Family Dentistry

Dental veneers and crowns are two popular options when it comes to improving the appearance and functionality of damaged or aesthetically compromised teeth. While both offer solutions for enhancing teeth’ overall look and strength, they differ in terms of procedure, purpose, and materials used. 

Finding the differences and strengths of dental veneers vs. crowns can be challenging, but we’re here to help break it down for you. Make an informed decision when you learn more about types of dental veneers and crowns and what they can do for you:

What Are Dental Veneers?

To have the perfect smile, most people opt for dental veneers. Veneers are custom shells attached to the front surface of the teeth for enhanced aesthetics. Usually made from compound resin or porcelain, patients can choose an option that they feel will look more natural for them. 

It begins with the removal of a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface so the veneer can be fitted. This is followed by taking impressions for the fabrication of the veneers. Once ready, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using dental cement.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

When looking at dental veneers vs. crowns, it’s best to understand the advantages of veneers, which include

• Aesthetics: Veneers can address various cosmetic issues such as discoloration, chips, cracks, minor misalignment, and gaps. Regardless of which types of veneers you are considering, all of them aim to improve the appearance of teeth and your smile. 
• Conservative approach: Compared to crowns, veneers require minimal removal of tooth structure. The process preserves the natural tooth to a greater extent, making veneers a more conservative option.
• Durability: Porcelain veneers are highly durable and stain-resistant, providing long-lasting results. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last for many years.
• Customization: Veneers can be customized in terms of shape, size, and color to match the patient’s natural teeth and achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are tooth-shaped restorations that cover the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. They can be made from various materials, such as porcelain, metal alloys, or both. The procedure involves reducing the tooth to create space for the crown, followed by taking impressions for the fabrication of the crown. Once ready, the crown is cemented onto the tooth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

• Strength and durability: Crowns provide excellent strength and stability to a weakened or heavily damaged tooth. They can withstand biting and chewing forces, restoring functionality to the tooth.
• Protection: Crowns offer superior protection to teeth that have undergone significant decay, fractures, or root canal treatment. They help prevent further damage or infection, extending the lifespan of the tooth.
• Restoration of tooth structure: Crowns can rebuild and restore a severely damaged or misshapen tooth’s natural shape, size, and function.
• Versatility: Crowns can address a wide range of dental issues, including severe decay, fractures, large fillings, root canals, and dental implants. They can be used on both front and back teeth.

Dental Veneers vs. Crowns

While dental veneers primarily focus on improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth by addressing minor cosmetic concerns, this isn’t the same for dental crowns. Different types of veneers are suitable for individuals seeking smile makeovers or enhancement of their natural teeth. On the other hand, dental crowns serve a dual purpose of aesthetics and restoration. They are typically recommended for teeth that require structural support, protection, or extensive repair due to decay, fractures, or root canal treatment.

When receiving dental veneers or crowns, it’s critical to consider how much alteration your natural tooth will undergo. An orthodontist will scrape away a very thin layer of enamel to make room for veneers. As a result, there won’t be many modifications to your tooth. To provide a flawless fit for dental crowns, the native tooth structure must be significantly reduced. Enamel and dentin will need to be removed in substantial amounts, changing your tooth structure.

Different types of veneers are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin materials. Porcelain veneers offer superior aesthetics, stain resistance, and durability, closely resembling natural teeth. Composite resin veneers are more affordable but may be prone to staining and have a shorter lifespan. Dental crowns can be fabricated from various materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, metal alloys, or zirconia. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, functional requirements, and aesthetic considerations.

Both dental veneers and crowns can be long-lasting with proper care. Porcelain veneers have a longer lifespan compared to composite resin veneers, often lasting 10-15 years or more. Dental crowns, depending on the material chosen, can also last 10-15 years or even longer.

Understanding Which Option is Right for You

Both dental crowns and dental veneers are excellent procedures for treating a variety of tooth issues. While crowns offer both practical and aesthetic advantages, veneers concentrate on improving the visual appearance of teeth. Veneers or crowns? That depends on your particular dental condition, your treatment objectives, and the advice of a trained dental specialist.

