Could You Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry?

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Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the brilliance of your smile. If your teeth have imperfections, such as discolorations, uneven spacing, or unsightly gaps, cosmetic dentistry can make them much less noticeable. The result is a dazzling smile you can’t wait to flash. Your dentist in West Salem, WI, can tell you more about the most common types of cosmetic dental procedures and whether they’re right for you.

What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Do for Me?

Through the science of cosmetic dentistry, you could walk away with the smile you’ve always wanted. For example, your cosmetic dentist can:

  • Straighten and realign your teeth
  • Replace teeth that are missing
  • Hide chips, cracks, and stains
  • Whiten and brighten your teeth
  • Hide gaps between teeth
  • Restore damaged gum tissue

If you feel you may benefit from one or more of these common cosmetic dental procedures, the first step is to get in touch with your dentist in West Salem to schedule a consultation and a diagnostic dental exam.

Why Choose a Cosmetic Dental Procedure?

Fixing your smile does much more than just correct dental problems. It can boost your self-esteem, too. It can restore function to your teeth, give you more self confidence, and make it much easier to make a great first impression. When you look good, you feel good. And that’s the overall goal of every cosmetic dental procedure. Of course, you may also experience a few side benefits, too, such as alleviation of toothaches, jaw fatigue, and bone loss. Simple cosmetic dental procedures can also help you avoid the need for more costly dental work in the future.

Where Can I Find a Cosmetic Dentist in West Salem?

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in West Salem, WI, call Allen Dental today. Allen Dental offers many conveniences for the comfort of our patients, including digital x-rays, an easy, online payment portal, and a well-stocked children’s area filled with toys and puzzles. Our clinicians are highly trained and experienced, and we offer a full line of services to care for all your family’s dental needs. Call today to schedule a convenient time to come in

Do Dental Implants Look Natural?

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You’re thinking about getting a dental implant, but you want it to look natural. You’re in luck! Dental implants are one of the most effective and attractive form of prosthetic teeth. Dental implants look so much like real teeth that no one will be able to tell your implants from your real teeth.

Rest assured, your dentist in West Salem WI will take steps to ensure that your implant looks natural. Here’s what you need to know.

Dental Implants Are Colored Like Natural Teeth

Your dentist will assess the color of your teeth before ordering your implants, and will find the closest color match to your teeth. This way, when your dentist orders the implants, they’ll be made from a material that is the same color as your natural teeth. This will make your dental implant indistinguishable from real teeth.

One thing to note is that dental implants can’t be whitened, so if you whiten your teeth, the implant will remain the original color. If you want your teeth to match perfectly, avoid getting them whitened.

How Dental Implants Are Made

To ensure that your dental implants will fit properly in your mouth and look like your other teeth, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth. This impression creates an exact model of the inside of your mouth, so the laboratory where the implants will be made can ensure that the implants will fit properly in the space provided.

Dental implants are made by experts who understand the shape and look of real teeth. This ensures that when they make implants for your mouth, they’ll look completely real!

Are you convinced that dental implants in West Salem WI are for you? If so, then make an appointment with your dental provider. Call Allen Dental to make an appointment.

Aren’t Veneers Only For Celebrities?

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If you think that dental veneers are only for celebrities, you’re not alone. Because people often don’t talk about getting veneers, there’s a wide misperception that this is a cosmetic dental treatment that is only for famous people.

The History of Dental Veneers

In past decades, the treatment for covering up teeth was commonly called caps. Because caps disguised imperfect teeth, many celebrities jumped on the trend. Everyone from newscasters to local businessmen to movie stars got caps on their teeth. Caps were very good for their time, but that treatment has since been replaced by dental veneers.

Dental Veneers Are Readily Available

Dental veneers in West Salem, WI are readily available, and you don’t have to be a celebrity or work in the public eye to get dental veneers. Dental veneers are not perceptible to others because they are so realistic looking. Because of their availability, affordability and authentic appearance, dental veneers are popular with “everyday” people just like you. In fact, it’s likely that someone you know has veneers and you don’t even realize it.

Why Get Dental Veneers?

There are many reasons why a person might benefit from getting dental veneers. The first is a situation where there are minor imperfections in the teeth. Dental veneers cover up these minor imperfections and make teeth appear natural and free from imperfections. If you have permanently stained teeth, dental veneers are a great solution, too. Finally, dental veneers can disguise gaps in the teeth due to teeth shifting as the years go on.

Dental Veneers Aren’t Just For Celebrities

Anyone who wants to improve their smile, have more confidence or just feel better about themselves can get dental veneers. Talk to your dentist about dental veneers in West Salem, WI. Your dentist will be able to answer all of your questions about this amazing dental treatment.

Are Veneers Worth the Price?

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Veneers can run more than a thousand per tooth, so it’s no wonder the sticker shock has people asking if they’re really worth it. Because they’re deemed a largely cosmetic procedure, insurance companies aren’t going to cover it either. We’ll look at the benefits of veneers, why they cost as much as they do, and why they may not be as cosmetic as you think.

Why Get Veneers?

Veneers are known for fixing everything from crooked to yellowing teeth. They’re not magic per se, but they can cover all kinds of imperfections while restoring your mouth at the same time.

Because veneers can correct for issues like gaps in the teeth, they can also make it easier to maintain your dental hygiene routines. For instance, it will be easier to brush and floss if you’re working with a full set of teeth. This is one benefit that most insurance companies don’t always acknowledge, but can be the key to staving off lasting oral damage.

What Happens When You Get Veneers?

Veneers are more than just putting a gloss over your teeth. The dentist will actually need to shave down part of the tooth and then cover it with a customized layer. If you’re looking for veneers in West Salem, WI, you should know that it will take more than one visit to get done.

Find a Dentist in West Salem

If you’re looking for a dentist in West Salem, WI, Allen Dental is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Our staff can evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for veneers or if there’s an even better (and more affordable option) for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a mega-watt grin.

5 Reasons to Choose Invisalign 

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Invisalign is a great choice for those who want straighter teeth without metal braces. Along with being convenient and comfortable, they’re nearly invisible, which means your teeth become straighter without the use of wires and brackets. There are many reasons to choose Invisalign, and your dentist in West Salem, WI, will be glad to discuss the advantages.

1. Invisalign Liners Are Easy to Remove

Invisalign liners include a series of hard plastic trays that slip over your teeth to straighten them over time. As long as you wear them for a required number of hours every day, you can take them on and off intermittently to eat, sleep, or brush.

2. There Are No Clunky Wires to Brush Around

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign use no wires or brackets. This means you can remove them for brushing, and there are no obstacles to clean under or around. Brushing your teeth is easy, and your risk of cavities is reduced.

3. Cleaning Your Invisalign Liners Is a Breeze

Invisalign liner trays are easy to clean with warm water and toothpaste. Simply take them off once or twice a day to clean your teeth, and clean your trays at the same time. No special products are required.

4. Invisalign Requires Fewer Visits to the Dentist

Unlike metal braces that require regular visits to your dentist for adjustments, Invisalign straightens teeth through a series of plastic trays. You’ll receive all your trays at the beginning of your treatment, and you’ll change them out periodically as teeth shift into position.

5. You Can Eat and Drink Whatever You Like

There are no special dietary requirements for patients who use Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Unlike metal braces that can be damaged by sticky foods or hard candies, Invisalign lets you eat and drink whatever you want, so long as you clean your teeth and trays well afterward.

For more information on Invisalign in West Salem, WI, call Allen Dental to schedule a consultation.

3 Reasons a Missing Tooth Can Be a Big Deal

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Oftentimes, when a patient gets a tooth extracted, they will simply leave that space in their smile open, but this may not be for the best when it comes to your oral health. Why should you consider looking into dental implants in West Salem, WI for just one or two missing teeth? Take a look at some of the detrimental ways a missing tooth can affect you and your smile.

Your Bite Can Shift and Change

Once a gap is opened up in a row of teeth, the body can try to make up for what is missing. The existing teeth may start to shift out of their usual place. Over time, this can create further gaps in your smile.

Surrounding Teeth Pick Up the Slack

The mouth may have a lot of parts and a lot of teeth, but all of those parts are meant to work together in unison. Much like a chain with a weak link, if you have one missing tooth, the rest of your teeth, and even the muscles in your jaws, can be forced to pick up the slack. Over time, this can cause undue stress and wear on surrounding teeth and even cause issues with jaw pain.

Speech Can Be Affected

Depending on where in your mouth the missing tooth was located, even the sound of your voice and how you speak could be affected by a lost tooth. For example, when you lose one of your front teeth, this can affect your ability to properly annunciate certain consonant sounds.

Work with a West Salem, WI Dentist for Help

Even though missing a single tooth may not seem like a big deal, one missing tooth can have an effect on your oral health. Talking to a West Salem dentist about implants may offer a host of advantages. Reach out to us at Allen Dental if you are missing a tooth and would like to discuss your options.

Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers

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When you want to improve the look and function of your teeth, dental restoration methods such as dental crowns and veneers may be two viable options. But if you’re like most people, you may think there is no difference in either option. If so, you’re wrong. To ensure you make an informed decision, here are the major differences between crowns and veneers, which you can discuss with your dentist in West Salem.

Thickness Variations

To begin with, there are thickness variations between dental crowns and veneers in West Salem. For example, a veneer is an extremely thin piece of porcelain that measures only about one millimeter thick, while a dental crown is about two millimeters thick.

Just the Front, or the Whole Tooth?

In addition to their thickness variations, there are differences regarding just how much of your tooth is covered by a crown or veneer. When you have veneers, they are bonded just to the front of your existing tooth. But with crowns in West Salem, they will cover your entire tooth.

Damaged Teeth vs. Healthy Teeth

When your West Salem dentist recommends a crown as your best restoration method, it is often because your tooth is extremely worn, cracked, or has a root canal or large filling. However, a veneer can be used when your tooth is for the most part intact, you need only minor shape corrections, and the restoration is being done only for cosmetic purposes.

Does One Cost More than the Other?

This is a hard question to answer, since dental costs can vary widely. Generally speaking, veneers cost less than dental crowns, especially if you opt for composite rather than porcelain veneers. However, be aware that composite veneers may only last five to seven years, so you may need to get them replaced somewhat frequently.

To learn whether dental crowns or veneers are right for you, visit your dentist in West Salem for a consultation.

Tooth Implantation Model

Veneers, or Crowns? Which One is Right For You?

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Veneers and crowns sound very similar, but they serve very different functions. If your teeth are very damaged – structurally or cosmetically – you may need one or the other. The more you know about crowns and veneers in West Salem, WI, the easier it will be for you to move forward with your dental treatment.

What Are Veneers?

A veneer is a false front that your dentist places on your tooth, to make that tooth look healthy. Veneers can be made from a composite resin material or from porcelain.

Either way, a veneer is wafer-thin and only covers the front of your tooth. Veneers give the appearance of a healthy tooth, but in reality, the original tooth is underneath the veneer and may look very different.

What Are Crowns?

A crown is a cap that is placed on a tooth to cover the tooth, including the front, back, top and sides. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, porcelain fused to metal and composite resin.

To install a crown, your dentist must grind down the tooth so that the crown will fit over the tooth. The crown is made from an impression of your tooth, so that it will fit over the original tooth like a cap.

Which One Is Right For You?

The best way to determine whether a crown or a veneer is right for you is to check with your dentist. At Allen Dental, we provide both crown and veneer services, and we can evaluate your teeth to ensure that you’re able to get the right dental tool for your teeth. Call your dentist in West Sale, WI to make an appointment.

What Are Veneers? An FAQ

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Dental veneers are an important tool in cosmetic dentistry. Well-installed dental veneers can change everything about the look of your teeth, whether they’re stained, crooked or otherwise damaged. While dental veneers are a very helpful option for the right patient, many people don’t know much about dental veneers, what they’re used for, and so on. Here’s what you need to know about dental veneers in West Salem, WI.

What Is a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin covering placed over the front of the tooth to provide the appearance that the tooth is healthy, white, straight, and so on. Dental veneers are not structural – they simply help dental patients with cosmetic challenges.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Veneers?

There are two different kinds of dental veneers: composite and porcelain. Porcelain is long-lasting and very durable but can be impossible to repair when damaged. The only way to fix a damaged porcelain veneer is to replace it.

Composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain veneers. However, they’re easier to fix and can often be repaired without replacing the veneer.

How Long to Dental Veneers Last?

Composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years, while porcelain veneers last between 10 and 15. How long your dental veneers will last depends on how well you take care of your teeth, eating habits and more.

Which Type of Dental Veneer is Right For Me?

Your dentist can help you decide whether composite or porcelain veneers are right for you. This will depend on the state of your teeth, your budget, and other factors. To find out about more about getting dental veneers, contact your dentist in West Salem. Call Allen Dental today to make an appointment and get started!

 

What Happens to Your Natural Teeth When You Get Veneers?

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 There’s a lot of information about dental veneers. Primarily, the information is about what kinds of veneers are available, how they are applied, how long they last, and the many benefits of veneers. But many people also want to know, what happens to your natural teeth when you get veneers?

Veneers in West Salem, WI

When you get veneers in West Salem, WI, the first thing that your dentist will do is to conduct a thorough exam of your natural teeth and gums. Veneers form a permanent “layer” over your natural teeth, so it’s important the veneers don’t cover certain problems such as exposed nerves or cavities. Any underlying issues will need to be addressed before you get veneers. In most cases, this is just a routine step that doesn’t delay your getting veneers by very long.

Preparing the Natural Teeth

Because veneers are permanent, the natural teeth must be prepared before the veneers are applied. Veneers are applied with a permanent kind of “cement” that adheres to the surface of the natural tooth. Although this dental adherent is very strong, it does better when the natural tooth’s surface is a little bit rough. For that reason, your natural teeth surface will be roughened up a bit. This just makes the adhesion stronger between the tooth and the veneer.

Another treatment that needs to be done is reshaping the natural tooth. In order to preserve the natural-looking profile of the final result, your natural teeth must be reshaped. This involves filing down the tooth so that the ends are narrowed. This ensures that the natural tooth doesn’t stand out from behind the veneer.

Because of the permanence of veneers, these are permanent changes to your natural teeth. While your natural teeth can always remain healthy, they must always be hidden behind the veneers. For more information about veneers, please contact our office.