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Your oral health will benefit from both dental crowns and dental veneers. Although they restore the appearance of teeth that are chipped, stained, fractured, broken, discolored, decaying, weaker, or slightly crooked, crowns and veneers are similar in function. A veneer is a restoration used in cosmetic dentistry to alter the appearance of a tooth. But a dental crown protects and strengthens the damaged tooth.

Dental veneers are cosmetic procedures. They are preferable for front teeth. They mainly protect the tooth’s front. In other words, they make you smile better. But they don’t always make your teeth strong or more durable.

In contrast to them, crowns completely encase the tooth, front, back, and sides. Hence, dentists use dental crowns in Houston to fix fractured teeth, particularly teeth with little remaining structure. Furthermore, they help to strengthen the teeth they cover.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin coverings applied to the front of the tooth. They are used in cosmetic dentistry. Because dental professionals need to remove less dental enamel to create room for them, they are less invasive than dental crowns.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental treatment called a crown completely encloses your tooth. Your dentist must remove more dental enamel when placing them to prepare the tooth.

When Does a Dentist Recommend Dental Crown for Front Teeth?

There are several situations where front teeth might require a crown. If your teeth get chipped, broken, or damaged, the dentist may choose a tooth cap. It can fit over a misaligned tooth or a failed dental implant.

Dentists advise front teeth dental crowns in the following cases:

Severely Damaged Teeth

A front tooth crown might be ideal for restoring a seriously damaged tooth by decay. It covers a huge filling or the filling that has fractured or fallen out, preserving the natural tooth structure.

To Protect a Weak Tooth

When teeth have experienced trauma or have many fillings, they become weak. Instead of extracting the weak tooth in these situations, a dental crown might provide more strength to the weak tooth.

After a Root Canal

The goal of root canal therapy is to save an infected tooth. In some cases, it may require a crown to safeguard the tooth after the procedure. If you get a RCT on your front tooth, you need a crown.

To Conceal a Misshapen or Discolored Tooth

The dentist may also use them for cosmetic reasons, such as to cover up stained or broken front teeth. Crowns on front teeth are typically made using materials that cannot be whitened. As a result, the cap won’t match your teeth if you whiten them. To avoid this problem, whiten your teeth before deciding on the color of your crown.

Benefits of Both Dental Crowns and Veneers Depending on the Dental Health Condition

Self-esteem

If you have teeth that are broken, stained, or damaged, your self-image declines. Enhancing your smile, veneers, and crowns can make your teeth look better.

Protection

Veneers are used mainly for function and beauty. But they cannot restore a tooth’s function if severely damaged. In addition to improving look, crowns can safeguard teeth when necessary. If you have a tooth that is severely damaged, our dentist in Houston advises getting a crown to stop the damage.

Preservation of Tooth Structure

When applying a veneer, the professional removes less of your tooth must. It protects the fundamental structure of your teeth. Moreover, a veneer may be more effective on your gums than crowns. But, a dental cap can be a better choice when a veneer fails to hide a tooth’s deterioration.

Costs and Durability

The materials used to make your crown and how you maintain it causes a significant impact on how long it lasts. A dental crown is also less expensive than veneers, depending on your insurance coverage and oral health requirements. In general, veneers cost a little bit more than crowns.

Do You Want to Correct One Tooth or Many Teeth?

Both crowns and veneers are dental procedures that help restore teeth. To learn more about how crowns are better than veneers, contact dental experts at SND Family Dental today. Our dentist will give you perfect treatment advice as per your situation.

Losing or more teeth because of tooth decay or gum disease makes you conscious about your smile and oral health, compelling you to consider replacing them using partial or complete dentures. Dentures are removable prosthetics that appear like natural teeth.

After getting your teeth extracted from the dentist near you, several months are necessary to fabricate your customized permanent dentures. Meanwhile, you can consider wearing same-day or immediate dentures.

Here is what you must know about temporary dentures with their pros and cons to determine whether you are suitable for these fake teeth.

What Are Same-Day Teeth Dentures?

Same-day dentures differ significantly from traditional dentures because they are a temporary replacement solution than a permanent denture. As a result, same-day dentures are not customized similarly to their permanent counterparts and do not fit correctly.

Same-day dentures are placed in your mouth immediately after tooth extraction, which you must wear for many months after losing your natural teeth. The option ensures you don’t have two display a toothless grin while waiting for your permanent dentures to arrive.

