Dental Veneers: You Get What You Pay For

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Originally developed for Hollywood starlets, dental veneers have become one of the most popular ways to restore damaged or discolored teeth. However, with veneers costs ranging in the thousands of dollars, many people try to cut costs by ordering veneers online, or traveling out of the country to receive cheap dental work. In today’s post, our Apex dentist explains why cheap veneers can have very negative consequences for your smile, and why you should only receive veneers from an experienced, licensed dentist.

Risk 1: Too Much Enamel is Removed   

To apply veneers, the tooth’s enamel must be filed down, much in the same way fingernails need to be buffed before artificial nails can be applied. Inexperienced or unlicensed dentists might grind away too much enamel, preventing the veneers from fully adhering and causing them to eventually fall off. In addition, having over-filed enamel will make biting and chewing very uncomfortable, if not downright painful.

Risk 2: Not Enough Enamel is Removed

Problems can also arise when the dentist doesn’t grind away enough enamel. Since veneers are about as thick as a plastic credit card, they easily can make the teeth look and feel too bulky. Too much thickness can also impede your speech, making it difficult to pronounce words with certain syllables. Finally, if the veneers are extended too far past the natural teeth, they will crack very easily.

Risk 3: The Color Does Not Match 

High-quality veneers should be slightly translucent, so that they reflect light just like natural teeth. Making veneers the right color and opacity actually requires some artistry on the part of the laboratory that mixes the porcelain, and can’t be easily accomplished by unlicensed technicians. Overly-white, opaque veneers can look extremely fake and garish. 

Veneers Are Not Reversible

The most important thing to know about veneers is that once they have adhered, they cannot be easily replaced. Since they adhere to your ground-down tooth enamel, every new veneer placement takes more enamel and threatens to cause you more sensitivity. Most veneers will need to be redone every 10 or 20 years as they crack or weaken, but redoing them immediately after placement is very risky. 

Get Quality Veneers from Our Apex Dental Boutique!

Veneers are an extremely popular treatment which can help restore your teeth to their natural size, shape, and color—as long as they are created by a licensed professional! If you want your veneers to be matched to the exact color of your teeth, adhere correctly, and last the next few decades without any issues, visit our Apex cosmetic dentist office. To schedule an appointment with us, click here!

Our Apex NC Cosmetic Dentist Shares 6 Benefits of Dental Veneers

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If you want to improve the way that your smile looks, then you should talk to our cosmetic dentist about getting veneers. A veneer is a thin, small shell that is placed over your tooth. There are several benefits that you can reap from getting veneers.

6. Look Natural

One of the reasons that our general dentist in Apex may recommend veneers is because they look natural. The color and contour of the veneers will match your natural teeth. That is why no one will be able to tell that you are wearing veneers.

5. Simple Process

The dental veneers process is simple. Our dentist will have to drill away a small amount of enamel. After that, they will take an impression and send it to the lab. They will then place your veneers.

4. Solve Several Cosmetic Issues

There are many issues that can be corrected with dental veneers. This includes things such as stained teeth, misshapen teeth and gaps. They can also correct slightly crooked teeth.

3. Long Lasting Solution

Another reason that our general dentist in Apex may recommend veneers is because they last a long time. If you take the proper care of them, then they can potentially last for 10 years or longer. However, there are a few things that you can do in order to make them last longer.

You will have to make sure that you brush and floss on a regular basis. You will also need to avoid biting on hard foods because that can damage your veneers.

2. Easy to Maintain

Our cosmetic dentist can tell you how to take care of your veneers. However, you do not have to do anything special to care for them. In addition to caring or them at home, you will need to see a dentist on a regular basis.

1. Less Invasive

If you get a crown, then a dentist will have to remove a large portion of the tooth. Our cosmetic dentist will only remove a small part of your enamel to place the veneers. It is a minimally invasive procedure.

Request an appointment with our local cosmetic dentist today and get your confident smile back!

Enjoy a White Christmas with Our Teeth Whitening Solutions!

