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Orthodontics

Jun 15
can veneers fix crooked teeth

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

By Invisalign

A Naperville cosmetic dentist at our practice received a question from Janet about whether veneers can fix crooked teeth. Here’s what she asked, which we’re sharing with her permission:

All my teeth are fine, except the two top front ones. These two teeth are crooked and kind of go past each other. I wonder if you can tell me if porcelain veneers can fix this kind of problem?

—– Janet 

Janet isn’t the only one wondering about fixing crooked teeth with veneers. In fact, it’s a common question we get from our patients at Naperville Dental Specialists. To give more insight into porcelain veneers, including what the cosmetic dentistry solution can fix, we’ll cover:

  • What are dental veneers?
  • Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
  • What other problems can veneers fix?
  • What are the pros and cons of dental veneers?
  • What are the other treatment options for fixing crooked teeth and similar cosmetic concerns?

What are Dental Veneers?

Before we answer Janet’s question, let’s talk about what dental veneers are. Dental veneers, or porcelain veneers, are extremely thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded permanently to the teeth. The tooth-colored shells cover the front and side surfaces of the teeth in order to mask imperfections and improve the appearance of your smile. 

There are different types of dental veneers. While options like press-on veneers and Lumineers® are advertised as easy to place, not every patient is happy with the appearance of press-ons or Lumineers on their teeth. For that reason, your Naperville cosmetic dentist will customize the veneers and the procedure to your individual needs and goals. 

How Porcelain Veneers Work?

Getting porcelain veneers is painless and you’ll see results immediately, which is why they’ve become so popular with patients who want to transform their smile. Using a digital intraoral scanner, a Naperville Dental Specialists’ team member will take quick, comfortable scans of your teeth. 

A computerized, 3D model of your mouth will be created and your cosmetic dentist will use CAD/CAM software to design custom porcelain veneers that match the shape, color and translucency of your natural enamel.

Once your dental veneers have been created, the dentist will then use special adhesive to bond the veneers to the surface of your teeth. Thanks to our high-tech approach and in-office lab, we can usually complete the procedure in two office visits or, in certain cases, even provide same-day veneers. 

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

Yes, porcelain veneers can address the problem. They are very effective for fixing the appearance of crooked teeth. The end result will look stunning and natural. 

However, veneers camouflage the issue and don’t alter the position of the teeth, so we typically only recommend fixing crooked teeth with veneers when the problem is cosmetic. For more complex cases of misaligned teeth where there are functional or oral health concerns, porcelain veneers may not be the ideal solution. 

Innovative Orthodontic Centers, which is part of the Innovative Dental Partners umbrella, offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment, which, as we’ll talk about shortly, could be the better option for aligning the teeth and creating a healthy, functional bite when there is significant tooth misalignment. 

That said, if your teeth are just slightly crooked and the misalignment isn’t affecting your oral health or your ability to chew, speak or breathe properly, then veneers are an excellent alternative to orthodontic treatment. Instead of spending months in aligners or braces, the porcelain veneers will be bonded to the front of your teeth, making them instantly look straight. 

What Other Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

Porcelain veneers are very versatile and they can fix a range of cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Gaps between the teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Discolored, stained teeth
  • Misshapen or slightly crooked teeth
  • Worn or short teeth

Once the veneers are in place, your smile will look whiter, healthier and straighter! 

What are the Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers?

As with any treatment, there are pros and cons to dental veneers. After an expert Naperville cosmetic dentist evaluates your smile and chats with you about your concerns and aesthetic goals, they’ll be able to let you know if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you.

Dental veneers pros:

  • Veneers look and function like your natural teeth
  • Porcelain veneers can mask multiple imperfections and concerns at once
  • The process is painless and quick
  • The porcelain veneers we use at Naperville Dental Specialists are durable, stain-resistant and natural looking
  • Veneers can strengthen your teeth
  • The restorations will last for decades with proper care
  • Results are instant! 

