While porcelain veneers tend to be very durable and long lasting, over the years aging dental veneers can become dull or chipped. As veneers age, their proportion and shape can also be affected. Thus, at one point or the other, aging veneers must be replaced.

When a tooth is prepared for a veneer, removing adequate tooth structure between the teeth is important. This ensures that the margin of the veneer is not visible and that the color of the existing tooth cannot be seen. Several other considerations are also taken into account by dentists, depending on whether they are placing a non-prep veneer or a prep veneer. Usually, if varying degrees of tooth preparation are involved in the current veneers of a patient, then prep veneer products are used to replace the aging veneers.

Another important factor that is considered by dentists when replacing the existing, aging veneers in a patient's mouth is the type of cement they will be using. Resin cement is the most common type of cement that dentists use when replacing aging veneers. What most dental patients do not know is that resin cements are available in a variety of shades. Typically, transparent cements are used by dentists when replacing aging veneers. The veneer's porcelain margin is able to blend well with the structure of the tooth because of the transparent resin cement and an indistinguishable lamination is produced as a result of this.

At times, dental cements in unique colors are combined with specially designed, highly translucent veneers to ensure that the result desired by a patient is achieved and produced. If the existing veneers had been correctly bonded, then removing the aging veneers can turn out to be a very tiresome task. Nonetheless, once dentists succeed at removing dull, discolored old veneers, they then start preparing the teeth by taking a final impression and placing temporary veneers. A template obtained from a diagnostic wax-up that the patient approves is used for making temporary veneers.

Dentists then show their patient a photo gallery is full of various smile designs and photographs that depict different shapes, textures and translucencies of teeth. Dentists then send a prescription to the lab based on the interests and technical data of the patient so that the veneer products are accordingly fabricated. Dentists assure that the veneer replacement will be successful and eliminate chances of dissatisfaction by following patient feedback and the final approval of the wax-up model.

In most cases, patients are highly satisfied with the results once their old, aging veneers are replaced with new ones. Dissatisfaction is quite rare as long as patients get their aging veneers replaced by a qualified dentist.

Dr. Mulkey is the expert in dental veneers you need to help you determine if and how to replace your existing, aging veneers. For more information on Veneers and other Cosmetic Dentistry options or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 770-425-4001.

If your teeth are darker in color or perhaps they have faded with time from drinking coffee, tea or smoking you do have some cosmetic dentistry options that will help to make your smile brighter. Two of these options are teeth whitening and veneers.

Teeth whitening refers to the bleaching of the teeth to make them whiter. In most cases the whitening can be achieved by using whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, laser whitening or other in-office whitening treatments. However, teeth whitening alone may not be enough.

Cosmetic veneers are thin shells that are usually placed over one's teeth and are made from either porcelain or composite material. Although porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, they are more durable.
Although porcelain is brittle in nature, when firmly bonded to the tooth it is very sturdy and durable. Porcelain veneers when employed as a cosmetic option for discolored tooth can optimize the color of the tooth with a very natural look.
One main advantage of using porcelain veneers is that the surface of porcelain veneer is resistant to stains.

Cosmetic dentistry veneers vary in price depending on the materials they are made of and it is advisable for patients who intend to receive the procedure to consult their dentists on their particular needs. Consultation with a dentist enables the patient to make a wise decision on their suitability for a particular type of cosmetic dentistry. 

Dr. Mulkey and the team at Lost Mountain Dental can help you get the beautiful smile you deserve.  For more information on Veneers or Teeth Whitening or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 770-425-4001

Invisalign is a clear alternative to metal braces. The alignment trays are easy to fit, quick to install and removable when necessary. Safe for use on both teenagers and adults, Invisalign, provides you with a confident smile while reducing the risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Health Benefits of Invisalign
Teeth that have been crowed together or spaced too far apart are the leading cause of red and swollen gums. Unfortunately, they are also a leading cause of periodontal disease. According to the American Dental Association, proper tooth alignment helps to contribute to your overall health. Without using brackets and wires, the comfortable Invisalign trays gradually move the teeth into their proper position. Unlike metal braces, you'll have the ability to thoroughly brush your teeth as well as gums. Research conducted by the American Dental Association found that reducing the bacteria that causes oral infections reduces the risk for tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease as well as other serious medical conditions such as heart disease.

