Clear Braces The invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. To discuss clear braces in the Springfield MA area, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment. For information on Invisalign, please visit www.invisalign.com.
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When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay. What are dental inlays and onlays? Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth. Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth. How are inlays and onlays applied? Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment. At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Our doctors will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish. Considerations for Inlays and Onlays Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
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When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are one of the easiest and least invasive ways to transform your smile. Dr. Kapoor is an expert in restoring teeth, and he looks forward to discussing your hopes and dreams regarding your appearance—and then making them a reality. What are porcelain veneers? Porcelain veneers are very natural-looking, tooth-colored ceramic shells that are bonded to teeth. These custom-made thin and durable restorations are a great solution for chipped, cracked, discolored, worn down, or uneven teeth. Composite bonding is another type of veneer made of resin. Veneers are often the more popular of the dental bonding choices because of their durability and resistance to staining. Benefits of Porcelain Veneers From aesthetics to functionality, porcelain veneers immediately transform your smile—and your life. If you are concerned about the possibility that they may jeopardize the uniqueness of your look, no need to worry. We make them fit seamlessly with each smile—this is not a one size fits all type of treatment! Are porcelain veneers right for me? Whether you have minor tooth damage that you would like repaired or you are in the market for a complete smile makeover, Sunshine Dental has the best dental solutions for you. Ideal candidates for porcelain veneers are those who would like a long-lasting and natural-looking smile that is free from cracked, chipped, discolored, and misaligned teeth. Dr. Kapoor is a highly experienced cosmetic dentist who is dedicated to creating beautiful, healthy smiles for their patients. Do veneers ruin your teeth? The process of getting veneers does involve decreasing the size of your tooth to make room for the veneer. We begin with a complete smile analysis in which Dr. Kapoor makes a treatment plan according to your desired goals. Next, we shave off a small portion of the tooth enamel so the carefully crafted veneer fits perfectly to your tooth. You will receive a temporary veneer while a mold of your tooth is made. At the following appointment, we remove the temporary and bond the final veneer to your tooth. Are porcelain veneers permanent? If properly cared for, veneers can last for 20 years. To ensure your veneers last as long as possible, avoid any bad habits you may have that might put unnecessary stress on the veneers, such as nail-biting, straw chewing, opening bags or containers with teeth, and even removing gloves with your teeth. Treat your veneers the same way you treat your natural teeth: brushing twice and flossing once daily. Wearing a bite guard at night would provide extra protection. Don’t eat hard foods, like nuts, or crack shells with front veneers. How often should veneers be replaced? The longevity of your porcelain veneers is up to you. If you care for your veneers by regularly brushing and flossing, attending regular cleanings and examinations at our office with Dr. Kapoor every 6 months, and refraining from using them carelessly, you should not need to replace them. What are the disadvantages of veneers? There are very few disadvantages to getting porcelain veneers. Like any makeover, one improvement leads to another. It is common for patients who get veneers to choose to have gum contouring done as well. This cosmetic procedure can help to create symmetry and lengthen short teeth. Some of our patients choose to undergo teeth whitening as well. In the long run, these additional treatments end up being advantages rather than disadvantages! Can porcelain veneers stain? No! This is one of the many benefits of porcelain veneers. You are free to eat and drink without worrying about discoloring your teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, one of the clear advantages over composite bonding, an alternative veneer that lacks durability as well as resistance to discoloration.
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Dental bonding is an alternative to teeth veneers and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged. How does dental bonding work? The tooth is prepared for dental bonding by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance. Considerations for Dental Bonding The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.
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