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My porcelain veneers are way too white

Posted on June 30, 2016 by AllSmiles.

I hate my porcelain veneers because they are way too white. Nobody thinks they are my real teeth. People actually ask me if I am wearing veneers or something over my teeth because they are so white. It is embarrassing. I know that they are not my real teeth, but aren’t porcelain veneers supposed to look natural? This is much whiter than I thought my veneers would be.  The cosmetic dentist that placed them is not my regular dentist, but she insists that I approved the color. I asked her to remove them and send them back to her lab to have them darkened. She says that it’s too late to darken them. Is this true? I am disappointed that I am not being offered any alternatives for this problem. Thanks for your help. – Sunni

Sunni – After porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, no changes can be made to them. Even if the veneers were removed, the porcelain is color fast, and it cannot be changed.

Bonded veneers can’t be made darker or lighter. At this point, if you are able to prove that the color of veneers you received is not the color you approved, it may assist you in getting new veneers. You can consider tactfully asking your cosmetic dentist to compare the instructions on the color of your veneers that was sent to the lab with what was actually received. It is unfortunate, but at this point, the only way to receive more natural-looking veneers is to have them completely redone.

We hope that your cosmetic dentist will be willing to work with you to ensure that you get natural-looking veneers. If not, find another cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth and veneers and let you know your options. An accredited cosmetic dentist is trained and skilled to product lifelike results.

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

Filed Under: Cosmetic dentist, Porcelain veneers Tagged With: Lowell porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers Andover MA, porcelain veneers change color, porcelain veneers Methuen MA, porcelain veneers too white

Need a good cosmetic dentist fast for crowns on my front teeth

Posted on June 20, 2016 by AllSmiles.

I am trying to narrow down cosmetic dentists in my area who do a great job with dental crowns on front teeth. The issue is it needs to be done pretty much within 4 days. I will be on assignment overseas starting July 18. The only time I have for any dental work is 4 days. So I’ve found several cosmetic dentists online who look like they have good credentials. I know some specialists can do amazing job but they have to take their time and go slow. I only have 4 days, so how do I find out if the dentist can do the crowns quickly? Thanks Milton

Milton – Beautiful dental crowns require more than four days. A skilled cosmetic dentist works with a master ceramist to produce lifelike crowns in a lab. It is a challenge to provide natural-looking crowns for front teeth, and the process should not be rushed.

Your porcelain crowns should match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth. It takes time to manipulate the porcelain and create a perfect match. It may take a week or two to receive your custom crowns from the dental lab.

If you have an immediate need for restoring your teeth, speak with two or three cosmetic dentists to get a recommendation for a temporary restoration. A high-quality temporary crown can last many months. The condition of your teeth will determine what dental work should be done and when.

We recommend that you not rush the process. You may be able to find a cosmetic dentist to quickly provide you with dental crowns for your front teeth, but you when you see the results, you may regret it.

Have a consultation with two or three dentists, and discuss your options first. Ask to see before-and-after photos of each dentist’s work.

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

Filed Under: Cosmetic dentist, Porcelain crowns Tagged With: cosmetic dentist crowns, crowns front teeth, dental crowns fast, Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist, Lowell porcelain crowns, tooth cap front teeth

Will a dentist whiten a child’s tooth?

Posted on May 21, 2016 by AllSmiles.

My 6 yr old son had a playground accident at school in early April. The tooth is progressively getting darker. I took him to his pediatric dentist who said that the tooth is primary so it will eventually fall out so we shouldn’t worry about it. I didn’t expect my son to be so very embarrassed about the tooth but he is. He already has enough stress in school and I don’t want him to start being teased for a year or two until the tooth falls out and the permanent one comes in. How do I find a dentist who will whiten the tooth for us? Chadra

Chadra – The darkness of your son’s tooth is internal—from trauma. Tooth whitening removes stains that start from the outside and penetrate the teeth. For example coffee, smoking, certain berries, and other food or drink can penetrate the teeth and stain them. But the whitening won’t remove the darkness from trauma.

There is a way to whiten the teeth internally. The procedure typically follows a root canal treatment after the infected tooth pulp is cleaned out. The bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth and sealed in to prevent leaking. The procedure is repeated three to four times until the darkness is resolved. The procedure requires the cooperation of the patient, and it is not an option for primary teeth. Even teeth whitening for external stains is usually not recommend for children until they reach their teen years and all of their permanent teeth have erupted.

