A duller smile or missing teeth don't have to be unavoidable consequences of aging. Burlington and Jericho, VT, dentists Dr. Paul Dunkling
and Dr. Greg Penney of Dunkling and Penney Dentistry explain how you can transform your smile with dental implants and veneers.
Dental implants restore missing teeth
Missing teeth don't just affect your smile now, but can continue to affect your appearance and oral health for years. Missing tooth roots cause your jawbone to recede. If the bone becomes weak enough, some of your teeth may loosen and your facial muscles may begin to droop, enhancing the effects of aging. Losing a tooth can also increase your risk of cavities if your remaining teeth begin to shift. Shifting teeth often overlap and trap cavity-causing plaque in the overlapping sections. Dental implants prevent jawbone recession and shifting teeth.
Dental implants rebuild missing teeth starting from the roots. Implants are actually tiny titanium posts that are placed in openings made in your jawbone. Once the implants are in place, they slowly begin to bond to your jawbone, a process that normally takes about three to six months. Implants replace your tooth roots, while an artificial teeth called crowns are used to replace the portion of teeth visible above the gumline. When the two pieces are joined together, you'll have a replacement tooth that's just as strong as the one you lost.
Veneers transform your smile
Sometimes the best way to address a problem is to conceal if from view. Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that hide many types of tooth flaws. After a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, the veneers are cemented to your teeth in our Burlington or Jericho office. Caring for veneers is easy and only requires flossing and brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Veneers are very resistant to stains, which makes them an excellent alternative to teeth whitening treatments. If you use veneers for this purpose, you can even pick the ideal shade of white for your smile. In addition to teeth whitening, veneers are used to cover discolorations, cracks, bumps, chips and gaps between teeth. They also provide a simple way to change the shape or length of a tooth.
Ready for a big change in your smile? Make an appointment with dentists Drs. Paul Dunkling and Greg Penney of Dunkling and Penney Dentistry by calling (802) 863-3479 for the Burlington, VT, office or (802) 899-3973 for the Jericho, VT, office.