Porcelain Veneers Procedure

porcelain veneers procedure - Green Dental Care

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

porcelain veneers procedure - Green Dental Care

Are you considering getting porcelain veneers? With advancements in cosmetic dentistry, today’s patients can expect an easy procedure that brings no discomfort. In just two visits to your Parker dentist office, you’ll be able to make your veneer dreams a reality with the best cosmetic dentist Parker, CO has to offer. The more you know about the process of getting veneers and the dental bonding process that is involved, the more confident that you will feel about your porcelain veneers procedure.

Veneer Basics

Dental veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are made to fit your teeth specifically. They can resolve several cosmetic concerns, including covering up gaps between teeth and disguising crooked teeth.

Veneers typically take two appointments at the office, with between one and two weeks apart. Patients can get veneers on just one tooth or on several teeth all at once.

The First Step: Preparing the Tooth

To ensure the right fit for your new veneers, your Parker CO dentist will have to examine your current smile. This will help to ensure that your overall bite is not altered.

As a part of preparing the tooth, your Parker, CO dentist, will examine any decay that needs to be addressed. Veneers cannot be bonded to teeth that require repair. Any cracks, cavities, or other damage to the tooth that could compromise it and allow decay in will need to be resolved. Some patients prefer to address any older fillings that are from metal and are very visible in the mouth. Replacing old metal fillings with white fillings not only helps with the aesthetics but can provide an opportunity to ensure the tooth is healthy. Veneers also tend to bond better to new composite fillings.

Getting the Right Shade of Veneers

If you are getting veneers on just a few of your teeth, you’ll find that the best cosmetic dentist Parker CO offers will use a shade guide to match your surrounding teeth. If you are getting an entire set of veneers, you’ll be able to select the white and bright shade that you best prefer.

According to cosmetic dentists in Parker, CO, Dr. Christopher Green, and Dr. Ionescu, the shade of the veneer can be adjusted when it is time to bond it to the teeth.

Taking Impressions

Once the tooth or teeth have been prepared, it’s now time to take an impression of the teeth and surrounding teeth and gums. This will help to ensure that you get the best fit once the veneers are in place. It’ll also help to ensure that your bite is maintained.

The impression will be taken typically using a tray with dental putty in it. It’ll sit in place for just a few minutes until it has set. Then it’ll be carefully removed. It’s this impression that will be sent to the lab, where they will make your new porcelain veneers.

Deciding Whether to Place Temporary Veneers

The turnaround for veneers is typically two weeks. Depending on how much of the tooth structure has been removed, you may not need temporary veneers. Prepared teeth will look and feel a little different, but some patients find that it doesn’t bother them enough to want temporary veneers.

You may feel a little bit of an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks at first.

Bonding Your Veneers

When your new porcelain veneers have been completed, they’ll be ready to be bonded onto the tooth or teeth. This will, of course, require a repeated visit to Green Dental Care. Your Parker dentist would remove temporary veneers if you opted for them.

The veneers will be placed onto the teeth, to evaluate the fit and the shade. If some trimming is needed, your Parker dentist will be able to do that so that you get the perfect fit. If some adjustment to the shade of the veneers is needed, your Parker dentist will take care of it so that your result will be a perfectly uniform smile.

Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the veneers, they will be bonded in place. Excess dental cement will be trimmed, and the cement will be cured, so it sets rapidly.

As the last step, your bite will be evaluated to confirm that the placement of your veneers hasn’t altered it. You are sure to love the immediate smile transformation offered by veneers.

As you can see, the porcelain veneers procedure is harmless! There’s nothing to worry about. So, are you ready to see how veneers can transform your smile? Contact Green Dental Care to schedule your consultation.

 

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

how to choose a cosmetic dentist - Green Dental Care

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

how to choose a cosmetic dentist - Green Dental Care

These days, cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity to the extent that a large number of people have either heard about or actually undergone a cosmetic dentistry procedure. With so many cosmetic dentists out there, the task of picking the best to transform your teeth and smile can be a daunting challenge. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Parker, CO, dental care experts at Green Dental Care, recommend the following.

Check Their Credentials

Your quest for the best cosmetic dentist should start by looking into the credentials. For example, is that dentist a member of a professional association for cosmetic dentists? For example, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, has made a huge mark as a cosmetic and general dentist that he was even named among the top 40 under 40 by Incisal Magazine (the leading lifestyle magazine in dentistry). When you make Green Dental Care in Parker CO, your home for all your cosmetic dentistry needs, you will have selected one of the best professionals in the area.

