Understanding Veneers | A Guide by Your Rapid City Dentist

Rushmore Dental | Rapid City Dentist

As a Rapid City dentist, I often get asked about dental veneers and the different types available. Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure with thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain or composite material bonded to the front of the natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Veneers can correct various dental issues, from stained and discolored teeth to chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth. In this blog post, we’ll look at the different types of dental veneers available and how they differ.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used type of dental veneers due to their durability and natural-looking appearance. Porcelain veneers are fragile shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit your teeth. They are then bonded to the front surface of your teeth using a strong adhesive. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance and resist staining from food and drink.

Composite resin veneers

Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-colored material applied to the teeth in layers. This type of veneer is a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers and can be completed in one visit to the dentist. Composite resin veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers and more prone to chipping or cracking. They also tend to stain easily and require more maintenance.

Lumineers

Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that is even thinner than traditional porcelain veneers. This means that Lumineers require less tooth preparation and are often considered a more conservative treatment option. Lumineers are also more reversible than conventional veneers, as they need less alteration of the natural tooth structure. However, they are only suitable for some cases, and thorough consultation with your dentist is necessary to determine if Lumineers are the right choice for you.

No-prep veneers

No-prep veneers are a type of dental veneer that requires little to no preparation of the natural tooth structure. These veneers are designed to be placed directly onto the surface of the teeth without the need for any drilling or removal of enamel.

No-prep veneers are popular for patients seeking a minimally invasive dental treatment option. However, they are not suitable for every case, and thorough consultation with your dentist is necessary to determine if no-prep veneers are the right choice for you.

Visit Your Rapid City Dentist at Rushmore Dental

Dental veneers are effective for various dental issues, from stained and discolored teeth to chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth. Understanding the different types of dental veneers from your Rapid City dentist, can help you decide which treatment option is right for you.

Regardless of the type you choose, working with someone with extensive dental experience who can help you achieve the best possible outcome is essential. At Rushmore Dental in Rapid City, South Dakota, we offer a range of cosmetic dental treatments, including dental veneers, to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact your dentist in Rapid City today to schedule a consultation.

March 9, 2023

Cosmetic Dentistry: Building Beautiful Smiles

AT OUR PRACTICE in Rapid City, we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Everyone wants a perfect smile, but stains, discoloration, wear, chips, misalignment, gaps, and other issues can get in the way of our smile goals. That’s where Rushmore Dental comes in, so that they can feel confident when showing off their gorgeous smiles.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is dental treatment that focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, which can sometimes include orthodontic treatment and restorative dentistry. When it comes to the teeth, there are several different approaches we can take, depending on the individual patient’s goals and needs.

Dazzle With Teeth Whitening

One of the simplest and easiest ways to improve your smile is with teeth whitening, which can be done in-office with a one-time visit where you get the benefit of our professional experience and facilities, or with custom take-home trays that we make for your teeth. What makes these options superior to over-the-counter whitening strips is that those aren’t designed to bring the whitening solution into contact with each surface of your teeth like custom trays, and they certainly won’t offer the precision of in-office treatment.

Beyond the Surface: Dental Veneers

For chipping or discoloration that can’t be fixed with simple whitening, veneers are a great cosmetic dentistry option. Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells of porcelain or resin colored to match your teeth. We make room for them by removing about half a millimeter of enamel from each tooth’s surface, then bond them in place to change their color, shape, size, or length.

Repair Damaged Teeth With Dental Bonding

A simpler option than veneers is dental bonding, in which we apply a tooth-colored resin to a misshapen tooth or one that has been chipped, cracked, or damaged by decay and harden it using a special ultraviolet or laser light. We then trim, shape, and polish it to make sure it matches the rest of the smile. Bonding is a great alternative to silver fillings and it will blend in much better!

Fill the Gaps in Your Smile With Dental Implants

Sometimes the problem isn’t discoloration or damaged teeth; sometimes a tooth or teeth are missing entirely. At Rushmore Dental, we can fill in the gaps in a smile with dental implants. It’s always preferable to save a tooth if possible, but if the tooth has to come out, implants are the best replacements when it comes to appearance, durability, and function.

How About a Smile Makeover?