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Teeth Whitening Brings Smiles to the Holidays

This holiday season, treat yourself to something that will give you fresh confidence for the new year—tooth whitening services! Hansen Dentistry’s in-office whitening services work faster and last longer than over-the-counter options. If professional tooth whitening just isn’t in your budget, here are some other ways to keep your smile merry and bright this season.

Cut back on teeth-staining foods

Cutting back on stain-inducing foods like wine, coffee, cherries, and tomatoes will help keep your smile whiter, longer. Curry, balsamic vinegar, soda, and sports drinks are also common culprits of teeth staining, as their acidity can erode enamel and cause discoloration. If you can’t imagine cutting out coffee and wine forever, you might try to limit them to weekends-only or, if you don’t mind public ridicule, drink them through the straw.

Use at-home bleaching trays

Although professional whitening provides the best results, it can be pretty expensive. One less-effective, but more affordable option are at-home bleaching trays. Our Apex NC dentist can create custom-fitted bleaching trays which will gradually whiten your teeth over the course of 10 days. The bleach solution we use is weaker than in-office whitening gel, but is still stronger than over-the-counter whitening kits.

What about whitening strips?

Many popular toothpaste brands offer tooth whitening strips, which usually cost around $20 a box. This may seem like a great deal, but remember that when it comes to whitening, the cheapest solution is also usually the least effective. Whitening strips generally only make a noticeable difference in individuals who already have very light teeth. Professional whitening treatments use higher levels of peroxide than over-the-counter products, meaning results will be more dramatic and long-lasting.

Schedule Professional Tooth Whitening in Apex

Since our Apex dentists are able to monitor treatment in-office and adjust it to your needs, we are able to administer much stronger bleaching ages than those that patients can take home. That’s why professional tooth whitening is your best bet for a radiant smile that lasts for up to three years! 

If you’d like to request a tooth whitening appointment in our Apex dentist office, click here to fill out our easy contact form. From all of us at Hansen Dentistry, have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Lose the Yellow Teeth! Get New Dental Veneers with Our Apex Cosmetic Dentist

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Over time our teeth do get yellow and many of us do not know why this is happening. However one thing we know is, we want to get rid of that yellow color and get the white back! Our Apex NC cosmetic dentist fortunately can help with that as we are a leader for new dental veneers in Apex.

The first thing we need to do is to explore why our teeth get yellow. Below the enamel is a dark color dentin. As the enamel wears thinner over time, this darker dentin is more exposed giving you that off white color. We have all heard that once the enamel is gone it is gone. You can’t get it back. There are no other procedures to hide the darker dentin which has not come through. The other problem is the foods that we eat can contribute to this. The foods that we eat can also stain the enamel, making it a yellow color. For this process the enamel does not even have to wear thin, as the foods stain the actual enamel.

Our cosmetic dentist can give you a whiter smile that you have always wanted. We provide the best dentist for veneers in Apex, which can make your teeth white again. This procedure of veneers can make your teeth white again, even if you have stains on your enamel that cannot be removed. The dental veneers can also work if your enamel is gone and the darker dentin has started to show through. Whichever your situation is veneers can give you a whiter smile.

The process of getting veneers is a simple one and is offered by our Apex NC cosmetic dentist. The veneer is a thin tooth like material that is placed on the outside of your front teeth and works as a shell. These dental veneers will also protect your teeth from further stains. A mold is done, which serves as a foundation for the veneers. The veneers are then made and placed on your teeth. It is a very simple procedure and there is no pain involved.

Getting veneers is a long term solution if your teeth are corroded or stained. A whiter smile can give you the confidence that you did not have before with your current teeth. Veneers provide a long term solution and can give you a whiter smile for years to come.

Understand Why Our Apex NC Cosmetic Dentist LOVES Dental Implants

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Cosmetic dentists prefer to use dental implants for their patients because of the benefits that these appliances can have. A dental implant is a small titanium rod that is put into the jaw bone, acting like a real tooth root. The titanium rod of dental implants actually bond with the jaw bone over the course of about three months. This ensures that the rod is completely secure and can hold a crown, or cap, on top of it once the procedure has been completed and healed.

