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It’s summertime and that means everyone wants a bright and healthy smile for photo ops and wedding toasts. But many teeth whitening solutions aren’t affordable and need to be refreshed every few months. That’s just not practical! If you’re looking for a hassle-free, long-lasting whitening solution, dental veneers may be the perfect choice for you. 

Skip the time-consuming visits to the dentist’s office and switch to using clip-on veneers. These whitening solutions are cost-effective, durable, and attractive. Here are five facts you need to know about dental veneers right now.

Continue reading “5 Facts About Veneers as Whitening Solutions”

For most people, snoring is an annoying habit that’s regarded as a nuisance but not viewed as a dangerous health risk. Other than a few complaints from a spouse or roommate, many people aren’t bothered by their snoring. But did you know that snoring negatively impacts your health if left untreated? For example, if snoring is a symptom of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), you may not be getting enough oxygen during sleep, and should see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment. 

Luckily, there are a variety of effective anti-snoring treatments to help curb nighttime disturbances. Ever wondered how anti-snoring devices work? Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for snoring. 

Continue reading “How an Anti-Snoring Device Works to Improve Your Life”

There’s no doubt that a bright, healthy smile is a confidence booster – removable veneers can help! Although many people aspire to have pearly white teeth, it’s common to deal with a variety of cosmetic dental issues that crop up over time. Stains and minor chips may not be medically concerning, but they can negatively impact self-esteem and lower confidence.  

Luckily, veneers are a fantastic cosmetic solution for individuals with discolored, crooked, or chipped teeth. Depending on your needs, budget, and time-frame, you might prefer either permanent or removable veneers.

Wondering how to get started? Here’s what you need to know about removable veneers.

What are Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, realistic-looking tooth replacement solutions, designed to fit over your existing teeth. Traditional veneers are permanently affixed to your teeth by a dental professional, and are an ideal option for long-term wear. Removable veneers are lightweight, snap on and off easily, and don’t require any dental alterations to install. Choosing the right veneers will depend on the nature of your cosmetic damage as well as your lifestyle and budget.

Who Should Get Veneers?

Dental veneers address a wide variety of cosmetic dental issues. They are a great option to cover cosmetic damage in the front area of the mouth.

People who might benefit from dental veneers include:

• People with surface stains due to diet and lifestyle habits.
• People with minor chips in their teeth.
• People with minor gaps in-between teeth.
• People with slightly crooked teeth.
• People with a missing tooth.

Remember, veneers do not treat underlying dental health concerns. If you have a dental health concern, please visit a dental health professional as soon as possible. Veneers are not suitable for individuals with:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Discoloration due to untreated trauma
• Significant cracks or chips
• Severely crooked teeth

What are Permanent Veneers?

Many dentists recommend permanent veneers as a long-term solution for patients with cosmetic damage. Permanent veneers are typically made from either porcelain or hard resin, making them durable and stain-resistant.

Permanent veneers are formed to contour natural teeth and require several trips to the dentist during installation. After filing down your existing teeth to create a viable surface on which to attach the veneer, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it out to the veneer manufacturer. This process permanently alters your natural teeth, so it’s only recommended for patients who are certain they want to move forward with veneers. Once your dentist receives the completed veneers from the supplier, the appliance is attached using special dental glue and a high-intensity light to form a strong bond to the surface of your teeth.

Pros

• Long Lasting – Permanent veneers are built to last for years, even decades. Although they require a bigger initial investment, you likely won’t have to get new ones any time soon.

• Low-fuss Maintenance – Permanent veneers can be cleaned just like natural teeth. Unlike removable varieties that require constant upkeep, permanent veneers are meant to withstand natural wear and tear.

Cons

• Price – Permanent veneers cost a pretty penny. According to WebMD, the average cost of a permanent veneer is between $1,000 and $2,000 per tooth. That means it’s easy to spend a lot of money very quickly, especially if you’re fixing more than one tooth at a time.

• Multiple Trips to the Dentist – The installation process is invasive and requires you to pay multiple trips to the dentist’s office in a relatively short period of time.
  
