RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY SERVICES AT GAINESVILLE DENTAL ARTS

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY SERVICES  AT 

GAINESVILLE DENTAL ARTS   

1. Dentures A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of

dentures are available -- complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the

teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Complete Dentures Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate."

Made after the removal of the teeth when the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is

ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in prior to the removal of teeth and can

be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the denture wearer does not have to be

without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during

the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures

compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the

healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional

dentures can be made.

Premium Dentures Custom Characterized dentures are ideal for you if you desire exclusive features and the best value.

This option provides the ultimate way to create more natural-looking teeth.

Premium Dentures Include:

● Top Quality acrylic base plate for more natural looking gums

● Options for whiter shades of teeth and improved odor resistance

● Shrink-free process for a more comfortable, confident and secure fit

● Replacement "Safety" denture (extra set)

● Free annual check-up with oral cancer screening and professional cleaning

● Free reline in first 3 years, if necessary

● 3 Year limited warranty

Valplast Flexible Partial Dentures Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from

changing position. When you are ready to replace missing teeth you have a number of potential

solutions available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Replacing your missing teeth is a big decision and it is important to consider several factors. You don’t

have to make this decision alone. Your dentist can help you assess the choices in light of your clinical

needs, personal preferences and financial considerations and help you determine which one is best for

you. Choose what you want to eat, not what your teeth will let you eat!

Valplast® flexible partials could be the solution for you to replace one or more teeth. Unlike more

traditional ridged, bulky and unstable dental materials Valplast flexible partial denture are made from

a flexible plastic material which fits neatly into your mouth and is virtually invisible. They do NOT

require any unsightly metal clasps to keep them in place.

Most Valplast Flexible Partials are fabricated without the use of a metal frame - made instead from a

strong, durable plastic that snaps securely and comfortably into place around your existing teeth.

The plastic used is so strong that the partial dentures made from it can be very thin, eliminating that

heavy, bulky feeling that made wearing partials so unpleasant in the old days. As it is very thin it picks

up the characteristics of the underlying tissue.

Flexible Partials blend in well with the natural appearance of your gums, making the partial virtually

invisible.

How Are Dentures Made? The denture development process takes a few weeks and several appointments. Once we determine

what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

● Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to

one another and how much space is between them.

● Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the

denture to be made. You will "try in" this model several times and the denture will be assessed

for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.

● Cast a final denture

● Adjustments will be made as necessary

Getting Used to Your New Dentures Some patients find the experience of wearing a denture for the first time to be challenging. A denture

is a foreign object, it may not duplicate the exact feel and function of your natural teeth. Initially it will

be a new sensation that will take you a period of time to adjust.

Time, Patience & Will Power New dentures can be a somewhat trying experience for some patients. Dentures often will feel strange

and bulky and will cause a feeling of fullness of the lips and cheeks. In time, these feelings will subside

and you will feel more comfortable. Time, patience and will power are your biggest allies.

Other Symptoms 

You may also experience slurred speech, gagging, excessive salivation and funny or diminished taste.

Again, these issues usually disappear over time. However, if they continue, please contact our office to

let the dental staff know about your particular difficulty. We’re here to help you!

Learning to Chew with Your New Dentures It is especially difficult to adjust to a lower denture, because it "floats" on your lower gums and will not

have the suction that your upper denture has. It will move around in your mouth, even out of your

mouth, until you have mastered it.

Lower Denture Challenges New dentures can be a somewhat trying experience for some patients. Dentures often will feel strange

and bulky and will cause a feeling of fullness of the lips and cheeks. In time, these feelings will subside

and you will feel more comfortable. Time, patience and will power are your biggest allies.

Try resting your tongue against the inside, front edge of the lower denture to help hold it in place. Until

you learn good tongue and lip control, adhesives are recommended. Adhesives may also be useful for

upper dentures. If you are an existing denture wearer and have become accustomed to adhesives, you

most likely will have to continue using adhesives for your dentures.

Caring for Your Dentures Daily care and cleaning of your dentures is very important to help keep them looking their best and

prevent stains and denture odor. For everyday cleaning, use a soft brush and a cleaning agent, such as

soap and water, or products sold especially to clean dentures. Be sure to brush both the inside and

outside of your denture. This will help eliminate harmful bacteria. We also suggest soaking your

denture in water or a denture cleaning agent when you take them out at night.

