Archives for May 2024

My Front Tooth Is Too Long After Getting Dental Bonding

Posted on May 28, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My new dental bonding made one front tooth too long. Also, I didn’t match my teeth, so I asked my dentist to correct the color. I got the bonding because my two front teeth are chipped. Now, the bonding is whiter and has more texture than my teeth. One of my front teeth is longer than the other, and somehow, my dentist created a gap in the bonding. It seems that each time I ask my dentist to correct an issue with the bonding, she creates another one. My dentist is nice, and I don’t want to cause friction. Can I just ask for a refund? I’m afraid to let her try again. Thanks. Giovanna from MS

Giovanna,

Dentists need advanced training, skill, and artistic talent to apply dental bonding and match it to your surrounding teeth. Your dentist cannot correct your bonding regardless of how often she tries if she lacks advanced cosmetic dentistry training.

Skilled cosmetic dentists have an inventory of composite bonding materials with varying textures, colors, and translucence to perfectly match your tooth color and characteristics.

We recommend scheduling consultations with two cosmetic dentists for a second opinion. You can compare the dentists’ treatment options and chairside manner to decide which dentist you prefer to replace your dental bonding.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding for Chipped Teeth

While both porcelain veneers and dental bonding can address chipped teeth, veneers require tooth preparation. A cosmetic dentist must shave off a tiny amount of tooth enamel to create a secure fit for the veneers. In contrast, dental bonding requires slightly etching your teeth before applying the bonding material.

A cosmetic dentist can seamlessly hide your chipped teeth with bonding or porcelain veneers. During a consultation, a dentist should explain what to expect in these areas:

Tooth preparation
Chair time
Results
Cost
Longevity of cosmetic work

We wish you a swift resolution that helps you feel good about your smile again.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

How Can I Close a Tooth Gap Without Veneers?

Posted on May 21, 2024 by AllSmiles.

The gap between my front teeth is getting wider as I age. I thought I could get a snap-on smile as an affordable option, but the dentist I saw said that a snap-on smile wasn’t right for me. She recommended porcelain veneers and no other option, but veneers cost much more than I wanted to pay. Is that my only option? Thanks. Monti

Monti

We don’t know why the dentist didn’t explain options other than porcelain veneers for the gap between your teeth. Multiple treatments can close gaps.

How Can a Dentist Close a Gap Between Your Teeth?

Dental composite, porcelain veneers, and braces are treatment options for closing a gap between teeth. Treatment recommendations can depend on the condition and position of your teeth and the gap size.

Closing a Gap with Braces

Braces are a tried-and-true method for aligning teeth and closing gaps. If excess gum tissue contributes to the gap, your dentist might need to remove it before proceeding with braces.

Treatment Time: Braces typically take six to twelve months to complete.
Cost: While more expensive than dental bonding, braces can be more cost-effective than veneers, depending on the number of veneers required.
Longevity: With proper retainer use, braces offer permanent results for a gap-free smile.

Closing a Gap with Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that mimic natural tooth color and shine. However, for a proper fit, a dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of your teeth. Additionally, depending on the gap size, you might need veneers applied to more than just your two front teeth for a balanced smile.

Treatment Time: Porcelain veneers can usually be completed in two to three visits, although some cases may require more.
Cost: Depending on your needs, veneers are pricier than dental bonding and can even be more expensive than braces. Typically, a single veneer costs $1,500 or more.
Longevity: High-quality veneers, with proper care, can last ten to twenty years.

Closing a Gap with Dental Bonding

A skilled cosmetic dentist can utilize various bonding materials and tools to close the gap between your teeth. This process involves blending composite shades to perfectly match your natural teeth and conceal the gap. Finally, the dentist polishes your teeth for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Treatment Time: An experienced cosmetic dentist can complete dental bonding for a gap closure in about an hour, all while you’re comfortably seated in the dental chair.
Cost: Dental bonding is the most budget-friendly option compared to braces or porcelain veneers.
Longevity: High-quality dental bonding, with proper care, can last around five years or even longer.

Before and after teeth gap pictures with dental bonding

Dr. Duane Delaune used dental bonding to close this patient’s teeth gap

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

Can I Get a Refund and Implant If My New Partial Denture Keeps Breaking?

Posted on May 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Can I get a refund and dental implant if my new partial denture keeps breaking? After a failed root canal, my dentist agreed to give me a partial denture. I asked my dentist to remove the tooth before the root canal failed, but he wouldn’t listen. The partial denture is uncomfortable and defective. It broke twice, but my dentist wants to charge me for the root canal and the partial. I regret using this dentist, but I want a refund before I switch. How should I handle this? Thanks. Shaunda

Shaunda,

We recommend talking to your dentist about his treatment recommendations and your disappointment. Although root canal treatment from any dentist can fail, your dentist failed to give you a functional partial denture.

Dental implant

You have these options to help resolve the issue.

Contact your insurance company (if applicable) – Tell your dentist you will report the issue to the dental insurance company and follow through. Your insurance company wants to know if they paid for a faulty partial denture.
Report the issue to your state dental board – The state dental board will investigate the issue, although may not penalize your dentist.
Leave negative online reviews – Dentists know that patients read online reviews before choosing their practice. Tell your dentist you will leave a negative online review.

Finding a Dentist for Implants

Look for a dentist with post-graduate training in dental implants and restoring them with dental crowns. Some dentists prefer to restore implants only and refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery, which is fine. A dentist skilled in aesthetics can perfectly match your implant crown with your surrounding teeth. Schedule consultations with two implant dentists to discuss your treatment options.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.