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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

How long will I be in pain after teeth whitening?

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I am planning on getting my teeth whitened but I may chicken out if it is going to hurt too bad. My dentist says that I will be fine but I have some friends who said that bleaching their teeth put a serious hurting on them. So I am anticipating some kind of pain. How long will I be in pain after my teeth are whitened? – Jacque

Jacque – You may not experience any pain at all. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth and ask you questions about the history of sensitivity in your teeth to help determine the level of sensitivity you might experience with bleaching.

If sensitivity is likely to occur, you may be advised to take ibuprofen or some other mild pain reliever before your appointment to alleviate it. It may also be recommended that after your whitening treatment that you take ibuprofen again. Any significant sensitivity, which you are unlikely to experience with proper planning, gradually decreases within 24 hours.

Some dentists use desensitizing gel in advance of teeth whitening treatment. But his depends on the dentist and the type of whitening system that is used.

Speak with your cosmetic dentist about your concerns. He or she will let you know what to expect and how you can plan to get the best results.

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

 

 

I want a gap between my front teeth. Can a cosmetic dentist do it?

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I know that most people want to close the spaces between their teeth but I want to have a gap created between mine. I don’t want a huge gap. I think a small one will look good. Is this something a cosmetic dentist can do? – K.N.

K.N.A cosmetic dentist can use tooth contouring, or reshaping, to create a gap between your teeth. A small amount of your tooth structure is shaved away for contouring.

Whether or not a gap is a good option for your teeth is something that only a skilled cosmetic dentist can determine. Request an appointment for an examination to determine how a gap will affect your smile.

Don’t insist on treatment that can damage your teeth or detract from your smile.

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

Can I get porcelain veneers at a dental school if I can’t afford a cosmetic dentist?

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My teeth are really in bad shape and I want porcelain veneers. I have called several local dentists and found out that I can’t afford them. I am willing to travel to a dental school for veneers if they provide them there. Is this an option? Thanks Tammy

Tammy – There are dental schools that provide porcelain veneers. But porcelain veneers are a service that even many general dentists who have completed dentistry school don’t provide.

In part, this is because achieving beautiful results requires an artistic inclination as well as skill. Without those talents, veneers can look fake, bulky, too white, or boxy. Many general dentists refer their patients to experienced cosmetic dentists for porcelain veneers. Experienced cosmetic dentists spend hundreds of hours in continuing education to learn how to design smiles that are personalized. Their experienced helps to determine if porcelain veneers are the best treatment for your case, the type of veneers to use, and how to produce beautiful results.

If you decide to receive veneers from a dental school, you may be at risk for receiving a smile that doesn’t look real. People may easily be able to tell that the veneers are not your natural teeth.

If you cannot afford porcelain veneers, there are alternatives that a cosmetic dentist can provide. First, your teeth need to be examined. Sometimes, a combination of cosmetic treatments can greatly improve your smile. Teeth whitening, teeth contouring, dental bonding, porcelain crowns, or a combination of treatments can work for you.

We recommend that you find experienced cosmetic dentists in your area. Select a few of them, schedule a consultation with each dentist, and find out what your options are. The results will be long-lasting and beautiful. You can also learn how whatever treatment you receive can be made affordable for you.

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

Can a dental bridge for front teeth look good?

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I have a central incisor and a lateral incisor that are missing. I know that dental implants are my best option but I just can’t afford them this year. I want something else that looks natural. Can I dental bridge for front teeth look good or will I have to settle for it looking okay? Todd W.

Todd – The restoration of front teeth with a dental bridge is straightforward. The challenge comes in producing natural-looking results. You can get beautiful results from a skilled cosmetic dentist who has an artistic approach.

A dental bridge requires that the natural teeth on either side of the missing ones be filed down to accommodate the bridge. The natural teeth will have dental crowns placed over them, which will serve as anchors for the bridge. The replacement teeth will be suspended between the crowned natural teeth.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide you with a porcelain bridge that will perfectly match your natural teeth. If you have ever considered having your teeth whitened, it should be done before you receive the bridge. A dental bridge is made to match the color of your natural teeth. If you teeth are whitened after you receive the bridge, your natural teeth will be whiter than the bridge.

Your cosmetic dentist will discuss your goals for your smile and help you plan accordingly. He or she has a master ceramist who manipulates dental porcelain to match the color, translucency, and characteristics of your natural teeth. The results are lifelike.

We recommend that you choose one or two cosmetic dentists with whom you can have a consultation. Check each dentist’s website for information on his or credentials and experience. During the consultation, you can ask questions and get more information on what you can expect for a dental bridge.

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

Composite veneers or porcelain veneers?

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What are some of the differences between composite veneers or porcelain veneers? Which should I get? Thx Marie

Marie – Indirect composite veneers are based on impressions of your teeth that a dentists takes and sends to a laboratory to craft. Direct composite veneers, placed and hand sculpted by a dentist, can be completed in one visit. Composite dental resin is applied in layers to achieve natural color and translucency for your teeth. Both indirect and direct composite veneers can be lifelike and beautiful, but require artistic talent from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Composite veneers last four to eight years, but they wear and stain or chip with time. The old composite can be removed and replaced. They cost less than porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are made by a ceramist, based on impressions of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist will submit the impressions, a model of your smile makeover, and instructions regarding tooth shade to the ceramist. You will receive temporary veneers to try in before the final veneers are made by the ceramist.

Porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years, depending on how well you take care of them. Porcelain veneers are chip and stain resistant. Frequently, the natural teeth are minimally prepared before porcelain veneers are placed, which requires removing a slight small amount of tooth structure to prevent the teeth from looking bulky after the veneers are placed over them.

We recommend that you schedule an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and let you know the results you can expect from composite veneers, as well as porcelain veneers.

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