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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

What’s the Best Treatment for a Child’s Damaged Front Tooth?

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My 10-year-old son recently fell and severely fractured his two front teeth. Most of each tooth was gone, with only small pieces remaining on the edges. The dentist rebuilt them with bonding, but the result is disappointing.

The teeth look bulky and uneven, and they’re noticeably shorter than before. I don’t want this to affect his confidence at such a young age.

Are the cosmetic dentists you recommend experienced with children? If not, could you guide me toward someone who can help us correct this? – Thanks. Naomi from TN

Naomi,

Before-and-after composite boning photos

Composite bonding

Bonding is conservative and appropriate for a child’s front tooth. The difficulty lies in making it look natural when a large portion of the tooth structure is missing.

These cases require true artistry. That’s why similar cases appear in high-level cosmetic dentistry accreditation exams.

Should You Worry About Cooperation?

If your son can remain calm and follow instructions, he should do well. Age alone does not determine success, though. Dentists who enjoy cosmetic work often treat cooperative children comfortably. The main challenge arises with very young children who cannot sit through detailed procedures.

Why Should Crowns Be Avoided in Young Front Teeth?

Crowning a 10-year-old’s front tooth creates long-term risks that outweigh convenience.

At his age:

  • The pulp is still large and vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of needing a root canal if the tooth is aggressively prepared.
  • The tooth will continue erupting, which can expose the crown margin over time and compromise aesthetics.

What Would I Suggest?

Find a highly skilled cosmetic dentist and proceed with bonding. Done correctly, it will look completely natural and preserve the health of his tooth. This approach protects both his smile today and his long-term dental health.

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

Can a cosmetic dentist clean up my stained dental bonding?

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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.

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.

How long does teeth bonding last?

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I have 2 chipped teeth. I am deciding on whether to fix it with porcelain veneers or teeth bonding. How long does teeth bonding last? Thanks. Veronica

Veronica – Dental bonding works well for small repairs in teeth. Although it is not as durable as porcelain, if taken care of, it can last up to ten years.

Smoking, coffee, and tea tend to stain bonding. Excessive alcohol consumption will weaken the bonding and cause it to wear away prematurely.

Find a skilled cosmetic dentist who uses quality bonding material and has a variety of material so that the bonding will match your natural teeth. Keep your appointment for regular checkups and cleanings. If your bonding stains frequently, your cosmetic dentist may be able to polish the stains away.

Take care of your bonding to help it last long.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Many consider Dr. Szarek to be the best Lowell dentist. Find out why.

Finding a cosmetic dentist who does good bonding work

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How can I find a cosmetic dentist that does good bonding work? I know that the dentists aren’t making the porcelain veneers themselves, but I have two acquaintances that have had porcelain veneers fall off. So I know how important the bonding is. Before I select a cosmetic dentist, I need a little advice on how to find a good one for bonding. – Sheri M.

Sheri – Your choice of a cosmetic dentist matters for both the bonding work and for the porcelain veneers themselves.

The cosmetic dentist has to plan your treatment, take quality impressions, and give details about the shade, texture, translucency, and shape of your veneers. When the veneers are returned from the lab, the cosmetic dentist will approve the work and bond the veneers to your teeth, or return the veneers to the lab for adjustments—or for them to be completely re-made. The results of an expert ceramist at a lab are very dependent on the instructions received from the cosmetic dentist. It is the expertise of both professionals that result in a beautiful smile makeover.

Additionally, if a dentist does not have excellent artistic inclination, he or she is unlikely choose a ceramist with the same inclination. An expert cosmetic dentist knows how the ceramist will affect the end result. A cosmetic dentist with an artistic eye wants you to have a beautiful smile and will choose a ceramist and lab that will produce those results.

If you need assistance finding a skilled cosmetic dentist in your area, mynewsmile.com is an excellent resource. The website is run by a retired cosmetic dentist. Names are not randomly added to mynewsmile.com. Dentists’ training and credentials are checked, and photos of their work are submitted before their names are added to the website.

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