Author: lAuRelH_AdmEeN

A beautiful smile can be a huge confidence booster. But several dental issues can stop you from having a bright smile. If you have gaps in between your teeth or if your teeth are stained, chipped or cracked, do not fret, our dentist near you can help rectify such issues using veneers.

Dental veneers in Portland are an effective and quick way to a gorgeous smile. Before you get excited, it is best if you know that getting veneers is a one-way street, there is no coming back.

Therefore, getting veneers is a big decision that needs you to have all the facts with you before you leap.

Without further ado, let’s look at what they are as you decide on coming to our Portland dentistry for dental veneers.

Dental Veneers 101

Dental veneers in Portland are tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are permanently fixed on your teeth by our Portland dentist.

These thin, customized shells are designed to look and function like your teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers are designed to fit over the front surface instead of covering the whole tooth.

Veneers are narrow at the base where they fit on the gums, and they are wider at the biting end. Typically, our dentist in Portland will customize them to match the shape, color, and contour of your teeth.

Veneers are designed to blend in with your teeth, so this is why they are wafer-thin to allow them to bond to your teeth without adding the bulk.

What Issues Do Veneers Rectify?

If you have any of the following dental problems, you might benefit from dental veneers:

• Worn-down teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Irregular shaped or uneven teeth
• Broken and chipped teeth
• Gaps in between teeth

Types of Veneers

There are different types of veneers that you can choose from depending on your preferences. Here they are:

• Composite Resin Veneers

Composite veneers are a relatively cheap restoration that can be fixed in a single visit. They are made out of plastic. They are less wear-resistant than porcelain veneers. When attaching the veneers, less tooth enamel is removed to accommodate them as compared to porcelain veneers.

If they get chipped or damaged, our dentist can quickly repair them.

• Porcelain Veneers

These veneers are almost everyone’s favorite. Porcelain veneers are made from top-notch hardened ceramic. For you to use them, they have to be customized to match your specifications. Hence, the reason as to why you have to wait for an average of two visits before you can get them fixed.

They are slightly more expensive than composite veneers, but they are worth every dollar. This is because they are natural-looking and match the rest of your teeth. They are very durable and can last up to 20 years.
Another plus is that they do not stain easily as compared to composite veneers.

• Lumineer Veneers

Lumineer veneers are made from a patented material known as Cerinate®. These non-prep veneers are thin and very durable, which means that they can last up to 20 years.

In many ways, they are similar to porcelain veneers, but the only difference is that the process is reversible. This means that it gives you the option to remove them anytime you want if you ever change your mind.

The process is reversible since they are ultra-thin, which means that there will be no need to remove your enamel. If the need arises, then very little enamel will be removed.

Palatal Veneers

Palatal veneers are different from the other veneers because they are fixed on the inside surfaces of your teeth. The reason as to why they are placed on the palatal side of your teeth is to strengthen them.

They can be made from gold and other materials. People choose to get palatal veneers to protect the back of their teeth from being eroded. At times they are used to protect sensitive, worn-down, or delicate teeth from further damage.

Benefits

Veneers have excellent benefits; here are some of them:

• They are natural-looking, which means that they resemble your teeth
• They give you a permanently white smile since they do not require bleaching to whiten them
• They rectify cosmetic dental issues with minimal intrusion
• They do not need any special maintenance procedures. Just brush twice daily and floss at least once a day and you are good to go.

Dental veneers in Portland can help solve some of the cosmetic issues that have been deterring you from having a beautiful smile. If you need veneers, contact us today, our dentist at Laurelhurst Dentistry would love to transform your smile.

Dental cavities or decay are common affecting both children and adults alike. Cavities are triggered by acid-producing bacteria that accumulate around the teeth and gums. The bacteria cause the formation of a sticky film commonly called plaques. Without proper hygiene, regular dental checkups and cleaning, the plaque can harden and form tartar, which not only causes cavities but also gum disease.

Another important element to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is fluoride. This is a naturally occurring mineral that adds a layer of protection to your teeth.

Why Is Fluoride Important?

Every day the teeth go through two processes: demineralization and reabsorption of the minerals. Demineralization is the loss mineral such as calcium and phosphate that are crucial to the health of the enamel. These two processes must be balanced to protect the teeth. However, when the reabsorption of the minerals does not occur, the enamel becomes weaker and prone to cavities.

Fluoride helps in the reabsorption process, thereby strengthening the enamel. Additionally, it acts as a protective shield against cavities.

When Is Fluoride Treatment Needed?

Although fluoride treatment is recommended for your daily oral hygiene, several conditions also warrant the use of the treatment.

• Dry mouth. Xerostomia is caused by certain medications, radiation, and Sjogren’s syndrome which affect saliva production. Saliva helps in cleaning the teeth and removing the food particles. Lack of saliva increases the risk of developing dental cavities.
• Gum disease. Tartar accumulation leads to gum inflammation and infection that in turn causes the gingivae to recede and expose the roots. This increases your risk of cavities.
• The presence of dental restorations such as crowns or bridges also put your teeth at risk of cavities. The tiny spaces between your teeth and the bridges can cause bacteria to sneak in and multiply.

What Forms of Fluoride Treatments Available?

Two forms of fluoride dental treatments are available: topical and systemic and both are effective in strengthening your teeth.

Systemic fluoride treatments are swallowed and include fluoridated water and dietary supplements.

Topical fluoride treatments are applied on the surface of the teeth and come in different types including toothpaste and mouth rinses. However, the most effective option is the fluoride treatment that is done at the dental office.

Professional fluoride treatments in Portland take a few minutes. The dentist will apply a solution gel, varnish, or foam on the teeth surface. Avoid eating or drinking after the treatment to allow the enamel to absorb the fluoride.

The frequency of the fluoride treatment will depend on your oral health status but is usually done every three, six, or 12 months. The dentist may also recommend other preventive dentistry in Portland to enhance your oral health.

For effective results, you need both topical and systemic fluoride treatments.

Are There Any Side Effects of Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is safe, however, if used in excess it can lead to side effects such as:

• Tooth discoloration is the common side effect of fluoride overdose. The mineral can cause the formation of white specks on the teeth.
• Skin irritation and allergies can also occur
• Dense, but weak bones
• Acute toxicity is mostly triggered by overconsumption of fluoride supplements. Toxicity causes nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and tiredness.

Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?

Children between six months and 16 years also need fluoride because this is the time when the teeth (primary and permanent) emerge and both need proper dental care. There are, however, guidelines on fluoride use for children that must be followed to prevent an overdose.

The American Dental Association recommends fluoride varnish for children under six years old. Children tend to swallow the foam and gel which can increase the risk of an overdose.

Furthermore, avoid the use of fluoride toothpaste for children under two years. Don’t forget to supervise the children when they are brushing to ensure they do it correctly and remove plaque buildup.

Make an Appointment

If you are seeking Portland dentistry for fluoride treatment, visit Laurelhurst Dentistry. We also have other preventive dental treatments such as dental cleaning that are guaranteed to improve your oral health.