The Pros and Cons of Same-Day Dentures

If the dentist nearby suggests same-day teeth & dentures in Central Northwest, Houston, TX, you find it beneficial to discuss the pros and cons of the prosthetics before getting them to determine what you can expect. We have explained the benefits and downsides of getting same-day dentures to help you understand better.

Pros of Same-Day Dentures

• Same-day dentures help fill gaps in your mouth soon after tooth extraction, either single or entire mouth.
• In addition, same-day teeth protect your gums during the healing and help minimize gum bleeding.
• You receive same-day teeth on the day of teeth extraction.

Cons of Same-Day Teeth

• Same-day teeth are not customized for your mouth, making the fit inappropriate, unlike permanent dentures. In addition, they are likely to slip and shift in the mouth.
• You might require periodic adjustments of same-day teeth for comfort. Changes in your mouth during the healing may require same-day teeth relining by adding additional material.
• Soreness and irritation are familiar with same-day dentures as your mouth adjusts to them.
• You must wear same-day teeth for four to six months until your permanent dentures are delivered to the dentist in Antoine Drive.
• Same-day dentures do not feel like natural teeth and are not sharp as permanent dentures. As a result, they make chewing a challenge for many people.
• Jawbone shrinkage is a familiar problem after tooth extraction making your dentist suggest periodic adjustments to same-day dentures besides relining them for comfort.
• Trying same-day dentures before extraction is practically impossible.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Same-Day Dentures?

You don’t have to recover from same-day dentures if you favor them soon after tooth extraction. The dentist places the temporary prosthetic in your mouth over the extraction site after taking impressions to create your permanent dentures. However, you must recover from the tooth extraction procedure that requires four to six months and endure the temporary appliance in your mouth. Same-day dentures last in your mouth for approximately six treatments until your permanent dentures arrive.

In addition, same-day dentures need adjustments and periodic relining by adding material to the inside of the appliance because the swelling in your mouth subsides as your mouth heals. However, you might be surprised that you can continue wearing same-day teeth dentures for as long as you like, similar to permanent dentures. Some patients prefer wearing same-day teeth over the long term to skip purchasing permanent dentures as a cost-cutting measure. However, if you decide on this option, you must invest in frequent adjustments and relining that eventually cost you more than traditional dentures.

Severe tooth decay or gum disease, besides injuries from impacts on your mouth, can result in missing teeth. Your dentist might recommend extracting some or all your teeth for oral health reasons.

If you need teeth replacement solutions, whether partial or complete, the process requires several months after removing your teeth. In contrast, same-day teeth dentures ensure you get immediate replacements for your natural teeth soon after tooth extraction to ensure you don’t have to confront embarrassment or challenges when eating and chewing. Same-day teeth also help protect your gums by preventing bleeding and help boost your confidence when smiling.

If you have lost some teeth or must have them extracted, SND Family Dental provides same-day teeth to close the gap between your teeth soon after tooth removal. If you have understood the pros and cons of these prosthetics, consult the dental practice for tooth extraction and replacement immediately with temporary dentures.

Getting dental fillings inserted in your teeth is a common dental procedure at the dentist’s office. The fillings are used to fill the holes in the teeth created by tooth decay or cavities. The commonly used fillings are composite fillings. This helps protect your teeth that are damaged by cavities or tooth decay. Once your teeth are filled up, you won’t feel any more discomfort or pain caused by cavities.

After you get your cavity filled, ensure you take care of the fillings to ensure they last for a long time. Also, there will be precautions after you get tooth fillings. Also, you will get several benefits after receiving your dental fillings in central Northwest Houston, TX.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings help restore, protect and repair damaged teeth. Fillings from our dental clinic in Central North West protect against future harm and the risk of infection or discomfort by preventing tooth sensitivity. This is a good way to preserve your natural teeth and maintain them strong and healthy.

Amalgam, glass ionomer cement, gold, composite resin, and porcelain are some of the few materials that are used to create dental fillings. The restoration you receive from your dentist is based on the cavity size and the aesthetic improvement you want after treatment.

Some people believe one material is better than the other, but each material has advantages and disadvantages depending on the person’s dental needs.

How are Dental Fillings Good for You?

There are several benefits that you get after having your teeth filled. They include:

Fillings Prevent the Growth of Cavities

Your dentist near you cleans out the decaying parts of your tooth when you get a dental filling. The dentist then puts the filling in the cavity, which helps seal the hole. The filling helps shield the nerve receptors in the denting to prevent it from being exposed to food or drink temperatures. It also prevents it from being exposed to, acid produced by bacteria in our mouths.

