Tag: healthy mouth

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.

Oral Health Tips – Best Practices for Healthy Teeth & Gums

Palos Park Dental Care Tips

5 Best Oral Health Practices for Healthy Teeth & Gums

From maintaining a healthy body to achieving a radiant smile, there are many important reasons to strive for healthy teeth and gums. If you want the confidence to smile without worry over the appearance of your teeth or wish that you had fresher breath or a reduced risk of gum disease, then the secret lies in taking better care of your teeth and gums. 

We’re going to cover five of the best oral health practices for healthy teeth and gums that’ll help you to prevent problems and enjoy a lifetime of better dental health.

You may be surprised by the amazing results that can come from simple changes to your daily habits and regular visits to the dentist!

Become an Expert at Brushing Your Teeth 

Most people are aware that they need to brush their teeth twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Yet, there’s more that you need to know to make this practice as beneficial as possible. 

Firstly, the toothpaste you use can have a big impact on the quality of your brushing.

Ideally, you should use fluoride toothpaste, which provides essential protection against tooth decay. This type of toothpaste will fight germs and strengthen enamel for a big boost in tooth defense. 

When it comes to brushing, be sure to use small, gentle strokes and clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. You also need the correct size of toothbrush for your mouth, and preferably one with soft bristles. A toothbrush won’t last forever, you need to replace it every 3-4 months!

The more you learn about the correct way to brush your teeth, the more effective the twice-daily practice will be!

Clean the Entirety of Your Mouth 

Brushing only goes so far to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. For the best care, you need to clean other areas of your mouth and areas that your toothbrush is unable to reach. This includes using your toothbrush to softly brush your tongue after brushing your teeth. Brushing your tongue will help to prevent plaque buildup and keep your breath smelling fresh.

Floss, mouthwash and sugar-free gum all have a role to play in keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You should rinse with mouthwash daily to reduce acid and prevent tooth decay. If you suffer from gum disease, a therapeutic mouthwash could be very beneficial in reducing it, as well as reducing tartar and plaque development. 

You should also floss your teeth daily to remove debris, reduce inflammation and lower the amount of plaque in the mouth. Chewing gum is another way to remove debris and it also increases saliva, which i neutralizes the acid in the mouth and gets rid of bacteria. 

Make Good Food and Drink Choices

Dental & Oral Health Tips - Dentists in Palos

The food you eat affects your overall health. One of the best practices for healthy teeth and gums is to be mindful of the damage that certain foods can do to your oral health and the benefits of others.  

Sugary foods are especially bad for your teeth, as they can lead to enamel erosion as the sugar breaks down in the mouth. To protect your teeth, it’s crucial to limit how much sugary food you eat and how frequently you eat snacks – eating snacks is more harmful to teeth than meals, as there’s not as much saliva to get rid of acid. Also be wary of acidic foods, which can cause similar damage to your teeth. 

Eating a balanced diet is important. If you lack certain nutrients in your diet you may be more prone to mouth infections and gum disease. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy will help you to maintain good oral health. 

In addition to eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Water will ensure that your mouth stays hydrated by contributing to saliva creation. More saliva means less risk of tooth decay and less food debris in the mouth, so your teeth stay healthy and your breath stays fresh.

Protect Your Teeth When Playing Sports

The best practices for healthy teeth and gums don’t all revolve around cleaning and eating habits at home, you also need to be mindful of your dental health when you’re playing sports or partaking in any activity where there’s a risk of tooth damage or loss.

The practice of protecting your teeth from impact damage when playing sports is as simple as buying a mouthguard and remembering to wear it.

You can buy mouthguards at sporting stores, or for more effective protection, talk to your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard. 

Visit Sheehan Dental for Regular Dental Checkups

Last but by no means least: you need to visit your dentist twice a year for healthy teeth and gums! Your dentist has a wealth of knowledge about the best practices for healthy teeth and gums, all you need to do is ask.

Visiting your dentist every six months will ensure that you’re getting the advice and treatments you require to keep your mouth in the best condition. There are many ways your dentist can help you, including regular dental cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar, and examinations to identify the signs of gum disease and oral cancer as soon as possible. 

You can talk to your dentist about restorative treatment to improve your bite and speech, cosmetic treatment to give you a dazzling smile or advice on brushing your teeth in the most effective manner – you can avoid most problems with expert dental care!

By taking the time to look after your teeth and gums properly, you can achieve a smile to be proud of and ensure that problems are identified and treated quickly to minimize their impact on your life. It’s time to take your dental health seriously, by reaching out to the expert dental team at Sheehan Dental today.