Archives for July 2022

Lumineers Gave Me a Lisp

Posted on July 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I wanted a real celebrity smile, so I chose Lumineers for their brightness and because they are no-prep veneers. I thought they were the best way to get a smile that would get noticed. I got them in May and am somewhat disappointed. My teeth don’t look as great as I thought they would because they are slightly thick, and I speak with a lisp. I have returned to the dentist, and she made some adjustments, but I still have a lisp. Someone in the dental office implied it might take a while to adjust to speaking with the veneers, but I thought they were supposed to function like natural teeth. If that’s the case, why am I having such a problem with my speech? Maybe I would be happier if I could just get braces and have my teeth whitened. Can I remove the veneers and return to my natural teeth? Thanks. Lenny from Phoenix

Lenny,

Thank you for your questions.

A single porcelain veneer - for info on Lumineers

A skilled cosmetic dentist can examine your Lumineers to identify the cause of your speech problems

Dentists often place Lumineers without preparing your natural teeth. It takes a lot of skill to place Lumineers without them looking or feeling too bulky. If your dentist placed your veneers without tooth preparation, she might need to remove a small amount of enamel to help them fit properly.

If your dentist has already adjusted your Lumineers, she may have difficulty fitting them or bonding them properly. Depending on the cause of your lisp, the adjustment may be as simple as preparing your teeth. Sometimes, the lab may need to remake your Lumineers to ensure they fit correctly.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist with experience placing porcelain veneers. Trained cosmetic dentists have the skill to adjust the veneers or your natural teeth, so you get beautiful results. If your dentist cannot achieve the right look and feel with your veneers, it might be best to have someone else examine them.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will Bonding Work for My Peg Lateral Teeth?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have peg teeth on my left and right incisors. Also, the left tooth sticks out a little farther than my other teeth. I am self-conscious about my small teeth and do not smile for pictures. Is bonding enough to correct them, or will I need additional treatment? Thank you. Brielle from Spokane, WA

Brielle,

Thank you for choosing Dr. Delaune’s office for your question. Dr. Delaune would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to determine your treatment options, but we will discuss treatment in general.

What Are Peg Lateral Teeth?

Peg lateral teeth are lateral incisors located next to the central incisors (center front teeth). According to the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, peg laterals affect about two percent of the U.S. population. More women than men have small, misshaped lateral incisors. What cosmetic dentistry treatment can correct peg laterals?

What Are the Treatment Options for Peg Laterals?

Treatment options for peg lateral teeth may include cosmetic bonding, contouring, orthodontic treatment, porcelain crowns, or porcelain veneers. A dentist will examine your teeth and gums and x-ray them to evaluate their health and position. Your case may require one or more of these treatments:

Cosmetic bonding – A cosmetic dentist can blend composite to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. Bonding is not as stain resistant and durable as porcelain veneers. The dentist will clean and lightly etch the tooth before applying a bonding agent to it. Afterward, the dentist will shape the composite to lengthen your small teeth. After hardening and further shaping your tooth, the dentist will polish it. Your lengthened teeth will seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. If you take diligent care of your teeth, the bonding can last ten years or more.
Gum contouring – Gum contouring is an option if it will not expose tooth roots and create sensitivity in your teeth. At times, dentists use gum contouring with porcelain veneers. A dental laser can shorten your gumline around your lateral incisors so they appear longer.
Orthodontic treatment – If your lateral incisors have not fully erupted or if they are not in the correct position, a cosmetic dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment.
Porcelain crowns – Dental crowns can cover peg lateral incisors. Your dentist may recommend crowns if your teeth are weak or otherwise unhealthy. Crowns require aggressive tooth preparation, so cosmetic dentists use them as a last option for restoring teeth. A dental ceramist can manipulate ceramic crowns to match your natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers – After preparing the fronts of your lateral incisors, a dentist can apply custom-made porcelain shells to them. Veneers are stain resistant and can last 15 years or longer if you take care of them and get regular maintenance from a cosmetic dentist.

Whether a dentist restores your peg laterals with porcelain veneers or another cosmetic dentistry treatment, the aesthetics and durability depend on the skill of your cosmetic dentist. We recommend scheduling consultations with two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss and compare your options.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Before-and-after small teeth photos from Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, LA

Porcelain veneers photos from Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana

My New Dentures Still Affect My Speech After Four Months

Posted on July 21, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have new dentures (upper and lower), and after four months, I still can’t speak correctly. It feels like the teeth are in the way, and it sounds like I have a speech impediment. I am not retired yet, and I speak to clients daily. Unfortunately, I must repeat my words throughout the day to many clients. It is frustrating.

My dentist says the speech issue is a normal part of the adjustment period and I will adjust. I’ve had the dentures since early March. Am I still within the adjustment period, or is something wrong with the dentures? – Curtis from Knoxville, TN

Curtis,

Thank you for your question.

How Long Do Dentures Affect Your Speech?

When you get new dentures, they affect your speech for several weeks. It takes time to adjust to eating and speaking with dentures. Speaking slowly can help you adjust, but your speech should gradually improve. If you have had your dentures since March, your comfort in speaking with them should have improved if they fit correctly.

Improving Your Speech with Dentures

If you continue to have difficulty eating or speaking with dentures, it is possible that your dentist made mistakes when taking impressions of your mouth or took shortcuts in fitting your dentures. The placement of the denture teeth can also affect your speech. If your dentures affect your speech for months, your dentist must examine them to identify the cause.

Soft liners can make the dentures fit more comfortably and make it easier to speak. We suggest allowing your dentist to refit your dentures. If your dentist cannot correct them, schedule an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Stabilizing Your Dentures with Implants

At least two dental implants per denture will help them fit better. A cosmetic dentist can explain how dental implants can stabilize your dentures and help them feel more like natural teeth. Implants improve denture function and your quality of life.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.