Signs of a Dental Abscess
You may have heard the word “abscess” before. But do you know what it is and how to spot the signs of a problem? Take a few moments to learn more about this serious tooth infection.
Bonding or Veneers--Which Is Right for Me?
What would you change about your smile? Would you brighten your teeth? What about repairing any minor damage? The confidence of a great smile is something that everyone deserves and can even help your overall health in the long-term. Our smile is vulnerable to the elements, though, and it can fade, chip, or be uneven.
Luckily, our caring staff at Madison Family Dental Care has two great options to repair your smile: veneers and dental bonding. There are pros and cons to each option, and Shiva Salehi, DDS, guides you to your best option for better teeth. There are similarities between veneers and dental bonding, but several differences can impact whether one is a better choice for you than the other.
What’s the deal with dental bonding?
If your teeth are chipped or discolored, dental bonding is an easy way to fix small cosmetic problems that affect teeth. Bonding is done in-office by Dr. Salehi and starts with an examination. After choosing a color that most closely matches your natural teeth, she prepares a resin mixture.
To prepare your tooth, Dr. Salehi first changes the surface of your tooth, making it rougher so that the resin will stick. After carefully applying this putty-like substance to your tooth, she bakes it into place with a gentle light, and then she sands and shapes the resin to look just like your natural tooth, except healthier. Each tooth takes up to an hour to finish.
Dental bonding can chip, just like a regular tooth, so you need to be careful about chewing on things like fingernails, ice, and pens. After this procedure, it’s wise to avoid alcohol and other teeth-staining foods for the first 48 hours after your in-office procedure.
What about veneers?
Think of veneers as tough, protective suits for your teeth. They’re usually made from porcelain, are highly durable, and often chosen for their polished and perfect look. Veneers fix teeth that are misshapen, chipped, discolored, broken, or uneven. Veneers can also make your smile picture-perfect.
For your veneers, Dr. Salehi measures your teeth and creates veneers that will fit each tooth in question. Veneers usually require local anesthesia, but produce remarkable results. Before applying your veneers, Dr. Salehi will need to grind down or remove part of your natural tooth. The veneer goes over what’s left, and you’re left with an excellent new smile.
You absolutely should plan to care for your veneers, or for your dental bonding, as you would care for your own natural teeth. Be kind to your fresh new smile with twice-daily brushing and flossing, and adding more nuts, vegetables, apples, and water to your diet.
Could I do both?
Dr. Salehi might recommend both types of procedures for you, especially if you choose our customized smile makeover service. Both options are designed to create the best version of your natural smile as possible, and Dr. Saleh is an expert with years of experience in these types of procedures.
One of the differences in dental bonding and veneers is price - dental bonding costs far less than do veneers. But veneers are longer-lasting and can do more for the overall look of your smile, as compared to dental bonding. Veneers take more time to complete and may require the use of local anesthesia. Talk with Dr. Salehi if you’re living with a chronic condition.
If you’re ready to transform your smile, and set yourself up for beautiful years, call Madison Family Dental Group at 916-226-4635, or book an appointment with us online.
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