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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for March 2020

3 Reasons Not to Put Porcelain Veneers Over Old Implant Crowns

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I have 15-year-old dental implants on my four center front teeth and the crowns on them are not as white as I want. I wasn’t expecting them to turn this fast. The crowns are noticeable because they are darker than my natural teeth. What do you recommend for whitening them? Thanks, Darren

Darren,
Neither you nor a dentist can whiten your implant crowns because they are colorfast. The crowns need to be replaced.

Although some companies promote whitening crowns by placing porcelain veneers over them, the process is costly. The cost of a porcelain crown and a porcelain veneer are similar, so it makes sense to replace the crown.

Why It’s Not Worth It to Veneer Old Implant Crowns

Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Replace dull implant crowns with new ones

  1. Decay or leakage – As dental crowns age, there is an increased risk of decay or leakage beneath them. It’s to your advantage for a cosmetic dentist to remove the crowns and check beneath them for stain or decay. The dentist can also check around the dental implant sites to ensure they are still stable and healthy.
  2. Difficulty with the bonding technique – Bonding a new porcelain veneer onto an old implant crown isn’t easy. It’s difficult to get a firm bond, and it doesn’t last long—perhaps another five years.
  3. Age of your crowns – If you had the implant crowns for 15 years and they are discoloring, it’s not worth it to try to patch them up. You’ll spend a lot of money to have veneers bonded to them when they really need to be replaced.

Advanced cosmetic dentists work with a master ceramist to craft natural-looking crowns. Find an accredited cosmetic to replace your crowns and ensure they match your surrounding teeth. But before you receive crowns, ensure your natural teeth are as white as you want them. If you want to brighten your entire smile, complete whitening treatment first. Your dentist will provide crowns to match your white smile. Don’t waste time and money trying to salvage old, discolored dental implant crowns.

Accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek of Lowell, MA sponsors this post.

Will Porcelain Veneers Protect Teeth from Acid Reflux?

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I’m wondering if porcelain veneers can help teeth damaged from acid reflux. For the past two years, I’ve had bad acid reflux and heartburn. I’m always nauseous, and I vomit 3-4 times a week. When I move my tongue over the inside surfaces of my teeth, it feels very rough and grainy. And my teeth to anything hot or cold. Also, I have fillings on five teeth, and all of them are very sensitive. I’ve started drinking lukewarm water and eating lukewarm food. Will porcelain veneers protect my teeth from reflux? Thank you – Akshat from CT

Akshat,

The stomach acid that comes up when you vomit dissolves tooth enamel. That’s why your teeth feel rough and grainy. The extra sensitivity that seems to be in your five fillings is likely coming from teeth that are irritated by the acid.

What Can Resolve the Issue with Reflux and Your Teeth?

The best treatment is to get the acid reflux under control.

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

A veneer only covers the front and sides of a tooth

Your dentist can follow up with fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and decrease the sensitivity in your teeth.

Will Porcelain Veneers Protect Your Back Teeth from Reflux?

  • Porcelain veneers only cover the fronts and sides of your teeth. That means the backs of your teeth will still be exposed to stomach acid.
  • They are designed for the teeth that show when you smile—or your smile zone.
  • Although they are durable, they aren’t strong enough for back teeth and the forces of grinding and chewing food.

An Alternative to Porcelain Veneers

If your back teeth are damaged and the enamel is worn away, porcelain crowns can protect them. Visit a cosmetic dentist for an examination and digital x-rays. It will help determine if you need dental crowns—which is an aggressive treatment for teeth—or if fluoride treatment is enough to protect your teeth.

Minimizing the Effects of Reflux

  • Meanwhile, whenever you vomit from being nauseous, immediately rinse your mouth with water. It will dilute the acid that’s coming from your stomach.
  • Always keep water with you so you can quickly swish it in your mouth when you’re experiencing bouts of acid reflux.
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods and drinks.

Selecting the Right Dentist

A skilled cosmetic dentist produces natural-looking results with porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. He or she will match the restorations to your natural teeth. And your cosmetic dentist will ensure your bite—or the way your teeth fit together—is healthy and won’t cause any discomfort. Look for an experienced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist.

 

Lowell, MA, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.