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If I asked you to look in the mirror right now and smile, would you be happy with what you saw? Or would you even do it?

If you are unhappy with how your smile currently looks, you might consider dental veneers. If you have discolored teeth, crooked or imperfectly aligned teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, or teeth with small gaps between them, dental veneers might be a good option for you.

One of the more popular types of dental veneers are porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are very thin pieces of ceramic that are adhered to the front of your teeth with a rugged bonding agent. These dental veneers are excellent at covering teeth imperfections and helping to give you a whiter, brighter, more “perfect” smile.

Before you consider porcelain veneers for your solution to a brighter, more “perfect” smile, weigh these factors, which may have an impact on your being a good candidate for porcelain veneers:

• Do you have habits such as biting or chewing hard objects such as pens, fingernails, paper clips, etc.?
• Do you have unhealthy or weak teeth? Do you have unhealthy gums?
• Have your teeth been weakened by large or multiple tooth fillings, decay, or breaks?
• Do you actively participate in contact sports?
• Do you clench or grind your teeth?
• Do you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine?
• Are you a heavy smoker – of either cigarettes or cigars?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to rethink the notion of getting porcelain veneers – or at a minimum, hold a more lengthy discussion with your dentist. He or she may recommend a mouth guard to better protect your new dental veneers.

But, for some of the conditions listed above, your dentist may recommend an alternative approach to dental veneers. Veneers are tough – but they are not completely indestructible – and some of these activities could pose a threat to your shiny new dental veneers.

If the idea of a bright, white, beautiful smile appeals to you, dental veneers (including porcelain veneers) may be for you. Talk to your dentist to see if you are a good candidate, or if some other approach to beautifying your smile may be better suited to you.

Let Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals help you achieve the beautiful smile you have been longing for. Contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

You probably go to the dentist at least once a year – and if you don’t, you need to – to ensure your ongoing dental health! Call our office for an appointment right now!

But the fact is many people who go to the dentist don’t all go for checkups, cleanings and fillings. Some of these people have looked in the mirror and found that they are just not that happy with how their smile looks. If that’s you, cosmetic dentistry can help you do something about that smile!

Cosmetic dentistry is specifically designed to enhance your teeth and your smile. It works to restore the natural beauty of your teeth, not the function of your teeth.

You may have heard of porcelain veneers? These are just one form of dental veneers a cosmetic dentist can use to enhance your smile. But do you know some of the other wonderful things that cosmetic dentistry can offer? Let’s take a look at some of the options of cosmetic dentistry…

Dental veneers (including porcelain veneers and composite veneers)

Dental veneers are thin sheets of either durable porcelain or resin material (depending upon the type of dental veneers applied). These sheets are adhered to the fronts of the teeth, following a pre-application process to prepare your teeth. For teeth with tough stains, chips and cracks, dental veneers are a great solution to cover these dental imperfections and create a more attractive smile.

Caps / Crowns

Sometimes also known as crowns, dental caps are another option to cover imperfections on your teeth. They are custom designed fit to your mouth and teeth. They are designed to cover an imperfect tooth, or fill a void between teeth. Caps and crowns are durable and long lasting.

Bonding

You may have heard of bonding - yet another option to fill cracks, voids and unevenness in your teeth. Dental bonding leverages a resin compound applied to your teeth. It is ideal at filling imperfections in your teeth, but may need several layers to be effective. Also, it may have a shortened lifespan, often needing to be replaced within ten years. While less invasive than dental veneers, it is not nearly as rugged or long lasting. As such, many professionals in cosmetic dentistry opt for dental veneers (including porcelain veneers) in lieu of dental bonding. Consult with your dentist for the solution that is best for you.

Teeth Whitening

Are your teeth the bright white you would like them to be? Our teeth are magnets for stains. Coffee, tea, red wine, dark fruits, smoking and all kinds of sugary substances can wreak havoc on our teeth and leave stains that are hard to eliminate with brushing alone. This is where dental whitening can help. Have you seen whitening solutions sold on the shelves of your supermarket? The whitening compound used in cosmetic dentistry is far stronger than that which you could buy at the store – and will work real magic on your teeth in far less time. Through cosmetic teeth whitening, your dentist can restore the bright white that your teeth once were.

Looking for a whiter smile, straighter teeth, or teeth that show less visible imperfections such as stains, chips and cracks? Cosmetic dentistry may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Before you sign-up for any procedure, be sure the dentist you choose is well versed in cosmetic dentistry and has plenty of references and photos he/she can show to represent past work. Talk to your dentist at length about what can be done with your teeth – and what they recommend.

