Posted on by AllSmiles.
Hi,
My husband recently purchased the Sonicare Diamond toothbrush for both of us to use. However, I have been reading that people who have dental bonding or veneers (which I have) should avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaning devices. Will the vibrating speed of this toothbrush damage my veneers? I have Dura-Thin porcelain veneers. Should I just avoid using this brush on the teeth with veneers?
Thanks,
Lina in Boston
Posted on by AllSmiles.
Hi,
I had resin veneers done on my upper teeth several years ago and now am wondering about how long they will last. I’ve been reading now about porcelain veneers and worry that the composite ones will start to deteriorate. Can they last 10 years or more? And, as they get old, will they all start to deteriorate at the same time?
Beverly in Springfield
Dear Beverly,
While composite veneers are not as strong and stain-resistant as porcelain veneers, they can last a long time if cared for properly.
First, you should use a professional grade toothpaste that is designed for people who have had cosmetic dental work done. Supersmile toothpaste is a good brand.
Next, you should be careful when you go in for a cleaning that the hygienist does not use anything abrasive polishers, such as pumice, on your teeth that could damage the veneers. Be sure you choose someone who has extensive experience with maintaining composite dental bonding work.
This blog brought to you by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.
Good luck!
Posted on by AllSmiles.
I had my two front teeth bonded about 14 years ago. These teeth are now looking more grey and dingy, but I don’t have the money to have the bonding re-done right now. Is it true that bonding will not change color with bleaching? Could I use a tooth whitening product to bleach the bonded teeth whiter? Will using a product like Crest WhiteStrips improve the shade at all?
– H in Lowell
Posted on by AllSmiles.
Hi,
My 9-year-old son has a severely chipped front tooth. It is almost broken in half. We had it fixed, but the repair broke off a week later. The root is not damaged, just the tooth. I am wondering if the Snap-On Smile will work for him until he is old enough to have it capped.
– Janelle from Boston
Janelle,
This is a rare instance in which the Snap-On Smile is not a good choice.
First, by doing a Snap-On Smile you are still leaving him with a tooth that is broken. The Snap-On Smile will only fix the cosmetic issues, not the problems he will have with bite. You need to have a competent dentist fix this tooth permanently, either with porcelain or composite. And, this must be done in such a way that it doesn’t get in the way of his bite.
Aside from the dental issues, there are three main concerns when it comes to doing a Snap-On Smile for a young child:
1. Because it is worn over the teeth it will be bulky.
2. Young children are likely to lose the appliance and these are significantly more expensive than, say, a retainer.
3. At age 9, your son is in what is known as a mixed dentition stage, meaning he has both baby teeth and permanent teeth, with the permanent teeth still coming in. As a result, the fit of something like a Snap-On Smile is going to change, maybe as often as every couple of months. The appliance may also get in the way of erupting teeth.
I would be most concerned about finding a different dentist to do the tooth repair. The first repair did not break off because of anything related to your son’s age; it broke because it got in the way of his bite and was improperly done.
I would seek out the services of a qualified cosmetic dentist—something with specific training and experience in cosmetic dental bonding—to do a permanent repair of this tooth. That may cost more than the average dental procedure, but likely less than the Snap-On Smile would have.
You can learn more about cosmetic dentistry on our main website: Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry.
