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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

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 overnight teeth whitening really bad for your teeth?

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    I have bleaching trays from my former dentist and I do periodic touchups. I only do them once a year about a week or two after I get my teeth cleaned. I usually only need to do it one or two nights and I’m good untilthe next year. My husband told me that he read about some people who had problems from bleaching overnight. Is this really a danger? – Haley T.

    Haley – The amount of time you leave the bleaching gel on your teeth depends on your individual sensitivity. If the bleaching gel isn’t creating sensitivity, you can leave the trays on.

    While you sleep, your saliva production is reduced, and the bleaching gel stays on your teeth much longer and is more effective. Some people who wear the trays overnight experience a lot of sensitivity. In this case, a lower-strength bleaching gel can be used, or the trays can be worn only during the day for a limited period of time.

    Anyone who has reason for concern about teeth whitening touch-ups—the gel, or the length of time it’s used—should speak with his or her dentist about it. Your dentist can examine your teeth and let you know if your tooth roots or the enamel of your teeth are being adversely affected.

    This post is sponsored by Lowell 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.

    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.