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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

My Temp Veneers for Front Teeth Have Humps at the Top

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I’m currently in the process of getting porcelain veneers replaced for my two center front teeth. It’s been a challenge for me and my dentist. I originally had bonding on these teeth, which my dentist replaced with veneers. Unfortunately, those veneers felt too bulky, making it difficult to close my mouth comfortably.

My new dentist tried bonding again, but the results looked amateurish. She suggested a new set of porcelain veneers to create a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing smile. She’s already prepped my teeth for the new veneers.

My question is, do all veneers for front teeth have a noticeable hump at the top? Most veneers have this, but I’ve noticed a smoother transition with Durathins. Right now, I’m wearing temporaries, and while they look okay, they still have that unwanted hump. I’m concerned and don’t want to move forward. – Thanks Meghan from RI

Meghan,

We understand your concerns.

It sounds like you’re having a frustrating experience with your dental veneers. It’s completely understandable to want a natural-looking, comfortable smile. A well-placed veneer should seamlessly blend with natural teeth without unsightly humps or irregularities.

A skilled cosmetic dentist should be able to create a beautiful, functional smile without compromising aesthetics. If your current dentist doesn’t meet your expectations, consider a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain veneers after photo of a woman's smile that was restored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek.

Smooth, well-formed porcelain veneers from Dr. Szarek and his ceramist

Before committing to the final veneers, your dentist must schedule a try-in appointment so you can see how they will look and feel. Skilled cosmetic dentists adjust the veneers until you are delighted with the result.

Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns and expectations to your dentist. A good dentist will listen to your feedback and work with you to achieve the smile you desire.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

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.

Caring for composite veneers

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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!

Pain while bleaching teeth at home

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I have been using an take-home tooth bleaching system purchased from a local drugstore for about two weeks with no problems. But yesterday, I used the strips and felt a sharp pain for about 30 seconds. The pain was in a front tooth on which I have had dental bonding done. The bonding was done about 10 years ago to repair that tooth after it was damaged and chipped. Could the dental bond be nearing the end of its life cycle or is the whitening product weakening the bond? I think it may be both.

Thanks!

Kim

Dear Kim,

It’s unlikely that the bleaching system is harming the dental bond. Also, if the dental bond were weak, the repair to the chipped portion of the tooth would fall off. You would not just feel pain.

The kind of pain you describe sounds like it could be caused by the bleaching gel reaching a sensitive part of that tooth. There could be a small space of tooth that used to be covered by the bonding agent that is now exposed. Unfortunately, your case is a good example of why it’s a good idea to only undergo teeth bleaching (whitening) under the supervision of a qualified dentist. If you have a dentist that you see regularly, make an appointment so that he or she can examine the tooth and determine the source of the pain. The tooth may be able to be coated with something that will allow you to continue the bleaching program pain free.