Overview of Dental Veneers vs. Crowns

	Dental Veneers	Dental Crowns
Purpose	Improves aesthetic appearance	Improves aesthetic appearance and restores structural support for teeth
Level of preparation	Requires a thin layer of enamel to be removed	Requires significant removal of enamel and dentin
Materials used	Porcelain or composite resin	Porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, metal, zirconia
Treatment duration	2-3 visits to the dentist	Two visits (can also be done on the same day)
Longevity	10 to 15 years	10 to 15 years, but can last longer with proper care

Take Your Smile to New Heights with Definitive Dental

Understanding the differences, benefits, and considerations of dental veneers and crowns is crucial for patients seeking to improve their smile and oral health. At Definitive Dental, we help you find the best way to improve your smile and oral health. 

If you’re trying to find the best option between dental veneers and crowns, schedule a consultation with us today. Learn about how these options can cater to your unique requirements and how you can get started.

Most dentists recommend that patients receive X-rays once per year — but, are they necessary?

The American Dental Association (ADA) does recommend updated X-rays at least once every twelve months, and many offices use modern technology that drastically reduces the amount of radiation patients are exposed to compared to the X-rays of several decades ago. Modern digital X-rays are safe for patients of all ages, and the consequences of not receiving an X-ray could lead to significant dental problems down the road. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Why Do Dentists Use X-Rays?

Even the most skilled dentists can’t see everything about your teeth just by looking. Tooth decay can develop under the surface, and many early alignment issues are harder to notice with the naked eye.

Nearly every oral disease is preventable when caught early. Dental X-rays are a diagnostic tool that helps dentists diagnose any potential oral health problems which are not immediately visible during a regular oral health examination. When a patient goes for a regular oral health check-up, a dentist may recommend getting a dental X-ray if they believe that there is an underlying issue, or simply to make sure that no new problems are developing.

Dental X-rays are safe and necessary if you are already suffering from a pre-existing oral health issue like cavities or tooth decay. For children and teenagers, dental X-rays are necessary to check the development of their teeth.

Problems That X-Rays Detect

Dental X-rays give a complete picture of the patient’s mouth and allow dentists to notice symptoms of many issues. Here are some of the most common:

• Tooth decay and cavities: Cavities most commonly develop in the places that are hard to brush, and these also happen to be the places that are hardest to see — like in between teeth or near the gumline. Dental X-rays can spot these cavities before they grow into something much larger. Tooth decay similarly can start developing underneath dental fillings, which can be impossible to detect without an X-ray. 
• Jaw alignment and bite problems: Many patients suffering from migraines or chewing problems suffer from improper jaw alignment. A dental X-ray can provide crucial information about the structure and alignment of the jaw, which can help experts understand where to make corrective measures. 
• Gum disease: Dental X-rays are necessary if your dentist believes that there is bone loss, which is often associated with gum disease. A dental X-ray can show any changes in the structure of a patient’s teeth.
• Oral infections: Changes in the root canal or an abscess are visible through dental X-rays, but they’re impossible to see otherwise. If a patient has recently undergone a root canal or any other procedure with a high chance of infection, a dentist can request a dental X-ray. 

If a patient is preparing for any dental procedure such as a tooth implant, dentures, or even braces, a dental X-ray is necessary to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly as planned. If your dentist sees something concerning during the preliminary dental X-ray, they may make alterations to your procedure to increase your chances of success.  

Types of Dental X-Rays

Two main types of dental X-rays are in use today: extraoral (outside the mouth) and intraoral (inside the mouth). Intraoral are the most common dental X-rays in Grand Prairie, and they provide comprehensive detail about the state of the patient’s teeth. They can enable a dentist to find cavities, check developing teeth, and monitor the development of growing teeth. 

Extraoral X-rays show the exterior components of the teeth, mainly focusing on the jaw and skull. This is another type of safe dental X-ray that is helpful when the development or structure of the jaw needs to be monitored. 

