Veneers vs. Crowns: Which is Right for You?

Written by justSMILE on January 11, 2022. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns.

Years of wear, an injury, or decay can leave teeth looking unattractive. To restore your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you have dental veneers or crowns placed. Both treatments conceal damaged or blemished tooth structure behind a natural-looking dental restoration.

Although the treatments can deliver similar results, veneers and crowns are very different. To help our patients learn more about veneers vs. crowns, we offer this comprehensive overview. Below, you’ll learn how each treatment works and which option might be right for you.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are super-thin layers of porcelain or another durable material that a dentist bonds to the front of teeth. Veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment. Technicians fabricate veneers from a variety of materials that can include porcelain, resin composite, or some type of ceramic material.

Porcelain is a great base material for veneers. Dr Rammo works with the material because it matches the natural lustre of teeth. Dr Rammo can customise the shells to perfectly blend in with your natural smile.

Am I a Candidate for Veneers?

Pretty much anyone can be a great candidate for veneers. The main candidacy consideration is that you have a healthy layer of enamel that can support the veneer. Here are three common reasons our patients seek the drastic cosmetic results that veneers can deliver.

Address Misshapen Teeth

If your teeth are misshapen, Dr Rammo can place veneers on the front of your misshapen teeth to completely revamp your smile. The veneers completely conceal the shape of your teeth, meaning that the treatment can restore symmetry to your smile.

Address Gaps Between Teeth

A prominent gap between your teeth can malign an otherwise beautiful smile. Thankfully, Dr Rammo can customise two veneers that, when carefully cemented in place, bridge the gap in your smile. The results mean that you no longer have to be embarrassed to smile.

Brighten Your Smile

If your teeth have intrinsic stains, cleanings and whitening treatments may not address those cosmetic blemishes. One way that you can restore whiteness and lustre to your teeth is by having veneers placed on the blemished teeth.

Veneers completely conceal dental discolouration. No matter how deep and dark your stains are, the veneers will completely conceal the cosmetic defects.

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers remain a highly popular cosmetic treatment for many reasons. The treatment was developed in 1928, so it has a long track record. Our patients often site these top benefits of veneers.

Long-Lasting Results

With proper care and regular visits to justSMILE, your veneers can easily last one decade. Some veneers last well beyond that.

The lifespan of your veneers will depend in part on the health of the underlying tooth. As long as the tooth structure remains healthy and free from decay, the veneer can maintain a strong adhesion to the tooth. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is one way to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong.

Avoid biting hard objects that can break or chip the veneer. With proper care, veneers will last for a long time but they will not last forever. When your veneers become worn, Dr Rammo can remove and replace your veneers during a convenient visit to our dental practice.

Versatile Treatment

One of the main benefits of veneers is that they can address a wide range of cosmetic issues. The placement of one or more veneers can address most cosmetic issues. Minor chips, discolouration, gaps, small teeth, and misshapen teeth are commonly addressed with this cosmetic treatment.

Minimally Invasive

Veneer placement requires the removal of a small amount of tooth structure, but the treatment is less invasive than dental crown placement. Veneers are ultra-thin, and Dr Rammo will only have to around half a millimetre of enamel to make room for the veneers.

How Are Veneers Placed?

Once your dentist establishes your candidacy for veneers, Dr Rammo will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. He will administer local anaesthesia to completely numb the tooth that is being treated.

Tooth Preparation

Your tooth will need to be prepared for veneer placement. Dr Rammo will gently remove a small amount of enamel in the area where the veneer will be placed. Once Dr Rammo has prepared your tooth, he will make an impression of your teeth.

Same-Day Veneers

Our office offers same-day veneers. Once our E4D technology fabricates your veneer, Dr Rammo will place them on your teeth using strong dental cement.

Adjusting to Your Veneers

In the days following the placement of your veneers, you may notice that your bite feels a bit off. Your mouth will quickly adjust to the new restorations. It is generally recommended to avoid hot and cold foods and drinks for the first day or two after your veneers are placed.

What Are Crowns?

