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Dental veneers are an element of cosmetic dentistry utilizing customized shells of porcelain or resin composite material. They cover existing teeth and are usually color-matched to the patient’s other teeth.

Usually an irreversible process, veneer application requires permanent removal of some enamel from the patient’s original tooth to accommodate the veneer.

Dental veneers regularly are applied to correct tooth discoloration – either from injury, medication or staining – chipped or worn teeth, gaps or irregularly shaped teeth.

Dental veneers are considered a stronger, more natural looking alternative to bonding, and porcelain jackets tend to be stain resistant while being much better tolerated by gum tissue.

Veneers are not the best option for decayed teeth or diseased gum areas. They are a cosmetic dentistry option to improve the appearance of your smile.

The cost of dental veneers can vary from $500 to $1300 per tooth, with usually three separate office visits. During that time, your teeth will be prepared for the veneer by having the enamel removed, molds taken and the actual veneers custom manufactured at a dental laboratory. Your final visit will involve placement, color matching and cementing of the veneer to your original tooth.

Veneers can be expected to last from five to ten years.

Introduction

Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease classified as periodontal disease. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal diseases are caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, creating toxins that attack the gums. These gum diseases infect the supporting tissues of the teeth in the v-shaped crevice between tooth and gums known as the sulcus.

Gingivitis is considered a mild, early stage of periodontal disease, indicated by red, swollen gums that can bleed easily. Good dental hygiene consisting of daily brushing and flossing should eliminate the infection at this stage.

In more advanced stages of periodontal disease, the sulcus can develop into a pocket so deep the tooth is no longer supported and can loosen, fall out, or must be removed by a dentist.

Risk Factors

A number of risk factors increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. These include:

• Certain types of medications and medical treatments
  These can include steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives. Some medications reduce the production of saliva which can affect gum tissue health. Others can stimulate abnormal gum tissue growth.
• Diabetes or other systemic diseases
  Cancer and HIV compromise the immune system, making the gums more vulnerable to infection. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar, which raises infection risk.
• Ill-fitting bridges
  Bridges that do not fit properly can hide food particles from proper cleansing, thereby encouraging the growth of plaque.
• Fillings that have become defective
  Defective fillings may trap bacteria and plaque, increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease.
• Pregnancy and other hormonal changes
  Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation all make the gums more sensitive.
• Tobacco smoking or chewing
  These products present an obstacle to the gum tissue’s ability to repair itself.
• Poor dental hygiene
  Failure to brush and floss regularly will allow plaque to develop.
  

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Warning signs of gingivitis include:

• Bleeding gums during teeth brushing
• Irritated gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

Often gingivitis sufferers have no symptoms. Regular visits to your dentist can assure early detection and prevention.

Detection, Treatment and Prevention

Early detection of gingivitis is the best non-surgical way to reverse the disease. In an office visit, your dentist will examine:

• Your gums for pockets between the gums and teeth
• Your teeth for looseness or sensitivity
• Your bite for changes in alignment
• Your jaw (using x-rays) to determine if the bone has deteriorated in any way.

Gum disease often can be reversed by twice-daily brushing and flossing. Food particles trapped between teeth and under gums will create plaque in hard to reach places. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss or interdental cleaners, and toothpastes and oral rinses with fluoride will help to strengthen teeth and prevent decay.

Eating a balanced diet with limited between-meal snacks will also help to reduce the risk of gingivitis. Choose foods from the basic food groups: grains and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry and fish, and dairy products.

Depending on the severity of the gum disease, treatments can vary from non-surgical bacterial-limiting therapies to surgeries that repair supporting tissues.

Finally, scheduling regular check ups with your dentist for professional cleanings and exams is an essential element of an effective dental hygiene regimen to avoid gum disease. Maintaining this regimen will ensure healthy – and long lasting – teeth and gums.

Dental flossing is an ADA recommended dental hygiene technique for removing bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Dental floss is used to clean between the teeth and gums where other implements cannot reach.

Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums after eating. This bacterial film contains acids that degrade tooth enamel. Over time plaque can harden into calculus or tartar, substances that become much more difficult to remove and can cause gum recession, gum disease or even loss of teeth. Daily removal of plaque by flossing between teeth and at the gum line protects your teeth and gums from decay and disease.

