Category Archives: Bonding

Is Easter Good for Your Smile? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Springtime is a wonderful time of year. The sun shines brighter, nature is blossoming – there are lots of reasons to want to smile during this time of year. And with springtime comes the Easter season. Pastel colors, baby farm animals and colorful hidden eggs abound. But is the Easter Bunny hurting your smile?

Easter baskets. One of the staples of Easter is the egg hunt – this necessitates the use of a basket. For some little ones, these baskets are filled with candies and other little gifts from the Easter Bunny. We all know that candy isn’t good for our teeth, but in moderation, everything can be enjoyed. Try to stay away from overindulging in hard, sticky candies. Not only do they stay in your mouth longer as they dissolve, but they can break teeth or other dental appliances, like braces. Believe it or not, but chocolate is the best for you, especially the darker varieties. Fancy a chocolate bunny?

Easter eggs. A childhood favorite during this cheerful holiday is dying hard-boiled eggs. The designs and colors not only dazzle the eyes during egg hunts, but it’s a family activity that really brings home the reason for the season. Fortunately, eggs are a great source of protein, and our teeth need protein to stay strong. One large egg contains 95 mg of phosphorus and its protein to phosphorous ratio is excellent. Since the yolk of an egg contains vitamin D also, eating them is an easy way to get two needed tooth nutrients in one shot.

But beyond pretty eggs, lots of the foods we eat during our Easter feast are great for our teeth. Fruits, veggies and meats all have bits that can benefit our smiles. Happy Easter!

If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your teeth healthy and strong, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Do You Need a Filling or a Root Canal? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Keeping our smile clean and healthy is important – not only for your general health, but in order to dodge any extra trips to the dentist. Because when we develop tooth decay, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible because it will only get progressively worse the longer you ignore the issue. And when we hear the words ‘cavity’ or ‘root canal’, we regret ever skipping a day of dental hygiene. But do you know why these two dental issues strike fear in the hearts of so many? Let’s take a moment to explain the differences. After all, knowledge is power – the more we know, the easier it is to change poor habits.

Now, a cavity is a hole in a tooth left behind by dental decay. And this is the biggest issue with decay – it spreads like wildfire. If you find that you have a cavity, your dentist will clean out the decay and fill it with a special composite resin. This dental filling material is not only safe but also tooth-colored to blend in with your natural teeth.

When it comes to a root canal, decay is not damaging the outside of the tooth, but the pulp inside of a tooth. This pulp becomes inflamed or infected, possibly leading to an infection spreading to the surrounding teeth and affecting your overall health. It is at this point you will need root canal therapy, where the affected tooth pulp is removed, thoroughly sterilized to remove any leftover debris, then then filled with a special material to seal the tooth and prevent the further infection and a crown.

If you’re interested in learning more about tooth decay, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Let Your Smile Enjoy Thanksgiving | Palm Harbor Dentist

Here we are again… The day before Thanksgiving, one delicious American holiday. And as we prepare to give thanks for everything that we are grateful for, take pause to throw a quick thank you to your smile. After all, our smiles help us with the best parts of life – eating amazing foods, speaking about our blessings and showing off our happiness with a smile. To enjoy the holiday season without a ton of dental repercussions in the new year, follow these simple tips:

Foods and drinks high in sugar and acid are typically bad for your teeth. The sugar provides food for bacteria that contributes to both tooth decay and periodontal disease, and foods high in acid wear down tooth enamel, making them weaker, apt to crack, and more vulnerable to tooth decay. Yes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie are Thanksgiving favorites, just make sure to keep your helpings to a minimum.

And fear not, foodies – lots of holiday favorites are really great for our smiles, so feel free to indulge in them! Foods like celery can help brush food particles off teeth, while producing saliva to naturally cleanse the teeth. If you are eating foods that are high in calcium and protein (cheese and meats), help contribute to stronger teeth by protecting tooth enamel.