How Often Do Dental X-Rays Need To Be Scheduled?

Once you become aware of how dental X-rays are necessary for optimal oral health, you may also want to understand how frequently they should be done. Just like every patient’s oral health is subjective, the number of times they should undergo a dental X-ray can also vary. Your dental history and current oral health can play a huge role in how many dental X-rays a dentist may recommend. 

Even though the ADA recommends once every 12 months, realistically, those with no recent dental issues or infections may not need an X-ray every year. On the other hand, those suffering from an active condition, infection, or disease may need to get one every six months. If you are a new patient, your dentist may want you to take a dental X-ray to determine whether there are any pre-existing problems and monitor changes over the years using the initial X-ray. It can be recommended for patients of all ages, from children to adults without teeth. 

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Many people question the safety of dental X-rays, and while there is some radiation involved, it is far from being a harmful dose. Humans are naturally exposed to radiation in a lot of forms, whether it’s from the sun, home appliances, or cosmic rays. Comparatively, the dose of radiation that is emitted through dental X-rays is small. 

With advanced technology, the dangers that once came with dental X-rays are greatly reduced. If you are still concerned about the radiation exposure from dental X-rays, it can be worthwhile to speak with your dentist. However, most dentists will only recommend dental X-rays as a necessity to provide better services. 

Schedule Your Dental X-Ray in Grand Prairie with Definitive Dental

When you are looking to schedule a necessary but safe dental X-ray, Definitive Dental can help. Our state-of-the-art technology allows for digital X-rays, which greatly minimizes radiation exposure. Our dental X-rays only result in a minimal amount of radiation, similar to the radiation you would be exposed to during a 12-second phone call. We provide cosmetic dentistry and family dentistry as well to holistically meet your dental needs. 

With more than 400 5-star reviews and our friendly, caring staff, we are confident that we can cater to your needs. We are committed to an excellent patient experience, with a pain-free guarantee on all our procedures! 

Contact us today by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at (972) 646-0660. We are ready to take your smile to new heights, together!

Millions of people have their wisdom teeth removed each year, and it’s possible that a dentist just recommended this procedure to you or your child.

But is the removal of wisdom teeth medically necessary? And if so, when do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

It’s actually quite common for dental patients to have trouble with their wisdom teeth. Many dentists recommend that patients have their wisdom teeth pulled before their early 20s in order to avoid major oral health issues down the road.

Here’s why so many dentists want those wisdom teeth removed.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your mouth’s third molars, or the molars in the back of the mouth. These molars are the final set of your adult teeth to grow in. Wisdom teeth usually emerge between ages 17 and 25. The name wisdom teeth is a reference to the fact that they appear at a more mature age.

Why Do So Many Dentists Suggest Having Them Pulled Out?

Sometimes the removal of wisdom teeth is necessary to prevent oral health issues. Although not always the case, the late emergence of these teeth can cause damage to other teeth, alignment issues, or infection. So, when exactly do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

As a general rule of thumb, wisdom teeth do not require removal if they happen to be healthy, grown in fully, and positioned correctly. Even still, a dentist may suggest removal if he or she suspects that the wisdom teeth may lead to alignment problems later in life.

However, in many cases, removing the wisdom teeth is mandatory because these teeth lack the room they need to grow in correctly. For instance, they may begin to grow at a variety of angles in your jawbone, including horizontally. ​​

What Happens If You Don’t Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Let’s say that the removal of wisdom teeth is necessary in your case but you choose to keep these teeth in. Various issues may result over the next few decades.

First, your wisdom teeth might remain totally hidden in the gums. In this case, they can become impacted, or trapped, in the jaw. This may lead to an infection. Alternatively, it might result in a cyst, which may damage the roots of your other teeth, as well as your bone support.

Alternatively, your wisdom teeth might partially emerge through your gums. In this situation, the area may be difficult to see, which means that cleaning it properly might prove to be impossible. As a result, your third molars might become magnets for infection-causing and gum disease-causing bacteria.

