FAQs

There are several teeth whitening methods on the market to give you a brighter, whiter smile. Take home teeth whitening trays are an easy and common method for bleaching stains from your teeth. Custom made teeth whitening trays are made in the dental office and taken home, where a bleaching gel is delivered directly to the tooth surface via the trays. In office laser teeth whitening, or Power Bleaching, is another effective way to lighten severely stained teeth. The procedure is performed in the dental office where a concentrated bleaching gel is placed on your teeth by your dentist and activated by heat or a light source.

Metal fillings can be replaced with a natural tooth-colored filling made of composite materials that match your existing tooth color. Not only are composite materials strong and durable, they are aesthetically pleasing. Making the decision to switch to tooth-colored composite fillings is easy and can usually be done within one visit to your dentist.

Many adult patients are reluctant to wear braces, feeling that they are awkward and uncomfortable. Immediate results, however, can be achieved with porcelain veneers or crowns. In as little as two dental visits, overcrowded teeth can be corrected with the right cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers and crowns are quick alternatives to traditional Orthodontic treatments.

The cost of cosmetic dental work varies with case to case. Not all cosmetic dentists are the same; like any service, important factors such as quality, experience, environment, and customer care are considered when determining costs of cosmetic dental work. Investing in cosmetic dentistry is an investment in you. Cosmetic dentistry can improve your dental health and appearance, increasing confidence and changing your life. We also offer financing options for costly procedures and are happy to hear your thoughts and help accommodate your situation.

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by the chronic build-up of plaque around your teeth. The plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that causes inflammation of the gums, and if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line, causing periodontal gum disease. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the periodontal disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed (www.perio.org).

What are the signs of periodontal (gum) disease?

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal (gum) disease, see your dentist immediately:

• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
• Pus or discharge between your teeth and gums.
• Loose teeth.
• Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures.

Dental plaque is bacteria that accumulates at the gum line in the absence of daily removal by brushing and flossing. If routine cleanings and daily maintenance is not followed, dental plaque can cause the gum tissues to become inflamed. Inflamed gums are red and swollen, and can easily bleed with brushing or flossing. Dental plaque can be removed by correctly brushing your gum line, and the use of dental floss helps to remove plaque that has built up between your teeth in hard-to-reach places.

The main difference between porcelain veneers and crowns is the amount of natural tooth structure your cosmetic dentist removes from your existing teeth. Porcelain veneers require a relatively little amount of natural tooth structure to be removed as compared to porcelain crowns. Porcelain crowns are sometimes referred to as porcelain jackets, because they essentially “coat” your entire tooth in porcelain. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are a minimally invasive cosmetic restorative choice that take away very little, if any, of the existing tooth structure. Bonding is used to place your porcelain veneer as a final restoration. Depending on the patient and cosmetic restoration goals, porcelain veneers may or may not be a good choice. Be sure to discuss the treatment plan with your dentist to better understand why porcelain veneers are right for your case.

Tooth discoloration varies in appearance, cause, severity, position, and adherence to the teeth. Intrinsic (internal) tooth discoloration is caused by changes in the structure of enamel or dentine, or by incorporation of chromogenic (color generating) material into tooth tissue, either during tooth formation or after eruption. Wear of teeth, thickening of dentin due to aging or as a consequence of pulp inflammation, affect the light-transmitting properties of enamel and dentin, resulting in a gradual tooth discoloration.

Aging results in changes in the mineral structure of the tooth; the enamel, the outer covering, loses its beautiful and youthful translucency, becoming less porous; and the underlying dentin, which forms the body of the teeth, thickens and becomes more yellow. Intrinsic tooth discoloration is also caused by exposure to high levels of fluoride, tetracycline antibiotic administration during childhood, inherited developmental disorders, and jaundice in childhood. After eruption, tooth decay, restorations, pulp death (root canal problems) and trauma to developing teeth, are the main causes of intrinsic discoloration.

