Existing Patients: (978) 454-9332 | New Patients: (877) 790-5172 |
Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

How Can I Switch Out a Partial Denture’s Metal Clasps?

Posted on by .

After spending $1925 for a titanium upper partial denture, I still wish I had dental implants. It’s the clasps around my teeth that bother me. I feel like they disrupt my smile. Maybe I’m too self-conscious. Is there a way to replace the metal clasps with gum-colored ones? Perhaps my dentist told me about the clasps, or I didn’t consider how I would feel about them. The two replacement teeth in the partial denture look natural, but what good is that when you can see metal strung around my teeth to keep the partial in place? Thanks. Geno from NJ

Gene,

We understand your concerns about the clasps on your partial denture.

Can You Switch the Clasps on Your Partial Denture?

The metal claps on your denture are a part of the framework, so you cannot switch them out. Too many alterations to the claps will cause them to break. Adding anything over a partial denture’s clasps to hide the metal will make getting them on your teeth impossible. If you could get the clasps on, they would be uncomfortable. Sometimes, a dentist may be able to reduce the shine on the clasps. You can ask your dentist if it is an option for you.

Alternatives to a Partial Denture with Metal Clasps

Clasps made of biocompatible nylon and thermoplastic resin are an alternative to metal. Although not as sturdy as a metal denture, a Valplast partial denture is flexible and less noticeable because the base and clasps are gum-colored.

Dental Implant vs. Partial Denture

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial root

A dental implant mimics a natural tooth for optimal function and long-lasting results.

Although a dental implant costs more than a partial denture, consider the differences in longevity, support, and reliability.

  • Longevity – A quality partial denture can last five to ten years. A dental implant can last ten years or longer—even a lifetime.
  • Support – Your jawbone supports a dental implant. It does not rely on or clip onto adjacent teeth, so it will not weaken them over time.
  • Reliability – Dental implants function like natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing keep them clean.
  • Cost – You will need one dental implant for each missing tooth or an implant bridge for multiple missing teeth in a row. Depending on your needs, a complete dental implant can cost $3,000 to $5,000.

Talk to Your Dentist

Talk to your dentist about your concerns with your partial denture. When it’s time to replace the denture—or before, if you prefer—find a skilled implant dentist to discuss replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. His office is near Dracut, Methuen, Andover, and Lawrence.

Is Whitening the Right Way to Remove Brown Teeth Stains?

Posted on by .

Over the past two years, I began to get brown stains on my teeth that are increasing. I see my dentist twice yearly, and she notices the stains, too. My dentist recommends whitening my teeth, but neither of us knows what is causing the stains. My dentist says the source is probably not serious because I am in my 50s, and the stains are just developing. I asked my primary care doctor about the stains, and he told me to check with my dentist first. I feel like I am stuck in a loop. Yesterday, a friend mentioned that I could research dental bonding if whitening does not work. Should I let my dentist whiten my teeth or get a second opinion? Thank you. Omari from CT

Omari,

Thank you for your question.

We are unsure why your dentist has not tried to identify the cause of the stains and recommend treatment. But you can ask her what might be causing the stains to understand why she recommends whitening your teeth.

Types of Tooth Stains that Develop in Adults

When stains develop during adulthood, they are either internal or external stains.

  • Internal stains – Internal stains can form as your teeth absorb pigments from foods and drinks, such as tea or coffee. Internal stains are even in appearance and affect the entire teeth, and bleaching can break them down. Some prescription medications can cause external stains, too.
  • External stains – External stains appear around your gumline and between your teeth. Some toothpaste brands, such as Supersmile, remove the sticky film (protein pellicle) from your teeth and stains that stick to it. Also, Supersmile toothpaste works because it removes the protein pellicle on your teeth and the stains that adhere to it. Your dental hygienist can remove surface stains.

Identifying the Cause of Tooth Stains

Sometimes a health condition or medication can cause discoloration in teeth. Ask your dentist to review your medical and prescription histories. If neither health nor medication is a factor, your dentist’s recommendation makes sense.

Will You Need Teeth Bleaching or Dental Bonding?

Teeth bleaching gel applied to teeeth

A cosmetic dentist can identify the cause of, and treat, brown teeth stains

Whether a dentist uses teeth bleaching or dental bonding depends on the cause of the tooth stains. If your teeth stains come from coffee or tea, whitening from your dentist will break them down. Dental bonding is usually not necessary unless internal tooth stains develop from medication, fluorosis, or a medical condition.

