Regarding Porcelain Veneers:
Regarding Dental Bridges:
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain Veneers are the most conservative and popular esthetic restorations available in dentistry today. A thin layer of the front of the tooth is removed to allow a veneer of porcelain to be bonded to the tooth without making it any thicker. Similar, in a way, to a false fingernail, the veneer covers dark or yellow teeth, fills unsightly gaps, lengthens short or stubby teeth, straightens crooked teeth, and in general creates a more attractive smile. Unlike a false fingernail, veneers are more permanent. The veneers are attached to the teeth using the most advanced methods of bonding principles.
What are the benefits of veneers?
Veneers can be used to improve a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. They can whiten stained or discolored teeth, close gaps between teeth, "correct" a crooked smile without the need for braces, repair chips and imperfections, and create a more attractive or youthful looking smile.
What is the process involved with veneers?
The procedure usually involves removing only a thin amount of the outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel. The dentist then takes molds (impressions) of the mouth. Temporary veneers are then placed for the patient to wear while the permanent veneers are being made.
How long will it take to get veneers?
The creation of temporary veneers usually takes between 1 1/2 and 2 hours. Next, the laboratory carefully crafts the porcelain into veneers. In about 2 weeks, the Veneers are ready for the dentist to fasten to the fronts of the teeth. This process improves the teeth's appearance and strength.
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What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are three main types of bridges:
- Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- Dental Bridges can restore your smile
- They improve your ability to properly chew and speak
- They maintain the shape of your face, decreasing the signs of aging
- They distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- They prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
What Is the Process for Obtaining a Dental Bridge?
During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your bridge is being made.
During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual's case. If the dental bridge is a fixed (permanent) bridge, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a couple of weeks to make sure it is fitting properly. After a couple weeks, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.
How Much Do Bridges Cost?
The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge selected and the area of the country in which the procedure is performed. Dental insurance will typically pay a percentage of the fee depending on the individual dental plan.
How Long Do They Last?
Dental bridges can last 5 to 7 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular prophylaxis, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.
Will It Be Difficult to Eat With a Dental Bridge?
Replacing missing teeth should actually make eating easier. Until you become accustomed to the bridge, eat soft foods that have been cut into small pieces.
Will They Change How I Speak?
It can be difficult to speak clearly when teeth are missing in the front or anterior areas. Wearing a dental bridge with the anterior teeth in their proper relationship will help you speak properly.
How Do I Care for My Bridges?
It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.
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