Extrinsic tooth staining mainly results from dietary factors and smoking; foods containing tannins such as red wine, coffee, and tea can give rise to extrinsic stain. Carotenes, pigments in oranges and carrots, and tobacco use, whether it is smoking or chewing, also give rise to extrinsic tooth staining.

High-quality porcelain veneers are hand-crafted by our highly skilled dental laboratory technician and placed by our dentist. Our dental technician will use a porcelain ceramic material that is pressed onto a mold of your teeth taken at our office. This porcelain ceramic is molded to your tooth structure in a special ceramic furnace. Your porcelain veneers are created as unique individual units, shaped specifically to your mouth for perfect function and esthetics. The porcelain veneers are finished in the dental laboratory with the addition of porcelain layering material, stain, and glaze, to give your porcelain veneers a natural, beautiful look. Dr. Eshom uses the most experienced and highly trained dental technician in San Diego.

Depending on the quality and experience of your dentist, porcelain veneers can cost anywhere from $1000 to $2000 per tooth. We would like to encourage prospective veneer seekers to compare your dental treatments wisely and remember, what you get is what you pay for. Your porcelain veneers are bound to cost you more by choosing a better quality and more highly skilled cosmetic dentist, but with the bigger price tag, make sure your cosmetic dentist offers some guarantee to his work. Your porcelain veneers should be beautiful and long lasting. We understand that porcelain veneers are a permanent decision and proudly guarantee our work for 5 years.

There are several types of porcelain veneers used by cosmetic dentists, but these are a couple of the more known materials used for creating porcelain veneers.

IPS Empress Porcelain Veneers

Empress Porcelain Veneers is a porcelain system produced by the dental company Ivoclar. Leaders in dental technology, Empress porcelain veneers have been the standard in cosmetic dentistry across the US and are usually considered the panacea of all porcelain veneer cases. Empress porcelain veneers are crafted to create naturally brilliant porcelain veneers that blend easily into your natural smile. Whether you want your porcelain veneers to whiten, close gaps and spaces between existing teeth, or create that overall perfect smile, Empress porcelain veneers are the fail-proof solution.

Da Vinci Porcelain Veneers

Similar in approach to all porcelain veneers, Da Vinci porcelain veneers are hand crafted ultra thin porcelain veneers. Da Vinci Dental Studios has spent over 25 years creating their art of the perfect porcelain. Da Vinci Porcelain Veneers have the same indications as all veneers and are ideal for people with cracks, worn teeth, and minor gaps.

In general, the placement of Da Vinci porcelain veneers will be more expensive than other porcelain veneer options. Many people, however, are drawn by the notoriety that the Da Vinci Porcelain Veneers have received on shows such as “The Swan” and “Extreme Makeover.”

All porcelain veneer experts would agree that regardless of the name of the dental studio, it is the patient’s responsibility to research their porcelain veneer options and choose one you like.

How long your porcelain veneers will last depends on how well you take care of them. Taking a few extra precautions will help ensure that your porcelain veneers will last a long time and keep those pearly whites looking as good as new. With proper hygiene and regular dental check-ups with your dentist, your porcelain veneers can maintain their healthy glow for years. Dr. Eshom guarantees all of his porcelain veneer work for 5 years, a good indication of the quality of our restorations and the likely lifetime of your veneers. Porcelain veneers are created to be stronger than dental bonding and are much more resistant to stains and chipping. By maintaining a regularly scheduled cleaning and daily flossing and brushing, you can increase the lifetime of your porcelain veneers, not to mention improve your overall dental health. To further protect the lifetime of your porcelain veneers, stay away from bad habits such as chewing on ice and biting nails and hard candies. Dr. Eshom encourages you to take care of your investment; there’s no question that a beautiful new smile with porcelain veneers can make an exceptional difference in your life.

