Dental Care: Having The Perfect Smile, Is It Worth It?

A person’s smile is one of the first facial expressions we see and appreciate. Because when someone smiles it reflects their personality, confidence, social skills, physical attractiveness, and oral hygiene, their personal and professional success. Obtaining and maintaining the perfect smile has become an important societal aspiration since consumers help support a 14 billion dollar teeth whitening business which is only one portion of the cosmetic dentistry industry.

As a means to feel good about ourselves or just to improve something that may be already sufficient we make use of teeth whitening, crowns, implants, porcelain veneers, and Lumineers. This article will discuss the differences between getting the perfect smile utilizing crowns, veneers and Lumineers.

Dental Crowns, also known as ”caps” are coverings that fit over the teeth. In the past, crowns were the first line of defense in treating dental problems, but veneers are now the more popular choice among dentists. The major difference between crowns, veneers and Lumineers is the amount of tooth structure that is removed. Veneers are a popular choice in most situations because very little of the tooth is eliminated as compared to crowns.

The tooth requiring a crown is grounded down to a stump or peg which allows adequate space for the crown which measures about 2 millimeters or more. The crown is cemented over the stump as a means to restoring the tooth to its normal shape, size and functionality. Further, the crown is able to support a tooth with a large filling; it is used to attach a bridge and protects a weak tooth from breaking or restoring one that’s already broken (in these situations a root canal is recommended before the crown is placed).

Although, cement is used to seat the crown, it can be removed, repaired, and replaced easily with minimal stress on the tooth. A crown is much stronger than a veneer and once a crown is used, the tooth will always require a dental crown. Crowns and veneers can be used for cosmetic purposes and to replace rotted or trauma damaged teeth. The average life span of a porcelain crown is 10 years, but with proper dental care they may last as long as 30 years.

Veneers are described as wafer-thin dental porcelain laminate measuring 1 millimeter in thickness or less and are seen as a ‘conservative crown’. This is because a dentist has to file down about .5 millimeters of tooth to allow space for the new veneer. Unlike the crown, the veneer is cemented onto the visible portion of the remaining tooth structure and cannot be removed. If any type damage occurs such as, chipping, the entire veneer will need replacing. A benefit of using this procedure is that the material is resistant to staining and is not susceptible to decay.

If a client has discolored, chipped, misaligned or worn teeth or there is a need to straighten and lengthen their teeth, veneers are used as a means to improve their smile and bite. They are purely cosmetic and make the tooth look as though it is “perfect” as opposed to a dental crown where the restored tooth may appear bulky or not integrate very with the rest of the client’s teeth.

It is not recommended that porcelain veneers be placed on teeth that have decay or if there is gum disease present. The client’s dentist must treat these conditions before veneers can be considered or successfully placed. Be mindful that grinding down naturally healthy teeth enamel possibly down to the dentin (bone like substance that makes up the teeth) increases the risk of nerve damage and the frequency of root canals. Tooth sensitivity also occurs after the procedure. Veneers should last a lifetime and as in the case of crowns, once a tooth is prepared for veneers, the client will always have to use them.

Lumineers is a brand name product and there really isn’t much of a difference between them and porcelain veneers except the size which is described as being as thin as contact lenses, about 0.3 millimeters. An impression of the client’s teeth is made and shipped to a lab. A custom set of veneers are crafted from the impression. The affected teeth are slightly etched to prepare for placement and are bonded onto the teeth. The client experiences the least amount of discomfort because there are no shots, drilling or pain. The thinness of the material allows for placement on the teeth without adding a “bulky” look to them.

Additionally, Lumineers are not permanent and can be reversed. Because of their thinness and versatility it makes it possible to apply them over existing bridgework and crowns. Clients do not have to replace previously completed dental work to be able to enjoy the benefits which are said to last up to 20 years. This procedure allows a client to obtain a healthy, naturally permanent white smile.

Many consumers take advantage of cosmetic dentistry out of concern for their smile and most importantly, how it may affect them personally and professionally.The procedures when performed, if not for a dental issue are usually known for use as self enhancement and to reinforce the belief that a better smile leads to more success whether financially or socially.

The search for the extreme smile is it worth it? Yes, because we are a society that thrives on beauty. It reminds me of a quote, author unknown, “A smile happens in a flash, but its memory can last a lifetime.” It is important to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile because it’s not only for you, but for others as well. For more dental resources visit my dental store at:
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Dental Care: Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Physical attractiveness is very important and is often associated with having bright and clean white teeth. Because there are so many teeth whitening products and procedures on the market offered by professionals and over the counter products, of course, the concern is how safe is it to whiten your teeth?

