At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we proudly offer both types of veneers. Dr. Matthew Bridges will explain your options and help you choose the right type for your cosmetic goals and current dental health. Dr. Bridges has completed training in Predictable Esthetics and is a proud member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. With his care and expertise, you will enjoy beautiful results, no matter which type of veneers you choose. 

To learn more or to book an appointment, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today.

What are porcelain veneers? 

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain, which will be attached to the front of your teeth. To place these veneers, Dr. Bridges will first prep your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. He will take impressions, and the lab will use these models to create your veneers. When they are finished, the dentist will etch your teeth and apply the porcelain with tooth-colored composite.

What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers are sometimes called tooth bonding. Rather than creating veneers off-site, Dr. Bridges will apply composite directly to your teeth, using the material to conceal flaws and reshape your teeth. When he is finished, he will harden the material with a special light.

The Advantages of Porcelain 

The biggest advantage of porcelain veneers is that they are the more realistic of the two options. Porcelain has a slight translucence, which gives it a natural sheen to mimic tooth enamel. Composite resin will still match the color of your smile, but it will not have the same sparkle.

Porcelain veneers are also quite durable. Studies show a 91% survival rate over a period of 20 years. In contrast, bonding usually lasts between 3 and 10 years.

The Advantages of Composite

A big advantage of composite is that bonding is considered reversible. Because your dentist won’t need to prep your teeth, there is no functional need to replace the veneer if it is damaged or comes off. (Of course, you may still choose to do so for cosmetic reasons.)

Another benefit of composite is that it usually costs less than porcelain. Since cosmetic treatment is not usually covered by insurance, this may be a big factor in your decision. At the same time, we also offer both in-house and third-party financing, so you shouldn’t have to let cost stand in the way of the smile you deserve.

Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation 

To learn more about the two different types of veneers and to find out which type may be right for you, contact our office.

Reach Chisholm Trail Smile Center online or call 580-255-4880.

The post Choosing between Porcelain and Composite Veneers  appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we offer porcelain veneers as one of our many cosmetic treatments. Dr. Matthew Bridges is a proud member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Thanks to his extensive training, he can provide stunning results that will look totally natural. At the same time, our veneers can give you a bigger, brighter smile that looks years younger. 

To learn more about veneers and to schedule your consultation, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today.

Will veneers damage my teeth?

It is a myth that veneers will harm your teeth. To place them, Dr. Bridges will need to remove a very small amount of enamel. This will ensure that the porcelain lies flush against your teeth for the most natural look possible. 

The amount of enamel removed is minimal, so treatment will not compromise your teeth or increase your risk for decay. At the same time, it does mean that veneers are a permanent commitment. If you lose a veneer or one is damaged, you will need to replace it. Removing enamel also means that you may experience some dental sensitivity, but this will typically resolve itself within a few weeks.

What problems can veneers correct?

Porcelain veneers can address a huge range of concerns, including: 

• Misshapen teeth
• Disproportionately small teeth
• Tiny gaps between teeth
• Small chips
• Worn or crooked edges
• Dark internal discoloration

How do I know if I am a candidate for treatment?

If you struggle with any of the concerns mentioned above, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Because of the preparation process, however, it is important that you have healthy enamel to begin with. If you have sustained tooth erosion or dental decay, another treatment may be more appropriate. Ultimately, a cosmetic consultation is the only way to determine your candidacy.

How long will they last?

Studies indicate that most porcelain veneers last at least ten years, though many can last fifteen or twenty years. The lifespan will depend on a number of factors, including the skill of your dentist, your overall oral health, and how well you care for your veneers.

What are my other treatment options?

If you are not a candidate for porcelain veneers, or if you are not ready to commit to this treatment, you have plenty of additional options. Dental bonding, sometimes called composite resin veneers, offers similar results and can correct the same problems as veneers. At the same time, bonding is not as durable and may not look quite as realistic. Other treatment options include tooth contouring, whitening, and dental crowns. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center 

If you are ready to enjoy a brighter smile in the coming year, schedule your cosmetic consultation. Contact our office online or call 580-255-4880.

The post “Will they damage my teeth?” And Other FAQs about Porcelain Veneers appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In today’s blog, you’ll learn about:

• Why humans find symmetry attractive in a smile
• Porcelain veneers and how they’re created 
• Cosmetic bonding and how it’s performed
• Benefits and differences between treatment options
• How to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Bridges

Symmetry Is Attractive

We like to believe that Americans are generally civilized and refined, high above what we consider to be petty things, like judging a person by his appearance. But appearance isn’t petty. In fact, as humans, we can’t help our attraction to beauty. Scientists who study evolution believe that humans find symmetrical faces attractive because of our primal desire to mate with a person of good genetic quality. “Symmetry is an honest indicator of genetic quality of potential mates,” according to a journal article published on Oxford Academic Behavioral Ecology, by Simmons, Rhodes, Peters, and Koehler (01 Sept. 2004). 

