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108 Central Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801(256) 536-3386
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Posts for tag: cosmetic dentistry

Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?

By Artistic Dentistry
January 14, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cosmetic dentistry   dental crowns  

Find out how a dental crown could provide a damaged tooth with protection.

Dental CrownsHas our Huntsville, AL, dentist told you that you require a dental crown? If so, you may be wondering why you need one and what it can do to improve the health of your smile. Essentially a tooth-shaped cap, a crown is commonly placed over the visible portion of the tooth to protect and support it if it’s damaged or weak. A tooth can become damaged by decay, injury or an infection. By placing a dental crown, our Huntsville, AL, restorative dentist, Dr. Michael Pugh, can improve the tooth’s shape, appearance, durability, and strength.

 

When would a dentist recommend getting a dental crown?

There are many people who can benefit from getting a dental crown, and you may need one if you are dealing with:

  • A weak tooth that may fracture or break
  • A cracked tooth
  • A tooth that is extremely worn
  • A tooth that has a large filling that can no longer support the tooth
  • A misshapen or severely discolored tooth

Along with these scenarios, you may also require a dental crown if you are dealing with tooth loss. How? Well, if you choose to get a dental implant, the visible portion of the implant will actually be a dental crown, which will be cemented into place over the implant, which lies under the gums within the jawbone. If you choose to get a fixed dental bridge, we will also need to place dental crowns over natural teeth that surround the gap in order to hold the false teeth in place.

 

How long do dental crowns last?

While a crown will not last forever, the longevity of your new restoration does depend on you and how well you care for it. Crowns usually last anywhere from five to 15 years, however, there is a possibility for them to last longer if you care for them properly. This means maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid bad habits such as chewing ice or biting your fingernails, which could damage the crown.

 

Interested? Give us a call!

If you want to learn more about getting a dental crown and whether it could benefit your smile, call Artistic Dentistry's Huntsville office at (256) 536-3386 today to learn more.

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Breathe Life Back into Your Smile with Dental Veneers

By Artistic Dentistry
May 10, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cosmetic dentistry   veneers  

Are you ready to learn more about getting dental veneers in Huntsville, AL?veneers

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.

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Teeth Whitening: What Are My Options?

By Artistic Dentistry
January 18, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cosmetic dentistry   teeth whitening  

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 teeth whiteningstore. 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!

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Improve Your Smile With Veneers

By Artistic Dentistry
September 08, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cosmetic dentistry   veneers  

Veneers are a great way to improve your smile. Whether you suffer from a cosmetic problem like staining or discoloration on your teeth, veneersa 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.

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Crowns: Do You Know Your Options?

By Michael S. Pugh, DMD
October 31, 2012
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cosmetic dentistry   smile makeover   crowns  
CrownsDoYouKnowYourOptions

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.

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Older Posts cosmetic dentistry (15)
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Archive:

  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • 5 Signs Its Time To Visit the Dentist
        • Don't Wait When You Have a Toothache
        • Build a New You With Dental Veneers
      • August (1)
        • How Crowns and Bridges Can Help Your Smile
      • June (1)
        • Preventing Gum Disease
      • April (1)
        • The Importance of Proper At-Home Oral Care
      • March (2)
        • How Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Look
        • Straighten Your Smile Discreetly With Invisalign
  • 2019
      • November (1)
        • Improve Your Smile With Veneers
      • August (1)
        • Rebuild Your Smile with Crowns and Bridges
      • May (1)
        • Do You Have Periodontal Disease?
      • March (1)
        • Don't Ignore A Toothache
      • January (1)
        • Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?
  • 2018
      • December (1)
        • Root Canal Treatment FAQ
      • September (1)
        • Why You Shouldn't Neglect Regular Dental Visits
      • June (2)
        • Do You Need a Dental Filling?
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
      • May (1)
        • How Crowns Help Your Smile
  • 2017
      • November (1)
        • How’s Your Oral Hygiene?
      • August (1)
        • What You Can Do About Toothaches
      • July (1)
        • The Effects of Soda on your Teeth
      • June (1)
        • When to Visit Your Dentist
      • May (1)
        • Breathe Life Back into Your Smile with Dental Veneers
      • March (1)
        • What Dental Crowns And Bridges Can Offer Your Smile
      • February (1)
        • Don't Neglect Your Regular Dental Cleanings
      • January (1)
        • Teeth Whitening: What Are My Options?
  • 2016
      • November (1)
        • Do I Really Have to Brush Twice a Day?
      • September (1)
        • Improve Your Smile With Veneers
      • July (1)
        • Dental Crowns And Bridges Stabilize Your Smile
      • May (1)
        • A Dentist for Your Whole Family
      • March (1)
        • Protect Your Family's Teeth with Sealants
      • January (1)
        • What Should I Do if I Have a Toothache?
  • 2012
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let Tooth Pain Linger — The Cost May Just Be Too High
        • Top 5 Reasons Not to Fear Bone Grafting
        • Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
      • October (5)
        • Crowns: Do You Know Your Options?
        • Some Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • Facts You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment
        • Are You at Risk For Oral Cancer?
        • Sleep Apnea - a Hidden Danger
      • September (3)
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings - Do They Really Look Natural?
        • Don't Like the Drill? Now There's Drill-Free Cosmetic Dentistry
        • Grrr! FAQs about Teeth Grinding
      • August (10)
        • Your Cure for Bad Breath
        • Understanding The Maintenance And Lifespan Of Porcelain Veneers
        • What Is A Veneer?
        • How Modern Dental Fillings Mimic Real Teeth
        • Dental Implants: Quiz
        • Rebuilding Your Smile With Dental Implants
        • Father's Day Tip: Step Up & Improve Your Dental Health!
        • Actress Florence Henderson Shares Her Secrets for Keeping Your Natural Teeth as You Age
        • Nancy O'Dell Helps Put New Moms At Ease About Infant Oral Health
        • Five Reasons to Choose Dental Implants
      • July (4)
        • If Your Child Chipped A Tooth, What Should You Do?
        • When Teeth are Lost, Bone is Lost
        • Frequently Asked Questions about Bumps in the Mouth
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Heart and Gum Diseases
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        • How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
        • Nine Things to Expect During Your Appointment with the Dental Hygienist
        • Oral Health Tips for Special Needs Children
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        • Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
        • Understanding Dry Mouth
        • Whitening a Discolored Tooth from the Inside Out
        • How Tooth Decay Can Cause A Root Canal Problem
      • April (4)
        • Are You at High Risk for Tooth Decay?
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • Dental Injuries: The Type Of Sports You Play Really Matters
        • Aspirin: Not Just a Harmless OTC Medication
      • March (4)
        • Understanding the Latest News on Fluoride
        • Full Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
        • Facts You Should Know About Tooth Wear
        • Gum Disease & Diabetes: Two Diseases With A Common Enemy — You.
      • February (3)
        • Determining Your Risk For Tooth Decay — And Reversing It
        • Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
        • Testing Your Knowledge on Caring for Your Dentures
      • January (4)
        • Can A Root Canal Save My Tooth?
        • Little Known Facts About Bad Breath
        • TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
        • The Secrets Behind Vanna White's Smile
  • 2011
      • December (4)
        • Cracks in Corners of the Mouth: Are They Serious?
        • TV Wellness Guru Jillian Michaels Discusses Breaking Her Two Front Teeth
        • Seal Your Children's Teeth from Decay
        • How We Make Dental Implants Match Existing Teeth
      • November (3)
        • Bleeding Gums Mean Something is Wrong
        • Don't Keep It A Secret: Tell Us About Your Dry Mouth
        • Testing your Knowledge: Dental Implants vs. Bridgework
      • October (5)
        • Root Canal Treatment FAQs
        • Are Dental Implants A Good Choice for My Teenager?
        • Tooth Sensitivity FAQs
        • Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?
        • Are Porcelain Veneers Right For You?
      • September (4)
        • Testing your Knowledge on the Facts and Myths of Thumb Sucking
        • Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
        • Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
        • Testing your Knowledge on Tooth Pain
      • August (4)
        • The Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • A Chewing Gum That's Good for your Teeth: A Quiz About Xylitol
        • Your Crowning Achievement
        • Six Ways to Get Whiter Teeth
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        • Rate Your Oral Hygiene
        • Fluoride: You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing
        • Is Thumb Sucking Really that Bad?
        • Can You Whiten Traumatized Teeth?
        • Test Your Dental Injuries IQ
      • June (4)
        • Sinus Surgery — Creating Bone for Dental Implants “Out of Thin Air”
        • What Can A Deep Cleaning Do For Gum Disease?
        • How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
        • Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
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        • Test Your Knowledge: Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Whitening
        • The Effects Ordinary Tap Water Has On Your Oral Health
        • What Are Baby Teeth, And Why Do They Come Out?
        • Oral Piercings — Tongue & Lip Bolts: Trendy But Dangerous
        • Sealants FAQ: How Do Sealants Prevent Decay and Protect Your Child's Teeth?
      • April (4)
        • “Prepless” Porcelain Veneers: Are They Right For You?
        • The Top Ten Reasons To Consider Porcelain Veneers
        • Dental Implants: The Best Solution For Missing Teeth
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
      • March (4)
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Getting A Dental Implant
        • Testing Your Oral Health IQ
        • Sports-Related Dental Injuries: Do You Know What To Do?
        • Oral Health Tips: Brush Up On A Great Smile
      • February (2)
        • Can A Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
        • Oral Health: When Should You Call Our Office?
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