With the ever-advancing improvements and technology in cosmetic dentistry today, you have more options than ever to help create that perfect smile.
One such option to help make this a reality is dental veneers, a solution for both enhancing your appearance and protecting or strengthening your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are extremely thin, shell-like covers made of porcelain or resin that bond to the top or surface of a tooth. Depending on which material you choose, the cosmetic dentistry procedure can take as little as one day or up to two weeks to complete.
Composite resin is similar in material to that used in fillings and dental bonding. It’s a soft, malleable material that your dentist can easily work with to mold and shape the veneer to bond to your tooth’s surface. Prior to adhering, your dentist will slightly etch the tooth’s surface, so the bonding can occur more efficiently.
Porcelain dental veneers bond similarly to the tooth surface but with the added characteristic of appearing more like your natural teeth, with light reflecting in similar ways. For patients looking for a more aesthetic solution, especially for front teeth, the porcelain material for veneers is recommended.
With these porcelain veneers, the placement process is a little more complex, however, and takes longer. After your dentist prepares the surface of the teeth, you’ll need to wear temporary tooth covers while a dental laboratory creates the thin shells for long-term bonding.
Overall, dental veneers are long-lasting for up to a decade or more, which makes them a durable option for your dental needs.
What Can Dental Veneers Do for Your Teeth?
When wondering whether veneers are the right solution for you, it’s important to know what exactly they can do for your teeth. Essentially, dental veneers are designed to correct various dental issues and also enhance the teeth’ appearance.
More specifically, dental veneers can do the following.
Repair Damaged Teeth
Dental veneers can serve as a repair solution to chipped, cracked, or even broken teeth. When enough of the natural tooth remains, placement of a veneer can help repair the damaged tooth and match its shape and size to your natural teeth.
Cover Deep Discolorations and Stains
When it comes to tooth discolorations or stains, teeth whitening solutions don’t always provide the results you want or need. A better solution in these cases is dental veneers.
Uneven coloring or severe discoloration deep within the tooth itself can be corrected with these shell-like coverings and let you enjoy freely laughing and smiling in public again.
Also, what makes dental veneers such a good solution is that they can closely match the color of your natural teeth.
Reshape or Resize Teeth
Different shapes or sizes of teeth not only affect the appearance of your smile but also your chewing abilities.
Dental veneers can even out your teeth and your smile by correcting any misshapen teeth, including teeth that become too pointed or are irregular in shape as compared to the surrounding teeth. Veneers can also resize teeth that are smaller than the others.
Fill in Gaps
A small gap between your teeth, also known as diastema, can affect either the upper or lower teeth and usually occurs in the front. If left alone, many times, these gaps can cause movement or shifting of teeth.
When this happens, your teeth may become misaligned and result in the development of a bad bite. Your dentist can use the dental veneers to resize or reshape the corresponding teeth and, as a result, fill in these gaps.
Treat Tooth Enamel Loss
While tooth enamel is a tough substance, it is often worn away as a result of brushing teeth too hard, consuming a diet high in acidic foods, or by suffering with acid reflux disease. Since enamel can’t grow back, veneers offer a solution for maintaining the strength of your teeth.
Essentially dental veneers are here to help improve the overall appearance of your teeth, enhance your smile, and correct certain types of problems that can interfere with your oral health. They also allow you to keep your natural teeth while still creating a smile you love to share.
Learn More About Dental Veneers at Lifetime Dental Health in Columbus
Dental veneers are an ideal solution for many dental issues experienced by our patients here at Lifetime Dental in Columbus. If you’re looking for beneficial ways to enhance your smile and your overall dental health, contact Dr. Richard Barry and his team to schedule a consultation. We will help you determine if dental veneers are the right solution for you.
The appearance of brown spots on someone’s teeth is very common. While most people refer to such irregular colored patches on one’s teeth as spots, these brown spots can also appear as brown lines or irregular, mottled areas.
Brown spots on teeth can range in appearance from yellowish light brown to dark brown. Discoloration, while always astray from white or white-yellow, is never uniform. Sometimes the spots might be closer to the color of chocolate or coffee, and in certain cases, they can look dark brown or nearly black.
