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Currently, resin or porcelain veneers have been much sought after by people who dream of making their smiles whiter and more harmonious. Far beyond dental aesthetics, veneers often return self-esteem and security to those who are dissatisfied with the shape of natural teeth. When made with a good professional, the veneers are well attached and secure, with a durability of 25 years or more. however, it can go beyond that. But, for you to have the expected result, it is very important to know the differences between the materials. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, and these criteria need to be evaluated by you to define the best option for your needs.

Next, you will be able to compare these two models and see which one is the most suitable for you. Read on!

RESIN OR PORCELAIN VENEERS – WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES DURABILITY

At this point, porcelain veneers have the upper hand. Very resistant, they can reduce the risk of infiltration by cavities and last longer: while resin ones last up to 8-10 years, porcelain ones can last more than 25. In the long term, porcelain is more resistant in terms of maintaining its shape, which is what gives the tooth its esthetics. That is, if it is properly cared for, it is unlikely to be chipped or worn out. The resin veneers in turn, can suffer these interferences more easily.

COST BENEFIT

Resin veneers come out ahead when it comes to treatment value. If the dentist, after evaluating the case, allows the choice of resin or porcelain, the
price of the first option will certainly be an important factor in the decision.
However, it is worth remembering that, in cases where porcelain is recommended by the professional, it is not recommended that the resin
replace it. The dentist is able to carry out a thorough evaluation and know which materials are ideal for the needs of each case. The costeffectiveness of porcelain, in cases where only porcelain is indicated, is better than that of resin, which can be more affordable, but, on the other hand, it may require frequent changes that do not make up for its cost in the end.

FAST PLACEMENT

Making the tooth more aesthetic with the resin is faster than placing the porcelain veneer. Some alterations, such as closure of small spaces, cases
of teeth with more than half of them compromised by yellowing in  estorations, and esthetic emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, can be quickly resolved with resin. Porcelain, on the other hand, takes longer to prepare, solving more complex issues, such as very large spaces between  eeth, shape corrections, such as very small teeth that need to be aligned with each other, color matching and even recoveries from damage caused by bruxism , when the patient grinds teeth, which are naturally worn over time due to direct and constant contact.

RESISTANCE TO COLOR CHANGE

In this topic, porcelain has an advantage, as the resin tends to turn yellow over the years. So, it is necessary to replace it so that it becomes harmonious with the color of the other teeth. Foods and beverages, such as wines, pigmented sauces, and coffee, can help speed up the resin’s
yellowing process. But the frequent use of a soft brush for cleaning can prolong the white effect of the resin, however. In other superficial cases, the dentist can remove the yellowing from the resin with a light polish, slowing down the process. Porcelain, on the other hand, has much lower yellowing rates, as it is a more resistant material and does not allow food pigment to penetrate its pores intensely.  Shine is one of the most striking things when it comes to the aesthetics of the smile. If the facets are opaque, the feeling is that the smile is lifeless and they end up clashing with the rest of the teeth,
which are naturally shiny. Resin veneers dull more quickly as they are more
susceptible to contact with food chemicals that can accelerate the loss of shine. In addition, they also suffer from the action of friction caused by
the toothbrush. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are more resistant and do not change after contact with food or brush bristles. For those who want to put this type of veneer and not have problems with this issue in the long term, porcelain is the most suitable material.

AESTHETICS

As porcelain is a more noble material and its properties are very similar to the aesthetics of natural teeth, it is clear that this material comes out ahead when it comes to the final result. When placed in the light, for example, it is clear to see that the results with porcelain veneers are more natural. However, resin has evolved a lot, achieving, in some cases, aesthetic results very similar to those of porcelain.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD PROFESSIONAL IN APPLICATION OF FACETS

Whether resin veneers or porcelain, the choice of the professional to be evaluated is essential for the success of this type of procedure. The dentist will analyze each case, check the condition of the patient’s teeth and their situation and hygiene habits, in order to reach a conclusion on what would be suitable for the specific person. An ethical professional who has sufficient technical skill to assess the patient’s situation and give the possible options for your case makes all the difference in the final result and also over the years, when you will be able to check the quality and durability of the procedure performed . The choice for resin or porcelain veneers will depend on a conversation with your dentist. So, invest in a trusted professional to have security and good results, always keeping your oral health first!

