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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.

Dental Implants vs Crown and Bridge?

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I recently had one of my tooth extracted and I am not going to leave the space open. My dentist said that I could either get a bridge or a dental implant. The cost of the implant helped me decide to go with the bridge, but my dentist says a bridge is not as durable as an implant and it will probably need to be replaced in about 10 years. I’m thinking that she is trying to discourage me from getting the bridge because the amount of the implant is twice the cost and it’s more money for her. Is my dentist right? Vanessa

Vanessa – A dental implant is the most effective means of replacing a missing tooth. It is a permanent form of tooth replacement. It will look and function as a natural tooth, and you care for it just as you do your natural teeth.

A dental bridge lasts an average of ten years, but depending on how well it’s made and taken care of, it can last longer. A bridge requires that the teeth on either side of the missing one be shaved down to accommodate porcelain crowns. An implant requires no work on adjacent teeth. Care must be taken to floss around and beneath a dental bridge.

If your budget permits, you will be thrilled with the completely natural-looking and long-lasting results of a dental implant. If you choose an implant, be sure that a skilled implant dentist is performing the surgery, and ensure that an experienced cosmetic dentist provides the implant crown.

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

How do i keep my teeth white after using crest whitening strips?

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How do i keep my teeth white after using crest whitening strips? – Erika

Erika – If you are pleased with the results that you received from whitening strips, you need to do periodic touch-ups to keep your teeth white. If you want an even brighter smile, ask your dentist about take-home teeth whitening.

You will get the best results with teeth whitening from your dentist because professional-strength whitening gel is used.

Regardless of whether you use over-the-counter whitening strips or teeth whitening from your dentist, in time, your teeth will stain from food and drink, so you will have to do occasional touch-ups to keep your teeth white.

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

My white fillings are stained

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I just got white fillings in January and they are stained already. I smoke and the tar or nicotine has yellowed my fillings. Can I get them white again? Todd

Todd – If the stains on your composite fillings are only surface stains, your cosmetic dentist may be able to polish away most of the stains. If the stains are below the surface of the white fillings, they can’t be polished away.

As you likely know, you can protect your lungs and teeth if you don’t smoke. If you have front teeth that are filled, porcelain veneers may be an alternative; they are much more stain resistant than composite.

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