Month: March 2022

should i get veneers

Should I Get Veneers? Factors to Consider

Practicing proper dental hygiene at home combined with a semiannual dental exam and cleaning goes far to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. But what about those dental imperfections and blemishes that regular oral hygiene cannot remedy? 

One of the best ways to improve your smile is with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are more effective at improving the appearance of your teeth than any professional whitening treatment on the market today. 

While veneers can transform the smile of some people, they are not a one-size-fits-all remedy. You may be asking yourself, “should I get veneers?” but the real question is, are veneers right for you? 

Read on to learn more about dental veneers and other cosmetic dentist services in Tucson.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin custom-built pieces of resin composite or porcelain that a cosmetic dentist places over your natural teeth to give them a white, straighter appearance.  

Veneers are widely used in cosmetic dentistry because they effectively address many common dental issues, such as:

  • Chipped, broken, or uneven teeth
  • Teeth with crowding or spacing issues
  • Stained or discolored teeth that teeth whitening cannot improve

Who Can Get Veneers?

Your dentist will make the final recommendation on the best cosmetic treatment for your situation. However, there are prerequisites to move forward with any dental procedure.

Oral Hygiene

Your teeth must be spotless before starting the veneer process. Dental plaque transports bacteria, which can lead to infection. Your dentist and dental hygienist will make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy before signing off on the next steps.

Tooth Decay or Gum Disease

Dental veneers provide cosmetic benefits to the teeth only—they cannot repair underlying tooth or gum health issues. Covering a decayed tooth with a dental veneer will only make it worse. If your hygienist or dentist finds decay or disease during your cleaning, they will recommend options to improve tooth and gum health. In such cases, tooth restoration treatments will be necessary, including fillings, root canals, crowns, or dental implants. 

The Dental Veneer Process

Veneer placement requires multiple appointments to create natural-looking teeth that fit perfectly over your existing teeth.

Initial Consultation

During this appointment, you discuss your treatment goals and budget to determine what types of veneer material are best for you. Your dentist will take x-rays, photographs, and dental molds to determine how many veneers you need.

Tooth Preparation

During this appointment, your dentist scrapes off a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers, followed by the placement of temporary veneers to wear during the fabrication of your permanent ones.

Veneer Placement

Before bonding the new veneers, our dentist checks that the color and shape are the best possible match to your natural teeth. Next, the dentist applies a bonding solution to your existing teeth and carefully places the veneers on top of the solution. A dental UV lamp accelerates the curing time of the bonding cement. Once completed, you are free to walk out of the dental practice and show the world your new smile!

Tucson Family Dentistry Can Help

If you are still wondering, “should I get veneers?” call to set up a consultation with one of our dentists at (520) 327-5993. You can also read on to discover why your teeth are bad even if you brush.

how often should you go to the dentist

How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

Good dental hygiene habits and dental care may seem like common sense, but did you know that millions of Americans often don’t visit their dentists frequently enough? Many adults skip seeing the dentist to avoid increased medical bills, discomfort, or receiving potentially bad news.

However, regular visits to a trusted, affordable dental professional are critical for maintaining dental health. Receiving regular dental care doesn’t have to be financially or emotionally stressful, either.

At Tucson Family Dentistry, we understand the benefits of quality dental care. As Tucson’s top-rated dentist, we’re here to help all clients make informed decisions about their dental health. In this blog, we answer common questions including how often you should go to the dentist, why you should go, and what you can expect during a routine visit.

To learn more about dental health or schedule an appointment, reach out to our friendly staff today.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Important

Many adults only visit the dentist for dental emergencies like broken teeth, infections, and other critical situations. In reality, regular dental checkups help catch problems such as tooth decay or gum disease early, preventing further damage to the teeth and jaws.

Regular dental checkups also include oral cancer screenings, which help patients catch the warning signs of mouth, tongue, and throat cancers early. Regular dental visits, including yearly examinations and semiannual teeth cleanings, help improve a person’s dental and overall health by keeping teeth and gums strong.

How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the dentist, you may be wondering how often you should go to the dentist. The answer varies for everyone, but most people with good dental hygiene habits need only two visits a year.

Some medical conditions can impact the longevity of tooth enamel or may otherwise impact your dental health. Speak to your doctors and dentist about proper dental care habits if you:

  • Are diabetic
  • Are a current or former smoker
  • Have heart conditions
  • Are pregnant
  • Have genetic disorders that impact your gums, jawbones, or enamel

What to Expect During Routine Dental Checkups

What to expect during a routine dental visit depends significantly on how often you visit the dentist. If it’s been a while since your last visit, you can expect procedures that help the dentist assess the state of your oral health. These procedures include:

  • X-rays
  • Visual examination
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Cavity inspection
  • Cleaning
  • Polishing
  • And more

To learn more about what to expect during routine dental visits or your first visit, reach out before your appointment. Our staff can answer any questions you may have.

Find Affordable Dental Care Today

How often you should go to the dentist is, in many ways, up to you. If it’s been a while, don’t stress! While dental care might seem intimidating, we work hard to make it more affordable and accessible than ever. At Tucson Family Dentistry, we help every patient achieve optimal dental health.

To learn how often you should brush your teeth and other great dental hygiene tips, browse our blog or schedule an appointment with Dr. Dalesandro or Dr. Derickson today. 

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