Do you know what gingivitis is? Well, this is one of the most common oral diseases, and the best way to prevent it is to maintain good oral hygiene. Maintaining good cleaning habits helps keep teeth and gums healthy and beautiful.

The disease itself is not serious, but if not treated early it can cause serious damage to oral health.

In this post, I will explain what gingivitis is, causes, symptoms and forms of treatment.

Understand what gingivitis is:

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of food waste. Some of the most common symptoms are: redness and swelling in the tissues, bleeding when brushing your teeth, and bad breath.

It is also normal for the gums to be retracted. When this factor occurs, the teeth look bigger.

Know the causes of gingivitis:

Without proper oral hygiene, food residues remain in the mouth, forming a layer of bacteria, which is the bacterial plaque. Microorganisms then attack the gums, causing inflammation.

In addition, some factors contribute to increasing the risk of developing gingivitis. They are:

smoking;
being overweight;
diabetes;
gestation;
contraceptive drugs;
deficient immune system;
menopause;
vitamin deficiency;
excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Now that you know what gingivitis is and its causes, it’s time to learn how to prevent it. Rule number 1 is to maintain good oral hygiene. Then, at the end of each meal, brush your teeth thoroughly and floss at least once a day.

However, it is important to have a brush with soft bristles so as not to hurt your gums and promote efficient cleaning.

In addition, using a dental rinse recommended by your dentist also helps to eliminate the bacteria that cause gingivitis and keep your breath fresh.

Know the ways to treat gingivitis

In many cases, a good brushing and flossing are enough to solve the problem. However, only when gingivitis is at an early stage. When the disease is at a more advanced stage, it is necessary to make an appointment with the dentist.

When the disease gets worse, it is normal for the patient to have difficulties in brushing their teeth, as the bleeding is more intense and they may feel pain.

The treatment consists of a deep cleansing. The professional uses specific instruments to remove the accumulated bacterial plaque and tartar, which are the causes of gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not properly treated, it progresses and evolves into periodontitis — a serious disease that destroys the tissues and ligaments that support teeth.

In addition to causing tooth loss, periodontitis also causes other health problems. This is because the bacteria present in the gums can fall into the bloodstream, causing comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease.

In pregnant women, there is a risk of premature birth and underweight babies.

Now that you know what gingivitis is, be smart and don’t neglect your oral health. And don’t forget, it’s important to go to the dentist every 6 months and always carry out dental prophylaxis, to prevent the disease and maintain oral hygiene.

Due to the latest world health crises regarding Covid-19 and its repercussions there has been an increased Public awareness regarding healthy living and all matters health in general. The healthier and stronger we are as human beings the better our bodies will resist viral, bacterial and fungal Infections.

This is an opportune moment to increase public awareness about the relation of oral health and systemic health and how the two are inseparable. Because the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and an integral part of the body.
There is abundant evidence in scientific literature about how poor oral health may cause severe health problems which can be debilitating and even fatal.

The following are some examples of how disease may spread from the mouth to the body. Abundant cases have linked the increased chance of heart attacks or strokes in people who have lots of tartar on the teeth because of not having a regular dental cleaning, or due to poor oral hygiene, not knowing how to floss and brush properly.

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease can be responsible for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease such as Endocarditis and most recently scientists have found a link between patients who have Alzheimer’s disease and gum disease. The same bacteria that has been found in patients with gum disease has been identified in the brains of patients with Alzheimers.