At this point you may have seen that porcelain are a great way to brighten your smile, correcting tooth discoloration, gaps and spaces, and crooked/chipped natural teeth. San Diego Porcelain veneers can give you an extra dose of self-confidence regardless if you are seeking an extreme makeover or just a way to smile and shine. Well… then why not get porcelain veneers from your cosmetic dentist? The main consideration most patients will think about before scheduling an appointment with their San Diego cosmetic dentist is money. San Diego porcelain veneer treatment is not cheap, especially if you are looking for quality, esthetics, and lasting results. We like to compare the effect of porcelain veneers to driving up to that first date or an important business meeting in a shiny new Corvette.

Professional Pointer: Porcelain veneers aren’t for everyone. When deciding to get porcelain veneers, make sure you choose a San Diego cosmetic dentist with the expertise to differentiate between the different dental materials. Cosmetic dentist, Dr. Eshom establishes trust first with his porcelain veneer patients, walking them through the treatment process and including them in on the decision making. A great cosmetic dentist should know when to use dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers vs. porcelain crowns, to ensure the minimum amount of tooth structure is removed and still give you that million dollar smile. Experience and training are vital when choosing a cosmetic dentist for your San Diego porcelain veneer treatment. 

Some other pros and cons for you to consider before scheduling an appointment with your San Diego Cosmetic dentist for porcelain veneers is below:

PROs to San Diego Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers Improve Appearance & Restore Confidence. Dental flaws such as crooked teeth, tooth discoloration, and small gaps, can be easily corrected with very little trouble by placing San Diego porcelain veneers, improving your appearance and restoring your self confidence.

Porcelain Veneers give you a natural appearance. One of the best advantages of porcelain veneers and contributing to the increased popularity of porcelain veneers among patients and cosmetic dentist throughout San Diego the natural, realistic appearance of porcelain veneers. The ceramic used to make porcelain veneers has many of the same life-like properties of natural enamel.

Porcelain veneers are strong. Porcelain veneers are long lasting depending on dental hygiene and personal maintenance. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years, which is much longer than other veneer options.

Porcelain Veneers are Stain-Resistant. Porcelain veneers are a relatively non-porous ceramic material that is smooth and glass like, and unlike your natural enamel, porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining caused by coffee or wine.

Porcelain Veneers can whiten teeth. Porcelain veneers are often used in patient situations where discolored teeth have not responded to other types of teeth whitening methods. If you want a more permanent, long lasting whiteness to your smile, porcelain veneers can be placed to cover up stains or tooth discoloration.

Porcelain Veneers require less tooth preparation. Porcelain veneers, when compared to alternative treatments, require less removal of existing tooth structure. Thus, porcelain veneers are a more conservative approach for your dental restorations.

CONs of San Diego Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are costly. San Diego Porcelain veneers are expensive. The decision to get porcelain veneers should be seen as an investment for you take with you into the future.

Porcelain Veneers can be fragile. Porcelain veneers can chip or break with unnecessary impact or force despite being made to be strong and durable. Protect your porcelain veneers by avoiding grinding your teeth, or biting on hard foods.

Porcelain Veneers are artificial teeth. Porcelain veneers are still artificial teeth and although they look realistic, those patients seeking a more natural approach to their smile may ask their San Diego Cosmetic dentist an alternative to porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are permanent. Your porcelain veneers are place with permanent cement, and meant to stay. Before your San Diego cosmetic dentist permanently bonds your porcelain veneers, make sure you are completely happy with the final restorations, and have had sufficient time to do a trial run with the temporary porcelain veneers. Check the shade, shape, and length of your porcelain veneers while they are temporarily placed in your mouth. Ask your San Diego cosmetic dentist to change anything you don’t like.

Porcelain veneers are not for everyone. An experienced San Diego cosmetic dentist will be able to address each individual tooth and come up with a treatment plan that is right for you.

