What Are Lumineers?

Lumineers are veneers made of a porcelain patented by Cerinate.  Cerinate has developed contact-lens-thin porcelain technology that provides beauty and strength, while preserving your natural tooth structure.  That means you can correct a wide variety of unsightly dental distortions or conditions and remove little or no tooth structure.  When little or no tooth structure has to be removed, the Lumineers can be custom fabricated for you without the use of needles or drilling.

Lumineers can be used to correct tooth discoloration, noticeable gaps, permanent stains, broken or misshapen teeth, and Lumineers can even bond to existing crowns and bridgework without having to replace them.  You can fix uneven spacing, lengthen short teeth, and reshape awkward teeth.

Lumineers are thin porcelain shields that are bonded to the front of your teeth to create dramatic changes in your smile.

Lumineers aren’t appropriate for every person wanting to transform their smile with veneers.  In some instances we have to remove tooth structure from some or all of the teeth that are being veneered in order to create a harmonious result.  In such a case, Lumineers are not the best option for you, necessarily.  Other dental porcelains may be better suited to get to your beautiful smile.

Typically Lumineers require two dental visits just as other veneers do.  Placement of the Lumineers usually is one hour.

Long-term clinical research with Lumineers by Cerinate (over 20 years) shows 100% retention with no discoloration.

Call us to find out how Lumineers and cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile and your life.  For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

What Advantantages Do Veneers Offer?

There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers applied to your front teeth.  These may include any or all of the following considerations:

1. Only a small amount of natural tooth structure (if any) is removed during the procedure.
2. A healthy, natural look is achieved with little or no discomfort.
3. Veneers are strong, durable and color-stable.

Veneers differ from fillings and crowns.  Tooth-colored fillings are usually used when a small amount of tooth structure needs replacing and repair.  A full crown is indicated when a tooth has had root canal therapy or when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure has been lost.  A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of a tooth needs a “face lift.”

Similar to a resin bonding procedure, veneers are attached directly to the existing tooth structure.  We take an impression of your tooth to make an exact replica.  During your appointment, we treat your tooth with a mild conditioning solution.  Before the veneer is placed, we apply a tooth-colored liquid bonding material, which helps the veneer adhere to your natural tooth.

Veneers can last for years, depending on how well you take care of them.  Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping.  However, it is important to maintain regular oral hygiene, to avoid bad habits such as biting nails or chewing ice and to visit us regularly for routine cleanings and exams.  These precautions will help ensure that your veneers will last a long time and keep looking as good as new.

For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

About Dental Implants

The facts about dental implants are helpful when considering replacing your missing teeth. Dental implants are the permanent way to replace missing teeth, with a look and feel that’s as close to your natural teeth that exists today.

Dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically placed into or onto the bone beneath the gums. The implants fuse with the jawbone providing a stable support to artificial teeth, preventing individual teeth, bridges or dentures from shifting in your mouth. They are a high-tech way to replace missing teeth, and offer more stability than traditional bridgework since they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Implant supported teeth allow you to speak, smile, and eat with confidence. Knowing about dental implants and the comfort they provide is an amazing discovery. Teeth supported by dental implants stay in place so you experience comfort and confidence and the freedom to enjoy foods you haven’t eaten for years.

Once you’ve had implant treatment, you need to treat your new smile like you would your own teeth and be vigilant about your oral health. You want to protect your dental implants because they are your new tooth roots, and they may not be subject to decay like your natural teeth, but they are subject to gum disease. We recommend that our patients who have had dental implants visit us every 3 months for check-ups and professional cleanings. We also find that one of the best tools for protecting your dental implants and oral health at home is the Hydrofloss. It is an irrigator that changes the polarity of the water it uses and keeps dental plaque from accumulating under the gums. More about the Hydrofloss and dental hygiene for dental implants in future posts.

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com