Many people have experienced this discoloration of the teeth, and it is not the fault of the person experiencing discoloration, however, it can indicate damage or tooth disease. Therefore, seeking out a dentist for professional advice is recommended.
Brown spots might also be referred to as “stains” on teeth. But not to fear, stains are not always permanent when referring to dental care. In many situations, discoloration and brown spots can be treated.
Causes of Brown Spots on Teeth
There are many factors that can lead to the discoloration of the teeth.
Food/drink consumption. Enjoying dark-colored, sugary, or starchy foods is part of life’s joys. Occasionally, consuming such foods can cause staining of the enamel. Drinking excessive coffee, tea, soda or wine can cause brown spots to appear. Foods high in sugar, such as candy or soda, and foods high in starch, such as potatoes and pasta, can also stain or chip away at the enamel. Dark berries can stain teeth and highly acidic citric juices might also damage the enamel on teeth.
Tartar build up. Plaque, or tartar, is a build-up of food particles, bacteria, and saliva in the mouth. While this build up is normal, it is typically reduced through brushing one’s teeth and flossing. These important daily habits prevent excessive tartar build up. When plaque is not continuously removed via oral hygiene, tartar can cause brown spots and discoloration. Controlling tartar buildup is more challenging if someone is having hormonal changes (like in pregnancy), has severe illness, is bedridden, has diabetes, or has AIDS.
Tooth decay. When a person is unable to prevent tartar buildup or obtains a tooth infection, tooth decay can occur. This is the process of enamel and tooth breakdown by acid-producing bacteria. Such decay can lead to brown spots and should immediately be evaluated by a dentist to prevent further damage or worse infection.
Fluorosis. Excessive fluoride can sometimes lead to brown spots or streaks on the teeth, especially in children who are under 8 years old. This discoloration is most often mild and treatable.
Tobacco products. All products containing tobacco or nicotine can lead to discoloration of the teeth. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, using pipe tobacco, or smoking cigars can lead to particle build-up on the teeth that can cause brown spots.
Enamel hypoplasia. Some people naturally have less enamel protection than others, which is a condition called enamel hypoplasia. A deficiency in calcium, premature birth or birth injury, exposure to toxins, exposure to viruses, malnutrition, or genetics can lead to enamel hypoplasia. If a person lacks enamel, it is easier to obtain brown spots.
Medications. Occasionally, antibiotics, specifically Tetracycline, can lead to brown spots on the teeth. Antibiotics should never be stopped abruptly and should always be finished to their full course unless an allergy is discovered. Report any medication use to your dentist, and if a medication that could cause brown spots is reported, treatment for tooth discoloration can be arranged.
Aging. As people age, it is natural for teeth enamel to age, too. Such aging can lead to yellowing, and even browning of spots on the teeth. This is a harmless cause but can be treated.
Celiac disease or other gastrointestinal issues. Some gastrointestinal deficiencies and celiac disease can cause tooth decay or damaged enamel, also potentially leading to brown spots on teeth.
Treatments for Brown Spots on Teeth
At-home Treatments
Over-the-counter whitening strips or sticks. Be careful not to overuse whitening products because they might strip enamel when overused
LED Whitening kits that use LED lights to help whiten teeth
Daily brushing and flossing of one’s teeth. This is enhanced by using whitening toothpaste and regularly replacing one’s toothbrush
Brush one’s teeth every few days with a mixture of baking soda and water, on top of regular brushing and flossing routine
Professional Treatments
Sealing and composite bonding of one’s tooth enamel
The patients at Lifetime Dental Health in Columbus, OH are welcomed at any time for the above-mentioned professional teeth whitening or stain removal treatments.
Reasons to Seek Professional Treatment
Some patients might choose to seek out professional treatment for the benefits of having experts clean or remove stains from their teeth. The dental team at Lifetime Dental Health enjoys performing this smile-restoring task for our patients.