Every smile is different, and so is every patient! A smile makeover is a comprehensive treatment plan to address the specific goals you have for your smile. We’re excited to help you achieve them, and the first step is to schedule an appointment! You can learn more about us by checking our business page, and make sure to check the map for directions to our Rapid City location before heading our way!

Let’s get started on your smile goals!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

October 5, 2022

Dentist in Rapid City | What are the Benefits of Smiling?

Your Dentist in Rapid City, South Dakota, Wants You to Smile Proudly

It may seem strange, but smiling has many benefits. It turns out that a simple sweet smile is one of the most potent weapons we have as humans. It makes us feel good inside, improves our mood, increases our confidence, and even makes us look more attractive to others.

This blog post discusses the benefits and why it is essential to flash your pearly whites! And if you don’t feel confident with the state of your teeth, we list plenty of cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you get the smile of your dreams.

Good for your health.

Smiling makes the body:

releases endorphins (natural pain relievers)
reduce negative emotions
lowers blood pressure
increase endurance,
increase heart rate
boost our immune systems.

Not only that, but studies show people who grin frequently live longer lifespans.

It Makes You Attractive.

Smiling makes you look more attractive because our eyes crinkle up and our cheeks lift, which creates a more youthful appearance. People are considered trustworthy, likable, and more competent than those who do not. Frequently smiling makes you more approachable to others.

It is Infectious.

It is contagious, so when you smile at someone, they will likely smile back, causing you and others to feel happier and spiking your mood. So next time you see someone down in the dumps, turn it upside down by giving them your biggest grin. And one thing we need is more joy and happiness.

It Benefits Your Career

A kind facial expression is a sign of happiness, confidence, and success. People who smile often are more likely to be promoted than those who don’t. Smiling can put others at ease and makes you more trustworthy, which is very helpful in a professional setting where building relationships with colleagues and clients is essential.

Cosmetic Dental Care

Even though smiling has so many helpful benefits, not everyone feels comfortable. Some are self-conscious about their teeth because of surface stains and crooked or broken teeth. Fortunately, at Rushmore Dental, your dentist in Rapid City, we use a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve the appearance of your smile and make patients finally feel comfortable. Some popular treatments from your dentist in Rapid City include:

Rushmore Dental | Dentist in Rapid City

So we see that smiling has a variety of benefits, both physical and emotional. It improves oral health, makes you attractive, boosts your mood and the mood of those around you, and can help you professionally.

Suppose you are not content with your smile. In that case, there are various cosmetic dental services from your dentist in Rapid City, SD, to improve your appearance. Do not live your life feeling self-conscious.

Please schedule an appointment with our friendly staff at Rushmore Dental today. Ask us about your options for improving your facial aesthetics, concealing minor flaws, and brightening your teeth.

April 5, 2022June 3, 2022

Who is Your Cosmetic Dentist in Rapid City?

So Many Reasons Why You Should Choose a Cosmetic Dentist in Rapid City

Your smile is the first thing people see, and it says more about you than you might think. Having discolored, missing, or chipped teeth can affect a person’s judgment about who you really are. Today, there is so much pressure on having a great smile that even minor chips, cracks, and discolored teeth can be highly stressful. Cosmetic dentists specialize in beautifying your smile and making it your best feature.

Read below for nine reasons to consider cosmetic dentistry:

#1 One Chance for a First Impression

Having a crooked smile can lead to people making blind judgments about your success, intelligence, and overall health. We know that a person’s teeth are not an accurate reflection, and the team at Rushmore Dental can help you get a smile that will set people’s opinions straight!

#2 Improve Professional Success

It is sad but true, but Americans perceive people with nice teeth as 45% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a job, regardless of experience level. Don’t risk getting passed over in an interview just because your teeth aren’t straight or white enough. Money spent improving your smile will payout in the long run.

#3 Comfort

Chipped or cracked teeth can lead to painful sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages and an increased risk of cavities. Cosmetic dentists can use tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, and porcelain veneers on the tooth surface to mask imperfections causing you pain.

#4 Increase lifespan

Chronic stress accelerates aging and reduces your lifespan. So, in theory, fixing a flaw that stresses you out can add years to your life.

