Advantages of CEREC

At Wernick Family Dentistry, we use CEREC for crafting the crowns we provide to our patients. This computer-aided design and milling system allows our doctor to streamline the process of fabricating restorations. Because of this efficient approach, our use of the CEREC system offers several advantages.

Same-Day Service

The traditional method of sending the plans for a crown to a dental lab for fabrication is a two-week process. The lab has to receive the plans, create the crown, and then send it back to the practice so the dentist can add it to your smile. While you wait to have the crown added, you might be given a temporary crown that some patients find too uncomfortable to wear.

With CEREC, you avoid the wait and eliminate the need for temporary prosthetics.

The main purpose of CEREC is to craft crowns and other porcelain restorations in an efficient manner. As such, most of the patients Dr. Wernick sees can receive a crown within the same day, if not the same appointment, as the same exam that determines you need a cap on one or more of your teeth.

Better Adherence to Plans

While dental labs specialize in crafting prosthetics, the disconnect between the dentist and the technician can be problematic for you. The fact that a lab has to work off of someone else’s blueprints sometimes leads to mild mistakes in the crown you receive. While uncommon, it is not unheard of for a patient to have to wear their temporaries an additional week or so because the crown would not fit right the first time and had to be remade.

This disconnection does not occur when you receive a CEREC crown. Dr. Wernick, the person who plans out your crown’s design, is the same person who makes the restoration. The chances that the crown will not fit properly or have to be remade are minimized. Additionally, even if the crown has to be remade, the time it takes Dr. Wernick to craft crowns with CEREC reduces your wait from a matter of weeks to a matter of days, at most.

Contact Us for Same-Day Porcelain Crowns

Wernick Family Dentistry provides CEREC same-day crowns in Virginia Beach, VA, within easy reach to all surrounding communities. We will help you develop a healthy, beautiful smile in a time-efficient manner. For more information, call our practice today and schedule your next dental appointment. 

How to Whiten Discolored Teeth with Cosmetic Dentistry

How to Whiten Discolored Teeth with Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are unhappy with your smile due to stains, teeth whitening is an effective option provided by our Virginia Beach dentist. It is a smile enhancement treatment to remove discolorations you may have gained from dark liquids such as red wine and coffee, as well as certain medications. Cosmetic dental treatments can remove both intrinsic and extrinsic stains for an attractive smile.

Intrinsic Strains and Methods of Removal

A white smile can be one of your best assets when making a first impression with anyone. Teeth whitening through cosmetic dentistry does not have to be an invasive treatment. There are noninvasive methods to brighten your teeth. Once brushing and flossing no longer reduce the discoloration of your smile, intrinsic stain removal methods are an option for those that lie on the surface. Approaches such as whitening trays are a comfortable way to enhance your smile.

Teeth Whitening Trays

Whitening trays are custom made by our dentist to fit the contours of your teeth and can be used at home. An accessible and noninvasive way to brighten your teeth, the trays are created by a lab with bleach gels. The over-the-counter whitening strips are essentially the same, but contain less bleaching power and require frequent use to accomplish the shade you desire.

Extrinsic Stains and Methods of Removal

Discolorations that are under the enamel cannot be taken care of through surface improvement methods such as whitening trays. These types of stains can be caused by strain to the tooth or medication, turning your teeth gray. Cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or crowns, not only give you bright white teeth but can also make you smile aesthetically pleasing. Cosmetic solutions such as crowns or veneers shape the teeth so they look and feel great.

Veneers

Dental veneers are custom fabricated to hide imperfections such discoloration and injury to the tooth. This teeth enhancement option is created with porcelain that was specifically shade matched to give you a seamless and natural smile. Veneers are placed over the existing tooth’s surface to and re-contoured for a great fit and shape.

Crowns

Gray tones to your teeth may be a result of old metal restorations. Exchanging your metal crowns with ones that were created with shade matched porcelain will give you the protection your tooth needs while allowing your teeth to appear as appealing as possible. Composite resin is ideal for fillings, no matter the size, and can be a replacement option for those that contain amalgam.

Contact Wernick Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation to bring you closer to a brightened and whitened smile. We can discuss the whitening option that is best for you!

Why Support Lower Dentures with Implants?

Why Support Lower Dentures with Implants?