  
• Permanently Alters Teeth ­– Once you commit to permanent veneers, there’s no going back. Since your dentist has to file down your teeth to make room for the new coverings, you are committing to a life-long alteration.

What are Removable Veneers?

Removable veneers, or clip-on veneers, are snap on appliances that fit over your natural teeth. They are installed like a retainer, and clip onto the teeth for a secure and comfortable fit. Removable veneers are color matched to your smile, and are typically fabricated from a hard resin material.

Unlike permanent veneers, removable veneers don’t require any visits to the dentist’s office. They are available through a variety of online dental appliance manufacturers, which provide high-quality equipment at affordable prices. Removable veneers are made using a mold of your teeth to gauge the exact dimensions of the appliance so it matches your smile seamlessly.

Removable veneers are convenient and easy to wear, but do require diligent and consistent maintenance to keep them clean. For the brightest and healthiest smile, removable veneers should be brushed at least once a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture-quality toothpaste. This will prevent any bacterial buildup from accumulating on the appliance, and will protect your teeth from decay. With proper care, removable veneers will last for a few years and still look as good as new.

Pros

• Lower cost – Removable veneers are a much more affordable option for individuals on a tight budget. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on permanent veneers, you can get high-quality removable veneers for a few hundred dollars.
  
  
• Don’t Require Dental Alterations – Removable veneers snap over your natural teeth like a mouthguard, and don’t require any permanent alterations or visits to the dentist’s office. This saves you time, discomfort, and money.
  
  
• Fast Results – Since removable veneers don’t require any invasive procedures, they’re ready to wear much sooner than permanent veneers. If you’re looking for fast results, removable veneers are probably the best solution.
  
  

 Cons

• Daily Cleaning – Removable veneers require daily maintenance to keep them clean, and keep your mouth healthy. Although brushing your appliance shouldn’t be too time consuming, it’s an important additional component of your oral care routine and shouldn’t be overlooked.
  
  
• Not Compatible with All Foods and Beverages – Similarly to dentures or retainers, you need to be careful about the foods you eat while wearing your removable veneers. Hard candies, sticky foods, and hot liquids can dislodge or alter removable veneers. Check with the manufacturer for guidance about dining while wearing your veneers.

Removable Veneers Made Easy

Interested in transforming your smile without breaking the bank? Dental Lab Direct’s removable veneers are a high-quality solution for most minor cosmetic damage. Our Clip-On Smile is easy to install, comfortable for all day wear, and suitable to wear while eating and drinking. The Clip-On Smile is made with FDA approved materials, so you never need to worry about safety while wearing your appliance.

Ordering your Clip-On Smile from Dental Lab Direct is as simple as one, two, three! Our three-step ordering process is intuitive and user-friendly. Step one: go to our website and order an impression kit in the mail to be delivered to your address of choice. Step two: once you receive the impression kit in the mail, complete the impressions of your teeth following our simple instructions. This should only take about 10-12 minutes! Step three: mail the impression kit back to us using the included prepaid postage label. Once we receive your completed impression kit, your new Clip-On Smile will be delivered in 2-3 weeks. Didn’t get the right fit? Dental Lab Direct offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can make sure your appliance is the perfect fit for your smile.

It’s time to invest in your self-confidence. Get in touch with us today to get started!

Looking for a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement solution? Flexible dentures are a fantastic option for patients searching for comfortable, customizable dental appliances. Specifically manufactured to fit your mouth, flexible dentures fill the gaps in your smile and fit snugly around existing teeth for a seamless appearance.

But what are flexible dentures made of? Is it safe?

While most flexible dentures are completely safe to use, it’s prudent to be cautious about the hardware you put in your mouth. Plus, not all flexible dentures are made with the same health and safety standards. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Continue reading “What are Flexible Dentures Made Of?”

For many patients experiencing tooth loss, dental implants are a practical and long-term solution, but alternatives are available. Implants are made to last a lifetime, and once they are installed, they don’t require additional care or cleaning aside from daily dental hygiene. Implants are preferred by many patients since they are attractive, unobtrusive, and sturdy.

