Are there Healthy Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

What are the main reasons for getting teeth veneers? 

In the world of dentistry, Veneers are mostly done for purely cosmetic reasons – they are an elective treatment. To most patients that ask me if they ‘need’ veneers, as a doctor, my answer is a simple “No.” However, as cosmetic dentist, I understand and oblige when a patients ‘wants’ veneers for personal reasons. I tell patients that porcelain veneers are a conservative dental procedure that restores the appearance of discolored, fractured or misshaped teeth. The procedure consists of bonding a thin piece of ceramic on to the surface of teeth. In many case the enamel surface (typically only 0.5mm) of the teeth is lightly prepared to eliminate the stain or fracture and accept the veneer. Veneers can drastically enhance the appearance of one’s smile.

Are there procedures that can improve natural teeth, eliminating the need for veneers? 

In dentistry, there is no ‘need’ for veneers, it is a matter of what the patient ‘wants’. Cosmetic enhancements that may substitute a veneer procedure may include; teeth whitening to eliminate stain; cosmetic bonding to enhance the shape of small, gapped or fractured teeth; and/or replacing old fillings with new, more cosmetic ones. 

There have been cases in my private practice - where after discussing options - the patient elected to have cosmetic bonding rather than veneers. Cosmetic bonding is a procedure where resin-composite material is sculpted over stained, fractured or misshaped parts of teeth. Bonding is more conservative than veneers. 

What procedures can result in veneer-perfect natural teeth?

An expertly crafted cosmetic bonding procedure, especially in combination with teeth whitening can create a very cosmetic result. Sharp or uneven edges can be shaped and smoothed by a conservative procedure called 'enamelplasty'. Air-abrasion procedure can removed tenacious surface stain to whiten the surface of teeth.  

What oral care products or habits would you recommend for gorgeous natural teeth?

Colgate Total or Crest Pro-Health toothpaste along with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss used after meals will help reduce build-up of plaque and stain. Stain actually adheres more to teeth covered in plaque. Foods such as coffee, tea and red wine can stain, especially after prolonged use. Helpful hint: drink water after using coffee, tea or red wine. Water helps hydrate the gums and rinse away stain before it sets in.

What are the drawbacks to veneers?

Veneers are a non-reversible procedure. The cost can range from $900-$1500 per veneer. They require the same care that regular teeth do - flossing and brushing twice a day for 2 minutes. People with veneers must pay particular attention to biting into hard foods, such as sourdough breads and chocolate. Stress from hard foods, nail-biting, or clenching and bruxing of teeth can fracture porcelain veneers. I recommend all patients with veneers to wear a protective occlusal guard at night (also know as night-guard). Regular dental visits for professional cleanings and check-ups are highly recommended to ensure longevity and health of veneers.

Would you recommend veneers instead of braces or other teeth straightening methods? 

If a patient is happy with the natural shape, size, color and look of their teeth, I would not recommend veneers. However, veneers may be a good solution for a patient with peg-laterals (genetically small, peg-shaped teeth), discolored or fractured teeth (conditions that cannot be fixed by braces). To straighten gapped or crowded teeth with braces can take anywhere from 8 months to 2 years. Veneers can accomplish this in just two visits. The advantage of braces, is that the occlusion (bite) can be improved and the natural tooth structure is preserved. Conserving natural healthy tooth structure is the goal of dentists focused on oral health. The question of veneers or brace ultimately depends on the patients wishes.

Check out 5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression here!

For any questions about oral hygiene or healthy foods, feel free to ask!

Best Regards, 

Dr. Josh Berd, DDS

Dentist and Educator

San Francisco, California

Why are humans the only animals to take meticulous care of their teeth?

While browsing Reddit the other day I came across a question that left me stumped. 'Why are humans the only animals to take meticulous care of their teeth?' I thought about all the pets I’ve owned. Max, my golden retriever, never cleaned his canines...although he did have a toothbrush chew-toy. My cat, Stella, spent hours grooming her fur but never paid particular attention to her teeth. So how did we bipeds evolve this obsession with oral hygiene?

