Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Miami Beach Dentist Discusses The Different Types of Dental Crowns and Understanding Their Difference

Miami Beach Dentist explains
all about dental crowns

Do you need of a dental crown? There are several reasons why your dentist may suggest this option for restoring your teeth. You may have a weak tooth due to decay or a crack. You may also have a misshapen or severely discolored teeth. Another reason is you may have a broken tooth or a severely worn tooth. Maybe your bite is off or your teeth are shifting. Whatever the case is, you must check with your dentist which type of crown they are suggesting to see if it is the best option for your smile.

But first, what is a dental crown?

A crown is like a hollow, tooth shaped “cap” which is placed over a prepared natural tooth that has been damaged or worn down. It can be made from a variety of materials, including metal or porcelain.

A dental crown is custom-made and basically a permanent restoration. After cementing the crown, it completely covers the entire visible portion of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Having this help restore your teeth and improve your smile.

If your dentist suggests that you need to have dental crowns, you must know what types are available. Listed below are the different options you have so you fully understand their differences and know what is the best type of dental crown for you.

All-Metal Crowns

The term “all-metal” literally means the entire crown is made out of metal. This type of dental crown can withstand extreme biting and chewing forces well. It may also last longer compared to other types in terms of wear down. Also, metal crowns rarely chip or break. It has a metallic color -- and the high price of gold or metal alloy -- is the main drawback. For out-of-sight molars, metal crowns may be a good choice.

All-Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns, sometimes called ‘all-ceramic’ crowns, are probably the most popular type of crown used nowadays. They are entirely made of porcelain material and the most natural looking option for front teeth. If you have allergies to particular metals used in other types, this is a good choice for you. One disadvantage of this type is they are not as strong as metal crowns. They wear down opposing teeth more than metal and resin crowns do. Porcelain crowns can last a long time as long as you take good care of them.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns

Just like porcelain crowns, porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) is also a widely used type of dental crown.
PFM crowns are made up of two components. In its core, it is made out of metal (metal alloy). Then, it is layered over and bonded to the metal base with porcelain (which is a type of ceramic) to give the crown its tooth-like shape and color. If you were to choose this type of restoration, it will give you great esthetic look and durability because this type of restoration has been used in dentistry for over 50 years so dentists know they work well. However, if you normally clench your teeth, this type of crown may easily wear down against the opposing teeth in your mouth.

Miami Beach Dentist Dental Crowns

Stainless Steel Crowns

A stainless-steel crown is commonly used for primary (baby) teeth in children. This crown fits over a prepared primary tooth, covering it entirely and protecting it from further decay. If your child needs to have dental crown, this is probably the best choice because they require minimal dental visits to fit and cement, and are a more cost-effective option for a primary tooth that will eventually be lost anyway. But for adults, a prefabricated stainless-steel crown is mainly used as a temporary measure, to protect a tooth or filling until there is a permanent crown available.

Miami Beach Dentist on Dental Crowns

All-Resin Crowns

It is also referred to as ‘composite resin’ crowns because they are made from composite resin material. This dental crown is much cheaper than other types. However, they are more prone to fractures and wear down over time compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Just like stainless steel crown which is made to temporary protect the teeth until a permanent has been manufactured, all-resin crowns are also used as temporary crowns and can therefore be mixed in a number of shades to match the natural teeth color. And also, they are a metal-free.

Zirconia Dental Crowns

One of the newest materials being used today in dental crowns is known as Zirconia or zirconium dioxide, a white powdered ceramic material. Its ceramic properties and the fact that is milled from a single block make it a strong dental prosthetic material. In fact, its strength allows for far thinner dental crowns than those made with metals. Zirconia material offers superior strength and durability for dental crowns. It is at least three times stronger than porcelain or PFM restorations. Unlike porcelain, zirconia can withstand wear and tear without chipping, which is why zirconia restorations tolerate extreme chewing and bruxism.

So, what should you consider when getting a dental crown? Remember, you will have a crown in your mouth for many years. You want to choose long-lasting and high-quality type of dental crown. Remember that different materials will also have different dental lab cost associated with the manufacturing process and dental restoration time. Choose a material that will last a long time and will not break the budget.