Unfortunately, implants can be prohibitively expensive and require a long installation process. In fact, according to Dentaly.org, “teeth implants in the US cost $3,500 – $4,000 on average per tooth (including the abutment and crown).” It’s no wonder that patients are searching for affordable alternatives to replace missing teeth.

Luckily, there are several low-cost options that provide stable, attractive tooth replacement solutions. Here’s what you need to know about low-cost dental implant alternatives.

What are Dental Implants and Why are they So Popular?

Dental implants are tooth replacement solutions that are permanently installed in your mouth. Dental implants require a highly invasive initial procedure, but provide life-long results once installed.

What Does the Installation Procedure Entail?

The dental implant process starts by scheduling a consultation with your dentist or prosthodontist. Once you come up with a treatment plan and timeline, you’ll set a date for your initial implant surgery. During this primary procedure, your dentist will secure a titanium screw into your jaw bone. The titanium screw serves as the “root” of the new tooth. Once your mouth has healed from the initial procedure (typically after 6 months), you’ll return to have an abutment placed on the implant and casts taken for your crown. Once the crown is finished it will be attached to the abutment. When all is said and done, the implant journey might take up to a year.

Why Do People Choose Implants?

Although dental implants are expensive and invasive, there are still reasons why patients prefer this tooth replacement method.

• Dental implants are long-lasting.
• Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
• Dental implants allow you to eat and talk normally.
• Dental implants prevent bone loss.

What are Dental Implant Alternatives?

Despite their benefits, dental implants aren’t for everyone. Whether you need a long-term solution that works for your budget, or an interim solution during your implant procedure, there are several tooth replacement methods available.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a semi-permanent tooth replacement solution designed to work with existing teeth to fill the gaps in your smile. Bridges literally span (or bridge) the gap between teeth with a natural looking crown, and attach to neighboring teeth on either side for stability.

Materials: Bridges are usually made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Patients can opt for either fixed or removable bridges depending on their budget and preferences.

Cost: According to Dentaly.org, “dental bridge costs are on average $500 to $1,500 for a traditional fixed crown and bridge and as much as $2,300 for a bonded bridge.” While they are still expensive, they are a more affordable alternative to implants.

Lifespan and Care: Bridges typically last between 5-10 years if well cared for. Although they are long-lasting, dental bridges are tricky to clean. Since they are fixed in place instead of removable, it’s might be difficult to floss in between the bridge and neighboring teeth. Some patients use special thread-able dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas. Taking care of your dental appliance is crucial for longevity and overall tooth and gum health.

Cons: Dental bridges are an unrealistic option for some patients since they rely on healthy neighboring teeth. In order to install a fixed bridge, your dentist will need to file down the neighboring teeth to attach the appliance. Since this requires a tooth-altering procedure, it isn’t a realistic option for individuals with other dental issues.

Full Dentures

If you need to replace an entire set of teeth, full dentures are an attractive and functional replacement option. Full dentures adhere to your gumline by forming a natural seal and are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Materials: Full dentures are typically made from acrylic or porcelain, and fit snugly along the gum line for a naturalistic appearance. Nowadays, dentures are highly customizable, and can be specifically color-matched to blend with your gums and teeth.

Costs: Dentaly.org advises that “for a good quality but affordable custom-made set of dentures, you can expect to pay $800 – $1,500 for a full arch.”

Lifespan and Care: Full dentures can last 5 to 10 years with proper care. Although dentures are a less expensive alternative, they do require extra daily care. Dentures should be cleaned at least once a day using a denture-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, dentures need to be soaked daily in denture solution to remove excess bacteria and maintain their functionality.

Cons: If not properly fitted, dentures might feel bulky or awkward in the mouth. Since they aren’t secured to existing teeth, they may become loose or dislodged after extended use. Full dentures don’t prevent bone loss.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an excellent solution for patients who are missing one or more teeth in different areas of the mouth. Partial dentures are custom made to fit around your natural teeth, and are held in place with thin plastic or metal clasps that attach to natural teeth.

