Dentist Livermore - Change Your Breath From Bad to Good - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Change Your Breath From Bad to Good

Don’t let your tongue become a dirty carpet.

Bad breath often strikes when people aren’t properly taking care of their oral health. The odor is usually caused by decaying food particles and bacteria in your mouth. That’s why brushing and flossing your teeth is so important, but don’t forget to gently brush your tongue to get rid of even more bacteria.

A clean tongue goes a long way to warding off bad breath. “Your tongue microscopically is like a shaggy carpet. There are millions of filaments on your tongue that trap tiny food particles and bacteria,” he says. Get in the habit of regularly cleaning your tongue using a toothbrush, the edge of a spoon, or a tongue cleaner. If you have any mouth guards or oral devices, make sure to clean them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.

Mouthwash isn’t a bad idea, but it’s only a temporary fix. Granted, a little mouthwash comes in handy before a romantic dinner for two, but it masks the odor instead of tackling the source of your problem.

Chew gum like it’s going out of style.
Believe it or not, saliva is your best weapon against bad breath. That’s why dry mouth, often caused by certain medications or medical conditions, leads to odor problems. By washing away food particles and bacteria, saliva helps to eliminate odor, too.

If you’re wondering why your breath stinks in the morning, it’s largely because saliva production slows while you sleep, allowing particles and odor to linger longer. That’s where sugarless gum comes in handy, as chewing it will stimulate saliva production. Mints, on the other hand, don’t usually stimulate saliva production and only temporarily mask bad odor.
“When you chew gum it makes you salivate, and the more saliva you have in your mouth the fewer bacteria you have. It not only mechanically washes bacteria out, but we have antiseptic and enzymes in our saliva that kill bacteria.

While anything that makes you salivate will improve your breath, a gum that is sweetened with xylitol is your best option. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that not only increases salvation but also works to prevent bacteria from replicating in the mouth.

Choose cinnamon — it’s sweeter.
A recent study of the cinnamon-flavored gum Big Red found that cinnamon might have breath-odor fighting abilities. Unlike other flavors, cinnamon is not just a cover-up, Wolner tells WebMD. In fact, he says, an ingredient in the flavoring appears to actually decrease the bacteria in your mouth. The only problem is that sugar gums are bad for your teeth, so stick to sugarless cinnamon-flavored gum instead.
Drink more water.

Wolner says the older you get the more likely you are to get dehydrated. You might not even notice you’re thirsty, he says, so make drinking water a habit, because water will help keep the bacteria in your mouth to a minimum. Drinking water has a lot of health benefits, and preventing bad breath is one of them.
Rule out rare causes for bad breath.

While most bad breath can be banished with simple hygienic steps, there are times when dental or medical conditions might be the culprit. Make an appointment with your dentist if an unsavory odor takes residence in your mouth.
“If there is a persistent odor in your mouth, and you know it’s not from the pasta you ate last night, see a dentist,” Wolner tells WebMD. Your dentist will be able to pinpoint any cavities or decay, or even periodontal (gum) disease, that might be causing your bad breath.

Because on rare occasions bad breath can signal a larger problem, including infection, and even kidney or liver failure, you should also visit a doctor if your dentist doesn’t find a cause for your bad breath problem.
Have a slice of bread.

If you’re on one of the many popular low-carb diets, remember that bad breath or “ketone breath” is a potential side effect when you always have that burger sans bun. You can try different methods of masking the odor, such as gum or tart candies, but adding a few carbs to your daily diet might also do the trick.

Get a water pick.
You can’t really clean your entire mouth with a toothbrush. “Using an irrigator or water pick cleans everything out around and under your gums and between your teeth. “If food lingers between your teeth where a toothbrush doesn’t reach, it’s fermenting.” Next time you floss, take a whiff of your floss after you’re done, and you’ll have a good idea about what fermented or rotten food particles smell like.

Don’t let bad breath go to your head.
If you think you have bad breath, get a second opinion. “A large proportion of people who think they’re social pariahs with terrible breath don’t have bad breath at all.

Courtesy of webmd.com

Dentist Tracy - The Daily Grind can Wear Down Your Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Teeth are built tough. With regular care they can last a lifetime. Still, the daily grind of chewing, brushing, and grinding, along with accidental injuries, can take a toll. Here are three of the biggest threats, and what you can do to avoid them.

Chipped, Fractured, or Broken Teeth
Teeth can sometimes chip or fracture when you bite down on something hard, such as a popcorn kernel or stale bread. “But that kind of injury is actually quite uncommon.

Teeth that have fillings or root canals are at highest risk, because they aren't as strong as intact teeth. “But even intact teeth can chip or fracture if you happen to bite down in just the wrong way on something hard.

More often, teeth are damaged as a result of accidents or sports injuries. When researchers surveyed athletes competing in the Pan American World Games recently, they found that almost half showed signs of fractures believed to have occurred over time during training or competing. In that study, sports most commonly associated with tooth injuries included wrestling, boxing, basketball, and karate. But even non-contact sports such as roller-blading or skiing can result in damage to teeth.

What can be done: If you have fillings in your back molars, it's wise to avoid biting down hard on foods such as bones, hard candies, and ice. Wear a mouth guard if you or the kids play sports that pose a risk of injury. A 2002 survey of college basketball players found that mouth guard wearers significantly reduced their risk of dental injuries. Simple mouth guards are available at most sporting goods stores. Your dentist can also make a custom-fitted mouth guard.

Chipped teeth can be repaired. Fractures are harder to fix, especially if the crack extends below the gum line. Badly fractured teeth may have to be removed.

Bruxism: Grinding Your Teeth
Teeth are built to chew and grind food. But unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, over time, can damage the chewing surfaces. “Chronic tooth grinding, called bruxism, can cause micro-cracks in the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay, and even wear down the pointed surfaces of molars.

Tooth grinding can also cause headaches, muscle pain, and jaw injury. In many cases, people with bruxism don't realize they have a problem until a dentist notices tell-tale signs on their tooth surfaces. That's one more good reason to get a semi-annual check-up.

Researchers suspect that stress or anger may lead to tooth grinding. A 2010 study found that people with sleep bruxism were more likely than people who don't grind their teeth to report trouble at work, daily problems, and physical problems.
What can be done:  Stress management techniques may help.“Take a walk. Learn to meditate. Avoid stressful or frustrating situations if possible.” For some patients, that may be enough to ease tooth grinding. If not, dentists may prescribe a mouth guard or splint, which fits over the upper or lower teeth, protecting them from becoming damaged.

Acid and Tooth Enamel Erosion
As tough as teeth are, they become vulnerable when acid levels in the mouth are too high. Acid erodes enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Acidic foods and drinks, and acid-producing bacteria in the mouth are prime culprits. Enamel erosion may also be due to other conditions such as bulimia, chronic gastritis related to alcoholism, and recurrent vomiting related to pregnancy. Researchers have recently recognized another threat: chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD causes the highly acidic contents of the stomach to escape up into the esophagus, sometimes even into the mouth, where it can erode teeth. Anyone who suffers chronic GERD is at risk. In a study of 117 patients with GERD, 28 had dental erosion. Another study of 20 patients found evidence in about half of the patients.

What can be done:  The only way to prevent further damage is to control GERD. If your dentist notices signs of enamel erosion and suspects that the problem may be GERD, he or she is likely to refer you to a gastroenterologist. A variety of antacids are available, over-the-counter and by prescription. In addition to taking medication, some experts recommend raising the head of the bed several inches. That allows gravity to help keep stomach contents from refluxing at night. Walking after a big meal may reduce heartburn for the same reason. Chewing sugarless gum can also help by increasing saliva production, which rinses out the mouth.

Livermore Dentist - Dental Anxiety - Smiles by Design Livermore

Do you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist? You might be worrying unnecessarily. With dentistry's many advances, diagnosis and treatment gets more sophisticated and comfortable all the time.

It's often best to share your anxiety. If you're tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs

Try to choose a time for your dental visit when you're less likely to be rushed or under pressure. For some people, that means a Saturday or an early-morning appointment.

If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music. During the dental visit you might try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach.

These positive techniques work wonders for many. Try them on your next dental visit.

Livermore Dentist - Piercing and Your Oral Health - Smiles by Design

Piercing and Your Oral Health

Piercing, like tattooing, is just one of today’s popular forms of ―body art and self-expression. Piercing may seem daring, cool and totally safe because some celebrities use piercing to flaunt their particular style or attitude. But piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat) is not as safe as some would have you believe. That’s because the mouth’s moist environment—home to huge amounts of breeding bacteria—is an ideal place for infection.

An oral piercing can interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing. That may seem like a mere inconvenience until you consider that it may also cause:

    * Excessive drooling (something you won’t see in hip fashion magazines!)
    * Infection, pain and swelling
    * Chipped or cracked teeth
    * Injuries to the gums
    * Damage to fillings
    * Increased saliva flow
    * Hypersensitivity to metals
    * Scar tissue
    * Nerve damage

These harmful effects can happen during the piercing, soon after, or even long after the procedure.
An infection can quickly become life threatening if it’s not treated promptly. For example, oral piercing carries a potential risk of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the piercing site in the mouth and travel to the heart, where it can colonize on heart abnormalities. This is a risk for people with heart conditions and, in the worst of cases, results in death.

After a piercing the tongue may swell. There have been reports of swelling serious enough to block the airway. And it’s very possible to puncture a nerve during a tongue piercing. If this happens, you may experience a ―numb tongue—nerve damage that is sometimes temporary, but can be permanent. The injured nerve may affect your sense of taste, or how you move your mouth. And damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.
In addition, piercing jewelry can sometimes cause allergic responses to the pierced site. The jewelry can even get in the way of dental care by blocking x-rays.

Don’t pierce on a whim. The piercing will be an added responsibility to your life, requiring constant attention and upkeep. Talk to your dentist for more information.

Pleasanton Dentist - Pregnancy and Your Oral Health - Smiles by Design

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

Pregnancy is very special time. You’ll want to think about taking good care of yourself and getting your baby’s life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, they also affect the health of your unborn child.

RetFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* Is there a connection between my diet pregnancy and my oral health?
* Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
* What if I’m hungry between meals?
* What if I’m pregnant and need a dental radiograph examination?
* Does pregnancy affect my gums?
* What are “pregnancy tumors”?
* What can I do to keep my mouth healthy during pregnancy?

Is there a connection between my diet pregnancy and my oral health?

Eating a balanced diet is necessary to provide the correct amounts of nutrients to nourish both you and your child. What you eat during the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of your unborn child — including teeth. Your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients – especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D.

Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. The calcium your baby needs is provided by your diet, not by your teeth. If dietary calcium is inadequate, however, your body will provide this mineral from stores in your bones. An adequate intake of dairy products – the primary source of calcium – or the supplements your obstetrician may recommend will help ensure that you get all the calcium you need during your pregnancy

Tracy Dentist - Wisdom Teeth - Smiles by Design Livermore

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:

* Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
* There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
* A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.
Patients should ask the dentist about the health and positioning of their wisdom teeth. The dentist may make a recommendation for removal or send the patient to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Tracy Dentist - Dental Fillings - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Fillings
1. What is the difference between silver and tooth-colored fillings?
There are three important factors with regard to filling materials. First, there is a striking cosmetic difference. Tooth-colored fillings are actually bonded or glued to the surrounding tooth, which minimizes stress on the tooth and often results in less risk of fracture or decay. Second, traditional silver fillings conversely can place stress or tension on a tooth - and this can substantially weaken the tooth itself. Many times, with silver fillings, a weakened tooth will fracture. Undetectable tooth decay may be present, which is not apparent until after a fracture occurs. Extensive damage to the tooth can result. This damage, in many cases, may require root canal treatment and/or full crown placement. Third, there is significant controversy with regard to the mercury content in silver fillings and the impact the presence of this substance has in the body.

2. Do tooth-colored fillings last as long as silver fillings?
Several types of tooth-colored restorations are available today. It is our opinion that silver would not be an option for filling material in our own mouths; therefore, we do not use it in our practice. The primary reason, aside from the unknown effects of silver in the body, is that when properly designed and placed, a tooth-colored restoration is a longer-term restoration than a silver filling. We plan on our fillings and restorations lasting a lifetime; however, many different variables exist that could result in damage, or the need to replace a restoration. A good, preventative dental care regimen is essential for minimizing these variables. We have an excellent record with placing restorations that routinely last for decades.

3. What types of tooth-colored restorations are there?
Each of the four different types of restoration options that we use on a daily basis are used to accomplish a different objective. We always discuss the reasoning behind the restoration options we select for our patients prior to beginning treatment. Whenever our patients have questions about their treatment, we are always happy to answer them!

1. Direct bonded composite resin fillings are used for the repair of teeth that have small and less involved damage to the tooth. The key determinant in selecting this material is that the tooth being restored does not need additional reinforcement or strengthening in order to remain intact. This procedure takes less time, and is therefore less costly, than the other options.
2. Indirect bonded ceramic restorations (3/4 crowns) are placed when damage to a tooth is at a point when additional strength is needed for support. In addition, damaged areas of the remaining tooth may need to be covered. Preparing these restorations requires the services of a dental laboratory technician. He or she creates correctly shaped and colored ceramic material, matching it to the existing, damaged tooth. When this new restoration is bonded or glued onto the tooth, that tooth is returned to a condition that closely resembles, in appearance and strength, the original, undamaged tooth.
3. Bonded ceramic full crowns are placed when extensive damage or decay has resulted in large defects and/or when loss the original tooth structure has occurred. Frequently, root canal treatment has taken place prior to our restoration. Dental laboratory services are required in order to fabricate this type of restoration.
4. Veneers are another tooth-colored restoration option. Veneers are discussed in the third FAQ section.

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Livermore Dentist - Teeth Whitening - Smiles by Design

 Teeth Whitening
1. What is the difference between having a procedure in your office vs. buying some of the kits or materials that are advertised on television and in magazines?

The procedure performed in our office (ZOOM) results in an almost instant whiter and brighter appearance. The is the same process that you have seen on the "makeover" shows and, having our specially-trained staff administer it, ensures your health and safety throughout the procedure. The products purchased at retail stores are made with a weaker solution than those used by professionals. Applying these solutions at home does not produce the dramatic changes and results that most people are looking for when they want a new, whiter smile.

2. Is it painful to have my teeth whitened?
 The whitening process frequently results in increased cold sensitivity. We feel that properly managing the whitening process requires the help of a trained professional, so that minimal discomfort is experienced. If you have had problems or were unhappy with the results from previous whitening procedures, we can help you. We would be happy to discuss your situation with you – here in the office, on the telephone or via e-mail.

3. How long will it take?
Our "in-office" whitening procedure can be done in a little over an hour. If you choose to use a "take-home" whitening kit, we will supply you with a whitening agent that will provide maximum whitening capability and minimum side effects. Please be aware that if you do choose the "take-home" kit option, even with daily use, it will take several weeks (a month or more) to see real results.

4. How much will it cost?
The "in-office" procedure seen on the "makeover" shows can cost in excess of $500. We are, however, committed to helping as many people as possible achieve the smile of their dreams. For a limited time, we are offering this service for only $400. If you are not a candidate for "in-office" whitening, you may choose from two types of "take-home" procedures. The cost of these is $200 or $100. We will advise you on which option is best for you.

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Pleasanton Dentist - Total Wellness - Smiles by Design

Total Wellness -

We approach cosmetic dental care from a total wellness perspective - your overall health will be improved as part of a dental care program, which includes aspects of the care and maintenance of the gums and the care of the jaw muscles and joints (TMJ) as well as tooth care. This approach is called “aesthetic dentistry.”

