Advanced Cosmetic and General Dentistry Blog

Studio City, Valley Village, Burbank, North Hollywood

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Porcelain Veneers and Stain-Resistance

Porcelain veneers correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth beautifully, using ceramic porcelain for a bright, straight, natural smile. Porcelain closely resembles tooth enamel because they are both partially translucent.
  • When light strikes the surface of a tooth, it partly penetrates the enamel, reflecting off the dentin layer beneath the enamel; and partly reflects directly off the enamel
  • When light strikes a porcelain veneer, it partly penetrates the porcelain, reflecting off the dental cement attaching it; and partly reflects off the porcelain.

This partial translucency is the reason why healthy teeth have such an attractive luster. Porcelain veneers replicate this degree of translucency and are therefore indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Tooth enamel and dental porcelain differ in their stain-resistance. Porcelain does not stain easily, whereas enamel can yellow or darken from the pigmented foods and drinks we put into our mouths. For that reason it is best to whiten your teeth before having veneers done. That way your cosmetic dentist can match the porcelain shade to your newly white teeth.

Porcelain veneers are super thin and fit right over your natural teeth. With good oral care and regular dental visits they will keep their natural translucence and whiteness and enhance your smile for ten years or more.

If you are hiding behind an embarrassing, stained smile, it is time to get back in the swing of things! Please contact Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands at Smiles By Sands, their comfortable, affordable cosmetic and general dentistry office in the heart of Studio City, California.

posted by Patti at 8:57 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dental Veneers - from a Cosmetic Dentist or a General Dentist?

If you have ever browsed the yellow pages or the Internet to find a cosmetic dentist, you may have noticed that many dentists offer "cosmetic dentistry". Many also offer the same amenities, such as free consultations. It can be very confusing to choose the cosmetic dentist that is best for you.

Specifically if you are interested in porcelain veneers, choosing the right cosmetic dentist is crucial, because all porcelain veneers are not created equally. It takes a great deal of education, training, clinical knowledge and expertise to design veneers that will enhance your smile aesthetically, look and feel natural and last as long as ten years. Make the wrong choice, and you may be less than happy with the final result.

What many people do not realize is that "cosmetic dentistry" is not a recognized dental specialty. Any dentist can use the term. But creating porcelain veneers requires a level of artistry combined with science for results that will look beautiful and be long-lasting. So choosing a fully-qualified cosmetic dentist can make all the difference.

How can you choose the right cosmetic dentist? Ask about your dentist's experience, particularly any additional training or continuing education received that specifically focuses on porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands of Smiles By Sands in Studio City, California are proud of their years of education and their beautiful dental work. When you choose a dentist with the right training and skill, you can move forward with confidence, and at Smiles By Sands, our goal is to provide you with the best services in an environment of trust and comfort.

Please see our Smile Gallery of actual Smiles By Sands patients who are living with and loving their porcelain veneers.

posted by Patti at 8:51 AM 1 comments

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Oral Disease

Oral Disease: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease, affecting 90% of the population. It is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria that form plaque. In small amounts (when it is newly formed), plaque is invisible and relatively harmless. But when left to accumulate, it increases in volume and the proportion of harmful bacteria grows. These bacteria release toxins that result in inflammation of the gum tissue. Eventually, the plaque hardens and forms hard deposits called calculus or tartar. If not properly treated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a periodontal disease in which there is loss of the bone that supports the teeth. If you have questions regarding gingivitis, please call our office at (818)766-6121.
P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

posted by Judith M. at 8:06 AM 0 comments

Smiles By Sands - Studio City Cosmetic Dentistry Blog: November 2008

Advanced Cosmetic and General Dentistry Blog

Studio City, Valley Village, Burbank, North Hollywood

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Porcelain Veneers and Stain-Resistance

Porcelain veneers correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth beautifully, using ceramic porcelain for a bright, straight, natural smile. Porcelain closely resembles tooth enamel because they are both partially translucent.
  • When light strikes the surface of a tooth, it partly penetrates the enamel, reflecting off the dentin layer beneath the enamel; and partly reflects directly off the enamel
  • When light strikes a porcelain veneer, it partly penetrates the porcelain, reflecting off the dental cement attaching it; and partly reflects off the porcelain.

This partial translucency is the reason why healthy teeth have such an attractive luster. Porcelain veneers replicate this degree of translucency and are therefore indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Tooth enamel and dental porcelain differ in their stain-resistance. Porcelain does not stain easily, whereas enamel can yellow or darken from the pigmented foods and drinks we put into our mouths. For that reason it is best to whiten your teeth before having veneers done. That way your cosmetic dentist can match the porcelain shade to your newly white teeth.

Porcelain veneers are super thin and fit right over your natural teeth. With good oral care and regular dental visits they will keep their natural translucence and whiteness and enhance your smile for ten years or more.

If you are hiding behind an embarrassing, stained smile, it is time to get back in the swing of things! Please contact Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands at Smiles By Sands, their comfortable, affordable cosmetic and general dentistry office in the heart of Studio City, California.

posted by Patti at 8:57 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dental Veneers - from a Cosmetic Dentist or a General Dentist?

If you have ever browsed the yellow pages or the Internet to find a cosmetic dentist, you may have noticed that many dentists offer "cosmetic dentistry". Many also offer the same amenities, such as free consultations. It can be very confusing to choose the cosmetic dentist that is best for you.

Specifically if you are interested in porcelain veneers, choosing the right cosmetic dentist is crucial, because all porcelain veneers are not created equally. It takes a great deal of education, training, clinical knowledge and expertise to design veneers that will enhance your smile aesthetically, look and feel natural and last as long as ten years. Make the wrong choice, and you may be less than happy with the final result.

What many people do not realize is that "cosmetic dentistry" is not a recognized dental specialty. Any dentist can use the term. But creating porcelain veneers requires a level of artistry combined with science for results that will look beautiful and be long-lasting. So choosing a fully-qualified cosmetic dentist can make all the difference.

How can you choose the right cosmetic dentist? Ask about your dentist's experience, particularly any additional training or continuing education received that specifically focuses on porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dentists like Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands of Smiles By Sands in Studio City, California are proud of their years of education and their beautiful dental work. When you choose a dentist with the right training and skill, you can move forward with confidence, and at Smiles By Sands, our goal is to provide you with the best services in an environment of trust and comfort.

Please see our Smile Gallery of actual Smiles By Sands patients who are living with and loving their porcelain veneers.

posted by Patti at 8:51 AM 1 comments

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Oral Disease

Oral Disease: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease, affecting 90% of the population. It is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria that form plaque. In small amounts (when it is newly formed), plaque is invisible and relatively harmless. But when left to accumulate, it increases in volume and the proportion of harmful bacteria grows. These bacteria release toxins that result in inflammation of the gum tissue. Eventually, the plaque hardens and forms hard deposits called calculus or tartar. If not properly treated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a periodontal disease in which there is loss of the bone that supports the teeth. If you have questions regarding gingivitis, please call our office at (818)766-6121.
P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

posted by Judith M. at 8:06 AM 0 comments