What Is the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers? 

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Dental bonding (aka direct bonding, deposit bonding and teeth bonding) and veneers (aka dental porcelain laminates and porcelain veneers) are both aesthetic treatments that dentists use to address visual irregularities of the teeth.

What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Dental Bonding?

A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain, which is frequently referred to as a porcelain shell, that dentists use to conceal tooth irregularities or to lengthen a patient’s teeth.

To ensure a natural-looking result, the dentist in Portland, Oregon, matches the color of the veneer with the patient’s other teeth. However, if the dentist is covering all the front teeth with veneers, the patient can choose a shell color that will enhance his or her smile.

Dental bonding consists of a moldable, tooth-colored composite resin that dentists use to fill cavities and address irregularities of the teeth to improve a patient’s smile.

To make sure the correction or filling is undetectable, the dentist uses a resin color that matches the rest of the patient’s teeth.

Who Can Benefit From Veneers and Dental Bonding?

Individuals who have gaps in their teeth as well as those with discolored, crooked, chipped, fractured or oddly shaped teeth can benefit from both of these restorative cosmetic procedures.

Although dental bonding offers many of the same benefits that porcelain veneers do, individuals who want the dentist to address issues affecting all their front teeth (e.g., discoloration) are usually better candidates for a set of veneers.

Which lasts Longer, Porcelain Veneers or Dental Bonding?

A porcelain veneer lasts twice as long as a dental bond, which is why veneers are considered the permanent option for improving one’s smile.

Individualized Treatment Plans in Portland, Oregon

Dental bonding and veneers are both used to address visible imperfections of the teeth. The goal of these treatments is to provide the patient with a beautiful, flawless-looking smile. Your needs and desires play a role in which treatment the dentist recommends. Once a treatment path is decided upon, the dentist creates the patient a custom-designed treatment plan.

To schedule an appointment with one of the dedicated and highly experienced dentists at Portland City Dental, please call 1-503-227-2883 or visit us online. Portland City Dental’s address is 511 SW 10th Avenue, Suite 704 in Portland, Oregon.

 

The Pros and Cons of Same-Day CEREC Crowns

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If you’ve ever gotten a crown from a dentist in Portland, OR, you know it requires several visits. What if we told you there are now same-day crowns, would you be interested? We’re guessing you said yes—who wouldn’t? But just like anything else, it’s good to weigh the pros and cons of Same-Day CEREC Crowns before making any decisions.

What Are Same-Day CEREC Crowns?

CERC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. This type of crown is made using a fairly new type of technology. It uses computer-aided design and manufacturing to produce them.

Your dentist will scan your mouth with 3D imaging software. This scan goes directly to another machine in your dentist’s office. That machine then creates your crown by carving it out of a ceramic block. The dentist will then install your new crown and you’re ready to go.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Same-Day CEREC Crowns?

Here are the pros and cons of Same-Day CEREC Crowns in Portland, OR.

Pros:

  • No waiting. Your new crown will be produced and installed within a matter of hours.
  • No need for a temporary crown.
  • Less expensive because you won’t have to pay for a temporary crown.
  • You won’t have to experience the discomfort of a temporary crown.
  • No chance of a temporary crown loosening and coming off.
  • Same-Day CEREC crowns last 10-15 years and sometimes up to 20-30 years if they are properly cared for.

Cons:

  • Not as strong as other crowns. Porcelain crowns that are fused to metal crowns tend to be stronger.
  • If your tooth is cracked below the gumline, the CEREC camera has a hard time capturing the image properly. In this case, your dentist might recommend a traditional crown instead.

Contact a Dentist in Portland, OR

If you want more information about Same-Day CEREC crowns in Portland, OR, please Contact City Dental today. We look forward to serving you!

Can I Use Veneers to Make My Teeth Larger?

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Dental veneers in Portland, OR are ideal for hiding teeth imperfections. If you have gaps, uneven teeth or crooked teeth, dental veneers can help. But sometimes, dental veneers can do even more than disguise imperfections; they can truly transform your smile and make it appear that you have very different natural teeth. You may be asking, can veneers make teeth look larger?

Custom Veneers Mimic Natural Teeth

Your Portland, Oregon dentist will have custom veneers made that mimic your natural teeth in size, shape and color. This is so that your veneers will be as discreet as possible. Quality veneers are nearly imperceptible to others. In fact, many of your closest friends and co-workers may already have veneers without you realizing it.

Custom Veneers Can Also Transform Teeth

Because veneers are custom-made, you and your dentist can do something very special, which is to make your teeth appear larger. Sometimes, the issue with a person’s smile has less to do with teeth alignment and more to do with the size of the teeth. In cases like this, it’s entirely possible to have veneers that make your teeth look larger than they are.

