Graceful Smiles Dentistry

Are Veneers as strong as teeth?

Veneers

Veneers are shells made out of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. They match the color and shade of your natural teeth, giving patients the smile they have always dreamed of.

When veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth, a cement material is used. Veneers are typically used for chipped, stained, or uneven teeth. Veneers give a uniform look that is natural and bright white.

Veneers are durable and made out of porcelain, which makes them long lasting. On average, veneers last anywhere between 10-15 years, and this depends on wear and tear. Patients must take good care of their teeth to ensure their veneers will last.

Tips to care for Veneers:

  • Avoid biting any hard objects or foods with your teeth.
  • If you suffer from bruxism or clench your teeth, a mouthguard may be helpful. Wearing a mouthguard will help prevent damage to the veneers.
  • Avoid biting your nails as this can damage your veneers.

Veneers are extremely durable if they are cared for properly. Brushing and flossing daily is recommended, as well as regular visits to our office.

If you are interested in finding out more about veneers and if they are right for you, contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry to schedule your appointment.

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

Many people wonder when it is appropriate to call your dentist in an emergency. If you have experienced trauma and have a cracked or chipped tooth, this is not typically a dental emergency unless you are experiencing pain or bleeding.

It is best to access the situation and determine how bad the crack or chip is. If you are experiencing a high level of pain or bleeding it is best to call our office right away, and we will accommodate you and get you in as soon as possible. Our highly trained staff are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and we encourage all patients to call if they are unsure.

While you wait to come into the office, we recommend rinsing with warm water and applying pressure to stop any bleeding. An ice pack can be used as well to prevent swelling.

If you do not have any pain or bleeding, we still encourage you to call our office at your earliest convenience soon after the incident. This way we can take a look and address the issue promptly.

Patients should not wait and avoid addressing a chip or crack. If left untreated, the situation may become worse and cause additional problems.

At Graceful Smiles we care about our patients, and your oral health is our priority.

Call Graceful Smiles today to schedule your appointment.

What is considered a dental emergency?

In many cases patients are not sure when to call the dentist if you are experiencing pain. At Graceful Smiles, we offer same day or next day appointments. Our friendly staff will address any emergency situations for our patients, and ensure you are taken care of promptly.

It is very important to know the common signs or symptoms that may signal you need to call our office. Any pain that is dismissed or not addressed can make a bad situation worse. Additional problems may arise if the issue is not taken care of.

The quicker you make an appointment to see us in the office, the faster you can recover and get on a plan to prevent future issues.

Dental emergencies include any problems that may require immediate attention. A few examples include saving a tooth, or alleviating pain. Infections can be life-threatening and should be addressed immediately.

Signs or symptoms of a dental emergency you should not ignore:

  • Abscess or infection
  • Bleeding or irritated gums
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Any tooth pain that is persistent and does not go away
  • Mouth or lip sores that will not go away
  • Jaw pain, clicking, or popping
  • Change in tooth color, or spots that have formed on the tooth’s surface
  • Loose teeth

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our office. Any pain or trauma should be a good reason to call, so our team can evaluate the issue. Our staff at Graceful Smiles is highly trained to handle dental emergencies, and we are happy to assist our patients with any issue.

Call us today to schedule your same or next day appointment, and let us help you get on the road to recovery.