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Posts for tag: cosmetic dentistry
Are you ready to learn more about getting dental veneers in Huntsville, AL?
Wow, that actor certainly has a beautiful smile. It may be the first thing you notice about actors on TV or even people that you pass on the street. A smile is often the most obvious and eye-catching feature we notice about someone. Of course, if your smile isn’t up to par then you may feel rather self-conscious about your appearance. Don’t worry, our Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh has your back with dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
These individually made, thin porcelain shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to provide immediate changes to the color, shape, and size of your smile. Whether you choose to just get one dental veneer to change an oddly shaped tooth or you want to get a full set of veneers to transform your smile, the choice is up to you. Veneers are made from the highest-quality porcelain that even reflects light in the same way that real teeth do so people won’t be able to tell that you have veneers.
Who’s a good candidate for veneers?
You could be right for getting dental veneers if you are looking to hide:
- Discolorations and deep-set dental stains
- Chips and cracks
- Gaps and uneven spacing between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Minor overlapping of teeth
Before our Huntsville, AL, cosmetic dentist determines whether or not you are ideal for veneers, Dr. Pugh will need to examine your smile to make sure that there is no decay or gum disease present. He will also discuss your treatment goals to make sure that veneers can offer what you are looking for. Lastly, we will talk to you about your daily habits, from your oral care routine to whether you grind your teeth, to determine if veneers are the best course of action.
Are dental veneers forever?
If you are getting traditional dental veneers, then some tooth enamel must be removed from the front surface of your teeth before veneers can be applied. Enamel cannot grow back. The removal of it is permanent. This means, that the veneers you have will be your new smile for the rest of your life. Of course, veneers are not designed to last forever, no matter how resilient porcelain is. They will need to be replaced at some point.
Whether you have questions about dental veneers or you want to find out if your smile could benefit from these restorations, the dental experts at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, are ready to help you achieve your dream smile.
What your dentist in Huntsville wants you to know
If you’ve thought about teeth whitening, you may have tried some of the over-the-counter whitening treatments available in your grocery 
store. These products can be effective for some people, however, they often don’t produce the dramatic whitening you need, or the results may not last as long as you want. Some products also contain harmful chemicals which can make your teeth and gums sensitive. There is a better way--professional teeth whitening! Dr. Michael Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL wants to share some professional teeth whitening options.
Teeth can become stained from drinking coffee, tea or red wine. They can also suffer the effects of tobacco use, covering your teeth with ugly brown stains. One of the biggest culprits for yellow teeth is the normal aging process. As you age, your enamel becomes more transparent, enabling you and others to see through to the layer underneath, called dentin. This layer is yellow in color and turns a darker yellow as you age. That’s why your smile will look yellower and darker as the years go by.
It’s time to whiten and brighten your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Today’s teeth whitening treatments are state-of-the-art and can whiten your teeth up to 8 shades whiter, and unlike over-the-counter treatments, the results are long-lasting.
When you visit Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL you can choose from these teeth whitening treatments:
An in-office whitening treatment, which takes just over an hour; it’s the perfect choice for your busy schedule if you want a brilliant smile quickly. It’s also a great option for a special event you may have coming up. During the treatment, a professional strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth, and the process is accelerated using a high-tech whitening light system.
At-home whitening treatment kits, which contain everything you need to whiten your teeth at your convenience, in the comfort and privacy of your home. The kit contains prescription strength whitening gel and custom trays to wear.
Whichever teeth whitening method you choose, you will achieve a brighter, whiter smile than you ever thought possible. You deserve to look your best, and a great smile is the perfect place to start. It’s time to call Dr. Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Find out more about your teeth whitening options by calling today!
Veneers are a great way to improve your smile. Whether you suffer from a cosmetic problem like staining or discoloration on your teeth, 
a chipped tooth, or even crooked teeth, veneers can conceal the problem and give you back a beautiful smile. At Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, Dr. Michael Pugh and his staff are experienced in applying veneers with exceptional results for patients of all ages.