Dental Veneers Can Change the Look of Teeth

In addition to this, dental veneers can also be made to alter the profile of your teeth. In other words, if your teeth tend to curve in and downward, you can get custom dental veneers that subtly alter and correct that curvature.

Your dentist will be able to share with you all the possibilities that there are with custom dental veneers. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss how veneers can transform your smile or even make your existing natural teeth appear larger.

Whitening

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Protect Against Cavities? 

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Professional teeth whitening in Portland, OR is a very satisfying experience. After this treatment is completed, you’ll leave the office with a beautiful, dazzling smile that you’ll be proud to show off. It’s the single most impressive, non-invasive dental treatment you can easily get to transform your smile. However, bear in mind that teeth whitening is not a substitute for teeth cleaning.

Teeth Cleaning is Still Necessary

The terms may be confusing, but teeth cleaning is not the same as teeth polishing or teeth whitening. Teeth cleaning is the process whereby a dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. This is a crucial treatment for oral health, since plaque and tartar destroy enamel and allow bacteria to flourish in the mouth.

Teeth Whitening Without Cleaning is Not Good

Teeth whitening involves the use of strong dental formulations that get rid of stains and discoloration on teeth. But if you have existing cavities or your oral health is compromised due to decay, the process of teeth whitening can be detrimental to your overall oral health. It’s important to take care of any existing oral health problems before having professional teeth whitening in Portland, OR.

Teeth Whitening May Inadvertently Help

There is one side to professional teeth whitening that can inadvertently help oral health. That is the fact that when you schedule a teeth whitening treatment, it does get you into the dentist’s chair, where your dentist can review the condition of your teeth and gums and let you know if you need other treatment. As a rule, you should see your dentist at least once every six months. If teeth whitening gets you to visit the dentist more often than that, then your teeth and gums will only be better.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure meant to make you look better. But nothing replaces the value of teeth cleaning.

Get Prepared for Invisalign Treatment – What to Expect

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Have you considered Invisalign treatment in Portland, OR to straighten your smile? If so, you may be curious about what to expect during the appointments leading up to wearing your aligners. Here is a quick overview of what to expect during the first appointments after you opt for Invisalign.

1. The Initial Invisalign Consultation

If you are simply interested in Invisalign, you will first have an initial consultation with the dentist. During this visit, the dentist will:

  • Discuss your oral health concerns
  • Do a thorough examination of your smile
  • Determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for you

Numerous issues can be addressed with Invisalign, such as overbite and underbite, gaps between your teeth, and crowding. Therefore, the dentist will look at the alignment issues you are facing and let you know if the problems could be corrected with Invisalign.

2. Mapping Your Smile

Invisalign treatment utilizes state-of-the-art software that takes digital maps of your teeth and their positions. The process will involve the dentist taking a series of scans of your mouth using specialized tools.

3. Previews and Aligners

Once the dentist has gotten a full digital map of your current smile, they will use the computer software to show you how your smile will change step by step and aligner by aligner. This is an excellent feature of the treatment because it gives you an idea of how your smile will change throughout the course of treatment. Beyond this insightful process, your aligners will be created and you will be brought back into the office to get started with treatment.

Talk to a Portland Dentist About Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign can be just as effective at straightening your smile as traditional metal braces, and when you work with the best dentist in Portland, OR, the results are profound. Reach out to us at City Dental to schedule an Invisalign consultation today.

4 Great Reasons to Get Invisalign

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If your teeth aren’t quite straight, there are many dental devices that can help correct your tooth alignment. Invisalign is a very modern solution to this old dental problem. By slowly shifting your teeth into the right place, Invisalign can help correct your smile and ensure that your teeth function as they should. In this article, we’ll discuss four great reasons to get Invisalign in Portland.

1. Confidence in Your Smile

Unlike traditional braces, which can hide your teeth behind wires and brackets, Invisalign corrects your smile without obscuring the view of your teeth. When you have Invisalign, you can smile with confidence, knowing that the only thing people can see are your pearly whites!

2. Fix Your Orthodontic Troubles

For many people, Invisalign is just as effective at repairing orthodontic problems as traditional braces.

3. Better Dental Hygiene

Traditional braces make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth – that’s one of the reasons that people who wear traditional braces can’t eat certain foods. With Invisalign, you won’t have these troubles. You can take off your Invisalign to brush your teeth properly, so you don’t have to worry about eating sugary, sticky foods that might not brush off easily.

4. No Limits On Foods You Can Eat

While people who wear traditional braces can’t eat certain foods, people who wear Invisalign are not given food limits. That means you can eat candy apples, popcorn, pizza and more.

Do you have more questions about Invisalign? See your dentist in Portland! Call today to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to help you determine whether Invisalign is right for you.

