Tag: health

Dental Crowns Vs Veneers

Dental Crowns Vs Dental Veneers (Palos Park IL Dentistry)

Choosing a method to improve the look and feel of your teeth can be a big decision, and you deserve to know what exactly is the best option for you before you make any kind of choice. Two popular dental restoration methods are veneers and crowns, while both are similar and different in specific ways.

We at Sheehan Dental strive towards our patients feeling comfortable and in the know during each of their appointments. That is why we are here to inform you about any and all information regarding these two methods. We will also go into detail about the pros and cons of each one so that you can make an informed decision should you need a dental restoration when you come in to see us at Sheehan Dental.

What is the main difference between a Veneer and Crown

main difference between a Veneer and Crown

A crown or veneer is used to restore the functionality and the support of damaged teeth. You may need one should you have a root canal or broken/cracked tooth.

  • A dental crown is something that covers the entire tooth and repairs any teeth that are damaged but can still be saved.
  • A Veneer is something that is only placed on the front surface of your tooth; this reduces the need for surgery as it leaves most of your tooth intact.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns in Palos Park IL

The Pros:

Protection and Stability

With a crown, your entire tooth is covered, ensuring that the tooth is protected against threats such as decay. This reduces the chances of needing further procedures to fix recurring problems.

Permanent

If you have severely damaged teeth, dentures are often considered a better option than crowns, but if you are able to opt for crowns, they are a relatively permanent option that does not need to be removed for routine cleanings or replacements.

Comfortable and Clean Look

Crowns are an unbeatable option for those wanting to have teeth repairs that look and feel like normal teeth. They can help with discoloration and alignment issues providing a look that you can be confident in.

The Cons:

Cost

Dental crowns can often be somewhat of an expensive procedure if you do not have insurance that could cover them, and depending on how many teeth need to be corrected; you could be looking at a hefty bill.

The Majority of the Tooth is Removed

To install a crown, the tooth is ground down to make room for the crown. The procedure is irreversible and can lead to somewhat of a lengthy procedure and painful recovery.

Increased Sensitivity

After crown installation, you may have increased sensitivity to hot and cold. You may also experience a small amount of pain when biting down hard.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers

The Pros:

Many Different Options

One of the most attractive options for those considering Veneers is the fact that you can choose from a wide array of different materials. You can choose from:

  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Composite Veneers
  • Instant Veneers
  • Removable Veneers

Specially Molded To Your Teeth

Veneers are molded to the shape and look of your teeth; this makes it almost impossible to see any difference between your teeth and the veneers.

No Additional Drilling or Shaping

The veneer is bonded with your tooth with no additional special maintenance required. All you have to do is practice normal teeth care like brushing and flossing your teeth.

The Cons:

No Change In Color

Now, this may seem like a good quality, but as you grow older and your teeth lose some color, this can lead to a bit of an awkward look as your veneers will remain the same color as when they are put in.

They Can Be Very Delicate

If you choose a porcelain veneer, they are at a heightened risk of chipping and cracking, unlike crowns. Anyone who has habits of biting their nails, grinding their teeth while they sleep, or chewing on ice, veneers are usually not recommended.

Future Problems May Arise

Using veneers will correct problems you have with your teeth, but unfortunately, your teeth underneath can still be susceptible to tooth decay, which could result in the need for crowns in the future.

Dental Crowns and Dental Veneers in Palos Park

If you are still unsure about what option would be best for you or a loved one, you can always rely on our team of dentists here at Sheehan Dental to provide you with all of the information you need to be absolutely comfortable with your choice.

Whatever you choose, we provide dental crowns and dental veneers for all of those in Palos Park, come in today to speak with one of our dentists or contact us here. Your smile is important to us, and we will do what we can to give you the smile that you deserve.

Let’s Do Our Part: COVID-19

To ensure the safety of our patients, communities and dental team members, ISDS recommends the following measures that align with Gov. Pritzker’s mandates to limit the spread of COVID-19 through dental offices for the two-week period beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020:

  • Treat only patients requiring emergency dental procedures.
  • Postpone elective dental treatment and procedures.

In the next two weeks, we anticipate that the Centers for Disease Control, American Dental Association and Illinois Department of Public Health may establish additional safety measures above and beyond our already comprehensive universal standards of infection control. 

Therefore, to ensure the safety of our staff and our patients the office will be closed:  March 17 – March 31, 2020.

If you have an emergency, please call.  We will be seeing emergency patients, if necessary.

Ways Oral Health is Linked to Mental Health

  • mental health & oral health

Many people don’t consider the health of their teeth and how it impacts how they feel, but there actually exists a very close relationship between mental health and oral health. Each is linked to the other in a remarkable number of ways, creating a circle that can lead to worsening mental health and declining oral health without intervention.