On the whole most patients find that the advantages of San Diego porcelain veneers far outweigh the cons of porcelain veneers. San Diego Porcelain veneers are a natural looking restoration, perfect for correcting tooth discoloration, gaps, crooked teeth, or instant orthodontic procedures.

Porcelain veneers are made of a non-porous ceramic material preventing them from staining like your natural enamel. Overtime, some patients notice a discoloration in their porcelain veneers due to aging or a lack of proper oral care of the tooth behind the veneer. This discoloration of the teeth can magnify what appears to be a discoloration of the porcelain veneer if the veneers are very thin or translucent. To avoid discoloration of the teeth behind your porcelain veneers, maintain regularly scheduled cleaning appointments with your San Diego cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain Veneers are created to last many years, so when they are permanently bonded by your San Diego Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Eshom, you can expect your porcelain veneers to have an average lifetime of 10-20 years. Similar to all investments, porcelain veneers require regular maintenance and appointments with your Cosmetic Dentist to keep your porcelain veneers looking healthy and bright.

Certain factors may arise in which you may want to repair or replace your San Diego porcelain veneers. Some considerations you may have for early replacement or adjustments to your San Diego porcelain veneers may be as follows:

• Inexperienced design of your Porcelain Veneers resulting in pain or tenderness of the gums
• Porcelain Veneers are bulky or fake looking
• Porcelain Veneers do not blend with the rest of your natural tooth color
• Unsatisfied with the shape and color of your porcelain veneers received from one cosmetic dentist
• Porcelain Veneer has popped off due to lack of strength in the adhesive material
• A crack or chip in your San Diego porcelain veneer from biting down hard on ice or an accident related injury

If you choose your San Diego cosmetic dentist wisely, it is rare to have any of the above concerns about your porcelain veneers, and as a patient you should be given many opportunities to give your input on the shape, color, and design of your porcelain veneers before they are permanently placed. If however, you are concerned with any of the reasons above, talk to your San Diego cosmetic dentist first for steps that can be followed to correct your porcelain veneers. If you choose to seek the consultation of a new San Diego cosmetic dentist remember to find a cosmetic dentist with extensive porcelain veneer experience and education. Sometimes even the simplest solution can correct the most noticeable issues you have with your porcelain veneers, like teeth whitening or replacing one of your porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers can be removed. San Diego cosmetic dentist, Dr. Eshom, has a Waterlase laser which he uses to take the porcelain veneers off by shining the laser through the porcelain and melting the bonding cement. Use of the dental laser is the most minimally invasive way to take porcelain veneers off. Other methods of removing damaged porcelain veneers include, creating a notch in the porcelain veneer and popping them off. Once removed porcelain veneers are not able to be used again, especially if the porcelain veneer has been damaged in the removal process.

Lumineers porcelain veneers are the most recent advance in porcelain veneer technology. Lumineers San Diego are exceedingly thin porcelain veneers that are placed over your existing teeth. Lumineers porcelain veneers require no preparation of existing tooth structure and are a trouble-free way to permanently whiten and straighten your natural teeth.

As a minimally invasive approach to cosmetic dentistry in San Diego, Lumineers are a great addition to the porcelain veneer family. The Lumineers porcelain veneer is an easy no prep restoration, which means your San Diego Lumineers porcelain veneers are a completely reversible restoration process.

LUMINEERS Porcelain Veneers for on the spot Orthodontics

Lumineers porcelain veneers are a great alternative to customary orthodontic treatments, and can be used to correct misaligned teeth without the waiting period of braces. Ask your San Diego cosmetic dentist is Lumineers porcelain veneers are an option for your orthodontic objectives.

Lumineers porcelain veneers are intended for patients with crooked or uneven teeth, chipped or broken teeth, missing teeth, stained teeth, or gaps. San Diego cosmetic dentist, Dr. Eshom, creates a custom treatment plan based on each individual tooth structure and can determine if you are an ideal candidate for Lumineers porcelain veneers based on your dental health, smile goals, and overall function and esthetics.