Hi,
I have crooked teeth but can’t afford braces. I am wondering if there is a way I could get some kind of flipper that could go over my teeth and make them look straighter?
Ava in New York
Safe to use ultrasonic toothbrush?
Hi,
My husband recently purchased the Sonicare Diamond toothbrush for both of us to use. However, I have been reading that people who have dental bonding or veneers (which I have) should avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaning devices. Will the vibrating speed of this toothbrush damage my veneers? I have Dura-Thin porcelain veneers. Should I just avoid using this brush on the teeth with veneers?
Thanks,
Lina in Boston
Caring for composite veneers
Hi,
I had resin veneers done on my upper teeth several years ago and now am wondering about how long they will last. I’ve been reading now about porcelain veneers and worry that the composite ones will start to deteriorate. Can they last 10 years or more? And, as they get old, will they all start to deteriorate at the same time?
Beverly in Springfield
Dear Beverly,
While composite veneers are not as strong and stain-resistant as porcelain veneers, they can last a long time if cared for properly.
First, you should use a professional grade toothpaste that is designed for people who have had cosmetic dental work done. Supersmile toothpaste is a good brand.
Next, you should be careful when you go in for a cleaning that the hygienist does not use anything abrasive polishers, such as pumice, on your teeth that could damage the veneers. Be sure you choose someone who has extensive experience with maintaining composite dental bonding work.
This blog brought to you by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.
Good luck!
Can I bleach my bonded teeth?
I had my two front teeth bonded about 14 years ago. These teeth are now looking more grey and dingy, but I don’t have the money to have the bonding re-done right now. Is it true that bonding will not change color with bleaching? Could I use a tooth whitening product to bleach the bonded teeth whiter? Will using a product like Crest WhiteStrips improve the shade at all?
– H in Lowell
Veneers turning yellow
When I was 16, I got veneers on my two front teeth. Now, I am 32 and they have a yellow tint and seem to be going black at the top. What could be causing this? And, is there anything I can do? Help! I really hate how they look.
– Alissa in Boston
Alissa,
If properly taken care of, porcelain veneers can easily last 16 years. They should not be turning yellow. Since you did not indicate that they are porcelain veneers, perhaps they are composite? Composite can discolor easily, and can begin to discolor within a year after placement, depending on the person’s dietary and/or smoking habits. Porcelain veneers can also begin to turn yellow if their glazing is damaged by improper cleaning, for example, if they are cleaned with power polishing sprays such as the Prophy Jet.
The black at the top is probably due to the deteriorating bond at the gumline — there is leakage between the underlying tooth and the veneer. If the dentist isn’t extremely careful to use a proper bonding technique when veneers are placed, the bond will be very vulnerable at the gumline. Then fluid seeps up from the gums during the bonding process. Since this is occurring, it definitely sounds like they should be replaced.
Aside from their poor appearance, the leakage may lead to decay underneath the veneers, so that needs to be cleaned out before it goes too far.