A Painless Alternative to Porcelain Veneers

If you have been considering porcelain veneers, but have been a bit reluctant because traditional porcelain veneers require some removal of your tooth’s enamel, talk to your dentist about Lumineers. Traditional porcelain veneers are permanent and cannot be removed. However, Lumineers are completely reversible.

Lumineers are thin pieces of porcelain that your dentist places on top of your teeth for a naturally beautiful smile. Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens and require no shaving or grinding of the natural tooth. In fact, Lumineers are so thin that your dentist can place them over your bridges and crowns without having to replace your old restorations.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist for Lumineers, a thorough examination will be conducted to find out if you are a good fit. If you are free from gum disease and tooth decay, and your teeth are sound enough for Lumineers, your dentist will take x-rays and pictures before making an impression of both your lower and upper teeth. Once the impression has been made, your dentist will send it off to the Lumineers lab along with your dental records, photos, and x-rays to ensure the best possible fit. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, there will be no shots, extensive drilling, or unsightly and uncomfortable temporary acrylic veneers.  

When your new Lumineers are ready, your dentist will make sure that each Lumineers fits perfectly before etching and bonding into place. Once placed, your dentist will make sure that your bite is balanced to avoid chipping.

Because traditional porcelain veneers are much thicker, your dentist must take a more aggressive approach when it comes to application. That aggressive approach means more removal of the natural structure of your tooth, which will require anesthetic and shots to minimize the pain and sensitivity. Because Lumineers are so thin, you will not have to deal with such aggressive steps for a beautiful new smile.

Gentle Touch Family Dentistry is a certified Lumineers provider who can give you the smile you have been dreaming about in as little as two appointments.

Call your Farmington Hills Dentist and schedule a no obligation Lumineers consultation today. A beautiful smile really is just a couple of dental appointments away. Call or click now. 

Raisins May Help your Teeth and Gums

Everyone knows that dried fruit can cause problems for your teeth; in fact, it wasn’t long ago that dentists, along with the rest of the public, believed that raisins promoted tooth decay. However, recent studies have indicated that raisins may actually be good for your pearly whites while helping to fight tooth decay.

The research that was conducted at the University of Illinois in Chicago discovered that there were certain chemicals in raisins that helped suppress oral bacteria growth associated with tooth decay and gum disease. You heard that right, according to researchers, raisins could even help prevent gum disease.

Sticky and sweet foods, such as apricots, figs, mangos, pineapples and other dried fruit are known to lead to dental caries and tooth decay as the bacteria that lives in our mouth thrives on any food that is left on your teeth. Sticky and sweet foods actually produce acid eating away the enamel on your teeth. Over time, that acid will eventually destroy the enamel causing tooth decay.

Raisins are sweet and sticky, but because they mainly contain glucose and fructose types of sugar, not sucrose, which your dentist will tell you are one of the main culprits of oral diseases caused by sugar, they are not as bad.

The studies have dispelled the myth that all sticky and sweet foods are bad for your teeth, in fact, some researchers believe that raisins may actually act like a teeth cleaner just like bananas and apples do. The same study determined that raisins are able to protect your teeth because they reduce acidic exposure.

Although raisins are better for your teeth than other types of dried fruit it is important to remember that any food particles that remain on your teeth will eventually cause tooth decay.

Your dentist recommends that you brush twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste and that you floss once a day as well. Other good oral health habits include a mouthwash recommended by the American Dental Association, and a good healthy diet that is loaded with fruits and vegetables. Regular checkups with your dentist along with twice-yearly professional cleanings should also be part of your oral health routine.   

If you would like more information regarding foods that are good for your teeth and good oral health habits, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.