Is Biting Your Lip Bad For You?

Posted by & filed under General Dental Articles, oral health.

biting lipWhen we accidentally bite our lip, the pain that follows can be concerning. The zing of pain, and maybe even some blood, can certainly cause us to think that we may have just done some serious damage. But is lip-biting actually bad for you? Let’s check in with your dentist in Asheboro to see just how big of a deal biting our lip (or cheek or tongue!) is. 

Biting Is Bad — Sometimes
The truth is, there are really two answers to whether biting the soft tissues in our mouths is bad for us. On one hand, occasional bites typically heal on their own and usually aren’t something to worry over. On the other hand, when biting becomes a habit or you find yourself accidentally biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue a lot, it can cause inflammation, swelling, and sores. These sores can become infected if not treated or if they’re constantly being reopened by more biting. 

Why Do We Bite? 
We’ve all experienced those accidental bites we talked about above while chewing or perhaps during a big sneeze. While these one-off biting incidents sure can hurt, even for a few days, they’re often not something to be concerned about. 

However, when the accidental bites happen often, you should see your dentist in Asheboro. Those who tend to bite their lips, cheeks, or tongue a lot while they’re eating or even talking may have something known as malocclusion or a bad bite. A bad bite means that our top teeth don’t line up well with our bottom teeth, and that makes it really easy for a piece of the tongue, lip, or cheek to get stuck in between them (ouch!). Additionally, malocclusion can lead to its own set of problems like headaches, jaw pain, TMJ (temporomandibular disorder), and shifting teeth. 

There are also cases where people habitually bite their lips, cheeks, or tongue. Usually, this is a response to high-stress situations or even when they’re concentrating. Constant biting on the tissues, whether caused by psychological or physical factors, should be stopped before it leads to sores or painful swelling. 

How To Stop
Depending on what’s causing you to bite in the first place, there are things you can do to help yourself stop. 

  • If biting is caused by stress… If you’re one of the people who constantly chew on your lips, cheeks, or tongue, it can be difficult to stop. However, if you’re able to recognize when you bite, you can work to consciously stop. There are also times when a type of behavior therapy can help break the habit. 
  • If biting is caused by a bad bite… Those who don’t purposely bite but find themselves accidentally nipping their lips, cheek, or tongue often can benefit from a trip to their Asheboro dentist. The best way to prevent additional problems is to seek dental help to determine if a bad bite is to blame. Your dental team can help you find the best treatment for your individual case so you can stop biting.

Can Certain Foods Whiten Teeth?

Posted by & filed under Cosmetic Dentistry.

fruitGetting whiter teeth is one of the most popular things people want for their smiles, and your dentist in Asheboro doesn’t blame them. Whiter teeth are often viewed as more attractive and make you appear healthier and more approachable than dull, discolored teeth. While we all know that there are tons of foods out there that can cause our teeth to be less than our ideal shade of white, we want to talk about certain foods that we can eat that can actually help brighten our teeth.

Apples
Raw apples may help remove surface stains from our teeth thanks to their crunchy consistency. Their texture helps gently scrub teeth as we chew, effectively rubbing away minor stains. Apples also contain an enzyme called malic acid which has been linked to increased saliva production, which can also aid in rinsing away stains.

Pineapple
Another fruit that can diminish the appearance of tooth staining is pineapple. Pineapple is naturally packed with bromelain — a natural anti-inflammatory and cleansing agent. This stuff is good at cleaning that a recent study by the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that it can safely and effectively remove tooth stains.

Cheese
Cheese and other dairy products such as yogurt and milk are loaded with lactic acid, calcium, and vitamin D. This powerhouse trio fights off decay as well as strengthens tooth enamel. Tough and healthy enamel can actually help teeth have a whiter appearance, and conversely, if enamel wears away, teeth can appear dark or discolored. What’s more, is that hard cheeses can act as a gentle scrubber and rub off stains.

Broccoli
Speaking of healthy enamel, broccoli is another food that can protect enamel and help to keep teeth looking white, thanks to its iron content. In fact, research done by the European Journal of Dentistry claims that the iron in broccoli essentially blocks acid from attacking and wearing away tooth enamel. Broccoli, in its raw form, is also great for scrubbing surface stains.

Water
One of the best things you can do for your teeth and your whole body is to drink plenty of water, especially after eating. Water not only helps neutralize the acid that can attack enamel, but it also helps rinse away food particles and sugars that may be leftover from lunch. If these particles aren’t removed quickly, they can lead to decay and cavities, and, in turn, discoloration of your teeth.