Teeth whitening from a dentist is safe and can help your smile look younger. If your dentist is not willing to identify the cause of the stains, you can look for a dentist with cosmetic dentistry training to help you.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Szarek, sponsors this post. His office is convenient to Andover, Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, and surrounding cities.

 

Does Shaving Down Teeth for Porcelain Veneers Cause Sensitivity?

Posted on by .

Some people who experience sensitivity in their teeth wonder if the sensitivity will increase after a dentist shaves down their teeth in preparation for porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers and Tooth Shaving – The Real Concern

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

A porcelain veneer only covers the front of a tooth

If a dentist has mentioned shaving down your teeth for porcelain veneers—run. Your teeth don’t need to be shaved down to receive porcelain veneers. A veneer only covers the front of a tooth. However, if you are receiving porcelain crowns, your teeth will need to be tapered because a crown completely covers a tooth.

Preparing Teeth for Porcelain Veneers

Most advanced cosmetic dentists will preserve as much tooth structure as possible when you receive porcelain veneers. Your dentist will determine if preparation is needed depending on several factors, including:

  • the type of veneers you are receiving
  • the position of your teeth
  • your smile goals
  • your dentist’s technique

No-prep veneers

If you’re receiving ultra-thin porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist might determine that your case does not require preparation of your natural teeth. One example is that if you want your teeth to look larger, thicker, or more pronounced, preparation might not be required.

Minimal-prep veneers

Skilled cosmetic dentists conservatively prepare teeth for porcelain veneers while leaving at least 90% of tooth enamel intact. There are several advantages to ultra-conservative preparation.

  • Comfort – It only removes a small fraction of tooth enamel, which is non-sensitive tooth structure.
  • Bonding – It does not affect the dentin—the layer beneath the enamel. When tooth preparation reaches the dentin, it’s tricky to get the porcelain veneer to stay bonded. And sensitivity can result.
  • Health and appearance – Bonding to enamel instead of dentin provides a seal that keeps bacteria out and prevents microleakage. When bacteria can leak in and affect the dentin, it will cause the veneers to look dark, and infection can occur.

Look for an advanced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist to place your veneers. Your dentist will ensure that if preparation is needed, it will be minimal.

Will You Experience Sensitivity?

If your teeth are healthy and you receive no-prep or conservatively prepared veneers, you probably won’t feel any sensitivity after your veneers are placed. Patients who receive more aggressive preparation might temporarily experience mild sensitivity to heat or cold that lasts a few days up to a few weeks.

The dentist you select impacts the extent of preparation of your teeth, sensitivity issues, as well as aesthetics. We recommend that you find a dentist with advanced training in aesthetic dentistry. Look for a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist.

Accredited cosmetic dentist Michael Szarek, DMD of Lowell, MA sponsors this post.

3 Reasons Porcelain Veneers Can Lose Their Shine and How to Get the Gloss Back

Posted on by .

Have your porcelain veneers lost their shine? If your veneers are new, it’s unusual for them to lose their gloss. There are a few possible causes of the change in the appearance of your smile.

Dental Tools or Chemicals

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneers are harder than tooth enamel

Porcelain veneers are harder than tooth enamel. A substance must be extremely abrasive to dull the gloss on your teeth. Although toothpaste is abrasive, it is unlikely to cause your veneers to lose their shine. But dental tools and chemicals can damage them. A hygienst who has been trained in how to care for porcelain veneers knows which instruments and substances to use.

Power polishing equipment – Dental hygienists use specific instruments, including the prophy jet, that will blast the glaze off veneers and cause them to dull.

Some fluoride treatment – Some fluoride contains hydrofluoric acid, which will etch porcelain, dull the surface of your veneers, and cause them to stain.

Your Veneers Might Not Be Porcelain at All

If your veneers are made of dental composite—not porcelain—they are much more likely to stain. Several substances will scratch composite, including:

  • Abrasive toothpaste – As you brush your teeth, the toothpaste will create tiny scratches on the composite, which attract stains.
  • Polishing pumice – At the end of professional dental cleaning, most hygienists use polishing pumice to make your teeth shine. The abrasive polish doesn’t harm tooth enamel, but it can scratch composite veneers.
  • Alcohol-based mouthwash – Alcohol softens dental composite and makes it easy to get scratched and stain.

