How to Protect Your Teeth

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How to Protect Your Teeth

My kids are involved in several different sports, including some that are known for being a bit rough, like hockey and football. I worry about them being injured, but I don’t want to curb their athletic spirit. So I take steps to make certain that they’re as protected as possible. That means protecting their teeth, too. My children’s dentist told me that the best way to protect their teeth was to use custom mouth guards that would keep their teeth safe even in the event of a blow to the mouth. I started this blog to talk about different ways to protect teeth – from mouth guards and dental devices you wear while you sleep, to plain old brushing and flossing. There are many ways to protect your teeth depending on your needs. Find out which one is right for you.

Dental Veneers – The Pros And Cons

If you have teeth that are misshapen, chipped, or extremely stained or discolored, one easy way to cover them and improve the quality of your smile is with dental veneers. Since veneers are not the only option available to give your teeth a white, uniform appearance, it is important to know the pros and cons of veneers before making a final decision to get them.

Pros:

  • Veneers are applied in just two visits to the dentist.
  • Veneers look just like your real teeth and do not turn yellow as you age.
  • Veneers can be used to cover small spaces between teeth, and dramatically change the appearance of your smile.
  • Veneers can be designed to improve the shape and color of your natural teeth, thereby improving your appearance.
  • Different "styles" of veneers are available and you can choose a veneer shape that suits your personality (feminine, aggressive, etc.)
  • Porcelain veneers are stain resistant and cannot be stained by coffee, tea, wine or cigarettes.
  • You can choose a veneer that is whiter than the natural tooth it covers.

Cons:

  • A tooth sometimes has to be filed to make a place to attach the veneer, so the procedure is not reversible. Once you have a veneer, it will have to be maintained and periodically replaced for the rest of your life.
  • Since veneers must be replaced every 10 – 20 years, the first time you pay for them is not the last.
  • If your back teeth are not aligned or healthy, you will probably not be a good candidate for veneers. Thus, veneers cannot be applied to all teeth or to all patients.
  • Once your facial appearance has been altered by the application of veneers, the "look" will be permanent and you can't decide later on that you want to change it.
  • Veneers are expensive.
  • Veneers do not withstand excessive grinding and clenching or biting down on hard food or objects. If a veneer cracks or chips, you will have the added expense of repairing or replacing it.
  • Your tooth may become more sensitive to heat and cold if the enamel is filed off to create a place to adhere the veneer.

If you have decided to go ahead with veneers despite the minuses listed above, your dentist still needs to examine you and determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. If you suffer from periodontal disease, teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, bruxism (grinding your teeth in your sleep), or insufficient tooth enamel, your dentist will probably recommend some other course of treatment for improving your smile. To learn if veneers are right for you, contact a dental professional like those at Staller & Gandel D.D.S for more information and a complete evaluation.


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