While these foods can help protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bacteria and acid, and they can help whiten your teeth, they may not transform your look dramatically. If tooth stains are deep, you should talk with your dentist in Asheboro about the best way to whiten your smile. Your dental team may recommend a professional whitening treatment, or perhaps cosmetic dentistry such as veneers.

Why Crooked Teeth Are Worrisome

Posted by & filed under Cosmetic Dentistry, oral health, TMJ Treatment.

smiling girl with crooked teethMany people, both children, and adults alike, have crooked teeth. Occasionally, crooked teeth can contribute to poor self-esteem and loss of confidence. But even if crooked teeth don’t bother someone mentally, your dentist in Asheboro may still be worried. The truth is, crooked teeth can lead to some oral health (and overall health) complications, some of which can be serious.

Health Problems Caused by Crooked Teeth

  • Gum Disease – Straight teeth are often healthier teeth because they’re easier to take care of. When teeth aren’t straight or overlap, they can be very difficult to clean thoroughly and properly. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can cause a whole host of oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease. If not treated, gum disease can progress into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and damaged bone. 
  • Jaw Pain & Chipped Teeth – Those with crooked teeth may also be at greater risk for damaging their teeth because crooked teeth often cause too much wear and tear on teeth. What’s more, is that this increased wear and tear can also put unnecessary stress on the jaw joint, which can lead to jaw pain or even TMJ/TMD.  
  • Sleep Apnea – Crooked teeth don’t only contribute to problems with oral health, but overall health, too. One of the lesser-known side effects of crooked or overlapping teeth is sleep apnea. Oftentimes patients with a small jaw also have overcrowded teeth, and this combination can make it hard to breathe. When the jaw is too narrow we tend to push our tongues into our teeth or rest the tongue in an unnatural place, which can put unnecessary pressure on teeth and cause them to shift. This lack of tongue space can also cause the tongue to fall back and cover the throat while sleeping, thus causing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that can cause people to stop breathing several times a night and increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

The Problem with a Bad Bite

Many times, the solution to overcoming a crooked smile is some sort of orthodontic treatment. But there are times when a visually straight smile can also benefit from orthodontics. You see, if someone’s teeth appear straight, they can still have an underlying problem of a bad bite, also known as malocclusion. If not treated, a bad bite could be painful and contribute to long-term complications. Such as: 

  • Increased risk for chipped teeth
  • Speech impairment in kids
  • Severe headaches
  • Damage to tooth enamel

Your dentist in Asheboro can help determine if you have a bad bite even if you have straight teeth and recommend the best treatment. 

Causes of Crooked Teeth

There’s no one, concrete thing that causes crooked teeth. In fact, there are many causes of crooked teeth, some of which may be unavoidable. Crooked teeth can be caused by: 

  • Poor habits as a child such as thumb sucking
  • Early tooth loss before an adult tooth is ready to erupt
  • A small jaw
  • Facial injury
  • Genetics
  • Mouth breathing
  • Incorrect tongue posture 

If you’re curious about whether your teeth could benefit from some form of orthodontia, we encourage you to call your Asheboro dentist to schedule a consultation to talk about your concerns and options.

The Great American Smokeout & Your Oral Health

Posted by & filed under Gum Disease, Oral Cancer Prevention, oral health, Prevention.

time to quit smokingEvery November, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout to encourage smokers to quit. As we all know, smoking can lead to serious health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Your dentist in Asheboro also wants you to know that smoking can have a negative effect on your oral health, too. Let’s take a look at some of the ways smoking can cause problems in your mouth. 

Oral Cancer

One of the most serious ways smoking can affect your oral health is by increasing your risk of developing oral cancer. While oral cancer doesn’t only occur in smokers, smoking does greatly increase the chances. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers. Like any cancer, oral cancer can be deadly if not caught and treated quickly and appropriately. This is one reason why seeing your Asheboro dentist at least twice a year is so important. Your dental team will check for signs of oral cancer at every appointment so if something suspicious does show up, you’d catch it early and when treatment is often more successful. 

Gum Disease

Another serious oral health problem that oftentimes goes hand-in-hand with smoking is gum disease. Gum disease can affect anyone but smokers are 50% more likely to get it than non-smokers. It’s a serious oral health problem that can lead to tooth loss and even other health are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Bad Breath & Discolored Teeth

Smokers often have a clear giveaway that they smoke — their breath. Smokers’ breath isn’t something that goes away easily and it can linger around for quite a while. Bad breath may seem like no big deal but it can affect relationships and health. What’s more, the ingredients in cigarettes (such as tar and nicotine) can easily stick to any plaque that may be on your teeth, gums, or tongue. When too much of these sticky substances are introduced to the mouth, they can actually change the color of your teeth into a dull, dingy yellow. These stains are also tough to remove and sometimes even professional tooth whitening isn’t enough to get rid of them. 