Another serious threat that chronic infections of the mouth may cause is Bacteremia or Sepsis which may be fatal in some cases. There have been innumerable cases of people suffering from bacteremia whose origin has not been identified by doctors treating these patients. If physicians focus more checking the oral health of these patients there will certainly be various cases linking patients with oral disease processes such as gum disease, chronic local infections around teeth needing root canal therapies or oral cancer lesions which are easy to go undetected, especially if people are not going for routine dental Check ups or dentists are not performing a careful oral exam during these six month checkups.

Our responsibility as dentists and health care providers is to educate and inform the public to take better care of their oral health to reduce the cases of morbidity and mortalities originating from the mouth.

In general most doctors and people are less focused on the possibility of systemic diseases originating from the mouth. Instead the focus is more on the cause of these body diseases starting from other causes and sources.

The health of our immune system is directly related to our oral and corporal health. Once people understand this and take preventive measures to maintain a better overall health this will reduce the risks and incidences of bacterial, viral and fungal Infections.

By going for routine annual or biannual dental and medical Checkups the overall health of our society will improve. In effect we will be protecting ourselves better from Covid-19 and many other diseases including autoimmune diseases as well as the above mentioned.

The basic pillars of health and well being include regular exercise, a healthy diet, meditation and good sleep habits.

This is the reason why countries like Sweden whose population have a better overall health compared to other countries like the U.S or Brasil have had far less fatalities from the Covid-19 crisis.

As a people we have to learn from each other and share our knowledge to improve our global health and well being.

Dental implants can be used in many different situations. They are used to replace teeth that may have been lost, whether due to large carious lesions (cavities), failed root canal treatment,  trauma or accident,  etc….

Dental implant treatments are one of the most effective  methods for those who want to recuperate their oral and systemic health and  have a beautiful smile.

A Beautiful smile has a  direct relationship with the individuals personal well-being, self-confidence, professional success, etc … When the individual feels uncomfortable smiling or talking in public this may cause illnesses such as chronic depression and anxiety.

What are the indications for performing the treatment?

The main indication is the replacement of missing teeth. It is common to use implants  in accident victims who have lost their teeth due to trauma.

They are also frequently used by older people or even younger individuals, who have lost their teeth due to poor hygiene and its subsequent causes of gum disease, cavities, root canal treatment, among others. It is most important  to consult a specialist in Implant therapy to find out what is the best treatment option for your particular case and also to inquire about the alternative options available

What are the treatment procedures?

The procedure is planned and executed with great attention to each factor responsible for the long-term treatment success. THere are over fifty variables to be accounted for during the treatment plan phase therefore the dentist must be thorough in his examination and subsequent treatment planning of each unique case.

It is common to ask for a computer tomography scan (ct scan) of the area to evaluate how much available bone is present in the area to be implanted and also to evaluate the critical anatomy in the area such as the presence of nerves and blood vessels in close proximity to the implant.

If there is not enough available bone in the area there may be the need for bone graft surgeries such as onlay grafts or sinus lift grafts to increase the available bone in order to have the adequate foundation to place the implants. Gingival graft surgeries/gum graft surgeries may also be indicated in some case to achieve optimal aesthetic results or for functional reasons when there is not enough attached gum tissue available to create a seal around the implant in order to avoid gum disease issue in the future known as periimplantitis.

For the placement of the implants themselves, local anesthesia will be applied. Then an incision is made in the gum to reflect the tissue and gain visual access to the underlying bone. The titanium implant is then inserted into the bone with great care making sure of the correct angulation and position of the implant.

There is also the option of conscious sedation such as oral sedation or nitrous oxide sedation  for apprehensive patients who have anxiety or fear.

Following the surgery usually a period of four to eight months is recommended for the implant to fuse with the bone before restoring the implant with the crown which mimics the natural tooth. Therefore the total treatment time varies anywhere between six to ten months for most cases. In certain cases it may be possible to place the implants and at the same time place the crown/tooth on top of the implant. This is known as Immediate load implants. There may be a greater risk of the implants failing when performing this procedure. Therefore the implantologist must be prudent and thorough in his examination and treatment planning protocol to minimize the risk of complications and implant failure.

What are the possible risks and complications of this treatment?

