4 Best Things You Can Do to Beautify Your Smile

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It’s important to have confidence in your smile. While all smiles are beautiful, some people experience feelings of self-consciousness when their smile doesn’t align with conventional ideas of dental beauty.

Cosmetic dentistry in Sugar Land, TX helps patients feel better about their appearance. At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer many cosmetic dentistry services to help our patients. You deserve to love your smile. Here’s what you need to know.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth have a way of turning yellow over time. These stains come from the foods we eat every day and the beverages we drink. While brushing your teeth regularly can help slow the natural yellowing of your tooth enamel, brushing your teeth will do little to reverse this staining effect.

Professional teeth whitening services can help. In one efficient trip to the dentist, you can enjoy teeth that are several shades whiter.

Teeth whitening from the dentist is safe and long-lasting. You may have tried DIY teeth whitening at home, but professional teeth whitening is more efficient (and often more effective).

Veneer Installation

Are your teeth stained, cracked, or chipped? Is there a gap between your teeth? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you could benefit from dental veneers.

Dental veneers are thin covers you can install over your teeth to cover defects. To make space for dental veneers, your dentist will shave down your tooth enamel. Once this is done, you’ll wear dental veneers for the rest of your life.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a tooth-colored composite resin that bonds to your tooth enamel to cover stains and smooth irregularities on the surface of your teeth. Dental bonding can cover up a range of cosmetic problems, including gaps in your teeth, chips, cracks, stains, and more.

Dental bonding is a non-permanent solution to cosmetic problems. After a few years, dental bonding needs to be replaced. However, dental bonding is also a non-invasive treatment, which means that nothing needs to be done to your teeth to make room for bonding. Once the dental bonding wears off, you can install it again, try a different treatment, or leave your tooth as is!

Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry? Call Today

We want our patients to feel good about their teeth. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, call your dentist in Sugar Land TX today to make an appointment.

4 Things You Should Know About Dental Veneers

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Everyone wants beautiful teeth. If your teeth have cosmetic problems like stains or chips, dental veneers can help make your teeth white, bright, and uniform. As a dentist in Sugar Land, TX, we sometimes get questions from patients who would like to know more about dental veneers. In this article, we’ll go over some of those questions so you can learn more about whether dental veneers would help you.

1. What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is a thin, tooth-shaped cover that’s adhered to the front of your tooth to cover up cosmetic problems. Dental veneers come in different shapes to mimic the look of different types of teeth. The purpose of a dental veneer is to help make your teeth look more uniform and attractive.

2. Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?

You’re a good candidate for dental veneers if you have teeth that are chipped, misshapped, stained, or discolored in some way. Dental veneers last longest if you have good oral health and hygiene habits, so before you get dental veneers, work with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are healthy and well cared for.

3. How are dental veneers maintained?

Dental veneers are cleaned like normal teeth twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste. Dental veneers don’t respond to whitening because they’ll stay the same color no matter how much you whiten your teeth. This means that if you have dental veneers, you shouldn’t whiten your teeth because your veneers and natural teeth will eventually become a mismatch for each other.

4. How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers in Sugar Land, TX can last as long as 15 years if they’re made of porcelain. Resin veneers cost less and last for a much shorter period. In other words, how long they last depends partly on what they’re made of. Taking care of your veneers helps them last longer as well. See the dentist every six months after installing your veneers, to catch problems before they start.

Do you have more questions about dental veneers? The professionals at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help you. Call today to make an appointment.

 

Crown Vs. Bridge Vs. Veneer – Which Is Right For You?

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Dental crowns, veneers and bridges are all important dental tools that can be used to restore your smile. Each of these tools serves a different purpose. Knowing the difference can help you decide which type of tool is right for you. Remember that your dentist in Sugarland, TX can also recommend dental tools that help. See below, what you need to know about dental crowns, bridges and veneers.

What’s a Crown?

