Dental veneers have come a long way since a California dentist Invented them in 1928 as a temporary means for changing the look of actors’ teeth. While Hollywood actors certainly still rely on them, veneers are no longer just temporary, and porcelain has emerged as the most durable and realistic looking material for making them.
Smoking is a leading cause of both cancer and heart disease, and the more than 36 million Americans who still smoke compromise their oral health, as well. While the potential health impacts on hearts and lungs garner most of the public’s attention with regard to smoking, the potential impact to teeth, gums and the mouth in general are equally significant. When compared to non-smokers, smokers have a four-times greater risk of developing gum disease and are twice as likely to suffer tooth loss. The nicotine in smoke also inhibits the production of saliva, which in turn allows for a greater buildup of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Smokers are at a much greater risk of getting various forms of oral cancer, and are more prone to mouth inflammations and infections. Smokers also have a much harder time recovering from dental procedures, and are more likely to develop dry socket—a painful condition caused by bone and nerve exposure—after tooth extractions.
If you or a loved one are suffering from missing or failing teeth, Island Tower Dentistry is now offering one of the most advanced dental implant prosthetics available in America today. As a member of the Teeth Tomorrow® Network, our Marco Island practice is the exclusive South Florida provider of Teeth Tomorrow’s® Prettau® Zirconia full-arch bridge, which is rapidly proving to be among the most revolutionary advancement in the field of dental implants.