Ask for Referrals

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, one of the top dentists in Georgetown, KY, says that asking around for referrals is a great option for choosing a cosmetic dentist. There is a high likelihood that someone in your social and professional circles has had a firsthand experience of undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure, such as getting dental veneers, undergoing teeth whitening, or even Invisalign. That friend, colleague, or family member will, therefore, point you in the right direction. That way, you don’t spend time and money trying out different cosmetic dentists.

Find Out What Services Are Offered

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist, you must select one who offers a broad range of cosmetic and restorative services. This is important because you’ll want to get all the services in one place.

You wouldn’t want to be sent to different dental offices all over Colorado, right? Luckily, it’s much easier to find a cosmetic dentist online. All you have to do is to check their website and reviews.

At Green Dental Care, all the dental care needs of you and your entire family can be addressed whether you require restorative dentistry services (implants, bridges, and crowns, for example), general dentistry (root canals, TMJ treatment, and fillings, for example) or cosmetic dentistry (dental bonding, veneers, teeth whitening and Invisalign, for example).

Schedule a Meeting with Your Parker Dentist

It is always good to talk to the cosmetic dentist first. You can meet either in person or talk on the phone. This will achieve several things.

First, you will have a chance to ask and get answers to all your questions. 

It is important that you select a cosmetic dentist that you are comfortable with, and this discussion will give you a chance to evaluate whether their office is a good fit or not.

At Green Dental Care, Dr. Christopher Green is always happy to talk with potential or current patients. Take advantage of this open door. You will soon be convinced that we are the best providers of cosmetic dentistry services in Parker, CO.

Ask About Payment Options

As you may already know, cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, so most dental care insurers don’t cover these procedures. It is, therefore, prudent for you to find out what type of payment they take. Whether the cosmetic dentist that you wish to select accepts credit cards and other forms of payment so that you can select the option that suits your needs.

At Green Dental Care, we even have an in-house Dental Savings Plan for people who have no insurance. Talk to us today and learn how this savings plan can help you and your family.

Don’t take chances with your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can produce remarkable transformations if done right. Dr. Christopher Green and the entire team have the skills and experience to offer all the services that you need. So, call today and schedule a consultation.

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

why professional teeth whitening treatment - Green Dental Care

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

If you have done all you can to get those perfect white shiny teeth but still you are not quite getting the result you desire, then it is probably time to let a professional, like your local Parker dentist, take over and do the job they are trained to do. The perfect bright smile is easier to achieve than you think. Professional teeth whitening has become much easier and cheaper due to advances in technology resulting in a reduction of costs. 

The benefits of shiny white teeth are not limited to aesthetics only. A nice bright smile can give a boost to your self-esteem and confidence, and many people believe that a good smile can be a factor in your professional success too. Dr. Christopher Green, from Green Dental Care, recommends professional teeth whitening because of the following reasons:

It Gets You the Fastest Results

In just one pain-free hour at Green Dental Care, you can see the results of the teeth whitening, and this can be especially beneficial if you need teeth whitening before an important event like a professional meeting/presentation or a wedding. The do-it-yourself alternatives are not as efficient and require more time and multiple treatments.

Results Last Longer

The whitening agents used at the dentist are professional-grade, unlike those used in use at-home kits, therefore the results are comparatively more long term. Where the whitening from home-kits lasts around two weeks, you can expect the whitening from a professional to last up to three years!

It is a Safer Option

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a cosmetic dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky about the benefits of professional teeth whitening. Dr. Nda agrees that professional teeth whitening treatments are a safer option. Since the do-it-at-home kits provide you with slower results, you tend to apply them regularly and for a longer time. Due to this consistent application of whiteners, you run the risk of demineralizing your tooth enamel at a faster rate than the rate it mineralizes itself, as after the application of whitener the enamel needs a certain period to mineralize itself naturally. However in the case of professional whitening, only one session is required to achieve the optimal results and that eliminates the risk of demineralization of the enamel, which can lead to bigger dental complications. 

It Gives You a Confidence Boost

Confidence plays a major role in your success in life – whether it is your career or relationships. One of the big factors that increase your confidence is a smile that you are comfortable with. Therefore when you take the decision to whiten your teeth from a professional, it will have a greater impact than just the visual value, it can actually be a good investment for your future success and that too at good value for money. 

The above-mentioned reasons should be enough to convince you that professional teeth whitening is a much better option than the do-it-yourself option. The do-it-yourself kits get you results over time, but they are much less effective and efficient than the professional teeth whitening option. If you are still unsure about which route you should take, book an appointment with Dr. Chris Green so that he can advise you on the best option for you.

why professional teeth whitening treatment - Green Dental Care

About Temporary Crowns

About temporary crowns - Green Dental Care

About Temporary Crowns

About temporary crowns - Green Dental Care

A dental crown can be described as a cap, that is used to cover, and customized according to, a patient’s tooth. The crown is placed on the tooth for its protection, and its advantages include strengthening the tooth and getting it back into its original shape. 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns

There are many different types of dental crowns available at Green Dental Care, but all of them can be divided into two categories – temporary and permanent. The different types of crowns available are:

Temporary Dental Crowns

These are made in the dental clinic, unlike the permanent crowns. Most often, the materials used to make temporary crowns are stainless steel or acrylic material. 

