Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog
Existing Patients: (978) 454-9332 | New Patients: (877) 790-5172 |
  • Blog Home
  • Main Site Home
Natural Beauty
Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for March 2020

3 Reasons Not to Put Porcelain Veneers Over Old Implant Crowns

March 31, 2020 by AllSmiles

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.

Filed Under: Dental implants Tagged With: decay beath crowns, dental implant crowns, porcelain veneer over dental crown, replace implant crowns, whiten implant crowns

Will Porcelain Veneers Protect Teeth from Acid Reflux?

March 15, 2020 by AllSmiles

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.

Filed Under: Porcelain veneers Tagged With: acid on teeth water, acid reflux porcelain crowns, acid reflux porcelain veneers, acid reflux teeth, acid teeth, GERD teeth, stomach acid food to avoid, tooth enamel dental crowns, tooth enamel porcelain veneers, vomiting teeth, worn tooth enamel

Recent Posts

  • Can I Get My Crowns Replaced with Veneers?
  • Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Overlapped Teeth?
  • Are Veneers My Only Option for Tetracycline-Stained Teeth?
  • Is Whitening the Right Way to Remove Brown Teeth Stains?
  • My Tooth Broke at the Gumline and the Repair Is Unresolved

Archives

  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • December 2010

Categories

  • Cavities
  • Cosmetic dentist
  • Dental bonding
  • Dental bridge
  • Dental Implant Failure
  • Dental implants
  • Dentures
  • General dentistry
  • Gum Disease
  • Health Issues and Teeth
  • Implant overdentures
  • Mini implants
  • Oral cancer
  • Oral Health
  • Porcelain crowns
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Snap-On Smile
  • Teeth whitening
  • Uncategorized
  • White fillings
Welcome
You're going to love it here. We hope to see you soon.
Address
Michael Szarek, DMD
Cosmetic & General Dentistry
75 Arcand Dr
Lowell, MA 01852
Phones
Existing Patients:
(978) 454-9332
New Patients:
(877)790-5172
Information
Office Tour
New Patient Information
Financial Options
Office hours
Monday, Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Reviews
Google
Yelp
Facebook

©2012-2022 Michael Szarek, DMD, MS • All rights reserved
Website Design and SEO by Infinity Dental Web IDW Copyright Logo

Menu
Michael Szarek, DMD, MS logo
Phones
  • Blog Home
  • Main Site Home
  • New Patients Click to Call
    (877) 790-5172
  •  
  • Existing Patients Click to Call
    (978) 454-9332