Fillings Enhance the Strength of Natural Tooth

Composite fillings help strengthen your teeth. The fillings will give you support rather than the cavity hollowing you out. In addition, dental fillings are temporary, so your teeth won’t be damaged during the process.

Fillings Enhance the Strength of Broken Teeth

Dental fillings are used to mend a fractured tooth. As people age, their teeth weaken, making them prone to fractures and cracks. For this reason, a composite filling is frequently used. Also, one of your teeth can break or become fractured due to dental trauma from activities such as accidental or sports damage. The teeth can also be broken when one chews on hard things like hard candies and ice.

Dental Fillings Helps Improve the Appearance of your Tooth

White composite fillings are often used on teeth that her severely stained or discolored. Teeth become stained due to drinks such as red wine and coffee. Also, teeth grinding can cause your teeth to lose their natural color.

How to take Good Care of Dental Fillings

These are some of the tips on how to look after your dental fillings:

Be Careful When Brushing

Ensure you use a soft brush when you brush at all times. You should take more care when brushing in and around the dental feeling. The dental filling might feel tender one or two days after the process, particularly at the gum line. Therefore when you brush around the area and show, you do it slowly and softly.

Avoid Taking Hot and Chewy Foods

You will feel sensitivity when you take food just after your dental filling has been placed. You should avoid too hot foods and eat softer foods that are friendly to your dental feeling. When the anesthesia wears off, and you’re filling settles, you’ll be more comfortable chewing food.

Contact the Dentist

It’s always important that you keep in contact with our dentists at SND Family Dental. Ensure you follow up with the dentist after your appointment. In case of any unfilled cracks within the tooth and experience sensitivity after dental filling, consult your dentist immediately.

Avoid Sodas

You shouldn’t take sodas after a dental filling because it has excess sugar; instead, you should replace the soda with water to keep your deep clean and dental filling strong.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

They are the last molars to grow in an adult’s mouth. Usually, wisdom teeth begin to erupt between ages 16 and 25. By the time your wisdom teeth begin to erupt, the rest of your adult teeth will already have developed. Therefore, if there is limited space in your jawbone, you are likely to experience various complications when your wisdom teeth start erupting.

Why Do Dentists Extract Wisdom Teeth?

Like any other tooth extraction procedure, dentists in Antoine drive remove wisdom teeth on a need basis. The dentist must comprehensively evaluate your oral cavity to determine whether it is necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. Technically, the following reasons warrant removing wisdom teeth in Central Northwest, Houston, TX:

1. Impacted wisdom teeth – occur when the teeth erupt improperly. It becomes problematic when the tooth remains partially or wholly stuck under the gums. New oral complications arise when you have impacted wisdom teeth, including gum pain, swelling, jaw pain, and misalignment.
2. Dental decay – wisdom teeth are very prone to dental cavities because of their location. Since they are hard to reach, many patients do not get around to cleaning their wisdom teeth well. Therefore, plaque and tartar buildup over time increases the risk of dental decay for wisdom teeth.
3. Overcrowding – an orthodontist in a dental clinic in Central Northwest can recommend a wisdom tooth removal if you have inadequate space in your jawbone. Allowing the wisdom teeth to remain in your mouth causes a strain in your jaw alignment since teeth are crowded and overlapping.
4. Risk of infection – dentists can recommend wisdom tooth removal when you have a heightened risk of oral infections. The infections can concern the adjacent teeth, the wisdom teeth, or your gums.

How Will My Wisdom Tooth Be Extracted?

The process of extracting a wisdom tooth is relative to the reason for its removal. For instance, extracting an impacted wisdom tooth is a bit different from the process of removing a tooth causing overcrowding.

The typical procedure for removing a wisdom tooth entails numbing the mouth first to assure a pain-free procedure. After numbing, sometimes dentists recommend sedation dentistry to ease patients by calming their nerves and promoting relaxation. Afterward, the dentist will cut the gums to expose the bone underneath, then remove it to access the tooth. Further. The dentist may need to break the target wisdom tooth into small pieces for easier extraction, especially when handling stubborn teeth.

Is The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?

