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The Life of Your Smile Makeover

Cosmetic dentistry procedures may require maintenance over time. Teeth whitening must be repeated on occasion in order to maintain brightness. Porcelain veneers may chip or break off and need replacement. Permanent bondings may stain and require enhancement or replacement. Dental crowns typically require replacement after 10 � 15 years. Gummy smile improvements may also require enhancement over time.

Your ceramist, lab technician, and the materials chosen by your dentist also impact the longevity of your Smile Makeover. To achieve the best results, take special care in selecting your cosmetic dentist.

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Question:

I just had a gum lift and 8 porcelain veneers applied to my teeth. I’m curious about a few things. I heard that the preparation and application of veneers is painless and sometimes unnessesary for anasthetic to be used. This is definitely not how my proceedure was. I was subjected to a lot of novacane and a lot of pain. I’m not sure why my case was any different. Although I couldn’t see what the doctor was doing, it seemed as if he ground my natural teeth down drastically. Is this normal? My gums are extremely sore and swollen, and I’m very sensitive to hot and cold. I had my veneers applied just last week, but I’m still confused as to why this was such a painful proceedure. I also had to undergo 3 root canals for the proceedure. Previously, I had a very gummy smile, so I needed the gum lift. Subsequently, the doctor had to “shorten” my teeth. But it felt as though he ground them down to little points and then applied the veneers. I was very choosy when picking my doctor. He is very well know in the Midwest. The veneers look beautiful, but I’m a little nervous about what was done to my natural teeth. Also, will this sensitivity to hot and cold ever go away? Thanks

Answer:

Sometimes veneers can be placed with little to no tooth reduction. Other times, a lot of tooth reduction is required. This is particularly the case when the natural teeth jut out, are twisted, or are rotated. Cases like this are sometimes called “instant orthodontics” because the end result looks like the teeth have been moved (but the illusion is due to porcelain veneers). In short, the more reduction that is required — the more risk that it will be a painful experience and there will be root canals involved. That also provides part of the explaination why one person may have a virtually pain-free experience and another person may have a very different one. Some people just have a higher pain threshold than others. There are a variety of pain reduction devices (e.g., computer controlled anesthetic delivery devices) and techniques that are helping to minimize pain. At this point, however, pain is still a risk when teeth structure is reduced. Ususally, the pain subsides fairly quickly and the residual sensitivity to temperature goes away spontaneously. You should keep in touch with your dentist and have him check it out if the pain continues. You’ll probably just be left with a beautiful smile and feel like it was well worth it.

 

Question:

I have an overbite in which my top jaw covers my bottom jaw. I am wondering what methods are avaible for correction?

Answer:

Your top jaw should cover your lower jaw. If you are referring to a recessive chin or lower jaw, many procedures are available. Many involve orthodontics and surgery. Start with a referral from your general dentist to an oral surgeon.

 

Source: locateadoc.com

Question:

I’ve had braces before, about 14 years ago, but my teeth have started to overlap and are getting worse as time goes by. My dentist said I need to get one of my wisdom teeth taken out but I really want to get braces again. Should I have my wisdom tooth removed first or can I have that done later?

Answer:

Without the benefit of examining you, I cannot tell you what sequence of treatment you should follow. It may very well be that your wisdom teeth are forcing your other teeth together. Here is something else to think about –A lot of adults that do not want to undergo braces have opted for veneers, which give the appearance of perfectly straight teeth and what some call, “instant orthodontics.” This is just one option that you may want to discuss with an accredited cosmetic dentist to see if it is a viable alternative for you. If you have unanswered questions, ask your current dentist or seek a second opinion from a qualified dentist that can examine you.

 

Question:

I was wondering, because I have an over bite and then my teeth are crooked, that would I be able to get this fixed with cosmetic dentistry or do I need to get braces?