How to Properly Floss

1. Using approximately 18 inches of dental floss, wrap one end around your middle finger and the remaining floss around the other middle finger.
2. Gently insert the dental floss between your teeth, rubbing along the length of the tooth.
3. At the gum line, gently guide the dental floss into the space between your tooth and gum, holding the dental floss against the tooth. Move the dental floss away from the gum line with an up and down motion.
4. Remember to floss the back side of the teeth furthest back in your mouth.

Fighting Plaque

In addition to flossing your teeth, plaque and gum disease can be kept away by other good dental hygiene practices, such as:

• Using fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses
• Brushing twice-daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Eating a balanced diet with limited snacks
• Regular dental visits and cleanings

Other types of inter-dental cleaners, such as small brushes, toothpicks or dental floss holders can be effective for removing plaque. Your dentist can advise you as to the best way to use them properly without damaging gum tissue.

Good dental hygiene techniques, including daily flossing, can improve your smile and strengthen your teeth for a lifetime.

Teeth whitening is a method of cosmetic dentistry designed to whiten, lighten or restore natural color to a tooth or teeth. Causes of discoloration often dictate how well the teeth take to different whitening processes, so consultation with a dentist is recommended.

The major types of teeth whitening include:

• Bondings
• Veneers
• In-office bleaching
• At-home bleaching
• Whitening toothpastes

Bondings and veneers are cosmetic dentistry applications that cover the existing tooth with a resin composite or porcelain covering to improve the appearance – or sometimes function – of the teeth. A dentist takes molds of the teeth for a dental lab to custom manufacture veneers. Resin bondings are created and applied in the dentist’s office with no need for outsourcing.

In-office bleaching involves a dentist-applied teeth whitening agent which is generally activated by a special light or laser to whiten the teeth enamel over the course of several visits.

At-home bleaching utilizes either dentist-obtained or over-the-counter teeth whitening products, usually containing peroxides administered with a dental tray worn over the teeth, that require a one to two week regimen to complete.

Whitening toothpastes go a step further than standard toothpastes in that they contain special chemical or polishing agents to aid in the removal of surface staining of the tooth enamel. They do not alter the deeper, intrinsic color of the tooth.

If you’re reading this now, it’s likely that you haven’t yet decided on which dental care option is best for you. Consulting with a licensed insurance broker can guide you through the maze of dental care choices and help you find the coverage to meet your goals at a price that falls within your budget. If you are unfamiliar with some or all of the types of dental products, a licensed insurance broker can explain the pros and cons of each and make a recommendation as to which type might best suit your needs. A licensed insurance broker can play a key role in helping you negotiate the maze of dental care options. Expert product knowledge and choice uniquely qualify licensed insurance brokers to provide you with detailed descriptions of product types and the different levels of benefits and risk that each offers.

Selecting an Appropriate Plan Deciding on whether to purchase dental coverage and selecting from countless regional and national dental plans can seem like a daunting task. Whether you are considering small business, group, individual or family dental insurance, the information that follows can help guide you through the decisions. This article offers an overview of why dental insurance is important and cost effective and explains the different types of dental plans, including direct reimbursement, indemnity, preferred provider organization (PPO) , dental health maintenance organization (DMHO) , discount/referral or reduced fee for services (RFFS) and point of service (POS) plans.

The easiest and least costly route to good oral health is often the most overlooked. Brushing and flossing require just a few minutes of each day, yet few of us take the time to establish healthy oral hygiene habits. This article answers the questions of how often you should brush and floss, which teeth you should floss and what benefits you will gain by adopting a steady routine for you and your entire family.

Dentists concur that it’s never too early to begin an oral hygiene regimen for your children. This article explains how to care for a baby’s gums, even before the first tooth appears. Other tips include how to brush a very young child’s teeth, what type of brush to use, when to replace a brush and how long you should monitor your child’s tooth brushing process. The article also explains why bedtime is the most important time for your children to brush and when they should begin flossing.

Do you avoid seeing a dentist even when you have dental insurance to cover the cost? If you are apprehensive or even phobic about dentists, the information presented in this article may help you. An important step toward conquering your fear is to educate yourself on the many options available today that help allay dental anxiety. This article points out what attributes to look for in a good dentist and provides tips on how to find one. You’ll also learn about the importance of the patient/dentist relationship and how communication and building trust can eliminate much of the anxiety.

Has your dentist recommended braces? Perhaps you’re unhappy with your smile or are experiencing jaw pain. Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth and jaws to improve your oral health and the cosmetic appearance of your teeth and face, and braces are the main gear dental professionals employ to achieve this goal. This article explains which patients can benefit, the optimum patient age and the different types of braces available today, including metal versus plastic and invisible “lingual” versus standard wrap-around bands. You’ll also learn about length of treatment, what to expect on each visit and what changes, if any, you will need to make to your diet and oral hygiene habits while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Most visits to the dentist are for routine care, but in emergency situations, seeking immediate care may be the most important dental visit you’ll ever make. The following article discusses the many dental emergencies that might occur and the steps you should take to minimize pain and damage. Emergencies that are specifically addressed include teeth that are knocked out (evulsed), forced out of position (extruded), or broken (fractured). Other emergencies include cuts to lips, gums or cheeks. This article points out emergencies that require immediate dental care within 30 minutes and provides guidelines for those that should be referred to a hospital emergency room.

Recent studies show that more than 90 percent of the adult U.S. population—literally millions of people—suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Are you one of them? Periodontal diseases affect the tissues that support and anchor the teeth, and left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The article below describes types of periodontal diseases, their signs and risk factors. Also described is the role of the periodontist, a dentist who specializes in periodontal disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and what you can expect when you visit a periodontist.

Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured soft cores, or pulp, were removed. But today, root canal treatment provides dentists a safe way of saving teeth. The following article presents detailed graphics and explanations of this treatment, including a definition of dental pulp, what happens when the pulp is injured, and the why the pulp should be removed. Root canal treatment is performed by a general dentist or an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp. A definition of abscess, its causes and treatment are also included. You’ll also learn about preparation for the treatment, temporary fillings, permanent crowns and how long you can expect your restored tooth to last.

A Consumer's Guide To Dental Insurance Consumers searching for individual, family, group or small business dental insurance can choose from a broad range of regional and national dental plans that accommodate a variety of needs and expectations. The following article begins with a brief overview of the fundamental differences between medical and dental insurance and the role dental coverage plays in maintaining your overall health and well-being. The article then presents information that helps you make an informed decision when selecting a dental plan and also provides tips for maximizing use of the plan’s benefits.

What looks like a bargain today may not be a good buy in the long run. While your out-of-pocket costs are, of course, an important part of your decision-making process when choosing a dental plan, they are not the only criteria to use when evaluating your options. Your primary focus should be to determine whether the coverage will satisfy your dental care needs. Consider the following:

Whiter teeth and a brighter smile are easier to obtain than many might think. While some dental insurance plans provide benefits for a portion of the cost to whiten teeth, you’ll find the increased self-confidence is worth the cost, even if your dental plan doesn’t cover it. The following article explains one dentist’s method of correcting tooth discoloration due to aging, consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas and tobacco, trauma, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, nerve degeneration and old restorations.

By the time we reach our late teens and early twenties, many of us are urged by our dentists to have one or more of our wisdom teeth removed. The article below provides a brief history of why humans develop wisdom teeth when there is no room in the mouth to accommodate them and explains why dentists recommend removal even when your wisdom teeth don’t seem to be giving you a problem. You’ll learn about the primary reasons for removing the teeth, including potential infections, damage to adjacent teeth and pain.

If you are a denture wearer, you may think it’s not necessary to visit your dentist as often as you used to, or even at all. The following article explains why it is important for denture wearers to maintain a good regime of oral care, which includes routine visits to a dentist for cleanings and checkups. The article also discusses why dentures should be cleaned daily and provides guidelines on how to safely clean them, such as rinsing and brushing the denture after each meal and before bed, avoiding scouring powders and abrasive cleaners, using chemical immersions and having the dentures ultrasonically cleaned by your dentist at each visit.

Group Plan: An employer group purchases and maintains insurance coverage for its employees. Premiums are paid by the employer and may require the employee to partially or fully pay for coverage with pre-tax income deductions. The employer may customize the plan with the insurance company with regard to benefits, employee deductibles/co-pays, covered treatment, and annual maximums. Private employer-sponsored group benefit plans are regulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), under the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.

Does the sound of a dentist's drill set your teeth on edge? Consider how much greater your anxiety would be if you had no dental insurance. Forty-six percent of the population doesn't, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. Individual coverage is available, but finding the right policy can take a little digging. And, like the group coverage offered through employers, it doesn't always pay for everything. Some dental insurance professionals believe that individual policies are more expensive and in some cases less comprehensive than you might get with a group plan.