appear gray. These types of stains are generally intrinsic and difficult to treat with just professional teeth whitening. When intrinsic staining is the cause of your flawed teeth, you will benefit more from dental veneers.

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to bond to the front surface of your teeth. Because they are designed to completely cover your natural teeth, they make a great option to concealing teeth that are stained and damaged through injury or normal wear and tear. Dental veneers have often been referred to instant orthodontics for their ability to reveal a straight and near-perfect smile. Because the dental veneer process requires enamel alteration before placement, it is considered a permanent treatment.

Which Cosmetic Treatment is Right for You?

We invite you in to meet with Dr. Bridges so he can help you decide whether teeth whitening or dental veneers would be better suited for you. Contact our Duncan, OK practice today online or by calling (580) 255-4880 to schedule your consult.

The post Teeth Whitening vs. Dental Veneers: Which is Right for Me? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.