If you want to schedule a consult to get the best dental crown, contact us today. Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
https://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami dentist in Miami

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

The Truth About Teeth Whitening: Is It REALLY Effective?

Miami Beach teeth whitening

Have you noticed the color of your teeth starting to change? Are your teeth becoming yellow? Our teeth
may suffer from discoloration due to our lifestyle choices like having tea, coffee, red wine or tobacco. Teeth can also become dark or turn yellow naturally as we get older. You may need a professional teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a common and relatively inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your discolored teeth fast. This type of cosmetic dentistry can give you that extra sparkle and confidence boost, so that you keep smiling, every day. The safest and also the most effective dental whitening treatment is done in-office by a cosmetic dentist. While over-the-counter treatments can also work, they are less effective, riskier, and can cause uneven whitening.

HOW IT WORKS?

Teeth whitening involves bleaching the teeth to lighten their color. The treatment is safe, fast and effective. Professional whitening procedures use stronger chemicals that can whiten the surface of the teeth and the enamel underneath giving you better, longer lasting results than the home kits. Your teeth are semi-permeable, and the whitening treatment uses safe chemicals, such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to permeate into the tooth enamel and break up stains into less concentrated colors.

CHECK YOURSELF

Before you decide to commit to a whitening session, it is recommended that you examine yourself to
see if you really need a whitening treatment. If you check your teeth and find that you have any of these problems then you may be a good candidate for a professional teeth whitening:

Darkened teeth
Age spots
Yellow or orange spots (caused by coffee, tea, or other foods, and smoking)
Grey teeth

Dental teeth whitening is not recommended for everyone, particularly if you are experiencing the following:

Overly-sensitive teeth
Gum or mouth disease (periodontal disease and/or oral cancer)
With worn tooth enamel
Tooth decay
Excessive plaque buildup
Missing teeth

If you suffer from any of these problems, please call our office to schedule an appointment to get these issues resolved first.

Miami Beach teeth whitening

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A TEETH WHITENING?

During a teeth whitening session done in our office, we will first create molds of your top and bottom teeth. These are used to make customized trays, like a mouthguard, that fit over your teeth. Then, your we will choose the best teeth bleaching method available for your specific case.

Fast in-office power bleaching is also done in the office. We will cover your gums and then apply the bleaching agent to the teeth. After that, an ultraviolet light is shone to activate the whitening agents. This typically takes about 60 minutes, and often only requires one treatment to get great results.

Another option that we offer is a professional take home whitening kit. These include custom-made tray that can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. This tray is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing it. We can provide you with the whitening agents to whiten at home or touch up the professional whitening in the office so that the results can last longer.

Another option to extend the results of your teeth whitening is to use whitening toothpastes which contain mild abrasives which scrub the teeth removing surface stains to make them whiter. This will help you maintain your bright smile longer.

CONCLUSION

The truth is, you have so many options today with regards to in-home teeth whitening products. The way to get faster and more predictable results is to get it done by a professional. If you are not sure, you owe it to yourself to get at least a consult first. At home teeth whitening kits often cause uneven results and can even damage your teeth or make the discoloration even worse.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Miami Beach Dentist Gives 5 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are the Best Option for Tooth Replacement

What are the real benefits of using dental implants to replace missing teeth? Many people often wonder
if there is a true benefit or if it is just marketing hype. Do you? If you are considering getting a dental implant in the future, this article will help you decide what’s the best option for you.

Replacing lost teeth is vital to your oral health and to your overall health system. When permanent teeth are missing, you not only lose functionality but also can experience several other issues. It may affect your confidence, your everyday living, and worst of all, your mouth will deteriorate rapidly if left untreated. Other teeth can shift, and this can affect your bite. An improper bite can affect your jaw joints and cause facial pain. Missing teeth can even affect your digestion which has a whole other set of problems.

One of the best solutions for replacing one or more missing teeth are dental implants. Dental implants can help you look and feel better, regain your self-esteem, and help you have better quality of life. For many years now, dental implants have been used to replace missing or lost teeth. And it is now the standard of care for restoring missing teeth.

If you want to smile again, dental implants will help you do just that. Below are some of the major benefits of dental implants:

1. 1. You’ll Look Younger

Implants will help you look and feel younger. This is because they prevent bone loss that normally
occurs when a tooth is lost. By preventing bone loss your facial structures will remain normal and intact. This diminishes the chance of wrinkling and looking older.

