Tag Archives: cosmetic dentistry

Achieve Your Smile Goals with Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on June 18, 2024

Cosmetic Dentistry Options can help you achieve your smile goals!

Our team loves to see you smile with confidence when you leave our office!

Looking your best and feeling confident is something that everyone can dream about. However, with advancements in cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve your smile goals turning them from a dream to a reality at GPS Dental in San Antonio. After all, your smile is often the first thing someone will notice about you. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of surveyed adults said that a healthy smile is socially important to them.

We want to take the opportunity to share the treatments that may be involved in complete smile makeovers. Each patient is different and there is no cookie-cutter fix when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. There are various treatments that can be involved in a patient’s treatment plan that can include porcelain veneers, SureSmile invisible aligners, dental implants, dental bonding, and professional teeth whitening; whatever enhancement your smile may need, we’re here to discuss your smile goals and help you smile with confidence!

Related: Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures can Enhance Your Smile

Cosmetic Dentistry Options:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry options available for smile enhancement; often the ideal solution for concealing a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections. Wafer-thin porcelain shells are secured to the front of teeth, which changes tooth appearance regarding shape, color, length, and size. This method has proven to be very beneficial for people dealing with chipped, cracked, crooked, stained, discolored, or short teeth. Whether you are seeking to correct the look of one tooth, a series of teeth, or achieve a full smile makeover. 

Dental Implant

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the best way to restore the look and function of your smile. Dental implants act like artificial roots that can be permanently placed in the patient’s jaw bone. As the gum tissue and bone grow around the dental implant, they become a permanent anchor. A natural-looking porcelain crown will be made giving our patients a beautifully-finished result that is attractive, yet helps to improve chewing, maintain bone and prevent teeth from changing positions. Dental implants can even prevent future problems with a patient’s bite, as they offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth.

SureSmile Invisible Aligners

With so many advancements in dentistry and technology, there are a lot of options to enhance your smile. SureSmile is a nontraditional approach to straightening teeth, and they’ve been clinically proven to provide great results by using their software to create an accurate 3D model of your teeth. They combine advanced technology and facial photos to put together a precise image of your mouth, which allows for the prediction of your teeth’s movements, and are used to create the shape and size of your invisible aligners. Once that’s completed, a unique treatment plan is made just for you! No need to worry about “brace face” or change the food you eat, because they’re removable. No one will know you’re wearing your SureSmile aligners. 

Whitening | Bleaching

One of the best and easiest things you can do for your smile is to reverse the signs of age, smoking and even medications by brightening your smile with a professional tooth whitening procedure. We believe that dentist-supervised, professional teeth whitening is the most effective cosmetic dentistry procedure for safely brightening your smile. 

Bonding

Dental bonding is an effective method for repairing chipped teeth. Using versatile and resilient tooth-colored composite materials we create a strong structure that still feels like your original tooth. We can match the color of your tooth and restore its former shape with natural-looking results.

Recontouring

One of the few instant cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth reshaping or recontouring. A procedure to correct cracked or chipped teeth, crooked teeth, even overlapping teeth by re-shaping them to improve the shape, size, or length. It can also help with chipped and crooked teeth. Due to its instant results, recontouring can occasionally limit the need for additional orthodontic treatments such as braces, during one convenient appointment.

Related Article: Confident Smile: Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments can Restore Your Smile

It’s Easy to Achieve Your Smile Goals

With so many cosmetic options, and advancements in dentistry, you can achieve your smile goals in a few visits giving you the beautiful smile of your dreams. Now, let’s talk in more detail about a few of these treatments to give you a better understanding of what they entail and how they can help you achieve your smile goals.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most versatile cosmetic option available for smile enhancement; often the ideal solution for concealing a wide variety of cosmetic imperfections. Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-crafted to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Let’s use a simple example … Like false nails, porcelain veneers improve the appearance of your teeth just like fake nails improve the look of your nails. Unlike fake nails, porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, so they last and continue giving you a beautiful smile for many years to come!

Porcelain veneers enhance your smile and can be used to correct several common cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth
  • Crooked or misaligned teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Short teeth

Porcelain veneers last much longer than composite veneers, are more stain resistant, highly durable, and more natural looking – making them a highly popular option for veneers. Whether you are seeking to correct the look of one tooth, a series of teeth, or achieve a full smile makeover, porcelain veneers from Adams Dental Group may be the ideal treatment to deliver the beautiful, natural-looking smile you desire.

Customized Results with Porcelain Veneers

Giving your smile an improved appearance with porcelain veneers is often a relatively simple and effective process that produces impressive results. The shape, size, color, fit, and thickness of each veneer is precisely matched to the specifications of your tooth, providing for highly customized results that can look and feel incredibly natural. In addition, preparation for the ultra-thin veneers typically preserves much of the tooth body, which helps maintain dental strength and health. Dr. Skrobanek is highly experienced in the planning, design, preparation, and placement of porcelain veneers to create smile improvements that range from subtle to transformative.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles

Porcelain Veneers: The Process

You’ll want to meet with your Dr. Skrobanek to discuss whether you are a candidate for veneers. You may need some dental treatment completed before the veneer process, and your dentist will want to make sure your oral health is in good shape for veneers.

Once the process starts, Dr. Skrobanek will:

  1. Prepare your teeth. This often means removing a small amount of enamel.
  2. Make an impression of your teeth.
  3. The impression is sent to the lab to make your veneers.
  4. Place your veneers! They will be adjusted to fit your mouth and then permanently bonded.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

A major benefit of porcelain veneers is a short recovery time. Once your veneers are placed and any anesthetic (if needed) has worn off, you can go back to eating and drinking normally.