Looking for a dentist who understands cosmetic dentistry and has the experience to restore your beautiful, natural smile? Dr. Joseph Majka in Valparaiso, Indiana knows the kind of cosmetic dentistry that will most benefit you. He and his team of dental professional offer the kind of gentle, caring dentistry you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

You’ve probably seen dental veneers before and not even known it. The fact is, dental veneers have the uncanny ability to make an imperfect smile nearly perfect – and they do so without visible signs of dental improvement. How is this possible? What really are dental veneers?

Custom designed for your individual teeth, dental veneers are hard tooth-like shells made of ceramic / porcelain or a composite resin material. When applied over teeth, they have the ability to cover worn tooth enamel, fill gaps and spaces between teeth, even-up uneven teeth, or repair chips and cracks in your teeth. They have the ability to create a bright, white smile because the translucent quality of porcelain veneers enable them to look very much like your real teeth.

Dental veneers are commonly made of porcelain / ceramic material or a composite resin material. They are incredibly durable and attractive, and can become almost invisible to anyone looking at your teeth. Both porcelain veneers and composite dental veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory; but composite resin dental veneers can also be fabricated within your mouth while visiting your dentist’s office. Of the two types of dental veneers, porcelain veneers are typically longer lasting, and thus can be more costly.

Both porcelain veneers and composite resin dental veneers are bonded to your teeth with resin cement, forming a long-lasting and durable bond.

Did you know that over time, enamel (the thin, hard material that naturally covers your teeth) may become worn, discolored or dull? Such wear may very well be natural, or it may be the result of your genetic makeup. But, more often, wear may very well be the result of personal lifestyle choices such as drinking soda, coffee or tea – as well as smoking or taking specific types of prescription medications. Dental veneers can be beneficial in covering these dental imperfections and restoring the natural luster of your teeth.

Did you know that as you age, teeth become more brittle and prone to chipping, cracking, breaking and displaying a generally uneven appearance? Did you know that as you age, the gaps between your teeth can become more pronounced due to wear. It’s true, but your genetic predisposition may also have an impact on tooth wear. Regardless, dentals veneers have the unique ability to conceal these visible signs of tooth wear and create a more even smile.

Do you wake up in the morning and your mouth or jaw hurts? You might be grinding your teeth. Your dentist can help in deterring your tooth grinding. But, with composite resin dental veneers and porcelain veneers, a more even tooth appearance can be restored.

If any of these factors sound like conditions you have, dental veneers might benefit you. Dr. Joseph Majka and his dedicated team of dental professionals can evaluate your particular dental condition and discuss options for composite resin dental veneers and porcelain veneers. We can restore that bright, beautiful smile with expert dental care. If you’ve been wondering about how you could improve your smile, we welcome you to contact us today for a personal consultation.

If you long for a whiter, more complete smile – if your teeth have gaps, chips, stains or discoloration – dental veneers can dramatically improve your smile. They have the incomparable ability to create a beautiful smile!

In fact, porcelain veneers really can make unforgettable smiles. With porcelain veneers, you’ll get a very natural and realistic looking tooth. Since porcelain is ceramic, it has similar properties to our teeth’s natural covering – enamel. Additionally, as it is glass-like and optic in nature, its surface is extremely smooth and durable – making it very resistant to stains such as coffee, tea, wine or cigarette smoke.

In fact, porcelain veneers typically last up to fifteen years compared to the alternative dental product, composite dental veneers.

The color versatility of porcelain veneers is without compare as well, helping to allow them to easily blend with your other natural teeth.

But even with so many attractive positives, there are some less than positive attributes to porcelain veneers you may want to know about in the interest of being well educated.

Porcelain veneers are not cheap – and when the price for a single veneer is multiplied by the teeth needing them, the price exponentially increases.

Dental veneers are permanent. When the procedure is complete, there is no changing your mind. They are cemented in your mouth for good! So it’s probably a good thing they look so darn good in there!

If you’re wondering about negative side effects, some do report tooth sensitivity following dental veneer applications. Because the process of applying veneers requires the removal of enamel from the tooth it is being applied to, this tooth may become more sensitive to heat and cold (i.e., hot and cold foods and beverages).

Porcelain veneers are available to most everyone, unless you have unhealthy teeth (i.e., preexisting tooth decay or active periodontal disease), weak teeth (perhaps as a result of earlier damage), have inadequate enamel on the tooth to be veneered, or experience frequent teeth clenching.

However, most find the likely advantages of porcelain veneers to far outweigh the negatives. If you’re considering dental veneers for a solution to improve your smile, consult your family dentist. He or she knows your mouth the best and can recommend the very best solution for you.

