porcelaidn dental veneers aspen co
Creating a full and beautiful smile is easy with the help of porcelain veneers. Veneers are one of the most tried and trusted cosmetic options and has been for years. Veneers are easy to place, normally requiring little to no anesthetic. They are relatively long-lasting, with most porcelain veneers staying in place for about a decade. The veneer procedure involves matching your current restorations with your existing dentition for a bright, flawless appearance.

Can Porcelain Veneers Be Whitened?

You may already have veneers or are looking to get them placed but want to know if they can be whitened. Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened with whitening products or treatments. They remain the color they were when first created for you. In order to whiten your veneers, they will need to be fully replaced with veneers that are of a lighter shade. While some whitening treatments and products promise to whiten dental restorations, the vast majority of restorations will not change color during or after using the product. The beauty about veneers not changing color is that you can rest assured they won’t stain or discolor. You can always benefit from veneers that are the same color they were when they were first placed.

Best Options for Veneer Patients

If you’re unhappy with the color of your veneers, the best option is to have them replaced. Your doctor may recommend whitening your natural teeth prior to the veneer procedure so that your new whiter veneers match your brighter smile. You may need to whiten your natural teeth regularly to keep them bright, white and matching the veneers that have been placed. Because the veneer procedure is so easy and quick, it takes very little time to replace them. In fact, it’s recommended that you have your veneers replaced every 10 years, so if your veneers are over a decade old, you may want to consider having them replaced regardless of their color.

In order to be fully satisfied with your new veneers, it’s important to choose a color that works for your smile. Whitening your natural teeth can help in creating a flawless and natural look so that it’s less obvious that you’re wearing veneers. While veneers may not be able to be whitened, they can’t stain or discolor either. This ensures that you can always feel confident in wearing your veneers and showing off a bright, full and flawless smile.

invisalign aspen colorado

If you have crooked, crowded or unevenly spaced teeth, you may be considering orthodontic treatment to correct these problems and finally feel confident in your smile. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens anymore, since many adults are choosing care to improve their appearance. While traditional braces are still very popular among orthodontic patients, Invisalign has become a go-to choice for lots of people. These clear aligner trays are ideal for patients who want the benefits of orthodontic treatment without the metal wiring and brackets often involved.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligner trays that are worn over the teeth. They can be removed to brush your teeth and floss, but they should ideally be worn for about 22 hours each day. These clear aligner trays are virtually invisible to the naked eye, so most people won’t even be able to tell that you’re wearing Invisalign. Because of how effective Invisalign is and how discreet your treatment can be, many patients have gone with Invisalign over traditional braces since the system was introduced many years ago. There are many other brands of clear aligners, but Invisalign is still one of the most popular brands currently available.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Like traditional braces, the Invisalign trays work by forcing gentle pressure onto the teeth. This pushes them into place to correct crowding and crookedness as well as spacing issues. In order for Invisalign to work effectively, they should be worn for as long as possible both day and night. Most patients will wear their Invisalign trays for anywhere from a year to about two years. During treatment, you’ll have routine orthodontic appointments so that new trays can be made as your teeth begin to shift into place. Prior to beginning treatment, a comprehensive care plan is created just for you and your smile.

Optimizing Results with Invisalign

Invisalign is only effective when the clear aligner trays are actually worn. Ideally, they should be worn for about 22 hours each day and only removed to brush and floss your teeth. It is important that you keep up with your orthodontic appointments, since new trays will be made for you during the course of your treatment and are an integral part of correcting problems concerning dentition. Invisalign is an easy and highly effective way to improve the look of your smile without the use of bulky metal brackets and wires.

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inserting invisalingn

While traditional braces still have a time and place for some patients, many people are flocking to Invisalign as a way to correct problems with dentition. If your teeth are crowded, crooked, unevenly spaced or if you have malocclusion problems, the Invisalign system can effectively help in improving your smile as well as your confidence. When deciding between traditional metal braces and Invisalign, there are some clear differences that need to be taken into consideration before going with the treatment that is right for you.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Unlike traditional braces that use brackets and wires to shift teeth into more uniform alignment, Invisalign uses a series of clear trays, known as aligners. These aligners are worn for about 22 hours every day and work by gently forcing pressure onto the teeth so that they shift easily and smoothly into place. Your treatment is monitored at all times and most patients will need to come into the office every few weeks to have new Invisalign aligner trays made for them as treatment continues to progress.

Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?
Patients who are wearing braces or who will be wearing braces want to know which option is faster and easier for them. Invisalign tends to work more quickly than traditional braces because of the frequent visits to the dental office and the different trays that you’ll wear over the course of treatment. Most patients will wear Invisalign for anywhere from 12 to 18 months. However, certain factors can contribute to how long you’ll be wearing your Invisalign. If you fail to keep your trays in for 22 hours a day or if you continually miss orthodontic appointments, treatment may be delayed and take longer than it should. Keep in mind that all patients have varying needs concerning their smiles, so treatment may be shorter or longer for you.

Improving Your Results with Invisalign
To improve your results with Invisalign and to prevent the need to wear the aligners for longer than is necessary, it is crucial that you wear the Invisalign for about 22 hours a day. You should only remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth. Keep up with your orthodontic appointments so that new trays can be made for you throughout the course of treatment. With dedicated wear and by visiting the dental office regularly, you can be out of your Invisalign and enjoying your new, straight smile in no time.

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dental crowns aspen co

A crown is a cover that is placed over a tooth. The crown helps to save and restore a damaged tooth to its normal shape and size. The procedure allows patients to be able to use their tooth again without damaging what is underneath it. Crowns can help make teeth stronger and look like natural teeth. Crowns are permanently cemented on the damaged tooth, and are one of the most common dental restoration procedures performed.

Dental Crowns are used for the following:

  • A cracked, weakened, or damaged tooth.
  • Root canal treatment was done, and you now need a crown.
  • Tooth is discolored, stained, or misshaped.

Many patients wonder how long crowns will last if they have been recommended to get a crown. Crowns last on average between 5 and 15 years. This depends on the amount of wear and tear on the crown, and if the patient practices good oral hygiene. If crowns are taken care of properly it is common for them to last between 25-30 years.

Patients can extend the life of a crown by not clenching their teeth, following good oral hygiene habits, and not biting down hard on food or objects that may cause damage to the crown.

We recommend routine dental exams and cleanings to ensure your crown looks healthy in your mouth. If at any time you notice a chip or crack in the crown, contact our office and we will take a look to determine if the crown needs replacement. If not treated, cavities can develop underneath crowns, so it is important to contact our office right away if you feel the crown has an issue.

Crowns can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. To find out more about our crown procedures, please contact us today to schedule your appointment.