Cosmetic Dentistry

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are one solution to improving the aesthetic smile you desire. If you have stained, chipped, misaligned, misshapen teeth or gaps between your teeth and want a completely custom solution to achieve a beautiful smile, porcelain veneers might be right for you!

Dental veneers are thin ceramic coverings placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth and look very natural. Dental veneers are a conservative option in achieving an esthetic smile because porcelain veneers bond well to enamel so minimal tooth structure needs to be prepped.

If you want to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry, then veneers are a good treatment option for you. Along with proper care at-home, such as good brushing technique’s, flossing daily, and regular scheduled checkups every six months, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or more. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining their longevity.

Are veneers painful to get?

The process of getting veneers is typically painless. Local anesthesia may be used during preparation, and most patients report little to no discomfort after the procedure.

Will dental veneers look like normal teeth?

Absolutely! When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin conservative veneers are virtually undetectable so they look and feel completely natural. They are also highly resistant to stains so your smile will stay beautiful.

Dr. Colaruotolo will talk with you about your options for veneers. She will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.

What is dental bonding, and what issues can it address?

The tooth is prepared for dental bonding by lightly cleaning and roughening the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a tooth-colored filling material is applied and skillfully sculpted into the desired shape by Dr. Colaruotolo. Dental bonding can be performed to repair chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. It’s an affordable and quick way to enhance your smile.

How long does dental bonding last?

Bonding can last 3-10 years, depending on the location in the mouth and your oral habits. Avoiding hard foods and maintaining good dental hygiene can extend its lifespan.

Is bonding a good option for fixing gaps between teeth?

Yes, dental bonding is an excellent solution for closing small gaps between teeth and achieving a more uniform smile.

Why Won’t My Teeth Whiten?

There are several reasons your teeth may not be whitening with the products you are using.

• Any dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or existing fillings will not whiten, only your natural teeth can whiten.
• It could be the type of product you are using that is not giving you good results.

There are a lot of whitening kits available to purchase. It is recommended to choose bleaching strips, whitening toothpaste, or whitening mouthwashes that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Some whitening systems found on the internet are not approved by the ADA and can be harmful to your enamel.

In-office professional teeth whitening may be a better option to achieve a brighter smile. Professional teeth whiteners are safe, effective, and done under the supervision of a dental professional. Depending on the amount of stain, one whitening system may be better than another. Talk to your Dentist to see what the best option would be to get a brighter, whiter smile!

How Can I Fix My Crowded Teeth Or Close My Gapped Teeth?

Orthodontics is one of the best ways you can correct misaligned teeth such as crowded or gapped teeth. Invisalign is clear aligner therapy that has become very popular among adult patients.

Straightening your teeth not only has cosmetic benefits but also functional and preventative benefits. Straighter teeth can improve your bite and protect your gum and bone health while achieving a beautiful and aesthetic smile.

Clear aligners or “invisible braces” is just as effective as traditional metal braces. It is highly recommended to undergo this treatment with a trained dental professional. Do-it-yourself or “DIY” straightening puts your teeth, gums, and overall dental health at risk. Moving your teeth without direct supervision can result in lifelong dental problems.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the severity of your case but typically 6-18 months. Regular check-ups ensure the treatment stays on track. 

Can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the trays.