The extraction of any natural tooth is painful. The stakes are higher when extracting molars like wisdom teeth which are often deeply rooted in the jawbone. It is the reason our oral surgeons at SND Family Dental prioritize local anesthesia for numbing the mouth prior to any dental work. Besides, sedation dentistry can alleviate pain while promoting relaxation and calming your nerves. However, once the treatment ends and the numbing wears off, you are subject to undergo pain, soreness, bleeding, and tenderness in your gums and jaw. It is the reason you must be careful to follow the guidelines we provide for post-surgery care.

How to Manage Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Immediately after your procedure, you will need help getting home as the sedative and the numbing wear off completely. Meanwhile, take up the following tips to help you manage your pain and alleviate the swelling, particularly during the first week of recovery:

1. Take the prescribed medication – it should include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. They will help alleviate the pain and swelling while lowering your risk of infection.
2. Rest – use your time off work to rest without indulging in intense physical activity. While at it, use soft pillows for extra support on your head when you lie down. They will further elevate your head, preventing blood pooling in your head that can intensify your pain.
3. Cold compress – place an ice pack against the affected side of the cheek for a few minutes with breaks in between. The low temperatures will reduce swelling and alleviate your pain.
4. Eat soft foods only. Hard foods risk hurting your mouth and aggravating your pain levels.
5. Avoid using straws – the last thing you want is a dry socket. It is a painful condition occurring when dry air gets into your mouth.

Tooth decay and accidents can cause tooth damage. For example, when you fall and injure your teeth, cracks are left, and they do not look good for your teeth. However, the fact is that broken or damaged teeth can be fixed using a procedure that is both affordable and non-invasive. The procedure is referred to as tooth bonding.

This piece will help you know what teeth bonding is, why you opt for it, and the various types.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment utilized to fix teeth that are chipped, fractured, or cracked. In addition, this treatment can be used to cover stains that are caused by drinking and eating certain foods and smoking.

The dentist near you can also recommend dental bonding if you have gaps between teeth. On top of that, if you realize that some teeth are shorter than others, dental bonding might suit you.

So, when you go to a dentist who does dental bonding in Central Northwest, Houston, TX, to restore the tooth, they will add composite resin to the affected area.

Who Is the Best Candidate for Teeth Bonding?

The truth is that dental bonding is suitable for people who have experienced minor injuries to their teeth. In addition, teeth bonding will suit you if you have minor tooth decay.

Other dental options may be better if you have lost a tooth or it is severely damaged—for instance, dental implant surgery. A dental implant will fill the missing gap and replace the lost tooth.

So, you can head to the dental clinic in Central Northwest if you are comfortable with the color of your teeth. This is because dental bonding replaces just a part of your missing tooth, and the dentist will, therefore, pick a dental bond similar to the color of your teeth. Nevertheless, if you desire to whiten your teeth, you will have to do so before the dental bonding procedure.

What Are the Types of Teeth Bonding?

There are two primary forms of dental bonding. Keep reading to learn more.

First, there is direct dental bonding. Direct dental bonding is the most common method, as it is completed in just one visit. The procedure involves the dentist cleaning your teeth and utilizing an etching solution to roughen the outer parts of your tooth. Roughening up is essential in ensuring the composite resin bonds well.

Next, the dentist applies the composite resin material, which is putty-like. The dentist will ensure the composite resin is molded well to ensure it adheres well to the tooth’s surface. Finally, a curing light is utilized to harden the putty-like material faster.

The second type of teeth bonding is known as indirect composite bonding. The indirect composite bonding procedure is the same as getting crowns. This type of dental bonding is suitable for people with severe to moderate tooth damage that cannot be fixed through direct bonding.

When you visit the dentist at SND Family Dental for indirect composite bonding, there is a specific procedure they will follow. Your impacted tooth is first cast in an impression by the dentist, who then sends it to a lab to create the bonding material.

You will have to wait two weeks before the customized restoration is ready. Once it is prepared, the dentist will cement the bonding material to the impacted tooth.

Is Dental Bonding Safe?

Now that you know what is entailed during the teeth bonding procedure, it is essential to know whether or not this cosmetic procedure is safe.

The truth is that dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure, as the dentist will not have to grind your tooth to apply the restorative material. This is different from veneers, which involve smoothening your tooth to attach it.

Therefore, dental bonding does not have risks involved.

How To Care for Your Bonded Tooth

Your tooth’s enamel is the most robust material that can cover your teeth. This means you will have to take better care of your bonded tooth.

