Am I a Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers maybe a great option for your smile. These thin porcelain pieces are attached to natural teeth using on a minimum amount of reduction in the tooth structure. Veneers help when patients have staining that isn’t helped by whitening or when teeth are chipping.

While veneers maybe a good option, some patients may not be candidates.

If you have significant tooth structure that has been removed due to decay, a full coverage porcelain crown may be a better option to restoring your tooth to health. This is also true if you want a veneer to correct the positioning of a tooth. “Teeth that are rotated may sometimes require significant reduction to realign, in that case a crown would be the better choice,” says Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet Valley Dental Care in Hemet, CA.

“When teeth are chipping due to problems with occlusion – the way the teeth fit together – veneers might also not be a good choice, “or at least not until the occlusion problem has been corrected,” adds Dr. Ko. If you are chipping your front teeth, it is a sign of something else going on. See your dentist to determine what.

Veneers, just like crowns and natural teeth, must be brushed and flossed on a regular basis. And also, just like crowns, you cannot expect them to last forever. “As you age, gum recession may very well determine when it’s time to replace your veneers,” says Dr. Ko. To learn more, call Hemet Valley Dental Care and set up an appointment today!

Differences Between the Types of Crowns. Which One Should You Choose?

Not all crowns are created equal. And making the decision as to which crown is the best for you is something that you and your dentist should discuss together.

“A crown is a fabricated covering that, once a tooth is reduced, is placed over the tooth to protect it from further breakdown,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. As mentioned in a previous article: The Crown: A Great Restorative Procedure, crowns are placed when a tooth is severely decayed, broken or endodontically treated (has a root canal). 

But which crown will be right for your tooth is something that you should carefully consider. “There are many options available to patients today and so it is important for you to be involved in the process of choosing your new crown,” adds Dr. Ko.

Base metal crowns – silver in color – are generally the least expensive option available. Sometimes these crowns are then covered with porcelain for a more cosmetic appearance. If you have had any challenges with metal allergies, these types of crowns may not be in your best interest. “Metal allergies from jewelry and watches can create problems that will also be seen in the mouth if the same type of material is against the gum tissue.

Noble metal crowns contain gold. These can be solid gold or, again, porcelain can be placed over the gold to provide a more cosmetic appearance. These gold crowns tend to be better for gum tissue.

Another choice is the new all porcelain options. Many of these provide the patient with a cosmetic look that mirrors their own natural teeth and can also be quite strong at the same time.

When discussing options with your dentist, make sure to ask any questions about the material and why it is being recommended. At the same time, talk about what is important to you – cosmetics or gum health.  “Collaboration with your dentist is the best way to attain an excellent result!” Dr. Ko says.

Cosmetic Dentistry! Changing one smile at a time!

Who wants to be NEXT?

When people hear the words "Cosmetic Dentistry" they often envision many $$$ signs. That doesn't have to be the case!

Before/During

Cosmetic dentistry is not always related to "just" a beautification process! It also can restore health to teeth with decay, abrasions and broken or chipped teeth!  Cosmetic transformations give patients the confidence to share their smile! Dr. Ko and staff members here at Hemet Valley Dental Care take pride in our cosmetic procedures! We strive to provide as many treatment options to fit our patients individual needs! 

After!

This is a true patient of Dr. Judith Ko!

This patient has a new found confidence in his smile!

" I'm so glad I decided to do this! I haven't been this happy in a long time, I almost started crying. Thanks again!"

This list is just a few ideas of what we can at Hemet Valley Dental Care can help you with!

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Rejuvenate discolored / stained teeth

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Close gaps between teeth

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Reduce the over‐crowded nature of teeth

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Straighten overlapping or crooked teeth

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Cover chips

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Conceal blemishes

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Replace missing teeth

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Repair breakages

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Replace Amalgam Fillings with Tooth‐colored Restorations