#5 Oral Health

After investing your hard-earned money into your smile, you’ll want to do everything to maintain it, thus improving at-home hygiene. Beyond that, straight teeth are easier to clean when they’re no longer crowded and overlapping.

#6 Boosts Self-Confidence

If you’re trying to catch the eye of that special someone, a friendly smile is essential to drawing them in. There is only one thing more attractive than a great smile — a confident smile. Cosmetic dentistry plays a considerable role in improving self-confidence regardless of the procedure. Nothing holds you back from flashing those pearly whites when you are proud of your smile.

#7 Recover from an Accident

Cosmetic dental work can repair the damage from injuries like a blow to the face, a car accident, or tripping and falling. Dental implants, dental crowns, dental veneers, and inlays and onlays can get you back to a beautiful smile.

#8 Psychologically Healing

Not all problems are physical. Cosmetic dentistry in Rapid City, SD, can significantly boost mental health. Some people may have negative feelings because of getting bullied over imperfections.

Perhaps someone has a fear of rejection because of negative comments said to them about their teeth when they were young. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can change all of that and set the record straight.

#9 It’s a Great Investment

We’ve proven that cosmetic dentistry can:

lower stress
help you advance professionally
boost confidence
make you more healthy
make you feel better about yourself

Talk about a great return on investment! The best part is that it is less expensive than you think. Cosmetic dentistry ranges in price and there are often affordable payment plans.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Kelley and his team in Rapid City, South Dakota, have years of experience to make your smile enhance your natural self. We would love to be your cosmetic dentist. Call today to schedule an appointment.

October 25, 2018March 23, 2021

Five Tips to Make Your New Dental Crown Last

Cosmetic And Aesthetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental News, Dental Procedures Broken tooth, Crown

Rushmore Dental family dentistry

When you started having a toothache, you knew you had a problem; but you didnâ€™t want to face what it meant. A year later, your tooth is broken, and youâ€™re in a lot of pain: itâ€™s past time to get to the dentist. Even without a set of x-rays, the dentist can tell you have an infection and likely will need a root canal and a dental crown.

It takes a lot of effort for you to get to the dentist and get the broken tooth fixed. There are days off work, some scrimping to pay your treatment costs, not to mention overcoming the anxiety you feel about having the root canal! Once you get the crown in your mouth, you want to know how to care for it, so you donâ€™t have to go through that ordeal again anytime soon!

Use these five care tips and your crown may last 15 years or more.

Avoid hard food. Chewing on hard candies, carrots, or even your favorite holiday toffee can be damaging to a crown. Limit your exposure to these foods, especially at first. The goal is to keep your crown for as long as possible; but noshing on hard, crunchy foods put extreme pressure on the restoration and can break the bond between it and the tooth.. This includes very tough foods, like overcooked meat and also sticky foods like caramel and taffy. Tough foods, like hard ones, can break cement that holds the crown to the tooth. Sticky foods can use the strength of your mouth to pull the crown (or filling) completely out. If you love the tastes of these foods and canâ€™t avoid them, donâ€™t chew on them. Instead, allow them to melt in your mouth and take very small bites.

Watch out for grinding. You may not realize you grind your teeth when you sleep, but if you wake up with a headache and jaw pain, thereâ€™s a good chance itâ€™s caused by grinding/bruxism. Ask Dr. Kelly for a night guard to help you stop clenching your teeth, and to relieve the pressure on your dental crown.

Floss carefully. Whether you use regular dental floss, a floss pick, or a proximal brush, be gentle with it. With floss in particular, make sure you move it down both sides of the space between the teeth, but when removing it, let us know if it catches on anything.

If it gets caught above the crown, donâ€™t pull down on it, simply pull it straight out from between the teeth. Most people tend to be afraid of pulling their crown off with floss, but this rarely happens. Itâ€™s better to floss daily to prevent new decay from forming around the margins around your restoration.

Keep your six-month appointments: Thereâ€™s no easier way to maintain your dental health than to keep your dental checkup and cleaning appointments. Six months is enough time for your dental health to show changes, but not usually enough time for those changes to become severe. A cleaning and exam at this point should be enough to keep your smile healthy and your new crown safe.

Crowns can be a great investment in your compromised tooth. With a little care, they can last 15 years or more! Contact our Rushmore Dental office for an appointment.