porcelain veneers Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Can I Bypass Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on December 20, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I have dental anxiety and am concerned about the pain of preparing my teeth. Do no-prep veneers work only for people with small teeth? If I can find a way to get veneers without the pain of tooth preparation, I would be relieved. – Thank you. Jada from Nashville

Jada,

We will begin by answering a question that many people have about porcelain veneers. This can give you a positive view of the process even if your teeth require preparation for healthy, natural-looking results.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Porcelain veneer

Quality, correctly placed porcelain veneers do not hurt. However, it takes the skill of an advanced cosmetic dentist to ensure you are comfortable before you begin treatment. A local anesthetic will give you a painless experience. Then, the dentist will prepare your teeth conservatively—removing only a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel—and avoid any layers beneath the enamel that may provoke sensitivity.

Are No-Prep Veneers Only for Small Teeth?

No-prep veneers are not only for small teeth. Still, not every porcelain veneer case is eligible for no preparation. A cosmetic dentist customizes your treatment plan based on your goals for your smile. Sometimes, achieving natural-looking results and veneers that fit well from the biting edge to the gumline requires preparation. Factors that determine whether your teeth require preparation for porcelain veneers include:

Your smile goals
Whether teeth overlap
Teeth position
Size
Shape
Teeth alignment

Although some brands of porcelain veneers are advertised as requiring no preparation, skilled cosmetic dentists work to provide highly aesthetic results. For example, if a tooth is crooked, a portion of it may stick out. A cosmetic dentist will trim it to harmonize with the position of other teeth. At the end of treatment, people will notice your beautiful, natural-looking smile and not know you have porcelain veneers.

Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you have dental anxiety and are interested in porcelain veneers. In addition to explaining your options for veneers, the dentist will listen to understand your anxiety triggers. The dental team will try to avoid your anxiety triggers and enjoy the experience of getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

My First Premolar Tooth Is Sensitive to Cold

Posted on July 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My upper left first premolar tooth is sensitive to cold and air. My dentist’s diagnosis with the air test was too fast. She did not tell me what had been causing the sensitivity. I fear an infection will affect the porcelain veneer tooth in front of it. Addison from Tacoma, WA

Addison,

Sensitivity in a tooth can be easy to diagnose, and an air test is the primary way to assess it. At other times, it is more complicated

Air Test for Tooth Sensitivity

An air test helps a dentist identify unprotected and sensitive areas. A dentist may apply a desensitizing bonding agent to coat the tooth and minimize sensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity to Cold?

The cause of tooth sensitivity depends on several factors, including the type of pain and the tooth’s condition.

Type of pain

Brief pain – Irritated tooth pulp or nerves can cause brief pain. The irritation will heal.
Lingering pain – A tooth infection causes lingering pain. Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment.
Pain around a tooth filling – Bacteria can leak in any space between a tooth and the filling, causing sensitivity.

Tooth condition

New filling – It is normal to feel sensitivity after a new tooth filling. But if bacteria from tooth decay is left behind during the filling process, the tooth can become infected. Root canal treatment will remove the infection.
Tooth decay – Decay or infection can cause sensitivity to heat or cold. It will not spread and infect your porcelain veneer tooth if a dentist catches the decay and treats it.
Fracture – A fracture from trauma or wear can irritate tooth nerves and cause sensitivity. Untreated pulp damage can require root canal treatment and a dental crown.
Gum recession – If your gums pull away from a tooth, it can be sensitive to cold or heat. You can use desensitizing toothpaste, or a dentist may recommend a gum graft or another technique to restore gum tissue.
Worn tooth enamel – Worn tooth enamel exposes dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). Dentin contains small tubes that lead to tooth nerves that can become sensitive.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

I Still Have Gum Disease After Two Years of Deep Cleanings

Posted on February 17, 2023 by AllSmiles.

After searching for three weeks, I found an affordable dentist to treat me for gum disease. I had called several offices, and their fees were too high. Although I have dental insurance, most fees exceed my budget, so I selected my current dentist. My concern is that in June of this year, it will be 2 1/2 years since treatment started. I go for a deep cleaning about every four months, and I still notice that my gums bleed when I brush my teeth, and some of my teeth are still a little loose. My dentist doesn’t think it is cause for concern.

The situation is a little better, but I still don’t think I made the right choice. I have two missing teeth and need porcelain veneers for two chipped teeth. We were waiting until the gum disease was under control to take care of the issues with my teeth, but I’m beginning to think it will take another two years to complete my treatment. Was it a mistake to choose a dentist with low fees just to get treatment? I’m concerned that I will have to go into debt to get the care I need. Thanks. Kristina from Saginaw, MI

Kristina -Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office.

The length and frequency of your treatment suggest that although your dentist is making treatment affordable for you, he might not be able to resolve your periodontal disease.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers or Dental Implants with Gum Disease?

Your gums must be healthy before a dentist places porcelain veneers or dental implants.

Porcelain veneers – Custom-made shells of porcelain are made to fit the fronts of your teeth. Your gum tissue will frame the veneers like natural teeth. Bleeding and inflamed gums will worsen with porcelain veneers.
Dental implants – Healthy gums and bone support dental implants and keep them stable. Unhealthy gum tissue can prevent your dental implants from healing.

Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

Bleeding, sore, and inflamed gums
Infected or inflamed gums
Gum recession
Gum tissue separates from teeth
Loose teeth
Chronic bad breaths

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms, they must be controlled before you get cosmetic dentistry treatment or dental implants.