A crown is a cap that fits over the tooth enamel to protect it. Dental crowns are used in root canals to protect the enamel after the infected material has been removed. Dental crowns in Sugarland, TX can also be used to cover stains, injuries and misshapen teeth. If you have an implant, a crown will be placed over the implant to make it look and function more like a natural tooth. You may be a good candidate for a crown if you have a tooth that needs protection or structural reinforcement.

What’s a Bridge?

A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that replaces a missing tooth. The bridge is held in place with an attached crown that is fitted over the tooth next to the first tooth. Like crowns, bridges are made from tooth-colored material so it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between a bridge and a natural tooth. You may be a candidate for a bridge if you’re missing a single tooth.

What’s a Veneer?

A veneer is a cover that’s placed over the front of a tooth to hide cosmetic defects. Veneers can cover stains, chips, cracks, discolorations and other problems that make your tooth not quite like the others. Veneers give the teeth a uniform appearance. Unlike crowns, which can be used to reinforce the structural integrity of the tooth, veneers are entirely cosmetic. You’re a good candidate for a veneer if you have healthy teeth with some cosmetic defects.

Find Out Which Tool Can Benefit You

Want to know more about dental crowns, bridges and veneers? Not sure which one is best for you? Make an appointment with the professionals at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Contact us today.

What’s the Difference Between A Crown and A Veneer?  

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Crowns and veneers are both covers for teeth, so some patients have a hard time understanding the difference between these two dental appliances. In this article, we’ll talk about what a veneer is, talk about what a crown is, and we’ll help you understand which is needed for certain dental situations.

If you think you could benefit from crowns or veneers, visit your dentist in Sugar Land TX. We’ll answer your questions and provide you with information that can help you move forward with whatever dental treatments you need.

What’s a veneer?

A veneer is a cover that’s placed on the front of your tooth. Veneers are cosmetic only, which means that they provide no structural reinforcement. Veneers are used to hide stains and cosmetic defects. Misshapen teeth, small teeth and a “gummy smile” are all the kinds of problems that you can cover up with dental veneers.

Who needs veneers?

You’re a good candidate for veneers if you have healthy teeth and gums and good oral hygiene. Once your veneer is installed, it’s especially important for you to take care of your oral hygiene to ensure that your veneers continue to look their best. If you have poor oral hygiene or health, your dentist may work with you to improve your oral hygiene before installing veneers.

What’s a crown?

A crown is a cover that’s placed over the entire tooth. Crowns can be cosmetic but are often functional. Crowns are often made from tooth-colored material (like resin), but can also be made from metal (like gold).

Who needs crowns?

You may need a crown if your tooth has been compromised (like during a root canal) or if you’re missing a tooth and need a dental implant. Your dentist can help you decide whether you need a crown and, if so, then what kind. Crowns come in many materials, and you’ll need to decide which one is right for your needs and budget.

Think you need a crown or veneer? Reach out today.

At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide cosmetic and general dentistry services in Sugar Land, TX. To get started with your dental procedure, contact us today to make an appointment with our experienced, courteous professionals.

 

3 Dental Veneer FAQs

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You may know a little about dental veneers, especially if you’re interested in improving your smile. This option is well-known for creating picture-perfect teeth without resorting to implants. What you might not know though is how the process works, who is a good candidate for it, and what exactly you can expect. We’ll take you through the top three questions, so you can make a more informed decision.

What Can I Expect When Getting Porcelain Dental Veneers?

This is a multi-appointment process, so be prepared to invest some time. You’ll first tell the prosthodontist (specialty dentist) what you’re looking for before the prosthodontist examines your teeth. Every veneer treatment will need to be customized depending on everything from the shape to the color to the spacing of your teeth. During the initial appointment, the prosthodontist may take X-rays.

On the next appointment, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of the tooth, making an impression, and then placing temporary veneers on the tooth. The last appointment will remove the temporary veneer and replace it with the permanent shell.

Why Choose Porcelain Over Composite?

Porcelain not only looks better, but it’s also more durable. You can choose the color of porcelain to ensure that it matches the rest of your teeth. When compared to other materials, it’s more resistant to staining. In general, a prosthodontist will recommend composite only if the tooth needs a very minor fix. In either case, the dental professional will work to preserve as much of the tooth’s original structure as possible

When Should I Not Get Dental Veneers?

The goal of dental veneers is to use the teeth you already have to make your smile come to life. If you have poor gum health or extensive tooth decay, dental veneers will simply cover up the problem. This may even make it harder for a dentist to administer another treatment should you need it sometime down the line.

Talking to your dentist will give you a better idea of how your dental veneer process will actually work. Your experience will be based on the extent of the work needed and the process of your dentist. Just make sure that you’re choosing someone who specializes in this procedure!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers

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When a person has teeth that are damaged or don’t look their best, it can be a huge blow to self-esteem and impact their lives in many ways. To solve this problem, dentists offer porcelain veneers that can provide a positive transformation to most patients. If you’re considering veneers but need more information, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding porcelain veneers.

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

A thin piece of porcelain that is cut precisely to the shape of a patient’s tooth, a porcelain veneer is bonded to the front of a tooth to help with cracks, chips, and gaps.

How Will  Veneer Help My Teeth?

Along with helping minimize cracks, chips, and gaps in teeth, a porcelain veneer will also help improve teeth structurally and cosmetically. In doing so, a patient’s dental health is greatly improved, as is their self-esteem.

Will a Porcelain Veneer Ruin or Damage My Teeth?

Certainly not. While veneers will alter the shape, size, and shade of your teeth, cementing them over your teeth will not damage or ruin your teeth.

What if My Teeth are Discolored?

Even if your teeth are severely discolored due to coffee stains, medications, excessive amounts of fluoride, or other substances, porcelain veneers can easily make your teeth look white and sparkling once again.

Will My Teeth be Sensitive After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

In most cases, patients experience little if any sensitivity immediately after they receive porcelain veneers.

How Many Visits Will I Need?

When most patients receive porcelain veneers, it will take two visits. At the first visit, the patient’s teeth will be examined, prepared, and shaped. During the second visit, the veneers will be cemented to the teeth. Between visits, temporary restorations can be put in place to minimize sensitivity, help with eating, and add attractiveness to the patient’s smile.

Unfortunately, many people go for years or even their whole lives with teeth that are damaged due to a variety of factors. Rather than endure physical pain from damaged teeth or emotional pain due to a smile you are not proud of day after day, schedule a consultation with us at your earliest convenience to learn more about how porcelain veneers can change your life and your smile.

 

Why might I need Porcelain Veneers?

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An increasing number of people are seeking cosmetic dentistry procedures as a way to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of their smiles. Several types of dental veneer are available, but the most popular types are composite and veneer. However, composite veneers don’t have nearly the lifespan of their porcelain counterparts, they chip and stain much more easily, and even though composite veneers can look realistic, they don’t have quite the same natural look provided by porcelain veneers due to porcelain’s translucent quality that mimics the texture of natural enamel.

As their name implies, porcelain veneers are manufactured using porcelain. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Why You Might Need Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ideal for those whose teeth have become stained, blemished, or otherwise discolored over the years. They’re also an excellent option for correcting the appearance of chipped teeth, teeth that are poorly shaped, and minor misalignments such as small gaps. Veneers are just for cosmetic reasons, however — they can help protect fragile teeth from further damage, possibly circumventing many dental health issues down the road. Being able to present a healthy, attractive smile to the world also promotes optimal self-esteem, which leads to higher confidence levels and even to better personal relationships.

The Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Porcelain veneers generally involve two visits to your dentist’s office, and the procedure usually doesn’t require a local anesthetic except in cases where a patient has a particularly extreme sensitivity to pain. The first visit entails cleaning the applicable tooth or teeth and determining just the right shade for the veneer. Your dentist will then take an impression of the took or teeth involved to send to the laboratory that creates the veneers. You’ll be fitted with temporary veneers until the laboratory delivers your permanent ones to your dentist.

The next steps are for your dentist to remove the temporary veneer, clean the affected teeth, and attach the permanent veneers. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last longer than ten years.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office for more information on the benefits of getting porcelain veneers.