Dental veneers cons:

  • Although it will be minimal, we will have to remove a small amount of your tooth enamel to fit the veneers
  • Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic solution and won’t address underlying problems, such as functional issues related to tooth misalignment

What are the Other Options for Fixing Crooked Teeth and Similar Concerns?

In Janet’s situation, if only two teeth are crooked and that’s all that’s wrong with her smile, or if misaligned teeth are creating functional and oral health problems, then Invisalign® might be the better option. This way, she can fix the crooked teeth instead of just covering them up. 

Fixing Crooked Teeth With Invisalign

Invisalign isn’t like traditional braces. There are no wires and brackets and for a minor case like Janet’s, treatment could be done in as little as six months. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable and comfortable. Most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing them. 

For patients with complex orthodontic problems, comprehensive Invisalign treatment will allow them to achieve the results they want. Dr. Manal Ibrahim and Dr. Christine Gin of Innovative Orthodontic Centers are the leading Naperville Invisalign providers and have the expertise to treat even the most severe cases with Invisalign in a way that’s efficient and comfortable. 

Sensational Smiles, on the other hand, provides limited treatment. With Sensational Smiles, patients like Janet can straighten their teeth with only three office visits. A board-certified orthodontist and Diamond+ Top 1% Invisalign provider will plan and direct the treatment using real Invisalign aligners. This means you can get the convenience of at-home aligner treatment without cutting corners. 

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers

Another alternative to dental veneers is dental bonding. Dental bonding involves placing a composite resin directly onto the tooth (or teeth). The resin hardens and is polished and shaped to blend in with your smile. It’s an affordable way to fix minor imperfections. 

When comparing dental bonding vs. veneers, bonding is usually reserved for teeth that aren’t subjected to a lot of biting force and the procedure can help with small chips or gaps. Veneers are longer-lasting, more stain-resistant and durable, so they work well for a truly dramatic smile transformation and issues like crooked teeth, as well as discoloration or staining that doesn’t respond to teeth whitening. 

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers

For a severely decayed tooth or teeth that are worn or misshapen, dental crowns can also restore their strength and appearance. But the dental crown procedure does involve removing much more of the natural tooth’s structure, so veneers are often better for fixing cosmetic flaws. 

How Much Do Our Naperville Veneers Cost?

Your Naperville veneers cost will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of veneers we use. While every patient is different, we aim to make veneers affordable. 

We file with most PPO insurances. If your insurance offers coverage for veneers, it can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, we accept CareCredit, a healthcare financing card that lets you break up your porcelain veneers cost into low monthly payments with interest-free options. 

Now that you know all about whether, or not. veneers can fix crooked teeth, if you’re ready to find out if it’s the best solution for your smile concerns, schedule a visit with a Naperville dentist. Our experienced cosmetic dentists have the training and artistic ability to give you a spectacular smile makeover you’re proud to show off! 

Jul 31

The brackets on my braces keep loosening

By Braces, Orthodontics No Comments

Hi. My name is Santiago. I am writing because the brackets on my braces keep getting loose. My dentist does fast braces but it isn’t going fast for me. She says it is taking longer because the brackets keep loosening due to bad fluorosis stains on my teeth and it’s making it harder for them to stick. I am worried that my treatment is going to take over a year because the brackets keep slipping. My mom and dad are worried about this, but they are no good with technology to find some answers. Also for some reason they feel like they would hurt the dentist’s feelings if we switch. I am wondering if you can give me some information on what I should tell them to help them think about getting me another dentist. Thanks.

Santiago – Your dentist is correct. It is more difficult to bond brackets to teeth with fluorosis stains. But there is a way to prepare the teeth to accept the bonding and prevent the brackets from slipping.

There are three points for you to remember:

  • In cases of severe fluorosis stains, the time for etching your teeth (roughening the surface) needs to be longer than usual.
  • This isn’t something you should ask your dentist to do, because she might not be sure how to properly do it.
  • You can also ask your parents to look at a June 2017 post on the mynewsmile.com/blog website on fluorosis stains and orthodontic treatment. The information there can help your parents decide if they want to schedule an appointment for you with an orthodontist.

