How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers are a non-surgical cosmetic dentistry option for improving the look of your smile.

Veneers can correct issues such as stained, crooked, or damaged teeth and can be an excellent option for adults and teens alike.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers are durable and resist stains, so they can last a long time if cared for properly.

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers make it possible for people with crooked, stained, chipped, or discolored teeth to have a beautiful smile that lasts. Veneers can also help fix minor spacing problems.

These are some of the steps involved in getting porcelain veneers:

Consultation. The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate for the veneers.

Treatment planning. At your consultation, the dentist will take x-rays of your teeth and analyze them to get a clear picture of your oral health and decide if you're a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If so, the dentist will then design a treatment plan based on your budget and goals.

Dental lab work. A dental lab typically creates the porcelain veneers that will be permanently placed on your teeth.

Appointment for porcelain veneer placement. After the lab sends the veneers back to your dentist's office, your dentist will affix them to your teeth. Treatment generally takes between two and four visits to complete.

Some patients may experience discomfort following treatment, but this is usually minimal and subsides after a few days.

What Can Porcelain Veneers Treat?

Porcelain veneers can improve various aesthetic dental issues, such as changing discolored teeth to a lighter shade.

Veneers can achieve other aesthetic benefits as well:

Modifying the shape and alignment of your teeth
Restoring broken or cracked teeth
Repairing chipped or fractured teeth
Hiding gaps between your teeth

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers are highly durable and can last as long as 12-15 years with good oral hygiene.

To help ensure that your veneers last as long as possible, avoid biting into hard foods such as candy and ice, and don’t use tobacco products.

Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are effective for aesthetic concerns and must be applied to healthy teeth. If you’re unhappy with the color or shape of your teeth, porcelain veneers can give you a more attractive smile.

Improve Your Smile at Oakdale Dental Associates, P.C.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to transform flawed teeth into a smile you’ll be proud to show off. To learn more about porcelain veneers and their benefits, contact Oakdale Dental Associates, P.C. today!

Call our office at 413-536-1782 or request an appointment online.

How to Find a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist Near You

Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your smile and your confidence, so it’s important to spend time doing the research to find the most qualified cosmetic dentist near you. Unfortunately, because cosmetic dentistry is not recognized by the American Dental Association as a dental speciality like orthodontics or endodontics, you might have trouble knowing what to look for. Here's how to find a skilled cosmetic dentist in your area.

Find the Treatments You Need

First and foremost, make certain that any cosmetic dentist you're thinking about seeing provides the services you want or need. Most dentists offer some cosmetic services, but just because they claim to offer cosmetic dentistry doesn’t necessarily mean they offer a full range of aesthetic treatments. At Oakdale Dental Associates, our cosmetic dentistry procedures include cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, and dental veneers, in addition to restorative procedures performed with aesthetics in mind to improve both function and appearance.

Read Patient Reviews Online

When looking for a new dentist, it's a good idea to ask friends, neighbors, and family members for their personal recommendations, but inquiring about cosmetic dentistry can be a touchy subject—you may not want others to know that you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, and others may not want you to know about the cosmetic dental work they’ve had!

Fortunately, patient reviews are widely available on the internet these days. Because most cosmetic dentists also provide general and restorative dentistry, you can find relevant reviews by searching for the specific procedure you're interested in. This allows you to focus on the results of that procedure alone, rather than other treatments that might not be applicable to your needs.

Look for State-of-the-Art Technology

Advanced technology matters when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. State-of-the-art equipment and techniques mean better treatment outcomes, more comfortable procedures, and fewer risks or complications. It’s also a sign that a dental practice is keeping up with the latest in cosmetic dentistry, which is important.

Digital x-rays, intra-oral cameras, and advanced treatment planning software are just a few of the cutting-edge technologies available at Oakdale Dental Associates. We also have digital flat screen monitors and complimentary wi-fi to make your appointment more comfortable.

Ask for Credentials

Experience, credentials, and professional memberships all matter when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lalchandani is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Valley District Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has completed extensive continuing education to further his knowledge and has received the Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), an honor bestowed on only 1 percent of practicing dentists in the United States and Canada.

Learn More About Finding a Cosmetic Dentist Near You

Are you considering cosmetic dentistry to rejuvenate your smile? If you need to find a qualified cosmetic dentist, we think you’ll agree that Dr. Lalchandani fits the bill. To learn more or schedule an appointment for a consultation, contact us today at 413-536-1782.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dental treatments at our practice. Why is it so popular? It’s simple: most people experience stained or discolored teeth at some point in their lives, whether it’s from a coffee habit, aging, or a medication they’re taking. Before committing to teeth whitening, patients usually want to know how long their results will last. The answer to this question depends on a few different factors.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

There are a number of professional teeth whitening treatments available these days, and results can vary based on the type of treatment you’re getting. At Oakdale Dental Associates, we use Opalescence, which in our experience offers exceptional whitening with fewer side effects than other teeth bleaching systems.