Stainless Steel Dental Crowns

These are a temporary fix, put into place till the time the permanent crown is made. They are often used to prevent the decay of deciduous teeth of children and come out automatically when the permanent tooth appears. 

Base Metal Alloys Dental Crowns 

These crowns are incredibly strong and corrosion-resistant. One of their advantages is that they are gentle against the neighboring teeth. Another reason to opt for this crown is that out of all other types of crowns, this type enables you to remove the least amount of your healthy tooth to fit this crown. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

These crowns can blend in with the natural teeth as the color of these crowns can be matched with the teeth beside them. A drawback is that a moderate amount of tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place this type of crown.

Ceramic Dental Crowns

Typically used to restore the front teeth due to their ability to provide the best natural teeth color match, Dr. Brian Leeson, a St. Pete dentist, says that these are arguably the best choice in dental crowns when it comes to aesthetics. These crowns are not suitable for molars as the ceramic material is not as strong as metal, and can become brittle when exposed to heavy biting forces.

All-Resin Dental Crowns

These are the cheapest option of the lot, but they do have a tendency to wear down over time, and if compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal, the all-resin crown is the one more likely to break. 

When Should You Get a Dental Crown?

You should think about contacting Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, to discuss the right time for getting a dental crown. The following are some common reasons to get a dental crown:

  • You require a root canal: If the decay or infection in your affected tooth has become irreparable, it is time for you to get a root canal. And the logical step after a root canal is to use a crown in order to restore the strength of your tooth. 
  • Improve your dental aesthetics: A dental crown can cover all your dental aesthetic problems – an ugly filling, a discolored tooth, or a damaged tooth.
  • Prevent a tooth from breaking: If you have a cracked tooth, it is high time to get a crown in order to protect the structure of the tooth, increase its strength, and most importantly give you relief from pain. 
  • After you get dental implants: The crown aids you in chewing your food properly after a dental implant.

What is the Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is placed in two appointments with your Parker dentist. 

Initial Appointment

Most of the work is completed in the initial appointment. Your Parker dentist assesses what needs to be done, the tooth structure is trimmed to get it in the proper shape for crown placement, bite impressions are taken, a temporary crown is placed, and a color match is made.

Follow-up Appointment

This appointment has the primary purpose of removing the temporary crown, placing the permanent crown, and add the finishing touches. 

How to Care for Your Dental Crown?

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental crown care. Dr. Kacos says the best way to care for your dental crown is to take care of it just as you should ideally take care of your natural teeth: regular brushing and flossing. The extra precaution you need to take is to avoid hard foods like ice. In case you grind and clench your teeth at night, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard to provide protection to your crown and teeth in general. 

 

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

dental implants vs. bridges

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

dental implants vs. bridges

Two popular options that many people consider when they want to replace missing teeth are dental bridges and dental implants. The key question which each person wants to answer is, “Which option is right for me?” This article discusses dental implants vs. bridges and other related questions.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is an artificial root of a tooth anchored in the position left by the missing tooth. The implants are usually made from titanium, a metal which has distinguished itself as being readily accepted by the body and its high durability. Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, explains that after the implant has been surgically placed, a temporary covering is placed on it as osseointegration (a process through which the dental implant fuses with your jawbone) takes place. Osseointegration can take up to six months to be completed, but this is time well spent because the outcome is a very stable and long-lasting prosthetic. The dental experts at Green Dental Care will remove the protective covering on the implant and replace it with a temporary crown once osseointegration has taken place. This temporary crown has a base which guides the gum on how to grow around the implant. The final stage of this process entails removing the temporary crown and placing a permanent crown in its place.

How Dental Bridges Work

Picture a bridge on a river if you want to grasp how a dental bridge works. The bridge on the river is supported on both sides of the river and the middle of the bridge is suspended over the water. Similarly, a dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by relying on the surrounding teeth to provide support to the artificial tooth. A crown is placed on the neighboring tooth on either side of the gap and the crown taking the place of the missing tooth fills the gap. The process of getting a dental bridge typically takes a shorter time than the time needed to get a dental implant. However, Dr. Chris Green explains that a dental bridge can be seen as more invasive because the neighboring teeth onto which crowns are to be placed have to be filed down to create room for those crowns. This step is irreversible.

Are You Eligible?