Have you always wondered how crowns work? A crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are made from a wide range of materials that include porcelain, metal, or a combination of ceramic and metal.

Am I a Candidate for Crowns?

Crowns can be used for restorative or cosmetic purposes. Dr Rammo can determine your candidacy for crowns if you are experiencing any of the following.

To Restore Lost Tooth Structure

Dental crowns are commonly placed following the removal of tooth structure. As a restoration, crowns protect the inner layers of the tooth and prevent further decay.

Dr Rammo may place a dental crown following the removal of decayed enamel. Or he may use a dental crown to protect your tooth following a root canal. Any restorative treatment that involves the removal of a significant amount of enamel will likely require that Dr Rammo places a dental crown to preserve and protect your tooth.

Dental crowns are often an ideal restorative treatment because it allows patients to preserve their tooth. Tooth preservation is preferable to tooth extraction because tooth roots preserve jawbone density.

To Support a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is supported by two dental crowns (one on each side of the prosthetic tooth). If you are missing one tooth or a few adjacent teeth, you may be a great candidate for a dental bridge, which requires the placement of two dental crowns.

If you desire a tooth replacement solution that replaces your tooth root, our office offers dental implants. An implant is a titanium post that replaces a lost tooth root.

Implants offer unparalleled stability for prosthetic teeth. Implants also preserve your jawbone density by preventing bone atrophy.

For Cosmetic Purposes

Dental crowns can also be placed for cosmetic reasons. If your teeth are significantly blemished due to dental erosion, intrinsic stains, chips, or other reasons, you may be a great candidate for a dental crown.

Your final restoration will be made from high-quality porcelain that matches the colour and lustre of your natural enamel. Once Dr. Rammo has placed your crown, no one will be able to tell that you have a dental crown!

Benefits of Crowns

One of the biggest benefits of having a crown placed is the expected lifespan of a crown. A dental crown can easily last a decade. With proper care and regular visits to our dental practice, your crown can last 20 years or even longer.

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding biting hard objects that can dislodge your crown can help your restoration last longer.

Crowns are also highly durable. The restorations are often placed on molars. Porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two can withstand the wear and tear of biting and chewing.

How are Crowns Placed?

The dental crown procedure is straightforward. Your comfort will be a high priority. Dr Rammo will use local anaesthesia to ensure that your tooth is completely numb before he begins preparing your tooth.

Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients

We understand that some patients feel anxious about dental procedures. We offer oral sedation and other options to help you relax throughout your procedure.

Preparing Your Tooth

Once you are relaxed, Dr Rammo will use a special drill to gently remove your tooth’s outer layer of enamel. This step removes the decayed or damaged area of your tooth. Preparing your tooth creates space for your new dental crown.

Fabrication of Your Crown Using E4D Technology

Once Dr Rammo has prepared your tooth, a digital impression of your tooth will be made. Our office offers one-hour dental crowns. Once our advanced E4D system fabricates your crown, Dr Rammo will ensure that the restoration is a perfect fit.

Placing Your Crown

Dr Rammo uses strong dental cement to place dental crowns in place. Dental crowns require a short adjustment period. Your mouth and jaw will naturally adjust to your new restoration within a few days.

Maintaining Your New Crown

You should clean and maintain the restoration like natural teeth. The tooth underneath the crown is still susceptible to decay.

Regular visits to our dental practice for cleanings and exams can help Dr. Rammo spot and address any issues with your dental crown. If your crown becomes loose or dislodged, contact our office immediately.

Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Open Is Right for Me?

If you think that you are a candidate for veneers or a crown, talk to your dentist. Dr. Rammo can describe each treatment in detail. The following examples can generally help you understand which option might be right for you.

When Veneers Are the Better Options

Veneers are often the better option when your tooth or teeth are in otherwise great shape. Veneers are generally considered cosmetic treatments, meaning they are not ideal for restoring a damaged tooth.

Veneers are also a better option for people who are looking for a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t drastically alter their natural teeth. If you are looking purely for drastic cosmetic results and your teeth are in great shape, Dr Rammo may recommend that you have veneers placed.