The reason your dentist in Apex prefers dental implants is because they are a lot less invasive to your teeth than a bridge. A dental bridge uses surrounding teeth to anchor a crown on top of a missing tooth. Because of this, the surrounding teeth have to be filed down to fit the bridge. This is very invasive to teeth that might be in perfectly good condition. When your dentist in Apex uses a dental implant, they are simply adding the crown to the area that is missing the tooth. None of the surrounding teeth will be touched during the procedure and this can ultimately save you a lot of headache and money.

If you are missing a tooth and want to know what your options are for replacing it, be sure to visit cosmetic dentists to see about getting an implant put into your mouth. More and more people are opting for an implant because it is relatively noninvasive and does not destroy the structure of surrounding teeth like a dental bridge might. This is a wonderful option for anyone who is missing a few teeth and who does not want to compromise the rest of their teeth just to have a bridge put in. Be sure to speak with our Apex NC dentist to learn more about this procedure.

Apex Cosmetic Dentist Shares Expectations for Dental Implants Appointment

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Proven Dental Implant Process

Technological advances in treatments and tools used by cosmetic dentists in Apex, NC have improved both the process and the outcome of today’s dental procedures. The focus on minimizing discomfort has derived the tools and devices responsible for reducing the amount of time needed for far superior results. Many of the most complex procedures, such as dental implant surgery, have been reduced to a process so simplified even the recovery time puts past experiences into distant memory.

There is no need for apprehension with modern dental implants. Made from commercially pure titanium or titanium alloys designed to fuse naturally to bone, it all comes down to applying the science of engineering this kind of fit. This is where the ingenuity of improved procedures and materials has completely transformed dental implant surgery.

Modern Dental Implants in Apex NC

Modern dental implants rely on a precision fit for stability and to hasten healing. As with all invasive procedures, the more the body is allowed to maintain homeostasis, the body’s natural ability to maintain its internal stability, the less complications and pain are associated with the outcome. By preparing a precision surgical guide with the aid of X-rays and CT scanning, the osteotomy is performed to create the channel or hole that receives the threaded titanium post and abutment.

Creating this space to receive the post is a process of graduated drilling to perfect the size of the opening and allows the implant to “take” naturally. In addition, therapeutic treatment of water-cooling the tissue during drilling prevents trauma for more natural fusion. This is critical in preserving bone integrity where it is most needed to support dental implants. Depending on each individual case, the crown, bridge or dentures are fitted the same day or soon thereafter.

With this “site preparation” and pre-planning to line-up the existing bite, or occlusion, there is nothing left to chance. Applying this method of gentle tissue management, cosmetic dentists in Apex, NC are able to prescribe mild medication post surgery as the only relief necessary to manage pain and swelling. With this level of expert care, dental implant surgery has become a thankfully uneventful experience.

Seeking a Consultation with Our Cosmetic Dentist in Apex NC?

If you’re wanting to keep a big bright smile, come see Dr. Hansen and the rest of our team at Hansen Dentistry. Our cosmetic dentist in Apex can’t wait to improve your smile and your confidence! To schedule an appointment, click here.

Minimally Invasive Veneers Can Change Your Smile Says Our Apex NC Dentist

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Minimally invasive porcelain veneers are very thin and designed to cover the surface of the teeth to which they are applied. With this type of veneer, tooth structure is left intact and only altered when necessary.

With all of the available treatment options for people who are unhappy with their smiles, it might be difficult to choose which one is best for an individual.

With all of the available treatment options for people who are unhappy with their smiles, it might be difficult to choose which one is best for an individual.

Common misconceptions about minimally invasive porcelain veneers:

•   Minimally invasive porcelain veneers will make teeth look too big or too long. In almost all cases, some tooth reshaping is necessary to allow the teeth and smile to look better than the smile the patient started with.

•   Minimally invasive porcelain veneers can lead to gum disease. The dentist will finish and polish edges to avoid ledges and to make the veneers smooth. As with all teeth, patients should brush and floss around the veneers.

•   There will be sensitivity after having veneers bonded. With minimally invasive veneers, since the tooth enamel is maintained, sensitivity is very rare.

