Contact Us
Marisol Lopez-Belio
1200 Corp Center Way
Wellington FL 33414
P / 561-791-8184
Map and Directions
Frequently Asked Questions – Dr. Marisol Lopez-Belio – Dental Spa
What’s the difference between a porcelain veneer and a porcelain crown?
What does “full-mouth reconstruction” mean?
How can I tell if I am a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction?
What is neuromuscular dentistry?
How does neuromuscular dentistry work with cosmetic dentistry?
What makes the practice of Dr. Lopez-Belio different from other cosmetic dentistry practices?
I am interested in learning more about these treatments. What is the first step I should take?
Q: What’s the difference between a porcelain veneer and a porcelain crown?
Both porcelain veneers and crowns are custom crafted to the exact specifications of Dr. Lopez-Belio and are intended to look just like the patient’s natural teeth – only better. However, the main difference between the two is that crowns are usually used on teeth that have become badly damaged by decay or injury. The crown serves to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further harm.
Porcelain veneers, usually used on the visible front teeth, are primarily applied to teeth that are chipped or discolored, but otherwise healthy. Veneers can even be a cosmetic solution for patients who have slightly crooked teeth or gaps between their front teeth. The best way to determine which choice is right for you is to contact Dr. Lopez-Belio’s dental spa.
Q: What does “full-mouth reconstruction” mean?
Full-mouth reconstruction addresses both the optimal occlusion and bite of a patient as well as the condition of the existing teeth. Through neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Lopez-Belio can usually determine the optimal bite for your specific jaw. She will then change the size and shape of some or all of your teeth by applying porcelain veneers, crowns, or a combination of the two. The new tooth surfaces will cause your bite to align according to the optimal measurements, usually reducing stress on the muscles of the head and neck. After undergoing full-mouth reconstruction, many patients report that they experience fewer headaches and instances of teeth grinding than they did before the treatment.
Q: How can I tell if I am a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction?
There are several groups of patients who are usually excellent candidates for full-mouth reconstruction. One group includes patients who, due to genetics or poor oral care, have teeth that are worn down and prone to disease. Some teeth might have become loose or even fallen out, resulting in a dramatically altered bite. When Dr. Lopez-Belio fits the affected teeth with crowns, onlays, and veneers, she will not only make these patients’ smiles look like new, but will also add much-needed overall strength and support to the mouth.
Another group of patients who could benefit from full-mouth reconstruction would be those who suffer from head, neck, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. In these cases, reconstruction would be used to remove pressure from the affected muscles, thereby alleviating the pain. If you’d like to find out if you’re a candidate for full-mouth reconstruction, contact our dental spa and arrange a consultation.
Q: What is neuromuscular dentistry?
With neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Lopez-Belio is able to identify the jaw’s ideal occlusion, or bite, and construct dental appliances that will help the muscles of the head and neck to conform to this improved occlusion. She uses a sophisticated device called a computerized mandibular scan to determine the patient’s existing occlusion, and then an electrical muscle stimulator to relax the muscles into their rested state.
Once the muscles are relaxed, Dr. Lopez-Belio can assess the best way to retain this natural, relaxed bite. This usually requires partial or full-mouth reconstruction, using crowns or porcelain veneers, or a night guard. Check out our neuromuscular dentistry page.
Q: How does neuromuscular dentistry work with cosmetic dentistry?
Without the use of neuromuscular dentistry, a cosmetic dentist might simply correct the appearance of worn or damaged teeth. This in itself may be adequate; however, in many cases poor occlusion is the reason for the wear and damage in the first place. This means that over time the problem will simply repeat itself, requiring more cosmetic work.
When Dr. Lopez-Belio uses neuromuscular dentistry to assist in her diagnosis of a patient’s case, she is addressing both the cosmetic and underlying physiological aspects of the problem, thereby helping to alleviate any future problems caused by malocclusion.
Q: What makes the practice of Dr. Lopez-Belio different from other cosmetic dentistry practices?
In addition to combining art, science, and technological advances to provide our patients with the best cosmetic dentistry available, we also endeavor to make our patients feel relaxed and comfortable when they come into our dental spa. When discussing treatment options, Dr. Lopez-Belio supplements her explanations with the CAESY patient education system. CAESY, or Clinically Advanced Education System, is a collection of detailed multimedia presentations about a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures.
In the interest of patient comfort, Dr. Lopez-Belio and her excellent team work hard to infuse our office with as much of a dental spa-like atmosphere as possible. To this end, they offer the following amenities:
- Blankets
- Warm neck pillows
- Warm face towels
- Televisions
- Paraffin wax treatments
More than anything else, the practice of Dr. Lopez-Belio is different from those of many other cosmetic dentists simply because she and her team take the time to listen to their patients and to understand their needs, goals, and concerns.
Q: I am interested in learning more about these treatments. What is the first step I should take?
The information you read on this website is just the beginning; the next step on the journey towards a beautiful, healthy smile is for you to contact our office so we can schedule a consultation for you. Dr. Lopez-Belio will examine your mouth and, taking into account your medical history, determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.
No matter what your cosmetic dentistry goals, Dr. Lopez-Belio wants to help you achieve them so that you can have the dazzling smile you’ve always dreamed of!
If you have more questions, contact our dental spa today and arrange a consultation.