INTRO - COSMETIC DENTISTRY
There are better ways to improve the image of your teeth than having extensive dental work done with this non-invasive method to a brighter smile. Unlike traditional veneers, a Lumineer veneer is one of the easiest and safely-proven ways to upgrade a set of teeth without removing any tooth enamel. Teeth that are stained, mishaped, or unsightly can have Lumineers attached without danger to the actual teeth and can be easily reversed at any time. Lumineers are made from Cerinate porcelain which makes them stronger and longer lasting than traditional veneer porcelain. Through the hands of cosmetic dental speicalists, the result is an amazingly beautiful result that can last upwards of 20 years or more.
DURATION - COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Despite all the press that Luminerrs have recieved over the years, too many bad results from dentists who aren't properly trained for crafting and attaching Lumineers have resulted in a backlash of fear over this unique cosmetic dental procedure. The first step in having Lumineers created is a consultation with your cosmetic dentist who will guide you through the process and advise the best route that can be taken. Since there is no need to remove enamel or alter a tooth surface for this kind of veneer a simple tooth impression is all that is needed for the initial process to begin. After color and shape are confirmed the final step is having the finished Lumineers test- fitted and then attached permanently directly to the patients teeth within an hour or more. Once again, the entire process can span up to 2 weeks depending on the number of teeth that lumineers are covering.
FAQ - COSMETIC DENTISTRY
- If I have had previous dental veneers removed, can I still have Lumineers attached?
In most cases when a patient has their original veneers removed due to chipping, color change or damage to the original material, it is possible to have a Lumineer placed onto the tooth. As long as the original tooth is in perfect health and not damaged from the tooth preparation due to the traditional sanding of Porcelain veneers, there is little that restricts having Lumineers replace your old Veneers.
- Will the results for tooth whitening last?
Yes, if every consideration for keeping your teeth clean and free from most of the habit-based problems such as drinking coffee and tea and even red wine. These are the most common problems connected to stained teeth. Normally teeth will discolor over time though with proper care and visiting the dentist on a regular basis of twice a year. General cleaning every night with a moderate tooth paste will keep staining from repeating.
- Is it painful to have my teeth whitened?
Unless you already have sensitive teeth this procedure is not recommended. It does not hurt at all to have your teeth whitened though some have had experiences of tooth sensitivity ranging from random pains to hot and cold reactions in the first 48 hours. This is uncommon if your dentist is speically trained. You may also be given a special gel by your dentist for cases where you have had sensitivity before in order to minimise the sensations after treatment.
- What are the risks involved?
The most common risks involved with tooth whitening is usually tooth sensitivity. This happens when the gel peroxide can make the teeth become sensitive for a short period. The real risks involved with whitening are when the gums and mouth area have been in contact with the peroxide gel. This is a soft-tissue irritation and should not happen when it is professionally done by trained dental staff. Most home whitenening kits are the main cause of gum and mouth irritation burns.
- If my teeth are very discolored, what will the results be?
Even if you have had spots or dicoloration from childhood medications or other problems associated with teeth that never looked white, this process can make significant results even in the most extreme cases. Bearing in mind every tooth is different and requires your dental specialist to make the right decision for what can be treated. Every tooth canbe treated with a positive result.
- I have many cavities and fillings, can they be whitened too?
Yes, they can. Every tooth requires special attention when these factors are being considered. A general whitening will not cover a tooth that has had fillings. The teeth which have some kind of filling must be treated first to obtain a shade that will help match the others when the final treatment is done. This way a more pleasing visual look will be less noticed and also aide the matching of teeth better.
- Will my teeth become more sensitive?
Not at all. Teeth senistivity is caused when those who may already have sensitive teeth will expererience a short period where reactions to hot and cold liquids will have higher sensitivity after the treatment. This sensation normally goes away after 48 hours so there is no cause for alarm is you have this happen. Usually, most people don't have any sensations at all.
- Will the bleaching gel damage my teeth?
No, it does not damage the teeth. There is nothing that would create problems with the tooth enamel since the enamel is not being destroyed by the gel whitener. There would be serious damage if perhaps a veneer was removed and the surface of the tooth was exposed to bacterial. Tooth decay is caused is rooted within poor dental hygiene whereas tooth whitening only bleaches the coloration of a tooth.
- How many times can I re-whiten my teeth?
There is some speculation about how many times is considered safe for tooth whitening. It canbe sadi that the process can be as many as 3 times a year while others believe the care for you teeth should provide long-lasting results for years. I depends on how refreshed you feel you smile is looking. If your habits include lots of coffee and red wine then you might consider doing the proces again.
- Are there any side effects to tooth whitening?
There are no lasing side effects to having your teeth whitened. It is not a medical procedure so the risk to having lasting pain may be the result of something else that was not noticed earlier. Gum disease or worn enamel may lead to problems if the dentist involved was too careless about not taking notice before the process was done. With our care, a mistake such as this would never happen.
- Is there a chance my teeth cannot be whitened?
Yes, anyone who has crowns or veneers will have a problem with the blending process. Since the colors used would not match perfectly to the colors used in crowns and veneers. While there is nothing that prevents your normal teeth from being treated with tooth whitening, matching will always be a tricky skill used by the dentist involved. In extreme cases: if you happen to have seriously damaged teeth, have a peroxide allergy, are pregnant or breast feeding, having braces, and you are 13 years of age. These would apply for teeth that cannot be whitened.
PROCEDURE - COSMETIC DENTISTRY
One of the best parts about the tooth whitineing procedure is that it doesn't require days-off or recovery time. The dentist has a whole selection of tooth whitening products ranging from the popular Zoom, Pola, and Discuss are just some of the types that can be offered to you. And since the procedue takes just and hour in most cases there isn't a better way to have a healthier brighter smile as a result. In the initial conustation you dentist will reseach what method will best apply to your teeth in general. Those who've have veneers, crowns, or previous dental work can make every tooth whiter through deciding what material can be treated. The ranges of color are also covered so that the perfect shade is chosen way before the treatment starts. Once ready, you are prepped with a special lip tray that exposes the mouth area and the first of 3 special gels are applied to the teeth. The use of a UV lamp helps to activate the gel which helps the gel enter the tooth surfce and bleaches the unwanted colors until they are gone. When the procedure is finished you are ready to go out into the world with your new gleeming smile.
GOOD CANDIDATE - COSMETIC DENTISTRY
This procedure is best for those who have healthy teeth already, no prior tooth work or fillings and simply want a brighter smile. People especially who have yellowed teeth respond the best to this procedure. However those who would not be good candidates are those who have sensitive teeth or gums. Anyone with worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots are not advised. Gum disease is also problematic. Problems that arise with tooth whitening are when the expectation of having a brighter smile that is blinding white is sometimes an issue. If you have a love for drinking coffee or wine and foods that can discolor the teeth, the treatment of tooth whitening will not keep the new results for very long. There is a responsibility of having whiter teeth that can be affected from these natural teeth staining habits. Anyone who cares ybout their smile and teeth appearance should always make every step to keep those pearly whites looking great for years to come.
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