Installation of Invisalign
In order to properly fit the alignment trays, it's necessary for the dentist to take x-rays, molds and pictures of your teeth. This will enable the dentist will make a 3-D image of your teeth as well as map out a treatment plan. The treatment plan will include details at each stage. After the initial fitting, the only time the trays would need to be removed is during eating or brushing. Made out of BPA-free plastic, no one will know you are wearing them because they are virtually invisible.

Insurance Coverage
Although the exact cost depends on your specific needs, most insurance plans will treat the cost of the Invisalign the same as any other orthodontic treatment. In cases where the patient has a significant portion not covered by their insurance company, the Invisalign provider may make flexible payment arrangements.

Dr. Mulkey has the information you need.  For more information on Invisalign and other cosmetic dentistry options or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 770-425-4001.

Most tooth decay occurs among teeth at the back of the mouth as they have more fissures and pits on their surfaces. Dental sealants are an effective solution to this.

Decay occurs when food particles on teeth are converted into acid by bacteria. It is this acid which corrodes the tooth surface to cause decay. Dental sealants, a thin, plastic layer applied to the tooth surface, prevent contact between enamel (white tooth surface made of mainly calcium) and the acids. The plastic materials sealants are made of do not corrode.

Remember that even the most advanced tooth brush is limited in its ability to reach into all the pits and fissures of the tooth. In addition, procedures such as flossing are more difficult to perform on the back teeth. Sealants keep these pit and fissures clean. Sealants are white in color and thus can also improve the color of the teeth.

The procedure for applying sealants is simple and is non-invasive. The tooth to be sealed is first washed to remove all bacteria and food particles. To ensure the thin plastic film holds, the tooth is dried. A liquid used to make the tooth rough is then applied after which the real sealant is applied. The sealant is then given time to harden and dry.

As you can see, the sealing procedure is not complex as compared to the benefits they provide. Having your teeth sealed will save you time, money and the discomfort related with dental fillings. Sealing protects your teeth for up to 10 years. Though more commonly performed among children, dental sealant benefits can also be enjoyed by adults.

Dr. Mulkey can answer all your questions regarding dental sealants.  For more information on this and other Cosmetic Dentistry procedures or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 770-425-4001.

Keeping your gums healthy is really quite simple; brush twice a day and floss regularly! When your oral health gets ignored, plaque forms on your teeth; continual undisturbed deposition of plaque sets the environment for tartar formation and subsequent loosening of teeth.

Plaque, in a simpler sense, is a thin film which forms on your teeth surface.  It is a mixture of bacteria, its waste products, and remnants of lodged food particles within teeth embrasure. Brushing teeth as recommended, twice a day, will actually remove the layer of the plaque that has recently formed. The plaque that remains undisturbed will colonize to form calculus. Calculus is nothing but the hardening of plaque.

Once calculus is formed, it can be removed only through the skilled hands of a dentist by a procedure called scaling; the dentist would use either hand scaling or ultrasonic scaling instruments to dislodge the calculus formed. Scaling is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Scaling also removes stains present on the teeth. After the scaling procedure is completed a mild sensitivity can be experienced for a day or two.

If calculus is left undisturbed it leads to gingivitis, or inflamed gums. Calculus that forms on the root surface creates a separation between the tooth and the surface to which the tooth is attached - often referred to as periodontium.  Inflammation of periodontium is referred to as periodontitis. The separation creates a space referred to as the periodontal pocket, and the space so formed loosens the tooth.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis are painful conditions, and can be treated only through scaling and root planing. In simple sense scaling is removal of calculus from tooth surface. Root planing is removing the calculus deposited on the 'tooth's root'. The visible structure of the tooth is the crown, and the structure below the gums is called the root.

The symptoms that a dentist would observe and advice scaling and root planing are tooth pain, tooth mobility or shaking of tooth, and also bad breath, or halitosis. Root planing is a minor surgical day care procedure done under local anesthesia to eliminate the periodontal pocket, and reduce tooth mobility. The recovery period post root planing procedure is a week; the individual is advised soft gum massage, and use of chlorhexidine mouthwash for gargling.

If you are concerned about Gingivitis and Periodontists, Dr. Mulkey has the knowledge and experience you need. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 770-425-4001