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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

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.

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.

Rough edge on porcelain veneer

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On the right side of my mouth, the third tooth from the front, there is a rough edge on the porcelain veneer. I noticed it about 3 weeks ago. I have had the veneers for 4 years. Is this normal? Thanks. Jan.

Jan – No, it’s not normal to have a rough edge on a porcelain veneer. But it can occur.

If veneers are polished at a dental office with abrasive instruments, or if acid fluoride treatments are used, the glaze on the veneers can break. The veneer will become porous and rough.

Biting hard objects, such as pins, nails, or bottles can cause the veneers to fracture.

Visit an expert cosmetic dentist to have your veneers examined. He or she will determine if your veneers can be polished, or if another treatment is appropriate.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentisty.