Veneers are a popular and effective way to completely transform your smile by covering the fronts of teeth with thin porcelain shells. There are generally two types of veneers – traditional and no-prep veneers. Deciding which will work best for you depends on the current state of your teeth and what issues you’re hoping to fix.
Traditional Veneers vs. Prep-Less Veneer
To apply regular porcelain veneers, teeth must be lightly buffed. This allows the veneer to be placed in a way that looks most natural – preparing teeth by removing a small amount of surface enamel means that the veneers do not add extra thickness to teeth. Teeth that look bulky appear over-treated and can diminish the cosmetic effect of veneer therapy.
Prep-less veneers are ultra-thin – thinner than standard veneers. For this reason, teeth do not need to be buffed or prepared before the veneers can be placed. Because they are not as thick, no-prep veneers can be applied without making teeth look fake.
Which Veneer Therapy is Right for Me?
Veneers are capable of giving you a smile makeover and creating teeth that are bright and even-looking, but one treatment doesn’t work for all patients. Consider the following dental conditions:
Severe Discoloration - For enamel that cannot be brightened with teeth bleaching, veneers can give you the white smile you want. However, because prep-less veneers are so thin, they may not be opaque enough to thoroughly correct instances of severely discolored teeth. For these patients, traditional veneers provide best results.
Minor Misalignment – Veneers are sometimes called instant orthodontics because they can change shape of teeth to close gaps. When teeth are prepared and shaped prior to treatment, placing a veneer can even help change the alignment of mildly crowded teeth.
Cracks and Chips – Both no-prep and traditional veneers are capable of masking minor flaws like cracked and chipped teeth.
Un-Balanced Tooth Shape – Veneers can make too-small or oddly shaped teeth look more uniform and natural. Prep-less veneers work best, in this instance, for patients whose teeth are not already large or bulky. In other cases, traditional veneers deliver best results.
At Hughes Dental Group, we take care to recommend the cosmetic treatment that will deliver the results you want and help address all of your dental concerns. For more information on which kind of veneer therapy is right for you, contact our Campbell, CA cosmetic dentists for your consultation.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Monday, September 7, 2015
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
While dental implants may come with a higher price tag than the initial cost of getting a bridge or partial denture, it’s important to compare this initial investment with the long term care required for other restorations. In addition, patients considering semi-permanent or removable restorations should also examine the overall health implications of tooth restoration alternatives.
Replacing Worn Appliances
Bridges and dentures are replacement teeth that are not completely permanent. While bridges are bonded in place, they are secured to surrounding teeth with dental cement and are prone to breakage and damage over their lifetime. Repairing a broken bridge usually involves replacing the entire unit, which incurs added cost. While bridges may last a while with proper care, they are not life-long restorations and will, at some point, require replacement.
Damaged full dentures can often be repaired by a dental lab, but broken partial dentures would need to be replaced in full in order to ensure comfort and aesthetic. Breaking or damaging part of an implant-supported prosthetic does not mean that both the replacement teeth and the implant need to be repaired, thereby limiting cost for restorative care.
Effect on Oral Health
While bridges and dentures can give patients the appearance of a full and healthy smile, they can sometimes put you at elevated risk for other oral health issues, such as furthered tooth decay, shrinking gum tissue, shifting teeth, or cracked and broken teeth.
Instead, dental implants foster improved oral health through protecting healthy bone volume and not resting on, or negatively affecting, surrounding teeth and tissue.
Longevity of Comfort and Aesthetic
Over time, and as they age, bridges may look less natural – especially if the restoration has a metal base coated in tooth-colored material. Dentures may become loose and fit poorly as gum tissue shrinks, requiring routine readjustment to ensure comfortable fit.
Because implant dentures, bridges, and single crowns are supported by replacement tooth roots, they will feel, look, and act like your own natural teeth. They do not rest on or cause irritation to soft tissue, and because many of our implant restorations are pure porcelain, they will look highly similar to your real teeth.
Dental implants should be considered an investment in your health, wellness, and the appearance of your smile. If you have questions about whether implants will work for you, please call our Campbell implant dentist for more information.
Replacing Worn Appliances
Bridges and dentures are replacement teeth that are not completely permanent. While bridges are bonded in place, they are secured to surrounding teeth with dental cement and are prone to breakage and damage over their lifetime. Repairing a broken bridge usually involves replacing the entire unit, which incurs added cost. While bridges may last a while with proper care, they are not life-long restorations and will, at some point, require replacement.
Damaged full dentures can often be repaired by a dental lab, but broken partial dentures would need to be replaced in full in order to ensure comfort and aesthetic. Breaking or damaging part of an implant-supported prosthetic does not mean that both the replacement teeth and the implant need to be repaired, thereby limiting cost for restorative care.
Effect on Oral Health
While bridges and dentures can give patients the appearance of a full and healthy smile, they can sometimes put you at elevated risk for other oral health issues, such as furthered tooth decay, shrinking gum tissue, shifting teeth, or cracked and broken teeth.
Instead, dental implants foster improved oral health through protecting healthy bone volume and not resting on, or negatively affecting, surrounding teeth and tissue.
Longevity of Comfort and Aesthetic
Over time, and as they age, bridges may look less natural – especially if the restoration has a metal base coated in tooth-colored material. Dentures may become loose and fit poorly as gum tissue shrinks, requiring routine readjustment to ensure comfortable fit.
Because implant dentures, bridges, and single crowns are supported by replacement tooth roots, they will feel, look, and act like your own natural teeth. They do not rest on or cause irritation to soft tissue, and because many of our implant restorations are pure porcelain, they will look highly similar to your real teeth.
Dental implants should be considered an investment in your health, wellness, and the appearance of your smile. If you have questions about whether implants will work for you, please call our Campbell implant dentist for more information.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
When Do I Need a Dental Crown?
If a dental crown has been recommended as a part of your treatment plan, it’s likely that you have a tooth that has been severely decayed. Dental crowns are used for replacing the entire top part of your tooth – what’s visible above the gum line – to stop the spread of decay, and help you regain a strong bite. But crowns can be used for a variety of reasons, or can be substituted for other dental restorations in some circumstances.
Crowns Used in Cosmetic Restorations
Dental crowns can be used for more cosmetic purposes as well. Crowns are traditionally made with a metal base coated in a porcelain, tooth-colored finish, but can also be made of pure porcelain or ceramic to more closely mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. If you have teeth that are too-small, or if your natural teeth are gapped and crowded, a cosmetic dentist can place a crown on a tooth to alter its shape and alignment. This method requires buffing-down existing dental enamel, so it’s typically only indicated for a tooth that needs restoration in the event of extensive cosmetic damage, like a large chip or crack.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
The process for getting a dental crown does involve some preparation. In order to correct instances of decay and damage, the affected tooth is buffed and polished to accept the restoration. When dental enamel is healthy enough, however, more conservative restorations are used to preserve natural tooth structure.
Onlays and inlays can treat moderate decay by filling-in only the damaged parts of teeth, as opposed to the entire top part of a tooth. Onlays and inlays offer enhanced cosmetic benefit as well, if they are created from tooth-colored materials like porcelain.
In the event that a flaw on one of your teeth is small (like a very fine crack or a minor chip), composite dental bonding can sometimes be a viable alternative to a dental crown. Composite resin is built-up directly on teeth to hide any damage or replace broken enamel.
Do I Need a Crown? An Onlay? Or Dental Bonding?
Only your dentist will be able to tell you which restorative treatment will provide the best results for your long-term oral health and wellness. At Hughes Dental Group, we’re proud to offer cosmetic restorations that include porcelain crowns, bonding, and onlays and inlays. Contact our office for more information or if you need help deciding if a dental crown is right for you.
Crowns Used in Cosmetic Restorations
Dental crowns can be used for more cosmetic purposes as well. Crowns are traditionally made with a metal base coated in a porcelain, tooth-colored finish, but can also be made of pure porcelain or ceramic to more closely mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. If you have teeth that are too-small, or if your natural teeth are gapped and crowded, a cosmetic dentist can place a crown on a tooth to alter its shape and alignment. This method requires buffing-down existing dental enamel, so it’s typically only indicated for a tooth that needs restoration in the event of extensive cosmetic damage, like a large chip or crack.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
The process for getting a dental crown does involve some preparation. In order to correct instances of decay and damage, the affected tooth is buffed and polished to accept the restoration. When dental enamel is healthy enough, however, more conservative restorations are used to preserve natural tooth structure.
Onlays and inlays can treat moderate decay by filling-in only the damaged parts of teeth, as opposed to the entire top part of a tooth. Onlays and inlays offer enhanced cosmetic benefit as well, if they are created from tooth-colored materials like porcelain.
In the event that a flaw on one of your teeth is small (like a very fine crack or a minor chip), composite dental bonding can sometimes be a viable alternative to a dental crown. Composite resin is built-up directly on teeth to hide any damage or replace broken enamel.
Do I Need a Crown? An Onlay? Or Dental Bonding?
Only your dentist will be able to tell you which restorative treatment will provide the best results for your long-term oral health and wellness. At Hughes Dental Group, we’re proud to offer cosmetic restorations that include porcelain crowns, bonding, and onlays and inlays. Contact our office for more information or if you need help deciding if a dental crown is right for you.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Gum Disease: How does it start and who’s at-risk?
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth. As it worsens, it can cause inflammation and attack bone, resulting in bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth decay and even tooth loss.
How Does Gum Disease Form?
Throughout the day, a build-up of bacteria and other materials can take up residence on and between our teeth, which forms a sticky shell of plaque over time. If untreated, plaque can harden to become tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and instead, must be removed by a dentist.
A build-up of plaque and tartar allows small colonies of bacteria to form in pockets along the base of our teeth, and under the gum. The bacteria erode healthy tissue, and eats away at its surroundings. Gum disease can progress from a manageable condition, to more aggressive infection which can require surgical treatment.
You might be particularly susceptible to gum disease if you fall into one of the following categories:
• Smokers: Smoking is known to irritate the gum tissue, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to breed and infect gums.
• Hormonal changes: Women going through hormonal changes, including pregnancy, will find their gum tissue softens, which also makes it easier for bacteria to attack.
• Compromised immune system and disease: People who are diagnosed with diabetes, AIDS, cancer and other conditions, do not have the same ability to fight off bacterial infections as healthy people. Also, certain medications for these conditions can reduce the amount of saliva present in the mouth, allowing bacteria to sit longer, if not removed on a regular basis.
While gum disease is common, it can also be effectively treated, or avoided altogether. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, or would like to learn more about how our Campbell, CA dental office treats gum disease, contact our office for your next dental appointment.
How Does Gum Disease Form?
Throughout the day, a build-up of bacteria and other materials can take up residence on and between our teeth, which forms a sticky shell of plaque over time. If untreated, plaque can harden to become tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and instead, must be removed by a dentist.
A build-up of plaque and tartar allows small colonies of bacteria to form in pockets along the base of our teeth, and under the gum. The bacteria erode healthy tissue, and eats away at its surroundings. Gum disease can progress from a manageable condition, to more aggressive infection which can require surgical treatment.
You might be particularly susceptible to gum disease if you fall into one of the following categories:
• Smokers: Smoking is known to irritate the gum tissue, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to breed and infect gums.
• Hormonal changes: Women going through hormonal changes, including pregnancy, will find their gum tissue softens, which also makes it easier for bacteria to attack.
• Compromised immune system and disease: People who are diagnosed with diabetes, AIDS, cancer and other conditions, do not have the same ability to fight off bacterial infections as healthy people. Also, certain medications for these conditions can reduce the amount of saliva present in the mouth, allowing bacteria to sit longer, if not removed on a regular basis.
While gum disease is common, it can also be effectively treated, or avoided altogether. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, or would like to learn more about how our Campbell, CA dental office treats gum disease, contact our office for your next dental appointment.
Monday, August 10, 2015
What to Expect with Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Getting your smile to look whiter and healthier can be easily achieved with an in-office whitening treatment from Zoom! Unlike hit-and-miss drugstore whitening products, professional whitening from our dental office provides patients with the dramatically brighter results they’re hoping for. If you’re interested in same-day teeth whitening, but aren’t sure what to expect from treatment, consider the following:
During your Teeth Whitening Appointment
To brighten your teeth, our dentists will apply a layer of whitening agent to teeth and then activate the gel with a special light for around 15 minutes. You’ll be provided with eyewear during this phase of treatment. We’ll also use a protective barrier so that the whitening gel does not irritate soft tissue, such as gums or the inside of checks. This application and activation process will be repeated a few times to ensure that your teeth are whitened to the desired shade.
Minimizing any Post Treatment Discomfort
It’s possible for all whitening treatments, even drugstore whitening products, to cause some post-treatment sensitivity. Any discomfort you encounter is temporary and can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication. Patients with especially sensitive teeth may want to consider our at-home whitening with Opalesence, which contains ingredients that help limit sensitivity during and after teeth bleaching.
After Your Same-Day Whitening Treatment
To keep your smile looking fresh, and to avoid staining your teeth immediately after treatment, it’s important to avoid eating and drinking certain things for 48 hours after your teeth have been bleached. Be careful not consume highly pigmented foods and drinks like red wine, tomato sauce, coffee, and dark soft drinks. A good rule of thumb to consider is: if it would stain a white tablecloth, it could stain your teeth as well.
If you have questions about same-day teeth whitening with Zoom! or how you can achieve a brighter smile with any our of whitening therapies, contact Hughes Dental Group for more information.
During your Teeth Whitening Appointment
To brighten your teeth, our dentists will apply a layer of whitening agent to teeth and then activate the gel with a special light for around 15 minutes. You’ll be provided with eyewear during this phase of treatment. We’ll also use a protective barrier so that the whitening gel does not irritate soft tissue, such as gums or the inside of checks. This application and activation process will be repeated a few times to ensure that your teeth are whitened to the desired shade.
Minimizing any Post Treatment Discomfort
It’s possible for all whitening treatments, even drugstore whitening products, to cause some post-treatment sensitivity. Any discomfort you encounter is temporary and can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication. Patients with especially sensitive teeth may want to consider our at-home whitening with Opalesence, which contains ingredients that help limit sensitivity during and after teeth bleaching.
After Your Same-Day Whitening Treatment
To keep your smile looking fresh, and to avoid staining your teeth immediately after treatment, it’s important to avoid eating and drinking certain things for 48 hours after your teeth have been bleached. Be careful not consume highly pigmented foods and drinks like red wine, tomato sauce, coffee, and dark soft drinks. A good rule of thumb to consider is: if it would stain a white tablecloth, it could stain your teeth as well.
If you have questions about same-day teeth whitening with Zoom! or how you can achieve a brighter smile with any our of whitening therapies, contact Hughes Dental Group for more information.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White
We all know that we should be brush twice a day, but if you are among those who want whiter teeth, you’ll have to look beyond a basic healthcare regimen. Keep the following tips in mind when trying to boost the whiteness of your smile:
Kick your Bad Habits
Are you a red wine aficionado? Do you drink cups of tea of coffee each day? Or are you a cigarette smoker? Those drinks and bad habits aren't doing your teeth any favors. Dark foods and beverages, as well as tobacco products, can stain your teeth. Either cut them out completely, or spend some time cleaning your teeth immediately after you’ve finished your coffee, tea, or wine.
Choose More Veggies
Your dietary choices don't just impact your weight and energy levels, they can also impact your teeth. Foods that are fibrous, such as celery, lettuce, and apples, can actually go some way to removing existing stains. Because they are naturally abrasive, they help prevent stain molecules from attaching to teeth enamel.
Find a Whitening Treatment that Works
Whitening treatments are high on the list of the most popular cosmetic therapies. If you find that your smile needs an extra boost of whitening, there are at-home whitening kits and even whitening treatments that we offer in our Campbell, CA cosmetic dental office that can help.
We use Opalesence® at-home teeth whitening trays that are custom-made just for you. You’ll wear the tray, which holds the whitening solution, for just minutes a day until your smile is the desired shade of white. If you’re interested in same-day teeth whitening, we offer Zoom! whitening. Zoom! only takes an hour to complete – you’ll leave our office the same day with a whiter smile.
Questions about Teeth Whitening?
We’re happy to help you find a way to a brighter smile. Contact our cosmetic dentists to learn more about teeth whitening treatments and at-home care.
Kick your Bad Habits
Are you a red wine aficionado? Do you drink cups of tea of coffee each day? Or are you a cigarette smoker? Those drinks and bad habits aren't doing your teeth any favors. Dark foods and beverages, as well as tobacco products, can stain your teeth. Either cut them out completely, or spend some time cleaning your teeth immediately after you’ve finished your coffee, tea, or wine.
Choose More Veggies
Your dietary choices don't just impact your weight and energy levels, they can also impact your teeth. Foods that are fibrous, such as celery, lettuce, and apples, can actually go some way to removing existing stains. Because they are naturally abrasive, they help prevent stain molecules from attaching to teeth enamel.
Find a Whitening Treatment that Works
Whitening treatments are high on the list of the most popular cosmetic therapies. If you find that your smile needs an extra boost of whitening, there are at-home whitening kits and even whitening treatments that we offer in our Campbell, CA cosmetic dental office that can help.
We use Opalesence® at-home teeth whitening trays that are custom-made just for you. You’ll wear the tray, which holds the whitening solution, for just minutes a day until your smile is the desired shade of white. If you’re interested in same-day teeth whitening, we offer Zoom! whitening. Zoom! only takes an hour to complete – you’ll leave our office the same day with a whiter smile.
Questions about Teeth Whitening?
We’re happy to help you find a way to a brighter smile. Contact our cosmetic dentists to learn more about teeth whitening treatments and at-home care.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Dealing with Fear of Oral Surgery
Many dental patients are particularly fearful of the idea of undergoing oral surgery. If you find yourself in this position, there are several things you can do to help manage this anxiety, such as:
Gain an Understanding of the Procedure
It’s absolutely natural for people to be afraid of things they don’t have any experience with. It can help allay your fears to have a good talk with our office to be sure you do completely understand what will happen during the procedure. Once you know what’s going to happen, you might find that you’re no longer afraid of the surgery.
Practice Relaxation
If you’re still feeling anxious about undergoing oral surgery, it might be helpful to learn a few relaxation techniques that you can use to stay calm during the procedure.
Try consciously slowing down your breathing by inhaling over a count of three, and exhaling over a further 3-count. When you do this, it makes it much harder for your body and mind to begin a panic reaction by breathing rapidly. By consciously breathing slowly and deeply, you help prevent the feeling of panic..
Along with breathing techniques, it can also help to visualize what you’re doing in your mind. For example, try something called square breathing, in which you imagine traveling along the sides of a square with each inhale or exhale.
These techniques will help you relax more easily if you start practicing them for around ten minutes a day, starting a few weeks before your oral surgery appointment.
Learn about Sedation Dentistry
Most surgical procedures require the use of treatment aids that make the procedure more comfortable. If you have questions about what level of anesthetic or sedation will be provided for your treatment, talk to our office.
For some treatments, like tooth extraction or dental implant placement, the procedure is quicker and more comfortable than you might think --- requiring only a localized numbing agent. However, if you are anxious about seeking oral surgery, our office is happy to provide sedation dentistry. Sedation helps you enjoy a state of deep relaxation during treatment; your visit will appear to have passed in only a few minutes.
Gain an Understanding of the Procedure
It’s absolutely natural for people to be afraid of things they don’t have any experience with. It can help allay your fears to have a good talk with our office to be sure you do completely understand what will happen during the procedure. Once you know what’s going to happen, you might find that you’re no longer afraid of the surgery.
Practice Relaxation
If you’re still feeling anxious about undergoing oral surgery, it might be helpful to learn a few relaxation techniques that you can use to stay calm during the procedure.
Try consciously slowing down your breathing by inhaling over a count of three, and exhaling over a further 3-count. When you do this, it makes it much harder for your body and mind to begin a panic reaction by breathing rapidly. By consciously breathing slowly and deeply, you help prevent the feeling of panic..
Along with breathing techniques, it can also help to visualize what you’re doing in your mind. For example, try something called square breathing, in which you imagine traveling along the sides of a square with each inhale or exhale.
These techniques will help you relax more easily if you start practicing them for around ten minutes a day, starting a few weeks before your oral surgery appointment.
Learn about Sedation Dentistry
Most surgical procedures require the use of treatment aids that make the procedure more comfortable. If you have questions about what level of anesthetic or sedation will be provided for your treatment, talk to our office.
For some treatments, like tooth extraction or dental implant placement, the procedure is quicker and more comfortable than you might think --- requiring only a localized numbing agent. However, if you are anxious about seeking oral surgery, our office is happy to provide sedation dentistry. Sedation helps you enjoy a state of deep relaxation during treatment; your visit will appear to have passed in only a few minutes.
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