How to Keep Veneers Looking Brand New

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When you walk away with dental veneers in Portland, OR, you’ll be proud of your beautiful new smile. Veneers can transform an ordinary or unattractive smile into one that will make you feel proud to show off those pearly whites. Don’t let the excitement of those first few days wane by letting your veneers get dingy. Here’s how to keep them looking brand new.

Be Diligent About Oral Hygiene

If poor oral hygiene was what caused you to need veneers in the first place, it’s time to change your habits. Be diligent about brushing and flossing after each meal. Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Above all, follow your dental veneers care instructions that your dentist gave you.

Avoid Problematic Foods and Beverages

You can eat and drink as usual when you have dental veneers. There’s no reason to give up your favorite foods unless they are problematic. Problematic foods and beverages include things that could damage veneers or stain them badly. These include:

  • Popcorn (accidentally biting into a hard kernel)
  • Peanut brittle
  • Ice (no chewing on ice)
  • Chewing gum (talk to your dentist about this)
  • Red wine
  • Berries (brush and rinse thoroughly afterwards)
  • Fried chicken (avoid extra-crispy versions)

See Your Dentist Regularly

Now that you have veneers, it’s even more important to keep up with your dentist appointments on a regular basis. Your dentist in Portland may recommend a visit once every six months, or more frequently. Whatever your dentist recommends, make sure you keep those appointments. This is when your dentist will be able to check on the condition of your natural teeth and veneers to help ensure they last as long as possible.

Use common sense when it comes to caring for your veneers in Portland, OR, but also defer to your dentist’s recommendations. Dental veneers can remain looking brand new as long as you treat them well.

What Are CEREC Same-Day Crowns?

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If you’ve never heard of CEREC same-day crowns, you’re probably not alone. However, should you be someone who leads a busy life and suddenly finds yourself needing to look just right for that big interview or presentation, CEREC same-day crowns can give you a great-looking smile in the blink of an eye. No, your dentist in Portland won’t be in possession of a magic wand. However, by utilizing sophisticated dental technology, they can do for your smile what only a few years ago may have been impossible.

Restoring the Function of Your Teeth in

Rather than get a temporary crown that may limit your ability to eat or talk, same-day crowns will immediately restore the normal function of your teeth, and you’ll never have to worry about them coming loose or falling out.

One Visit, Less Drilling

Able to be made and fitted to your teeth in only one visit, CEREC same-day crowns in Portland also require much less drilling on your teeth prior to installation, meaning most of your tooth can be saved.

Ceramic Only

If there is one primary disadvantage of CEREC same-day crowns, it is that they are made only from a block of ceramic material. When traditional crowns are made, they are done so using primarily porcelain that is fused to metal, making them extremely strong. Since metals bond quite well to teeth, traditional crowns are generally more resistant to wear and tear, making them slightly more durable than CEREC same-day crowns.

Whether you have an occasion that demands your smile be made perfect within one day or you simply don’t want to spend the additional time and money on traditional crowns, CEREC same-day crowns in Portland are an excellent choice for many people. If you are intrigued by CEREC same-day crowns and wish to learn more, schedule a consultation soon with your dentist in Portland.

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Do Veneers Get Stained and Can They Be Whitened?

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In Portland, OR dental veneers are more common than you might think. Because dental veneers look so natural, many of your closest friends and co-workers may have dental veneers without you even knowing. One of the reasons is that dental veneers can be tinted to look like natural teeth. But do veneers always keep that same appearance? Do veneers get stained and—more importantly—can they be whitened?

Dental Veneers Can Get Stained

Dental veneers are made of various materials; porcelain is the most common. If you’ve ever see tea stains in a porcelain teacup, then you know that porcelain is porous and absorbent. Your dental veneers are the same. They can and do get stained. Just like your natural teeth, dental veneers in Portland, OR can get stained from certain foods and beverages like blueberries, raspberries, tea and coffee. The nicotine in smoking products can also stain dental veneers over time. Proper brushing can help prevent and remove stains, but sometimes professional help is needed for whitening.

Can Dental Veneers be Whitened?

Dental veneers do not respond the same to certain whitening products like natural teeth do. You shouldn’t try over-the-counter whitening products for your veneers, because the results can be unexpected and not what you want. Instead, contact your Portland, OR dentist for professional whitening for your dental veneers. Your Portland dentist will know exactly how to best achieve the look that you want for your dental veneers. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment to get your dental veneers whitened as often as necessary. As long as it’s done in your dentist’s office, there’s no harm in multiple treatments over time.

You invested time and resources into getting the ideal dental veneers in Portland, OR. Keep them looking white and bright by booking your appointment for professional whitening.