Dry Mouth

Smokers may experience the discomfort of dry mouth more often than non-smokers. While dry mouth may seem like simply an annoyance, the truth is, it’s actually pretty bad for oral health. In order to stay healthy, your mouth needs to produce enough saliva to rinse away bacteria and neutralize acids that would otherwise lead to decay and cavities. But when the mouth is dry there isn’t enough saliva to do its job correctly, leaving your teeth exposed to all of the dangerous bacteria and plaque acid.  

As you can see, the risks of smoking go well beyond the commonly known risks and can certainly take its toll on oral health. But there’s hope. Your dentist in Asheboro wants to encourage all smokers to pick a quit date and work towards a smoke-free life. We understand quitting smoking can be very difficult, and it may take a few tries to finally kick it. Don’t give up. Quitting smoking now can save your smile and your life. 

Things To Do To Prevent the Flu

Posted by & filed under General Dental Articles, oral health, Prevention.

woman with the fluEvery year millions of Americans get knocked down by the flu and suffer the miserable sniffles, annoying coughs, and unbearable body aches. Flu season usually runs from about October through February, but this year, your dentist in Asheboro is here to provide you with some things you can do to help prevent the flu from affecting you and your family. 

Please, Wash Your Hands

Even though you should be doing this regularly anyway, washing your hands multiple times a day becomes even more important throughout the flu season. Your Asheboro dentist recommends lathering up with warm, soapy water after using the restroom, eating meals or snacks, or touching people or public spaces. It can work wonders in keeping germs off of your hands and out of your body. If soap and water aren’t readily available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. 

Don’t Touch Your Face

Even if you wash your hands religiously, there’s no way you can keep them germ-free every second of the day. Germs are easily transferred from your hands to your face, and sometimes that’s all it takes to get sick. In fact, the CDC states that one of the most common ways germs are spread is by touching a contaminated surface, then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. These body parts have mucus that can easily transport germs into the body and make you sick. 

Clean Well, Clean Often

Germs can live on surfaces for longer than we may think. They can then be easily transferred to your hands and body. To help reduce this risk, make sure you’re cleaning your home and work area often. Pay attention to things that are touched a lot, such as doorknobs, faucets, toilet handles, keyboards, and even remote controls. 

Drink Water — A Lot of Water

Water is an important part of what helps our bodies function optimally, and a well-hydrated body can better fight off germs to keep you healthy. At a minimum, drink the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. 

Pay Attention to Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush can be home to a lot of germs and bacteria. But properly caring for it can remove these germs and keep your teeth and body healthy. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use and store it upright with the bristles at the top. Allow your toothbrush to air dry and avoid capping the bristles. When a toothbrush is covered while wet, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish. Don’t allow family members’ toothbrushes to touch and never share toothbrushes. 

While there’s no guaranteed way to fully avoid getting the flu, these tips can help reduce the risk. However, if you do happen to get sick, our Asheboro dental office encourages you to use sugar-free medicines to help alleviate your symptoms and protect your teeth. Lastly, if you do get sick, make sure to replace your toothbrush once your symptoms settle.  

National Dental Hygiene Month is Here!

Posted by & filed under Dental Hygiene, General Dental Articles, oral health, Prevention.

hygienist in foregroundThere’s a lot to be thankful for as we move into this part of 2019, but October is also a time when the entire nation comes together to observe National Dental Hygiene Month. This is a special part of the year when you, along with your dentist is Asheboro, can take some time out to talk about all of the wonderful things dental hygienists bring to dentistry. 

Without further ado, let’s give dental hygienists everywhere the respect they deserve for a job well done in dental offices across America. Let’s learn a little more about what they do and how you can even help make their life a little easier when you come in for your regular cleanings.

A Little Hygiene History

According to Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine, a new type of dental “nurse” began to help with teeth cleanings to prevent decay and disease dating all the way back to the 1880s. Dr. Albert C. Fones trained his assistant Irene Newman to act as an apprentice. Her early duties mainly involved scaling and polishing teeth, much like modern hygienists. Fones could not wrap his head around the term “dental nurse,” so he started calling his students dental hygienists instead. A whole new, exciting, and vital part of the dental field was born. (What would we do without them?)

National Dental Hygiene Month first started being recognized in October back in 2009 courtesy of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and Wrigley gum. Together, both organizations saw the need for more Americans to put a heavier emphasis on keeping their teeth healthy.

This year, there’s even more to celebrate as the ADHA is partnering with Walgreens and LISTERINE® to promote further the benefits of good oral health and the incredible, life-changing work done by dental hygienists across the nation. There’s even a new, #DoTheSwish campaign happening at participating stores where you can snap a selfie with specially-marked LISTERINE® mouthwash displays for a chance to win some sweet prizes!

How Can I Observe National Dental Hygiene Month?

The best way to show your dental hygienist some love is to come into our Asheboro dental office for a cleaning. While you’re there, be sure to share how much you appreciate the kind of care your hygienist provides for your smile. 

When you’re at home, you can do these things to help maintain all of the hard work dental hygienists and dentists do to keep your teeth healthy.

1) Brush Twice a Day

Remember, the golden rule to brushing is doing it twice a day for two minutes. Make sure you’re using a soft brush where the bristles are free from wear and tear. Regular brushing is going to keep bad breath away, help keep teeth free from decay, and make your dental hygienist’s day the next time your due for a cleaning. 

2) Floss Once a Day

As funny as it seems, flossing made headlines a while back when there was a debate about whether or not it’s necessary. Your Asheboro dentist (and dental hygienist) will tell you that it’s OK to floss every day. Flossing can reach up to 30 percent more of your tooth surfaces where brushing can’t reach. You’ll be able to get rid of nasty food particles that can lead to decay and disease down the road.

3) Rinse Your Mouth

Mouthwash is a great way to seal the deal on your at-home oral health routine so that you know your teeth are protected and healthy. It also helps to keep your breath fresh. Aim to make rinsing with mouthwash something you do each day after you finish flossing and brushing. An excellent antimicrobial rinse can work wonders for your mouth and breath!

We hope you learned a little something about dental hygienists and what they do. We also hope you reach out to us either by phone or online to learn more about taking care of your smile. If you’re scheduled to see your dental hygienist this month for a cleaning, share a big smile and thank you with them for all that they do for you!

You CAN Relax at the Dentist! (We’ll Show You How)

Posted by & filed under Dental Hygiene, General Dental Articles, oral health, Prevention.

young woman in dental chairNothing gives some people more dread in their stomach than knowing they need to see their dentist in Asheboro soon. It doesn’t matter if it’s a regular visit and cleaning or a first-time appointment to establish care, there’s a good chance you or someone you know feels anxiety no matter what the reason is for the appointment.

You should know that if you or someone in your family struggles with a fear of seeing the dentist, you’re not alone. The Cleveland Clinic estimates between 9 and 15 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear or anxiety. 

There’s a solution for everything, including your apprehension about seeing the dentist. Here are a few ways to get you started with having a healthier smile. We promise that following these simple steps will help you feel more relaxed and at ease about dental treatment.

Step #1: Just Talk to Us

All you have to do is give our Asheboro dental office a call. Let us know what you’re feeling and what you’d like to do about your smile. It’s just that easy. If you’re not ready to talk just yet, why not send us an email or message online? All we want to do is start a conversation with you, at your own pace and always without pressure or obligation. 

By communicating with us, your stress levels should lower because you’re learning more about what to expect during your appointment, and we get to know you and your needs. Trust us when we say we see patients every day who are not too excited about having to sit in the dental chair, even for as something as routine as a cleaning. We have the right tools and training to make sure you’re always feeling comfortable and at ease.

Remember, starting with the first phone call if you’re a new patient, share your questions and concerns with our dental team. We can adapt to fit your needs and your schedule, to make seeing the dentist an experience that’s stress-free (and maybe even a little fun).

Step #2 – Learn to Breathe Easy

We know the last thing you want to hear when you’re experiencing high anxiety is to “just breathe.” But focusing on your breathing is very effective at lowering your stress levels and blood pressure, helping you to feel more at ease.

There’s even a handy little trick you can use to help you remember to focus on your breath and relax, instead of dreading your time with the dentist. It’s known as the 4-7-8 breathing technique or “relaxing breath.” Try breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Some people say doing this deep, rhythmic breathing can even help them fall asleep in as little as one minute.

Step #3 – Keep Coming Back to Avoid Us

Now that you know how to get comfortable before seeing the dentist, you can prepare for any visit. And remember this: it may seem a bit strange, but the best way to avoid the dentist is to see your dentist regularly. If you can overcome your anxiety and get through regular, routine checkups and cleanings, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to avoid more extensive, time-consuming procedures in the future.

