What are Dental Veneers?

May 31, 2016

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Oral Health Topics — islandcoast @ 2:40 pm

Learn about Porcelain Dental Veneers

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a veneer is a “thin piece of porcelain used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.”
Cosmetic dentists can make custom veneers to the contour of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth’s original enamel during a series of in-office procedures.

Benefits of Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Our SWFL patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.
Dental veneers can fix problems including:

  • Diastemas (spaces between teeth)
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
  • Permanently stained or discolored teeth that can’t be bleached
  • Crooked teeth

Why are Veneers Used in Dentistry?

Veneers are a less intrusive option than crowns or braces. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, veneers can be used to close gaps or correct small misalignments. Patients also choose veneers as a cosmetic solution to enhance the brightness of their teeth and to straighten their smile, correcting issues like discoloration, fractures, or chips.

Porcelain Veneers

At Island Coast Dentistry we use e.max porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are preferable for correcting issues of shape or color and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Placing Veneers

The typical process takes one to two appointments. If the veneer is prefabricated it usually takes one appointment and if the laboratory is creating the veneer it takes two appointments.

How Long Will a Veneer Last?

Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just like your own teeth can. Your dental team will tell you how long each veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.

Questions about Dental Veneers?

Dr. Skupny has extensive experience with placing cosmetic veneers. We invite you to come to Island Coast Dentistry in the Collier County area to learn more about dental veneers and find out if porcelain veneers are right for you.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with Naples Porcelain Veneers dentist Dr. Skupny. We look forward to meeting you and providing comprehensive care and personalized service.
Tour our office. We are conveniently located on Castello Drive, just off of the Tamiami Trail (US 41) in Naples, FL.
Source: Wikipedia, Your Smile Becomes You, WebMD

How do Dentists Whiten Teeth? Details on Tooth Whitening Methods

May 30, 2016

Filed under: Oral Health Topics,Teeth Whitening — islandcoast @ 8:00 pm

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Do you want to make the best impression at an upcoming party?
Do you just want to feel better about the appearance of your smile? If you’re looking for a hassle-free and safe way to whiten your smile.
You already know that whitening works, but do you know how? Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel).
Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth. But only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored.
Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

Tooth Bleaching Explained

Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry. According to the FDA, whitening restores natural tooth color and bleaching whitens beyond the natural color. There are many methods available, such as brushing, bleaching strips, bleaching pen, bleaching gel, and laser bleaching. Teeth whitening has become the most requested procedure in cosmetic dentistry today. More than 100 million Americans whiten their teeth one way or another; spending an estimated $15 billion in 2010.
Bleaching methods use carbamide peroxide which reacts with water to form hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has about a third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This means that a 15% solution of carbamide peroxide is the rough equivalent of a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and breaks down stain deposits in the dentin. Power bleaching uses light to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental office. Another bleaching agent is 6-phthalimido peroxy hexanoic acid (PAP).
Tooth bleaching is not a modern invention. Ancient Romans, for example, used urine and goat milk in an attempt to make and keep their teeth whiter.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Our methods of professional teeth whitening are among the most successful and lauded home teeth whitening and in office teeth whitening in Naples. Island Coast Dentistry provides a safe, effectual, convenient, and cost-effective way to whiten your teeth and give you the flawless smile you were meant to have.
Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile.

Popularity of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening’s popularity is steadily increasing, and it is quickly becoming the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry on the market. Teeth whitening is gaining such momentum because there are so many benefits associated with this procedure. The most preferred method of whitening among patients is in-office whitening.
This method of whitening is performed in the office by our dentist. Most patients prefer in office teeth whitening because of the speed. In office teeth whitening is usually finished within one session, and in some cases it can even take less than an hour to complete. Many patients also choose in office teeth whitening because they have easy access to expert advice regarding the procedure and they are being monitored safely by a professional.

Take Home Teeth Whitening

As an alternative to in office teeth whitening, we also provide take home teeth whitening. In this case, the patient is given a series of trays, mouth pieces, and teeth whitening gel that they themselves can apply to their teeth whenever they choose, at their own convenience, and in the comfort of their own homes.
Opalescence take-home whitening gel is perfect for people who want a lot of options. With four different concentrations and three flavors, you can wear Opalescence for as little as 30 minutes per day—or even overnight! Dispensed only by a licensed dental professional, Opalescence take-home whitening gel allows you to get professional whitening results at your convenience in a safe, effective, and customized way!

  • Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Together, they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.1-5
  • Formulated to prevent dehydration and shade relapse
  • Four concentrations for treatment flexibility
  • Three flavors: Mint, Melon, and Regular
  • Day or night wear

For a consultation with Dr. Skupny about Cosmetic Dentistry procedures call Island Coast Dentistry at (239) 261-5566 today!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

May 9, 2016

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Oral Health Topics — islandcoast @ 8:07 pm

Your smile is your calling card to the world, inviting others to get to know you, opening the door to opportunities.
But when you have major problems with your teeth, it can have a negative effect on your self-esteem, making you lack confidence in yourself.
When you are faced with issues that affect the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry provides you with a host of treatment options that can help you look and feel your best.

Treatments Tailored to Meet Your Needs

Your teeth are personal and any factors that affect their appearance will needed to be treated on an individual basis. Your solution could be as simple as professional whitening for stained teeth. The shape of your teeth can be enhanced through the use of veneers to create a smooth, flawless appearance.
Crowns, implants, and bridges are only a few of the alternatives that can fill the gaps created by missing teeth. If your teeth or bite is out of alignment, cosmetic dentistry can combine with orthodontics to create a straight, attractive smile. Regardless of what your problem is with your teeth, your dentist can offer you cosmetic options.

It’s More than Creating a More Appealing Smile

When you take care of cosmetic problems with your teeth, you will have a ripple effect that offers you many positive benefits.
Closing gaps, creating smooth surfaces, and restoring balance to your mouth will mean a healthier mouth. You can stave off deterioration and various health problems caused by health decay. Preserve the teeth you have for years to come through cosmetic dentistry.

Find Out How Island Coast Dentistry Can Help You

If cosmetic issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a cosmetic treatment plan that is most effective for you and a beautiful, healthy smile can be yours.
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.