Porcelain Veneers Archives

September 7, 2021

Protect Teeth While Playing Sports

Sports are a great pastime or way to stay in shape but sports have a history of being a contributing factor to injuries. When we think of a ‘sports injury’, terms like a dislocated or a sprained ‘body part’ comes to mind but teeth are at risk too! Especially when it comes to broken or knocked out teeth.

Across all age groups, from the child on the elementary school team to the professional athlete in the big leagues, there are reports of dental injuries and injuries to the mouth. They come in by the boatloads with about 80% of athletes suffering injuries relating to the mouth or teeth. Despite the traditional image of a hockey player with a big smile and missing teeth, basketball is actually the sport that tends to cost players the largest quantity of pearly whites. Luckily for the athletically inclined, there are ways to protect teeth and gums while out on the field.

Helmets and mouth-guards are the most common safety gear. It can be argued that this equipment can look silly, limit mobility, vision or may even be uncomfortable. However, protective gear can help reduce the severity of injury or guard against it all together.

When it comes to mouth-guards, there are a few available options. Generic mouth-guards are sold at sports stores that are not custom fit and are largely reported to be uncomfortable for the user. There are some mouth-guards that can be molded but are less reliable than ones custom fitted made by dentists. If a tooth should be injured in some way, it is possible to put a porcelain veneer on it, put it back in or replace it with a dental implant. If taking up sports, be sure to get a medical exam and visit your Las Vegas dentist for your oral health.

February 28, 2020April 4, 2021

Metal-Free Dentistry

Benefits of Metal-Free Dentistry

Due to advancements in the dental industry, metal-free restorations for dental work safely restores smiles and delivers a natural look without the amalgams that contain metal elements such as mercury. There are now alternative solutions to conventional metal-based materials in the market. These include lithium di-silicates, ceramics and zirconia. Metal-free solutions have greatly improved over the last decade, expanding the variety of metal-free options.

Natural Look

The new science of ceramics and the physical and optical properties of zirconia have allowed for detailed customization for all patients. These new solutions are lighter in color than their metallic counterparts, making it easier to adjust the shade to match any tooth. They are very appealing and look like the real deal but feel like natural teeth too.

Improved Durability

The lasting quality and strength of metal-free materials present an optimally durable restoration, and also provide safety and reinforcement for the natural tooth. While wear and tear of the teeth is normal and inevitable, solutions such as all-ceramics for patients are in higher demand due to its fraction toughness, friction resistance, and strength when compared with traditional materials.

Biocompatibility

Advantages such as their realistic presence and erosive-resilience alone make metal-free restorations desirable to patients, but it is the safety of metal-free restorations that is among the main consideration of dentists and patients alike. Metal-free remedies are exceptionally biocompatible, ensuring a positive interaction with the patient’s body.

Metal-free solutions are safer for individual patients and the environment as well. According to the EPA, high levels of mercury in the bloodstream can cause brain damage and neurological problems. If released into the environment, it can enter the food chain and make it into our bloodstream. With the reduction or removal of mercury from labs and practices, we can help mitigate risks to the environment and people.

Versatility

The elimination of relying on mercury-based metal restorations enables the safest solution for all patients of all types and is especially important for pregnant women. For those who have experienced oral trauma, an all-ceramic crown placed alongside an implant is an exceptional alternative to prevent resorption of bone tissue.

Choosing the Best Metal-Free Option

It is important to pick the proper metal-free material based on the need of the patient.

Zirconia, the hardest ceramic in the world of dentistry, is sintered then refined to procure a coping, substructure, or full-contour crown. On top of its use in crowns, it can also be utilized for implants and implant abutments. Well-known for outstanding durability and natural look, Zirconia is a leading pick in metal-free options.

Composite Fillings are made of a resin, a compound of plastic and ceramic materials. This resin also mimics the natural look that teeth have, and blend right in. Proving good resistance to fracture in up to medium-sized fillings, and good durability, they are good for front or back teeth.

How We Can Help

Our dentists in Las Vegas, NV can restore a patient’s smile the metal-free way with any of the products that Sahara Dental has to offer. Whether it be restorative or cosmetic, there are numerous benefits for both oral health and aesthetics that all-ceramic alternatives offer. Call or email us today for more details, scheduling, and pricing.

February 14, 2020February 14, 2020

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made to cover teeth and to improve the appearance of a smile. Porcelain is white glass-like ceramic and a veneer is a decorative cover. Charles Pincus invented veneers in 1928 for actors in film shoots. In 1982, Simonsen and Calamia invented the improved porcelain variant. Since then veneers have gained traction into the mainstream market. As cosmetic dentistry technologies and procedures advance, prices became more affordable. As a result, porcelain veneers are finding themselves in the smiles of millions. It is important to note that this procedure does NOT ruin, weaken, nor harm the teeth. In fact, veneers often make teeth stronger than before. It is not a replacement for teeth, it is an enhancement. Take note though, as temporary veneers have many restrictions. These range from dietary restrictions to activity limitations.

Porcelain veneers are not always considered a permanent solution. Although, if taken care of in a correct manner, porcelain veneers can last for decades! Some people never have to replace them. They can be for a single tooth or a whole smile. Many consider porcelain-veneers superior to resin-veneers. They better mimic and reflect light similar to natural teeth.

HOW DO THEY WORK? Porcelain veneers replace the enamel on the teeth. By removing existing enamel, the dentist creates the space needed for a veneer insert. A less intense enhancement, Lumineers, is available to those who wish to keep their enamel. The dentist will prepare a tooth or teeth for veneers, by reshaping the surface of the teeth. This entails a numbing anesthetic, enamel trim, and veneer design. After the veneers are created the bonding process begins. The dentist will fine-tune the veneers by first observing the fit. Necessary adjustments become obvious by placing the veneer atop the patient’s teeth. The dentist will trim the veneer until they craft the masterpiece that will be a perfect smile.

Porcelain veneers are more of a permanent option than Lumineers. They can last a lifetime and lessen the frequency of dental visits. Gum tissue, on a biological level, accepts porcelain with more ease than other veneers. This is due to porcelain’s pleasant property of mimicking a natural tooth. Plus, they are very stain resistant, unlike natural teeth. On top of that, the color of a veneer can be fine-tuned to the patient’s preferences. Opting for veneers avoids the extensive work crowns need. They also offer a more aesthetic and fortified alternative.

WHEN ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS A GOOD OPTION?

On deciding when to get porcelain veneers, everyone has a different opinion. People use them to fix tooth discoloration or teeth that have chipped, broken or worn-down. They are also used for misaligned or irregular looking teeth, or even to close the gap between teeth.

It is important to weigh in the opinion of the dentist as well, as they will be able to give professional advice. This will help the patient determine if it’s the best option for them. Not all dental offices offer porcelain veneers. The dentist office at Sahara Dental in Las Vegas does offer porcelain veneers. Not all offices have the same amount of experience with this procedure. A patient should be active and take part in the discussion. The patient should also be concise and explain the results they are trying to achieve. When everyone is on the same page on how to move forward, everyone will be happy with the results.