Sleep Sedation Dentistry Vs Pain Free Dentists
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in General Cosmetic Dentistry on September 25th, 2009
In my last article I explained sleep sedation dentistry from the point of view of an extremely fearful and phobic patient. This time, I’ll give you a bit more detail and technical information on just exactly what sedation and sleep dentistry can accomplish, especially for the patient afraid of extensive or intrusive dental work.
Before I move on, it is worthwhile to mention that sleep dentistry is not limited to those with a fear of dentists, it’s also just as viable and effective a procedure for those who need very extensive work done. People who have avoided the dentist for 10 to even 20 years will need the kind of restorative and cosmetic work done that could take months of long and arduous dental visits. This reality is notably one of the biggest reasons that some will remain in poor dental health, since the enormous commitment of time and discomfort is both cost prohibitive (from lost time at their jobs) and from a wish to avoid long hours sitting in a dentists chair as the work is done fractionally over long periods.
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Sleep Sedation Dentistry, In One Man’s Words
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Sedation Dentistry, Sleep Dentistry on September 21st, 2009
Before I tell you what sleep sedation dentistry is in specific terms, it really makes sense for me to quote an excerpt from a patient testimonial letter, something given to my fathers practice long ago, after his experience opting for sedation in order to solve his dental issues. You’ll want to read this, trust me.
“First I want to examine what sleep dentistry is NOT. It is NOT an experience wherein you are essentially banished to a wholly uncomfortable environment and forced to choose between the view of either a blinding white light or the nose hairs of at least 2 people – all while they poke, prod, stretch and manipulate everything on your face located below your forehead.
Sedation Dentistry and Why You May Need It
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Sedation Dentistry, Sleep Dentistry on September 19th, 2009
People don’t like dentists as a rule, which is why sleep or sedation dentistry is a viable option. Poking around inside someone’s mouth is usually a no-no for so many of us. This fear can evolve into a full blown phobia over time, either from a past bad experience with pain at a dental procedure, or from just being scared of the entire process. There are those who say that it is simply the patient perspective that leads to such phobias and fears. Some of us simply dislike sitting in the chair with numerous people hovering over them, poking and prodding. The noises of drills and other dental machines are often added to a negative patient perspective, and that can also lead to fears that develop over time.
There are some experts that say a fear of dentistry can start from a patients initial embarrassment of their current dental condition, and that this can eventually can lead to phobias which delays necessary treatment. Whatever the cause may be is being effectively quelled by sleep and sedation dentistry, or by using the many anesthetizing and anti-anxiety medications to leave a patient completely relaxed while the more invasive work of a dentist is completed.
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Is Tooth Bonding A Cosmetic Veneers Procedure?
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Dental Tourism, General Cosmetic Dentistry on August 26th, 2009
To answer the title question… no. There are some markedly different procedural considerations between a resin bond and a cosmetic veneers procedure. They both set out to achieve similar results and they both focus on similar dental issues, but the techniques and work involved is really very different – as is the end result.
So now you may ask, is one way better than the other? This question really boils down to many things, such as personal preference, budget, resiliency of the product, amount of damage you’re prepared to endure to the original tooth enamel, and many other things.
Why veneers are often considered the better alternative to bonding lay within the materials, techniques, durability and stain resilience of porcelain. Simply put, porcelain will not stain, whereas most bonding will stain over time, causing the bonds to need repair and reconstruction every few years. Porcelain is also much more durable and sturdy over time. Although the veneer may seem thin on its’ own, (being less than 1 millimeter in width), when bonded to a tooth it becomes extremely strong. Also, porcelain is much more life-like, and while proponents of bonding will argue this until the cows come home, most professionals will tell you a porcelain veneer has a much greater life span.
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Are Lumineers Cosmetic Veneers Or Not?
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers, Cosmetic Veneers on August 22nd, 2009
Correcting broken, discolored, or uneven teeth by utilizing state of the art materials and techniques. That is normally the definition of a cosmetic dentistry veneers procedure. There is one particular method, one that doesn’t require the normal treatments of drilling, roughing and removal of the tooth enamel. It is a virtually painless procedure, completely non invasive. The procedure is trademarked as “Lumineers” by Cerinate, which are, in fact, porcelain veneers taken to another level.
Lumineers are made of ceramic porcelain, they are ultra-thin, almost as thin as contact lenses. The Lumineer veneer is placed on top of the existing tooth, immediately transforming your flaws with a perfect covering. This new technology offers people a completely non invasive way to enhance and correct their smile. It’s utterly painless, involving no shots or anesthesia. In fact you won’t even need a Tylenol after a Lumineer procedure. As well, there is no removal of sensitive tooth structure which can occur during a traditional cosmetic veneers procedure.
Composite Vs Porcelain Veneers
Posted by Shannon Dunlevy in Cosmetic Veneers on August 20th, 2009
Before we get into the differences, the pros and cons of composite vs porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand what purposes cosmetic dentistry veneers are generally known to repair or enhance.
Veneers are used to repair the spaces between teeth, as well as to correct permanently stained teeth (external and internal stains). They are also the best method of hiding unsightly fillings, which can occur via cheap dental work, or from having a filling erode over time. Lastly, veneers are almost always the first choice for correcting poorly shaped teeth, so confidence in smiling can be restored.
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The Author
Name: Shannon
Bio: I'm a graduate student and part time model and come from a dentist family. My father and both brothers are dentists, and my mother is a hygienist. I've also once worked as a hygienist in my Dads dental practice, but now I'm in my third year at the University in Scotland, on the way to becoming a Dentist, specializing in cosmetic procedures. One could say career is all in the genes I guess. :)