To help prevent breakage in the event you accidentally drop your dentures while cleaning them, we

strongly recommend that you hold them over a sink filled with water. You may also want to cushion

the sink and counter with a soft cloth or towel.

Are There Alternatives to Dentures? Yes, dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The

cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth.

Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants.

Consult Dr. Kaur for advice.

What Do New Dentures Feel Like? New dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue

learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not

unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase when you first start

wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish as the mouth adjusts.

Will Dentures Make Me Look Different? Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural teeth so there should be only a small noticeable

change in appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile and fill out your facial

appearance.

Will Dentures Change How I Speak? After getting dentures, you may have difficulty pronouncing certain words. If so, practice by saying the

difficult words out loud. With practice and with time you will become accustomed to speaking properly

with dentures.

If dentures "click" while you're talking, contact us at Gainesville Dental Arts. Dentures may occasionally

slip when you laugh, cough, or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If

any speaking problem persists, consult Dr. Kaur.

Are Dentures Worn 24 Hours a Day? We will instruct you as to how long to wear dentures and when to remove them. During the first

several days after receiving your denture, you may be asked to wear it all the time, including while you

sleep. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify the areas on

the denture that may need adjustment. Once adjustments are made, you should remove dentures

before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by

the tongue and saliva. The denture can be put back in the mouth in the morning.

For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment, call Gainesville Dental Arts in

Gainesville.

2. Smile Makeover A smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more

cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as composite fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, dental implants

and teeth whitening.

Essentially, a smile makeover is something that you choose to have performed, while a full mouth

reconstruction is something that you need to have performed.

Smile Makeover Considerations A smile makeover takes into consideration your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color,

width, length, shape and tooth display), gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal smile. Smile

makeovers are performed for many reasons and customized according to your unique considerations.

What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your teeth? Some aspects of your smile that we

will review with you and that could be improved with a smile makeover include the following:

Tooth Color: Silver fillings can be replaced with natural, tooth-colored composite restorations, while

teeth whitening can improve the color of stained or dulled teeth. Tooth color and shading are

important considerations during the evaluation of and preparation for various procedures, including

porcelain white composite fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental implants.

When considering the color of your teeth, keep in mind that dark or discolored teeth may suggest an

aged mouth. A well-shaped smile comprised of bright, white teeth lends to a youthful appearance. Dr.

Kaur selects the shade for teeth whitening and veneers after doing through evaluation with special

consideration given to the tone and color of your face and hair. Dentist at Gainesville Dental Arts in

Gainesville is skilled at finding the right balance between providing you with a brighter, whiter smile

and maintaining a natural tooth appearance.

Alignment and Spacing: Teeth that are crooked, overlapping or have gaps between them can be

straightened and aligned when necessary through orthodontics (Invisalign) and improved with

veneers.

Missing Teeth: One or more missing teeth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile – as well

as affect your bite and increase your risk for tooth decay – making replacement an integral part of oral

health and facial esthetics. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, bridges or partial

dentures.

Harmony and Balance: Uneven, chipped and cracked teeth can be cosmetically bonded for an

improved appearance, and a gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the overall look of the

smile.

Fuller Lips, Smile and Cheeks: An unshapely or aging face can be improved or rejuvenated with

certain procedures in the smile makeover category, including orthodontics and/or oral maxillofacial

surgery.

Dr. Kaur will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you

want from your makeover. This treatment plan may consist of many cosmetic and functionally

restorative procedures, potentially including teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, dental

crowns, orthodontics (braces), oral maxillofacial surgery and gummy smile reduction.

Esthetic Components of a Smile Makeover In addition to the color, alignment and balance of your teeth in the esthetic zone of your smile (the

section of upper and lower teeth that show when you smile), there are several attributes of your teeth

and smile that Dr. Kaur will evaluate with you when planning your smile makeover. These include:

Tooth Length: Long teeth lend a youthful appearance. Aging produces wear and tear that often results

in shorter teeth, and a gummy smile also can make teeth appear shorter. A smile makeover treatment

for shorter teeth may include reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth with composite

bonding or porcelain veneers. If you have a gummy smile, we may provide treatment to modify the

gum line and lengthen the appearance of the teeth using laser dentistry procedures. You may also be

referred to a periodontist for crown lengthening if necessary.

