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.

Depending on the type of staining you’re experiencing, there are cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help.

Extrinsic Staining

As we age and experience life, the enamel (surface of the teeth) darkens and appears less white. Diet contributes to extrinsic staining the most. Coffee, tea, dark-colored sodas, wine, and naturally and artificially dyed foods change the color of our enamel. Chewing and smoking tobacco products can also contribute to surface-level staining. Surface-level discoloration is categorized as extrinsic staining.

Even though extrinsic stains aren’t as permanent as intrinsic stains, they don’t usually respond to regular brushing or over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips.

In-Office Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment and can dramatically lessen surface-level staining. Professional teeth whitening treatments are fast, effective, and long-lasting.  Zoom!® in-office teeth whitening treatments can brighten teeth up to eight shades in just 45 minutes.

Here’s how our dental team whitens the teeth:

1. A dental hygienist thoroughly cleans the mouth and polishes the teeth.
2. The dentist checks the current shade of the teeth.
3. They’ll apply a layer of advanced whitening gel to the teeth.
4. A blue LED lamp is applied to the teeth to accelerate the whitening process comfortably.
5. Steps two through four are repeated three times.
6. Once you’ve reached the desired shade, the dentist applies post-treatment gel to protect the enamel and reduce sensitivity.

The dentist may prescribe custom whitening trays and a take-home whitening kit to touch up the brightness of your smile whenever you want to.

At-Home Whitening

Not all at-home whitening treatments are the same, but Opalescence® by Ultradent is a proven take-home whitening system. The dentist fabricates a customized bleaching tray and provides a patented low-concentration peroxide-based gel. Typically, patients wear their tray for 15 minutes to one hour per day for about two weeks. After several sessions of this peroxide-based gel formula, Opalescence can dramatically brighten teeth as much as in-office whitening treatments.

To preserve whitening effects, avoid stain-causing drinks, food, and habits:

• Coffee, tea, red wine, and any bright-colored drinks can discolor enamel.
• Natural and artificial food coloring can stain teeth.
• Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause yellowing and browning effects.

If you must indulge in these things, rinse or brush your teeth immediately afterward. Our dentist may also prescribe medication for home use that helps with the whitening process.

Intrinsic Staining

Intrinsic staining darkens the dentin (inner dental issue). Genetics, trauma, fluorosis, and certain medications cause intrinsic staining. Veneers and crowns can improve the appearance of deep staining that does not respond to traditional whitening treatment.

Veneers

These wafer-thin, color-matched restorations camouflage deep staining. Dentists permanently bond veneers to the front of the teeth. They are completely customizable in shape and color so that they blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth.

Crowns

If the tooth is discolored due to oral trauma, a crown may be necessary. Crowns differ from veneers because they fully encase the entire visible portion of the teeth (not just the front). Dental crowns, or caps, rebuild the dental structure to improve the appearance and protect it from infection or further damage.

It’s Time to Improve the Look of Your Smile

Professional whitening can create dramatic results quickly, safely, and effectively. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center to learn more about how to whiten your teeth. Call 580-244-4880 or contact us online today.

The post Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Staining: How to Whiten Both appeared first on Chisholm Trail.