Category Archives: Veneers

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.

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.

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.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Halloween Edition | Palm Harbor Dentist

As parents, we want to give our children the world. Thankfully, we as parents have the good sense to restrict the things we know aren’t good for them. Things become a bit trickier when it comes to things like Halloween. Ghosts, goblins and gooey sweets is the name of the game on this scary holiday. It is tough to impose good health when you’re surrounded by treats. Depriving your child of everything that this scary holiday celebrates won’t score you any parenting points, so it’s important to keep a balance between having spooky fun and staying good health. Because not all candy is the same, why not just weed out the really bad ones? Here are the top four sweetest enemies:

Skittles. Skittles may want you to taste rainbows, but they are also letting you ruin your teeth’s enamel by combining sweet and sour for a pH level of 2.5, levels so high they can cause serious damage to your little one’s teeth.

Caramel. Not only does the sticky texture stick to your teeth’s surface and loves to get deep into the crevices, but it can also loosen dental fixtures, like braces or fillings, making it especially harmful for those with dental work.

Gummy Bears. Similar to caramels and other sticky candies, the gelatin used to make the gummy candy gummy, also sticks to the crevices of your teeth, making it difficult to remove.

Jolly Ranchers. Not only are they a hard candy that can damage teeth when bitten but sucking on hard candy isn’t a quick process, and the sugar wastes no time working their way into a tooth.

If you’re interested in learning more about Halloween candy, 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.

Why You Should Consider Getting Veneers | Palm Harbor Dentist

When it comes time to make improvements on your smile, there are loads of different treatment options you should consider. You will likely work with your dental professional to create an official treatment plan, but it is important to know that veneers can solve many dental issues one may have, but with a lot less fuss or pain.

If you are unaware of what veneers are, porcelain veneers are thin custom-made shells of porcelain that are used to cover the front surface of one or more teeth. And here’s a list of reasons they may be the ideal choice:

Severely discolored teeth. 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.

Misshapen or worn teeth. If your teeth are only slightly crooked, veneers may be the better choice over braces. They can take years to improve misalignments, while veneers can improve one’s smile within a week or two.

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

Smile enhancement. 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.

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

Game changer. Not only can they drastically improve a patient’s smile, porcelain veneers can improve one’s self-confidence.

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.

New Year, New Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

New Year, New Smile

It’s a new year, and everyone is all about getting this fresh start. Whether it be a change in habits or a total lifestyle overhaul, the new year signifies a brand-new start to things. But have you ever considered improving your dental health? Not only can you do this by simple dental hygiene changes, but you can also improve your smile with subtle cosmetic changes, like veneers.

So, what are veneers anyway? Fingernail-thin shells, veneers which are adhered to the front surface, solve a myriad of aesthetic problems with just one treatment. Here is a quick list of the top ten reasons:

Natural looking. Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look, luster, and feel of enamel.

Whiten. When adhered to the front surface of your teeth, veneers you’re your teeth look instantly whiter.

Straighten. Veneers offer a great alternative for patients with crooked teeth who do not want to endure the process of having their teeth straightened with dental braces.

Fix. Veneers can fill in and improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken.

Fill in gaps. Veneers can be customized to repair smiles with unsightly gaps.

Youthful. A whiter, brighter, more lustrous smile can immediately you’re your face a more youthful appearance.

Conservative. Unlike other cosmetic procedures that require removing a large portion of healthy, natural teeth, veneers can be applied with little alteration.

Protection. Once applied, the veneers also serve to provide a protective shield to the front surface of teeth.

Stain-resistant. Porcelain is stain-resistant, which will make your smile stay brighter and whiter longer.

Gum tissue friendly. Gum tissue is not irritated by porcelain.

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

When It’s Time for Veneers | Palm Harbor Dentist

Because we aren’t all lucky enough to have the perfect smile, it is really important to maintain a regular dental appointment schedule in order to ensure that your smile is not only healthy, but also visually pleasing. After all, a nice smile is worth showing off, so what happens when your smile is flawed? Try 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. But are veneers obvious? Veneers can enhance the color and or shape of your tooth or teeth and are capable of providing a natural tooth appearance. 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 any preexisting issues, so an exam is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. This is why it is important to keep up with your dental checkups. If you are unhappy with your smile and would like more information on porcelain veneers make an appointment today for more information.

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

What to Expect when You Need Veneers | Palm Harbor Dentist

One of the techniques dentists use to correct the appearance of teeth is veneers – thin, custom made shells that are placed on top of existing teeth, fixing discolorations, gaps, chips, and broken teeth. While veneers and bonding are cosmetic procedures used to treat similar problems, veneers may be a better alternative in cases where the patient wants to adjust the size or shape of the tooth.

A normal procedure typically requires multiple visits – on the first visit, the dentist will inspect the tooth (or teeth) to make sure the patient is a good candidate and verify that veneers will properly fix the problem at hand. During this first visit, the dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, so that the veneer surface rests even with the rest of the teeth. Once the enamel is removed, the dentist will make a detailed impression of the tooth and send the impression off to a laboratory for a custom veneer designed to fit the tooth precisely. The dental laboratory can make the veneer using either porcelain or resin – porcelain veneers are more natural, resin veneers requiring less enamel removal.

Once the veneer is created, the patient will return for a second visit to continue shaping the veneer before it is bonded to the tooth surface with permanent cement. In many cases, the patient will be asked to return in a few weeks to evaluate the gums and make sure the patient’s gums are reacting well to the new veneer surface.

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.

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