The cosmetic treatment is also ideal when you want to revamp several or more teeth. Placing several crowns for cosmetic purposes isn’t usually practical due to the extensive tooth preparation that would be required. When celebrities or models want to completely transform their smiles, they rely on porcelain veneers.

When Crowns Are the Better Option

Crowns are a great option to treat damaged or decayed enamel. Dental crowns deliver cosmetic results. They can prevent the need for a dentist to extract your tooth.

If you have a root canal scheduled, you will likely need a dental crown. A veneer will not restore the top of your tooth following a root canal.

A crown may also be needed when dental fillings are not sufficient to restore lost tooth structure. Following a restorative treatment, a dental crown protects a tooth by encasing it completely in a porcelain cap.

If you are missing a tooth or a few adjacent teeth, dental crowns can be used to place a traditional bridge.

Schedule Your Restorative or Cosmetic Treatment Today

Veneers and crowns can deliver drastic cosmetic results that can conceal discolouration, chips, and other minor cosmetic defects. If you are unhappy with the appearance of one or more teeth, let Dr Rammo and the team at justSMILE rejuvenate your teeth.

We strive to offer our patients the best experience and results that dentistry has to offer. Now that you understand the difference between veneers vs. crowns, schedule a consultation with Dr Rammo to learn which treatment is right for you. Our offices serve the Ramsgate and Woollahra communities.

Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Dental Procedures in Bondi Beach

Written by justSMILE on December 14, 2021. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry.

If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your smile, cosmetic dental procedures can be a great option. They range from simple whitening treatments to more involved cosmetic dentistry options.

There are many people who are drawn to cosmetic dentistry in Bondi Beach because they want a more perfect smile without painful dentist visits and expensive orthodontist bills. While orthodontics is a way to fix a smile, there are other ways such as veneers, crowns and bonding to name a few. These procedures can be performed right here in the office and are done within a day. The changes can be amazing and take very little effort on your part.

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular as people want a quick fix. This is something you can do at home so that it does not significantly interrupt your life.

Why People Want to Have Cosmetic Dental Work

Dental work like dental implants, porcelain veneers, tooth whitening and gum treatments are becoming more popular in the market. In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has also become more common as people are looking to improve their smiles.

Dr. Rammo has become a popular choice for so many clients because of his experience and results, and helps his patients feel confident about their new smiles. If you have a less than perfect smile or are looking to improve your smile with a quick fix, call today. We work with clients to get their smiles straightened and whitened to be their very best. We offer an extensive line of options to choose from and let you pick what works best for you.

About Cosmetic Dental Procedures in Bondi Beach

The use of cosmetic dentistry has increased exponentially in recent decades, coinciding with the greater number of procedures and techniques available to patients. Dentists play a crucial role in guiding patients through this process.

Cosmetic dentistry is the use of dental procedures and materials to improve the facial appearance or function, such as straightening teeth or correcting bite problems. It can be an alternative to reconstructive surgery for many conditions such as missing teeth and crooked teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry is primarily about improving the appearance of smiles. Aesthetic considerations should always be taken into account in any procedure done for a patient’s improvement; not just that of a smile, but also the entire face.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures in Bondi Beach

There are numerous methods cosmetic dentists use.

At the end of the day, it comes down to the decision of each individual as to which methods will be used. Each method has different pros and cons. These need to be weighed against one another in order to choose the best option.

If you are looking to improve your smile and gain some confidence, give us a call. We work with clients to get them the smile they have always dreamed of. Call now.

Dental Veneer Treatment – the Most Important Questions Answered

Written by justSMILE on July 31, 2021. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist.

Dental Veneer Treatment – the Most Important Questions Answered

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your teeth and if defects are affecting your confidence, dental veneers may be worth pursuing.

A dental veneer is a thin shell attached to the tooth to improve its appearance. It can be used to fix discolouration or a misshapen tooth, giving you a better and brighter smile. Anyone who has never had the procedure may be concerned about the details. The following guide will answer some of the most common questions.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Do They Work?

