Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

2 of my porcelain veneers had small scratches in them, so my cosmetic dentist buffed them out. The scratches are gone, but so is the shine on the veneers. They look like they have a matte finish. I asked my dentist about the process he used, and he said he used a process called “cups” and then he polished the veneers. I’m really not satisfied with the look, because the 2 veneers are not shiny. But I’m also afraid that if I ask my dentist to do the correction he might make the situation worse. If I decide to keep the veneers as they are, will they eventually stain and need to be replaced? Thanks. Karyl

Karyl,

Porcelain veneer

The matte finish will make your porcelain veneers more susceptible to stain. Your veneers can be polished to restore their original gloss. A skilled cosmetic dentist knows the process and has the materials needed to correctly polish veneers.

Restoring Shine to Porcelain Veneers

Restoring the shine to previously scratched porcelain veneers requires the following tools and materials:

• Diamond polishing instruments
• Polishing paste
• Ultra-fine diamond polishing paste

If your dentist placed your porcelain veneers, he should have these tools and materials in his office and be able to restore the glossy shine. Many skilled cosmetic dentists use the Brasseler’s Dialite porcelain polishing system to get highly aesthetic results.

If your dentist seems uncertain about how to restore the luster of your veneers, you can schedule a second opinion with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek

Safe and effective teeth whitening is dentist supervised

Most people would welcome the chance to have a whiter, brighter smile. But in the quest to get their teeth super white, some people use bleaching gel over and over again. Is it possible to over bleach your teeth?

Teeth whitening can be fun and rewarding. But overdoing it can lead to sensitivity, pain, and some surprising but disappointing results. What are the effects of overdoing it?

Results of Whitening Your Teeth Too Frequently

• Tooth roots – Excessive teeth whitening can damage teeth and their roots. When teeth are whitened too frequently, damage to the tissue around them can create the need for root canal treatment. Also, too much whitening gel can cause chemical burns on your gums.
• Tooth enamel – Excessive bleaching can wear away tooth enamel and give your teeth a gray or blue hue. You can lose your super white teeth and cause them to turn dark and unattractive. In severe cases, cosmetic dentistry will be needed to conceal the dark color.
• Sensitivity in teeth – Some people who over-bleach their teeth have difficulty tolerating cold or hot food or drinks. Tooth nerves can become irritated and send radiating pain throughout your teeth.

It is always best to check with your dentist before whitening your teeth. If you have cavities developing, the gel can irritate them. And in some cases, teeth whitening will make stains on your teeth even more noticeable.

A cosmetic dentist can examine your teeth and anticipate the effects of the bleaching gel on your teeth and gums and let you know if it’s the right treatment for you.

Everyone who whitens their teeth without the assistance of a dentist should take the necessary precautions to ensure the whitening gel used is FDA approved and not a cheap knock-off that will damage teeth.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.