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Porcelain veneers can help you enhance that smile of yours. To learn more about this cosmetic dentistry option, the following list of frequently asked questions will be of great benefit to you.

Invisalign® is a series of aligners that you wear to gradually straighten your teeth without the noticeable metal of traditional braces. They work on a variety of problems and are a preferable choice for many adults.

Ever wonder if you are a good candidate to undergo professional teeth whitening treatment? If so, this article is a must read. Learn more about this cosmetic dentistry bleaching option.

Today teeth whitening has become a very common cosmetic dentistry procedure, more people having it done then ever before. This article discusses the procedure, cost considerations, and benefits of having it done.

Having teeth that are crooked can not only cause embarrassment, it can actually cause a number of different dental problems as well. Misaligned teeth can cause overcrowding in the mouth which can result in tooth decay, gum issues and difficulty biting. Fortunately, there are a number of different dental solutions which can be used to treat crooked teeth.

Standard Braces

Standard braces are one of the most commonly used ways to fix crooked teeth, though with new methods becoming available their popularity is fading. Standard braces are constructed from metal, which many people find not only uncomfortable, but also visually unappealing. However, standard braces are the most affordable method used to fix crooked teeth, which is why so many people prefer to use them.

Modern Braces

As the field of dentistry has advanced, there are now other options available when using braces to fix crooked teeth. Modern braces function in the same manner as standard braces, but are not made from other materials such as porcelain or even clear plastics that make them much more comfortable and less noticeable as well.

Dental Trays

Dental trays such as the Invisalign® system use a series of molded trays that fit inconspicuously over the teeth to help straighten teeth that are misaligned. This method of dental treatment is quickly becoming one of the most popular for fixing crooked teeth, though it is much more expensive than other treatments. For those individuals that prefer to keep their treatment discreet however, the use of clear dental trays is an ideal option to have.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have also been a commonly used treatment to help repair the appearance of crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers are only able to be used in those cases where the teeth are only a cosmetic issue, and are not meant to fix crooked teeth that can cause further dental problems. With porcelain veneers, a shell is permanently bonded to the natural tooth, creating a smooth natural surface that is properly aligned.

There is no exact definition as to what a smile makeover is, anytime multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures are done it can be classified as a smile makeover. It could combine any of the following types of dental work: teeth bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, dental implants and teeth whitening. The following information addresses some of the most common concerns surrounding a smile makeover. 

How can a smile makeover improve your smile?

Smile makeovers are meant to cover a number of different types of dental problems. So, whether you have unevenly spaced teeth, misaligned teeth, your teeth are straight but small, staining or any other cosmetic problem a smile makeover can help you plan the necessary cosmetic dentistry procedures to fix these problems.  This may involve orthodontics, tooth whitening procedures, replacing missing teeth with dental implants, and even some basic dental work. Either way once all is said and done you will surely have a fuller more attractive smile. 

How is a smile makeover planned?

The planning of your smile makeover is essential to the successful outcome of the procedure. This is true with any form of cosmetic dentistry. A patient and a cosmetic dentist must work together closely to decide what the long term goal of treatment is. When you visit your cosmetic dentist, before they do any dental work they will find out what you want your smile to look like. They will discuss with you realistic expectations of what can be done. They will closely examine your mouth and teeth to see what needs fixing and determine what corrective measures are best suited for you.

Does a smile makeover last forever?

The results you achieve from your smile makeover are semi permanent. This means that they will last you long term, but they may require some up keep and maintenance. With proper care most of your smile makeover will last you 10 to 15 years without need for repair.

If you have missing teeth you may be wary of your options when it comes to false teeth. If you are considering putting the money out for dental implants you need to learn more about them. The following set of frequently asked question regarding dental implants will help you decide if dental implants are right for you.

What is a dental implant? 

A dental implant is a false tooth that is attached to a titanium post in the jaw. It looks natural, functional naturally and it is permanent. 

Are dental implants expensive?

The cost of dental implants varies from person to person, but generally dental implants cost between $1,000 to $3,000 per implant. Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants. However, you can finance the cost of dental implants.

Is it painful to get dental implants?

It takes at least two surgeries to complete the dental implant process, so naturally there is some discomfort involved. However, as with any surgery you are given anesthetic or sedative to make the procedure less painful. After the dental implant procedure your cosmetic dentist will give to pain medication to ease any residual discomfort.

How long does the entire process take?

If you choose to replace missing teeth by getting dental implants it will take at least a few months to complete the process. However, the process can take anywhere from three to nine months depending on how many false teeth you need. You will have temporary teeth in place until your permanent teeth are ready.

Who should consider dental implants?

Anyone who is missing teeth may be able to replace those teeth with dental implants. You can get an implant to replace one missing tooth or several missing teeth. A dental consultation can determine if you are a dental implant candidate.

