The Blog of Dr. Firouzi Babak, D.D.S.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are similar to typical dental fillings. In the past, when a cavity was removed, the tooth was filled with amalgam or another metallic substance. This filling was visible and unsightly, often making people cover up their teeth and feel insecure about their smiles.

Now with porcelain inlays and onlays, no one will ever know your teeth have been treated. Some of the advantages of onlays and inlays include:

• Inlays and onlays preserve as much of your original tooth as possible.
• Inlays and onlays are made out of porcelain and designed to blend in with your teeth. No one looking at your teeth would ever know that they have been treated.
• Unlike fillings, porcelain inlays and onlays are stain resistant.
• Because the onlays and inlays are fitted perfectly onto your teeth, there is no difference cleaning a treated tooth than you would a normal tooth.
• Porcelain is a very sturdy material. Due to the perfect fitting of an onlay or inlay, a damaged tooth actually becomes reinforced and strengthened.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and want more information on porcelain inlays or onlays, please contact the Pittsburgh cosmetic dentistry office of Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Have you wanted that perfect smile, but neglected to get your teeth straightened due to a reluctance to wear braces? Now, there is an option for adults who want a perfect smile without the social issues that come with having braces. With an Invisalign treatment, you can have the smile of your dreams.

Invisalign Process

Invisalign is a series of teeth aligners that are clear and removable. Each aligner is custom designed to fit the unique aspects of your mouth. Every two weeks, you get a new aligner with slightly different calculations. Over a year's time, the different aligners gradually shift your teeth until you have a perfect smile.

Benefits of Invisalign

There are many benefits to Invisalign, both for oral health and cosmetic purposes. Some of the benefits include:

• You will begin to have an improved smile in a short amount of time
• Each aligner is custom made to meet the specific needs of your mouth
• Smooth edged aligners offer greater comfort
• Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so no one will know you are wearing them
• Aligner is removable, enabling you to eat whatever food you want

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on Invisalign, please contact experienced Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation appointment.

The average set of porcelain veneers lasts from five to ten years. By following these easy care procedures, you can expand the life of your veneers to beyond ten years:

• Treat your porcelain veneer just like any other tooth - Brush and floss regularly.
• Take extra care of your gums - If your gum line recedes, the porcelain veneer may become visible and ruin your perfect smile.
• Protect your veneer from sharp impacts and heavy forces - Porcelain veneers can be damaged from biting or chewing hard objects.
• Protect your porcelain veneer when playing sports - It is always a good idea to have mouth protection when playing sports where injury to your teeth could occur.
• Do not clench or grind your teeth - Clenching and grinding your teeth is a common way to chip or break porcelain veneers.
• Avoid staining liquids - While porcelain veneers are stain resistant, the cement used to bond the veneer to your tooth can stain. This may cause your tooth to have a stain around the edge of the veneer.

Maintaining proper care of your porcelain veneers is relatively easy and will ensure that you get the most from your investment.

If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and want more information on porcelain veneers, please contact experienced Pittsburgh cosmetic dentist Dr. Babak Firouzi at the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today to schedule a complimentary consultation appointment.