Does your smile suffer from an uneven tooth alignment, or from cracks and chips? If so, here is good news that can give you something to smile about: dental veneers can address such problems and give you the smile you desire.

Are veneers cosmetic dentistry?

Veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry. The ceramic veneers being used are made of high-quality translucent material that gives your teeth a natural look and feel, thereby giving you the confidence you need. Some of the most common issues that veneers can address include:

• Routine wear and tear. As you age, there is a good chance you may encounter some unevenness, or have cracks and chips.
• Genetic conditions. If there are genetic conditions, such as gaps between the teeth, as well as discoloration of enamel.
• Dulled enamel. Using your teeth also dulls and discolors the enamel on them. The problem can be caused by what you drink, smoke, or even take as medication.

What are the most common types of veneers?

Two types of dental veneers are most commonly used: porcelain and composite. Porcelain usually lasts longer, and also costs more. Both types can be created in a dental laboratory. Resin cement is used to bond those laboratory fabrications to the teeth.

Do I need bonding or a veneer?

If you have a small crack or chip in your tooth, and are looking for an inexpensive fix to the problem, then you may want to consider bonding. In this case, a white filling is bonded to the tooth, in order to supplement the problem area.

Should I get my teeth whitened or do I need veneers?

Dental veneers are the way to go if your teeth are significantly discolored or dull. In these cases, whitening does not usually brighten the teeth enough. However, getting dental veneers does require the tooth to be permanently reshaped; therefore, if you have only slightly discolored or dulled teeth and are wanting to brighten them up, you should consider the tooth whitening option first.

What is the next step?

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of dental veneers and how they may be a good fit for you, contact Dr. Roger Eshaghian at 310 659.7063.

“When you think about the poor economy and what negative impacts it can have on the body, most people don’t think about their mouth,” says Dr. Roger Eshaghian, of the Beverly Hills Dental Center, located in Beverly Hills, Calif. “Yet if you don’t have adequate ways to cope with the financial stress, you may very well end up developing gum and mouth diseases as a result.”

Coping skills are essential to dealing with the everyday stressors that come our way, including those being caused by the current recession. If people are not proactive in keeping their stress level at bay, they may end up engaging in teeth grinding, neglecting their usual brushing and flossing habits, or end up not keeping up with their routine dental visits. This can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, which has also been associated with diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other health conditions.

Along with eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fresh water, you can take better care of your teeth by establishing good oral hygiene habits, which includes keeping up with dentist visits. If you question whether or not you can afford dental appointments, keep in mind that on average, for every dollar you spend on dental preventative care, it saves you anywhere from $8-50 on restoration and emergency treatments.

It is also imperative, especially during this financial crisis, to do things to help your body cope with stress. Good options include taking walks, practicing yoga, journaling, doing tai chi, exploring hobbies, and meeting regularly with family and friends.

“We may not be able to solve all our financial problems immediately, but learning to cope with the stress is essential to maintaining our health through this,” adds Dr. Eshaghian. “Besides, you want to protect your smile, because you will be doing a lot of it when the country pulls through and economic confidence is again restored.”