How to Care for Your Porcelain Veneers

  • Brush them with a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss between them.
  • Don’t use your teeth to bite or open hard objects.
  • Ensure you receive dental cleanings from a hygienist who is trained to care for porcelain veneers. He or she knows which dental tools to use—and which tools to avoid—to maintain the luster of your smile.
  • Visit a cosmetic dentist who will safely polish your veneers and give them a glossy shine.

What Can You Do If Your Veneers are Already Stained?

Schedule an appointment for an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist to determine the cause of your dull porcelain veneers. Look at a few cosmetic dentist’s websites to read about their training and experience. You’ll receive the best results from an accredited cosmetic dentist.

A cosmetic dentist might be able to polish your veneers to improve their appearance. If not, he or she will explain your options. If your porcelain veneers are permanently damaged, they will need to be replaced to regain your bright smile.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Michael Szarek, DMD. His Lowell, MA office is conveniently located near Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Pelham, Westford, and Andover.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself before Choosing Dental Implants

Posted on by .

If you’re reading this post, you probably know that dental implants are the most effective form of tooth replacement. That’s because they mimic natural teeth.

The components of a dental implant include:

  • Artificial root – A root form, usually made of titanium, is surgically implanted in your jawbone. It’s a simple procedure.
  • Abutment – This connector is attached to the artificial root to support a crown.
  • Dental crown – A dental crown is attached to the abutment.
Diagram of dental implant phases, including 1) implant insertion in bone, 2) healing process, 3) abutment attachment, 4) crown attachment.
Dental implant phases

Questions to Ask Yourself before Dental Implants Are Placed

1. What are the implant dentist’s qualifications?

Although many dentists offer dental implants, not all of them meet the following qualifications:

  • Post-graduate training in implantology
  • Regularly place dental implants
  • Use advanced technology, including 3-D images to ensure optimal implant placement
  • Provide natural-looking dental crowns or implant overdentures

2. What are my other options?

Dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement, but they are also the most costly. If they are not within your budget, you should be aware of the following:

  • Other options, e.g., dental bridge, partial denture, implant overdentures
  • Cost of the options
  • Longevity of your options
  • Results you can expect

3. What’s involved with getting dental implants?

Dental implants have a 98% success rate, but they require diligent oral hygiene. Ask yourself if you’re willing to do the following:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily and daily floss between them
  • Keep appointments for regular dental cleanings and checkups
  • Quit smoking or tobacco use—or avoid those habits before and after dental implant surgery to allow proper healing

4. What Are My Long-Term Goals for My Smile?

If you have multiple smile goals, dental implants can be added to the treatment plan. But timing is everything. Your dentist will let you know at what stage dental implants will be scheduled in your overall treatment. For example, if you want your teeth whitened or aligned, let you dentist know before you receive dental implants.

5. Am I Willing to Wait?

  • Surgery and healing – Receiving dental implants is a process. After the implants are placed, it takes three to four months for the implants and your jawbone to fuse and provide a solid anchor for dental crowns or dentures. Meanwhile, you will wear temporary crowns or dentures.
  • Bone grafting – If some of your teeth have been missing for an extended period, your jawbone might be shrinking. Adequate bone is needed to support dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone, grafting might be required. The grafts need to heal before dental implants are placed.

A successful outcome requires patience. Don’t expect a quick fix with dental implants.

6. Am I Willing to Consult with More than One Dentist?

Much of the success of dental implants depends on the training, skill, and experience of the dentist. We recommend that you schedule consultations with more than one dentist. Only schedule consultations with providers who have post-graduate training in implantology, years of experience in placing implants, and many patients for whom implants have been provided.

During your consultations ask each dentist about the following:

  • Advanced training and credentials
  • Years of experience
  • How many dental implant cases he or she has completed
  • Before-and-after photos of patient cases
  • Cost of the entire procedure, including surgery, bone grafting if needed, and crowns or dentures
  • How he or she ensures accurate placement (3D imaging, computer-guided placement, etc.)

Cost alone should not determine which provider you choose for dental implants. Compare all of your options and weigh them carefully.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek’s office is convenient to the following towns:

  • Dracut, MA
  • Chelmsford, MA
  • Tewksbury, MA
  • Billerica, MA
  • Pelham, NH      
  • Westford, MA
  • Methuen, MA
  • Andover, MA
  • Lawrence, MA
  • Wilmington, MA            
  • Bedford, MA
  • North Andover, MA
  • Burlington, MA
  • Hudson, NH
  • Windham, NH