What Are Veneers and How Do They Work?

Grand Junction Denitst, Dr. Josh Eastham

Understanding the Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Veneers

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, veneers could be the perfect solution. As one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, veneers can dramatically enhance the look of your teeth. But what exactly are veneers, and how do they work? High Desert Dental delivers high-quality dental care and helps you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. We’ll explain what veneers are, how they work, and how they can benefit your smile.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed on the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain or composite resin veneers cover imperfections like stains, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth. Veneers are an excellent solution for patients who want to achieve a bright, natural-looking smile without the need for more invasive procedures like crowns or braces.

Porcelain veneers are the most common type and offer a durable, stain-resistant option that mimics the natural translucency of tooth enamel. Composite veneers offer a more affordable option, applied directly to the teeth in a single visit, though they may not last as long as porcelain veneers.

How Do Veneers Work?

The process of getting veneers is relatively simple and typically involves two to three visits to the best dentist in Grand Junction, CO. Here’s a breakdown of how veneers work:

Consultation and Planning
During your first visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your aesthetic goals. They will determine if veneers are the right option for you based on the condition of your teeth and your desired outcome. If veneers are the appropriate solution, your dentist will take impressions and digital scans of your teeth to create custom veneers that fit perfectly with your smile.
Preparation of the Teeth
Your dentist usually removes a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth to make room for the veneers. This step is important because it ensures that the veneers fit properly and don’t make your teeth look bulky. The amount of enamel removed is minimal, usually just about the thickness of the veneer itself.
Temporary Veneers
After preparing your teeth, your dentist places temporary veneers while crafting your custom veneers. These temporary veneers will protect your teeth and allow you to get a feel for how the final veneers will look and feel.
Final Placement
Once your permanent veneers are ready, you’ll return to the office for a second visit. Your dentist will check the fit and appearance of the veneers before permanently bonding them to your teeth. If everything checks out, your dentist bonds the veneers to the front of your teeth with a strong adhesive. After the veneers are securely in place, your dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and the veneers look natural.

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for many patients. Some of the key advantages include:

Improved Aesthetics
Veneers can correct a wide range of dental imperfections, including chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps. They can help create a more symmetrical, uniform smile that enhances your facial appearance. Whether you have discolored teeth due to age, genetics, or coffee stains, veneers can give you a brighter, more youthful smile.
Durability and Longevity
Porcelain veneers, in particular, are highly durable and resistant to staining. With proper care, they can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. This makes them a long-term solution for improving the appearance of your smile. Composite veneers typically last 5 to 7 years but are also a viable option for patients looking for a more affordable solution.
Minimally Invasive
Unlike other cosmetic dental treatments that may require significant tooth reduction or surgery, veneers are minimally invasive. The dentist removes only a small amount of enamel during preparation, completing the process quickly compared to other procedures. This means less discomfort and a faster recovery time.
Customizable
Veneers stand out because dentists customize them to fit your smile perfectly. Your dentist will work with you to choose the ideal color, shape, and size of the veneers to complement your facial features and create a natural look. You can tailor veneers to achieve either a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, based on your preferences.
Low Maintenance
Caring for veneers is easy. Simply maintain your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist for routine checkups. Veneers are stain-resistant, but it’s still a good idea to avoid habits like smoking or excessive consumption of staining foods and drinks to prolong their lifespan.

Are Veneers Right for You?

Veneers are an excellent option for many patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile. However, not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. If you have significant dental decay, gum disease, or a history of tooth grinding (bruxism), your dentist may recommend other treatments before veneers. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your options with you.

At High Desert Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve your best smile. If you’re interested in learning more about veneers and how they can improve your smile, schedule a consultation with the best dentist in Grand Junction, CO today.

Contact Us

Veneers are a versatile and effective cosmetic dental treatment that can address a variety of dental imperfections. Whether you’re looking to fix a chipped tooth, close gaps, or brighten your smile, veneers offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. If you’re considering veneers, consult with the best dentist in Grand Junction, CO at High Desert Dental to learn more about how they can enhance your smile and boost your confidence.

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Stages of Gum Disease

Grand Junction Denitst, Dr. Josh Eastham

Four Stages of Gum Disease

Did you know that over half of Americans have periodontal disease? It’s not unusual for patients to experience gum disease at one point in their life. Fortunately, gum disease is preventable. There are several stages of gum disease. In order from bad to worst, gum disease starts with gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Below, Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, explores the stages of gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and periodontal tissues. If left untreated, the infection can destroy enough tissue and spread to the underlying bone.

This infection is typically caused by improper brushing and flossing routines. After all, there are around 700 strains and types of oral bacteria inside the mouth. Some of them are infections that contribute to plaque development.

The main cause of gum disease is dental plaque, which is a sticky, “yucky” film that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. If you don’t remove all of the plaque on your teeth, it can spread to the gums. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which can irritate and infect the gums.

Gum disease can also be caused by viruses, oral trauma, and other autoimmune illnesses. A lack of vitamin C raises the chance of getting periodontal disease.

Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of periodontal disease usually vary depending on the stage or severity of the illness. For example, during the early stages of gingivitis, you may just have swollen gums or bleeding. This is especially apparent when you floss or clean your teeth.

If the condition is allowed to grow, it might cause more severe symptoms such as:

Bad breath
Gum recession
Plaque
Loose teeth
Foul taste

Note: If gum disease is left untreated, you will eventually lose your natural teeth. Are you experiencing the above symptoms of gum disease? Contact your dentist in Grand Junction, CO, for a consultation. Dr. Josh and the High Desert team will get your oral health back on track.

Gum Disease’s Four Stages

As mentioned above, periodontal disease is classified into four stages.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the easiest stage of gum disease to treat because it is still non-destructive. It exclusively affects the gingiva in the early stages. The gingiva is the gum tissue that surrounds the base of the upper and lower teeth.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingiva. It creates swollen, sensitive, and aching gums at this phase. It might also cause the gums to bleed more easily.

Mild Periodontitis

Gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days during the early stages of gingivitis. The symptoms of widespread gingivitis become more visible after two to three weeks. If you continue to ignore this, it will progress to mild periodontal disease.

At this point, your gums will begin to peel away from your teeth or “recede.” As a result, small pockets will form between your teeth and the affected gums. More dangerous bacteria can subsequently infiltrate these “spaces,” resulting in even more bleeding. Our friend Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, says that treating your gum disease is crucial at this point. In fact, if the gum disease progresses any further, you may experience permanent damage.

“Dr. Joshua was caring, made me feel comfortable, and was extremely thorough. I would recommend him. Both the dental assistants are good as well.” – Nancy W.

Moderate Periodontitis

During the third stage of gum disease, there will be more bleeding and gum recession, says Dr. Josh. Your teeth will lose support as more tissues die, and they will become moveable. The tooth infection can also cause a generalized inflammatory reaction. At this point, you should have already visited your dentist in Grand Junction for periodontics treatment.

Advanced Periodontitis

This is the most severe of the four phases of gum disease, inflicting the most damage to your gums and bones. The tissues that hold your teeth in place and connect them to the bone are already deteriorating. You’re likely to be in a lot of pain and have terrible breath. This stage out of the stages of gum disease is where you’ll most likely lose your teeth.

Contact Dentist in Grand Junction

As you can see, gum disease is a serious dental problem. If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease, contact High Desert Dental immediately. Our staff will do everything we can to restore your oral health. High Desert Dental also offers emergency dentistry services.

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Tag: gum disease