To preserve the lifespan of your beautiful new smile, you can:

  • Avoid opening items with your teeth
  • Not chew on objects (pens, etc.)
  • Wear a mouthguard when you play contact sports
  • Use a retainer at night if you experience any teeth clenching or grinding

You’ll care for your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Make sure to stay on top of brushing and flossing, as usual, and your smile will be healthy, beautiful, and long lasting!

Learn more about Veneers from WebMD.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Dental Implant

We love discussing the many perks and dental implant benefits! They not only look and feel like natural teeth, but they also provide a safe and sturdy tooth replacement that will last for many years to come. You can eat without worry, and can easily keep them clean just like you would your natural teeth.

Benefits to consider:

  • Look like your natural teeth
  • Dental implants can last 20 years or more
  • Easy to keep clean, less work than dentures
  • Dental implants fully restore a smile
  • Replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth
  • Restore full function of the mouth
  • Boost confidence
  • Benefits your oral health and overall health
  • More secure than dentures
  • Comfortable bite
  • Permanent tooth replacement

More from the exerts about dental implant tooth replacement:

  • What does WebMD have to say about the Advantages of Dental Implants? Learn more HERE.
  • Learn more about dental implants from The American Dental Association HERE.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

It can be easy to get used to missing teeth over time, but the reasons to replace them are many:

  • Gaps in-between teeth are harmful for surrounding teeth
  • A full smile gives you great confidence
  • If you don’t fill gaps, tooth decay and plaque are more likely to develop
  • Bone loss occurs
  • Aesthetic issues such as a sunken and aged appearance
  • Lose full function of the mouth

Related Articles: 

The Process of Restoring Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Figuring out how dental implants work can be confusing, so we’re breaking down the dental implant tooth replacement process. It’s really pretty simple. Some patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit. While other patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.

Replacing teeth with dental implants can be a lengthy process – sometimes taking a few months to fully complete, but the reward of a beautiful, long-lasting smile is worth it.

  1. First X-rays and impressions of your teeth will be made.
  2. Next, the implant will be placed. This is a surgical procedure where an anesthetic is given to eliminate pain. We will make a small incision in the gums to insert the implant into the jaw bone. This gives a sturdy post for the tooth to stay on and the jawbone around the implant will be given time to heal. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place.
  3. Once the implant is placed, the healing process begins so your implant can fully fuse to the jawbone.
  4. After the healing process from the implants, an abutment is placed on the implant to prepare it for the false tooth. The abutment will support the new false tooth.
  5. Now, after that appointment, your false tooth can be placed (a custom dental crown) and your process is complete.

Note: There is a healing process that usually takes some time. However, during your healing process, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until your permanent replacement is ready.

More surgery info from The Mayo Clinic.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: SureSmile Clear Aligners

Millions of people undergo orthodontic treatments to straighten their smile, but do they offer dentist-approved results? Having a straight smile can give your confidence a huge boost; making you more willing to show off your smile and also protecting the health of your smile for years to come.

If you’ve considered getting invisible aligners for straightening your teeth, now is the time! Undergoing orthodontic treatment no longer means you’ll be stuck with bulky, traditional braces. SureSmile® aligners are invisible and discreet, don’t disturb your day-to-day lifestyle, and are the best choice for professional dentist-approved results.

SureSmile aligners are:

  1. Invisible. All aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Make sure to keep them clean to keep them clear! Brush them with your toothpaste and rinse clean.
  2. Comfortable. SureSmile Clear Aligners are made to fit your mouth perfectly. No more poky wire and metal braces – you’ll get used to them in no time. They’re also low maintenance and don’t require frequent adjustments.
  3. Removable. Unlike traditional braces that can’t be removed, SureSmile Aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth! This means that they won’t get in the way of your daily life and activities.
  4. Customized Treatment Plan. Working directly with Dr. Skrobanek and his Team at GPS Dental is key! Unlike some of the “mail-order” ortho treatment that is available, we are here to guide your smile treatment every step of the way to ensure your success.

The High-Quality Difference in SureSmile®

You may have heard commercials advertising cheaper, mail-order alternatives to SureSmile®. While the idea sounds good in theory, it’s important to know the real difference between SureSmile® and the mail-order alternatives.

SureSmile® aligners are created using cutting-edge technology. According to the SureSmile® website, “An automated, high-precision, laser-cutting process is used to offer the ultimate in comfort. The edges of SureSmile® Aligners are exceedingly smooth, whether you choose a straight or scalloped trimline.” The removable trays offer high levels of accuracy and precision – making sure they always fit perfectly and give you the best dentist-approved results in the shortest time possible.

Learn more about the Science Behind the Process: Why SureSmile? Or Check out the SureSmile® website for additional information.

The SureSmile® Aligner System gives you the peace of mind that your treatment plan is developed by a dental professional. Dr. Gary Skrobanek at GPS Dental has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and software that allows him to see your teeth “root to crown” at every angle imaginable. You can be confident your personalized treatment plan is fully customized and designed for a long-term healthy, happy smile.

Related Article: SureSmile Clear Aligners Offer Convenience, Comfort, and Invisibility

The Risk of Alternative Options

In contrast, the mail-order alternative options for invisible aligners can’t give the same, dentist-approved results as SureSmile®. In fact, many dentists around the U.S. have reported that patients who have used the mail-order alternatives are needing more tooth/alignment corrections due to the aligner-process not working correctly. That is the big risk you will take by using a program that doesn’t have cutting edge technology and doesn’t work directly with your dentist to monitor progress.