If your brackets are slipping, it can affect the quality of your orthodontic treatment and affect your treatment time. You made a good decision to write us and ask for guidance. We hope you get a good solution, the treatment goes well, and that you’ll like the results.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 28

Will Invisalign make my gums look better?

By Invisalign

Can you help me determine if Invisalign is the best choice for my issue? My teeth have lots of spaces in between them and a few overlap. Also my gums are uneven and it makes it look like my teeth are even worse. I talked to my dentist about my teeth and gums and all she said was I can refer you to an orthodontist. She said it like I should know the process. I need some feedback and she was so curt that I don’t want to talk. Will Invisalign even out my gums as my teeth get straighter? Thanks. London

London – Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, will straighten your teeth, but it won’t resolve the issue with your gums. There is cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of your gum tissue.

Gingivoplasty – This procedure uses a laser or a periodontal instrument to shape your gum tissue. It’s done right in the dental chair. Most recontouring, or reshaping, can be completed in one visit.

Gingivectomy – If you have excessive gum tissue around your teeth. A gingivectomy can be used to remove it and sculpt the gum issue in a way that complements your smile.

In either case, the process is quick, it’s done right in the dentist’s office, and your gums will heal quickly.

When you visit an orthodontist, be certain to let him or her know that your goals for your smile include aligning your teeth and ensuring your gums are proportionate with them. Your orthodontist will include your goals in a customized treatment plan. If your orthodontist isn’t trained in reconstruction of gum tissue, he or she will work with a trained dentist or periodontist who is skilled in that area.

You might consider scheduling consultations with two or three orthodontists who are skilled Invisalign providers to discuss your goals.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 30

Will braces leave spots on my teeth?

By Braces, Orthodontics

Hi. I am so excited about getting braces in two weeks. It seemed like every time I went to the dentist I had a new cavity to fill and I had to wait for all of that to get straightened out before I could get braces. The orthodontist pulled 2 teeth to make room for my other teeth so everything would work out with the braces. I am excited but also nervous. 3 of the 5 people that I know had spotted teeth after their braces came off. Is there a way to tell in advance whether or not braces will leave spots on my teeth? Lena

Lena – Whether or not braces leave spots on your teeth has a lot to do with how well you take care of your teeth while wearing braces.

When you wear braces, food can easily get trapped between the braces and your teeth. Trapped food can lead to a formation of plaque, bacteria, and decay. Plaque buildup on your teeth causes decalcification, which shows as white spots on your teeth.

The white spots can be prevented if you are diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene—particularly with braces. Avoid acidic food and drink. Thoroughly floss and brush your teeth after you eat, and pay attention to the areas around and under your braces. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Keep your regularly scheduled dental cleaning and exam appointments.

If you are very careful about what you eat and how you take care of your teeth but you still have a few spots on your teeth after your braces are removed, visit a skilled cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your options for concealing the spots, as well as the best time to receive the treatment to conceal them.

Invisalign is an exception. The clear braces are removed when you eat and when you floss and brush your teeth. You can maintain excellent oral hygiene and not have to be concerned about plaque buildup.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

Aug 19

I don’t think my Invisalign is working

By Invisalign

I’ve had my Invisalign for about 5 weeks. I keep looking at my teeth but they look like they are in the same position as when I started. I don’t think it’s working. Will I be able to get a refund? Thanks Kylie

Kylie – Based on the timeframe you’ve provided, you will soon be switching to your third set of Invisalign aligners. This is too soon to see noticeable results when you look at your smile in the mirror.

Most patients see noticeable results in two to three months. With an average treatment time of a year or more, you are at the beginning stages of treatment. So don’t worry. As the months go by, you will notice the improvement in the alignment of your teeth.

Keep your appointments for checkups and any adjustments needed to your aligners. It will help you attain successful treatment.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

Apr 29

What can be done to fix my slanted teeth?

