Featured Articles

Veneers Consultation and Procedure

October 12, 2011 admin Archives, Featured Articles, Veneers
Dental veneers

Veneers Procedure

Veneers improve the appearance of smiles but also offer functional benefits as well. They are custom-made for each patient and are used to transform smiles into things of beauty. If you are considering veneers you will have to go through an initial consultation with our office to evaluate your teeth and oral health and to determine what your goals are for your new smile.

The initial consultation between you and our dentists will be a discussion of the results that you wish to achieve. We will first have to evaluate your oral health and determine if you are eligible for veneers. If there are any limitations they will be discussed with you and your options will be explored and presented to you. The patient can expect to have x-rays and impressions of their mouth and teeth taken if they have not done so recently.

Upon the approval of your eligibility for veneers you will then be scheduled for an additional visit in which your teeth will be prepared for the addition of the veneers. Each tooth receiving a veneer will have a small amount of enamel removed equal to the amount of the veneer to be placed. The dentist will then take the custom-made veneers and temporarily place them on your teeth to examine them for fit and color. Once it is determined that the veneers are suitable for placement your teeth your teeth will be cleaned, polished and roughened to allow for a strong bond. The veneers are then attached to your teeth through a bonding process and final adjustments are made to ensure quality fit and a comfortable bite.

Although this is a very brief summary of the veneer procedure it sums up what you can expect from your dental visitation. The design of a new smile is a very detailed and intricate process which blends art and science to provide patients with beautiful smiles that are both aesthetically pleasing yet functional. This is a common procedure performed by our practice and we are proud to boast successful treatments with highly satisfied clients on an ordinary basis. For more information on veneers please contact us today.

 

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Risks of Silver Amalgam Fillings?

October 11, 2011 admin Archives, Featured Articles, Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings

Tooth-colored fillings

There are a lot of concerns regarding silver amalgam fillings and their effects on our health and oral hygiene. Some studies are linking the mercury that is in amalgam to health hazards and therefore are stating that their use should be banned or replaced. The American Dental Association (ADA) and multiple other US and international scientific research organizations have stated that amalgams are “safe, reliable and effective restorative materials.” Although silver amalgam fillings might not have the health issues that some research has claimed Masci & Hale recommends tooth-colored fillings.

Tooth-colored or composite resin dental fillings are natural looking and bond to teeth better than amalgam fillings. Silver fillings are not aesthetically pleasing, especially in a day and age when we have access to materials that look and feel like your natural teeth. Because of the way that the metal in amalgam transmits temperature users can experience sensitivity to hot and colds, especially when the fillings are large. Additionally cosmetic and restorative dentistry has progressed to less invasive treatments when possible. Amalgam fillings typically require more removal of healthy tooth structure to keep them in place whereas tooth-colored resins follow the minimally invasive practice.

At Masci & Hale we will not tell you that one treatment is better than another. We simply present the facts and let you decide on what is right for you and your budget or insurance allowances. Amalgams are typically less expensive than tooth-colored fillings and take less time to perform the procedure. Although we may recommend one procedure over the other we don’t want you to feel like you are being forced into making the decision based on financial concerns.

Tooth-colored dental fillings are a very popular alternative to silver amalgam and we commonly perform this procedure for our patients that have developed cavities and for patients who want to replace their old fillings. As far as cosmetics go, tooth-colored resins are made to match the color of your natural teeth. They also transmit light well and provide great durability and resistance to fracture. For more information on tooth-colored fillings contact us today.

 

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