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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Need a dentist to restore 2 teeth

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I have 2 teeth that were cracked in an accident. At first it was a hairline fracture that my dentist told me not to worry about. Last night while I was flossing my teeth, I noticed that one of the teeth is a little loose. Unfortunately I am looking for another dentist to do the work because mine told me not to worry about it. I don’t want to lose my teeth. What are my options for restoring the teeth? Jamie

Jamie – We advise you to find a skilled cosmetic dentist. Your teeth can simply be made functional again, and just about any dentist can do that. If you want beautiful results, you can get them from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

An experienced cosmetic dentist has an artistic eye. He or she is concerned about protecting your teeth, and about making the restoration match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth.

If your teeth were damaged by trauma, you will need to have them examined to determine which treatment is best for you. A damaged tooth is generally protected with a dental crown or “cap,” as it is often called.

Start by looking for a dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accreditation requires in-depth testing and presentation of cases by the dentists who apply for accreditation. This credential will highly increase your chances of receiving beautiful results for your smile. Fees from a cosmetic dentist may cost a little more, but the results will be beautiful and long-lasting. You won’t walk away frustrated with the look of your teeth.

If you can’t find an accredited dentist, look for one who is a member of the AACD. Ask the dentist how often he or she participates in ongoing cosmetic dentistry training. It will give you an indication of how interested the dentist is in achieving natural-looking results.

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

My daughter is getting her tongue pierced. What are the risks?

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Our 19 yr old daughter is getting her tongue pierced in 2 weeks. She doesn’t live at home, but we see her several times a week. We are still very close. When she was visiting over the weekend, she let us know that she is getting her tongue pierced. I asked her if she knew about the risks. Her reply was that 3 or 4 of her friends have done it with no problems. She agreed to talk with me about it again before she does it. I am not going to try to stop her, but I want to know some facts that I can share with her so that she can at least take some precautions. I would like to know for myself too so that I can be aware if things don’t go well. What are the risks? Thanks. Dana

Dana – We understand your concern. We will share some of the risks with you. As with any type of puncture or wound, a tongue piercing can cause swelling, pain, and infection.

Saliva flow will increase. The tongue ornament can cause damage to the gums, teeth, or dental restorations. Sensitivity to metal can also occur. If vessels in the tongue are pierced during the procedure, prolonged bleeding can occur.

If the jewelry is mistakenly swallowed, damage to respiratory or digestive organs can occur. Bacteria can collect on the jewelry and cause secondary infection.

You can also suggest that your daughter speak with her dentist regarding what she should consider before piercing her tongue, as well as what she can expect afterward.

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

Can cosmetic dentistry fix my gap or do I need braces?

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I’ve had a gap between my front teeth as long as I can remember. It seems to be getting bigger though. I don’t want to close it completely, because I’ve had it so long that it’s part of my smile now, but I do want to make it smaller. Can cosmetic dentistry make the gap smaller or do I have to get braces. – Naomi

Naomi – Cosmetic dentistry can decrease the width of the gap between your teeth. The right treatment for you depends on the size of your gap, and the size of your teeth.

In some cases, dental bonding that matches the color of your teeth can be used to close the gap a little. Porcelain veneers may be another option.

Invisalign invisible braces can be worn for a short period to partially close your gap. After treatment with any type of braces, a retainer must be worn to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

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

How to make my stubby teeth look longer

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My teeth look like short stubby pegs. I want them to at least be ¼ inch longer so they look like adult teeth. They are not crooked, just too short. What can a dentist do to make them longer or at least look longer? – Tanya E.

Tanya – Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and gums. There are several options, but what will work best for you depend on the results of your examination.

If you have excessive gum tissue, your gums can be contoured, which will make your teeth look longer. Porcelain veneers are another option. The veneers are applied to the teeth that show when you smile. Porcelain veneers will look completely natural if they are placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

It is also possible that dental bonding can be applied to your teeth. The composite bonding material will be made to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. Composite bonding is not as durable and stain resistant as porcelain, so it will wear faster. It may need to be periodically removed and reapplied.

Before you make a final decision on which cosmetic dentist will transform your smile, you can schedule a consultation with a few cosmetic dentists to find out which options each of them recommend to lengthen your teeth.

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

Teeth bleaching or veneers?

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My teeth are really really yellow. I have tried to get them white at home but maybe they are only one shade lighter of yellow. Still yellow though. I am wondering if teeth bleaching from a dentist will help or if I need to get veneers. Which is better? – S.W.

S.W. – Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. If your teeth can be whitened by a dentist, it is much more affordable that porcelain veneers.

Stains in your teeth are often embedded in them. Dentists have professional-strength whitening gel that will penetrate the stains and break them down. It is likely that whitening from a dentist will work for you.

Porcelain veneers are a last resort for teeth whitening. Some types of stains can’t be removed with teeth bleaching. Depending on the types of stains in your teeth, teeth bleaching can make the stains only more noticeable.

It’s best to see an experienced cosmetic dentist to let you know your options.

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