In other cases, it is important for patients to book an appointment to evaluate brown spots that are accompanied by tooth pain or sensitivity.
While brown spots are often harmless, if a person develops any of the below symptoms, they should consider seeking out dental care. These symptoms might be a sign of a tooth infection or tooth decay:
Tooth pain
Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods
Malodorous or unpleasant breath
Gum irritation, sensitivity, or pain
Bleeding gums
Canker or cold sores
Mouth ulcers
Dry mouth
If you would like professional treatment of teeth discoloration, or believe you might have a tooth infection,contact us here at Lifetime Dental Health. Our team will happily assess any brown spots or answer questions about your dental health at a dental clinic appointment.
“Let a smile be your umbrella.” “Smile and the world smiles with you.” We’ve all heard these well-known statements many times. And we know many things can make us smile: a newborn baby, a sunny day, a special memory. Smiles usually come naturally. But what if seeing your own smile doesn’t make you smile because it isn’t as attractive as you’d like it to be? Lifetime Dental Health can help, with two procedures designed to turn a so-so smile into a so nice one: bonding and veneers.
What’s the Difference Between Veneers and Bonding?
Dental veneers and dental bonding can both cover your chipped, cracked, or broken teeth so well that no one (except you and us) will know they aren’t your natural teeth. However, though they are designed to solve the same problems, differences between veneers and bonding may make one or the other more appropriate for your situation.
Bonding
Bonding is simpler and less involved than a veneer. And it doesn’t change your tooth. Bonding uses dental resin to build directly upon the damaged or discolored tooth. Depending on the level of damage, it can fill in gaps between teeth, hide roots revealed by receding gums, or build up a broken tooth. We apply the resin (color-matched to your natural teeth) directly to the surface of a problem tooth and harden it using a special dental light. Once it’s hardened, we file it smooth, and shape it to blend with the shape of your other teeth.
Veneers
A veneer is a piece of extremely thin porcelain shaped to cover the front of a damaged, misshapen, or discolored tooth. Like bonding resin, the porcelain is colored to match your natural teeth. Unlike bonding, a veneer involves an outside dental lab for its preparation and, most often, two or more dental appointments. In the first visit, we reshape your tooth and make an impression of it for the dental lab. In the second, we apply the veneer to your tooth with safe dental cement. To get a perfect fit, we may need to remove and adjust the veneer several times before it is set. Though more involved than bonding, a veneer can last for as long as 15 years.
What Are the 5 Most Important Factors to Consider Before Choosing?
Neither bonding nor veneers are right for every damaged tooth. And even for good candidates, bonding and veneers are not equally appropriate. Let’s look at 5 factors you’ll want to consider in making your choice:
Looks. Since the goal is a more appealing smile, the look of the result is an important consideration. Both procedures provide “new” teeth that look like – and react like – the rest. Over time, bonding is prone to staining and may need to be redone for best effect. Porcelain is virtually stainless, so If your teeth are significantly stained or discolored, a veneer will work better than bonding. As for chips, cracks, or breaks, bonding can be redone if need be; If a veneer cracks, the only fix is a crown.
Durability/Longevity. Whichever choice you make, you’ll want it to last as long as possible, and that’s dependent upon the material used. Bonding material is a dental resin brushed onto a tooth. That’s why you only need one dental visit, and why, if it chips or discolors, it can be readily repaired. Veneers are made of porcelain, and they are customized to your tooth. Veneers cannot be repaired.
Time. Bonding comes out ahead when it comes to time, as it can usually be done in a single dental visit. Veneers always require two visits, and sometimes three. To cure a painful tooth, or up your smile for a special occasion, a one-stop procedure could be the better call.
Cost. It’s no surprise that bonding is less expensive than veneers. Veneers require the skills and equipment of a dental lab in addition to that of a dentist. However, the difference lessens as the amount of work involved increases. For one or two teeth, bonding may be just what you want. However, the more teeth you have that need repair, the smaller the difference. Be sure to compare costs based on your actual situation, as in some cases veneers may be worth the extra bit more.