First, avoiding chewing on ice or your pen would be best. This is because such material can damage the bonding material.

In addition, you should steer away from hard foods and candies as they can damage the bonded tooth. It would be best to limit the consumption of foods like nuts, taco shells, crisps, and carrots.

If you regard your smile as highly smiling with damaged, decayed, discolored, or misaligned teeth becomes challenging. Dental crowns offer an option to restore your smile permanently. Dental crowns have many advantages, but you must also understand whether this treatment suits your situation. Dentists can provide multiple remedies to repair teeth damages with treatments like whitening, porcelain veneers, clear aligners, and dental crowns. Therefore before considering crowns as restorative options for your teeth, you must schedule a consultation with the dentist near you to understand more about dental crowns.

This article provides information on dental crowns besides their advantages and disadvantages. Kindly read for more details on this excellent therapeutic option for teeth damage.

What Are Dental Crowns and When Are They Needed?

Dental crowns are fixed devices that help cover cracked, decayed, discolored, and slightly misaligned teeth. Crowns fit over your teeth like a snug hat after customization from a dental lab with materials like ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, stainless steel, resin, and gold.

Dental crowns also help restore missing teeth to function as your artificial teeth with implants and bridges. Therefore if you miss one or multiple teeth, your dentist might recommend closing the gap with these restorations. In addition, if you recently had a root canal treatment on an infected tooth, the therapy renders your tooth delicate, needing repair with a dental crown.

Dental crowns become essential to cover a damaged or decayed tooth to prevent additional damage from occurring and to keep your mouth bacteria from penetrating the tooth to create further complications. In addition, if you have a severely discolored tooth from infections, dental crowns help hide the tooth from view by encasing it entirely with a porcelain crown. Therefore the circumstances described above make it essential for you to protect your tooth using dental crowns.

The Procedure Involved in Getting Dental Crowns?

If the dentist near you recommends getting dental crowns to cover your damaged or decayed tooth, you must arrange two appointments with the dentist in Antoine drive to complete the procedure. The dentist x-rays the tooth and surrounding bone during your first appointment. If you have infections, the dentist recommends root canal therapy before proceeding with the crown procedure.

If everything is acceptable, the dentist gives you local anesthesia near the affected tooth to resize it by filing the tops and sides. After reshaping the tooth, impressions of it are taken to create an accurate mold of your mouth. Depending on the tooth’s, the dentist has porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a metal crown fabricated for you from the dental lab. You receive an acrylic crown to wear over the reshaped tooth for protection.

Three weeks after getting the tooth reshaped, you can revisit dental crowns in central north-west, Houston, TX, to have your permanent crown bonded over your tooth. The second visit begins by removing the acrylic crown and checking the permanent restoration for color and fit. All things being acceptable, the dentist uses dental cement to bond the permanent restoration over your tooth, encasing it completely.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are useful to improve your oral health and conceal cosmetic imperfections with your tooth. In addition, these restorations are helpful to:

• Hold a cracked or damaged tooth together.
• Replace large or worn fillings.
• Restore fractured or cracked teeth besides dental implants.
• Alter the appearance of your teeth if you have discoloration and mild alignment problems.
• Encase misshapen teeth and protect teeth after root canal therapy.

Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

Similar to any dental procedure, crowns have some disadvantages. Primary among them are filing down and reshaping the targeted tooth to remove tooth structure to accommodate the restoration. While the materials that help make dental crowns are durable, they are vulnerable to cracking over time. While minor cracks are repairable multiple chips or breaks may require crown replacement. If the dental cement holding the crown loosens or washes away, it allows your mouth bacteria to accumulate beneath the crown to cause damage to the underlying tooth. Ill-fitting crowns can loosen and fall out. Finally, if you are allergic to metals, you might experience sensitivity from metal or porcelain fused to metal crowns. However, it is a minor problem comfortably manageable using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

If you are unhappy with your smile because of imperfect teeth, kindly consider scheduling an appointment with SND Family Dental to receive dental crowns to hide the teeth for a decade or more with durable restorations to improve your smile in a couple of meetings.

You’ve just gone to your dentist’s office for a regular check-up, and they tell you that you need a dental filling. Unfortunately, most people need at least one filling in their lifetime. However, you shouldn’t worry since dental filling placement is one of the most common procedures at the dentist’s office. So, you’ll have an easy time during the placement, especially if you maintain proper flossing and brushing.