Firstly, it’s not exactly true that other animals neglect their pearly whites. Some animals use trees, roots, or rocks to sharpen their teeth and keep them in working condition. Beavers for example, have teeth that grow continuously and must be filed down by gnawing on wood.  Animals also have special enzymes in their saliva that are better able to destroy cavity-causing bacteria.

Secondly, humans eat more sugary food than any other animal. Sugar is made of carbohydrates, a delicacy for bacteria that live in the mouth. Whether carnivores or herbivores, no other animals enjoys as many sweets as we do. It’s not often that you see a lion eating a candy apple at a carnival fair or enjoying a Coke and popcorn at the movie theater.

Finally, the lifespan of humans is much longer than most other animals. If our teeth are to last us close to a century, we better do our best to keep them in tip top shape.  We humans just have to bite the bullet and keep our teeth pristine. Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings to ensure a life-long healthy smile! 

by Helen

*Guest blogger Helen is a dental student at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. 

"iPad in the Clinic" Dr. Berd featured in The Progressive Dentist Magazine

Dr. Josh Berd's recent article titled 'Mobile Apps in Clinical Practice' has been featured in the Progressive Dental Magazine! This publication focuses on ways to enhance patient-doctor communication so that patients can fully understand their treatment plans. 

Here is an excerpt: "The whole world is going mobile. Mobile technologies have become a familiar part of people’s lives. Phones and computers are now pocket-sized and can connect us to a variety of technology, to our friends, family and even to patients. In fact, as I write this, I am also managing my next week’s work schedule from my iPhone and texting patients to confirm their appointments. New developments in mobile technology have allowed dentists to bring a rich variety of dental-related mobile apps into their office."

For any questions about using mobile apps in the dental office feel free to ask!

Best Regards, 

Dr. Josh Berd, DDS

Dentist and Educator

San Francisco, California

Dr. Oz's Sharecare.com and Dr. Berd are Teaming Up to Answer Dental Health Questions!

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Josh Berd’s webpage is now live on Sharecare.com and providing the public with advice and answers to their oral health questions! 

Sharecare was co-founded by Dr. Oz, a physician who first began fielding medical questions on “The Oprah Show” and now hosts “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Jeff Arnold, creator of WebMD. 

Dr. Berd has partnered with Sharecare as a Dental Expert; his Sharecare page shows recent posts, which includes answers to questions such as “Is tooth whitening safe?” and “What does preventative dentistry mean?”, in addition to blogs on topics such as “Overcoming dental anxiety” and “How to have a cavity-free dental check up”.

Sharecare’s goal is to provide accurate, clear and concise health information in oder to educate, empower and continue the conversations of health. Dr. Berd was selected as a trusted source and an industry leader for his expertise in the field of dentistry. He joins other top doctors and health associations on Sharecare, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association.

Sharecare’s popularity has grown since launching in October of 2010, and in January alone, the site had over 30 million page views. Although Dr. Berd practices dentistry in San Francisco, his presence on Sharecare allows him to engage millions of people on the topic of oral health.

Spotlight on Dr. Berd in San Francisco Dental Society's The Bridge Magazine

Dr. Berd's recent trip to Chicago for the American Dental Association's New Dentist Leadership Conference is highlighted in the August Issue of The Bridge, a monthly publication from the San Francisco Dental Society.

Here is an excerpt: 

"This year’s conference was an amazing learning experience. It included a break- out session with the ADA Board of Trustees to discuss hot topics such as “How will we, as a dental profession and as a nation, overcome issues with access to dental care?” and “Will there be a mid-level dental provider, and what kind of impact will that have on dental care?” 

"The ADA also provided a great assortment of CE courses, including “Preparing for Practice Ownership” and “Going Green—It’s not just for the Environment”. Plus, there was a full day of leadership development that included a Networking Lunch Break allowing new dentists the opportunity to meet their colleagues and share ideas. As an SFDS member who also sits on two committees-Membership and Community Dental Health-I feel that I can take the valuable lessons learned at the New Dentist Conference and apply them to my activities in the local dental society."

Dr. Josh Berd and SF Dental Society Volunteer at Project Homeless Connect

Dr. Josh Berd featured in CDA magazine!