Always remember to consult your dentist for the option that will best suit you. Ask them all the questions or concerns they might have, and whenever you feel comfortable about the process, then go ahead and start it.

 

Same Day Crowns in Apex: Long-Lasting Results Without the Wait!

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Same Day CrownsDental crowns offer natural-looking restoration results for teeth that have been damaged from trauma or infection. Until recently, receiving a custom-made, permanent crown could take weeks; now, Dr. Hansen offers same day crowns in Apex, NC, thanks to advanced dental technology called CEREC. Learn more about this innovative approach to dental crowns below.

If you’re ready for dental crown treatment without the wait, contact us at (919) 363-8444. Dr. Hansen can provide a consultation to see if same day crowns will help improve the health and vitality of your smile.

What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.” It’s a long term, but conveys a simple idea: CEREC allows Dr. Hansen to create and place a custom-made dental crown in one day. Previously, custom dental crown fabrication meant sending impressions off to a dental lab for a dental ceramicist to create the restoration. However, our practice’s state-of-the-art machinery uses 3D images obtained from your mouth to create a replica of your natural tooth. Dr. Hansen can make any small adjustments once the crown is placed to ensure that your bite is comfortable.

What are the benefits?

CEREC has so many benefits; for our busy patients, less time at the dentist’s office is the best advantage. However, CEREC also:

  • Allows for same-day restoration of your smile: A healthy, restored smile now doesn’t have to mean long treatment times. Whether Dr. Hansen is protecting a vulnerable cracked or chipped tooth, or is finishing a root canal procedure, you can have your final, permanent smile completed in just one day.
  • Uses the same, high-quality materials: CEREC crowns are made from the same materials as those of many traditional dental crowns. CEREC just allows Dr. Hansen to bring the technology of dental labs into his Apex, NC practice to save you time.
  • Provides a comfortable design process: Uncomfortable dental impressions are unnecessary for fabricating a CEREC crown. Dr. Hansen utilizes a 3D imaging device to provide accurate measurements.
  • Eliminates the need for temporary crowns: Since there is no waiting period while the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental lab, patients don’t have to spend 2 to 3 weeks wearing a temporary crown. Temporary crowns are usually made from composite resin and are not only less durable than a permanent crown, but are less protective, too. With CEREC, your tooth is better protected through a permanent crown than it would be with a temporary one.

Are the results really permanent?

Fast results don’t have to mean low-quality. Dr. Hansen and our team know that you have a busy schedule, so we offer time-saving solutions for dental services. However, we never skimp on the quality and safety of the procedures. CEREC crowns are fabricated from the same safe and effective materials used at more traditional dental labs. You can also expect CEREC crowns to last the same length of time as a traditional crown.

How can I receive a CEREC crown?

Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hansen is the best way to figure out whether a CEREC crown will work for you! Dr. Hansen can go over additional treatment options, and discuss your expectations to make sure you are fully satisfied with the results. Contact our Apex, NC practice at (919) 363-8444.

Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist in Apex NC

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Are you new in town or looking for a different dental experience?  There are many dentists to choose from in the Apex Cary area and so sometimes it can be overwhelming as you try to find a good fit for you and your family. It is important to choose a dentist who you feel you can trust. Look for a dentist who…

 1)  Is an Active Listener

You should feel like your dentist gives you a customized dental experience. Not a one size fits all appointment.  This can only be done if the dentist takes time to not only look in your mouth, but to listen to you.  The dentist might be an expert on what is going on in your mouth, but you are the expert on why.  What’s is going on in your life and how is that effecting your overall and dental health?  Are you a mom who is busy doing a fabulous job taking care of your children but tend to put yourself on the back burner?  Are you a bride preparing for your wedding and want the best smile of your life?  Did you just get your first job, have dental insurance for the first time since before college and want to get back on track? How do you feel about your smile?  If there is something you could change about your smile, what would it be?

Your dentist should be interested in you.  Not just your mouth.

2) Respects Your Time and Your Resources

A dentist should not keep you in the waiting room too long and should be punctual for appointments.  Scheduling coordinators should give you options for appointments that are convenient for you. If taking off work is difficult, find a dental office that offers appointments on Saturdays or late weekday hours.

