Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers

By Mina Levi DDS, 01/09/2014

Cosmetic dentistry is an option for those who are unhappy with the aesthetic aspects of their smile such as undersized teeth due to development issues (Peg Lateral Teeth), chipping, discoloration, and misalignment, amongst other issues. Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers have been available for a long time, giving people the beautiful smile they have always dreamed of. There are differences between bonding and veneers, though, and one option may be more suitable for you than the other. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of both cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Bonding

What is it?

Cosmetic bonding is the application of a composite material that is matched to tooth color (usually, Zoom whitening or at-home whitening kits are recommended before this procedure) to the surfaces of the teeth. This composite material is then sculpted into the shape that is so desired by the patient to achieve the highest aesthetic value.

Pros

1. Speedy Treatment Time. Cosmetic bonding does not involve any laboratory work, and can be performed usually with one dental office visit after the initial consultation unless the patient wants to whiten their teeth via the in-office Zoom procedure before the bonding takes place.

2. Relatively Low Cost per Tooth. The cost for cosmetic bonding is relatively low in comparison to porcelain veneers, about the same as a composite filling.

Cons

1. Staining. Unlike porcelain veneers, the composite material that is used in bonding is susceptible to staining by coffee, tea, and smoking.

2. Durability. Cosmetic bonding only can last between five to ten years, and then they will need to be replaced.

Porcelain Veneers

What are they?

Porcelain veneers are thin “shells” of porcelain fabricated in a laboratory that cover the front surfaces of the teeth. The teeth are prepared for the veneers, molded impressions of the teeth are then sent out to a laboratory so that the veneers can be made to fit the exact tooth structure. Then the veneers are applied to the teeth with an adhesive.

Pros

1. Realistic Look. Porcelain veneers are custom to each individual’s teeth and are made from a material that gives them a transparency, making them look almost identical to the natural tooth structure.

2. Stain Resistant. Porcelain veneers, unlike natural tooth structures and cosmetic bonding, are resistant to staining from coffee, tea and smoking. This makes it so that the patient can have more freedom in their diet and they will not have to worry about teeth whitening procedures.

3. Long Lasting. Depending on oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last a lot longer than cosmetic bonding, decades if maintained properly.

Cons

1. More Procedural Work. The process to prepare the teeth, have the veneers made and then apply them to the natural teeth is a longer process than the cosmetic bonding, taking about three visits to the dental office in total with waiting periods in between in order for materials to be made and shipped.

2. Higher costs. Porcelain veneers are much pricier than the cosmetic bonding option, and are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure and thus are not covered by dental insurances.

If you wish to transform your smile cosmetically or have any questions or concerns regarding cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Cosmetic Bonding, Dental Bonding, Porcelain Veneers, Zoom Whitening, Dentist San Francisco, Dental Office Visit, Teeth Staining, Cosmetic Procedures,Invisalign

New Years Resolutions for Your Mouth

New Year's Resolutions for Your Mouth

By Mina Levi, DDS 01/02/2014

As we kick off this New Year of 2014, many people will have New Year’s Resolutions involving their health such as “lose 10 pounds” or “eat healthier”. What some people will not think about though is to have New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and oral health. Your smile goals as well as taking better care of your mouth and teeth are incredibly important, especially since your oral health is linked to your overall health. Below, we discuss five New Year’s Resolutions for your mouth and how you can accomplish them.

1. Whiter Smile. There are many ways to achieving a whiter smile this year. There is an at-home option where Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Leviwill make customized whitening trays and provide you with concentrated whitening gel. There is also the very popular Zoom whitening in-office procedure. This procedure takes about an hour in the dental office and can achieve up to eight shades whiter in just one sitting! There are also many foods that can help you whiten your teeth, see the article “How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays” for more details.

2. Straighten Teeth. Some people are embarrassed by or unhappy with teeth that are crooked or out of alignment. Invisalign clear alignment is an option for straightening teeth that is nearly invisible, comfortable and easily removable for eating and keeping up with oral hygiene.

3. Reduce Cavities. The first step toward this goal is to visit the dentist to see if you have any cavities or areas of concern. If the areas of concern are early stage cavities, then Icon: No Drilling resin infiltration may be right for you. Icon treats areas that are in an early stage to stop the cavity from progressing without drilling. If the area is a later stage cavity, however, a filling or crown may be necessary. Either way, it is essential that you get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that any unhealthy tooth structure can be removed or healed.