SureSmile aligners are designed to work and to last. They provide accurate and effective results, providing patients with beautiful, straight smiles. Achieve your smile goal and get started by scheduling your smile consultation at Adams Dental Group is incredibly easy:

  1. Schedule your initial SureSmile consultation at our office.
  2. Your dentist will take impressions and create your customized treatment plan.
  3. Next, you’ll receive your customized invisible aligners and the process will begin.

Achieve Your Smile Goals: Professional Teeth Whitening

One of our most common ways to enhance the look of anyone’s smile is teeth whitening. It’s quick and safe and provides beautiful results every time. While at-home treatments can make your teeth feel sensitive and can take multiple treatments, our treatment is one and done, and doesn’t cause uncomfortable sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening penetrates deeper into the tooth to remove more stains than any over-the-counter product ever could.

Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short amount of time. Performed under the supervision of a dentist, this method of whitening has gained popularity among those who either are dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products or are preparing for a special occasion.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentistry: Is Your Wedding Smile Camera Ready?

Here are a few culprits that can leave stains on your teeth:

  • Food and drink: As we mentioned above, our normal eating and drinking routine can dull our teeth and leave behind stains. Certain foods are high in pigmentation or acid and leave behind stubborn stains – like coffee, red wine and blueberries.
  • Poor oral hygiene: If you’re not on top of your oral hygiene routine, then plaque build-up can leave stains.
  • Aging: When we age, the enamel (outer layer) of our teeth becomes thinner and doesn’t protect us from stains as well.
  • Medications: Certain medications can be harsh on your teeth and leave behind yellowing and stains.

What is a Smile Makeover or Full Mouth Reconstruction? 

Using a combination of restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment options, Adams Dental Group can combine multiple services to help you achieve your smile goals by restoring the functionality, health, and look of your smile with a smile makeover! If you’ve suffered from tooth damage, decay, or loss, full mouth reconstruction may be a wonderful option for you to smile with confidence again, and often includes a combination of:

  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Dental Implants
  • SureSmile Clear Aligners
  • Professional Teeth Whitening

Learn more about the Cosmetic Dentistry Options Available at GPS Dental in San Antonio.

Achieve Your Smile Goals at GPS Dental

Whether you’re looking to enhance, straighten or whiten your pearly whites, Dr. Skrobanek and his expert team of smile professionals can help you smile with confidence and achieve your smile goals. Schedule your smile consultation at our office in the San Antonio, TX area and let’s discuss your smile makeover. What do YOU want? How would YOU like to see your smile? We will customize a treatment plan and make this the year you remember with a SMILE!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Choosing Porcelain Veneers for a Naturally Beautiful Smile

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on May 2, 2023

Customized Results with Porcelain Veneers 

Your smile is a very personal thing. So whether you’re choosing porcelain veneers to be applied to just one tooth or multiple teeth, we can help you achieve the smile you want. They can be customized to help them look natural in the context of your surrounding natural teeth. There’s a big difference in getting a couple of veneers vs. a smile makeover of 10 to 20 veneers. For patients who are completing a smile makeover with veneers, we like to take into account the entire smile, including the whole face, for the best aesthetic result. This gives the smile a symmetrical, natural look that’s personalized for that specific patient and can transform your smile.

Related Article: Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Corrects Unwanted Imperfections: One of the primary advantages to porcelain veneers is the ability to repair chipped, broken, or gapped teeth quickly. Veneers offer instant results that, in most situations, eliminate the need for additional dental cosmetic procedures. Overall, choosing porcelain veneers help conceal minor cosmetic and orthodontic issues.

Whitens Teeth Immediately: For people who have stained or yellowed teeth, porcelain veneers offer a quick fix. They shield the front portion of the teeth, disguising any discoloration and presenting a more beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains and offer protection and longevity. After this dental procedure, individuals do not have to worry about whitening their capped teeth. Instead, they can comfortably sip coffee, wine, and other drinks without hesitation.

Provides a Protective Coating for Teeth: Tooth enamel plays an important role in tooth function and longevity. Enamel is said to be much stronger than bones in the human body. Although it is resilient, enamel can wear down over time and leave teeth susceptible to decay, discoloration, and unwanted oral conditions. Choosing porcelain veneers offers a solution to damaged enamel as it provides a layer of coating that protects to teeth. Veneers also limit any discomfort or visible damage caused by worn-down enamel.

Read more HERE about veneers.

Related Article: Understanding Porcelain Veneers: Achieving a Beautiful Smile

The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Pros: 

  • Traditional porcelain veneers are considered permanent, lasting up to several decades.
  • They can make your teeth look close to perfect, correcting minor gaps and alignment issues far faster than braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. In fact, they’re sometimes dubbed “instant orthodontics.”
  • Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant (unlike composite veneers).
  • Their translucent quality makes them look very similar to natural teeth.
  • They’re highly customizable, with an array of shades to choose from.
  • You can get veneers for as few or as many teeth as you need to create a brighter smile, matching the veneers to the color of your natural teeth.
  • They can help downplay a gummy smile by making your tooth size more proportionate to the amount of gum you flash when you smile.

Cons:

  • In most cases, some of your natural tooth enamel has to be filed down to make room for the veneer, which makes the process irreversible. It can also increase tooth sensitivity, if these preparations are done too close to a nerve.
  • They can end up looking a little too perfect. Your dentist may even suggest adding some slight imperfections, to mimic natural teeth.
  • Dental veneers can hide a lot, but they can’t completely erase a major underlying issue.
  • Pressure from grinding can chip or crack the porcelain layers. If you grind your teeth at night, you’ll need to invest in a mouthguard.
  • If veneers crack or chip, they can’t just be repaired — they’ll need to be fully replaced, at an additional cost.
  • Veneers cost a few thousand dollars more than you’d pay for a combination of Invisalign and teeth whitening; however, they create a much more dramatic result.