We hope this blog helps you feel better about reaching out to our dental office in Asheboro. Our team is gentle, caring, and understanding of what it feels like to worry about seeing the dentist. We’ve got you covered to ensure you’re free from dental anxiety so you can enjoy the healthy smile you deserve!

What’s The Most Dangerous Sport for Teeth? (You’re Going to Be Surprised!)

Posted by & filed under Dental Emergency, Mouthguards, oral health, Prevention.

kids playing lacrosseIt’s always good to get out and get some exercise. When you’re participating in any sport, your dentist in Asheboro will always remind you to protect your smile. All too often, we talk about avoiding sweets or sports drinks, food, and beverages that can damage your enamel and break down teeth. We forget about what’s happening on the field, the court, or the ice that may be putting your teeth in far greater danger than a piece of candy.

We’re going to break down the top 4 most dangerous sports for smiles. (We’re willing to bet you can’t guess what number one is… it fools a lot of folks!)

#1 – Sports That Rely on Sticks, Bats, Etc.

There’s a reason this is number one on our list. Sports involving the combination of a ball and a stick or bat are a big danger to your smile. Think about what it’s like for your teeth to be on the receiving end of a stick or a bat. Not too fun right? Some popular pastimes that fall into this category include:

– Baseball

– Hockey

– Field Hockey

– Lacrosse

– Cricket

– And More

One of the most damaging things about these sports is that athletes (we’re talking to you, hockey players) tend not to wear mouthguards. We don’t know if it’s wanting to appear tougher, etc. but it can have a significant impact on your smile and your wallet if your teeth get knocked out by a fastball or slapshot. 

(And don’t think football should be left off this list. Football players wear mouthguards for a reason, whether it’s contact or even a football to the face, there’s damage to be done on the gridiron.)

#2 – X-treme Sports

This one goes out to all of our thrill-seekers and fans of alternative-type sports. There’s certainly nothing wrong with:

– Shredding some pipe on your skateboard

– Enjoying corduroy conditions on your snowboard

– Doing some freestyle tricks on your BMX bike

You may think these sports are reserved for the pros you see killing it at the X-Games, but in all reality, they’re still pretty popular recreational activities. Sometimes you take a tumble or suffer a fall that impacts your smile. This can spell big trouble for teeth, both big and small. Your Asheboro dentist reminds dads, moms, and kids to protect your teeth with a custom sportsguard!

#3 – Boxing, MMA, Martial Arts

Sports such as martial arts, mixed martial arts, boxing, and others shouldn’t be overlooked when taking teeth. On the professional level, most of these types of sports require a participant to wear some form of mouthguard or sportsguard. But that still doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen when you take a kick or a punch straight to the face.  

#4 – Basketball

Even though it’s number four on our list, basketball actually ranks at the top for being dangerous for your smile. This is simply because many players, whether on the court at the local gym or suiting up for the NBA, don’t wear a mouthguard or sportsguard. Despite how it might appear sometimes, basketball can get pretty physical, and it’s easy for an elbow to go flying and smack you right in the mouth. Players are often exerting a lot of force to gain position or control of the ball to get that game-changing shot. Believe it or not, basketball can be bad for your smile!

We hope you always give it your all, no matter what you do. Remember that it only takes a few seconds to do damage to your teeth, whether they’re broken or completely knocked out when you’re playing the sport you love. Your smile is yours for the rest of your life, so you want to make sure you’re taking all of the necessary steps to protect it both on and off the field, court, or ice. 

Don’t forget to take your mouth or sportsguard with you when you’re suiting up. We want you and your smile to be part of the action for years to come. Stay safe and always remember to have fun. 

If, for whatever reason, you ever find yourself in a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to call our Asheboro dental office right away. There’s always someone ready to listen and help you get out of pain, fast. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment for you and your smile.

3 Reasons Not to Use DIY Orthodontics

Posted by & filed under General Dental Articles.

woman with clear dental alignerIt seems like every day there’s a new option for patients to straighten their smiles at home or on their own with mail-order orthodontics. But are they safe? Are they effective? Are they worth the discounted prices compared to more traditional orthodontics? Your dentist in Asheboro will be the first to tell you that if you or someone in your family needs a straighter smile, you should rely on professional help!

There are plenty of reasons why your smile care should always stay in the hands of a dedicated, educated, and caring professional. Here are three of the biggest reasons to avoid do-it-yourself orthodontics at home.