Although other children may notice your son’s tooth, a simple explanation that the tooth was injured in a playground accident may be enough to satisfy their curiosity. Based on your son’s age group, he may not be teased at all. If so, it is unlikely that he will be teased excessively or that teasing will be prolonged. You can consider preparing your son to take any teasing lightly and find a way to make a joke about it so he doesn’t feel self-conscious.

If the tooth becomes painful, you should schedule an appointment with your son’s dentist for an examination.

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

Filed Under: Cosmetic dentist, Teeth whitening Tagged With: 01852 teeth whitening, internal teeth whitening, Lowell MA teeth whitening, tooth trauma whitening, whiten children's teeth, whiten gray tooth, whiten tooth after root canal

Porcelain veneers or crowns for my worn teeth?

Posted on March 24, 2016 by AllSmiles.

My teeth are worn and discolored. I am going to make appointments with 2 different dentists to see what they recommend. I just need some direction before I see the dentists so I don’t get oversold or undersold. Should I go with one who recommends porcelain veneers or one who recommends porcelain crowns? Jon

Jon – A conservative, conscientious dentist will first examine your teeth to identify the cause of the wear and discoloration.

If the wear is caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding, that issue must be addressed first. Many patients who grind their teeth are not good candidates for porcelain veneers. The force on the teeth from grinding can fracture a veneer.

An experienced cosmetic dentist will recommend the most conservative treatment. If you do not grind your teeth, and if you have adequate healthy tooth structure, porcelain veneers are a more conservative treatment than porcelain crowns. Teeth are minimally prepared before the veneers are bonded to them. If preparation is required, only 0.5mm to 1mm of the enamel surface is removed. A disadvantage is that veneers cost more than crowns. Porcelain crowns require reducing the size of natural teeth so that crowns will fit over them. This is a process that reduces a significant amount of tooth structure, and it cannot be reversed.

It is possible that your smile can be rejuvenated with teeth whitening and dental composite. An artistic cosmetic dentist can manipulate composite to match the characteristics and translucence of your natural teeth. This is a minimally invasive treatment that will last for years if you take proper care of it. Some patients only require cosmetic contouring, which shapes the teeth to help them appear symmetrical and balanced.

When looking for dentists with whom you can have a consultation, we recommend that you find experienced cosmetic dentists who have artistic talent. A cosmetic dentist’s goal is to help you achieve a smile that is both healthy and beautiful. He or she may recommend one or more treatment options to help you achieve your goals for your smile. An examination and diagnostic studies are required to accurately inform you of your options.

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

Filed Under: Cosmetic dentist, Porcelain crowns, Porcelain veneers Tagged With: Lowell dentist American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Lowell MA cosmetic dentist, Lowell porcelain crowns, Lowell porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers vs porcelain crowns, veneers vs crowns

Can a cosmetic dentist clean up my stained dental bonding?

Posted on March 14, 2016 by AllSmiles.

I am a regular smoker. I don’t consider myself a chain smoker though. 2 years ago, I got dental bonding on 4 front teeth. They are now noticeably stained and I tried to whiten them myself with whitening strips but I can’t see any difference at all. I have unsuccessfully tried to stop smoking several times in the past with no good results. So now I am wondering if I will have to get new bonding or if a cosmetic dentist can clean up the bonding. Matt
Matt – It is possible that a cosmetic dentist can polish the bonding to remove the stains. He or she will first need to examine your teeth to determine if polishing will work or if it’s time to replace the bonding.
In time, coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking all discolor our natural teeth and dental bonding. Composite bonding is also affected by acidic drinks, excessive alcohol consumption, and some toothpastes; the bonding will become dull and excessive alcohol consumption weakens bonding. Dental bonding is not as strong and stain resistant as porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers. It can last three to eight years, whereas crowns or veneers can last fifteen to twenty years, depending on how well you take care of them.
If you want your dental bonding to last, we recommend that you maintain good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings. Be aware that smoking not only affects your dental bonding, it increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and excessive alcohol consumption. Avoid biting hard objects, such as ice, carrots, pencils, etc., to prevent the bonding from chipping.
This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Filed Under: Cosmetic dentist, Dental bonding Tagged With: dentist dental bonding, how to whiten dental bonding, Lowell MA dental bonding, smoking dental bonding, stains dental bonding, what stains dental bonding, whiten dental bonding, whitening strips dental bonding

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