What Can You Do If Gum Disease Will Not Go Away?

If you are still experiencing discomfort and some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease after a series of deep cleanings, it is time to ask your dentist for a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist). If your dentist is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, you can self-refer if your dental insurance allows it or get a second opinion.

Does Affordable Treatment Result in Low-Quality Care?

Drastically lower fees may indicate that a dentist takes shortcuts or lacks the skills or experience to resolve specific issues. Still, even dentists with high prices can provide inadequate treatment if they don’t have expertise in an area.

You need healthy gums for porcelain veneers

We recommend getting a second opinion. A conscientious dentist will let you know if they can resolve the issues with your gums. If not, the dentist will refer you to a periodontist—a specialist in diagnosing and treating problems with your gums.

Find a dentist who will provide care yet work with your budget. But look for dentists with advanced training in treating periodontal (gum disease). There are several ways a dentist can make care affordable for you, including:

Completing dental work in phases whenever possible
Offering payment plans
Offering financing options

The condition of your teeth and your gums are closely related. After your gum disease is controlled, a cosmetic dentist can let you know your options for improving the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers and dental implants. For now, it’s crucial to get a second opinion. Remember to check with your dental insurance company for dentists and periodontists within the network. It will help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Did I Ruin My Porcelain Veneers with Whitening Toothpaste?

Posted on January 18, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Did whitening toothpaste ruin my porcelain veneers? I’ve been using it since I got the veneers in September. I only use it weekly to keep the veneers white. I do not remember if my dentist told me not to use toothpaste on my veneers. I just found out online that some toothpaste scratch cosmetic dentistry work, and embarrassed to tell my dentist what I have done. Will the scratches be visible? Can I get the veneers touched up before my next dental exam and cleaning? Thank you. Zoe from Fresno, CA

Zoe,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about the appearance of your smile and your investment in porcelain veneers.

Does Whitening Toothpaste Ruin Your Veneers?

Although whitening toothpaste may not ruin your veneers, the abrasiveness can scratch the surface of veneers. But you would need to use the toothpaste consistently and long-term for it to scratch. You have used the toothpaste ten to twelve times, so if you have scratches on your veneers, they are minor if they exist.

Your dentist will tell you if the veneers are scratched during your next dental exam. An expert cosmetic dentist can polish veneers.

What Kind of Toothpaste Can You Use on Porcelain Veneers?

Use nonabrasive toothpaste on porcelain veneers

You can use nonabrasive toothpaste that is specifically for cosmetic dentistry work. Otherwise, the toothpaste formula may wear away the bonding between the porcelain veneers and your teeth. Look for Supersmile® toothpaste or another low-abrasion toothpaste.

How Can You Keep Porcelain Veneers White?

Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing between them keeps porcelain veneers white because they are stain resistant. During dental cleanings and exams, your dentist and hygienist will use specific tools and materials for cosmetic work. Cosmetic dentists use tools and polishing pastes to restore the shine of porcelain veneers as needed. You will not need teeth whitening products or treatment to keep your veneers bright.

Although you are embarrassed, it was a mistake. You may schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist or another dentist to check your veneers. Your dentist will be happy to examine your porcelain veneers and the bonding for any signs of damage and correct them to prevent further damage.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Can I Get My Crowns Replaced with Veneers?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I am concerned about the toxicity of my metal crowns because they contain palladium. I want all six crowns replaced with veneers, so I will know that I don’t have metal in my mouth. How do I find a dentist who will replace them? Thank you. Len from Manhattan

Len

Thank you for your question.

Palladium is a moderately biocompatible noble metal in the platinum group. Sensitivities to the metal are rare, but it is possible to react to palladium. Most dental crowns and bridges with a metal framework contain palladium.

Still, if you want a metal-free alternative, consider these factors:

Can You Replace Dental Crowns with Veneers?

Porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation and do not work for teeth that had crowns on them

A dentist is unable to replace dental crowns with veneers. Preparing teeth for crowns requires shaving each tooth on all sides to allow the crown to fit over it. Porcelain veneers only cover the fronts of your teeth and require minimal preparation. After a dentist shaves tooth structure in preparation for crowns, you will not have enough tooth structure for veneers. You can only get new crowns.

The Role of Metals in the Human Body

Our daily nutrition and life rely on metal ions.

Sodium – As a pure metal, sodium is toxic. It becomes salt when combined with chlorine.
Iron – We cannot consume metallic iron, but iron ions in our hemoglobin give our blood its red color and help our muscles store and use oxygen.
Other metal ions – Other metals that we need for a healthy diet and nutrition include:
- Calcium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Potassium
- Zinc

What about Ceramic Crowns?

Lithium – Sodium-based is in ocean water. Lithium disilicate is a high-strength ceramic. E.max crowns contain lithium disilicate.
Zirconium – Zirconium dioxide or zirconia is so strong that engineers use it in aerodynamics. It is more durable than other ceramics for dental restorations. Zirconia crowns make exceptionally durable dental bridges.
Porcelain – Cosmetic dentists mainly use porcelain crowns for front teeth because porcelain is not as strong as lithium or zirconia. Dental porcelain contains kaolin, a clay that contains silica and the ion aluminum oxide, which is not a metal.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns about your metal-based crowns and alternatives for replacing them.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.