Frequently Asked Questions from Patients in Dentistry

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin sheets that are applied to your teeth to make them seem better. Once placed, they can fix flaws such as stains and fractures, as well as change the size, color, and shape of the teeth to achieve a beautiful smile.

How many veneers should I get?

The number of veneers required in a smile design varies per case. Some people may just need a few veneers to fix particular teeth that are visible when they smile, but others may require veneers on all of their teeth to achieve an even grin.

We suggest that you constantly seek harmony and symmetry in your grin. The ideal is to place 20 veneers (10 on the top and 10 on the bottom), but you can also place as many veneers as you have visible teeth when you smile.

If you have less than 20 teeth, you should choose a tint that blends in with the rest of your teeth.

Furthermore, if you have natural teeth and one or more porcelain crowns, combining the materials with resin veneers is not recommended unless the crown is not visible when you smile. Remember that different materials might change color or age differently over time, resulting in varying tones in the same arch and, as a result, an artificial smile.

How long does it take to design a smile?

The time required to complete a grin design can vary depending on a variety of factors. For example, depending on each patient’s situation, the material used, and the complexity of the treatment when paired with crowns on teeth and implants.

In general, it takes one appointment if done with resin or composite, two appointments if done with porcelain or ceramic veneers or veneers, and numerous visits if done with oral rehabilitation.

When we do dental implants and build a smile with dental crowns on teeth and implants, or when we do plastic surgery on the gums (Gingivoplasty) and certain porcelain veneers (veneers) are also implanted, the treatment may take a few months longer. This may necessitate two or more visits while the tissues repair.

What is the price for a smile design?

We know that one of the main doubts our patients have is the price of smile design, however, the cost depends on the number of teeth or veneers we make in the treatment and the material chosen.

So how do you know the price of a smile design? At Unilaser we are here to help you. Schedule an in-person appointment with one of our specialists to obtain a personalized quote appropriate to your needs. We can also do it virtually by sending us photos, x-rays, and videos of your smile, teeth, and bite.

Am I suitable for a smile design?

Whether a smile design is necessary is determined during the clinical assessment or virtual consultation.

It is important to have good oral health, healthy gums and take into account any pre-existing dental problems that may require treatment before the smile design.

What is the difference between Bonding Veneers and Lumineers?

Bonding Veneers

Resin veneers (bonded veneers) are applied in one or two sessions.

Low price. They are very affordable; they are less invasive because they are usually implanted without altering or wearing down the tooth.
It is a treatment that can be reversed.
It is easily repairable.
They have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
It is a treatment that can be reversed.
They require annual maintenance and shine, and they are more quickly pigmented (with tobacco, dark drinks, coffee, green tea, and so on); but, with correct maintenance, they restore their shine and color.

Lumineers

Porcelain Veneers (ceramic lenses) are applied in a minimum of two sessions scheduled 5 business days apart.

Contrary to popular belief, they can be found in a variety of more natural hues as well as Hollywood white. Its many opacities enable you to conceal dark hues or stains such as tetracycline, fluorosis, and hypocalcifications in white and dazzling teeth.

They mix beauty with durability.
They are quite thin.
They have optical qualities that are remarkably comparable to genuine teeth.
They require little upkeep (a professional dental cleaning is required once a year, much like natural teeth).
They are not stained.
They can endure up to 20 years if properly cared for.

How long does a smile design last?

The lifespan of a smile design, like any other aesthetic dentistry procedure, will be determined by the patient’s habits and care. It can last for many years if proper care is done, thus it is critical to maintain good oral hygiene, prevent dangerous behaviors, and schedule frequent check-ups with your Unilaser specialist.

Depending on the level of care: Resin or composite veneers (bonded veneers) have a lifespan of 6 to 8 years. Porcelain or ceramic veneers (veneers or lumineers) have a life span of 10 to 20 years.

Are teeth worn down for a smile design?

In general, it is not required to wear down the teeth in a smile design. However, in some circumstances where the teeth are misaligned, little dental wear may be required to ensure dental alignment; these carvings are always done in a conservative and controlled manner.

We do not use dental wear to place porcelain veneers, but rather a micro-preparation with a microscope between the gum and the tooth to ensure proper adaptation of the veneer and avoid over-contouring.

What precautions must you take?

Oral hygiene should be maintained by brushing twice a day and flossing.

With a smile design, you can eat and drink whatever you want; nevertheless, you must be cautious because veneers, like genuine teeth, can fracture. When eating really hard stuff, use cutlery if possible, and avoid tearing food or objects with the mouth.

Finally, regular dental check-ups are required, as is cleaning and maintaining your veneers to ensure the health and longevity of your natural smile design.

What other procedures are part of the smile design?

Smile design includes aesthetic procedures such as teeth whitening, invisible orthodontics (Invisalign), orthodontics with braces, zirconia crowns and bridges, oral rehabilitation on teeth, and dental implants. They are complementary treatments carried out according to the specific needs of each patient.

Prices of a dental implant?