Another study, “Effects of The ‘What is Beautiful is Good’ Stereotype on Perceived Trustworthiness by Shinners, published by University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, states: “Attractive individuals were seen as more trustworthy than unattractive individuals…”

In fact, Google has a wealth of studies and articles on the topic. The bottom line is that humans appreciate facial symmetry, and that includes the balanced, harmonic appearance of a symmetrical smile. If you dislike your smile, this article was composed with you in mind. An attractive smile is within reach!

How Veneers Create Normal Teeth Shape

As pictured above, porcelain veneers are placed on the front surface of front teeth–those that show in a smile. Veneers are made of strong layers of dental porcelain or ceramic. They reflect light like natural tooth enamel and have a beautiful, symmetrical, “normal” teeth shape. The procedure takes a few weeks to a month and requires a minimum of two dental visits. Veneers are handcrafted in a dental lab by expert ceramists.

How Bonding Creates Normal Teeth Shape

A more affordable option than veneers, cosmetic dental bonding reshapes malformed, unevenly or widely spaced, permanently stained, or chipped teeth. Bonding is made of composite resin, the same material used for white dental fillings. Dr. Bridges tints the liquid resin, then applies it to one or more teeth to create a new, attractive shape. Bonding is completed in a single visit because no lab fabrication is necessary. 

Benefits and Differences in Treatment Options

Cost of Veneers vs Cost of Bonding

Cosmetic dental treatments are not covered by insurance but can be financed through CareCredit with low or no interest, for qualified applicants.

Veneers range in cost from just under $1000 to about $2500 per tooth

Bonding costs a few hundred dollars, total.

Longevity of Veneers vs Bonding

The following age estimates are applicable in the absence of injury or disease and if good dental hygiene is practiced. All dental restorations can be damaged by pressure: habitual chewing on fingernails or pen caps; chewing on ice; or enduring a blow to the mouth, for example.

Veneers can last over 20 years.

Bonding usually lasts five to seven years.

Potential Problems with Veneers vs Bonding

Both procedures will give malformed teeth a natural teeth shape. They require mild to significant tooth preparation before the procedure. Preparation involves removing some tooth enamel or etching a tooth’s enamel to allow for a strong bond between the tooth and the restoration. 

If the seal of any restoration is compromised, bacteria can get beneath the restoration and cause decay. This is rare, but it can happen. Regular six-month dental visits will allow Dr. Bridges to make sure that all of your dental restorations and enhancements are strong. 

With cosmetic bonding, a seam exists between the resin and natural tooth enamel. This seam, when stained by food, beverages, or tobacco, can become visible over time. Since dental materials do not respond to chemical teeth whitening, the stains are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove. When staining appears, the best option is to replace the restoration. 

How to Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation

Are you ready for your smile to look more attractive? Would a symmetrical smile with attractive, normal teeth shape give you more self-confidence? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule your consultation with Duncan, OK, dentist, Dr. Matthew Bridges. We are accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you!

The post How We Give Malformed Teeth Normal Teeth Shape appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

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 are dissatisfied with your smile because of missing, crooked, or discolored teeth, your Duncan, OK dentist can help. So, which dentist should you choose? We can help! Here’s what you should look for when seeking cosmetic dental solutions:

1. A well-rounded cosmetic dentist

Not all dentists are equal. When searching for a dentist to fix your cosmetic dental problems, you’ll also want a dentist who provides preventative and restorative treatments as well.

Why? Sometimes patients need to focus on gaining a healthy smile before they start their journey towards a more beautiful smile. For individuals with dental problems, your general dentist will be able to fill any cavities, treat an infection, or simply provide a deep dental cleaning to help you achieve optimal oral health. Once this is complete, you and your dentist can begin working together to create your picture-perfect smile.

In addition, choosing a general dentist will allow you to save time and money without sacrificing the quality of oral care you will receive.

2. The cosmetic services you need

If you check out the services tab on a dentist’s website, you’ll most likely find a list of cosmetic treatments that they offer. These will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Porcelain veneers
• Composite veneers
• Tooth contouring
• Teeth whitening

If you like the dentist but don’t see the service you are looking for, call their office and ask what other cosmetic solutions are offered.

Remember, while you probably have an idea of what cosmetic dental procedures you’ll need, the opinion of a professional dentist is the only way to be certain about what treatments you are a suitable candidate for.

3. A friendly environment

There’s nothing worse than spending money at a place where you don’t feel welcome. After viewing the dentist’s website, schedule an initial consultation, so you can get to know the dentist, their team, and the environment of the office.

You should feel cared for and worry-free as soon as you walk into the dental office. So, take the time to find the dentist who makes you feel like part of the family as soon as you walk in their door.

Cosmetic dental treatments require a lot of communication with your dentist so that you can achieve the smile of your dreams. A friendly dentist and team make that goal much easier to achieve.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Whether you want to change the shape, color, or size of your teeth, there is a cosmetic dental solution for you. Visit your Duncan, OK dentist today for a consultation to determine which cosmetic treatments are right for you.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry options to improve your smile. As a general dentist, his goal is to help you achieve and maintain the best possible oral health, but giving you a smile you want to show off is the icing on the cake.

Contact our friendly team today at 580-255-4880 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Bridges. Be sure to ask about our teeth whitening special!

The post Where should I go for cosmetic dentistry in Duncan, OK? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.