Whether you’re looking for dental veneers or routine dental care, Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals will ensure your complete dental health. For truly experienced dental care, contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

If you’re just not happy with your smile, you have many options today for making some dramatic improvements. From whole-mouth reshaping to partial dentures, from teeth whitening to dental veneers, you’ll find no shortage of options to address your desires for a beautiful smile. The best place to start is with a consultation with your dentist. He or she knows your mouth the best – and will be the best person to recommend a solution that works best for you.

One of the more popular options today to improve a smile is the use of dental veneers. With dental veneers, thin layers of porcelain or composite material are custom-made and sized for specific teeth.

When a patient finds that over-the-counter teeth whitening  products are just not effective, porcelain veneers or composite dental veneers may be able to solve the problem. Difficulties with dullness, stains, or tooth damage can be addressed with the application of dental veneers. With the latest technology, the degree of realness and match to your surrounding teeth can be nearly perfect!

Porcelain or resin dental veneers are practical ways to undo tooth discoloration, damage, prior dental procedures which have discolored teeth, or imperfections. Applied with a rugged resin cement, dental veneers can improve a person’s bite and help resolve problems with chewing. Durable and long-lasting, studies have shown a high satisfaction rating at both five and ten year intervals following application.

For resolving issues of whiteness, tooth imperfections, and tooth damage, there truly is no better approach to cosmetic dentistry than with the application of dental veneers. To achieve a brighter, more complete smile, cosmetic dentistry may be the answer for you. Through the implementation of dental veneers, a new smile can be yours! Have you seen someone who has that seemingly flawless Hollywood-like smile? Chances are cosmetic dentistry and dental veneers had a hand in crafting such a gorgeous smile! But you don’t have to be a movie star to have a movie star smile! With cosmetic dentistry and dental veneers, you too can have that killer smile!

While a practical solution to address the desires for a better smile, like many cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental veneers are not inexpensive. While costs vary from patient to patient, keep in mind that dental veneers are completely custom and applied to individual teeth in the mouth. This individuality is typically what raises the cost of implementing dental veneers. Ranging from $500 to $1200 per tooth, you will find the investment is well worth it in the end. There is simply no comparison to a bright beautiful smile!

When considering dental veneers or any sort of cosmetic dentistry, always consult with your family dentist and ensure he or she has experience in fitting and placing porcelain veneers or other composite dental veneers.

Looking for a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana that knows dental veneers? Contact Dr. Joseph Majka and his experienced team of dental professionals. Conveniently located in Northwest Indiana, this dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana will provide the kind of professional, dependable care you’ve been searching for.

For the dental care you deserve, contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

By now, even if you haven’t been reading my blog, you have probably heard something about cosmetic dentistry. Perhaps you have a relative or a friend who have had cosmetic dentistry completed. If you don’t know anyone, ask your dentist (or your cosmetic dentist) about what cosmetic dentistry could do for you! You will truly be amazed at what the results can offer!

Perhaps you’re not all that thrilled with your smile. Through cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve a brand new smile – and this can virtually change your entire look. You’ll feel more confident, more satisfied with your smile – and feel better about yourself.

One popular option with today’s cosmetic dentistry is the application of porcelain veneers.

There are multiple types of dental veneers in use today – composite dental veneers as well as porcelain veneers. For an elegant durable finish and a bright new smile, porcelain veneers might be the option for you.

But what really can porcelain veneers do for your smile? These ultra-thin covers are permanently adhered to your teeth, and are virtually invisible. Their application provides for not only an improvement in your smile, but also provides for the possibility of smile reshaping, tooth re-coloring, and dental realignment. Take a look at your smile right now. Could you benefit from porcelain veneers?

Consider these improvements seen by many of our patients enjoying the benefits of dental veneers – and all after just one dental treatment!

• Elimination of small gaps between front teeth
• Elimination of stains that have not responded well to tooth whitening
• Elimination of crooked or misaligned teeth
• Filling in of small chips or cracks in teeth

Your dentist or cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth are healthy before beginning this work, as a good healthy foundation is essential before any dental veneers are placed.

And while you may wish to have your entire mouth covered in porcelain veneers, only the front teeth are candidates for this procedure. Why? Because back teeth are predominantly for chewing and require a much stronger surface than porcelain veneers can offer. For this reason, porcelain inlays or onlays, or porcelain crowns, may be used for improvements on back teeth.

One recommendation is to undergo professional teeth whitening before pursuing porcelain veneers. This allows the cosmetic dentist to color match white teeth to the new veneers, not to your old dingy tooth color – and this provides for a much more permanent solution.