What Is A Dental Filling

A dental filling combines glass, plastics, metals, and other materials to restore or repair teeth. It’s used to fill an area in your dentist’s tooth removed due to decay. Dental fillings also improve broken or cracked teeth and teeth worn out.

Types of Dental Fillings

Different dental fillings in SND Family Dental fill your cavity and prevent further damage to your teeth. They include:

Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam dental fillings combine silver, mercury, tin, and copper. It is a popular type since it is firm and sturdy. It is also less expensive than other options and long-lasting. With proper dental care, these fillings can last up to 12 years.

In addition, this filling is malleable, making dentists find it easy to use. However, patients don’t see it as aesthetically pleasing. Also, amalgam fillings are prone to contracting and expanding, causing your tooth to crack compared to other options of fillings. Although it has mercury surrounding it, it is declared safe for use.

Dental Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made of resin and glass. Your dentist near you will place it on the tooth while it is soft and harden it with a bright light. The filling can be customized to match the color of your teeth. This makes it more popular and common since many people want natural-looking smiles.

However, a composite filling is less durable, making it not always the right pick. Therefore, the useful life of this filling is not as long as other options such as amalgam fillings. A composite filling is best as a small filling and ideally suited for teeth that receive less pressure when you chew.

Ceramic Fillings

These fillings are made from porcelain material. They are cosmetically appealing and durable. Ceramic fillings are the most expensive type compared to the other fillings, but they resist stains and are tooth-colored. They also abrasion better than composite fillings.

However, the ceramic filling is more brittle. Therefore, it is only best on large cavities to prevent breakage. Your dentist in Antoine Drive may enlarge the area to make room for the extra bulk.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer filling is created from a mix of acrylic and glass. Children also get cavities that need to be filled just like their parents. Glass ionomer is applied in children whose teeth are still forming. They are used on primary teeth or to fill the small areas of decay, as they are delicate and wear and tear.

Glass ionomer releases fluoride into the tooth to protect it from further decay. When glass ionomer fillings are used on permanent teeth, they are typically placed in a spot that does not experience extreme pressure when chewing.

Gold Fillings

When it comes to dental fillings, much worse can be done than gold. They are non-corrosive, durable, and can last up to 15 years with proper dental hygiene. However, the durability comes at a price since gold is among the most expensive fillings. Also, they are an indirect type of fillings, so you’ll require to visit your dentist more than once to get your fillings fitted correctly.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Regardless of the type of dental fillings you get in Central Northwest, Houston, TX, addressing the tooth decay, you’ll preserve the integrity of your gums and teeth. In addition, you’ll also have other benefits that include:

• Tooth Fillings prevent infection
• Tooth fillings help enhance the color of the teeth: They are often used for teeth that are discolored and stained to give your teeth their natural white color.
• Improve tooth functionality
• Tooth fillings bolster a tooth with a weak structure: Composite tooth fillings improve the structure of your teeth.
• Today’s fillings release fluoride into the tooth
• Helps protect your tooth from tooth decay: Your dentist fills the tiny holes on your teeth, preventing them from becoming big.
• Modern-day fillings match the aesthetics of your natural teeth

Like all other cosmetic dentistry procedures, the goal of getting professional teeth whitening in Houston is to change the appearance of your smile. That said, not all teeth whitening procedures are created equal, and you should know a few things about the difference between professional and over-the-counter treatments.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that improves the color of teeth. There are two types of teeth whitening: in-office treatments and at-home treatments. In-office procedures typically take less than an hour, and your dental professional will apply gum protection, so they don’t become sensitive or irritated. The dentist applies a bleaching solution to your teeth and then uses a special light to activate the peroxide. This procedure takes about an hour, but it’s not uncomfortable since you can relax with some music or reading material while your dentist does their thing.

Take-home teeth whitening kits are available over the counter at pharmacies and other retail stores. If this is your preferred method for getting brighter pearly whites, follow all directions carefully when choosing what type of kit best suits your needs (for example, if you have sensitive gums or teeth).

At-home kits also contain custom trays; however, you will have to wear them for several hours per day over several days or weeks before you see results.

What Does Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Entail?

Professional treatment at a dental clinic in Central Northwest takes less than an hour and is relatively painless. The procedure involves:

• Applying a gel that contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to your teeth
• Using a special light to activate the gel, which causes it to break down into smaller molecules that penetrate enamel and dentin (the hard parts of your teeth), removing stains on the surface of your teeth

Why Should You Consider Professional Whitening?