Dental bridges and dental implants both have some requirements which one must meet before being found fit for these restorations. Your eligibility will be ascertained during your initial consultation with Dr. Chris Green.

Experts usually wait until someone is passed adolescence in order to be eligible for dental implantation. This milestone is necessary because an implant should be placed when the individual has passed the stage when their bones are still growing. Your dentists at Green Dental Care will also use a CT scan or an x-ray to assess the bone quality and density for successful dental implant placement. People with insufficient bone mass may undergo a bone graft so that ample support for the implant is available. Research has shown that smoking increases the risk of dental implant failure, so you will be advised to quit smoking before dental implantation can take place. People with cancer, diabetes or periodontal disease may need to have those conditions managed before dental implantation.

Eligibility for dental bridges isn’t as restrictive as that for implants because the process is, in some respects, less invasive than dental implantation. The health and stability of the surrounding teeth is the most important eligibility factor, according to Dr. Chris Green. For example, tooth decay may render the neighboring teeth too weak to take on the task of supporting the dental bridge. Additional procedures may be required to fix any issues which may compromise the ability of those neighboring teeth to support the bridge.

The Cost of Dental Bridges & Dental Implants

Many times, patients opt for implants or bridges depending on their immediate ability to pay for either one of those procedures. However, the cost can be a tricky factor to base your decision upon because the price tag you see may not tell the whole story about the cost of these options.

For example, the process of getting a dental implant may cost twice the cost of a dental bridge. This cost excludes the cost of any other procedures, such as bone grafting, which may be needed before you get your restorations.

However, the experts at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO caution that sticker shock should not lead you to discard implants as an option. This is because if well cared for, dental implants can last an entire lifetime. We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about the ROI of dental implants. Dr. Kacos says, “Dental implants have incredible durability which makes them more cost-effective in the long term since dental bridges aren’t as durable and will need to be replaced after 10-20 years. The time and money which you spend on replacement bridges can turn out to be higher than what is required for a one-time investment in dental implants.”

Have you lost a tooth or teeth and want to explore tooth replacement options? Contact Green Dental Care and talk to one of our professionals about your needs. Dr. Chris Green and his team will examine you and make recommendations regarding the most cost-effective way to restore your smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign Near Me

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign Near Me

Invisalign refers to customized clear aligners which are exchanged approximately every fortnight for a duration that can last anywhere from six to eighteen months, or even longer depending on how severe the misalignment of the patient’s teeth is. Invisalign aligners facilitate orthodontic treatment because the aligners gradually move your teeth until you get your perfect smile. Invisalign is made by taking a mold of the patient’s teeth and then using a computer system to generate clear aligners. The dental impressions are taken by an orthodontist or a dentist in Parker CO.

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

You may be wondering how Invisalign aligners compare with the traditional metal braces. Dr. Chris Green, a renowned dentist in Parker CO, explains that Invisalign was designed to address the many shortcomings of traditional braces. For example, traditional braces make it harder to maintain oral hygiene since food particles can get stuck underneath the metal wires in the braces. Invisalign gets rid of this inconvenience because the clear aligners can be removed if you want to eat or brush and floss your teeth. Invisalign is also more discreet when compared to traditional braces. This could explain why they are a major hit among adults who want to straighten their teeth without moving around with visible braces in their mouth. We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO about that Invisalign is gentler on the wearer because the aligners are made from soft plastic, unlike traditional braces with metallic wires which often hurt the wearer’s gums and lips.

Potential Limitations of Invisalign

While every patient would want to get Invisalign, this option isn’t for everyone, as the dental experts at Green Dental Care explain. The clear aligners are ideal for correcting minor bite issues and misalignment, so anyone with a severe orthodontic challenge may not benefit from Invisalign. Another potential shortcoming of Invisalign is that the trays may not do a good job of shifting the positions of the roots of the teeth at the back of the mouth (the molars). For cases where molars with deep roots have to be repositioned, traditional metal braces are still the option of choice. Ironically, one of the key advantages of Invisalign can also become a potential shortcoming. While the removability of these clear aligners is seen as an advantage over traditional braces, this same attribute can also create the potential for delayed completion of the orthodontic treatment if a patient removes the aligner to eat or brush and then forgets to place the tray back in the mouth.

Am I Eligible for Invisalign?

Each orthodontic patient has their own unique circumstances and condition. Consequently, it is best to see Dr. Chris Green for an evaluation in order to get professional advice about your suitability for Invisalign. If you suffer from minor bite issues, such as a mild overbite or crossbite, chances are Invisalign may help to resolve the issue. If for any reason, you are found unsuitable to undergo orthodontic treatment using Invisalign, the capable professionals at Green Dental Care will recommend a remedy that is suitable for you.