Keep in mind that once your teeth are prepped for veneers, they will always need to be covered with a porcelain restoration. Meaning that once you get veneers, you will always have veneers. So, when choosing porcelain veneers, it’s really important to find a cosmetic dentist you are comfortable with, as this is a commitment, and you want to be happy with your results.

How Do Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles?

Your teeth will be prepared for veneers first. Dental veneers create natural smiles because most times they take two visits for preparation and application. Dr. Anderson will make sure that the veneer is the perfect color for your smile and an impression will be taken of your teeth so your veneers can be created to fit perfectly in your mouth in your first visit. Usually, a bit of outer enamel is removed to allow for proper bonding between tooth and veneer. During your second visit, your veneers will be placed and light cured to ensure proper bonding and attachment.

Related Article from HealthLine: What to Know Before Getting Veneers

Caring for your veneers is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brushing & flossing daily and visiting your dentist for your exam & cleaning are essential to keeping your veneers healthy and having them last for many years to come.

Schedule Your Smile Consultation Today

Love your smile and smile confidently when choosing porcelain veneers or we can combine our cosmetic dentistry services to create a full smile makeover! If you’re concerned about discolored, missing, chipped, misaligned, or cracked teeth, come talk to us to see what your best solution is for a healthy, beautiful smile. We can treat anything from disease to replacing missing teeth and create a new smile you can be proud of.

Choosing porcelain dental veneers creates natural smiles and are one such procedure that we have used to help our patients achieve the look and function they want. If you have been dreaming of the perfect smile, reach out to our team of professionals to discuss how veneers could be the solution for you. Whatever your smile goals are, we can help you meet them at GPS Dental. Please call to schedule your Smile Consultation with Dr. Skrobanek at 210-633-3477.

Porcelain Veneers are Available at GPS Dental

You’ll care for your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Make sure to stay on top of brushing and flossing, as usual, and your smile will be healthy, beautiful, and lasting!

If you are choosing porcelain veneers is a consideration for you, contact us today for an evaluation appointment!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Dental Crowns Restore and Strengthen Your Tooth

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 7, 2023
dental-crowns-restore-and-strengthen

How Porcelain Crowns Can Restore Your Dental Issues

Porcelain crowns can restore and strengthen your tooth and are long-term, durable options for a wide range of dental problems, usually lasting between 5-15 years and can improve the appearance of teeth. Teeth that contain cracks, have a broken-down root, or have had a root canal performed may need a dental crown to reinforce the tooth and strengthen the surrounding area of the mouth. Along with strengthening and restoring, porcelain dental crowns have multiple advantages, such as:

  • Protecting a tooth from being damaged further: Broken or misshapen teeth can impact your bite and the overall health of your mouth. Crowns eliminate further damage by fixing the problem before more damage can occur.
  • Change the appearance of a tooth by altering its shape and color: Crowns can improve the look of your smile – helping the appearance of any misshapen, broken teeth, or dental implants and can help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
  • Uses safe porcelain material that is FDA approved and non-harmful for patients: Porcelain crowns are known to be the most comfortable options for a patient’s mouth and are free of any harmful or toxic materials.
  • Durable and stain resistant: Porcelain crowns are known to last for many years and are extremely stain resistant, helping your smile stay protected and spotless for a long time.

Along with plentiful advantages, the risks of porcelain crowns are also very low and help restore the form, function, and aethetics of your smile.

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Whether or not you need a dental crown depends on the function and state of your teeth. If you have quite a few broken teeth, require a root canal procedure, or are having a large filling done, a dental crown can restore and strengthen your tooth and will likely be included in your treatment plan. Your next step is to schedule your smile consultation!

5 Steps: Getting a Dental Crown Procedure

Fitting a dental crown is a common dental procedure done to repair damaged or broken teeth. From the outside looking in, the process of getting a dental crown procedure might seem complicated, but we’ve broken it down into five comprehensible stages:

  1. Consult: At this stage, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if a dental crown is needed. Dental crowns are often used on broken or misshapen teeth. They might also be used in the case of a large filling or a root canal.
  2. X-ray: A dental X-ray helps your dentist fully evaluate your oral health. With this technology, issues like an abscess, infection, decay, and bone loss are visible. Some of these conditions might lead you to require a dental crown to restore the health of your tooth.
  3. Treatment Plan: If you require a dental crown procedure, it will be included in your treatment plan, along with any other treatments you need to restore your dental health. The treatment plan is almost a follow-up from the consult, but now, you move forward with more information regarding the current state of your dental health. At this point, it is time to prepare a plan of action. If you and your dentist determine that a dental crown is the best option to reconstruct your teeth moving forward, the dentist will prepare a temporary and permanent crown.
  4. Prep the Crown: A final crown needs to be custom made, as they are created to suit your mouth. The shape is determined by using an impression or mold. The first step is filing down your tooth. The impression is made of the filed-down tooth, as well as the teeth beside it, to ensure that the final crown fits in the space perfectly. It takes time to construct your final crown, so in the meantime, a temporary one is used. A temporary crown is made using an impression of your tooth before it was filed down. The temporary crown is manufactured using acrylic-based material and will be done in our office during your visit. The temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is prepared.
  5. Seat the Crown: When your final crown is ready, you’ll have to return to the dentist to have it seated. The temporary crown will be taken out, and your final crown will be placed upon the tooth. Once your dentist ensures that the crown is the perfect fit, it will be cemented into place.