2. Keep Your Natural Teeth Healthy

Replacing a tooth with the traditional tooth-supported bridges often requires a dentist to grind down to the teeth that are adjacent to your missing tooth/teeth so that the bridge can be cemented into place. But the problem here is that the natural tooth structure that was lost is not replaceable. On the other hand, replacing a missing tooth with implant-supported crowns or bridges will not involve the adjacent natural teeth, this means that the remaining teeth will not be damaged or compromised. Yes! Dental implants allow you to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible!

3. Oal System Will Be Restored Back to Its Natural State.

By replacing a whole tooth including the tooth root, there is a greater chance to closely replicate the function of natural teeth. If you have dentures, then dental implants can be used to support these dentures and make them stable. This will help people with dentures get back their strong, stable foundation which allows a comfortable biting and chewing. Your oral system will look natural, and no one will know you have a new implant-supported smile unless you tell them.

4. Live Comfortably in Everyday Situations

Unlike dentures, you don’t have to take out or remove a dental implant replacement tooth. You can brush them, floss, eat, drink, and sleep with your dental implants. You don’t have to worry because they’re completely permanent. If you use dental implants to support dentures, then you don’t have to ever worry about the dentures falling out of your mouth again. Implants create an incredibly strong attachment for dentures.

5. Live A Healthy Lifestyle Without Worrying About What to Eat!

You can now enjoy fresh vegetables, corn, fruits, and steaks because you can eat all of them with comfort because of dental implants! Enjoy that crisp apple again without fear. And with better chewing function your digestion will be even better as well.

These are just 5 of the many benefits of dental implants. It is really a better option than wearing dentures, traditional bridges or living with missing teeth. But don’t forget! Maintaining a good dental routine is vital for dental implants. Brush and floss the everyday and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, maintenance, and check-ups.

Have you decided that dental implants are right for you? Contact us today!

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Miami Beach Dentist Shares Five Dental Tips to Getting a Bright Smile

Miami Beach Dentist on dental tips

Brushing is not enough! Brushing your teeth every morning and night doesn't guarantee you're giving your mouth all the attention it needs. Even a regular oral hygiene routine may be leaving gaps if you engage in a few not-so-great habits. The best way to get a healthy smile is to understand proper brushing technique and ensuring you have the right tools in your cabinet to help get a more thorough dental cleaning every time you brush. The following dental hygiene tips will help you take your dental care routine to the next level.

South Beach Dentist

Always Use Proper Brushing Technique

Most people do it wrong! A fast pass of the bristles isn't enough to remove leftover food particles and polish your teeth. Instead, use a technique suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA): Start with your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush vertically and use several shorter strokes to focus on the backs of your teeth of the front anterior teeth where plaque builds up often. When it comes to a clean mouth, technique makes a difference.

Brush Regularly and Enough

People brush regularly, but simply don't brush enough for their teeth to stay clean. The ADA recommends brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily. Having trouble sticking to your dental hygiene routine for two minutes? Try listening to short song, or cue up a two-minute YouTube video. This will keep you entertained and help you reach the two minute goal.

Floss Right

Like brushing, flossing is also techniques-sensitive. It must be done properly so that, when you reach between teeth, you actually get to the germs and plaque that are stuck there. Ideally, use a piece of floss up to 18 inches in length, allowing you to use a fresh area of floss every few teeth. This way you are not reinserting bacteria you just removed. Keep in mind the floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth.

Always Use a Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash is crucial because mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can't. A good mouthwash can rid your mouth of the same debris that irritates the gumline and causes gingivitis. Add a mouthwash to your oral care regimen to get the most thorough clean you can, especially when you are on the go.

Eliminate Post-Brushing Snacking

Midnight snack? Brushing well may clear your teeth of bacteria and food particles, but if you sneak a snack afterward, you'll need to brush again before bed. Having a snack before sleep (without brushing) can allow food particles and sugar to remain on your teeth for an extended period of time, providing fuel for bacteria that feeds on it.

Dental hygiene should be part of any health routine. Following these dental hygiene tips will help you attain a healthy smile for life.

Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami dentist in Miami