The cost of a dental implant varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants required, the need for bone grafts, and the intricacy of the case. At Unilaser, we offer a virtual or in-person consultation so that our specialists may assess your condition and provide you with a personalized price.

Remember that getting a dental implant is a big step for your oral health and quality of life. At Unilaser, we strive to provide high-quality treatments, with the primary goal of providing you with a healthy and functional smile. Please contact us and set up a meeting to receive individualized guidance and a budget matched to your specific needs.

How long should you rest after a dental implant?

After having a dental implant, it is recommended to follow a period of rest to allow proper healing and osseointegration of the implant into the bone. The rest time may vary depending on each case, but it is generally suggested to avoid intense activities during the first days and follow the instructions of the dental professional.

What are the risks of dental implants?

Although dental implants are generally safe and successful, there are some potential risks. These may include infections, adverse reactions to anesthesia, damage to nearby structures, excessive bleeding, discomfort, and the possibility of the implant not integrating properly. However, these risks are rare and Unilaser professionals will take all necessary measures to minimize any complications.

Out of what materials are dental implants made?

Dental implants are typically made of titanium or zirconium, biocompatible materials that integrate well with bone.

Indications after a dental implant

After the placement of a dental implant, it is essential to follow the instructions and postoperative care provided by your dentist.

Care after a dental implant may include good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or sticky foods during the healing phase, eating a balanced diet, abstaining from smoking, and attending scheduled follow-up visits. This care will contribute to the success and longevity of your dental implants.

What is the warranty of a dental implant?

Our dental implants have a lifetime warranty from the manufacturers. We invite you to consult directly with our professionals to obtain detailed information about the guarantees of dental implants and their conditions.

What are immediate dental implants?

They are those that are placed just after a tooth extraction. This allows you to take advantage of the existing bone structure and accelerate the dental restoration process.

What is immediate loading?

It refers to the ability to place a temporary or permanent dental prosthesis on the dental implant immediately after its placement. In some cases, rather than waiting several months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone, with immediate loading, masticatory function and esthetics can be restored more quickly.

Bone regeneration

Bone regeneration is a procedure used to stimulate additional bone growth in areas where the quantity or quality of bone is insufficient to place dental implants.

What type of crown is indicated in my case?

This depends on several factors, such as the location of the tooth, the extent of damage, aesthetic considerations, and your personal preferences. The type of crown also varies depending on the material decided to use for a specific case.

What if I have a stained or dark tooth?

If you have a stained or darker tooth, zirconia crowns are more resistant and have low translucency. This allows masking the tooth color defects and the cores, posts or bolts placed on the dental roots or the connections (abutments) of the implants.

If I need a crown in an anterior tooth, which one will be the ideal one?

We recommend all-porcelain crowns in either lithium disilicate or zirconia to restore anterior teeth as these crowns provide a completely natural appearance. However, if there is a tooth that is darker than the others, we recommend Zirconium crowns.

What is the approximate duration of a crown?

This can vary depending on multiple factors, including the type of crown, dental hygiene habits and others. On average a well taken care of crown can las between 10 to 20 years.

If I’m going to change a crown, is it necessary to have a root canal?

What is recommended by the American Society of Endodontics is that if a tooth has had a previous crown, an endodontic treatment should be performed if the crown is to be changed again, because the cements produce acidity in the tooth that was previously carved and is weakened. This acidity can affect the nerve of the tooth. If you do not have a root canal, pulp necrosis may occur after the new crown is cemented and the new crown will probably have to be removed to perform the root canal or drill it, losing resistance.

What are the various methods of teeth whitening?

There are different ways to perform teeth whitening. The most common option is in-office teeth whitening, which involves applying a high-concentration whitening gel to the teeth, usually activated by a special light. Another option is home teeth whitening with trays that can be applied to the person at home at night.

Does teeth whitening leave teeth sensibility?

Sometimes teeth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity. This occurs due to the whitening gel penetrating the pores of the tooth enamel, which can irritate the nerves. This effect lasts a few hours.

Things you should keep in mind at the moment of getting a teeth whitening procedure

When undergoing teeth whitening or lightening, it is important to take different factors into account. For example, to have optimal results you should always consult a dental professional. It is also important to keep in mind that oral health must be in optimal condition, so there should be no cavities or periodontal diseases. Finally, it must be taken into account that foods that can stain teeth, as well as alcohol and tobacco, should be avoided.

What is the best way to whiten teeth?

The best way to whiten teeth can vary depending on each person’s needs and preferences. However, in general, in-office teeth whitening performed by an experienced dentist using high-quality products is often considered the most effective and safest option.

What are the disadvantages of teeth whitening?

Tooth sensitivity is usually the main disadvantage of whitening, which disappears within a few hours after the procedure. However, it can also be mentioned that if you do not use a trained professional, the whitening result may not be as desired. At Unilaser you can rest assured about this! We are experts in whitening teeth and, above all, in meeting the needs of our patients.

How common are diastemas?

It is a relatively common dental condition. The prevalence of diastema can vary between different populations and individuals. While it is most commonly seen in children during the transition from primary to permanent teeth, it can also occur in adults.