There are a number of ways that a dentist can help whiten teeth, but in today's society, professional teeth whitening is the most popular option. This professional alternative is a method of whitening teeth utilizing a special gel and a special light. There are many, however, who question exactly how this works and what they will get from it. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.

Q: How does teeth whitening work?

A: It's important to note that professional teeth whitening works only for those who have extrinsic stains, which are stains that are on the teeth thanks to an outside influence, such drinking a great amount of coffee or dark soda. Professional teeth whitening works by using a form of hydrogen peroxide that is applied to the teeth. The light that is used allows the peroxide to break down into radical hydroxyl ions which then travel into each tooth to break down the stains.

Q: Are there different methods available to whiten my teeth?

A: Absolutely. The most common is a laser or LED light-activated bleaching, simply because it has shown the greatest results in the least amount of time. There are, however, also non-light activated bleaching efforts which can take place in the dentist's office, and deep bleaching which is a combination of an office visit as well as an at-home product. You can also find teeth whitening kits that you can purchase in the store.

Q: How long is teeth whitening good for?

A: This is a very difficult question to answer because everyone is so different. Those who have had teeth stains due to the over-consumption of tea, wine, or coffee, and who do not change their habits, will likely find that their procedure doesn't last long at all. On average, teeth can stay bright with a professional teeth whitening anywhere from five to seven years. After that time, the procedure can be done again and the teeth can be re-whitened with no harm coming to them or to the person who happens to own the teeth.

Before you undergo any long term orthodontic procedure, you are bound to have some questions that you need to have answered to feel reassured. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and the answers that best describe the Invisalign process.

Does Invisalign really work?

Yes. Invisalign has been proven to work through clinical testing and in-office trials. It has been repeatedly proven to be effective without metal or wires.

What are Invisalign braces made from and what do they look like?

Invisalign braces are made from a clear medical-grade plastic. They are nearly invisible when they are in your mouth. While no product can completely disappear, Invisalign have a much less noticeable profile than traditional braces. The aligners look more like tooth whitening trays than braces, but each is custom fit for your mouth.

How much does Invisalign cost and will my insurance cover the procedure?

Each and every dentist charges a little different, but the average cost for Invisalign braces is in the neighborhood of $5,000. Traditional braces have a very similar cost. You will have to contact your insurance provider, but most of them will cover whatever orthodontic procedure is best for you. There is generally a top cost that your company will cover for braces, whether you use traditional braces or Invisalign.

Does Invisalign hurt any more than traditional braces?

No. There is going to be some discomfort for the first few days after switching to a new set of trays, but there is discomfort after each time you visit the orthodontist and he adjusts your traditional braces. The pain is individual and not specific to the type of braces used.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The most obvious benefit is being able to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. The nearly invisible braces win over metal and wires any day. Another benefit is being able to remove the aligners. The daily tasks of eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth do not have to become a hassle. Comfort is a huge benefit of Invisalign. No metal means there is less irritation on your gums and tongue.

Will there be follow-up check-ups?

Yes, during treatment you will require follow-ups with your orthodontist or dentist. In general, these will happen every month to six weeks. You will also be able to monitor the progress of your treatment using ClinCheck software, which is a good way to see if you are getting close to meeting your goal of a straight smile.

No one wants to deal with cracked, damaged, or chipped teeth. That is why there has always been a strong demand for cosmetic dentistry procedures that repair flaws and defects in the teeth. The use of veneers falls into this category. For those unfamiliar with the process, veneers involve placing a thin layer of a substance over a tooth as a way of improving its appearance. The development of dental veneers to improve teeth appearance has been around many years. As with many other cosmetic dentistry procedures, improvements have been made upon the original process. When it comes to veneers, one of the most significant improvements has come from the development of porcelain veneers.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are considered top of the line because they are far more reliable than the older resin veneers. Although porcelain veneers will not last forever, they most definitely last longer than the earlier forms of veneers. Porcelain is a prized form of refined clay for a reason. Quality and durability are two of those reasons.

Long-lasting Results

Worries about the quality of veneers make sense. No one would be comfortable with the procedure if they felt the veneers could potentially break under minor stress. Again, while the concerns are valid they are also somewhat overstated. The employment of porcelain in the production of veneers increases the likelihood that they will last many years. But, can they survive under extreme stress or trauma? Will excess cold or other elements degrade them? Will trauma shatter them? Honestly, any extremes in temperature will surely have an effect; but, the serious damaging effects will not occur under minor changes in temperature or pressure. Again, porcelain veneers are built to last so there is no reason to worry about any potential pitfalls. Really, if they were not a quality product they would have disappeared from the consumer landscape long ago and dentists would not be so willing to recommend them for patients.