Teeth lengthening may also impact your overall facial appearance. For example, shapely, long, square

teeth on a round-faced individual can provide a slimming effect.

Smile Line: The smile line is an imaginary line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from side to

side, which ideally should be the same as the curve of your lower lip when you smile. This standard

point of reference for smile makeovers may be used to help determine how long your new teeth

should be.

Tooth Proportions: Dr. Kaur will examine your teeth to determine if they are in correct proportion

with each other. Most people recognize a pleasing smile as one in which the two central front teeth are

dominant and have a width-to-length ratio of 4 to 5. This proportion guides the length and width of

other teeth in the esthetic zone so that the smile line appears balanced.

Tooth Texture and Characterization: Cosmetic dentists performing smile makeovers like us, are

adept at blending functionality and esthetics. An artistic dentist can characterize your crowns or

veneers to create a more feminine or a more masculine appearance, in addition to matching the look

and feel of natural teeth or those you've seen in photographs.

The Life of Your Smile Makeover Cosmetic dentistry procedures require regular oral hygiene care and may require maintenance over

time. For example, teeth whitening must be repeated on occasion in order to maintain brightness.

Porcelain veneers may chip or break off and need replacement. Permanent composite bonding may

stain and require enhancement or replacement. Dental crowns typically require replacement after 10

to 15 years. Gummy smile improvements may also require enhancement over time.

Your ceramist, lab technician and the materials chosen by Dr. Kaur also impact the longevity of your

smile makeover. To achieve the best results, inquire about your material options with Dr. Kaur at

Gainesville Dental Arts.

Your oral health must be evaluated before the plan is developed for your smile makeover. We will

conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, underlying support structure and bite

(occlusion) to determine candidacy for a smile makeover. If your evaluation reveals that you have an

oral health problem – such as a misaligned bite (malocclusion) or gum disease – you will need to

undergo treatment prior to your smile makeover.

Since treatment for a bad bite often involves most or all of the teeth, it is called a full mouth

reconstruction. Although full mouth reconstruction may take more time, patients are usually very

pleased with the resulting transformation, since aspects of the smile makeover (such as improving the

appearance of your smile) can be part of the process.

Once your smile makeover can be treatment planned, other dental professionals may be involved in

process. These professionals may include a dental laboratory technician, prosthodontist, endodontist,

periodontist, orthodontist or an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Smile Makeover Preview An integral part of a Smile Makeover process is the preview of potential results you evaluate before

treatment begins. We at Gainesville Dental Arts, incorporate a variety of dental technologies to show

you the changes that you can expect to see in your smile.

For example, during your oral health evaluation for veneers and crowns, we may create a wax model

mockup of temporary teeth to accurately communicate the requirements of your procedure to the

dental lab technician. Temporaries and wax mockups also offer you a preview of the expected

outcome to ensure that you are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

Other methods available for you to preview your smile makeover include the following:

Dental Imaging Software: Imaging technologies offer a preview of your smile makeover results. Dr.

Kaur may use imaging technology to communicate the specifications for your procedure to the dental

lab technician or any other dental professionals involved in your treatment plan. However, a digital

image only gives you an idea of what you might look like when the makeover is complete; it may not

fully match your final results.

Before and After Photos: Before and after photos of other patients who have had smile makeovers

offer examples of the results you may expect to see. The photos may also give you an idea of the

quality of work performed.

Dental Study Models: We will take an impression of your teeth and fill it with plaster to form an exact

model of your teeth. The plaster can then be reshaped by trimming away excess areas or enlarging

areas that require more volume. We use study models to show you every aspect of the changes you

can expect to see with your makeover. Dental lab technicians also use study models as guides for

fabricating makeover materials like crowns or veneers.

Dental Composite Bonding Mockup: Dental composite bonding may serve as a mockup of your smile

makeover. We can temporarily bond composite resin material to your teeth so you can fully visualize

the impact of the procedure before treatment begins. In the case of veneers, dental composite

bonding allows you to identify how comfortable you are with their look, feel and fit. Adjustments may

be made until you are comfortable with the function and appearance of your new smile. Temporary

mockups have no lasting impact on your teeth once they are removed.

Cost of Your Smile Makeover The duration of treatment and cost of your smile makeover will vary depending on the state of your

oral health and the extent of your customized makeover plan.

A smile makeover may take significantly longer if we identify any underlying oral health issues before

beginning treatment. If you think you need a smile makeover please contact us at Gainesville Dental

Arts in Gainesville. You deserve the best. To make an appointment, call us at 703-743-2324.

3. Dental Crowns

Ideal for protecting a cracked, broken tooth or covering up tooth discolorations, crowns can be a great

solution for improving your smile.

The anatomy of a tooth can be divided into two basic parts -- the root and the crown. In a person with

healthy gums and bone, the root of the tooth is covered by the gums and bone. The part of the tooth

that is visible in the mouth, above the gum line on lower teeth and below the gum line on upper teeth,

is called the clinical crown. A cemented restoration that partially or completely covers the outside of

the clinical crown is referred to as a dental crown or cap.

A crown is a tooth shaped cap that fits over a problem tooth to improve strength, size and appearance.

The crown procedure is relatively simple. First we will anesthetize the problem tooth area. Once

completely numb, the tooth is filed down so that the crown fits appropriately. Then, we will take an

impression of the tooth to use in the construction of the crown.

The impressions are sent away to a dental laboratory to create your crown; meanwhile, we apply a

sturdy temporary crown over the problem tooth while your permanent crown is manufactured. Once

your permanent crown is ready, you will come back to Gainesville Dental Arts and the crown will be

inserted. Now you have a bright, healthy-looking new tooth!

Crown placement can offer several benefits: ● Long term durability

● Protection from further decay, infection and cracking

● Improved chewing and talking

● An improved, natural and healthier smile

When is a dental crown needed?

There are a variety of situations that require a tooth to be restored with a dental crown. The following

are the most common:

Large filling: When a tooth has a cavity or fracture that involves half the width of the tooth or more, it

needs to be covered with a crown. This is because the remaining tooth around the large filling is so

weak that it is prone to fracture. Sometimes a large filling that has been in the mouth for a while will

need to be replaced with a crown because the tooth shows signs of stress and cracks around the filling.

Root canal: Root canal treatment leaves the tooth hollowed out and predisposes the remaining tooth

to cracking. So, a tooth that has had a root canal almost always needs to be restored with a crown

immediately to prevent it from fracturing.

Cracked tooth syndrome:This is a condition whereby a patient has fractures inside a tooth that cause

pain when it is chewed on a certain way. Chewing produces stress on fracture lines that make it feel

like it is splitting apart. A crown will hold the tooth together and redistribute the stress evenly

throughout the tooth, eliminating the pain in most instances. In these situations, it is best to leave a

temporary crown on for a while to make sure the pain goes away and the tooth doesn't require a root

canal.

Broken cusps: Cusps frequently break off of teeth due to trauma or large existing fillings. Since the

cusps are the part of the tooth that takes the most stress during chewing, they need to be completely

covered or the tooth or filling will keep fracturing. Sometimes the tooth breaks all the way to the bone,

and a crown-lengthening procedure is necessary. This means the bone and gums need to be trimmed

down below the edge of the fractured part of the tooth so the margin of the crown can be placed on

healthy, strong tooth structure.

Excessive wear of teeth: If a person has a habit of grinding their teeth, the teeth will become shorter

over time. The teeth can also wear away due to acid erosion caused by gastrointestinal acid

reflux(GERD), bulimia, or an acidic diet. Sometimes, the enamel will wear away completely, leaving

small, soft teeth. Over time, the bite can collapse and the only way of restoring the teeth properly is by

increasing the bite and covering the teeth with crowns.

Undesirable appearance of teeth: Teeth that have an unacceptable appearance due to color, shape,

or spaces between teeth can be made to look very natural and beautiful with crowns. Dental veneers

are a very effective and conservative way of enhancing the look of the front teeth. They can be made to

look very natural, and sometimes they don't even require preparing or shaving the existing teeth.

Other: Crowns are placed on dental implants to restore spaces left from missing teeth. Another way of

filling these spaces is with dental bridges, which are made from crowns on the teeth next to the spaces

attached to fake teeth in the middle. If teeth are loose, crowns can be placed on multiple teeth and

splinted together to provide more stability.

What types of dental crowns are available?

Crowns can be made out of a gold alloy, some other metal alloy, stainless steel,

all-porcelain/all-ceramic, composite resin, zirconia, or porcelain on the outside fused to metal or

zirconia on the inside. In some cases, ceramic crowns can be made with CAD/CAM technology by

milling the crowns out of blocks of porcelain in the dental office, without the need for temporaries or a

dental laboratory. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of the types of dental crowns.

Stainless steel crowns are preformed crowns used to cover baby teeth for children. Gold dental crowns

have traditionally been the most durable and require less of the tooth to be removed or shaved down.

The primary advantage of porcelain crowns is their esthetics, while newer types of ceramic crowns

have become increasingly more durable.

Benefits of Crown

● Long term durability

● Protection from further decay, infection and cracking

● Improved chewing and talking

● An improved, natural and healthier smile

4. Dental Bridges A long-lasting solution to replacing lost teeth, dental bridges from Gainesville Dental Arts is an

excellent restorative dental option. Dental bridges are made of three or more porcelain crowns fused

together to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, bridges are permanent and cannot be

removed.

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, our doctors in Gainesville Dental Arts may be able to

restore your smile using a dental bridge. Bridges are composed of a replacement tooth or teeth

supported on either side by a porcelain crown. These crowns are connected to the teeth adjacent to a

gap, creating a strong and natural looking replacement. Non-removable bridges provide a sturdier,

more stable solution to missing teeth than removable dentures, giving our patients the feeling of

having permanent teeth once again.

A bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth by a

preparation pattern determined by the location of the teeth and by the material from which the bridge

is fabricated.

A bridge is made up of two crowns one on each tooth on either side of the gap -- these two anchoring

teeth are called abutment teeth -- or a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called

pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental

bridges are supported by either natural teeth or dental implants.

No matter what type of bridge a patient receives, the restoration will have significant aesthetic and

practical benefits. The new teeth will restore dental functionality and oral health. Additionally, thanks

to new dental technology and aesthetic advances, today’s dental bridges are virtually indistinguishable

from natural teeth.

The Dental Bridge Procedure ● First, you are given a local anesthetic to eliminate any pain. The teeth on either side of the

missing space are then prepared for crown fitting.

● An impression of your teeth is made, so that your dental bridge can be accurately molded to fit

perfectly.

● You are fitted with a temporary bridge to protect your gums and teeth while the permanent

one is being fabricated in the dental lab

● In your next appointment, the temporary bridge is removed and your permanent bridge is

applied. Once it’s correctly fitted, it is permanently cemented in place.

Benefits of Dental Bridges ● Restore your smile

● Restore your ability to properly chew and speak

● Maintain the shape of your face

● Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth

● Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

● Offer a natural, healthy appearance

● Can be applied in only two office visits

● Are more permanent and secure than traditional dentures, with no sliding or moving

● Help regain natural speaking and chewing ability

● Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

● Colored to perfectly match the shade of your other teeth

● Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and

resultant periodontal disease.

● Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

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.

5. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin,

custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These

shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length and resulting in

an improved appearance.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers

resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.

Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will

need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with Dr. Kaur at Gainesville Dental Arts.

Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which a shell or layer of tooth-colored porcelain or

composite is placed over the facial surfaces of your teeth to correct worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth

alignment or spacing, discoloration and chips or cracks.

Although dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create bright, white

smiles with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth, they also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may

eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Other benefits of veneers include durability, an

improved smile appearance, and the need for little-to-no removal of tooth structure compared to

crowns.

What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?

● Teeth that are discolored either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or

other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have

discolored the tooth

● Teeth that are worn down

● Teeth that are chipped or broken

● Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in

them)

● Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)

What Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?

● They provide a natural tooth appearance.

● Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.

● Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.

● The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.

● Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color and shape-veneers generally

don't require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger,

more esthetic alternative to bonding.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?

● The process is not reversible.

● Veneers are more costly than composite resin white filling.

● Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.

● Because enamel has been removed, your tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold

foods and beverages.

● Veneers may not exactly match the color of your other teeth. Also, the veneer's color cannot be

altered once in place. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before getting

veneers.

● Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and fall off. To minimize the chance of this occurring,

do not bite your nails; chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects; or otherwise put pressure on

your teeth.

● Teeth with veneers can still experience decay, possibly necessitating full coverage of the tooth

with a crown.

● Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with

decay or active periodontal disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large

dental fillings) or by those who had an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth

surface.

● Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as

these activities can cause the veneers to crack or chip.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers

Yes, tooth colored white composite resin fillings and crowns are alternatives. Veneers offer a nice

intermediate option. Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their

teeth more than just a little bit-as is done with bonding-but not enough to require a crown.

6. Dental Implants

A dental implant is actually a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental

implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. They are used to secure

crowns (the parts of teeth seen in the mouth), bridgework or dentures by a variety of means. They are

made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong and biocompatible, which means that it is not rejected

by the body. Titanium and titanium alloys are the most widely used metals in both dental and other

bone implants, such as orthopedic joint replacements. Dental implants have the highest success rate

of any implanted surgical device.

Titanium’s special property of fusing to bone, called osseointegration (“osseo” – bone; “integration” –

fusion or joining with), is the biological basis of dental implant success. That’s because when teeth are

lost, the bone that supported those teeth is lost too. Placing dental implants stabilizes bone,

preventing its loss. Along with replacing lost teeth, implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape and

density. This means they also support the facial skeleton and, indirectly, the soft tissue structures —

gum tissues, cheeks and lips. Dental implants help you eat, chew, smile, talk and look completely

natural. This functionality imparts social, psychological and physical well-being.

When would someone need a dental implants

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. The goal of

teeth replacement is to restore function as well as esthetics.

When it comes to tooth replacement, generally, there are three options:

1. Removable dental appliance (full denture or partial denture)

2. Fixed dental bridge (cemented)

3. Dental implant

Deciding on which option to choose depends on many factors. Specifically for dental implants, these

factors include:

● Location of missing tooth or teeth

● Quantity and quality of the jawbone where the dental implant is to be placed

● Health of the patient

● Cost

● Patient preference

A dental surgeon examines the area to be considered for the dental implant and makes a clinical

assessment of whether the patient is a good candidate for a dental implant.

There are great advantages to choosing a dental implant for tooth replacement over the other options.

Dental implants are conservative in that missing teeth can be replaced without affecting or altering the

adjacent teeth. Furthermore, because dental implants integrate into the bone structure, they are very

stable and can have the look and feel of one's own teeth.

7. Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened with a special

light, ultimately "bonding" the material to the tooth to improve a person's smile. Among the easiest

and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures, bonding can repair chipped or cracked teeth, close

gaps, change the shape of teeth, or be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Bonding Procedure: Because it does not involve dental laboratory work, tooth bonding can usually be

accomplished in a single visit to the dental office. Expect the whole procedure to take 30 minutes to an

hour. First, the surface of the tooth to be bonded will be cleaned so it is plaque-free. The surface will

then need to be “etched” with an acidic gel that opens up tiny pores in the surface. After the etching gel

is rinsed off, the liquid composite resin in a well-matched shade is painted on in a thin layer, filling

these tiny pores to create a strong micromechanical bond. A special curing light is used to harden this

bonding material. Once the first layer is cured, another layer is painted on and cured. Layers can

continue to be built up until the restoration has the necessary thickness. The bonding material is then

shaped to give it just the right form. Once the tooth not only looks great but fits in perfectly with your

bite, it will receive a final polishing.

For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

● to repair chipped or cracked teeth

● to improve the appearance of discolored teeth

● to close spaces between teeth

● to make teeth look longer

● to change the shape of teeth

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?

● Advantages: Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.

Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured

in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are

involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of

tooth enamel is removed. Also, anesthesia is usually not required.

● Disadvantages: Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it

does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do

not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or

fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.

● Because of some of the limitations of bonding, it may be best suited for small cosmetic

changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of

very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). Consult us at Gainesville Dental Arts about

the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.

Care of dental bonding

● Simply follow good oral hygiene practices.

● Brush at least twice a day. It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.

● Floss at least once to twice a day.

● Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at

least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30

minutes

● Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area

● Visit us at Gainesville Dental Arts for professional check-ups and cleanings

Visit us at:- http://www.gainesvilledentalarts.com/