Archives for January 2019

Feel Like Hiding Your Smile? 4 Ways Porcelain Veneers Can Help

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Regardless of how it looks, your smile gets noticed. But what if you don’t want anyone to notice your smile? Porcelain veneers can open the door to an unbelievable smile transformation that you’ll never want to hide.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.
Porcelain veneer

After your natural teeth are lightly prepared, or shaved, thin wafers of custom-made porcelain are bonded to the fronts of them.

What Can Veneers Do for Your Smile?

Veneers will improve the appearance of your teeth. Shape, size, color, and alignment can all be enhanced.

1. Alignment and Spacing

If your teeth are misaligned or have gaps between them, porcelain veneers can correct minor issues. You can have a perfectly aligned smile without orthodontic treatment.

2. Color

Time, age, certain medications, and other factors can darken your teeth. When teeth whitening doesn’t help, porcelain veneers can give you a white smile that looks natural. You get to choose the shade. Even the most stubborn stains—like those caused by fluorosis and tetracycline—can be concealed with veneers.

3. Size

If your teeth are uneven or disproportionate, porcelain veneers can help. The thin wafers of porcelain will conceal the imperfections and correct a variety of issues, including:

  • Too small
  • Worn down
  • Peg laterals

4. Shape

The shape of your teeth determines the personality and characteristics of your overall smile. If you want your smile to convey warmth, boldness, or another message, porcelain veneers will achieve it.

What Can You Expect?

After you receive an examination, a cosmetic dentist will ask you to help design your smile. You’ll have input on the size, color, and shape of your teeth. You’ll also see a digital mockup of your smile and be able to try it on. The smile you want is the smile you will receive.

A smile design with porcelain veneers is an investment, but if done correctly it will last. Don’t look for cheap veneers. They often slip, pop off, or become discolored. The best results are achieved by a dentist with advanced training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Don’t leave your smile design to chance.

We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least to cosmetic dentists—preferably accredited cosmetic dentists. Ask each dentist to show you photos of their own patients’ smile makeovers. After the consultations, you can compare dentists, the options offered, and the results you can expect.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge. Dr. Brooksher is one of ten accredited cosmetic dentists in Louisiana.

3 Best-Kept Secrets to Know about Sedation before Your Next Dental Procedure

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Many people think sedation dentistry is for dental cowards—people who run from dental visits or get sweaty and nauseous in the chair. If you think sedation is just for the dental phobic, think again. Even the calmest patients can benefit from this treatment.

3 Ways Sedation Dentistry Can Help

1. Saves Time if You’re Busy

When you receive sedation dentistry, you’ll be more relaxed than normal. Increasing discomfort from lengthy dental procedures is virtually negated when you’re sedated. Your dentist will be able to get more work done in less time. It’s possible that a dental procedure that would normally require two or three visits will only require one visit if you receive sedation.

If you have a busy work or home life, you’ll benefit by limiting the number of dental appointments required to complete your treatment. You will save travel time and the need to take additional time off work or away from home. The time you would have spent at the dental office can be saved and spent elsewhere.

2. You’ll Be Less Sensitive to Pain

  • Photo to illustrate the relaxing effects of a sedation dentistry. A young woman is lying on her back in a field of flowers. A blue sky full of clouds is above her.

When you’re ultra-relaxed, you are also less sensitive to pain. Even if you don’t have dental anxiety, isn’t it appealing to know that your visit—particularly with more invasive procedures—will be virtually painless?

A variety of dental treatment can be more comfortable, including:

3. Gets Rid of Gagging

Even people who are not afraid of the dentist can gag when dental tools are placed in their mouth. You will be able to better manage your gag reflex under sedation. Your dental hygienist or dentist won’t have to pause for you to regain your composure so that treatment can continue.

It Doesn’t Always Mean You’ll Be Drowsy

Sedation dentistry doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be drowsy or fall asleep. Your dentist will select a level appropriate for your dental procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the lowest level of sedation, and it can be quickly reversed. If you only need nitrous oxide, you can drive away from your dental appointment with no problem at all.

Other levels of sedation can make you drowsy, but you’ll know what to expect in advance of your dental appointment so you can arrange for transportation. But remember even if you receive a level of sedation that makes you drowsy—more dental work will be accomplished in a single visit, so it will save you time.

Request a Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about how sedation dentistry can save you time and increase your comfort during dental appointments, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.