Benefits of Veneers
A primary benefit of veneers is the immediate positive transformation they’ll have on your smile once applied. Veneers can instantly mask a variety of tooth imperfections you might feel self-conscious about. Veneers can give you a smile you love. You might even find yourself smiling more! Many patients with veneers experience a boost in their self-confidence.
Another benefit of veneers is that they look like your natural teeth because they are custom made to fit over your existing teeth. Additionally, your dentist will match the color of the veneers to your surrounding teeth. Further, since the veneers are bonded to your teeth, they have the potential to last a lifetime. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can ensure yours do.
Dr. Pugh and the Huntsville, AL area dental professionals at Artistic Dentistry have extensive experience applying custom-fit veneers. They can help you achieve the smile you desire.
Applying Veneers
Veneers are made from porcelain or plastic and applied to the front of your tooth to change it’s shape or improve its color. While veneers are quite thin, they do add a bit of thickness so the teeth they will be applied to are gently buffed to remove a small amount of enamel. This process allows the veneer to sit flush with the surrounding teeth once set in place.
Veneers are created specifically for each individual patient. A mold is taken of the area where the veneers will be applied. The mold is then sent to a dental lab where veneers are custom made to fit the patient’s teeth. Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will bond them to your teeth. Your dentist will first check the fit and color of the veneers before permanently affixing them to your teeth. When ready, the veneers will be applied to your teeth using a special cement. With proper care, your new veneers can last a lifetime.
Speak with Dr. Pugh, your dentist in Huntsville, AL, about how veneers can improve your smile. To schedule an appointment, call Artistic Dentistry at (256) 536-3386.
If you believe you need a crown or if we have already confirmed this fact, you need to understand that there are several options. The most common are gold crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and all porcelain crowns. Each has both pros and cons; thus we will work with you to determine which will work best for your specific needs. However, to help you learn more now, here are some facts.
Gold Crowns
Made from cast gold, this type of crown has been around for over 100 years and is the most successful type of crown. It can last more than 50 years and thus many dentists prefer gold restorations for their own teeth, where cosmetics is not a concern.
All Porcelain Crowns
All porcelain crowns can produce an incredible, life-like appearance. However, because they are made purely from dental porcelain (a type of glass), they tend to be more fragile than gold crowns and may be more at risk with certain high biting forces. Thus they may not be as durable. Porcelain can also cause wear to the natural teeth they bite against. Therefore they are typically preferred for front teeth, rather than back teeth. They have an aesthetic longevity of about 10 years and a functional longevity of about 20 years.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
As the name states, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns provide the best of both worlds. They are made of natural tooth-colored dental porcelain that is fused on top of a precious or noble metal (usually gold or platinum). They are stronger than porcelain alone and are a good option for back teeth because they offer a better cosmetic result than gold crowns. This is also true for front teeth, however the gold support beneath the porcelain can compromise its life-like qualities. These crowns also have a proven track record and have been used with excellent results for over 40 years.
Learn more about crowns when you read, “Gold or Porcelain Crowns.” Or you can contact us today to discuss your questions or to schedule a consultation.
An important consideration prior to having any cosmetic dentistry is to understand both the pros and the cons of each particular dental procedure. And while porcelain laminate veneers are among the most aesthetic means of creating a beautiful, more pleasing smile, they are permanent and non-reversible and should be maintained properly.
On average, you can expect porcelain veneers to last anywhere between 7 and 20+ years. However, much of that depends whether or not you care for them properly in addition to the quality of the dental porcelain, the craftsmanship, and placement of them. How long your veneers last can also depend to some extent upon how you age. This is because the gum tissues attached to the living tooth that your veneers are cemented to may shrink or pull away from the tooth exposing its root surface. If this occurs, you should see your dentist for an evaluation, as it may require veneer replacement. Or, the issue might be resolved through some minor periodontal (gum) plastic surgery.
Porcelain veneers are a low maintenance solution for solving a multitude of cosmetic dental challenges, but they do require that you protect them during sports or vigorous activity. You should also wear an oral appliance or mouthguard (nightguard) to protect them from grinding or any other involuntary damage during sleep.
To learn more about porcelain veneers, continue reading the Dear Doctor article, “Porcelain Veneers.” If you are ready to see what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, contact us to schedule a consultation.