What is a crown or cap?

A crown is a tooth-colored covering that wraps around the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings. They work best for teeth that have large or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.

A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored overlay that is bonded to the front of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help repair damaged, discolored or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers do not require the removal of much natural tooth structure.

What is the difference between crowns and veneers?

A crown is a covering used for a tooth that is badly shaped or colored, or to support a tooth with a large filling when there is not enough tooth structure left. Crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal or just metal. Placing a crown onto a patient’s tooth requires that some of the natural tooth structure be removed. A veneer is a very thin overlay that is placed on the front of a tooth. It does not require removal of as much natural tooth structure. Veneers are best for restoring healthy and strong teeth that need to be adjusted for cosmetic purposes.

What are my options for straightening my teeth?

If you are interested in straightening your teeth, we can provide you with several options. The first option is Invisalign, which consists of a series of clear aligners, much like a retainer, that gradually adjust your teeth. Invisalign provides you the option of straightening without the visibility of braces. It also offers you the flexibility to remove the trays when eating or drinking. The second option for straightening your teeth is veneers. Veneers are porcelain overlays that sit on the surface of your natural tooth and provide an extremely natural result. The third option for straightening your teeth are crowns, which is a tooth covering that wraps around the entire tooth.

What should I do if I grind or clench my teeth?

Many people grind or clench their teeth without even realizing it. If you suffer from unexplained jaw pain or headaches, you may be grinding your teeth. Persistent grinding or clenching can weaken your teeth. If the dentist determines that you are grinding or clenching your teeth, our office can make you a custom night guard which will relieve pressure and pain associated with grinding, as well as protect the strength of your teeth for the future.

How often should I see my dentist?

We recommend that you see us at least twice a year for cleanings and exams. By doing so, you can be sure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy and rest assured you are not developing any problems that may become more severe if not treated. In addition to maintaining your oral health, routine dental care benefits your overall health. Your teeth and gums may speak volumes about your well-being. For starters, there are conditions that affect oral health. Although no conclusive cause-effect relationship has been established, researchers continue to look at the associations between cavities, gum disease and heart disease. Diabetes increases the risks of gingival and periodontal inflammation and infections. Also, loose teeth could be a sign of osteoporosis. When there's an underlying condition in play, the dentist may be able to draw an important connection between your oral health and your overall health. Our office doesn’t only want to see you when you are in pain, but instead prevent problems before they begin!

Will my dental visit be painful?

Many people fear that a dental appointment will result in painful and stress. Rest assured, our dental team is committed to providing you gentle and pain free dentistry. Our hygienists are careful to use the utmost care and compassion while cleaning your teeth and gums. Our doctors also generally administer topical anesthetic prior to any necessary injections. Our entire team strives to work with each of our patients to accommodate their needs for a stress and pain free dental experience.

What is the best way to brush my teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least two times per day. Our dental hygienists will help to teach you the best brushing and flossing techniques to keep your mouth healthy. We also recommend our patients utilize one of the state-of-the-art electric toothbrushes now available from our office or many other retailers. These brushes make cleaning gentler, easier and aid in plaque removal as well as providing some whitening benefits.

Bellaire Family Dentistry > FAQs

FAQs

Oftentimes, many of our patients ask our team to answer the following questions. Take a look and feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns!

What is a crown or cap?
What is a veneer?
What is the difference between crowns and veneers?
What are my options for straightening my teeth?
What should I do if I grind or clench my teeth?
How often should I see my dentist?
Will my dental visit be painful?
What is the best way to brush my teeth?
How do I whiten my smile?

FAQ Categories

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Preventative & Diagnostic Care
Tooth Colored Fillings
Teeth Whitening
Invisalign
Crowns & Bridges
Porcelain Veneers
Night Guards

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