Aesthetic dentistry is not just for “high profile” people such as models, movie stars or media personalities. It is used every day for co-workers, family members and neighbors - in short, people from everywhere.

• An adult who has suffered through their teens too embarrassed to smile because of discolored teeth.
• A senior wanting a more youthful, healthier appearance.
• Victims of domestic violence (such as though we see from Shepherd's Gate here in Livermore).
• Individuals affected by auto or sporting accidents.

A variety of techniques have been used to correct problems and improve a person's smile and appearance such as crowns (caps), bridges or implants, veneers and tooth whitening techniques.

Veneers - can be used to correct crooked, chipped or broken teeth.

Crowns and Bridges - are restorations to restore damaged or missing teeth as well as to correct bite dysfunction.

Tooth Whitening – there are several effective means of whitening stained and discolored teeth that are more effective than the products sold over the counter in stores and through the mail.

Aesthetic dentistry not only improves smiles (which is what cosmetic dentistry does), it also includes improvements in the health of all of the support tissues such as gums and bone as well as the muscles and joints that allow comfortable use of the teeth. In short, the health benefits derived from aesthetic dentistry include the obvious smile enhancement but just as importantly the boost in a person's self-image. Improving your self-image and the increased self-esteem may provide confidence to pursue a new career or may attract a mate.

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Flossing Part 2 - Smiles by Design in Livermore

How long does it take to floss?

The amount of time that it will take you to floss your teeth will most likely depend on your level of dexterity. You can expect that when you are first learning to floss each flossing experience will be tedious and frustrating. As time goes by, however, your skills will improve. There should be a point when you discover that flossing your teeth has become quite second natured.

As flossing does become easier for you, you'll probably find that you no longer need to look in a mirror when doing it. Try to come up with some other activity you can do while you floss. This can be a time saver for you as well as a way of ingraining flossing into your daily routine. Many people watch TV while they floss their teeth.

Can using a mouthwash replace the need to floss?

No, we are sorry to have to report to you that using a mouthwash is no substitute for flossing. Although some mouthwashes and rinses are antibacterial their use has not been proven to be nearly as effective as flossing.

What kind of dental floss should you use?

Possibly you have noticed that when buying dental floss there is no shortage of different types of flosses to choose from. Waxed, unwaxed, string, ribbon, flavored, unflavored, and teflon dental flosses are just some of the different types of flosses that are available. In most situations we would argue the case that the best dental floss is the one you find easiest to use. This is because the easier the process of flossing your teeth is for you, the more likely you will be to do it.
In theory, the type of dental floss that can be adapted most intimately to the contours of your teeth and provide a good cleaning friction would be the best choice. This line of thinking would suggest that unwaxed, string dental floss should be chosen. However, if some characteristic of another type of dental floss makes it easier for you to floss your teeth, and therefore you will do it more often, then that type of floss would be the better choice.

Should you use a dental floss holder, flossing handle, or an electric or pre-threaded flosser?

We would imagine that most dentists and dental hygienists would tell you that they personally feel that they can do a better job of cleaning their teeth when flossing "by hand" as opposed to using any sort of dental floss holder, flossing handle, or electric or pre-threaded flosser. At least a part of this opinion would probably be based on the belief that they have greater control over manipulating the floss and contouring it against the side of their teeth when flossing by hand.
For you personally, we'd suggest that you put some effort into learning how to hold the dental floss with your middle two fingers on each hand and manipulating the floss with your index fingers and thumbs. This really is a great way to floss. Short of that, if using some type of flossing aid means that you will floss whereas otherwise you wouldn't, then sure, go ahead and use one. On the short term you will accomplish a greater level of dental plaque removal than you would have otherwise. On a longer term basis, hopefully the improvements you see in your mouth when using the flossing aid will make you more aware of the benefits of flossing and be a source of motivation to experiment more fully with flossing by hand.

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Using Dental Floss - Smiles by Design Livermore, CA

How often should you use dental floss between your teeth?