4. Follow a Stricter Oral Hygiene Regimen. Many people are pretty lax about their daily oral hygiene routine. Some brush well but do not floss while others only brush their teeth once per day. This at-home routine is essential to optimal oral health. It is recommended that the teeth are brushed at least twice daily and flossed at least once per day. Also, it is very important to see the dentist at least twice a year to have a check up and get a professional cleaning done. These professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that is not able to be removed at home, and if avoided this plaque will begin to eat away at healthy tooth structure.

5. Heal Periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that has progressed from gingivitis from plaque build-up. The best ways to heal periodontitis and achieve optimal gum health is to have professional cleanings done more often than usual and keep a very strict oral hygiene regimen. There is also another option for advanced periodontitis cases called Perio Protect, which delivers medication directly to the gums using custom-made trays.

For more information regarding your own smile or oral health goals for 2014, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. We wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals and wish you a Happy New Year!

Topics: New Year’s Resolutions, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening, Zoom Whitening, Cavities, Oral Hygiene,Icon, Perio Protect, Periodontitis, Gingivitis,Straighten Teeth, Invisalign, Dentist San Francisco 

How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays

How to Keep Your Teeth White Through the Holidays

By Mina Levi DDS, 12/24/2013

A concern of many is to keep their teeth pearly white, but not many people have the time to follow through with whitening treatments during the busy holiday season. This leaves people with questions like, what foods are going to stain my teeth? and are there foods that help keep stains away?  Below, we discuss tips on how to keep teeth at their whitest through the holidays.

What foods should I avoid?

There are many foods and drinks that are served during the holidays that can actually stain teeth and dull them. A few foods and drinks to avoid are:

1. Coffee. Coffee is a dark liquid that is very powerful, and can leave stained teeth after having only a few sips. If coffee is unavoidable, try to swish water or mouth rinse immediately after drinking it to best avoid staining.

2. Red Wine. Red wine, or any other colored fruit drink for that matter, is a staining agent as well. If you are worried about stains when you spill it on your shirt, you should be worried about what it is doing to your teeth. Try white wine as a replacement.

3. Cranberry Sauce. As a darker fruit product, cranberry sauce will stain like red wine does. Avoid cranberry sauce if you can.

4. Dark Chocolate. Chocolate is less powerful than coffee or red wine, but still has the capability of stainingteeth. Swish water in your mouth after eating dark chocolate treats, or try to substitute white chocolate instead.

5. Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce can stain your teeth due to the deep red color and also due to the acidity in the tomatoes. If you eat basic foods like lettuce beforehand, it may form a thin protective layer on teeth. Overall, though, try to avoid tomato sauce if possible.

Are there foods that help with whitening?

Just as there are foods that make teeth duller, there are foods that can help keep your teeth white while you eat them! A few foods and drinks to indulge in during the holidays are:

1. Vegetables High in Fiber. Veggies that have high fiber content like broccoli or spinach can clean your teeth while you eat. They also increase saliva production and lower acidity in the mouth.

2. Water. Water is good for you for unlimited numbers of reasons, and it is also good for keeping your teeth white, especially if it has added fluoride elements that fight oral bacteria.

3. Nuts.  Nuts are abrasive when you bite into them, which help clean plaque off of teeth. Nuts also increase saliva production much like fibrous veggies which lowers acidity and fights bacteria in the mouth.

4. Strawberries and Pineapple. Strawberries and pineapple act like astringents that reverse staining and have vitamin C. Strawberries are good to eat with dark chocolate to help keep stains caused by the chocolate at bay.

If you have any concerns about teeth whitening, or professional teeth whitening procedures, give the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com . Have a happy holiday season!

Topics: Holidays, Teeth Whitening, Stains, Staining Foods, Oral Bacteria, Saliva, Plaque, Dentist San Francisco

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Some people do not enjoy and do not look forward to going to the dentist, even for routine check-ups and cleanings. Most are able to suffer through some anxiety about dental visits and procedures, but those with dental phobia often put off going to the dentist for long periods of time due to the thought of going to the dentist is so terrifying. Avoiding dental appointments is not good for oral health and overall health, and creates problems that could have possibly been prevented. Below we go over what dental anxiety and phobia are, what the causes are and symptoms of dental phobia and anxiety.

