What Are the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Dental Crowns?

Do you need to get crowns for damaged or worn teeth? Porcelain crowns are among the different types to consider. Our dentists in Rockville, MD, at Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can go over the following pros and cons of these crowns in more detail to help you determine if they’re the best choice for your teeth.

Pros of Porcelain Crowns

Natural Appearance for Visual Appeal

One of the biggest benefits of these crowns is that porcelain is a tooth-colored material that resembles natural teeth, making it a good choice for enhancing smiles.

Ideal for Front Teeth

Porcelain’s aesthetic appeal makes it suitable for restoring visible teeth, such as your front teeth. With porcelain crowns, you can look forward to having a winning smile.

Biocompatible Crown Material

Porcelain dental crowns in Rockville, MD, are generally a safe choice for patients who have any kind of allergy or sensitivity to other crown materials, like metal.

Cons of Porcelain Crowns

Not as Durable as Other Materials

Porcelain does have durability and strength, but it’s not as hardy as metal and other materials. It’s more prone to chipping or sustaining other types of damage.

More Tooth Preparation Needed

Crowns, in general, require us to remove some enamel to make way for them. But porcelain crowns involve more enamel removal than other materials.

Not a Good Option for Back Teeth

Porcelain dental crowns aren’t ideal for restoring molars or other back teeth. They’re not strong enough to withstand the force of chewing.

Visit Our Dentists for Dental Crowns

Not sure which crown type is best for your teeth? Our dental team at Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help you choose the right dental crowns in Rockville, MD, based on tooth location, budget, and other factors.

What Are the Best Ways to Take Good Care of Dental Veneers?

Getting dental veneers can give you a smile that you can’t wait to show off. These thin shells that cover the front of your teeth can instantly boost your smile, but it’s important to maintain them for long-lasting results. Our dentists in Rockville, MD, at Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provide the following guidance on caring for dental veneers.

Brush and Floss Every Day

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a gentle toothpaste to clean your veneers twice a day. Floss between them to prevent bacteria and decay.

Rinse With Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Using this kind of mouthwash helps clear away debris that can build up or stain your veneers, while also freshening your breath.

Avoid Biting Hard Items

Don’t gnaw on your nails or other objects that aren’t food, since this can cause veneers to come loose or crack.

Eat Tougher Foods With Care

After you get dental veneers in Rockville, MD, we recommend chewing harder or tougher foods with your back teeth to prevent damage.

Wear a Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding or Sports

If you grind your teeth while sleeping or play sports, a mouthguard can keep your veneers and natural teeth safe from damage.

Avoid or Limit Foods and Beverages That Stain

Berries, coffee, and other foods and drinks can discolor your dental veneers, marring their flawless appearance.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

Coming in for routine visits allows us to clean and check your dental veneers for any damage.

Visit Our Dentist for Veneers!

Do you want to make tooth flaws go away for a better smile? At Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer dental veneers in Rockville, MD, for concealing imperfections that can affect your appearance, raising your self-confidence and quality of life!

Have Questions About Nitrous Oxide? We Have Answers!

Nitrous oxide is a form of sedation that dentists provide to patients to help them have a successful, low-stress dental appointment. If you’ve heard about nitrous oxide, you might have questions about how nitrous oxide works. Your dentist in Rockville, MD, can help answer your questions. In this article, you’ll learn what nitrous oxide is and who benefits from nitrous oxide.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a form of sedation dental professionals administer to patients during dental appointments. Nitrous oxide can help patients feel calm and even euphoric during dental appointments. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It is administered to patients through a mask that they wear during their dental appointments.

What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?

There are many benefits of nitrous oxide:

  • Fast-acting: Nitrous oxide starts working almost as soon as it is breathed in.
  • Wears off quickly: After the dental professional turns off the flow of nitrous oxide, you’ll feel normal almost immediately.
  • Helps patients stay comfortable: Nitrous oxide helps patients remain comfortable throughout their dental appointment.

Who Needs Nitrous Oxide?

Dentists often recommend nitrous oxide for patients who have dental anxiety. Many patients who have dental anxiety avoid seeing the dentist. These patients go too long between dental appointments due to their fear of the dentist. Nitrous oxide can make dental appointments easier and less stressful, which makes it easier for patients to make and keep their appointments.

Nitrous oxide is also recommended for people who have a strong gag reflex, and for patients who are about to undergo an uncomfortable dental appointment.

Do you think that nitrous oxide sedation in Rockville, MD, is a good option for you? Talk to your dentist today.

3 Common Dental Problems For Children

Don’t wait for your older child to get a toothache before visiting the dentist. Children should have their first dental visit no later than the age of one, when their first tooth erupts, or earlier if there may be a potential tooth or gum problem.

1. Tongue-tie or Lip-tie

These are two congenital conditions that may go unnoticed without the help of your pediatric dentist in Rockville, MD. Tongue-tie is when the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, and restricts range of motion. Lip-tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper gums is restrictive. Both can potentially cause problems with breastfeeding, speaking impairments, eating problems and dental alignment issues.

2. Baby Teeth Decay

Many parents are surprised to learn that baby teeth can decay before they even erupt from the gums. Typically, this is at least partially caused by an excess of sugary drinks, such as apple juice. An early visit to your child’s dentist will include helpful tips and advice to help you to avoid the need to extract decayed baby teeth. And, if problems have already developed, your family dentist will offer effective solutions that support your child’s future dental health.

3. Alignment Issues

Alignment problems with children’s teeth are often caused by thumb sucking and/or the use of pacifiers. While pacifiers serve a valuable purpose for parents, their prolonged use can cause teeth to grow in crooked. Unfortunately, thumb sucking can do the same thing. Your family dentist in Rockville, MD has helpful ideas to help your child break the pacifier habit. We can also identify potential alignment issues before they become expensive orthodontic problems later on.

Your Rockville, MD, dentist is here for your whole family, including your children. Contact us now for a child-friendly dentist visit!