Any surgical procedure has inherent risks and complications. THese include possible failure of the implant to integrate with the bone, infections following the surgical or restorative procedures, uncontrolled bleeding during the surgical procedure, damage to the critical structures in close proximity of the implant such as the nerves and blood vessels which may cause numbness, tingling and/or burning sensations which may be permanent. This is the reason why it is important to consult a dentist specialized in this field who has lots of experience to minimize these risks.

Patients who are smokers are at a greater risk of complications and implant failure. Also patients with certain systemic diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, or other immune compromised diseases have a greater risk Complications. Other risk groups are patients who have undergone radiation therapy. In such cases your dentist will ask your physician to provide written consent for the procedures to be performed.

How to Care for the Dental Implant to Increase Success in the Medium and Long Term?

The main care is related to your oral hygiene practice at home or work. It is important to practice the correct brushing and flossing techniques on a daily basis and maintain your routine dental visits at least every six months for your dentist to check the bite/occlusion of the teeth and other criteria to preserve your implants in the mid to long term.

Ask your dentist to show you how to brush and floss correctly to maintain optimal and continue to smile confidently.

 

The smile is the predominant part of the face and any change inevitably ends up attracting attention, therefore, the search for corrections of imperfections increases and also the demand for aesthetic dentistry.

With porcelain veneers also  known as porcelain laminates, it is possible to modify the color of the teeth, improve the shape, the contours, lengthen them and make everything more harmonious and aligned even without the need to use orthodontics, depending on the case.

The technique has several advantages, but the most attractive is undoubtedly the fact that it is a minimally invasive, fast, long-lasting and highly functional procedure.

In addition, people think that teeth become weak, but research shows that the teeth are just as strong or even stronger than before the treatment is performed. the Porcelain laminates when cemented on the teeth add greater resistance to the teeth, since the material used in making it is very durable and withstands the normal impacts and demands of everyday life.

What are the procedures for veneers?

A ceramic material of minimum thickness of .2 to .5mm also known as “Prepless veneers”. Its preparation requires minimal or no tooth preparation, therefore being extremely conservative.

Once the teeth are minimally prepared, the dentist takes a silicone material impression of the teeth and sends it to the laboratory where a master ceramist will create these delicate pieces.

On the following visit the veneers are tried on the teeth and if the fit is right along with the desired aesthetic results the dentist will cement them on to the teeth. If the final result is less than optimal the veneers are sent back to the laboratory to be modified and achieve optimal aesthetics and functional results and on the third visit once again they are tried in the mouth. Once both the patient and the dentist are satisfied with the final aesthetics they are cemented definitively on the teeth.

How long do veneers last?

Currently, longevity is one of the reasons that influences the patient to go through the treatment.

With adequate care and periodic evaluation by the dentist, it is normal for veneers to last more than 20 years. THere is a small chance that one of them may get decemented  over time, which is easy to cement back. Rarely the veneer may fracture just like a natural tooth is predisposed to fracture if put under great stress.

How to care for you beautiful new smile?

You need to follow regular oral hygiene routines. That means brushing and flossing daily using the correct techniques. Ask your dentist to show you the Bass tooth brushing technique and the intrasulcular flossing technique. It also means that patients should continue to visit the dentist for regular checkups ideally every six months  and professional cleanings.

After the procedure is performed, it is necessary to adopt some measures to avoid damaging the porcelain laminates:

• Use a brush with ultra soft bristles like the Colgate Slim Soft brush.
• Do not bite your fingernail, pencil or similar hard objects.
• If you are a grinder you will need to wear a hard occlusal/night guard to prevent fracturing your veneers
• Take care with whitening agents and substances that promise to whiten your teeth.

Cautions when performing the procedure

Veneers are considered permanent because the dentist needs to modify the structure of natural teeth to position them properly. In this way, the outer layer of the enamel may need to be removed slightly in some cases even for prepless veneers..

It is recommended to make an appointment with a dental professional specialized in aesthetic dentistry to find out if veneers are really the most suitable solution to meet your needs and desires .