If you want the best results, then it’s recommended that you go to a professional to get your teeth professionally whitened. The process is much more effective when done by a professional because they have the right tools and products for the job.

Professional teeth whitening is better than at-home whitening kits because:

• It’s more effective. Because the whitening gel is applied controlled, it’s better able to penetrate deep into your teeth and give them maximum brightness.
• It’s more convenient. You can get great results in your dentist’s office without having to do anything else but sit back and relax for a few minutes!
• It’s more affordable. If you’re looking for an affordable solution, professional treatment will save you money because of its high-quality ingredients, meaning you won’t need as many treatments either.

How Long Does the Teeth Whitening Results Last?

The effects of professional teeth whitening can typically last for years, but it does depend on how well you maintain your oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the process will wear off much quicker than if you do. The color of your teeth will also fade over time due to aging and external factors like smoking or drinking coffee. In some cases, people may need to repeat the treatment every few years to remain as white as possible.

What are the Teeth Whitening Side Effects?

It’s an effective way to improve your appearance, but it can also have side effects such as tooth sensitivity. Some people experience tooth sensitivity due to their enamel being worn away by the teeth whitening process. If this happens, it is okay to use fluoride toothpaste until your sensitivity disappears. Gum irritation can also occur if a protective gel is not applied to the gums before the whitening procedure.

The side effects of teeth whitening can be minimized by using the right type of product and following the instructions carefully.

Schedule an Appointment

Professional teeth whitening will give you the best results because it’s safe and effective. It’s also affordable, making it a good investment for anyone who wants to look their best!

Visit SND Family Dental for more information about teeth whitening and what you can expect during the procedure.

Dental restoration is crucial to your smile, appearance, and oral health. Dentures are a type of dental appliance that has been used for decades. They restore teeth to improve your ability to eat, speak and smile. Recent technological advances have made dentures more natural-looking than ever. Read on and learn more about partials and full dentures in Houston, TX.

What Are Partial Dentures?

These are dentures that replace a few missing teeth in a row. They are fabricated to fit between natural teeth to fill the gaps created by tooth loss. The dentures have clasps to attach to adjacent teeth on either side of the opening. These dental prosthetics can be adjusted to add other teeth when you suffer tooth loss in the future. They may also be permanently attached to implants.

The dentist on Antoine Drive offers flexible partial dentures. They are more beneficial than traditional partial dentures. These dentures have a softer material that is easier on gums, do not require adhesives, and withstand falls well. In addition, flexible partial dentures give you a more natural smile. Their light pink material allows your gums to show through.

What Are Full Dentures?

Full or complete dentures are prosthetics that replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaws. Individually customized dentures are placed over the gums to imitate natural teeth. They function and appear almost as well as natural teeth. Although not at the same level as natural teeth, they improve speaking, chewing, and eating. Complete dentures help maintain a more youthful look.

Full dentures are held in position through suction and easily removed by the user. They are released for cleaning and when sleeping. You must use special denture toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean them. The dentist also recommends soaking them overnight in a denture solution. It keeps them bacteria-free and in good condition.

What Is the Difference Between Them?

The primary difference between partial and full dentures is the number of teeth they replace. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth and are fit between the remaining teeth. Complete dentures replace entire teeth in the upper or lower jaw. To have full dentures, all unhealthy teeth must be extracted before fitting with the new teeth.

Pros and Cons of Partial and Full Dentures

Partials and full dentures in Houston, TX, are designed to imitate teeth in function and appearance. They have advantages that make them ideal dental restorations and have some drawbacks. First, let us look at a few cons and pros of dentures.
Pros:

1. Dentures restore your teeth for an aesthetically pleasing smile. Dentists design them to resemble natural teeth, giving you the confidence to smile.
2. They keep your facial tissues from sagging, giving you a youthful appearance to compliment your smile.
3. Dentures help you to eat quickly and speak with clarity.
4. Getting dentures is minimally invasive since no surgery is involved.
5. Dentures are still an option even if your jaw or remaining teeth are in bad shape.
6. These prosthetics are easy to maintain. Using denture toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush will keep dentures plaque and bacteria-free.
7. They are more affordable than alternative options.

