Everyone wants a perfect smile with straight, white teeth, but some people might need a little extra help to reach that goal. Thankfully, it is possible to get this wish granted due to a pair of orthodontic devices called aligners. 

Aligners are not entirely different from braces; while they perform practically the same job, they vary in design. Braces are connected by wires that enable the teeth to move. Aligners, on the other hand, are invisible, fitted mouthpieces that slip on the teeth. 

If you are reading this article, the chances are the time has come for you to work on your teeth. But which mouthpiece would you use? A clear aligner like the MTM ® Clear Aligner or traditional braces? Your dentist will help you decide which option works better for you. Nonetheless, it helps to do a little research as well. 

About MTM ® Clear Aligner

The MTM ® Clear Aligner focuses on patients who wish to realign their eight front teeth. MTM, which means Minor Tooth Movement uses a set of customized trays to readjust the positioning of the tooth. It is also used to improve teeth conditions such as overcrowding, overbite, and crossbite. 

You will need to consult with a dentist to determine if you are the right candidate for the MTM ® Clear Aligner system. Once it has been confirmed, you will then have a mould of your teeth to create the custom trays. These typically take 3-4 weeks to be completed. When you start to wear the aligner, ensure that you do so for at least 20-22 hours per day for the best results. Until you are done with treatment, you will have to replace your trays every two weeks.

Pros and Cons of The MTM ® Clear Aligner

Here are some pros and cons of the MTM system:

Pros:

• Easily removable
• Transparent
• No need for any food restrictions
• Treatment can be quick depending on your condition

Cons:

• Focuses on only the front eight teeth
• Some patients have issues with biting
• Aligners could easily get misplaced

About Traditional Braces

Traditional braces correct crooked or overcrowded teeth, as well as bite issues and jaw problems. They also help correct eating or speech issues. Modern braces are not oversized, instead, they have a sleeker and smaller look.

Various kinds of braces designs, such as ceramic braces that come invisibly colored, make it possible for them to mimic your teeth. There are also lingual braces made of metal but are placed behind your teeth instead of the front. 

Your dentist will help you determine if getting a standard pair of braces is the right option for you. They may look at your condition, as well as finding the right design that will work best. 

Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces

Here are some pros and cons of wearing traditional braces:

Pros:

• Less expensive than aligners
• The best method of straightening children’s teeth
• Less likely to be misplaced

Cons:

• It is too visible
• You will have food restrictions
• Cannot be removed at any time
• They are harder to clean and maintain

What is your final decision after reading this piece? You must undoubtedly consider all other factors such as your lifestyle, for example. But remember to always consult your dentist before making a decision. 

Cosmetic Dental Procedures

It’s no coincidence that so many people around the world are turning to cosmetic dental procedures. They can be used to correct minor issues with your teeth and smile, or they can enhance the smile you already have and love. We’re going to talk about some of the things cosmetic dental procedures can do for you and the reasons why so many people value them. Read on now to find out more about these benefits that you yourself might experience if you choose to work with our cosmetic dentist San Antonio.

Improved Appearance

One of the main reasons why people choose to have dental procedures carried out is related to aesthetics and appearance. When people simply don’t like an aspect of their smile, they want to change it and that’s perfectly understandable. With the help of the cosmetic dental procedures we offer here in San Antonio, you’ll be able to correct those faults and fall in love with your smile once more, or maybe for the first time.

Greater Self-Confidence

Having greater self-confidence is something that many of us would like. And each of us has something that holds us back a little and knocks our confidence regularly. For many, that’s related to their smile. When you feel self-conscious about your smile, it can stop you from laughing, smiling and having a good time. And the right cosmetic dental procedures will bring back that confidence.

Fewer Eating Problems

When you have problems with eating, it can stop you from achieving a balanced diet. Many people choose cosmetic dental procedures because they help them to avoid small problems with their ability to eat. And that then allows them to eat a greater range of foods and to enjoy them too. If you want to make sure that your diet is never held back, cosmetic dental procedures might offer the solution you’re looking for.

Better Dental Health

Good dental health is one of the most important aspects of health generally, and it’s important not to overlook it. If you can improve your dental health by making use of the right cosmetic dental procedures delivered by our team of professionals here in San Antonio, Texas, you’ll avoid problems later on down the line. And as a result, you’ll also save yourself some money too.

Long-Lasting Results

The results that are achieved by good, professionally-performed cosmetic dental procedures are long-lasting. You’ll find that they stay in place for a long time to come, so you won’t need to worry about issues around longevity and durability. Making a change today could result in results that change your life for the better for years and even decades to come.

If you’re considering cosmetic dental procedures and you like the sound of the benefits discussed above, it makes sense to get in touch with us here at Thousand Oaks Dental in San Antonio, Texas. When you do so, you’ll have a chance to talk to a member of our team about what you’re looking for and what each procedure involves.

Dental veneers (sometimes known as porcelain laminates) are one of, if not the best solution to most dental problems – particularly those that are aesthetic in nature.

Below are some facts that attest to this:

• Veneer installation is irreversible, painless and gives a natural look. It can also withstand the effects of most diets.
• Some dentists agree that porcelain veneers look and feel less bulky than lumineers (composite veneers), even though lumineers are actually thinner than porcelain.
• Porcelain veneers are much stronger than and outlast resin bonding, which tends to chip and break easily.
• Resin bonding is the budget-friendly option to porcelain veneers (at one-third of the price), but they are much less durable.

Veneers are usually ultrathin custom made shells that are put on the front surface of teeth to offer extra protection to deformed or weak teeth. These shells are usually made of porcelain. They help solve cosmetic issues like discolored teeth, misaligned teeth, and others.

How Do Other Procedures Compare?

Now let’s take a look at how other similar procedures compare to porcelain veneers.

1. Veneers vs. Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that also offer protection to damaged teeth, just like veneers. The similarities end here. Assessing both procedures shows that veneer installation requires the filing down of just the surface of the affected tooth, whereas fixing a crown requires removing a large portion of a usually decayed tooth. Approximately $925 – $2500 per tooth is the average cost for porcelain veneers. $1000 – $3000 per tooth is the price range for crown installation.

2. Veneers vs. Teeth Whitening
If dazzling teeth are what you seek, then teeth whitening is usually the first consideration for most dentists. Teeth whitening is the process of giving discolored teeth a newer look. This process has similar value to veneers as they both seek to enhance the appearance of an otherwise unsightly tooth. Porcelain veneers are effective for teeth that are deeply discolored and resist teeth whitening. They are also ideal for solving other cosmetic issues such as chipped and cracked teeth for which teeth whitening is not an option. Veneers are a multifaceted procedure as they can solve both minor structural and display issues while teeth whitening solves only appearance issues.

3. Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
Next, we move to evaluate two types of veneers – composite and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers, also known as dental/resin bonding, are sometimes described as ‘same-day veneers’. Instead of thin shells of porcelain, the resin material is bonded to the outer surface of the teeth. For cost-conscious patients, composites are the better option as they cost up to half the price of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers have their benefits over composites as they last nearly twice as long, 10-15 years for porcelain and 5-7 years for composite . Finally, porcelains are stain-resistant while composites are not – which means that with composites, you may have to alter your diet to avoid staining.

First impressions go a long way, and a smile is one of the first impressions one can make on others. If you are looking for porcelain veneers San Antonio, Thousand Oaks Dental is the place to visit. Their dentists are happy to help clients who need general dental care as well as those of a cosmetic nature, to ensure that everyone leaves with ‘smile satisfaction’.