Materials: Partial dentures are made from flexible nylon thermoplastic and fill the gaps in your smile with color-matched replacement teeth. Nylon thermoplastic is a hypoallergenic material, which makes flexible partial dentures a smart option for individuals with allergies to acrylic or various metals. Partial dentures are typically a comfortable tooth replacement option, since they are thin and flexible, allowing them curve to fit existing teeth. They are also a popular option as an interim treatment during the implant process.

Costs: Flexible partial dentures cost anywhere between $400-$700 depending on the specifications.

Lifespan and Care: Partial dentures last between 5-10 years. They should be cleaned using a denture-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, and soaked in denture solution to remove excess bacteria.

Cons: Since they are so lightweight, partial dentures aren’t as long-lasting as other alternatives and may need to be replaced more frequently. Additionally, partial dentures don’t prevent bone loss.

What Happens If I Do Nothing?

No matter what tooth replacement method you use, it’s best to seek treatment for missing teeth. Doing nothing to address missing teeth may result in soreness in surrounding teeth or gums, and may lead to increased risk of infection. Additionally, without the support of a healthy tooth, you may experience bone loss in the jaw, resulting in an altered facial shape.

Dental Implant Alternatives Through Dental Lab Direct

Nowadays, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to find an effective tooth replacement solution. At Dental Lab Direct we offer high-quality dental appliances delivered directly to your door. Dental Lab Direct’s appliances are all made from FDA-approved materials, and are customized to fit your unique needs.

Ordering from Dental Lab Direct is easy with our three-step ordering process. To get started, head to our website and order a tooth impression kit to be delivered to your address. Once you receive the impression kit, it should take around 10 minutes to complete when following our user-friendly instructions. Finally, send the kit back to us using the pre-paid shipping label, and you can expect your custom dental appliance in 2-3 weeks.

Contact us today to get started!

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about dentures that simply are not true. Tooth loss is, in fact, a much more common issue than you might think. According to the American College of Prosthodontics, “more than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.” For anyone struggling with tooth-loss, there’s no doubt that dentures are a common and effective tooth replacement method. Nearly “90 percent of those who suffer from edentulism have dentures.” Dentures are a fantastic solution for most patients regardless of social, economic, or age-related factors.

Since denture-use is so widespread, myths and misconceptions are bound to crop up. We’re here to help myth-bust nine of the most common misconceptions about dentures.

Continue reading “9 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dentures”

Clip-on veneers are a quick and cost-friendly way to improve your smile. For many patients, smile brightening treatments like permanent veneers, professional bleaching, and orthodontal care can be prohibitively expensive. Clip-on veneers offer quick results without a costly visit to the dentist’s office.

Although clip-on veneers are an effective solution for many, they may not be the right choice for everyone’s specific dental needs. Wondering if clip-on veneers are right for you? Here’s what you need to know.

Continue reading “Are Clip-On Veneers Worth It?”

Retainers are orthodontic appliances fitted to keep your teeth in place after orthodontic treatments. In general, patients are required to wear retainers overnight, although some patients have permanent retainers or wear their retainers during the day as well.

Since they are worn for long stretches of time, many patients wonder if their retainers end up causing cavities. Our answer: well-cared-for retainers do not cause cavities. However, just like your natural teeth, if retainers are dirty and rarely get cleaned they are more likely to trap cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Here’s how to keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free while wearing a retainer.

Continue reading “Do Retainers Cause Cavities?”

For individuals who are missing one or more teeth, partial dentures are an affordable, comfortable, and aesthetically appealing tooth replacement option. Partial dentures are designed to fill the gaps in your smile and help you regain confidence by prioritizing your oral health. Dentures not only address aesthetic issues from missing teeth, they stabilize remaining teeth, prevent gums from becoming infected, and prevent bone loss.

In most cases, there are two primary types of partial dentures to choose from: metal partial dentures and flexible partial dentures. Depending on factors like comfort, budget, and maintenance requirements, you may prefer one variety of denture over the other.

Here’s our guide on how to choose the right dentures for your lifestyle.

Continue reading “Metal Partial vs. Metal Free Partial Dentures: What You Need to Know”