By Orthodontics

My teeth are badly slanted. It really looks like dominos lined up parallel but falling backwards. They look flared out if that describes it any better. I am 27 yrs old now and worried that the older I get the worse they will look. What can be done to fix them? McKoy

McKoy – When teeth are flared, it is most often due to lack of space in the arch. Younger patients can benefit from an expander to assist in proper growth of the arch.

For adults, an orthodontist may recommend braces extractions, or other corrective surgery. Each patient’s case is different. We recommend that you select a few orthodontists with whom you can schedule consultations, learn about your options, and compare them. An examination and diagnostic studies will eventually be required to determine which treatment options are best for your case and the results you can expect from each of them.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

May 20

How long does it take for Invisalign to straighten your teeth?

By Invisalign

How long does it usually take for Invisalign braces to completely straighten your teeth? – Jasmine

 

Jasmine – Generally, Invisalign straightens your teeth faster than traditional braces. How long it takes to straighten your teeth will have to be determined by your orthodontist.

Your orthodontist will establish a treatment plan for you that determines which teeth need to be moved, and to which position each tooth should move. The more complicated your case, the longer you will need to wear Invisalign aligners.

Have your teeth examined by an orthodontist to determine how long you would need to wear Invisalign.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 15

Can I use Invisalign if I’m missing teeth?

By Invisalign

I should have had braces when I was a child, because my bottom teeth are terribly crooked. Also, my bottom left back molar, and two bicuspids that were still baby teeth, had to be removed.

I’ve been considering getting Invisalign, but I’m not sure if it will work if I have missing teeth. I really don’t want to have the traditional braces now that I’m older. Also, I’m concerned that I may need dental implants to fill the gaps from my missing teeth.

Another concern is my underbite and the lack of space between my top and bottom. Can this be corrected with Invisalign too?

Jessica from St. Louis

Jessica,

There are a couple things that may prevent you from using Invisalign, excluding missing teeth. Invisalign works fine with missing teeth. In cases when there is an underbite and/or severe crowding, Invisalign may be difficult to use.

Some dentists are willing to use Invisalign on patients who have crowded teeth, while orthodontists may be more conservative. Orthodontists tend to shy away from new technology since they have been trained to work with brackets and wire.

Do your research first before making a hasty decision. Visit a few Invisalign general dentists to see what they recommend. If you decide to go with a general dentist, all cases are required to be supervised by orthodontists who are on staff at Invisalign headquarters.

Depending on difficulty of your case and the positions of your teeth, Invisalign could close the spaces in your lower jaw, and it may help move your upper teeth out without the need to replace those missing teeth.

I wish you the best.

Apr 16

Can I use Invisalign if I’m missing teeth?

By Invisalign

I should have had braces when I was a child, because my bottom teeth are terribly crooked. Also, my bottom left back molar, and two bicuspids that were still baby teeth, had to be removed.

I’ve been considering getting Invisalign, but I’m not sure if it will work if I have missing teeth. I really don’t want to have the traditional braces now that I’m older. Also, I’m concerned that I may need dental implants to fill the gaps where those teeth were pulled.

Another concern is my underbite and the lack of space between my top and bottom teeth. Can this be corrected with Invisalign too?

Jessica from St. Louis

Jessica,

There are a couple things that may prevent you from using Invisalign, excluding missing teeth. Invisalign works fine with missing teeth. In cases when there is an underbite and/or severe crowding, Invisalign may be difficult to use.

Some dentists are willing to use Invisalign on patients who have crowded teeth, while orthodontists may be more conservative. Orthodontists tend to shy away from new technology, because they have been trained to work with brackets and wire.

Before making any decisions, do your research by visiting a few Invisalign general dentists and see what they recommend to you. And if you do decide to go with a general dentist, all cases are required to be supervised by orthodontists who are on staff at Invisalign headquarters.

Depending on the difficulty of your case, and the positions of your teeth, Invisalign may close the spaces in your lower jaw, and it could help move your upper teeth out without the need for replacing those missing teeth.

I wish you the best!

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