Reason #1 – There’s Damage to Be Done

Undergoing any orthodontic treatment should be taken seriously. You need someone in the driver’s seat who knows the route you want to take so that you can avoid an unnecessary accident down the road. The clear aligner treatments you see advertised on TV and online rely on a dental impression that you create at home. If there are any flaws or mistakes in that impression, your treatment could completely change your smile in a not-so-good way. You could have bite problems down the road, including chipping or breaking teeth.

Reason #2 – Aligners Might Not Work for You

Every person is different, and so are their smiles. There are so many ways to achieve a healthy, more confident smile thanks to all of the advancements in dentistry and orthodontics. Mail-order kits can only offer you clear aligner therapy. You’re taking a big chance on whether it’s going to work for your smile. When you see a trusted dental health professional like your Asheboro dentist, they can help you choose an orthodontic solution that’s right for you. Read the reviews associated with the mail-order or DIY aligners.. some people say it made their smile and bite worse!

Reason #3 – It Could Cost You More in the Long Run

So, you’re super excited about your DIY aligner therapy. You’re saving some money by doing it all on your own. You get the kit. Make your impressions. Receive your aligners. You go through the process. Unfortunately, your teeth take a turn for the worse and the next thing you know — your bite isn’t right. If you choose DIY orthodontics, there’s a chance it could harm and not improve your smile. When that happens, you could face more costly, lengthy orthodontic treatment, or maybe even surgery. We’ll have to repair the damage that’s been done and then find the right treatment to set things straight. 

Whatever the reason you’re trying to straighten your smile, everyone at our Asheboro dental office is here for you. Don’t let the ads fool you. Talk to us before doing anything to your teeth. We can find a sensible, affordable solution for patients of all ages. 

Professional Veneers vs. DIY Veneers

Posted by & filed under Cosmetic Dentistry.

dental veneersThanks to the internet, we can now buy basically anything we want in just a few clicks and have it delivered right to our front door. Unfortunately, this mindset of buying things online has made its way into the dental world, and patients can purchase anything from teeth whitening kits to at-home orthodontics and DIY dental veneers without ever seeing their dentist in Asheboro. Today, we want to talk about some of the problems with DIY veneers and why you should think twice before adding these temporary appliances to your shopping cart. 

What Are DIY Veneers?

DIY veneers are dental appliances that anyone can buy online. They’re often made from cheaper materials and are designed to give users a temporary new smile. DIY veneers are usually affixed to natural teeth through a dental adhesive. Some brands may require patients to take and mail-in molds of their teeth prior to creating the appliance while other brands do not. 

Disadvantages of DIY Veneers

We understand that the lower price tag can make DIY veneers attractive to someone looking to improve the appearance of their smile. However, our dental team in Asheboro encourages anyone considering DIY veneers to read these disadvantages before buying. 

  • Temporary – DIY veneers are only meant to be worn occasionally, and some patients can only tolerate them for a few hours at a time. Additionally, the materials used in many DIY veneers are of low quality. This means it’s highly likely that multiple sets will need to be purchased over time. So while the lower price tag may have had its appeal at first, the fact that patients only get short periods of an improved appearance can quickly counteract any savings. 
  • Not Custom – Unlike professional veneers from your dentist in Asheboro, DIY veneers are not truly custom — even the brands that require molds of your teeth aren’t really custom. There’s nobody to take the size of your natural teeth or mouth into consideration and nobody to monitor how the device fits in your mouth. This often results in an uncomfortable fit and an unflattering appearance.
  • Bite Problems – A bigger concern of using DIY veneers relates to how they can affect the rest of your mouth, specifically your bite. If the appliance is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit correctly, patients tend to unknowingly adjust their bite or put unnecessary strain on their teeth and jaw joints. This can cause pain and, over time, problems with the TMJ/TMD. 
  • Decay – Another problem that can occur from an ill-fitting DIY veneer appliance is decay. If there are any spaces between the appliance, the glue, and the natural teeth, it gives food particles and bacteria the perfect place to hide and cause damage. The longer the food pieces of bacteria are left to linger, the more likely a patient is to get a cavity or severe decay.  

You don’t need to rely on a cheap and concerning DIY dental appliance that you can buy online. There are many different forms of cosmetic dentistry available to fix any problem you may have. If you’re unhappy with any aspect of your smile, do yourself and favor and call your Asheboro dentist to set up a consultation. It’s the best way to make sure you get a truly custom, permanent solution that you’ll be happy with.