Dental implants with immediate loading consist of a modern technique that allows to reduce the time between the fixation of the titanium pins and the placement of the crown, providing a better quality of life to the patient during the healing process.

Among the benefits attributed to the technique can be mentioned the comfort in the period of bone integration, improvement in self-esteem, talking and chewing, which improves the  digestion.

All of this makes immediately loaded dental implants very attractive, however, it has its particularities and is not suitable for all patients. There are some factors that must be previously evaluated by the professional and it is interesting that the patient is aware of this possibility.

Implants with immediate loading – how it is done?

To place dental implants a dentist especialized in implants will evaluate the case.  A complete analysis of the bone conditions will be made along with assessing the patient’s medical history and health conditions.

The procedure is very similar to that of conventional implants with pin fixation. The main difference is that immediately loaded dental implants allow the cosmetic prosthesis to be fixed on the same day, so the patient will walk out with teeth on the same day that the surgical placement of the implants is done.

Previously, it was necessary for the titanium screw fixed to the bone to remain for some time in order to allow a stable fixation of the titanium surface to the bone, with the migration of the bone cells to the metal, only then the dental prosthesis could be attached to it.

It is important to note, however, that this prosthesis is temporary and should be replaced by a permanent one in a few months, its function is aesthetic and provides greater comfort to the patient.

Who are the best candidates for dental implants with immediate loading?

Ideally, the best candidates are young, healthy, non-smoking patients, without any periodontal disease and sufficient bone.

There is always a specific reason for the need to remove a tooth / teeth and each case should be investigated individually to verify the adequacy of the extraction with immediate placement and loading of the implant.

What are the benefits of implants loaded immediately?

Following a conservative treatment modality means waiting 3-6 months after tooth extraction. Then, the implant is placed and a further 3 months are required for bone integration before restoration with a crown.

The insertion of a dental implant immediately after tooth extraction with immediate placement of a crown has a superior result when it comes to the long-term aesthetics of the surrounding tissues.

The alveolar bone around the implant is restored immediately and the adjacent gums will be preserved to their maximum extent.

And, of course, it is a good  for the patient to get a complete dental rehabilitation in one day and not suffer any constraints in self-esteem.

What can patients expect after receiving their implants?

Depending on each individual patient and the location of extraction and placement of the implant, some amount of swelling and pain should be expected for about 3-5 days, with possible bruising occurring.

How often should patients visit their dentist after the implants are completed?

It is advisable to follow up with the surgeon approximately one to two weeks after implant placement and again before restoration with the permanent crown.

In the long term, maintenance of the implant consists of regular six month checkups at the dentist.

 

Progressive loss of bone that supports the implants (around the implants) is called Periimplantitis. This disease causes gingival pockets which could be accompanied by bleeding and / or suppuration.

Clinically, this bone loss causes tissue inflammation, bleeding, and often dental implant exposure.

Treatments could include the following:

1. When bacterial accumulation is the cause, the dentist must educate and guide the patient in detail about the correct oral hygiene methods. Bacterial plaque or tartar removal is done with subgingival cleanings known as scaling and root planing or curettage and gingival surgery also known as Periodontal surgery.

There are two surgical techniques: guided bone regeneration or gingival pocket reduction by removal of gum tissue. This choice is determined depending on factors such as extent of bone loss, aesthetics and location in the arch. For bone regeneration surgeries it is necessary to use membrane barriers and bone graft materials whose careful selection is critical to successful treatment. Membrane Barriers could be resorbable or non-resorbable.

2. When the cause is mechanical overload the most common cause is occlusal trauma which means an incorrect bite. In such cases it will be necessary to adjust the occlusion (bite) for bone loss to stop its progression. Mechanical overload is one of the most common causes for implant failure. And one of the main reasons for this is placing too few dental implants because the patient cannot afford or does not want to pay for the adequate amount of implants. In such cases it is common for the dentist not to insist on placing the adequate amount of implants in order for the patient to be able to accept the treatment plan.

A prudent and detailed treatment plan should account for having a mechanical advantage over potential extra loads and forces during biting and parafunctional habits Like grinding and clenching. As a general rule in restorative implant dentistry when in doubt it is better to over engineer the system by placing more implants Because the more implants the greater the foundation and functional surface area. Since a lack of available bone is one of the main reasons for not being able to place the adequate amount of implants, it is common to perform bone graft surgeries and gum graft surgeries to create the adequate foundation to support the implants.

To minimize the complications inherent in implant treatments always consult a dentist who has experience and is specialized in dental implants. Primarily your dentist needs to study your case in detail with the appropriate x-rays in order to develop an optimal treatment plan. Since there are more than fifty variables to consider in most cases, the initial analysis needs to be carefully evaluated in order to minimize mid to long-term complications.

The mouth is the gateway to the body. Therefore it is one of the most common ways of infections and diseases spreading to the rest of the body. Many people are not aware of this fact.

Research has shown that excess tartar in the mouth or chronic infections Of teeth that need root canal therapy or have large carious lesions is one of the main sources of serious diseases of the mouth and the body.

Tartar comes from bacterial plaque. Every time we eat food residues get stuck between our teeth and are impacted under our gums. This food residue is part of the bacterial plaque which sticks tenaciously to our teeth. When our oral hygiene is not adequate such as using the correct brushing technique and flossing technique The bacterial plaque that adheres to our teeth starts to get calcified and then this calcified deposit is called tartar. Tarter structurally resembles rough And porous grains of sand which attracts millions of bacteria as a home. The presence of tartar under the gums causes irritation of the gums Which subsequently leads to inflammation of the gums which bleed easily on brushing or eating different foods. This bleeding is one of the signs of the body that There is something wrong.If this sign is ignored the charter starts to accumulate like a snowball effect which in turn refuge is more bacteria and causes more destruction. When there is excess tartar it is possible that tiny pieces of the tartar may enter the blood system and lodge in the muscle of the heart causing a heart disease called endocarditis. Also if a tiny piece of tartar lodges in the veins of the brain it May cause a stroke tartar is also responsible for Bad breath (Halitosis) and gum disease known as periodontal disease which involves bone loss and infections of the gum. The danger of periodontal disease is that it is a silent disease in the early and middle phases therefore the person usually may not be aware of it if they do not go for regular preventive check ups and cleanings to the dentist. By the time the disease is in the advanced stage it is too late to reverse the process. The teeth become loose and the person loses their teeth at a younger age.at this point there is a need for gum surgery (periodontal surgery) which may involve bone graft and gingival grafts. Periodontal surgery is traumatic, costly, may cause teeth sensitivity and compromises the aesthetics of the smile because dark black triangular spaces start to show between the teeth which ages the smile. Therefore it is common to need aesthetic dental treatment after surgery such as porcelain veneers or all ceramic crowns. When the bone loss is severe around the teeth there may be the need to extract the teeth and to replace the missing teeth with dental implants.Therefore periodontal disease and it’s culprit tartar is responsible for the majority of the tooth loss worldwide.

Other diseases that may be spread from the same bacteria that is in the mouth are diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, bacteremia otherwise known as sepsis among others.Every year many people die and suffer from these diseases which may have the origin from their mouth. Public education and awareness is fundamental to reduce the incidence of these diseases

Dr. Arya Edalat Works together with physicians to diagnose more cases of these diseases being sourced from the mouth.

Dr. Edalat educates his patients on how to floss and brush properly to effectively reduce tartar accumulation

He has educational videos on his website and YouTube channel for his patients to learn preventive practices. He also educates his patients on the importance of having regular deep cleanings ideally every six months to remove any excess tartar buildup.

As a result his patients not only keep their breath fresh and their beautiful smiles intact throughout their years but they also have a better oral and systemic health which improves the quality of life and helps to economize on medical, dental and medicinal costs.

After all a healthy mouth leads to a healthy body.