Cons:

1. Dentures need to be replaced or repaired from time to time. It is natural for the gums to shrink after tooth loss and the jaw bone to be reabsorbed. Your dentures will need relining or remaking to maintain a comfortable fit when this happens.
2. Food particles may get under the dentures. They can increase the risk of plaque accumulation around the gum line or abutment teeth. The plaque may lead to gum disease or cavities.
3. You require denture adhesives to keep the dentures in place. When the glue is not used correctly, your dentures become loose, causing discomfort.

Improve your smile and ability to eat and speak by getting dentures from a dentist near you. At SND Family Dental, we customize partial and complete dentures for a natural-looking smile. In addition, we work with patients to ensure that the dentures fit entirely and securely in the mouth. Contact us for alternative dental restorations such as dental bridges and dental implants.

Despite the modern advancements in dentistry, tooth decay remains a problem for millions of adults and children globally. If not treated, tooth decay can lead to serious oral complications like tooth loss, gum infection, tooth abscesses, jawbone damage, and loose teeth. Fortunately, your dentist should be able to notice these side effects and treat them during your regular dental assessments and cleanings.

Your dentist will likely recommend dental fillings to repair a decayed or damaged tooth and prevent further damage. You’ll enjoy improved bite function and esthetics. If you have teeth damage, it’s essential to seek treatment ASAP. The longer you wait, the deeper the situation gets, and the harder it will be to treat. Contact our dentist in Antoine for more information.

How are Dental Fillings Used?

Getting a filling a simple, quick, and straightforward. Visit a dentist near you for dental fillings. Before placing the filling, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine the severity of your condition. If the damage is too significant to repair with a filling, the dentist can recommend dental inlays or Onlays, or crowns.

If you’re for dental fillings, your dentist will begin by numbing the area around the damaged tooth. Next, the dentist will drill through your teeth and remove all the infected tissues. The area is then cleaned and disinfected thoroughly to prevent re-infection. The procedure leaves behind a hole inside the tooth, significantly affecting its strength.

The dentist will fill the spaces with a filling material to restore the tooth’s structure and strength. Next, the dentist will polish the tooth to look natural. The dentist might recommend placing a dental crown for further strength and protection. Since a dental crown covers the entire tooth’s structure, it reduces the risk of re-infection.

Types of Dental Fillings

In the past, only silver amalgam fillings were available. But thanks to modern dental technology, more dental filling materials are available. Each of these fillings comes with its pros and cons. The right type of filling for you will depend on your budget, condition, esthetic needs, and your dentist’s recommendation.

Common materials for dental fillings include:

• Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are ideal if you’re interested in strength and durability. Gold fillings can last for more than 20 years with proper dental care and habits. Gold fillings are gold and alloys of other metals. As far as their aesthetics are concerned, some people find their color impressive while others don’t. It all depends on your esthetic needs and preferences.

One of the key downsides of gold fillings is the cost. Gold fillings are almost ten times more costly than silver amalgam. They also require two dental visits compared to the one for composite or silver fillings. There’s also a concern about galvanic shock if a gold filling places next to a silver amalgam.

• Silver Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings are mercury and metals like silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Perhaps the most notable advantage of silver amalgam fillings is their great strength and durability. Silver fillings can last for 10-15 years or more. Another benefit is that they are more affordable than other types of fillings.

On the flip side, silver amalgam fillings have a noticeable appearance, making them aesthetically unappealing. Similarly, some patients also complain about allergic reactions to the mercury ingredient in silver amalgam. Another disadvantage is that these fillings expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. Over time, this could lead to teeth cracks and leaks.

• Composite Fillings

Tooth-colored composite fillings match the color of your natural teeth, providing great aesthetics. They are completely unnoticeable when eating, speaking, or laughing. Another benefit of composite fillings is that they bond with your teeth easily, meaning that minimal tooth preparation is required.

One of the key downsides of composite fillings is that they are less durable and resistant to damage and stains than other fillings. They can easily crack, chip or stain. On average, composite fillings last for about 5-20 years.

• Ceramic Fillings

These fillings are made from porcelain, giving them great aesthetics, durability, and strength. With proper dental care, these fillings should last for 15 years. Ceramic fillings are expensive and require multiple dental visits to the place.

• Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are acrylic and a specific type of glass material. Compared to other fillers, glass ionomer fillings are weaker and more susceptible to wear and damage. On the positive side, glass ionomers release fluoride, strengthening your teeth and protecting them from decay. On average, they last for less than five years.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in dental fillings in Houston, TX? Contact SND Family Dental to book your appointment.