Most people experience little to no issues with an upper denture; however, those with lower dentures have an entirely different experience. Lower dentures are often much less comfortable and far less stable than their upper counterparts. This is due to the bones that support our teeth.

When a tooth (or multiple teeth) are lost, the bone continues to experience loss over time. The lower jaw is estimated to experience up to four times the amount of loss as the upper jaw, with most loss occurring within the first year of a lost tooth. Because of this, patients who obtain a lower denture experience the need to make ongoing appointments to continually adjust their denture. The inconvenience of having to regularly adjust a denture alone is enough to drive a patient crazy and urge them to seek a more reliable alternative, which is often how the implant supported lower denture conversation starts.

While there are numerous implant options for patients considering an implant-supported lower denture, the approach you take will be dependent upon your anatomical structures, as well as recommendations from experienced implant dentist Dr. Wernick of Wernick Family Dentistry in Virginia Beach.

Common Reasons Patients Seek Implant Supported Dentures
● Discomfort and/or inability to properly fit traditional dentures
● Continued bone loss, resulting in loose dentures
● Inability to properly eat and/or digest food

Types of Implant Supported Lower Dentures

Ball Attachment Denture

A ball attachment denture involves placing two dental implants in the lower jaw. A denture is then made, which will attach to the implants. This treatment option provides increased stability and improved digestion, though patients may still experience discomfort should food get lodged between the denture and floor of the mouth or gumline. Additionally, ongoing denture adjustments will be needed to maintain the highest level of comfort.

Bar Attachment Denture (including All-On-4)

Similar to ball attachment dentures, bar attachment dentures improve the stability of the lower denture when eating, allowing you to chew food with ease. Dissimilar from ball attachment dentures, bar attachment dentures have four to six dental implants securing the denture to the jaw. The number of implants placed will depend upon the layout of your jaw. This denture is made to snap onto a custom support bar that affixes to the implants, allowing the denture to easily be removed when needed. Because of the added support from multiple implants, bar attachment dentures tend to be more comfortable and cause less rubbing.

Screw-Retained Denture

Screw-retained dentures are a bigger commitment than both bar and ball attached dentures because they are only removed during maintenance visits. Ideal for patients wanting a permanent solution to missing lower teeth, screw-retained dentures are held in by screws secured to the implant. One common question when discussing this treatment option is oral hygiene. It’s important to note that this denture doesn’t rest on the gumline, so you are still able to clean underneath the denture.

At Wernick Family Dentistry, we are happy to provide additional information regarding implant supported lower dentures. Should you have any questions regarding this treatment option, please feel free to contact us.

From Extensive Education to a Dedicated Team, Wernick Family Dentisty Takes Patient Health Seriously

There may be several diplomas and accreditations that line the walls of dentist’s offices, but there is one that stands out if you know what to look for.  A certification of study from the Pankey Institute is the gold standard of postgraduate dental training.

The Institution's namesake, Lindsey Pankey, was an international leader in the field of restoration dentistry.   As skilled as he was in orthodontics he also had an ease with patient relations bringing more social interaction to dentistry.  After receiving nearly every award for dentistry, Dr. Pankey formed his Institute in 1972 to bridge the gap between what is known and what is practiced.

Dentist’s who have participated in the Pankey Institute’s training programs in Key Biscayne, Florida, are trained in a variety of courses that not only further their treatment of oral health concerns, but strengthen the practice to be better able to serve the community as well.  New techniques burgeoning in dentistry are also taught at this institute to ensure that the dentist’s are at the peak of their practice.  These innovative technique trainings include the latest in TMJ treatment, crown placement, and dental sleep medicines to maximize the patient’s comfort and procedure’s results.  

So when you see or hear that a dentist has been trained at Pankey, know that that is saying a great deal to the dentist’s commitment to his practice.  They sought the best techniques available to be able to give your mouth the care it deserves.

Luckily enough for the residents of the Virginia Beach area, Dr. Robert Wernick, ofWernick Family Dentistry, has attended numerous programs at the Pankey Institute as well as the Dawson Academy in order to continue his dental education with the extensive training programs. The ability to offer patients the best dental care is important to the whole staff. With a team of professionals dedicated to patient education, preventative care and high-tech solutions, Wernick Family Dentistry has become a leading Family Dental office in Virginia Beach. Explore the website or take a tour of the office to learn more about the practice. Appointments can be made by contacting the office. Wernick Family Dentistry will give you a reason to smile! 