Getting a dental crown procedure is a much less intimidating process than it seems, especially once you understand the steps involved.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Now that you understand how dental crowns restore and strengthen your tooth (restorative dentistry), they also provide a great, natural look (cosmetic dentistry). They help you regain the original look and size of any tooth or can take the place of a missing tooth to make your smile whole again. Crowns must be cared for just like regular teeth, so you can continue to brush and floss the crown just as any other tooth. Although dental crowns are both strong and effective, they typically only last about ten years. Remember that you should continue to check in with your dentist to ensure that your crown is still functioning properly.

To keep your crowns healthy and long-lasting, make sure to:

  • See your dentist routinely
  • Brush your teeth twice each day
  • Floss daily
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that could cause damage
  • Use fluoride treatments, if recommended

Restore your teeth with a Porcelain Crown Smile Makeover 

If you thought porcelain crowns were just just used to complete a root canal treatment, now you know that dental crowns can restore and strengthen your tooth and are used to complete many treatments in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We also use porcelain crowns on our smile makeover patients. Remember, if you don’t like your smile because it’s cracked, misaligned, stained, or in poor health – we can help! Call and schedule a Smile Consultation with Dr. Skrobanek! We work hard to make sure our patients have healthy, confident smiles they love to share with others.

Restorative Dentistry Procedures Available at GPS Dental

If you want to improve and rejuvenate your smile or have questions about restorative dentistry procedures, we’d love to answer them. And if you need a need a dental crown, know you know that dental crowns restore and strengthen your teeth! Just give us a call and schedule your consultation!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

SureSmile Clear Aligners Offer Convenience, Comfort, & Invisibility

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 24, 2023

A smile is a wonderful first impression. With so many improvements in orthopedic technology, it’s now possible to get a straight smile with invisible braces – that’s why we offer SureSmile Clear Aligners!

How Do SureSmile Clear Aligners Work?

With convenience, comfort, and invisibility, it can be hard to believe that SureSmile clear aligners are real. However, there’s real science and technology behind them that provide great results for patients. SureSmile has over 20 years of experience and uses their Virtually invisible Essix® (ACE) material for anatomically correct tooth movement and many clinical options – even for complicated cases.

SureSmile Clear Aligners are a great option for those looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment. Think “Invisible Braces” — that’s Right!! No more noticeable and embarrassing metal braces, just convenience and results.

Learn More about how they work HERE.

What’s the Process?

Once you visit our office, we create a treatment plan based on your needs. Then, we take a 3D look at your teeth to determine how your aligners will be designed. Once that 3D scan is completed, it is sent off to the lab and your aligners will be created there. You’ll return to our office and work directly with Dr. Skrobanek once your custom aligners are available and throughout your SureSmile journey.

4 Simple Steps to straighten your teeth with SureSmile:

  1. First, Dr. Skrobanek will take a 3D digital model of your teeth. This model will be sent off to SureSmile, where they create the perfect clear aligners for your teeth from the 3D mold.
  2. Similar to braces, SureSmile aligners will gradually move your teeth to where they need to go. They’re made with a strong and durable plastic material. So, you’ll be wearing your aligners throughout the day.
  3. Once it’s time, you’ll switch to your new aligner and continue the process of wearing for the recommended time (usually around 20 hours a day, and two weeks with each aligner).
  4. Depending on your specific case, you’ll wear your aligners from anywhere between 6 months to two years.

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more about the technology of SureSmile Clear Aligners and how your treatment time can be shortened.

SureSmile Clear Aligners will then get to work straightening your teeth in a short period of time! The results are also designed to last. Anatomically correct movements in the teeth ensure a smile that’s straight for many years to come. They’re unparalleled in technology.

What does Dr. Skrobanek say about SureSmile?

“I feel like the aesthetics and the ability for me to transfer strategy to creating a beautiful smile is much more efficient and much more refined within the SureSmile® platform… in the end, I have a much better outcome that’s healthier for my patient.”

– Dr. Skrobanek, GPS Dental

Check out SureSmile for more information.

Benefits and Advantages

The advantages of SureSmile Clear Aligners can be broken down to four major advantages.

  • Invisibility. All aligners are clear and virtually invisible. Make sure to keep them clean to keep them clear! Brush them with your toothpaste and rinse clean.
  • Comfort. SureSmile Clear Aligners are made to fit your mouth perfectly. No more poky wire and metal braces – you’ll get used to them in no time. They’re also low maintenance and don’t require frequent adjustments.
  • Removable. Unlike traditional braces that can’t be removed, SureSmile Aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth! This means that they won’t get in the way of your daily life and activities.
  • Customized Treatment. Working directly with Dr. Roberts and his Team at Adams Dental Group is key! Unlike some of the “mail-order” ortho treatment that is available, we are here to guide your smile treatment every step of the way to ensure your success.

Why are they called Invisible Braces?

Did you know that SureSmile aligners are often called invisible braces, or clear braces? They utilize the newest technology in orthodontics to create a straight and beautiful smile. You can straighten your smile with clear aligners, as they are way less obvious than the traditional method of wires and metal brackets used in traditional braces. Instead, they’re clear and almost non-traceable, all while providing the same long-lasting results as traditional braces. They may seem like a magic trick, but they’re real, and provide real results to boot.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentistry Options: Helping YOU Achieve the Smile YOU Want

Major Advantages with SureSmile Aligners 

In a nutshell, clear aligners work similarly to braces. They slowly move your teeth (AKA, straighten them) over time. However, the differences are major. SureSmile invisible aligners are clear, removeable, and often work faster than traditional braces. Here’s a breakdown of some of the major advantages to straighten your smile with SureSmile:

  • SureSmile aligners are super simple to keep clean.
  • SureSmile aligners are fully adjustable and can be adjusted throughout your time wearing them.
  • They’re comfortable and won’t cause the usual irritation in your gums and cheeks like traditional braces.
  • They’re virtually unnoticeable.
  • They’re affordable and fit in your budget.

Related Article: SureSmile Aligners: A Smile is a Wonderful First Impression

Trustworthy Methods

We put our trust in SureSmile aligners for a reason. They use cutting-edge products and offer multiple, comprehensive tools to customize your individual needs to formulate the perfect treatment plan for you. They offer treatment planning software, appliance fabrication, and support to help guide you through your clear aligners and answer any questions you may have. SureSmile is at the forefront of superior, precise, and safe clear aligners.

The Science Behind the Process: Why SureSmile?

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more about the technology of SureSmile Clear Aligners and how your treatment time can be shortened.

Let’s Have a Conversation

You can see there are a lot of cosmetic dentistry options and it all starts with a conversation. We can help restore not only the beauty of your smile, but also the form and function of your teeth. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Skrobanek at GPS Dental in San Antonio, TX we look forward to talking with you and creating a treatment especially for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about SureSmile clear aligners to straighten your smile, please give us a call at 210-633-3477 today!

SureSmile Clear Aligners Available at GPS Dental

If you want to improve your smile or have questions about SureSmile Clear Aligners or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, we’d love to answer them. Just give us a call and schedule your consultation!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 10, 2023

Dental Veneers are an option to create a natural-looking smile … not a big, un-natural, toothy grin!

Placing porcelain dental veneers take practiced, technical skill and major attention to detail. At the office of GPS Dental, Dr. Skrobanek and his team are experts at dental veneers – creating beautiful, lasting smiles that look natural. If you’ve ever looked at someone’s smile and thought “I bet those are veneers,” you certainly weren’t looking at one of our patients. Our practiced knowledge allows us to create enhanced, beautiful smiles – not big, unnatural toothy grins.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are placed in front of each individual tooth. If you’ve dealt with gaps, stains, or chips, and have good oral health, you’re a great candidate for veneers. Dental Veneers can recreate the look and feel of a natural tooth, all while improving the strength, resilience, and appearance at the same time.

Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles because they can:

  • Make teeth uniform in size and shape
  • Replace missing teeth
  • Restore cracked teeth
  • Straighten teeth
  • Cover stains
  • Make teeth a bright, white color
  • Close gaps between teeth

It’s a wonderful way to enhance the look of your smile – giving you a Hollywood smile and also improving the health of your smile. It’s also important to keep in mind that veneers are permanent and are long-lasting, so make sure and speak with your dentist about all your options when considering veneers.

Learn more from WebMD about Dental Veneers.

Related Article:

How Do Dental Veneers Create Natural Smiles?

Your teeth will be prepared for veneers first. Dental veneers create natural smiles because most times they take two visits for preparation and application. Dr. Skrobanek will make sure that the veneer is the perfect color for your smile and an impression will be taken of your teeth so your veneers can be created to fit perfectly in your mouth in your first visit. Usually, a bit of outer enamel is removed to allow for proper bonding between tooth and veneer. During your second visit, your veneers will be placed and light cured to ensure proper bonding and attachment.

Related Article from HealthLine: What to Know Before Getting Veneers

Caring for your veneers is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brushing & flossing daily and visiting your dentist for your exam & cleaning are essential to keeping your veneers healthy and having them last for many years to come.

Understanding Porcelain Veneers: The Process

You’ll want to meet with your dentist to discuss candidacy for veneers. You may need to have some dental treatments completed before the veneer process, and your dentist will want to make sure your oral health is in good shape for veneers. Once the process starts, your dentist will:

  1. Prepare the teeth; this often means removing a small amount of enamel.
  2. Make an impression of your teeth.
  3. The impression is sent to the lab to make the veneers.
  4. Place your veneers! They will be adjusted to fit your mouth and then permanently bonded.

Related Article: Smile Makeover with Porcelain Veneers: Are You Ready for a New Smile?

Understanding Porcelain Veneers: After Care

A major benefit of porcelain veneers is a short recovery time. Once your veneers are on and any anesthetic (if needed) has worn off, you can go back to eating and drinking normally. To prolong and preserve the lifespan of your veneers, you can:

  • Avoid opening items with your teeth
  • Not chew on objects (pens, etc.)
  • Wear a mouthguard when you play contact sports
  • Use a retainer at night if you experience any teeth clenching or grinding

The Importance of Enhancing Your Smile

A confident smile is important. A smile is much more than just straight, white teeth. When you feel confident in your smile, you feel confident in yourself and are prone to show off your smile frequently. The benefits of smiling and laughing are numerous.

According to an article from the University of West Alabama, “Research shows that those who consciously or subconsciously smile more live better and longer. Your body releases three hormones that make you feel good when you smile. They include dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These signal to your body that you’re happy, and in turn, you feel happier.”

Schedule Your Smile Consultation Today

Love your smile and smile confidently with porcelain veneers or we can combine our cosmetic dentistry services to create a full smile makeover! If you’re concerned about discolored, missing, chipped, misaligned, or cracked teeth, come talk to us to see what your best solution is for a healthy, beautiful smile. We can treat anything from disease to replacing missing teeth and create a new smile you can be proud of.

Porcelain dental veneers create natural smiles and are one such procedure that we have used to help our patients achieve the look and function they want. If you have been dreaming of the perfect smile, reach out to our team of professionals to discuss how veneers could be the solution for you. Whatever your smile goals are, we can help you meet them at GPS Dental. Please call to schedule your Smile Consultation with Dr. Skrobanek at 210-633-3477.

Porcelain Veneers are Available at GPS Dental

You’ll care for your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Make sure to stay on top of brushing and flossing, as usual, and your smile will be healthy, beautiful, and lasting!