These custom-made shells are individually created for patients to address specific problems like chipped teeth or discolouration. They are often called porcelain veneers but several materials could be used for the creation of the shells.

Traditional porcelain veneers are indeed used most often. When porcelain is chosen, more prep work will have to be done before the shell is permanently bonded to the tooth. A dentist will need to grind down some of the tooth structure to make room for the veneer.

Alternatives are often called no-prep veneers because the procedure is going to be simpler.

No-prep veneers are typically made of composite materials. Before these are put in, some prep work may still be required. The modification of the actual tooth, however, is minimal. Alterations can be so minor that no local anesthetic will be required.

What is the difference between the two materials? Porcelain veneers resist staining much better than composite veneers, but both varieties have longevity. Depending on the quality of the veneers and the craftsmanship of the dentist, these can last anywhere between 7 and 15 years. After that, a replacement will be required.

How Are Dental Veneers Put In

Anyone who wants to get veneers will have to pass through several important steps as a part of the procedure. First, your dentist will create a mould or a digital scan of your teeth. That mould will be used for the creation of custom veneers that correspond to the shape and the size of your teeth. Shells will usually be ready within a week. This is when you’ll need to go for your next dental appointment.

Before doing any prep work, the dentist will examine the fit and shape of the veneers. If any imperfections are noted, the shells will be reworked to ensure perfect fit once they’re put in.

Next, prep work will occur. Depending on the amount of grinding work that the dentist will need to do, some local anaesthetic may have to be applied first. A grinding tool will be used to make the texture of the tooth rougher. That rough surface will allow for better bonding.

The final step would involve the application of some dental cement to bind the veneer to each tooth. Usually, ultraviolet lamps will be used to get the cement hard as fast as possible. Once the process is completed, you’ll be ready to go back to life as normal (flashing your brand new smile).

Who Should Consider Getting Dental Veneers

Some of the problems that dental veneers can fix have already been addressed. There are, however, a few additional types of oral health issues that can be overcome this way.

Dental veneers are a great choice for individuals dealing with the following problems:

Tooth discolouration
Teeth that are worn down
Misaligned teeth
Large gaps between teeth
Chipping and broken teeth

Keep in mind that alternative solutions may exist for some of these problems. This is why you need to go through a consultation with a reputable and experienced dentist. A dental professional will recommend the procedure that makes the most sense and that’s bound to deliver an optimal outcome.

Another important thing to understand is that once you get veneers, the process cannot be undone. As already mentioned, some tooth prepping needs to occur before the shells get bonded. After the prep work is done, veneers will have to be put in place and they’ll have to be replaced each decade or so.

Aftercare Is Also Important!

Just like regular teeth, veneers can get damaged if you don’t take proper care of them. After getting your new smile, you’ll need to focus on oral hygiene and proper maintenance.

Veneers can chip or even break under a lot of pressure. This is why your dentist will advise against biting into hard objects. They can also come loose over time. If this happens, replacements could be needed.

Always discuss veneer care with your dentist before getting the procedure. Understanding the specifics of the care routine is another way to determine if this option is the right one for you.

Dental Crowns – What to Expect

Written by justSMILE on May 31, 2021. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, General Dentistry.

Dental Crowns – What to Expect

If you are wondering how dental crowns work, you have come to the right place. Dental crowns are ideal for replacing cracked, chipped, weak, and severely discolored teeth. They are tooth-shaped caps that are placed on the damaged tooth to help restore the structure of the tooth and improve its appearance. Dental crowns help to enhance your smile and improve your self-esteem. The crown is cemented into place to encase the visible part of the damaged or discolored tooth above the gumline. You may also require dental crowns if you have large cavities that threaten the health of your teeth.

A crown can be temporary or permanent depending on how it is used. For example, a temporary crown can be used during the process of designing and installing a permanent crown. The process will take place over about one or two weeks with a total of two visits to the dentist

The latest advances in 3D imaging technology allow the dentist to design and install dental crowns in a single visit. CEREC or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics crowns are the latest trend in the industry. They can be created and installed within a couple of hours. You only need one dental appointment to install a modern dental crown.