Why do we get diastemas?

Teeth gaps or diastema can be caused by several factors. Size discrepancy between teeth, habits such as thumb sucking or tongue sticking out, tooth loss, jaw misalignment or genetics are some of the main causes.

Can you close all the spaces with orthodontics?

Yes, orthodontics with braces or clear aligners (Invisalign) is effective in closing many types of gapped teeth. However, the ability to completely close all spaces depends on the severity and nature of the spaces the person has.

How are the spaces closed that are provoked by the loss of teeth?

Gaps caused by tooth loss can be closed through various dental procedures. Two common options are dental implants with crowns and dental bridges. Orthodontics can also help, although not always, since the space left after losing a tooth is usually considerably large.

How long does it take to close a diastema?

The duration of diastema closure varies depending on several factors, such as each patient’s case, the treatment method chosen, and the individual’s response to treatment.

Orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners can take several months to a few years, while dental procedures, such as veneers or resin edging, can be completed in one or two appointments.

How can you move the teeth without braces?

If you are looking to close spaces between gapped teeth without braces, there are alternative options available. One option is with invisible orthodontics (Invisalign), the other option is resin or porcelain veneers or also with resin edges. In this procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin material is applied and molded over the teeth to close gaps.

How much is an endodontic treatment?

The price of endodontics, as is the case with root canal treatment, can vary depending on the number of canals or canals in the specific tooth requiring treatment..

For an accurate estimate, contact a Unilaser specialist!

Is it better to do an endodontic treatment or to remove the tooth?

Whether a root canal or tooth extraction is performed depends on factors such as the condition of the tooth, the extent of damage or infection, the feasibility of saving the tooth, among others. Unilaser endodontists strive to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, as they serve important functions and maintain the alignment of neighboring teeth. However, in some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.

How painful is an endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatments at UNILASER are always performed with the use of local anesthesia, which allows no pain to be experienced. However, some discomfort or sensitivity may occur in the days following treatment.

What happens if you get an endodontic treatment?

During a root canal, the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed. The pulp chamber and root canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped and disinfected. They are then filled with a specialized material called gutta-percha. After a successful root canal treatment, the tooth can function normally and remain in place, serving its purpose.

What does an endodontic treatment include?

Endodontic treatment covers procedures focused on the internal structures of the tooth, mainly the pulp and root canals and the most common procedure is dental root canal treatment, but there are also other procedures.

What is the cost of Invisalign?

Price may vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of each specific case and treatment plan. In this sense, we invite you to request your appointment at Unilaser and thus be able to see for yourself what the price of invisible orthodontics is according to your needs.

How long does invisalign treatment last?

The duration of the treatment varies depending on each case. For example, some people will need a couple of months, while others could go up to a year or more depending on the complexity. What should be taken into account is that an invisible dental aligner will tend to have a shorter treatment period than in the case of traditional orthodontic appliances.

Which is superior, invisalign or braces?

The choice between invisible orthodontics and traditional braces depends on the patient’s case. Both options have their advantages and considerations.

In general, invisible orthodontics will be used when a solution that goes more unnoticed and is not so intrusive is desired. However, traditional braces will be a dental aligner that is used in more complex cases.emplea en casos más complejos.

What is faster, Invisalign or braces?

Invisible orthodontics can generally offer faster treatment times compared to traditional braces. However, the exact duration of treatment may vary depending on the individual patient’s case.

When should you start to notice change with Invisalign?

Like any treatment with a dental aligner, the changes of invisible orthodontics will not be immediate, so the user must be patient to appreciate the improvements in their teeth. On average, it could take a few months to see the changes in action, although this will depend on the complexity of the patient’s case.

When is it recommended to do invisalign?

In general, invisible aligners will be necessary when you have slightly crowded teeth, slightly crooked teeth, separated or spaced teeth.

Why should you choose Unilaser for your periodontitis treatment?

Unilaser offers specialized expertise and advanced technology for the effective treatment of periodontitis. Our team of periodontics professionals provides personalized care, solutions to minimal, moderate and severe discomfort. Reduced healing time and precise treatment guidance for patients who visit us.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

Red, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose or shifting teeth, changes in your bite, and pus between the gums and teeth.

What is the main cause for periodontal disease?

The main cause is the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar and provides a favorable environment for bacteria to proliferate, causing inflammation and infection of the gums.

How is periodontal disease treated?

It is treated using non-surgical methods such as scaling and root planing, as well as surgical interventions such as periodontal surgery, bone grafting or tissue regeneration.

Periodontics and smile design

Periodontics and smile design focus on the health, function and aesthetics of the gums, teeth and supporting structures. Periodontists play a crucial role in smile design by improving the health and appearance of the gums, addressing gum recession, irregular contours or excessive gum display to achieve a harmonious smile.

Can you prevent periodontal disease?

Yes, it can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, avoiding tobacco consumption and maintaining a balanced diet.

We carry out virtual consultations anywhere in the world, wherever you are. Live the experience of having a smile the UNILASER style