What is it?   

People with dental anxiety feel uneasy about dental appointments, and may have exaggerated worries. People with dental phobia have a much more serious condition in which they feel an intense fear or dread. These people are terrified and/or panic stricken rather than feeling anxious or nervous. Although people with dental anxiety will avoid the dentist, people with dental phobia will put off dental care for years and deal with gum disease, pain, and other serious dental issues in order to avoid going to the dentist. People with dental phobia are at higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss as well as emotional costs due to teeth that are not taken care of properly being discolored or unsightly and causing them to become insecure.

What are the causes?

There are many different reasons that people develop dental anxiety and phobia. A few of the leading reasons are:

1. Pain. Fear of pain is common in adult patients, probably due to past experiences earlier in life before many of the advantages in dentistry allowed it to be mostly “pain-free”.

2. Helplessness. Many people develop fear in situations in which they do not have any control. When visiting the dentist, they need to sit still in the chair and cannot see what’s going on and cannot predict whether or not there will be pain involved. It is very common for people to feel helpless of not in control and trigger anxiety.

3. Negative Past Experiences. People that have had negative dental visits that included pain and discomfort amongst other things will most likely be more anxious to go back to the dentist again.

4. Embarrassment. The mouth is one of the most intimate parts of the human body, and it can be embarrassing to have someone looking inside the mouth. This issue can be worsened if the person is embarrassed about the way their teeth looked or the way that they’ve taken care of them. Also, dental visits usually require the dentist and staff to be very close to the person’s face, which may make people uncomfortable and cause anxiety.

What are the symptoms?

Many people experience anxiety and phobia differently and have different methods of coping with it. Some of the main symptoms of dental phobia are:

1. Losing sleep the night before a dental exam.

2. The thought of going to the dentist makes the person feel nauseous.

3. When thinking of going to the dentist, the person feels like crying.

4. The person panics or has difficulties breathing when objects are placed in the mouth for the dental exam.

5. The person feels increasingly nervous while in the waiting room of the dentist.

If any of these symptoms relate to you, or if you have any questions or concerns about dental phobia and anxiety, visit Dr. Mina Levi Dentist San Francisco on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. She can help you overcome feelings of anxiety about dental visits and will be proactive about it in your treatment.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dental Anxiety, Dental Phobia, Symptoms, Dental Exams, Oral Health, Gum Disease

Seven Factors That Lead to Gum Disease

Seven Factors That Lead to Gum Disease 
By Mina Levi DDS, 12/12/2013

Gum Disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss, but since gum disease is pretty painless, you may not know that you have it. Research has shown that gum disease can be linked to heart attack and stroke as well, but only about three percent of those affected by gum disease seek treatment for it. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS will be effective in determining if you are afflicted by gum disease and need treatment. Below we discuss seven factors that make you vulnerable to gum disease.

1. Genetic Susceptibility. Unfortunately, sometimes we get some susceptibility from our parents or grandparents at no fault of our own. About thirty percent of the population inherits the tendency to be six times more at risk for gum disease. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s a good idea to see the Dentist Mina Levi DDS in San Francisco to see if you are at risk.

2. Stress. We all have times in our lives where we are overly stressed, especially now around the holidays. This stress has been linked to cancer and can make it more difficult for you to fight off oral infections such as gum disease. During periods of stress, keep a close eye on your oral and gum health, and get a professional check up if you feel a difference in your mouth.

3. Clenching or Grinding Teeth. Clenching and grinding of the teeth is an unconscious activity that usually occurs during sleep, but can occur when a person is concentrating. This grinding puts excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth as well as tooth structure itself, and can speed up the deterioration of the gums and teeth which leads to gum disease.

4. Hormonal Changes. Many people, especially women, go through life stages in which hormones in the body are changing, such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause or andropause. These changes can cause differing levels of oral bacteria and saliva production and cause gum disease easily.

5. Tobacco and Alcohol. Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol are the leading causes of oral cancer and the use of these tobacco products cause a drastic change in the oral environment and can lead to gum disease and gum recession, amongst many other issues. Using both tobacco and alcohol could put you at fifteen times greater risk than others.

6. Diabetes. Diabetics are at higher risk for infections, which includes oral infections like gum disease. This can make it more difficult to control blood sugar, so it is important to have these infections diagnosed as soon as possible.

