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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can a dentist do something cosmetic to get spots off my teeth after braces?

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I got my braces off and there are spots on my teeth. Now my teeth are straight but people are still looking at them funny because of the spots. Is there a cosmetic something that a dentist can do to get the spots off? – Muriel

Muriel – When a person who wears braces gets white spots on his or her teeth, the spots are the first signs of a cavity. When acid demineralizes the outer surface of the teeth, white spots appear. Acid comes from soda, sugary snacks, and inadequate flossing and brushing while wearing braces. So, the white spots can be prevented with diligent oral hygiene and avoiding or limiting drinks and snacks that produce a lot of acid. While wearing braces, your dentist or orthodontist can recommend fluoride treatments or prescription toothpaste to help fight decay.

    Generally, within six months of removing your braces, the white spots will either get better or stay the same. There are several ways to treat the spots, and a cosmetic dentist can help.

    • Remineralizing  –  High doses of fluoride can help remineralize teeth. Remineralizing toothpaste can be prescribed, or remineralizing treatments can be done in the dentist’s office. Sometimes this process causes the white spots to turn brown. But a cosmetic dentist can anticipate the results of remineralizing and determine whether this is the right treatment for you.
    • Microabrasion- This is another treatment that can remove white spots. This treatment uses a mixture of hydrochloric acid along with an abrasive to gently remove the outer layers of enamel where the stains exist.
    • Restoration – Placing a veneer on the outer surface of the tooth can restore it. This treatment can be used when other options don’t remove the stains. It is very effective, but it is also the most expensive way to conceal the spots.

    Schedule an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth and let you know your options for uniformly whitening your teeth.

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

    Cracked 2 teeth playing musical chairs. Which cosmetic dentistry is best?

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    Over the weekend I was bar hopping with some friends. We ended up drinking more than I thought we would, singing karaoke and playing musical chairs until late. I didn’t make it in a seat and my feet slipped out from under me. When I fell I also slid and my teeth hit the metal on one of the chairs. I now have a crack to in two different teeth. Won’t be repeating that performance. What cosmetic treatment will work best for me a veneer or a crown? – Tim

    Tim – Your teeth need to be examined by an experienced cosmetic dentist. The treatment that will be recommended will depend on the length and severity of the crack in each tooth.

    It is possible that your teeth can be restored with dental bonding. After your teeth are roughened, composite bonding that matches the color of your teeth will be applied to them. The bonding will be smoothed, shaped, and polished for a natural look. You will have to be careful to avoid an excess of food and drink that can stain your bonding, such as berries, coffee, tea, and colas. Tobacco use can also stain bonding.

    Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns are more stain resistant. They are also more durable than dental bonding, which will wear and need to be replaced in a few years.

    If you are fortunate enough to find an accredited cosmetic dentist, the results with the restoration of your teeth will be so beautiful that you won’t be able to tell the teeth were once damaged.

    This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

    Cost of dentist’s visit?

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    I haven’t been to the dentist in 3 years. I have been putting it off because I don’t have dental insurance, but I know I need to go. What is the cost of a dentist’s visit for a cleaning and exam? I know you can’t give me an exact cost for the dentist I choose but an average cost is okay. Thanks. Judy.

    Judy – The cost of a dentist’s visit for an exam and cleaning can vary depending on whether a general cleaning or a deep cleaning is needed. Where you live in the country can also affect the cost.

    If you don’t have dental insurance, the average national cost for a cleaning and exam is about $180. Of course, the cost can vary. If you need a deep cleaning, it’s more expensive—$400 to $1800.

    You can call a few dental offices and inquire about the cost for an exam and cleaning without insurance, so you can plan in advance. You may also want to ask about your payment options.

    This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

    Rough edge on porcelain veneer

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    On the right side of my mouth, the third tooth from the front, there is a rough edge on the porcelain veneer. I noticed it about 3 weeks ago. I have had the veneers for 4 years. Is this normal? Thanks. Jan.

    Jan – No, it’s not normal to have a rough edge on a porcelain veneer. But it can occur.

    If veneers are polished at a dental office with abrasive instruments, or if acid fluoride treatments are used, the glaze on the veneers can break. The veneer will become porous and rough.

    Biting hard objects, such as pins, nails, or bottles can cause the veneers to fracture.

    Visit an expert cosmetic dentist to have your veneers examined. He or she will determine if your veneers can be polished, or if another treatment is appropriate.

    This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentisty.

    My white fillings are stained

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    I just got white fillings in January and they are stained already. I smoke and the tar or nicotine has yellowed my fillings. Can I get them white again? Todd

    Todd – If the stains on your composite fillings are only surface stains, your cosmetic dentist may be able to polish away most of the stains. If the stains are below the surface of the white fillings, they can’t be polished away.

    As you likely know, you can protect your lungs and teeth if you don’t smoke. If you have front teeth that are filled, porcelain veneers may be an alternative; they are much more stain resistant than composite.

    This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.