Evolution of Dental Implants

Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience. Though it may seem that this is a dire situation, modern dentistry is able to provide you with options for replacement.  You will still have to choose between traditional dentures or dental implants, but this article will tell you what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for centuries.  They even go back far beyond the popular legend that Abraham Lincoln had a wooden set!  Dentistry has been able to stay with the times as a tried and true method for tooth replacement.  

Early orthodontists have tried their hand at dental implants as long ago as 600 A.D.  Archeologists have discovered that the early civilizations of the Maya were permanently replacing teeth with seashells!  The techniques used for dental implants have changed greatly, but let’s look at all the parts involved in a dental implant.

A natural tooth is made up of two parts, the root and the crown.  The crown is the visible part above the gum line while the root is the pronged part below the gum line that holds the tooth the jaw.  When a small number of teeth are lost or extracted, a dental implant is generally the best option for replacement.  

When a tooth is lost or removed the supportive gum and bone tissue are dematerialized.  The rest of the jaw is supplied with nutrients while segment under the toothless gum no longer receives the minerals it needs to maintain its health.  As a consequence, the jaw portions neighboring the loss receive less minerals and nutrients as they should, increasingly the likelihood of their eventual loss as well.  As the deteriorated area increases that part of the jaw can severely break down and cause other teeth to shift, facial drooping and speech issues.

The dental implant technique uses a titanium fixture to replace the missing root and revitalize the area.  An artificial crown is then mounted upon the tooth to restore the natural look, feel, and function.  Dental implants are recognized by the body as an organic tooth so the jaw is resupplied with nutrients.  This is the key difference in choosing between dentures and dental implants.  Dentures do not support the jaw and poor jaw health can be anticipated with long term use while dental implants are a better long-term option for younger patients. Implant supported dentures are the best choice for those with several missing teeth in one general area. Dental implants are positioned and the denture plate is designed to snap on to the posts.

Different procedures can also affect your taste of food.  Dentures block part of the palate plate which plays an important role in taste and smell.  With a reduction in the enjoyment of the taste of food, it can reduce food consumption and lead to poor nutrition.  People with reduced or lessened sense of taste lose interest in cooking and tend to eat more sweets.  They also have a tendency to consume foods with higher fat and salt.  Research has also shown that it can lower the consumption of dairy products which can make osteoporosis worse in the elderly women. 

Another technique for dental implants is called All-on 4.  This concept is considered to be the best in its class for permanent dental implant supported dentures.  This concept is a permanent non-removable solution which specializes in tilting the implants to provide more stability to the denture.  It allows for it to have a better anchored anterior bone and avoid important anatomical structures such as facial nerves.  People with supported or permanent dentures also have fewer changes in speech patterns.  Patients are also fitted and able to wear teeth the same day.  To view information about All-on 4’s please visit: http://www.nobelbiocare.com/international/en/home/products-and-solutions/treatment-concepts/all-on-4.html

The care between all of these options is different.  Regular dental implants require only normal brushing, flossing, and checkups while dentures require daily removal and soaking in a cleaning solution. All-on 4’s dentures will require normal brushing and flossing are not as likely to need adjustments or continuing dental visits.  Dentures also require night time removal and cleaning and will snap right back into place the next morning and All-on 4’s are a permanent solution which is left in the mouth. 

Searching for answers to your missing teeth problem? Schedule an appointment with Wernick Family Dentistry to learn about your options and make the best informed decision to ensure a long-term solution.

Make Informed Decisions about Teeth Whitening and Your Oral Health

Colorful cascades can be great when it comes to floral bouquets, but it can be very concerning when it comes to our smiles.  Teeth should carry an even hue, and when one tooth stands out it can bring a lot of negative attention.  An unevenly colored smile can really make someone’s social confidence suffer, so it is important to keep your teeth uniform in brightness.  Here is a little insight into some common antagonists that stain teeth:

Common Causes of Teeth Discoloration

• Tobacco is a notorious strainer of teeth.  Depending on where the cigarette is when it is inhaled or where chewing tobacco is placed will greatly contribute to a non-uniform coloration.  
• Dark Foods and Beverages may cause discoloration.  Coffee, tea, wines, liquor, and colas are heavy strainers, but dark juicy berries stain as well.  Don’t think you are safe with white wine or clear liquors either- the reason these stain just as bad is because alcohol decreases saliva production so the mouth can’t properly clean the staining components naturally.
• Trauma or Impact may be the cause for discoloration.  As any toothache will remind you, your tooth is a living network of tissues and blood vessels under the enamel.  With the tooth being alive at impact the internal bleeding will cause discoloration just as your skin will bruise when it is struck by an object.  The impact causes blood vessels to break and internally bruise the tooth.  Unlike veins, the tooth does not have a way to remove the blood from the ruptured vessels.  This will darken the tooth naturally over time and may take as long as five years to surface and become noticeable.
• Over Fluoridation may be the culprit.  Fluoride works best in moderation; however, with so many sources of fluoride out there such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, tap and bottled water, over fluoridation can occur resulting in darkened teeth with a swirling color pattern. 
• Poor Hygiene such as missed brushings and flossing will leave food and bacteria sitting upon your teeth, barraging the enamel and weakening the outer enamel.  This allows dark liquids and food stations to penetrate the tooth.

Certain factors that discolor may be entirely beyond your control like aging, genetics, or even prescription medications.  No matter the reasoning, our office is fully prepared with treatment options right for you!

Before you try over-the-counter tooth whitening remedies to correct your dental dilemma, understand the risks involved. 

Popular drug store whiteners generally use a peroxide solution to whiten, and if it contacts any sensitive areas that you weren't aware of or a hidden cavity it can cause a great deal of pain.  That is why a dentist’s evaluation should precede any whitening treatment to ensure painless and effective results.  Some cases with one or two noticeably discolored teeth may require Veneers, or a porcelain crown to match the whiteness of the rest of your smile.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about your oral health concerns. WernickFamily Dentistry prides itself on patient care and listening to your concerns. Your dentist will look at the problem and consider the health of the whole mouth for the most informed decision making process. Contact the office today and schedule a consultation with your family dentist, your best smile is waiting for you on the other end.

The Dangers of Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Rot)

As a parent, teething can be an especially trying time during a child’s development.  With their bicuspids breaking through it tugs on your heartstrings to hear a child cry in pain or discomfort, so of course you would do everything in your power to make sure they can cope with it.  Be careful though, some common remedies may actually be harming your child in the long run.

A popular traditional remedy is dipping the child’s pacifier in something sweet to help get their mind off of the pain. This practice, along with allowing a child to fall asleep while drinking a bottle can lead to a condition known by dentists as Early Childhood Caries, though you may have heard of it as Baby Bottle Rot.

Never too early to introduce a tooth brush.

The mouth produces saliva to naturally clean away food and debris from setting on the teeth. While asleep, however, saliva production is slowed and any type of food or drink is left sitting on the tooth. This is especially troubling for babies, because if left to sleep with a sweetened pacifier the sugar amplifies the bacterial growth during their rest. Bottles are not a safer option because milk and formula both have sugars that will bring harm the child’s teeth in the same manner.

If the baby (primary) teeth are going to come out and be replaced by mature teeth anyway, what is the harm if they are lost early?  Well, primary teeth have more roles in a young child’s life than one might think.  Of course they allow the child to develop healthy eating habits; but the importance of teeth allows the child to learn how to eat. Just as a child needs to learn how to walk, how to eat is a skill that they will take with them through life as well.  Improper eating habits can lead to jaw problems down the road.  Teeth also play an important role for speech development as well; without their proper baby teeth in place, speech develop problems are at risk.

Perhaps the most important role for primary teeth is as ‘placeholders.’ Think of the speed a child grows out of clothing and realize that the rest of their body is growing at that rate too.  Primary teeth are able to grow with the child to keep their spacing and placement appropriate for mature teeth that will take their place.  If a tooth is lost too early it could lead to an irregular, jagged smile when the mature teeth due come in.  It may lead to a child needing orthodontics that may not have otherwise needed them.  It is the primary tooth that is needed to guide the adult “caboose-tooth” to the proper position.

Wernick Family Dentistry is dedicated to educating patients and families about their dental health to prevent early childhood caries along with many other preventable oral health problems. Contact the office to schedule regular check-up appointments for the whole family.