Third, your wisdom teeth may end up crowding your nearby teeth if your mouth doesn’t have enough room for them. This might ultimately cause damage to your other teeth, affect your bite, and lead to pain.

What If You Just Wait a Few Years?

If you’re asking the question “When do wisdom teeth need to be removed,” note that some dentists say that the removal of wisdom teeth is necessary if these teeth have not fully emerged. In addition, many dental care providers recommend removing these molars at younger ages. That’s because it’s easier to remove these teeth before their roots and the bone surrounding them have fully formed. On top of this, younger people generally recover from surgery more quickly than older individuals do.

You should most definitely get your wisdom teeth removed if you begin to experience any of the following oral problems:

• Extensive decay of the wisdom teeth
• Gum disease
• Tumors
• Pain
• Constant soft tissue infections behind your bottom wisdom teeth

How a Dentist Can Help with Wisdom Tooth Removal

If your dentist determines that the removal of your wisdom teeth is necessary, you will undergo sedation with laughing gas or IV. Then, your dentist will numb the target areas and remove any tissue covering your teeth. Bone may also be removed if the teeth are impacted.

Next, your dentist will loosen the teeth to remove them. Finally, you will receive stitches in the surgical sites. Your dentist will then provide you with instructions for caring for the sites, such as not using a straw to drink beverages while you’re recovering (this can disrupt the blood clots that form at the sites during the healing process).

Remember, a few days of healing is easier than years of oral health complications.

Schedule an Appointment with the Experts at Definitive Dental Today

At Definitive Dental, we are ready to help you to eliminate your wisdom teeth issues if we determine that the removal of your wisdom teeth is necessary. Known for dentistry done right, we have earned hundreds of five-star reviews for effectively guiding patients to complete oral health and providing them with grade-A treatment. 

Call or text us at (972) 646-0660, or reach out to us through our contact form to request an appointment today!

Do you frequently have the urge to hide your mouth from others? Do you often feel embarrassed about your “hockey smile?” Don’t worry! If you’re looking at how to replace missing teeth, know that there are several high-quality options that can restore your beautiful smile. If your smile is suffering from missing teeth, find an option that caters to you and reclaims your confidence. 

The Reality of That “Hockey Smile”

If you or a loved one is missing a tooth or several, it’s okay! And you’re not alone. Dr. Guirguis estimates that one in every three people in the US is missing at least one tooth, and a quarter of those over 75 years of age have no teeth left at all. Besides the obvious concerns that come from having to live with holes in your smile, it’s important to realize that people without teeth live on average 10 years less. Many people suffer from a sagging face because of missing teeth, so you could even say that it affects more than just your smile. Other consequences or difficulties include problems with speech, eating, and even digestion.

It’s clear that this is a common problem, and luckily there are a variety of ways to replace missing teeth. Let’s explore some of the possibilities and when they work the best. 

Leave the Hole Empty

The first option when it comes to missing teeth is just to do nothing. Rather than finding some teeth covers or another similar solution to fill the empty gap, people can choose to leave the gap in their mouth empty. However, this method is not ideal for your oral health and can even impact your self-esteem. Even though you might be able to get by for a while by doing nothing, it can soon lead to other problems. 

Leaving that space in the mouth, especially over longer periods, causes teeth around the space to tip and shift. When teeth move around like this, it makes it increasingly likely for one missing tooth to become multiple missing teeth. Plus, having a missing tooth or two on one side of the mouth generally leads to chewing on the other side exclusively, causing accelerated wear and tear on that section as well. And, if that wasn’t enough, it can also change the profile of your face. Face sagging from missing teeth can also make you look older. Leaving the holes empty in the mouth is a bad idea, especially in the long term. 

A Single Missing Tooth: The Ideal Solution

So if you shouldn’t leave the gap empty, how should you replace missing teeth? It all depends on how many teeth need to be replaced. A single missing tooth would ideally be replaced with a dental implant. This is the closest replacement, both in appearance and feel, to a natural tooth. Plus, this option doesn’t affect the surrounding teeth in the way that some of the other options may. 

Unlike a bridge or a partial denture, dental implants are independent, which means that they don’t compromise surrounding teeth. Made of titanium, implants act as both the roots and crown of a natural tooth. Through the osseointegration process, an implant will integrate into the bone, eventually helping not just with the appearance but also in fulfilling the function of a natural tooth. 

How to Know if An Implant is Right for You

Because implants need solid and healthy bone structures in the mouth, they are not always possible as options for missing teeth. You will need a dentist’s approval to get an implant. Your dentist will be able to determine if an implant is right for you, as in most cases, it is considered the last option.

Here at Definitive Dental, this process is simple and effective for each of our patients. We create a customized plan to determine the optimal teeth covers for missing teeth in each person’s unique circumstances. With 3D scans, we carefully evaluate the height, width, and even the density of the hole in the mouth. From there, we can see if we would recommend an implant based on the bone structure and size of the hole in the mouth. You may be recommended another option if our dentist determines that an implant may not improve your oral health or smile.

Another Possibility: Getting A Bridge

If an implant doesn’t seem to be the best solution for the gap in your mouth, getting a bridge is another option for missing teeth. With a bridge, you get a permanent fixture that doesn’t necessarily require the adjacent teeth for support. This bridge is essentially three dental crowns put together with a false tooth fused in the middle. 

A bridge can be a good option if there is not enough bone for an implant, which can happen if a tooth has been missing for several years. In some cases, we can use two implants to connect a bridge, essentially replacing three. When you’re looking at how to replace missing teeth, there are other options that are removable, unlike a bridge. Our flexible solutions can create personalized smiles. 

Choosing a Partial Denture

A partial denture is also a great option, especially if the missing teeth are spread across both sides of the mouth. Partial dentures typically have a metal frame and clasps for strength but can also be made of flexible plastic. At Definitive Dental, we recommend using a metal frame, as they can be easily tightened or loosened. This feature allows more teeth to be easily added if more gaps occur. So adjustments can be made without having to remake the entire denture. 

For a single missing tooth, a small, one-tooth partial denture can be fitted. This is the least expensive option for missing teeth if you don’t mind having something that comes in and out of your mouth. Just be careful not to lose your partial denture or accidentally throw it away. It would be best to get a storage container for times when you’re not using it or when you’re taking it off for the day. 

Considering Complete Dentures for Multiple Missing Teeth

Finally, if you are missing all of your teeth in an arch, a complete denture is the option for missing teeth that will allow you to eat and smile. Most people are just fine with the complete upper denture, but a complete lower denture can take some getting used to and there will be an adjustment period. 

For that reason, we recommend an implant retained denture if a complete lower denture is needed. When you add implants to the denture, you gain a lot of stability. This option for missing teeth is supportive, making the transition easier than other types of dentures. This works so well that, in some cases, people do not ever need to remove the denture if it is supported by implants. While this option is, of course, more expensive, it may work better for your lifestyle and needs. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to thoroughly discuss this option and know if it will work for you.

Let Us Take Your Smile to New Heights

Don’t get overwhelmed with all the different options for missing teeth. When you’re determined to find out how to replace missing teeth, this can seem like a lot of information to process immediately. But, at Definitive Dental, we’re known for Dentistry Done Right. So we are here to help you understand which solution for missing teeth will be ideal for your oral health, lifestyle, and smile. With the right information, we can help you evaluate different options and how they will work for you. Personalized care from our dedicated dentistry team will help you build confidence in your smile and help you on your journey to better oral health.

Ready for the first step of loving your smile again? Schedule an appointment or reach out today to get started with your journey in evaluating and fixing your missing teeth. We’ll get back in touch soon to work on your personalized plan. Say goodbye to your face sagging from missing teeth. No need to hide your smile because of holes or gaps anymore! We can’t wait to help you Take Your Smile to New Heights.