Frequently Asked Questions
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of your teeth to hide imperfections and create a picture-perfect smile. The treatment can be completed with only two visits that are virtually pain-free.
With proper care and biannual visits to our Grand Rapids location for checkups and professional cleanings, your veneers can last 15 years or longers. To learn more about this and other cosmetic treatments we offer, feel free to contact our office and schedule a consultation by calling (616) 942-9595.
Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
Whitening your teeth doesn’t cause any harm. You may feel some sensitivity after a whitening treatment, but this typically diminishes within a few hours. At our office, the whitening treatment will be administered by a trained professional who will take extra care when applying the bleaching agent so you’ll know you’re in good hands.
With in-office whitening treatments, your treatments will not only be carried out by professionals, but you can expect much faster results than with at-home treatments. That’s because dental offices are allowed to carry bleaching gels that have a much higher concentration than what at-home kits can offer. This means you’ll see dramatic results after just one whitening session, typically lasting about an hour.
How can I improve the longevity of my veneers?
In addition to following a regular oral hygiene routine and scheduling biannual visits at our Grand Rapids office, you’ll want to follow any recommendations by our trusted dentist to improve the lifespan of your veneers. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Avoid foods and beverages that are likely to stain your teeth such as wine, soda, balsamic vinegar, tea, and coffee
- Refrain from biting into hard foods such as apples and carrots
- Don’t use your teeth as tools (for example, using them to open packages)
- Protect your smile with a mouthguard if you play contact sports
- Address teeth grinding issues
What’s the difference between dental implants and dental bridges?
The process of getting dental bridges is much faster than the implant process and doesn’t require surgery, so the recovery time is minimal. Bridges complete the gap between missing teeth and are held in place by anchoring teeth on either side of the gap called abutments.
Dental bridges can be removable or fixed and last from five to fifteen years, or even longer with excellent oral care and biannual checkups with Dr. Robson or Dr. Trapp.
Dental implants, on the other hand, require surgery and several appointments to complete the process. The implant consists of a titanium post that replaces your natural tooth root to support a customized porcelain crown, with a small abutment connecting the restoration together.
The recovery process for implants is longer, about three to six months in total. However, the longer treatment pays off over time. With proper oral care and checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime.