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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can cosmetic dentistry fix my gap or do I need braces?

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I’ve had a gap between my front teeth as long as I can remember. It seems to be getting bigger though. I don’t want to close it completely, because I’ve had it so long that it’s part of my smile now, but I do want to make it smaller. Can cosmetic dentistry make the gap smaller or do I have to get braces. – Naomi

Naomi – Cosmetic dentistry can decrease the width of the gap between your teeth. The right treatment for you depends on the size of your gap, and the size of your teeth.

In some cases, dental bonding that matches the color of your teeth can be used to close the gap a little. Porcelain veneers may be another option.

Invisalign invisible braces can be worn for a short period to partially close your gap. After treatment with any type of braces, a retainer must be worn to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

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

Can a dentist do something cosmetic to get spots off my teeth after braces?

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I got my braces off and there are spots on my teeth. Now my teeth are straight but people are still looking at them funny because of the spots. Is there a cosmetic something that a dentist can do to get the spots off? – Muriel

Muriel – When a person who wears braces gets white spots on his or her teeth, the spots are the first signs of a cavity. When acid demineralizes the outer surface of the teeth, white spots appear. Acid comes from soda, sugary snacks, and inadequate flossing and brushing while wearing braces. So, the white spots can be prevented with diligent oral hygiene and avoiding or limiting drinks and snacks that produce a lot of acid. While wearing braces, your dentist or orthodontist can recommend fluoride treatments or prescription toothpaste to help fight decay.

    Generally, within six months of removing your braces, the white spots will either get better or stay the same. There are several ways to treat the spots, and a cosmetic dentist can help.

    • Remineralizing  –  High doses of fluoride can help remineralize teeth. Remineralizing toothpaste can be prescribed, or remineralizing treatments can be done in the dentist’s office. Sometimes this process causes the white spots to turn brown. But a cosmetic dentist can anticipate the results of remineralizing and determine whether this is the right treatment for you.
    • Microabrasion- This is another treatment that can remove white spots. This treatment uses a mixture of hydrochloric acid along with an abrasive to gently remove the outer layers of enamel where the stains exist.
    • Restoration – Placing a veneer on the outer surface of the tooth can restore it. This treatment can be used when other options don’t remove the stains. It is very effective, but it is also the most expensive way to conceal the spots.

    Schedule an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth and let you know your options for uniformly whitening your teeth.

    This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA 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.

    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.