While the full relationship between mental health and oral health is only just being explored, there have already been a number of direct links established between the health of the mind and how it can affect the body.

Good mental health is important for good oral health, and the same is also very true in reverse.

The Impact of Poor Mental Health on Oral Health

When you take a closer look at some mental illnesses, it’s very easy to see how they may affect the health of a person’s mouth, teeth and gums. While not all mental illnesses can lead to poor oral health, many habits and behaviors associated with certain mental illnesses are not conducive to good oral health.

Here’s how some mental illnesses are linked to poor oral health:

  • Eating Disorders – Disorders like anorexia, bulimia and purging can cause significant damage to oral health. Restricting food can lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients, which can cause problems like gum disease, tooth decay, sores, bad breath, bleeding and dryness. Regular vomiting can also result in tooth decay, while purging can cause the mouth to become very sore.
  • Substance Use Disorder – Smoking and the regular consumption of alcohol and caffeine can damage the teeth, leading to problems that include tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores. Some caffeinated drinks can cause bad breath and enamel erosion, and smoking can result in tooth staining.
  • Dental Anxiety/Phobia – A fear of the dentist can prevent individuals from getting the dental treatment they need. Not visiting a dentist in Palos Park IL regularly, can leave problems unchecked, potentially resulting in the development of more serious dental conditions.
  • Depression – Depression can cause individuals to lose interest in maintaining good oral health. They may become neglectful in dental care, resulting in the development of problems like gum disease. Depression may also result in a higher than average consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
  • Schizophrenia – Like depression, schizophrenia can cause individuals to be become neglectful in maintaining their oral health. It’s very common for patients with schizophrenia to have serious dental conditions, like cavities, dry mouth, and gum disease.
  • Dementia – Dementia can cause patients to forget whether they’ve brushed or flossed their teeth, increasing their risk of tooth decay and other problems.
  • Bipolar Disorder – Patients with bipolar disorder may be too forceful with their dental care routine, affecting tooth enamel and gum health and causing lacerations. Depressive mood swings could also result in neglectful dental care.
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Similar to bipolar disorder, individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder may brush with too much force or too frequently, resulting in damage to their teeth and gums.
  • Medication – While not strictly a mental illness, some medications that are prescribed to treat mental health illnesses can affect oral health. Dry mouth is a common problem associated with some medications, while some mood stabilizers can increase the risk of a patient developing infections.

The Impact of Poor Oral Health on Mental Health

In a similar way to how poor mental health can result in actions that affect oral health, poor oral health can cause negative feelings that affect mental health.

Not brushing and flossing regularly, not visiting the dentist for routine checkups and not looking after your oral health overall can cause a number of problems, including but not limited to:

  • Bad Breath
  • Tooth Discoloration
  • Difficulty Speaking
  • Misalignment
  • Tooth Loss
  • Headaches (caused by crooked teeth)

These common oral problems can affect how a person thinks about themselves and how others react in their presence. Bad breath, for example, can cause a person to be unwilling to speak or eat in public places, be fearful of laughing or opening their mouth, and avoid conversations – harming their social and work life. Discolored, misaligned, or missing teeth can have a similar impact.

Living with these problems can damage self-esteem, affect confidence, reduce happiness, and make it very difficult to feel good in oneself. In the long-term, unhappiness with tooth appearance or speaking capabilities could lead to an individual missing out on career opportunities or withdrawing from their friends and family, potentially causing mental health to worsen.

Improving Mental Health with Good Oral Health

Good oral health can have the opposite impact on mental health. When you feel good about your appearance, are comfortable smiling and laughing in public, and aren’t afraid to be social, it can lead to greater levels of confidence, a boost in self-esteem, and a much happier mindset. Smiling can also make your face look more youthful, further improving confidence in the way you look and feel.

Just as poor oral health is linked to poor mental health, it’s also linked to poor health overall. With a healthy smile, there’s less chance of diabetes, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and heart attacks. Good oral health is essential for a healthy mind and a healthy body!

Stress-Free Oral Health Treatment in Palos Park IL

The first step towards improving your oral health and feeling better about your smile is taking advantage of the incredible Palos Park IL dental care facilities.

At Sheehan Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience, especially if it’s been a while since you last had a checkup. To make sure that the experience is as stress-free as it can be, we provide our patients with a relaxing environment where they can truly feel at ease.

With our extensive range of dental treatments – that include everything from dental implants and veneers to tooth whitening – we can help you to stay on top of your oral health and feel confident in your smile once more.

For advice and guidance on improving your smile and oral health, get in touch with Sheehan Dental in Palos Park, IL today.