Maintenance. When it comes to daily care, veneers and bonding are equal, and a good dental hygiene routine, plus regular professional check-ups and cleanings, is crucial. Both bonded teeth and those with a veneer, need daily brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. And like natural teeth, to keep them from chipping, cracking, or staining, it’s best to avoid hard food, such as hard candy, nuts, and crunchy snacks; dark beverages, such as red wine, dark fruit juices, and colas; chewing ice; and using tobacco.
This is a lot to think about regarding bonding and veneers, so you’ll want to be sure to start with a consultation to help you decide which procedure would be best for you. You can contact us or make an appointment online. Our dentists are always available to help you make a choice you’ll be happy with.
Many patients want to see a whiter and brighter smile when they look in the mirror. Dingy and stained teeth can hold you back from feeling self-confident.
Whether you have a big event to attend like a school reunion or wedding, or just want a nicer-looking smile for your daily life, teeth whitening is a wonderful way to feel more fabulous.
“Regular” folks see movie stars with dazzling smiles and think they must be the only ones who can look so spectacular. It’s not the case.
Teeth whitening can make nearly anyone’s smile look just as stunning, and here at Lifetime Dental Health, we have in-office and at-home options that can vastly improve your smile.
Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening and if you may be a good candidate. With some information, you can make a smart choice and see that gleaming smile you have always wanted.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be, that’s a start. If your teeth are stained, discolored, or just dull, teeth whitening can make them whiter and brighter.
Yellowish, orange-tinged, or even brownish teeth can be improved with teeth whitening. Grayish stains don’t always whiten up as much, but some improvement can be achieved.
Your teeth may not be stained terribly, but as we eat and age, color changes happen. A teeth whitening treatment can turn things around and give you that stellar smile you’ve been missing.
Those who may not be good candidates are people with periodontal disease or eroded enamel. People with sensitive teeth may not be able to tolerate the process. We’ll assess your situation during your consultation.
What Can Cause My Teeth to Stain or Become Discolored?
As mentioned above, time can be a culprit. As we get older, our teeth may start to discolor or lose their shine. But there are other things we do regularly that contribute to staining or discoloration.
What we eat and drink makes a real difference. Some foods and drinks can stain the enamel, and over time, the color won’t get “brushed off” as it seeps in.
Some foods and drinks to avoid or limit to prevent staining and discoloration include dark berries, chocolate, tomato-based soups and sauces, red wine, coffee, tea, and cola. Of course, moderation is key, so if you love your coffee, have a cup every once in a while.
Other things can cause staining or discoloration. Certain medications like tetracycline may have an unwanted effect on the teeth. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing this and to find out if there is something else you can take in its place if this is a concern for you.
Smoking is a big no-no for many reasons, one of them being aesthetic. Tobacco stains the teeth, so if you need another reason to kick the habit, there you go.
Fluorosis can be an issue too. When teeth are overexposed to fluoride early in life as the permanent teeth are forming, discoloration can endure.
Does Lifetime Dental Health Offer In-Office Whitening?
We offer in-office whitening at Lifetime Dental Health, and just one visit can do the trick. Unlike store-bought strips and trays you can get over-the-counter, our teeth whitening procedure works better, more efficiently, and the results last longer. Plus, we ensure your safety and comfort as we get your teeth multiple shades whiter. The process is painless and doesn’t take too long. You’ll walk out of your appointment with a beautiful smile that you’ll want to show everyone!
For those who prefer to do the whitening at home, we can supply you with trays which you can use comfortably in the privacy of your own home. This process will take longer, as you’ll need to wear them for several days (perhaps longer if you have sensitive teeth and can’t keep them on for a long stretch), but the results will be worth the effort.
How Long Will the Results of Teeth Whitening Last?
Every person’s results will be different. Some people have the same level of whiteness for as long as three years. Others see fading after a few months. Generally speaking, those who are diligent about their dental care and don’t consume foods or drinks that are known to stain will see longer-lasting results. When it’s time for a touch-up, you know who to turn to.
Are You Ready to See a Whiter Smile?