Once your porcelain veneers are in place, your dentist will review their care and maintenance with you. They really require no special care. Just brush them daily, remember to floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. And always remember to avoid prolonged pressure on your teeth that have porcelain veneers applied. Performing such activities as removing staples or nails with your teeth are not advised (like I have to say that?).

If all of this sounds inviting, cosmetic dentistry through porcelain veneers might just be for you! If you’re in or near Valparaiso, Indiana, contact a dentist with skill and experience in cosmetic dentistry – Dr. Joseph Majka. Dr. Majka and his skilled team of caring dental professionals can help you get that beautiful bright mile you have always dreamed of. Contact us for an initial consultation today.

You’ve done your homework - you’ve carefully reviewed your smile – and you’ve researched your options. You know your smile could clearly benefit from dental veneers. But you may ask yourself, “how do I know which is best for me – porcelain veneers or composite dental veneers?”

Luckily, this is not a decision you need to make on your own, like buying a pair of shoes or a new shirt. The decision of which type of veneer is best for you is really one you should decide upon with your experienced and skilled family dentist.

However, in an effort to assist you in your decision making and your research of the options, we have assembled some of the differences between the two types of veneers here:

• Porcelain veneers are made from fired ceramic using the same processes and material used to make fine-quality dinnerware.
• Composite or resin dental veneers are basically tooth-colored filling material.
• Porcelain veneers typically provide a more natural translucent quality to the tooth, more closely resembling the natural tooth they are replacing.
• Composite or resin dental veneers are not typically as bright as porcelain veneers.
• Both types of veneers are custom fitted and custom manufactured for your mouth.
• Porcelain veneers may be more effective on the upper teeth, where appearance is much more readily visible.
• Porcelain veneers are not porous and do not stain – but they can chip if not properly cared for, just like any piece of fine china.
• Composite or resin dental veneers are more porous than porcelain veneers – and, as a result, are typically more prone to staining from such substances as tobacco, teas, and other highly pigmented products taken in through the mouth.
• Composite or resin dental veneers are not as fragile as porcelain veneers, and thus don’t require quite as much care; they also may be more effective when used on the lower teeth, where much of the food grinding and tearing is borne.

Is your smile in need of a bit of sprucing up? Could you benefit from porcelain veneers or composite dental veneers?

Before you make any decision on porcelain veneers or composite dental veneers, always consult with the one most familiar with your mouth and your smile – your family dentist! He understands your mouth best and he knows you well. Your family dentist will be the best person to help you decide which veneer option is best for you. Contact Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals for a smile assessment today!

Many times, our clients know they need something, they are just not sure what. Take a look at your teeth. If you’re struggling with less than perfect teeth, or teeth you feel you just cannot be proud of, dental veneers might be just the solution you’re looking for.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer thin shells, typically made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. They are completely custom made for your mouth and your teeth. Dental veneers can be made by your dentist or in a dental laboratory, depending upon the materials used and the specific preferences of your dentist. Dental veneers are cemented to the front side of the tooth.

So which is better: porcelain veneers or resin composite veneers?

Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers, and typically provide a closer match to the natural teeth, better mimicking light reflecting on the teeth. Resin veneers are often thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement.

Your best bet is to discuss which of today’s dental veneers is best for your mouth with your dentist.

What tooth imperfections do dental veneers help with?

• If you have teeth that are discolored, perhaps because of a root canal, stains from taking medically necessary drugs or perhaps large resin fillings that have just never blended well with your natural teeth, then dental veneers might be for you.
• Are your teeth worn down? You might benefit from dental veneers.
• Do you have chipped, cracked or broken teeth? Porcelain veneers might provide a clean look to your damaged teeth.
• Are your teeth misaligned or irregularly shaped? Porcelain veneers can help even out your teeth and provide a straight oral appearance.
• Do you have gaps between your teeth? Dental veneers can be used to close the gaps between your natural teeth.

Take an inventory of your mouth today. Do you see imperfections that could be improved upon through the use of dental veneers?

Let Dr. Majka and his team asses your teeth and help decide if porcelain veneers or composite dental veneers could improve your smile. Click here to schedule an appointment today.

Valparaiso family dentist, Joseph Majka DDS, has been creating wonderful smiles in Northwest Indiana since 1993. Call our office or visit our website for more information.  

For anyone who is missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants may be a treatment option. Dental implants are also used to support dentures that just wont stay in place. Visit our web site at wheredentistryisanart.com for more information about Dr. Majka and his team.