Veneers vs. Straightening: Which to Choose? | Tyngsboro Dentist

Having the best smile we possibly can is one of the main focuses we have when going to the dentist. Sure, our dental health is important, but people see our smile – we need a nice one. Thankfully, there are loads of dental procedures available to improve your smile, and each has a focus, so the procedure chosen is on a case-by-case basis. Together, you and your dental professional will discuss a treatment plan based on your wishes and your mouth’s health. Yes, your dental efforts every day will dictate what types of procedures you are a good candidate for.

When it comes to straightening, many patients have asked about the benefits of veneers when compared to Invisalign. Both will straighten your smile, but they are very different procedures. While veneers are certainly an option for improving your smile, they only cover up certain dental imperfections, rather than correct them.  This means that some existing periodontal problems could still remain.

Applied to the front side of the teeth only, veneers also require the removal of the surface enamel of each tooth – an irreversible procedure.  Often considered a quick fix, veneers typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years – this can become very expensive in the long run.  Coffee, tea and red wine need to be avoided to prevent discoloration, and care must be taken to prevent chipping or breaking the veneer. So, while the surface look of the teeth may improve with veneers, the underlying tooth and gum problems could still exist.

Of course, there’s always the option of not seeking treatment at all.  Ultimately, the choice is yours, but do keep in mind that, if left untreated, many orthodontic issues can often lead to more serious dental and health issues.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

A Is for Autumn and Apples | Tyngsboro Dentist

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of Autumn, I think that it’s time to talk about one of our mouth’s very best friends – the apple. Autumn is the time of year nit begins to cool down and the apple is the centerpiece of many of our autumnal celebrations. The leaves change from bright, vivid greens to more rust-like, “apple-y” colorations and we trade out our lemonades for apple cider. ’Tis the season of the apple and we are here to help you celebrate this tooth-friendly food properly.

Apples aren’t only a fruit used to sweet talk the teachers or keep away the doctors. They also help keep our smiles strong and bright. Apples are naturally full of vitamins A and C, key to keeping our gums nice and healthy. The small amount of acid and the crunchiness of the skin that acts as an astringent on your teeth when you bite into it. Scrubbing your teeth as you chew, the juiciness of the apple causes you to produce saliva. The more saliva you have going on, the less chance the bacteria has to bury itself in your mouth, wreaking havoc.

Just because the apple is now our favorite go-to snack, please remember that these sweet fruits do have sugar content, so be sure to brush afterwards to make sure you get rid of the loosened plaque left behind by your apple. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, do a quick rinse with some water.

So, stock up on those amazing apples. Not only are they great at keeping us healthy, they are also great in lots of healthy autumnal recipes!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.