 A dentist should also offer different billing options so that your financial resources can be optimized.  For example, hopefully they file your insurance, have financing options, and/or offer a cash discount if you are a cash paying patient.

3)  Educates You about all aspects of your appointment

The entire dental team should be good educators.

The dentist will educate you on all matters related to your oral health and how it effects your overall health and well being. This includes performing oral cancer screenings as a part of a head and neck exam.

The dental hygienist should educate you on what you can do daily to keep your teeth healthy and maintain your smile.

Insurance can get confusing.  What you will pay, what insurance will pay? Do you pay up front?  Or only the difference? The financial coordinator’s job is to help you understand all aspects of your financial arrangement.

4)  Stays Current with Technology and Continuing Education

 You wouldn’t use a phone from 15 years ago.  So why go to a dentist who does not stay up to date with current technology?  Advancements in technology in the dental field offer many of the same benefits as those outside the field.  More comfort, less time, better results. For example, same day CEREC crowns mean less wait time for patients. They also mean no annoying temporary crown while you wait for the permanent one to come back from the lab.

Continuing education allows dentists to stay current with technology and procedures.  It gives them an opportunity to brush up on procedures they are already comfortable with and expand their scope of practice.

Not sure what your dentist does to stay up to date?  Just ask!  If your dentist is already doing this, he/she would most likely love the opportunity to share this information with you!

 

Overall, just remember to trust your gut.  Taking some time to find a dental practice that meets your specific needs is worth the effort. Perhaps that means calling to ask for an office tour and to meet the dentist and staff before scheduling your first appointment.  Once you find the right fit, you will be glad you did!

The Need to Know Detail About Cosmetic Dentistry

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What is a cosmetic dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is one who improves the appearance of a smile. There are a number of ways to do this, ranging from simple bleaching to minor surgery. Many cosmetic dentistry techniques can certainly be performed at a local dentist office. The amount of time, discomfort, and expense involved depends upon the procedure.

Cosmetic surgery can be broken down into two types. The first type improves upon the natural appearance of the smile by changing the color or shape of the teeth. The second type improves the overall appearance of the smile by improving tooth and bite health. This may or may not affect the color or shape of the teeth.

Examples of the first type of cosmetic dentistry include:

  • whitening
  • bonding
  • veneers
  • crowns

Whitening

Teeth whitening is the simplest and least expensive of all the cosmetic procedures. It offers no oral health benefits. Whitening can be done at home, but a professional visit offers more rapid and uniform results. The whitening application has to be repeated in order to maintain a whiter smile. The frequency of this procedure depends on the patient’s tooth care habits and lifestyle.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the application of a resin to teeth to fill gaps, cracks, and pits and give the smile a more uniform appearance. Bonding has the added benefit of preventing wear of teeth and exposing their roots. Bonding resin generally has to be reapplied every several years.

Veneers

Dental veneers are custom made plastic or porcelain shells that can change a tooth’s shape or color. This type of cosmetic dentistry generally requires a couple of visits. Depending on the material used and the habits of the patient, veneers can last anywhere from one to several decades.

Crowns

Dental crowns are used for everything from altering the color or shape of a tooth to protecting a broken one to connecting dental work. Materials used in making crowns range from porcelain to metal. Crown work generally takes several visits and is among the most expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.

Cosmetic surgery that improves bite health includes:

  • braces
  • bridges
  • implants

Using wiring and brackets, braces are used to reposition and realign teeth. They may remain on teeth anywhere from several months to several years. Bridges are artificial teeth. They are affixed to prepared teeth and are worn with a crown or crowns. Only a dentist can remove a bridge. Implants are also artificial teeth, but they can be affixed to dentures and removed. Both of these procedures are not inexpensive and require more than one visit to the dentist. But if bridges and implants are cared for properly, they can last a long time.

Other cosmetic dentistry procedures include correcting uneven gum lines and abnormally sized teeth, and fixing indentations to the jawbone. Because of all the options afforded with cosmetic surgery, individuals are advised to contact their local dentist office for information and help in perfecting and protecting their smile.