Summer Center for Aesthetic Dentistry Blog

There is a range of ways to correct imperfections with your smile. Porcelain veneers are a popular option since they can fix a range of cosmetic issues, including chips, cracks, discoloration, alignment problems, gaps, and misshapen teeth. These durable shells are made from dental-grade porcelain and are attached to the front surface of the teeth after a small amount of enamel is removed to make them fit snuggly. Veneers can last upward of 15 years with proper care, but there are several ways to extend their lifespan even more. Read on to learn three tips to make your porcelain veneers last.

If your teeth are beginning to show signs of wear, you may be considering cosmetic dental treatments like porcelain veneers. These thin shells can correct a range of cosmetic issues, including stained teeth, cracks, chips, or alignment issues, misshapen teeth, and gaps. Since a small amount of enamel has to be removed to prepare teeth for veneers, you may wonder if this will cause sensitive teeth. Continue reading to learn how the process works, the perks, and if veneers will make your teeth more sensitive.

Even if you need dental veneers, you may think they’ll be too expensive.  After all, they’re usually made of porcelain, something that naturally blends with the size, color, and structure of your teeth. It only makes sense, given such high-quality, that treatment would be costly.

However, what if you could get your veneers made with different materials?

Though the popular choice, porcelain isn’t the only material dentists can offer. Find out what’s really available in this guide to alternative dental veneers!

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and approximately 40 million are missing all of them. This can cause people to feel less confident in their smiles and can also lead to a range of oral health issues. Fortunately, dental implants can fill in the gaps and keep your smile healthy. Though these sturdy, titanium posts are an excellent way to once again enjoy a complete set of pearly whites, there are a few things that can keep you from getting them. Read on to learn what they are!

Do you suffer from extensive tooth loss? If so, you’re probably looking for ways to rebuild your smile and restore your confidence. Well, dental implants are an excellent solution that can help you accomplish just that! However, because it’s a major treatment that requires oral surgery, it’s crucial to be well-informed before moving forward with the process. That said, here are five questions you should ask at your dental implant consultation.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that affects millions of Americans every year, causing numerous pauses in breathing throughout the night. If you suffer from chronic snoring, wake up with a headache, or have trouble getting a good night’s rest, you might be a victim of the sleep disorder. In that case, your dentist will likely recommend a sleep test to confirm a diagnosis. Not sure what that is? Read along as we explain how a sleep test works and what you can do to prepare for it.  

“The bridge is out! The bridge is out!”

To many people, that is a quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the 1994 summer blockbuster True Lies. However, if the bridge is out in your real life, it could very well be in reference to a dental emergency!

A dental bridge connects to your natural teeth on both sides – filling in the gap with custom-fitted false teeth. They are strong, reliable, and look very natural in most cases. Dental bridges have been utilized for more than a century but are still a viable option today.

Read on to learn the potential reasons your dental bridge fell out, as well as what you should do. Making a dental appointment is the first, but not the only, step.

You may not think about them very often, but your teeth are pretty amazing. Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, protecting the vulnerable inner layers of the tooth. You can bite and chew a variety of foods to maintain a balanced diet. Not to mention, they create your beautiful smile. Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime because every tooth is crucial to your oral health. As the only part of the human body that can’t repair itself, you must be proactive to prevent damaging your teeth. Besides a solid oral hygiene routine, here are 4 things your dentist recommends never putting in your mouth.

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The appearance of your teeth isn’t the only thing that contributes to a beautiful smile. Your gum line is equally important. If you’ve been told you have a “gummy smile” or your gingival tissue has been damaged by infection, you might be a candidate for gum recontouring. A dental laser provides a safe, minimally invasive option to sculpt an attractive gum line. Here’s how the cosmetic procedure can revamp your smile.

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If you have an older dental crown, you might be surprised to see a subtle change that has occurred over the years. A black line around the dental crown has appeared. Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon issue. Porcelain-fused-to-metal was the most natural-looking restoration used in the past. Now, there’s another option. Metal-free crowns look just like your real teeth without causing a shadow when you smile.

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