If you are considering porcelain veneers, contact us today for an evaluation appointment!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures can Enhance Your Smile

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 21, 2020

It’s award season and we’ve seen the glitz and glamor of Hollywood on the red carpets! Over the years, we’ve seen the styles of dresses change … from over the top creations to more subdued looks. They’re all gorgeous, just like their hair styles … changing from beautiful up-dos to long, wavy locks. Either way, they’re gorgeous!

But the one thing that really catches our eye is their SMILES! Yes, we love the makeup and shoes, but those gleaming white, perfect Hollywood smiles … WOW!!

Do you think they all had perfect smiles earlier in their careers? Nope. Check out this article from Self Magazine, The Celebrity Secret to a Perfect Smile or this one from Seventeen, 10 Celebrity Tooth Transformations that will Make You Smile.

Celebrities from Miley Cyrus to Tom Cruise have had chipped, gapped, stained, crooked and misshapen teeth in the past, but not in current photos. If you look back at images over the years of your favorite actor or actress, you can tell they’ve had cosmetic dentistry procedures completed to enhance their smile. It’s not magic and it’s not only for the Stars … you can have the smile of your dreams too and GPS Dental can help!

Related Article: GPS Dental Offers Cosmetic Dentistry Options

We’ve listed below a few of the natural-looking cosmetic dentistry procedures that Dr. Gary Skrobanek and his expert team at GPS Dental in San Antonio, TX offer:

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic Bonding is a process where Dr. Skrobanek attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth in order to change the color and shape and used most often to repair chipped teeth. The natural tooth enamel is then fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that still feels like your original tooth. 

Enamel Shaping (Contouring) 

One of the few instant cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth reshaping, or contouring.  This procedure can correct chipped or cracked teeth, crooked teeth, even overlapping teeth during one appointment. Under certain circumstances, dental contouring can be a substitute for braces and is used to slightly alter the shape, length or position of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening 

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. If you still feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. We offer several in-office teeth whitening options, just ask Dr. Skrobanek which option is best for you. (Read more, Brighten Your Smile with Whitening Trays)

Porcelain Veneers 

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, decayed or crooked teeth. A small amount of your existing tooth structure is removed to accommodate for the very thin, yet strong porcelain veneer. (Read more about Smile Makeovers using Porcelain Veneers, Are You Ready for a New Smile?)

Dental Implants

Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease, or some other reason. Dental implants are connected to the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Expert dentists, like Dr. Skrobanek, who specialize in implants have the training, experience, special knowledge, and technology to help you have teeth that look and feel just like your own after your implant is finished. (Read more in this Dental Implant FAQ)

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures at GPS Dental

If you want to improve your smile or have questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures, we’d love to answer them. Just give us a call and schedule your consultation!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Reasons for Porcelain Veneers: Top 5 Reasons

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 22, 2019

reasons-for-porcelain-veneers

There are various reasons why people choose cosmetic dentistry. Generally, the common motivation is to improve the appearance of their smile. Dental Veneers, also known as Porcelain Veneers, are a great way to enhance the look of several teeth at once and is one of the main reasons for porcelain veneers.

Related Article: Porcelain Veneers Can Give You the Smile of Your Dreams

Porcelain Veneers are thin shells that are tailored to match the color, size, and regular shape of your natural teeth. Once prepared, they are attached to teeth using a bonding material. The result is a beautiful, natural smile. Below are the top five reasons why you should consider porcelain veneers as the method to improve your smile and feel as confident as you should.

Reasons for Porcelain Veneers:

  1. Broken or Chipped Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth is detrimental to your oral health. This form of damage makes the tooth susceptible to bacteria, which can seep into the fractured tooth. When bacteria penetrate a tooth, they cause infection and can impact not only the injured tooth but also the health of your whole mouth.

Porcelain veneers offer a solution to damaged teeth. A veneer limits the possibility of infection since it’s a custom-made shell that fits securely over teeth, sealing cracks and improving appeal.

Related Article: Chipped Tooth? 3 Ways to Make it Look Like New

  1. Tooth Discoloration

There are two forms of discoloration. Extrinsic staining affects the enamel. Things such as coffee, tea, red wine and other staining agents that are dark in color can darken teeth. Highly acidic foods can also wear away enamel and create a transparent look to teeth. Of course, smoking will also affect the color of teeth. Intrinsic staining is caused when the dentin, the tissue beneath the enamel, becomes discolored.

To combat both types of staining, patients choose porcelain veneers to conceal discolored teeth. These shells enhance the appearance of teeth as the overlay offers an improved color.

Related Article: Teeth Whitening and Smoking… A New Year’s Resolution?

  1. Misaligned Teeth

For teeth that are misaligned or uneven, porcelain veneers can help. They eliminate the need for braces by immediately providing results to straighten and re-align teeth. Straight teeth enhance oral health because crooked teeth are difficult to clean. The occurrence of tooth decay and gum disease is less common when teeth are correctly aligned.

  1. Enamel Loss

Acids, abrasive brushing, and other incidences can contribute to tooth erosion and the deterioration of tooth enamel. When enamel is weakened, teeth are more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced.

Porcelain veneers offer a solution. Aside from an enhanced appearance, these shells protect teeth and decrease the discomfort caused by enamel loss.

  1. Enhanced Appeal

There are many reasons for porcelain veneers. Overall, the most common reason is the upgraded appeal. With veneers, patients achieve a straighter, whiter, more aligned, and healthier smile. People can effectively enhance their appearance and self-confidence with veneers.

