What is the Difference Between a Crown and a Veneer?

December 11, 2010 alexnguyen

At a new patient consultation this week I was asked this question. In fact, this question comes up quite often. Technically ... The difference between a crown and a veneer is how much tooth structure is removed. A crown covers the entire tooth, and is done when the original tooth has been compromised with decay and/or fractures. A veneer is like a new facing on the tooth.

In a smile ... a crown or a veneer should look exactly like a real tooth.

In this case below you will find a combination of real teeth, crowns, and veneers. From an esthetic stand point, there should be no difference between a crown and a veneer. They both should blend in with the rest of the teeth in your smile.

Images of actual patients of Alex Nguyen, DDS are Copyrighted and Digitally Embedded to track Unauthorized Use.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.

Smiles of Regret. Who Do You Choose to Restore Your Teeth?

November 19, 2010 alexnguyen

Over the years I have had the opportunity to see cases of patients who came to me for initial consultation but ended up elsewhere for the completion of their dental work. Here are some cases where the patients returned to me a few years later to express their discontent and to complain about problems with their teeth. These are smiles of regret. Who do you choose to restore your teeth? Sometimes people will make their choices based on beautiful advertisements that they see. Sometimes the choice may be based on a price tag that may fit their budget at that particular moment. The key to remember is that an unsuccessful restorative case may eventually cost you more time and money to have the work redone.

CASE I: Excess cement materials left under the gum line and around every single restoration. This caused chronic inflammation of the gum and bone loss over time. The patient was also unhappy with the esthetic result.

CASE II: Restorations done without regards to the foundation of this patient's bite. After 3 years, there are gaps between teeth, crowns with open margins, crowns that are breaking away, and discomfort on chewing. There are even teeth left unrestored. The patient was also unhappy with the esthetic result.

Images of actual patients of Alex Nguyen, DDS are Copyrighted and Digitally Embedded to track Unauthorized Use

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Problems with Root Canal Teeth and the Importance of Proper Advanced Planning for Dental Implants

November 14, 2010 alexnguyen

Root Canals will alleviate pain from the affected teeth. However, when root canals are not done properly problems may not be evident until much later. This patient described the symptom as "some discomfort around my old crown".

Thorough clinical exam and xray revealed a fractured root where a large post was placed in the canal. The root canal and crown were done many years ago. Root canal treated teeth have a higher chance of root fracture. Although the patient had no pain after the treatment, the failed root canal and post placement sustained a low grade infection around the root area. Where there are infections, bacteria slowly cause the jaw bone to break down.

In areas where the bone is extremely dense, the patient may not have any symptom until too much bone have been lost. In the xray below we can see the outline of the extent of the bone loss. What you cannot see when looking at the area inside the mouth is an entire wall of bone that has been destroyed. That wall of bone used to exist between the root and the gum tissue on the out side.

So why is this discussion important in treating these kinds of problems?

If we simply extract this tooth, the bone loss area will collapse. After the area has healed, any subsequent grafting procedures and treatment planning for dental implant in the area may become extremely difficult to carry out.

If your treatment preference is to replace this tooth with a dental implant, it is crucial that you consult with the right clinician to properly treatment plan the situation. Carrying out the treatment with proper advanced planning will minimize further complications to the area.

Images of actual patients of Alex Nguyen, DDS are Copyrighted and Digitally Embedded to track Unauthorized Use.

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How to Choose an Orthodontist ?

September 24, 2010 alexnguyen

Often time, people get braces because they want straight teeth. However, straightening the teeth is only one aspect of an ideal orthodontic treatment plan. The best orthodontic treatment will also:

1. Balance the alignment of your teeth with the proper position of your jaw/joint.

2. Harmonize the esthetic of your smile with the esthetic of your face.

If an orthodontic treatment is done without considerations for the above two significant factors, the patient can come out of braces with:

1. Problems of teeth wear and joint pain over time.

2. Higher chances of teeth drifting back into malalignment.

3. A smile that may not fit the face.

4. A face that is not developed to its full potential.

Parents who choose to give their children orthodontic treatments should consider proper research to understand all treatment options. Children's orthodontic treatments revolve around complex growth phases. The orthodontist/dentist need to carefully monitor the development of not just the teeth but also of the jaw, joint, and face. The decision to start and end orthodontic treatments is based on science and clinical needs.

Here are some DO's to remember:

1. Consider more than 1 consultation with different orthodontists.

2. Ask the orthodontist to explain the treatment process of their sample cases. Ask Why, How, and What was done?

3. Look at the smile from the overall esthetic of the face.

Here are some DONOT's :

1. Choose an orthodontist based on price alone.

2. Automatically accept a treatment plan which suggests extractions of permanent teeth to create room. Instead, ask for multiple options.

3. Wait until all permanent teeth have erupted.

If you have had braces and are experiencing joint noise/pain. This is not normal, and further diagnostic testing and treatments should be considered in order to prevent long term damage.

Good luck in your quest for a beautiful and healthy smile !

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Our Philosophy of Practice When It Comes to Cosmetic Dentistry

August 31, 2010 alexnguyen

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrC7GuJKO44&feature=player_embedded] ........................................................................................