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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

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

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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.

If a Porcelain Veneer Falls Off, Should It Be Replaced with a Crown?

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Last December, my dentist placed 6 porcelain veneers on my front teeth. Two weeks after my dentist bonded the veneers, one of the incisor veneers fell off and broke while I was eating. The tooth was quite sensitive. My dentist said that he needed to adjust my bite. He shortened the opposite bottom tooth and the porcelain veneer. My dentist applied chemicals to my tooth that hurt so bad because it was already sensitive, despite his claims that the fix would be painless.

Last week, the same veneer fell off while I was eating. I feel the same sensitivity in my tooth. I called my dentist’s office to report the problem, and he returned my call and asked me to schedule an appointment for a porcelain crown because my bite must still be off. My dentist hasn’t looked at my tooth, and he wants me to get a crown. I’m suffering from sensitivity in the tooth, and I’m very skeptical about returning to my dentist. Is it normal for a cosmetic dentist to replace a veneer with a crown that keeps falling off?  – Omar from CT

Omar,

Two things aren’t normal about your situation. Porcelain veneers don’t commonly fall off, and it isn’t reasonable to grind down your tooth to replace the veneer with a dental crown.

Your dentist’s explanation about why your porcelain veneer is falling off doesn’t sound logical—especially since your dentist adjusted your bite, and the veneer fell off again. When a dentist properly bonds a porcelain veneer, it might chip or crack—but not fall off.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

Improper bonding – Porcelain veneers require skill and proper bonding techniques. A dentist needs post-graduated cosmetic dentistry training to understand which tools and materials are needed for successful bonding. We are skeptical that your dentist has received the proper training to give you a long-lasting smile makeover.

Aggressive tooth preparation – If your dentist aggressively prepared your tooth and removed too much enamel, it would cause sensitivity in your tooth and make it a challenge for the veneer to stay in place.

Switch to an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

If you take the veneer to an advanced cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited— he or she will ensure your tooth is prepared correctly and bond the veneer back in place. A cosmetic dentist who can save your tooth from a crown and ensure your veneer is secure.

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post. Dr. Szarek’s office is conveniently located near Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Westford, Andover, Lawrence, Wilmington, Bedford, and Burlington.
Below are porcelain veneers photos of one of Dr. Szarek’s patients.

Does Shaving Down Teeth for Porcelain Veneers Cause Sensitivity?

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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.

Can I get white teeth like Karrueche Tran’s smile from a cosmetic dentist?

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I’m 3 months older than Karrueche Tran and I just love, love her smile. Will it take a cosmetic dentist to get my teeth white like hers? I have a few friends who got their teeth whitened, but so far I haven’t seen anyone’s smile that looks as good as Karreuche’s. I saw her post on Instagram from a few years ago that said she was getting her teeth whitened in Beverly Hills. Of course I can’t go that far, but I do want my smile to pop! How do I find a dentist that can really give me the results I’m looking for and not end up wasting my money on average results? Thanks. Kym

Kym – Karreuche Tran has been interviewed on several talk shows recently, and more people are noticing the brilliant smile she’s flashing. She has made high-quality teeth whitening very desirable to a lot of people.

Photo of Karrueche Tran smiling, for information on teeth whitening from Lowell MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Karrueche Tran smiling

Anyone who wants predictable results with bleaching gel should see a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists are very picky about the results they achieve. You’ll receive a treatment plan that is customized for the types of stains in your teeth, the sensitivity of your teeth, and the results you want.

Only Choose an Accredited Cosmetic Dentist for a Karreuche-Tran White Smile

We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two accredited cosmetic dentists. Why accredited dentists?

  • Accredited cosmetic dentists have passed written exams to demonstrate their advanced knowledge of the art.
  • They’ve also submitted patient cases to demonstrate their skill in producing beautiful smiles.
  • You’ll benefit from their years of experience. No doubt, they have completed countless cases of teeth whitening with stunning results.

Before your consultations, have a close-up photo of Karreuche Tran’s smile available on your mobile device. You can show each dentist the results you want to achieve. He or she will let you know the type of whitening treatment needed to get your smile amazingly bright, yet natural looking.

Dentists use different brands of whitening, so you might receive different recommendations based on the dentist’s experience and results with a certain brand. If a dentist is accredited, you can trust his or her judgment. Don’t insist on a specific brand.

Look on each dentist’s website to see before-and-after teeth whitening photos. If photos aren’t available on the website, ask to see them during your consultation.

What Will a Cosmetic Dentist Require before Teeth Whitening?

Your teeth and gums must be healthy before your teeth are whitened. Keep in mind that some dentists have additional requirements before whitening your teeth. Depending on the dentist, any of the following might be required:

  • A recent dental exam and cleaning from your current dentist
  • Become a patient of the dentist who will whiten your teeth
  • Pay for an exam if you only want your teeth whitened and don’t plan on switching dentists

Consultations will help you choose the best cosmetic dentist for the results you want. Best wishes on your sparkling smile!

 

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

 

Is it true that I can’t use toothpaste on porcelain veneers?

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I was told that if I get porcelain veneers that I can’t use regular toothpaste on them. Do porcelain veneers require special care beyond natural teeth? Thanks. Bridget

Bridget – You should treat porcelain veneers as you would your natural teeth. Floss and brush them, but use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.

It’s important that you get your teeth regularly examined and cleaned by a cosmetic dentist with staff training in maintaining porcelain veneers. Some of the equipment used to clean and polish natural teeth will damage porcelain veneers, so it’s important to have a dentist who is skilled in caring for veneers.

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