If you do a thorough job, using dental floss once a day should be often enough to keep you in good oral health. You need to realize however that the key to this statement is that when you do floss you do in fact do a thorough job.

When is the best time to floss?

The best time to floss is during that part of your daily schedule when you have enough time to floss thoroughly. In theory it might be considered best to make sure your mouth is cleanest before you go to bed. At night the flow from our salivary glands decreases, thus minimizing the benefits that saliva provides in combating the effects of bacteria and their byproducts on our mouths. But if you find that you simply do not have the time or inclination to thoroughly floss your teeth before going to bed, and at another time of day you would, then hands down go with the latter.

Should you floss your teeth before or after you brush?

It doesn't much matter which you do first, brushing or flossing. There is a school of thought that suggests that you should floss your teeth first and then brush afterwards. The idea is that yourtooth brushing activities can aid in removing the food and dental plaque debris that has been dislodged by your flossing efforts but not yet expelled from between your teeth. While we don't feel strongly one way or another on this topic, we do feel that it is important that you swish your mouth with water or mouthwash at some point after you have flossed, so the debris you have loosened up is rinsed out of your mouth.

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Temporomandibular Joint - Smile by Design in Livermore

The TMJ refers to the jaw joint or the Temporomandibular Joint, which is a common area of recurring pain. Most adults will suffer from jaw or muscle pain or problem related to jaw joint or jaw muscles. These types of problems are more properly called TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. Now or in the future, you are likely to benefit from neuromuscular treatment , which is a holistic and total health care method of treatment with a multidisciplined approach to improve the pain and problems related to the jaw joints and jaw muscles.

You may benefit from the latest techniques used to both evaluate and treat a range of problems and conditions that are causing pain, such as:

Headaches – tension headaches, migraines and sinus headaches

• Understand how jaw alignment issues and poorly designed and defective dental restorations can be changed to reduce or even eliminate your pain.
• Benefit from a multidisciplined approach from a group of professionals all trained in a particular aspect of this complex and multifaceted disorder.

Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain

• Receive help from a number of different providers to develop a regimen of different therapies and treatments.
• Obtain the hands-on treatment you need to minimize and relieve pain and prevent further damage to muscles and joints.

Jaw Joint Pain

• Get the help you need to correct and improve your bite and jaw position that may be causing your joint pain.
• You may elect to have an appliance or what is called on “orthotic” device made, which is designed to reduce your jaw pain.
• Benefit from the use of the latest devices such as computer-aided instruments to measure and help evaluate your jaw muscle activity, joint noises (clicking, popping and grinding), jaw movements and a myriad of other facets of the complicated jaw joint and jaw muscle activity.

You can learn about cutting-edge information and technology from a group of elite practitioners each from a different discipline and all focused on helping you achieve a superior level of health and wellness. 

  
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Straighten Your Smile Without Braces; Smiles by Design in Livermore

Have you been thinking about making an improvement to your smile? Maybe you’d like your smile to be straighter…or just plain dazzling! With today’s modern dental technologies, you can have a straighter, whiter, more beautiful smile with the help of your dentist and without braces. Cosmetic dentistry is a huge industry today in the United States.

Think the only option for straightening teeth is braces? Not everyone who wants to improve the appearance of their teeth is interested in wearing braces and luckily there is a solution…veneers! Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that attach directly to your teeth. They can be used to fix gaps between the teeth or improve the appearance of teeth that are badly stained, misshapen or out of alignment.

Veneers are put on your teeth in just six simple steps:

1. First, your dentist will remove any decay or old fillings on the tooth.
2. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth to make room for the veneer.
3. Next, the shape, size and shade of the tooth are determined and an impression is taken of the prepared tooth.
4. The impression of your tooth will be sent to a dental lab where the veneer is made.
5. Your dentist will check the color, size and shape of the veneer. This ensures a proper fit.
6. Finally, the veneer is shaped and polished and you get to show all of your friends your new beautiful smile.

Wouldn’t you agree that veneers are a far easier process than wearing braces for a couple of years!

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