The process of creating and installing traditional dental crowns is lengthy and involves several steps. The first step is to take an impression of the damaged or discolored tooth. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed on the damaged tooth until the permanent crown is created and installed. The dentist will send the impression of your tooth to the dental lab where the permanent crown is manufactured and sent back to the dentist’s office. The dentist will inspect the crown and make any required adjustments before cementing the crown to your affected tooth.

On the other hand, the latest CEREC crowns take less than two hours to create and install. The system uses the latest technology with computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D photography to help the dentist design custom dental crowns to suit your mouth and the surrounding teeth.

The cost of dental crowns varies depending on many factors. In fact, dental crowns can range in price from $1,500 to $2,000. The material used for the crown, the size of your tooth, the reputation of the dentist, and many other factors can affect the price. A gold crown can cost much more in the range of $2,500 per tooth. On the other hand, if the dentist has to perform more prep work, the cost of the crown can increase. Dental insurance may cover part or the full amount of installing dental crowns. You should check with your health insurance provider about what is covered and what is not when deciding to install dental crowns.

Once the dental crown is installed, you should take good care of it. Preventive care can prolong the life of the crown. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is very important when caring for dental crowns. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if the crown is sensitive to heat or cold. Daily flossing will help keep the crowns in good condition over time. Care is needed as the crown cannot withstand the same level of pressure or bite strength as a natural tooth, so don’t chew hard foods and ice. Your crowns can crack under pressure. This is very important for people with porcelain crowns. Get a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night. It helps protect the crown and surrounding teeth.

There can be some complications of having a dental crown in your mouth. Dental crowns can become sensitive to heat and cold, but if the crown is too sensitive to pressure while you are biting then the crown may not be fitted properly. Your dentist will help change the placement of the crown or file down the top of the crown under such circumstances.

Dental crowns are a common and safe option for restoring a beautiful smile, the information above is a basic overview, please consult our dentist to get more in-depth information if needed.

5 of the Most Popular Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry

Written by justSMILE on April 30, 2021. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentistry.

Not so long ago, veneers dominated the dental industry. The same rings true for the teeth whitening trend that over the years has managed to make patients teeth whiter and whiter. However, today’s dentists are now venturing into aesthetic dentistry which is focused on achieving the most natural appearance for their patients. The latest trends within the world of dentistry include:

Gum Contouring

Making the teeth appear shapelier and longer is one goal when it comes to gum contouring. This trend also goes by the name of gum reshaping, which is the ideal procedure for individuals that have smiles that are more gummy than usual. In addition to improving your overall smile, this procedure is also used to improve the overall health associated with your gums and teeth.

Dental Implants For Younger Patients

Over the years dental implants were more geared towards seniors. Yet today an increasing number of younger adults have chosen these procedures over bridges. In addition to the functionality that these implants provide, the dental implant matches up well to the trend and goals to achieve natural-looking teeth. These implants also have the ability to last just as long as natural teeth.

Teeth Whitening

This might not be a new trend, but is definitely a procedure that has increased significantly in popularity over the last decade. More recently, many patients are now interested in white teeth that look more natural and are moving away from the overly-white trend. In addition to appearing a bit strange, teeth that are super-white are usually heavily treated, which can result in weakening the enamel over your teeth. Today, many people prefer to whiten their teeth to the stage that they still look natural and healthy.

Improved Financing Options For Patients

Cosmetic dentistry has always been expensive. Yet today there are many people that visit a cosmetic dentist that are willing to pay for these procedures with financing plans. While the dental practices along with the dentists have no control over what the insurance companies are prepared to cover, they are able to provide payment plans that are more flexible. In fact, there are even dental practices that now offer in-house loyalty programs, which has encouraged and inspired a lot more people to go for cosmetic dentistry procedures in order to enhance the appearance of their smile.

When it comes to many other niche types, a trend is suggested as something temporary. Yet, when considering cosmetic dentistry, these are the trend types which have an impact that lasts much longer and have the abilities to change smiles and even lifestyles.