After you’ve stuffed yourself to the gills, make sure you don’t allow the bacteria in your mouth enjoy what you did. If you have a toothbrush handy, a quick brushing wouldn’t hurt. If you’re unable to brush your teeth, make sure to have a glass of water to rinse or chew sugar-free gum – it encourages saliva to help cleanse your teeth, while helping to discourage bacteria growth in your mouth.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental health during the holiday season, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Choosing Between Veneers and Dental Bonding | Palm Harbor Dentist

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening isn’t recommended if you have tooth-colored fillings, crowns or bonding on your front teeth. The whitening gel cannot change the color of these types of dental materials, which will make them stand out in your freshly whitened smile. In such cases, patients may want to look into alternative options, such as veneers or dental bonding. But, what’s the difference?

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance or function. Veneers can aid in improving teeth that are severely discolored, chipped or misshaped. There are two veneer options:

Porcelain veneers. These veneers must first be fabricated in a dental lab to fit your teeth and typically requires two office visits. They will last from 15-20 years, depending on your maintenance.
Composite veneers. This type of veneer is bonded to your tooth enamel in a single visit. Composite veneers cost much less, but only last around 5-7 years.

Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to restore teeth that are chipped or broken, slightly gapped, discolored or misshapen. Bonding can also be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver fillings. After applying a mild etching solution that slightly roughens the surface of your tooth and allows the bonding material to adhere, your dentist will apply the composite resin and shape the bonding material, then use a high-intensity light to harden the material and then finely polish the restoration.

Several patients choose bonding over silver fillings due to it looking more natural. The material can be match to your natural tooth color. But, because the bonding material is more porous, smokers will see that it yellows.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental options to improve your smile, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

When Eating Ice Cream Begins to Hurt Your Teeth | Palm Harbor Dentist

If you’ve ever experienced a sharp and annoying pain in your teeth whenever you indulge in the wonderful frozen treats this summery weather can provide? No one wants to hear that they can’t have ice cream or iced tea because their teeth are too sensitive. So, what causes this cruel summertime malady?

Loss of tooth enamel, which leaves the dentin exposed, is the main reason why tooth sensitivity occurs. This may happen if you’ve been using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one, as it may wear away as the abrasion can wear away the tooth enamel. However, it can also be the result of frequent consumption of acidic foods or gum recession.

It is important to take note, however, that the sharp pain when exposed to hot and cold food and beverages is not always caused by tooth sensitivity. Sometimes, it may be because of the following:

A cracked, chipped or fractured tooth
Dental caries
Constant grinding or clenching of the teeth, or a condition known as bruxism
A broken restoration that’s been leaking
A side effect of certain teeth whitening procedures, namely tooth bleaching

In order to find out if your teeth are indeed sensitive, talk to your dentist. Be sure to describe your symptoms in detail, like when the pain first started or anything you’ve done for the pain. Using your descriptions, the dentist will try to find out the possible cause of your sensitivity, and once finished, the dentist will then treat the underlying cause. The treatment will usually vary, depending on the case.

If you’re interested in learning more about tooth sensitivity, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

It’s Time You and Your Teeth Have a Bond | Palm Harbor Dentist

Are you suffering from an embarrassing chip or discoloration on your tooth? There is nothing that makes someone feel more self-conscious than dental issues. After all, it’s the first thing someone sees when they meet you. Do you want to fix it but don’t have time for a long dental process? Worry not. Your dental fix is as easy as pie and as convenient as a single visit. How is it possible? With dental bonding.

There are many things that can lead to dental bonding. An active lifestyle, an accidental mishap, poor dental hygiene, even a bite into something hard can all cause our teeth to become damaged. But what does it entail to undergo dental bonding? You’ll be surprised how simple the procedure really is. Granted, there is a little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.

Dental bonding involves the direct application of a tooth-colored composite resin to repair any chip or crack. The composite resin used in dental bonding is secure, stable, and stain resistant. Individuals no longer have to worry about any tooth discoloration and secure in the fact that they will end up with a more attractive, natural smile. All in all, a typical dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, start to finish.

Avoid having to live with your embarrassing chip or crack – Set yourself up with a consultation to find out if dental bonding will allow you to achieve your ideal, bright smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental bonding, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Designing Your Perfect Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

If you have some flaws to your smile that make you feel self-conscious, it may be time for a smile makeover. These days, there are lots of ways to improve it.

Both bonding and porcelain veneers have similarities. They cover dental imperfections, but the procedures are quite different. Dental bonding uses a smooth tooth-colored solution that is applied to the flawed teeth, dried and cured to create a more natural look. This procedure is used on patients who need one or two teeth corrected.