Answer:

Thanks for your question. The condition you have described with your overbite is usually correctable. Without the benefit of seeing you, I cannot tell you which treatment options would be best for you. Situations similar to yours are corrected all the time either through restorative dentistry, orthodontics, or a combination of both. We often correct these deep overbites with what we call an “open bite” treatment plan. This consists of reducing your overbite by placing porcelain veneers and onlys on your teeth. I hope this helps and good luck in getting a better smile!

 

Source:  locateadoc.com

Even after getting braces, some people will consider cosmetic dentistry to get that perfect smile. For those who have teeth that are too long or have odd shapes (like round bottoms), tooth contouring can be an option. This method is also used to correct bite issues and teeth grinding.Tooth sanding is usually done on people who have canine teeth that are too long or pointy, but there are also other reasons to get tooth sanding done. If you’re considering getting your teeth sanded, your dentist will first take x-rays of your teeth to figure out where the pulp of your tooth is. This will show the dentist how far he or she can go down and if tooth sanding will work for your teeth or not. Then your tooth will be marked at where you and the dentist agree it should be sanded down to.

If you’ve always wanted straight teeth, try out Invisiline braces. These are an alternative to the traditional track-type braces and work like a mold placed over your teeth. Invisiline braces are shaped according to how your teeth should ideally end up and they gently correct your teeth’s alignment through time. The best part about Invisiline braces is that they’re perfectly translucent, which is great for those who don’t want metal to get in the way of their smile. Ask your dentist about Invisiline braces and get your teeth straightened without the hassle of traditional braces.

by Jo Harts

Type of wire is one of the most important things that should be considered when having braces. The Nickel titanium and thermal activated archwire is the most advanced archwires in the industry of Orthodontics. It has a more consistent performance and more resistance to permanent deformation. There is no need for multiple staging of archwires as with stainless steel alternatives. It is extra smooth which avoids friction in a bracket slot for an easier and more efficient treatment. Its thermal performance is soft and pliable at room temperature which allows for easier archwire insertion. It is also super elastic at body temperature. The force of the wire will not change one place in the mouth. With this new advancement in the wires being used for braces, having braces is now less painful and less traumatic for patients.

After the active orthodontic treatment has been completed, retainers will be placed so that the alignment of your teeth will be maintained and held and will likewise result to the improvement of your bite. Retainers can be permanent or fixed but there are some that are removable. However, there is a possibility that after the orthodontic treatment, the teeth will not be aligned properly. This can happen as you grow or even in your adulthood. The purpose of retainers is to prevent those unwanted changes from happening. If you will not wear retainers, the problem may revert to some degree and correction will be hard to achieve again. It is always best to follow doctor’s instruction so you will get your money’s worth.

When the child has finished the early phase of treatment, an ongoing basis of evaluation will be conducted to monitor if the permanent teeth are already erupting. And then after all the permanent teeth have appeared, it is time to determine if braces will be needed. Ordinarily, orthodontics or what is called fixed braces can only start when all the permanent teeth of the patient are present, usually from ages 11 to 13. It is no longer true that braces are just for younger patients. Braces can also be worn by teenagers and adults. Nowadays, more and more adults still want to have braces for the purpose of improving their appearances. As the saying goes, “It is never too late!”

Smile Makeover: What’s Involved?

A Smile Makeover involves consideration of your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth, gum tissue, and lips to develop a customized smile. The resulting improvements are as follows:

• Optimal Tooth Color: Silver or amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with natural, tooth-colored composite restorations and teeth whitening can improve the color of stained teeth. Tooth color and shading are important considerations during the evaluation of and preparation for various procedures, including porcelain veneers and dental implants.
• Aligned for Success: Crooked, overlapping, or gapping teeth can be straightened when necessary through orthodontics and improved with veneers.

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Smile Makeover Preview & Treatment

To complete your Smile Makeover, your dentist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan customized to meet your esthetic goals. This treatment plan may consist of many cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures, potentially including teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, dental crowns, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, and gummy smile reduction.

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