Category Archives: Restorative Dentistry

Perhaps You Should Consider Getting Veneers | Palm Beach Dentist

Why veneers? Because porcelain veneers can help improve many dental issues, ranging from brightening a discolored smile to repairing a cracked tooth. Porcelain veneers are thin custom-made shells of porcelain that are used to cover the front surface of one or more teeth. Here are some reasons one may consider getting porcelain veneers:

Severally stained or discolored teeth. Not everyone’s teeth responded to teeth whitening techniques. Sometimes staining can go through the enamel, staining the dentin and discoloring it. Teeth whitening techniques, such as bleaching may not be viable in these types of cases. In such cases, porcelain veneers are a great alternative.

Misshapen or worn teeth. Slightly misaligned teeth can be treated with porcelain veneers rather than with braces. Some orthodontic work can take years to improve misalignments, while veneers can improve one’s smile within a week or two. Veneers can even reduce the size of gaps and create a perfectly aligned smile.

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting. By practicing proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings, porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years.

Quick solution to enhance your smile. It can take as little as three visits to your dentist’s office to get a set of porcelain veneers, making them a quick and easy solution to obtaining a beautiful smile.

A pain-free procedure. Placing porcelain veneers is a simple dental procedure. Anesthetics are not required as the actual procedure doesn’t cause pain or any significant discomfort.

Life-changing investment. Last but very not least, porcelain veneers can completely change your life in the most positive way. Not only can they drastically improve a patient’s smile, but porcelain veneers can also improve one’s self-confidence.

If you’re interested in learning more about veneers, 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.

Crowds Are Not Exactly a Good Time | Palm Harbor Dentist

One of the joys that COVID brought to us was the loss of crowds. There is nothing worse than being smashed into a tiny area with loads of people. Your teeth feel the same way. But there are lots of reasons why your teeth would become crowded. It’s a common issue with a common fix.

One of the common causes of tooth crowding is natural occurrence – so called mesial drift phenomenon, where your front teeth drift slowly to the center of the mouth. In the past, some dentists believed this was caused by the presence of wisdom teeth, crowding the front teeth from the rear of the mouth, though in reality many of the problems are due to simple insufficient space for the number of teeth as adults grow. Beyond mesial drift, other potential causes – such as weakened support due to periodontal disease, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting – can also influence teeth to move in directions that are undesirable, leading to misalignment and crowding issues.

It may seem like a cosmetic issue, but poorly aligned teeth can lead to an increased risk for periodontal disease, decay, and the patient is more likely to suffer from TMJ (jaw-joint) problems, as their irregular bite may cause strain on their jaw over time. For these reasons, fixing your alignment is more than a cosmetic procedure – correcting the alignment allows the patient to have better access to brush and floss, and their bite will be more level.

If you notice crowding in your front teeth, make a point of asking your dentist about options in your next regular checkup. There are a number of treatments available and treating the crowding early can help prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowding, 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.

Reasons You May Need to Have Your Tooth Pulled | Palm Harbor Dentist

Having a toothache can be excruciating, no matter how it comes about. Not only can you have trouble eating, but the headaches that go hand-in-hand can drive a person insane. So, it’s off to the dentist for an assessment – it’s time to have a tooth extracted.

There are a few reasons why you would ever have to have your tooth pulled: Impaction, infection or decay. We are going to break down each reason and how your smile can be improved.

Impacted tooth. A tooth that is trapped beneath the gumline is known as an impacted tooth. A very common type of an impacted tooth is what we also call a wisdom tooth. Left untreated, these teeth can damage surrounding teeth and accelerate gum disease. Common symptoms: red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath and pain when chewing.

Infected tooth. When a tooth is infected, it becomes filled with pus and other debris, also known as an abscessed tooth. Left untreated, these teeth can lead to more serious infections throughout the body. Remember, our mouth is the first line of defense for our overall health. The importance of taking care of our dental health is of the utmost importance. Common symptoms: tooth sensitivity, fever, swelling around the infected area, bad breath or pain when chewing.