7. Avoiding Dental Exams. Many people openly admit to disliking or have dental anxiety and thus avoid dental visits. This can lead to a multitude of problems in the mouth. Regular exams and confirmation of proper home care techniques can help you prevent gum disease, and professionals are able to identify the signs and symptoms of gum disease that would not be identified at home. This can help you to halt or even reverse gum disease progression.

For more information on gum disease, the signs and symptoms of gum disease and what you can do to avoid it, visit Dr. Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Gum Disease, Oral Cancer, Oral Bacteria, Dentist San Francisco, Oral Hygiene, Tobacco Use, Clenching and Grinding , Dental Anxiety 

Tips to Reduce Cavities

Tips to Reduce Dental Cavities

          When we think of cavities in the mouth, we immediately think that the teeth brushing routine has been poorly implemented and that must be the only reason. However, there are quite a few components that go into the cause of dental caries and along with them come a few ways to reduce their occurrence. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS is the most important aspect of keeping cavities out of the mouth. Below, we discuss the components that lead to caries and how to avoid them.

 

 
 

Components:

1.      Diet and Sugar Intake. When a person ingests carbohydrates (sugars), the bacteria in the mouth produce acid as they break down and metabolize these sugars. This acid causes dental caries and deepens the cavity over time with exposure, so-called tooth de-calcification.

2.     Oral Hygiene. Yes, we have been told over and over again that if you don’t have a proper oral hygiene regimen, that you will see decay in your teeth. This not only means brushing often, but also includes brushing correctly, using dental floss, and properly cleaning the tongue. Another important aspect of oral hygiene is to get your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS.

3.     Genes and the Strength of the Enamel. Sometimes, unfortunately, we inherit genes that give us weakened enamel without any fault of our own. Enamel is the hard substance that makes up the outside of the teeth, and protects the tooth structure from bacteria and decay. If enamel is weak or is weakened, dental caries will be more prominent.

 

Tips to reduce caries:

 

1. Use Xylitol products. Xylitol is a sweet, white substance that looks and tastes like sugar, but has 40% fewer calories than sucrose and is diabetic -friendly. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables like corn, berries and mushrooms, and the wood of trees like the birch. It is even produced naturally in small amounts by our bodies.  Unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. Xylitol not only rids the mouth of sticky harmful bacteria, it actually promotes the growth of tooth-protective, non-acidic bacteria. Plaque bacteria use sucrose and carbohydrates from our diet to grow and multiply. They create sticky threads that allow them to attach to the tooth surface and each other to form thick layers and acids that damage teeth. When plaque bacteria absorb Xylitol, they cannot multiply, produce acids, or stick to teeth. Using products like Oxyfresh toothpaste and mouthwash and chewing Spry gum means less plaque will form on teeth, and eventually plaque bacteria may be undetectable in the mouth. Xylitol also raises mouth pH and encourages mineral-rich saliva to flow into the mouth. This can protect and re-mineralize teeth by repairing the deep layers of enamel.

2.  Using MI Paste or “Liquid Tooth”. Saliva helps provide essential minerals that strengthen teeth and protect enamel. MI Paste is a product that helps release these vital minerals and stimulates saliva flow in the mouth, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities from forming so easily. MI Paste uses casein phosphopeptides that are derived from milk casein, and is ideal for buffering acids produced by bacteria and plaque, comforting dry mouth, minimizing tooth sensitivity before and after cleanings, and reducing high oral acid levels. Video: http://youtu.be/qHfBDfIZ6kQ

3. Reducing Carbohydrate Intake. Carbohydrates are sugars, which stimulate acid release in our mouths when we consume them and cause cavities. Women should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons per day and men should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than nine teaspoons per day. Reducing sugar intake will also reduce the acid production by bacteria in the mouth and thus, reduce the presence of dental caries.

4.     Dental Visits. The most important tip to reduce the prominence of dental caries in the mouth is to visit the dentist regularly. It is normally recommended to have a professional cleaning and exam done about twice per year. These exams and cleanings remove built-up plaque and calculus from the mouth and reduce the amount of bacteria that cause dental caries.

For more information regarding how to reduce and prevent cavities from forming, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dental Caries, Cavities, Dental Plaque, Oral Health, Oral Bacteria, Cleanings and Exams, Xylitol, MI Paste, Tooth Mineralization, Tooth Decalcification