All About Dental Veneers

dental-veneersThose who suffer from uneven, chipped, or stained teeth find that porcelain veneers are the ideal solution. Usually, an imperfect smile causes one to feel self-conscious, thus leading to low confidence and low self-esteem. In situations like these, the individual may end up covering their mouth when they smile, or perhaps won’t even smile at all. Porcelain veneers are a great way to achieve a beautiful smile and regain one’s confidence.

Porcelain material is very durable and it holds comparable properties to natural tooth enamel. For example, porcelain and enamel are alike in color, texture, and translucence. Though, porcelain unlike natural teeth does not decay or stain. Any stains or damage to the teeth can be fixed by placing a thin layer of porcelain. This certainly creates a great smile.

How to Apply Porcelain Veneers

Prior to the application of porcelain veneers, the teeth surface must first be roughened so that the veneers will attach better to the teeth. Afterward, a teeth mold is made to ensure that the veneers will fit perfectly. Once the porcelain veneers are constructed, the patient goes back to the dentist to ensure that the veneers are the proper shade and that they are a perfect fit. This is the time when necessary shaping and trimming are done. The teeth of the patient are cleaned thoroughly then the porcelain veneers are attached to the teeth permanently.

Those who have stained teeth may want to think about teeth whitening treatment before proceeding with a porcelain veneer procedure. There is a chance that dark stains and discolorations may appear through the porcelain, and as soon as the veneers are applied, it will be useless to go through a whitening treatment.

To complete the entire porcelain veneer procedure, two dental visits are necessary. For a pain-free experience, a local anesthetic is usually used.

What to Expect After Application of Your Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are durable and permanent so they should last when they are cared for properly. These veneers should feel natural enabling you to do the same functions that you are used to with your natural teeth. Extra care is necessary by avoiding ice cubes and hard candies as veneers can be chipped when chewing on or biting into hard substances. In addition, stay clear from grinding or clenching your teeth because this can cause deterioration.

Comprehensive Dental Examinations

comprehensive-dental-examinationsPatients want a dentist who is as thorough as possible in providing dental care. Dr. Stephen Muecke, along with his associates and hygienist pride themselves in following the ADA guidelines in caring for both new and existing patients. Each individual is provided with the most comprehensive dental exams available. The exam is performed using a stringent examination procedure combined with radiography.

ADA recommendations include a comprehensive dental exams for patients new to the practice. In addition, established patients should have the comprehensive exam every three years. According to the ADA the comprehensive oral exam included an extensive evaluation and recording of all intraoral, extraoral and soft tissues.

Between the comprehensive exams, established patients should have periodic oral exams that help to determine changes in health or dental status since the last exam. The comprehensive exam forms the foundation for the routine or periodic oral exam and includes much more than a simple cleaning.

Dental Exams from an Atlanta-based Dentist

Oral health provides several clues to overall health. Medical conditions are often discovered in a comprehensive dental exam before appearing elsewhere in the patient’s body. Examples include:

  • Diabetes, especially undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes
  • Leukemia or other systemic disorders
  • Blood pressure problems (Patients with high blood pressure are referred to their physician)
  • Cardiovascular problems (Gum and bone disease increase the risk of heart attack)
  • Oral Cancer (Each patient receives an oral cancer exam)
  • Immune system abnormalities
  • Sinus problems by ruling out dental problems as the source of pain.

Using the comprehensive the dental team and patient devise a strategy for comfort and long-term health.

Dental X-Rays

X-rays, properly known as Dental Radiographs can serve many purposes, including the location of hidden dental structures, benign or malignant masses, areas of bone loss and cavities.

The radiographic image is formed using a controlled amount of x-ray radiation to penetrate the mouth at different levels which all depends on the anatomical densities before striking the film or a sensor. Less radiation is able to penetrate to the film through the teeth giving them a lighter appearance. Dental cavities, infections and other changes in bone density or the periodontal ligament will appear darker as they allow x-ray greater penetration. Fillings, crowns and other dental restorations may have a light or dark appearance, depending on the density of the material used to create the restoration.

According to the ADA website, the dosage of X-ray radiation the patient receives is typically small (0.150 mSv is all that is required for a full mouth series), and no more than a patient would receive in a few days exposure to background radiation exposure or while making a cross-country flight in an airplane but it is concentrated and aimed at a smaller area of the body. Use of a lead apron, lead shield or a lead thyroid collar can further reduce any incidental exposure to the body. Using digital technology instead of film can reduce the exposure significantly. Atlanta-Smiles uses digital technology to improve safety for the family or patients as well as the staff.

Once the image is formed by exposure to x-rays, it must be developed. Traditionally film was developed using chemicals in a darkroom to prevent destroying the image with normal light. The process was time-consuming and a simple mistake in the process, an incorrect exposure or other mistake could make retakes necessary. This exposed the patient to additional radiation from the x-rays. Digital x-rays use an electronic sensor to replace traditional film address many of these issues and are seeing widespread use in dentistry with the development of technology. They reduce the radiation needed and reduce the time for processing, often allowing an instantaneous view on the computer. Historically, digital sensors were costly and had poor resolution. Newer sensors are helping to overcome problems of the past while improving the ability to perform dental exams.

Dental Restorations in North Georgia, Big Canoe, Marble Hill

A smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you, so what are people seeing when they first meet you? If you do not have the prettiest teeth right now, you may not feel comfortable smiling at other people. There are so many modern dental restorations available right now that your dentist can help you get the smile of your dreams.

Dental restorations are improving each year. New technology is opening up many new options for repairing and even replacing teeth.
Learning about Dental Restorations

Dental restorations are products that repair or restore dental function and integrity. These restorations can help to improve broken teeth. They can replace teeth that are missing or fill in gaps. Dental restorations may be used to help with a bite issue or help make chewing function better. Many old-fashioned dental treatments can be switched out with newer and better dental restorations that are more attractive.

Thanks to modern technology, you can enjoy having a healthy mouth again. Your smile can look better than it ever has.

Cosmetic Dentistry for North Georgia, Big Canoe, Marble Hill, Ball Ground, Jasper, Dawsonville, Canton, Ellijay.

If you have a dental need, you can find a dental restoration to fix it. Dental fillings can repair teeth that are decayed. Crowns and caps can help replace past filling and help with sensitive teeth that are chipped. Dental restorations can help the appearance of discolored teeth or teeth that are not formed correctly.

When it comes to missing teeth, you can choose from dental implants, fixed bridges, or denture. These products will help you to chew correctly.

Root canal therapy is a great choice for a damaged tooth. It can help fix dental pulp disorders that affect nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that is inside of the tooth. Root canal therapy can save a tooth that is abscessed or infected. It can help you save your tooth instead of having to have it removed.

Services

Our services include cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening and dental bridges.

Consultations and Diagnostics

Your consultation appointment is the foundation for creating your individual plan for oral health. Our philosophy is to provide optimal services for patients in the manner in which they choose.

Bridges

We are now able to construct beautiful porcelain over metal as well as full porcelain and resin-based bridges to produce the best results for each particular situation.

Cleanings/Check Ups

Whether a six month checkup or full periodontal therapy, our hygienists will always strive to provide the very best treatment while maintaining your absolute comfort.

Invisalign Teen

With Invisalign Teen®, you can straighten your teeth without metal wires and brackets getting in the way. You’re free to enjoy the things that make these the best times of your life.