Veneers FAQ - an interview with Bizymoms

Here is a link to a local interview asking questions about veneers and other cosmetic dental procedures.......

Veneer FAQ

Here is a copy of the interview below.........

An Interview With Dr. William D. Payne, DMD , A Qualified Dentist For Moms In Salem
1. Is there a difference in quality among various types of veneers and crowns?

Yes - there can be a huge difference between the look and quality of different veneers and crowns. The natural look is the ultimate blend of science and artistry. The skill of the dentist in doing the work and picking the right materials for each individual case are important. And the time, effort and artistic talents of the lab technician are also a huge factor. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages - and it is up to the skills of the dentist and the lab technician to pick the right materials for the job.

2. What is bonding and how is it different from a veneer?

Cosmetic bonding uses a tooth colored composite material that can alter the shape and color of a tooth. It is commonly used as a white filling material. It is generally less expensive than a porcelain veneer, but it tends not to be as strong or natural looking as a porcelain veneer. It will pick up discoloration over the years and will need to be replaced more often than porcelain veneers.

3. What can be done for excessive gum tissue?

Laser gum treatments can be used to correct minor amounts of excessive gum tissue. Larger amounts of excessive gum tissue need to be treated using orthodontics, gum surgery or jaw surgery or any combination above. It just depends on the case. There are also some cosmetic lip procedures that can be used to hide excessive gum tissue.

4. Is cosmetic dental work expensive?

Cosmetic dental wok can be expensive if it involves a lot of work on a lot of different teeth. It is like having custom jewerly done many times over. Cosmetic dentistry can be relatively inexpensive if you only need minor treatments to make your smile the way you want it. It all depends on what you need and want. How much is the self confidence of a beautiful smile worth?

5. What about my dental insurance? Will it cover this?

Dental insurance will cover some parts of cosmetic dentistry, but there are usually out of pocket costs involved for the patient also.

6. What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discoloration into three main categories:

Extrinsic discoloration -- This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained by coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic discoloration -- This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. Causes include excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood, the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger.

Age-related discoloration -- This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Chips or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discoloration, especially when the pulp has been damaged. In rare cases, children with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta are born with gray, amber or purple discolorations.