Everything You Need to Know About Veneers

Don’t we all want that perfect pearly-white smile? Like many of the celebrities you see with super white teeth, many people lean on dental veneers for the perfect smile. While veneers might be a great option for many, they aren’t for everyone. Here are some pros and cons you should weigh before you ask about veneers. Of course, next time you’re in for a visit to your Dentist in Valencia, ask us!

What Are Veneers, And What Are My Options?

Veneers are super-thin shells that are bonded to the front of the tooth. They can help improve the shape, size and color of the tooth. Veneers are usually made from porcelain but may also be constructed of a resin composite material. The porcelain is less likely to stain and is better at reflecting light similarly to natural teeth. While most veneers you may be familiar with are custom made to fill your dental needs, there are also instant veneers which are premade and don’t include the size and color customization.

None of the materials will color naturally. When a veneer is implemented, the color of the veneer will not change over the years, like your natural teeth. This may lead to discolored implants in the far future.

Why Would I Need Veneers?

Veneers are can fill a multitude of needs including:

• Discolored teeth- the discoloring could be a result of eating and brushing habits, excessive fluoride use, or the natural presence of resin fillings
• Misshaped or misaligned teeth- teeth that may be worn down, chipped, broken, or irregularly shaped which may have resulted in gaps

What Is the Veneer Process?

Before most dental work is completed, X-rays and impressions are completed. This helps us identify exactly where the veneer is going to be placed as well as the shape of the veneer. Veneers need to be ordered from a laboratory which takes about three (3) weeks.

Once the veneer is ready to be adhered, a small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth. This prepares the surface of the tooth to adhere properly to the veneer. Using a combination of cement adhesive and special lighting, the veneer is gently placed in its desired location.

If you are considering veneers as an option for your dental needs, ask your dentists in Valencia and we can help answer any questions you may have. Veneers could be the option you’ve been looking for!

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Dental Imaging Equipment: An Ever-Growing Market

The dental imaging equipment market is an ever-growing market that continues to not only thrive but to introduce innovative ways to capture dental images. In 2015, the market was estimated at over $2B and is only expected to grow through 2024.

A major influencer in the market is the introduction of the cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT). This is an improved version of the typical computer tomography (CT) that is widely used in dental offices. The typical CT scan captures images of the desired location in slices. The new CBCT “rotate[s] around the patient, capturing data using a cone-shaped X-ray beam.” ⁽¹⁾ These images can recreate a 3D image of the jaw, teeth, mouth, neck and can even be used to capture images of the ears, nose, and throat.

As of right now, North America is the largest proprietor in the market, holding a global share that is expected to reach approximately $326.6 million by 2023. The largest expected growth, however, is expected in the Asia-Pacific market, which has an estimated growth rate of about 12%. In the United States alone, there are about 800 CBCT machines sold each year, and that number is only expected to increase as time progresses.

Typically, CT scans are not required for care but may be requested by the dentist in order to diagnose and treat your dental care.  This new technology helps your family dentist in Valencia further specify the proper dental care for you and your family.

In addition to the quality of image the new technology offers, the patient is exposed to less radiation. But, if you are concerned with any of the dental imaging procedures completed within your Valencia dental care, please talk with us. This is especially encouraged for children and expecting mothers.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Free Cavities: Your Favorite Candies Ranked

‘Tis the season, but no, not for ole St. Nick (yet!), but ‘tis definitely the season for sugar, candy, and yet more sugar. Most people might think that Halloween has to be a dentist’s least favorite holiday. While it might not be our favorite, we can’t deny the joy the season tends to bring.

Believe it or not, there are some candies that are better for you than others, and it’s not just the sugar content, although that does make a slight difference. Before you indulge in just any candy, check out which candies we recommend you reach for if you’re going to reach for any, and which ones you should just toss.

If you’re going to indulge, go for:

Sugar Free

Obviously your Valencia dentist would love for all the candy you consume this Halloween season to be sugar free, but that’s probably not going to happen. Although some sugar free candies are instead loaded with chemicals, at least the cavity-causing sugar won’t throw off your healthy pH levels in your mouth and gums. 

Dark Chocolate

Although chocolate is usually packed full of sugar, high quality dark chocolate is loaded full of antioxidants. There have even been studies completed that show the benefits of cacao bean husk extract. While chocolate may not be directly healthy for your teeth due to the added sugar, the overall health benefit of dark chocolate encourages a complete healthy body.

Pass on these:

Taffy (or anything sticky)

The stickier the candy, the longer the candy has to ruin your teeth, especially if it gets stuck in a crevice or cavity. The sugar is literally resting on your teeth as you chew, and working its way into those hard to reach areas. Surprisingly enough, dried fruit has the same effect as sticky candy.

Sour Candy

Sour candies have very high acid levels which directly attack your tooth enamel. The enamel is the part of the tooth that keep the tooth safe and clean. The acid can also irritate any mouth sores and will dehydrate you.

While we would love to encourage veggies and toys being the prized handouts this Halloween, it’s kind of hard to imagine Halloween without a little bit of sugar. If you are following your Valencia Dentist’s recommendation of brushing twice a day and flossing, a little bit of candy should be just fine.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com