Opalescence comes in two forms: Opalescence Boost and Opalescence Go. Opalescence Boost is an in-office teeth whitening treatment that uses a 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel to brighten your smile in under an hour. Unlike many other in-office bleaching systems, Opalescence Boost is chemically-activated, which means there’s no need for the bleaching gel to be activated by a light or laser.

If you’d rather whiten your teeth from the comfort of home or if you only have mild yellowing or stains on your teeth, Opalescence Go may be the perfect option for your needs. It comes with pre-loaded whitening trays with 15% hydrogen peroxide solution. Wearing these trays for 15 to 20 minutes for 7 to 10 days will brighten your teeth by several shades.

How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts

The real answer to the question, “How long does teeth whitening last?” is that your teeth whitening will last until your teeth become stained again. This might not be a very helpful answer, but the truth is that if your discoloration was caused by bad habits like smoking, your teeth will become stained again if you continue to smoke after teeth whitening treatments.

If, on the other hand, you’re diligent with brushing and flossing, have your teeth cleaned every six months, and quit (or cut down on) the habits that caused your stains in the first place, your teeth whitening has the potential to last up to three years.

How to Make Teeth Whitening Last Longer

We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions following your teeth whitening treatment, but here are some tips to help you maintain your results.

Avoid or cut down on your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods and beverages that cause discoloration.
If you do choose to have a food or drink that stains, brush your teeth afterwards if you can. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water.
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Use an at-home touch-up kit to whiten your smile every few months or when you notice stains beginning to form.
See your dentist every six months for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings, which remove surface stains from the teeth.
Quit smoking.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening

Are you considering teeth whitening treatments? Contact us today at 413-536-1782 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Holyoke, MA?

Do you want whiter teeth? Maybe you’ve noticed when you look in the mirror or see pictures of yourself that your teeth are looking a little dull or discolored. This is completely normal. Teeth yellow over time due to the things we eat and drink or other habits like smoking.

There are a variety of teeth whitening products available in stores that offer a range of results. However, you will get the best results from professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist.

How much does professional teeth whitening treatment cost? Here’s a general idea of what you can expect.

Average Cost of Teeth Whitening at the Dentist’s Office

If you inquire about teeth whitening treatment at your dentist’s office, you will likely be quoted something around $500. Some treatments may cost more, some less. Store bought products like white strips and gels will cost less than $100, but the results are not as dramatic and may not last as long.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

You may be wondering if there are any advantages to paying for professional teeth whitening at your dentist’s office rather than trying over the counter products. Advantages include:

Better results. Over the counter products you buy at the pharmacy simply don’t whiten your teeth as well as professional strength whitening treatments. Your dentist’s whitening product will get your teeth multiple shades whiter.
Longer lasting results. The results of professional whitening treatments last longer than the results of over the counter products. You may think you’re saving money buying the less expensive products, but when you have to buy them repeatedly to keep refreshing your results, you won’t actually save any money and you’ll definitely waste more time.
Fewer side effects. Side effects of whitening products are usually minimal, including sensitive teeth and gum irritation. Professional whitening products are designed to be less harsh, yet more effective.
Customizable. Have you ever seen someone’s teeth that are too white? Sometimes over-whitening can look fake. Your dentist can customize your whitening treatment to help you achieve natural results that are just right for you.
Comfort. When you pay for whitening treatment at your dentist’s office, the price includes custom-made trays that fit your teeth. These are more comfortable to wear while whitening your teeth than the trays you purchase from the store.

Professional Strength Whitening Treatment at Home

Do you want professional results, but prefer to whiten your teeth at home? Many professional whitening treatments have a take-home version that can be used in place of a treatment in the dentist’s office. The take-home treatment can also be used in between treatments in the office to help maintain your results.

Oakdale Dental Offers the Opalescence Teeth Whitening System

Opalescence Boost whitening treatment is one of the top products used by dental practices. Oakdale Dental provides this product both in the office and in a take-home version. We have seen the amazing results in many of our patients who are highly satisfied with the product. In a single appointment, your teeth can be whiter than they would be after weeks of using an over the counter treatment.

Are you ready to see the results for yourself? Call 413-536-1782 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a brighter, whiter smile.