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Have the years been unkind to your once vibrant smile, causing your teeth to fade and become discolored? You are in luck! With dental veneers you can create the smile you have always wanted. Masking mild to moderate tooth discolorations, correcting minor misalignments and rotation of anterior teeth, and re-shaping peg-shaped and undersized teeth are just a few improvements porcelain veneers can provide. If you have structural problems with a tooth or problems with multiple teeth, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers to mask dental flaws and improve the appearance of your smile. Factors that Affect the Color of Your Teeth Some people can be born with teeth that are more yellow than others, while others may have teeth that yellow with age. There are several factors that can affect the color of your smile. Surface stains and discoloration can be caused by the following: * Tobacco (smoked or chewed)
* Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
* Eating highly pigmented foods such as cherries and blueberries
* Accumulation of tartar deposits, which result from plaque that has hardened
Internal stains can be cause by:
* Treatment with the antibiotic tetracycline during the time when teeth are forming
* Yellowing or graying of the teeth as part of the aging process
* Trauma to the teeth that may result in the death of the tooth's nerve, giving the tooth a brown, gray or black color
* Ingesting too much fluoride when teeth are forming, which gives teeth a mottled look When Veneers are Appropriate Dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues including worn enamel, wear and tear, genetics and uneven teeth. Over time, the thin, hard, white substance covering your teeth called enamel, may become worn, dulled and discolored. This wear and discoloration may be a natural occurrence, or the result of a genetic predisposition. Worn enamel can also be the result of drinking soda, tea or coffee, as well as smoking and medication use. In addition, your teeth naturally wear down as you age, which are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance. Uneven teeth can also result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear. Dental veneers are appropriate for treating all of these dental problems for an improved appearance. As an alternative to whitening, veneers are made to match the color and shape of your tooth. Porcelain veneers are generally stronger, while composite veneers are less expensive. With porcelain veneers, your dentist takes an impression of the tooth and sends it to the dental lab for fabrication of the veneer, usually after the front of the tooth has been reduced. If you are interested in achieving the smile you've always dreamed of, ask your cosmetic dentist in Pittsburgh if veneers are an option for your dental blemishes. An experienced cosmetic dentist that understands the art and science of cosmetic dentistry can customize a solution that's right for you, your needs and your cosmetic goals.
Dr. John Sartorio, dentist in Pittsburgh, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1985. He has completed over 200 hours of continuing education at Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education and the Dawson Center for the Advancement of Dentistry, further proving his commitment to providing care for Pittsburgh implants, veneers and TMJ treatment.
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