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, please feel free to contact us at Lifetime Dental Health so we can set you up with a consultation.
If you have any questions or concerns, we will be more than happy to address them. Your peace of mind and overall confidence in our team is important to us.
We look forward to seeing you soon and giving you a smile that could light up a room.
We all have a thing or two about ourselves that we would like to change or improve. Some people may want longer hair, smaller feet, or maybe the perfect smile!
It is perfectly okay to want to make changes here and there to satisfy your personal wants.
Read on to learn about ways to achieve your dream smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry!
What is cosmetic dentistry?
The simplest way to define cosmetic dentistry is procedures that are used to enhance someone’s teeth to create a flawless smile. There are many procedures available for you to obtain the perfect smile; the method will vary for each person and depends on the work that is needed.
What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
1. Prevents Future Dental Damage
The main benefit of cosmetic dentistry is that it can prevent future dental damage. Aside from improving the appearance of ones’ smile, ideally, the cosmetic procedures focus on improving the size, shape, position, alignment, and color of the patient’s teeth. Correcting or fixing these things ultimately eliminate additional dental work down the line, assuming the patient continues practicing preventative care.
2. Increases confidence
Your smile is generally the first thing that someone sees. Many people that do not have a smile that they are proud of, find themselves being self-conscious, and they try their best to avoid smiling or showing their teeth.
Increasing your self-confidence can often open new doors in your life.
3. Improved Health
Aside from repairing typical dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, cosmetic dentistry can also improve other health factors such as diabetes and kidney issues, to name a few.
It has been proven that most people who have poor oral hygiene often also suffer from other health issues such as diabetes and kidney issues, as mentioned above.
Once a cosmetic dental procedure has been completed, and your smile has been restored, you would be much more likely to continue a proper oral hygiene routine — ultimately improving your overall health.
What are the disadvantages to cosmetic dentistry?
Cost
Many cosmetic dental procedures can be costly for most people. The price varies depending on the work required and the procedure chosen.
Cosmetic dentistry is not unaffordable; in fact, ask us about payment plans to assist patients with financial need.
2. Insurance
This disadvantage ties together with the previous one. Most dental insurance providers will not cover cosmetic procedures; this leaves the patient to pay out of pocket or reach out for financial assistance through the practice or even a financial institution. However, there are some dental procedures that are both cosmetic and beneficial for your overall health that can be covered by insurance.
What cosmetic dentistry options do I have?
There are many cosmetic dental treatments available. A few of the most common procedures are:
1. Bonding/Reshaping
Bonding is similar to the veneer procedure. The difference primarily lies in the material used. Bonding is aimed at decayed, chipped, and even fractured teeth. The material composite resin (plastic) is used during the repair. The repair is completed in a single visit.
The disadvantage of choosing the bonding procedure is that the composite resin material that is used is not as durable as the natural tooth. So biting fingernails, eating ice, and chewing on other hard things can cause the material to chip.
The bonding procedure generally lasts two to four years before needing to be repaired; this timeframe also depends on how well the teeth are taken care of during that time. With proper care, bondings can last much longer.
2. Fillings
Fillings are a way to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. A tooth is filled with either gold, silver (Amalgam), composite (plastic), or porcelain.
The filling used will depend on the type of damage done to the teeth.
Each filling has its advantages and disadvantages, ranging from cost, durability, and additional procedure time.
3. Crowns
Crowns are also known as “caps.” They act as a cover that goes over a tooth. Crowns can be considered both a cosmetic procedure and non-cosmetic procedure, depending on the damage to the tooth or teeth. The idea is to restore the shape, size, and overall appearance of the tooth. There are also three different types of crowning options.
Each crown option has its own disadvantage, ranging from cost, fit, and fragility.
4. Dental implants
Dental implants are the replacement of the root of a tooth or teeth. A metal piece is placed into the bone socket. The metal piece is then covered by a type of crown, which acts as the new tooth.
One of the main disadvantages of dental implants is the cost. This procedure is one of the most expensive cosmetic dental procedures available. Another possible concern is that the procedure is a surgical procedure. Any surgical procedure carries some risks to the patient.
5. Veneers
Veneers are primarily used when someone is experiencing issues with chipped teeth, teeth that are oddly shaped and even gaps between teeth. A very thin cover is placed over the tooth or teeth to obtain a more appealing look.
Since the enamel is removed during this procedure, one of the main disadvantages is that the tooth or teeth receiving the veneer may become extremely sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
Veneers are simply a way to make your teeth look better and do not prevent decay.
6. Bridges
Bridges are meant to close or “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These are also known as false teeth and often are anchored by crowns.
One of the main disadvantages of dental bridges is that the structure of the patient teeth can be changed after the bridge has been placed. Also, tooth decay can still present itself if the bridges are not fitted properly.
If you are thinking about investing in your smile with cosmetic dentistry contact us at Lifetime Dental, 614-333-9442. Our professional dental staff will be more than happy to assist you with any questions.
Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you have a chipped tooth or excessive discoloration that stops you from wanting to show your smile to the world? Life is too short to live with a smile that you are not proud of and ready to show off. At Lifetime Dental Health, we are committed to helping you create the smile that you have always wanted, which is why we offer these cosmetic dentistry options:
Teeth Whitening
One of the biggest things our patients want in terms of cosmetic dentistry is a whiter smile. Your smile is the very first thing that people notice about you and a white, shiny smile can help you make a lasting first impression. As we age, our teeth naturally lose their white luster. Additionally, what we eat and drink, as well as habits like tobacco use, can lead to yellow teeth.
To help reverse this discoloration and get your smile to shine again, we offer a couple different teeth whitening treatments. At our practice, we offer in-office whitening treatments that can make your smile look shades whiter with just one visit. We also offer at-home whitening kits with custom bite trays that are filled with a bleaching agent and are used for 3-6 weeks.
However, teeth whitening is not for everyone. If you suffer from gum disease or severely eroded enamel, you may not be a good candidate for this treatment. If you want to learn more about teeth whitening or want our expert opinion on which whitening option is best for you, schedule an appointment to come see us today.
Clear Aligners
Crooked teeth can be annoying, unsightly, and bad for your bite and jaw. Unfortunately, traditional braces can be distracting, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. If you want a straight, perfect smile without the hassle of metal braces, you may be a good candidate for clear aligners. Clear aligners are custom-made for your mouth and gradually shift your teeth over time, correcting your smile. They are almost undetectable, and will not detract from your smile while you are undergoing treatment.
Clear aligners are worn for most of the day, but they can be removed when you eat or drink. This means that you can still enjoy all of your favorite snacks without having to worry about foods that are too chewy, hard, or sticky like you would with traditional braces. If you want to learn more about teeth straightening with clear aligners, contact our office today! We can schedule a consultation and formulate a treatment plan to help make your smile straight and beautiful in no time.
Veneers
If you are unhappy with the size, shape, spacing, or color of a specific tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are crafted and color-matched to look like your other teeth. When properly cared for, veneers can last for years and correct a wide array of cosmetic defects.
To prepare your teeth for veneers, we will remove a very small amount of dental enamel from the tooth. We will then use a permanent bonding agent to bond the appliance to your teeth. Veneers are resistant to staining and will help keep your teeth beautiful for years to come. If you are unhappy with the look of one or more of your teeth, ask us about porcelain veneers!
We want you to love your smile, and at Lifetime Dental Health we are here to give you the care you need to make that possible. Come see us today so that we can give you our recommendations for cosmetic dental care! If you want to learn more about any of the options listed above or simply want to set up a consultation, give us a call at (614)-333-9498.
in cosmetic dentistry today, you have more options than ever to help create that perfect smile. 
very common. While most people refer to such irregular colored patches on one’s teeth as spots, these brown spots can also appear as brown lines or irregular, mottled areas. 
What’s the Difference Between Veneers and Bonding?
We all have a thing or two about ourselves that we would like to change or improve. Some people may want longer hair, smaller feet, or maybe the perfect smile!
1. 