If you’re interested in brightening up your smile, call our friendly staff and schedule a free smile assessment. We customize each plan to meet your needs, using decades of experience, to bring you the smile of your dreams.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry The Right Choice For You?

Written by justSMILE on April 1, 2021. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry.

There are a number of differences between traditional dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. The focus of traditional dentistry is on the prevention diagnosis and treatment of oral disease. A general dental practice or a family dental practice helps patients resolve dental problems and provides necessary treatments.

Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand strives to help patients have the best smile possible by improving the appearance of the teeth and mouth. Treatments provided in a cosmetic dentistry practice are usually considered elective. They are generally treatments that are chosen by the patient rather than prescribed by the doctor.

This is not to say that all cosmetic procedures are unnecessary or that necessary treatments may not also have cosmetic effects. People with tooth decay need to have their cavities treated and filled. Naturally, this will present a more attractive appearance.

With today’s modern filling materials, such as composites or porcelain, fillings can be matched closely to the color of the patient’s teeth. This needed treatment results in a very natural and attractive appearance that can also be considered cosmetic.

Fillings can also be applied as an entirely cosmetic procedure in the event the patient chooses to have old, visible gold or amalgam fillings replaced with more modern materials that will blend in naturally with the teeth. Modern dental materials are not just good-looking. They are also extremely durable and practical.

Getting Cosmetic Dental Treatments Is Easier Than Ever Before

These days, cosmetic dentists can perform more and more complicated procedures in their own offices. This is thanks in great part to developments in technology. For example, laser technology has greatly helped to advance the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many other technological developments work together to make having cosmetic dental treatments easy and relatively painless.

Here are a few common treatments you can expect to find with a good cosmetic dentist:

Teeth whitening has become a very popular cosmetic dentistry process in the past few years. Many people suffer from discolored and stained teeth due to drinking red wine, tea or coffee or simply because of poor oral hygiene practices. Properly performed teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile.
Dental veneers are also made of porcelain or composite materials. Veneers can be used to cover and repair cracks, chips, worn teeth or discolored teeth. They may also be used to correct gaps between teeth. In the event teeth are severely stained or discolored, veneers may be the only form of successful “teeth whitening” available.
Indirect fillings are also called inlays or onlays. These are long-lasting, attractive fillings made of composite or porcelain material. They differ from standard dental fillings because they are created off-site in a dental laboratory and delivered to the dentist who fits them and bonds them adhesively to your teeth.
Composite bonding is an excellent method for repairing decayed, discolored, broken or chipped teeth. This is a method of filling in which dental composite material is applied to a tooth cavity or the surface of the tooth and sculpted to match the shape and contour of the tooth. Once it is shaped, it is seasoned or hardened using high intensity light. Upon completion, this filling matches perfectly with the surrounding teeth.
Dental implants are both cosmetic and practical. If you have one or more missing teeth, you can have them permanently replaced through use of dental implants. These permanent replacements provide a more attractive and useful appearance along with a better functioning set of teeth!
A smile makeover is a great way to get the very best looking smile possible. In this comprehensive treatment, your cosmetic dentist will assess the health and appearance of your mouth and smile. A complete smile makeover may involve sculpting of the gums, dental implants and/or veneers, teeth whitening and more. The goal is to deliver the very best looking and best functioning set of teeth possible.
A full mouth reconstruction may be in order if your dentist finds that you have structural and/or functional problems. For example, your bite may be misaligned or you may have problems with your teeth, the musculature in the bone structure of your jaw. If this is the case, a smile makeover will not be enough. Full mouth reconstruction is recommended.

Who Needs Cosmetic Dentistry?

If you are simply not happy with the way your teeth and your smile look, you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you also have functional problems such as cavities, gum disease, broken, cracked or missing teeth cosmetic dentistry may be the answer for you. No matter what your situation, you can rest assured that with today’s modern techniques there is every reason to believe that you will soon be enjoying a happy, healthy smile.