When it comes to veneers, they are created differently. Your new teeth will be fabricated from a solid piece of porcelain. While bonding is applied to your actual teeth, veneers fit over the front and underside of your tooth, covering it completely. They are used for multiple reasons, especially when it comes to lengthening or widening teeth to close gaps or fill in chips. While bonding is best for simple small fixes, porcelain veneers are generally used for patients who have several cosmetic problems or want their entire set of front-facing teeth made over.

A crown is a functional covering that dentists put over a damaged or decayed tooth or teeth to improve appearance and can be placed on top of a dental implant. With advancements in dental technology like the CEREC system, you can get all of this done in one day. The scanner takes 3D images of your jawline and the computer the dentist takes excellent images of the crown’s area. Unlike a porcelain veneer, these one-day crowns are made with an enamel-like material.

A dental consultation is necessary to find out more about your smile makeover options and to coordinate a dental treatment plan. Ask about your options.

If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Do I Need a Filling? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Are you experiencing toothaches, sharp pains, or sensitivity? If so, it may be time to schedule an appointment for an examination. For something simple like a cavity, the repair option would be a filling. If left untreated, it can progress into more severe dental issues, so it is important to keep an eye on your smile and any changes that may be developing. But how do you know what to look for when it comes to something common like a cavity? If you notice any of the following signs, dental fillings will likely be a solution:

A dark spot or hole in your tooth
A chipped tooth
A rough tooth
If floss is tearing in a particular location between your teeth

If your dentist finds that a filling is necessary, there are a few options to choose from. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials and usually used for molars. Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, producing a tooth-colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations but tend to stain and discolor over time. Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders used to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance.

Dental fillings are essential in maintain ideal oral health because they prevent tooth decay. Without dental fillings, individuals risk the chance of permanently losing their teeth.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental fillings, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Bonding: Fast and Easy Smiles | Palm Harbor Dentist

When considering a smile makeover, one treatment option to consider is dental bonding – a fast, easy way to correct a number of minor dental aesthetic issues. A tooth-colored synthetic resin is bonded to the tooth, allowing the dentist to adjust the shape, spacing, and color of teeth to correct chips, cracks and other smile issues. In some cases, bonding can even be used as an alternative to traditional fillings, or to protect a tooth’s root in cases where a gum recession has exposed portions of the tooth that would normally be protected.

Bonding is generally considered to be fast and painless – a typical procedure requires less than an hour per tooth, and often does not require anesthesia. The dentist will begin by matching the color of the resin to the shade of the tooth, then lightly etch the surface to help the resin adhere to the tooth, before applying the clay or putty like resin and molding it to match the surface of the tooth. In some procedures, the resin will be molded to fill cracks or chips where the original tooth is no longer available, but it can also be used to cosmetically extend teeth to correct gaps between teeth, or make teeth appear longer for a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Once the dentist has shaped the resin, it is hardened in place with a special light, leaving it permanently bonded to the tooth.

Unlike some other dental procedures like bridges, bonded teeth do not require much in the way of special care. While the bonding resin is not as strong as a natural tooth, it should be brushed and flossed like normal teeth, and often lasts for many years.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental bonding, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

When You Aren’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening Treatments | Palm Harbor Dentist

Believe it or not, teeth whitening isn’t recommended if you have tooth colored fillings or crowns on your front teeth because the whitening gel cannot change the color of these types of dental materials. And since most of us have some type of dental work like this done, what do we do to get a bright smile? In such cases, patients may want to look into alternative options, such as veneers or dental bonding.

Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to restore teeth that are chipped or broken, slightly gapped, discolored or misshapen. Bonding can also be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver fillings. After applying a mild etching solution that slightly roughens the surface of your tooth and allows the bonding material to adhere, your dentist will apply the composite resin and will begin to sculpt and shape the bonding material. Following the sculpting, your dentist will use a high-intensity light to harden the material and then finely polish the restoration.

Several patients choose bonding over silver fillings due to it looking more natural. The material can be match to your natural tooth color, but because the bonding material is more porous, smokers will see that it yellows.

If you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.