Related Article: GPS Dental Offers Cosmetic Dentistry Options

GPS Dental Offers Porcelain Veneers

At GPS Dental, we provide exceptional dental services to our clients. We offer a wide variety of procedures and services to benefit our patients. If these reasons for porcelain veneers has you considering this procedure, we encourage you to contact us. Our team would be more than happy to provide further information on this corrective procedure.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

GPS Dental Offers Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on October 24, 2018

cosmetic-dentistry

Everyone loves a beautiful smile. It can brighten a room, and it is indeed infectious. However, if you find that your smile is not as appealing as you’d like it to be, there are options available to correct your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dental work that is employed to improve the imperfections of the mouth. Crooked, stained, decaying, or disproportionate teeth are just some of the things that can be altered with cosmetic dentistry.

There are many cosmetic dentistry options available. With the expertise of Dr. Skrobanek at GPS Dental, the right corrective procedures will be used to enhance your smile. Consider some of your cosmetic dentistry options below.

Related Article: Self Confidence & Your Smile

 

Veneers & Cosmetic Bonding: Immediate Correction for Imperfect Teeth

If you have teeth that are discolored or disproportionate to each other, veneers provide a suitable solution. This treatment enables patients to receive the smile they desire in very little time. Veneers consist of a thin piece of porcelain, which is used to cover and conceal any imperfections. After removing a small portion or layer of your teeth, the porcelain is bonded to your teeth offering strength and permanency. The result is the appearance of naturally beautiful teeth.

For individuals with chipped or cracked teeth, cosmetic bonding has proven to be a great way of correcting these issues. During this process, bonding materials are fused to the teeth. The added elements modify the shape and color of the teeth and create a surface that is resilient and highly resembles natural teeth.

Related Article: Porcelain Veneers Can Give You the Smile of Your Dreams

 

Enamel Shaping: A Potential Alternative to Braces

Enamel shaping is a process that involves contouring or re-shaping your natural teeth. This is one of the less invasive cosmetic dentistry options that still give immediate results. Enamel shaping improves the appearance of cracked or uneven teeth that tend to overlap one another. For many dental patients, it eliminates the need for braces as the contouring often helps to improve and re-align the teeth slightly.

During the process, teeth are contoured to eliminate the appearance of unevenness and bring the affected teeth in line with surrounding teeth. The enamel shaping techniques can also be used to correct issues preventing the patient from biting down correctly. The benefit to this procedure is that it can be completed in one visit, which is far preferable to the years that braces can take. However, in some situations, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to assess the result.

 

Teeth Whitening: An Ideal Option for Discolored Teeth

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options is teeth whitening. Many people opt for this procedure as a way to vastly improve the color of their teeth. Teeth whitening can brighten a smile because it lightens discolored teeth and removes stains. At GPS Dental, we offer a few teeth whitening options. For more information on your options, feel free to ask our team of professionals what will work best for you.

Related Article: Brighten Your Holiday Smile with Whitening Trays

GPS Dental Provides Reputable Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Dr. Skrobanek and our team of experts at GPS Dental are committed to our patients. With years of experience and dedication to excellence, we ensure that the comfort and happiness of our clients are at the forefront of our practices. If you require more information on the cosmetic dentistry options we provide, contact our office. Our team of professionals will be more than happy to receive your call.

 

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

Porcelain Veneers Can Give You the Smile of Your Dreams

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on September 18, 2018

porcelain-veneers

Dental problems can cause a lot of issues, from health problems to difficulty eating or chewing and more. But beyond physical problems, dental issues can also cause emotional distress, because if you’re not comfortable smiling, then you won’t be able to live life to the fullest. Many issues could make you dislike your smile, like discoloration, chipped teeth, or having a gap in your mouth. The good news is that these problems and more can generally be fixed permanently with a simple procedure called veneers.

 

A Basic Introduction: What Are Porcelain Veneers and How Are They Attached?

A dental veneer is a thin white shell that gets custom-made for your mouth and then attached to the front surface of the tooth. Veneers can be made of composite resin, but porcelain veneers are the favorite among dentists because they’re stronger, longer lasting, and not prone to staining or discoloration.

 

When porcelain veneers are applied, Dr. Skrobanek will start by shaving off a thin layer of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the veneer. After that, he will take a mold of your mouth that will be used to shape the veneers. Toward the end of your visit, he will apply temporary veneers that will stay on until the permanent ones are ready. When they are, you’ll go back to the GPS Dental office to have the temporary veneers removed and the permanent ones attached with composite resin cement.

 

What Issues Can Be Corrected with Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are a great solution to a number of cosmetic dentistry problems. In other words, they aren’t suitable for people who have heavily damaged or decayed teeth, but they can be ideal if your teeth don’t look perfect but are otherwise healthy. Here are some examples of when a patient might opt for veneers:

  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Stains and discoloration
  • Mild decay
  • Crooked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Misshapen teeth

Related Articles:

Chipped Tooth? 3 Ways to Make it Look Like New

Accidents Happen: Emergency Dental Care

 

Maintaining Your Porcelain Veneers

Even after you get veneers and your smile looks perfect, it’s still important to take proper care of your mouth and teeth. Your veneers require daily brushing and flossing, especially because cavities can form underneath the veneers. Also, veneers can be damaged by constant grinding, so if you grind your teeth during the day or at night, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard that can protect your mouth. Porcelain veneers can also become chipped, so it’s best to avoid overly hard foods (like ice cubes) and bad habits like chewing your nails.

Related Article: Custom Mouthguards help sleep apnea

 

Veneers are a great solution if you’re experiencing dental issues like staining, crooked or misshapen teeth, and other cosmetic problems. Veneers are a great way to correct superficial issues and give you the smile you know you deserve, but it’s essential to take proper care of your veneers once they’re in. As long as you take care of your smile and your oral hygiene, your porcelain veneers could provide you with a lifetime of perfect and confident smiles.

 

 

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.