As with many medical procedures, dental work being no different it’s important to always consult with your dentist before undergoing teeth whitening. Since this procedure varies among people, due to the condition of their teeth and other circumstances, the advice of a dentist may be valuable to assist you in making a decision on the appropriate whitening method for you. It is your responsibility to know the facts surrounding teeth whitening to ensure safety and credibility for your dental care needs.

Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of your dental provider is safe for the teeth and gums. There is no information that states whitening affects tooth structure, enamel, fillings or restorations.

Some people may experience tooth sensitivity during the treatment. These symptoms usually disappear within one or two days. The dentist will apply a desensitizer to help reduce sensitivity to the teeth. You can also use specially made toothpaste for sensitive teeth to assist in alleviating the pain.

• There have been some concerns raised by physicians and consumers about the risk of bleaching agents that may cause cancer. However, studies have shown that the concentration of carbamide peroxide in the product does not cause cancer to the mouth or to gum tissue. In fact, there is an agent in the saliva that seems to offset the amount of peroxide emitted by the whitening agents.

• Consumers have expressed concern and fear that the whitening products may cause tooth enamel to wear down or become damaged. Medical experts say that more harm is done to tooth enamel by soft drinks and fruit juices than teeth bleaching products.

• Another issue discussed was in reference to some patients being apprehensive about whether the nerve endings of the teeth can be affected by whitening products. Research on this issue is still in its early stages and has to be studied at longer intervals after the procedure is performed in order to gather the appropriate data.

Despite these concerns, there is still little evidence to support that the procedure is unsafe. The products are formulated to be gentle and safe. However, a word of caution, there are side effects to teeth whitening. If the user leaves the product on beyond the allotted time or chooses to bleach their teeth after every meal instead of adhering to the usage recommendations, the risk of using the product includes damaging dental enamel, developing cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

A physically attractive face is most often associated with clean, shiny white teeth. A lot of us desire to be more physically good looking and having whiter teeth is one of the most important factors in which to consider. As there are a lot of teeth whitening products and procedures in the market offered by professionals, aside from the various ways of doing it naturally, the question is: Is teeth whitening safe for you?

As with many medical procedures, though dental work is hardly major, one should always consult with their dental expert before engaging in activities such as teeth whitening. Since degrees of teeth whitening varies in different people due to different conditions and circumstances, the advice of a dentist might prove valuable in knowing which type of procedure or method is most appropriate. It is your duty to know facts and procedures to make your teeth whitening safe and reliable.

Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with oxygen-releasing gel, under supervision, is safe for teeth and gums. It will not affect teeth structure, enamel, fillings or restorations.

Some people may experience temporary teeth sensitivity during the treatment. These symptoms always disappear within 1-2 days of interruption or completion of the treatment. The dentist will apply a desensitizer to help reduce this further and you can use a a special toothpaste to assist with teeth sensitivity also.

Anyone can have teeth whitening done unless you are pregnant or allergic to the whitening gel. If you have dental crowns, bridges or veneers teeth whitening is not suitable for you as porcelain does not whiten.

Some concern has been shown in the medical and consumer communities about the risk of bleaching teeth that the agents used may cause cancer. However, studies have shown that the concentration of carbamide peroxide in teeth whitening products does not cause cancer in mouth tissue or gums. In fact, there is an agent in saliva that seems to offset the amount of peroxide given off by the teeth whitening agents.

Concern and attention has also been given to the fear of bleaching agents causing a tooth enamel to wear off or be damaged. Medical experts actually say that more damage is done to a tooth’s enamel by soft drinks or fruit juices than tooth whitening bleach.

The topic of nerve endings being affected by teeth whitening is still in its early stages since this can be studied only in longer intervals like 5 to 8 years after the teeth whitening procedure. In spite of this hurdle, there is still little damage being shown to teeth that have undergone whitening especially for those patients that have had consistent follow-up visits after the process.

Nevertheless, safer teeth whitening can be performed correctly with minimal removal of the protective enamel from your teeth. In the past, older tooth whitening products tended to use abrasive agents such as polishing toothpastes to scrape away unsightly stains and enamel. However, these are obsolete, unsafe teeth treatments that did more harm than good. It is more difficult to restore and remineralize the materials in our teeth than to be careful about what products you are using on your teeth.

Gentle and safe teeth whitening treatments are formulated to be gentle and safe. If the bleaching gel is left on your teeth beyond the maximum time allowed or you choose to bleach your teeth after every meal instead of adhering to the recommended usage of once every day, you risk damaging your teeth enamel, developing cavities and sensitive teeth.

Teeth whitening is perfectly safe, especially under the supervision of a dentist or orthodontist, for people over the age of 13 who have no tooth decay and who are not pregnant. You can whiten teeth safely by making sure to visit a dentist for regular check-ups.