Tooth decay. Unfortunately, this is the final stage of a tooth’s life, because tooth decay is permanent and irreversible. The good thing is, the extracted tooth can be replaced by a crown, bridge or dental implant, depending on your situation. Because these teeth are brittle and have visible holes, they are also prone to infection. If you are having intense dental pain, don’t delay – make an appointment as soon as possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about tooth extractions, 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.

Snap on a New Smile! | Palm Harbor Dentist

Getting dental procedures done in order to improve your dental flaws is a big decision. When you are prepared to improve your smile, there are so many options available to you, depending on your specific case. Because while there are various processes to improve it, it really depends on how healthy your mouth is. Just one more reason to take very good care of your teeth with proper dental hygiene. Good bones build a sturdy house – and a beautiful smile.

Now, if your dentist claims that you are illegible for dental implants, it is not the end of the world. Thanks to advanced dental technology, patients can have the smile of their dreams with Snap on Smile. Snap on Smile is ideal for patients with missing or crooked teeth not eligible for implants, but also for those timid patients terribly afraid of drills and shots.

The Snap on appliance is made of very thin, but extremely strong, specialized resin that resists staining and can be used for years. The Snap on appliance simply snaps in and out over a patient’s natural teeth.

The process is quick and painless. Photos and impressions of your teeth are taken, then a smile design and color are chosen and in about two weeks the final product is delivered and “Snapped” into your mouth. Snap it in and wear it home. It’s that easy.

The process of having a Snap on Smile is simple yet highly effective, while being natural looking and completely affordable. So, don’t let money or you fear of the dentist keep you from achieving a rejuvenated smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about Snap on 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.

Steps You Can Do to Fix Your Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

We can all appreciate a perfect smile, but not all smiles are the same. Just as each face is different, so are our smiles. So, when something happens to our smile, we want to fix it as soon as possible. The great thing is that there are lots of things you and your dental professional can do to fix whatever your issue is, namely through dental implants, bridges and dentures. And while they are meant to fix the same types of issues, dental implants are the most naturally similar to our natural teeth.

Because dental implants are permanent fixtures of titanium posts anchored to your jawbone and topped off with an all-new replacement tooth or a bridge that’s screwed or cemented into the posts themselves, they feel and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants are not always the best choice, and that is where fixed bridges and removable dentures come into play. This is why treatment options are based a case-by-case basis. As a bonus, if maintained properly, they can last for as long as 25 years. This is a full ten years to the 7 to 15 years that fixed bridges and removable dentures can only last for until they need to be replaced.

Ideal candidates for dental implants are those with good general and oral health, as well as having enough bone in their jaw to help support the implant. Although, those who’ve lost bone in their jaws in the past do not have to worry as much as they can still have implants if they go through a bone-grafting procedure first.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Fix the Flaws with Dental Veneers | Palm Harbor Dentist

Obtaining the ‘perfect smile’ seems to be on the mind of a lot of patients nowadays. There are so many cosmetic procedures, how do you know which one is for you? To be fair, only a dental professional can tell you that. Not all patients are the same. But there is one option that is quite versatile for many dental issues – porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are fabricated from a solid piece of porcelain. They fit over the front and underside of your tooth covering the entire surface of visible tooth. Veneers can be fitted to lengthen or widen teeth to close gaps or fill in chips.

How can veneers help you? Veneers can enhance the color and or shape of your tooth or teeth. Veneers are capable of providing a natural tooth appearance, but outside of the cosmetic benefits, veneers do the following:

  • Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
  • Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains.
  • The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.
  • Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color and shape-veneers generally don’t require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to bonding.

Modern porcelain veneers tend to last many years, are easy to care for, provide a very natural appearance, and offer a stronger alternative to other cosmetic options. Veneers won’t erase pre-existing issues – therefore an exam is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. If you find that your smile could use the benefits of veneers, contact your dentist for an appointment today!

If you’re interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, 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.