Archives for October 2024

What Can We Do About Fluorosis Stains on Our Teen’s Teeth?

Posted on October 30, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My daughter is 14 and self-conscious about many things. She wears braces to correct crowding but has fluorosis stains on multiple teeth. Can we do anything about the fluorosis stains before she finishes her braces (estimated completion date November 2025)? Will bleaching help? – Thanks Gianna from Atlanta

Gianna,

Fluorosis results from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. Many natural water sources contain fluoride, while others may have insufficient levels, making teeth more prone to decay. To optimize fluoride levels, communities often add fluoride to their drinking water. However, some regions naturally have high fluoride levels, requiring treatment to reduce fluoride concentrations. Prolonged consumption of such water during tooth development can lead to fluorosis. Additionally, accidental ingestion of fluoride supplements or excessive toothpaste swallowing can contribute to the condition.

How Can You Treat Fluorosis Stains on Teeth?

Treatment recommendations for fluorosis stains depend on the severity of stains.

Mild fluorosis – Direct bonding often covers white or brown areas.
Extensive fluorosis – Porcelain veneers offer a comprehensive solution to mask the discoloration.

If the teeth exhibit a uniform yellowish tint without mottling, teeth whitening may be a suitable initial treatment. In such cases, discoloration may have another underlying cause other than fluorosis.

It is crucial to consult a highly skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist. Such cases require specialized expertise beyond the capabilities of a general family dentist. The dentist must possess technical proficiency and artistic sensitivity to effectively address aesthetic concerns.

Should You Treat Fluorosis Stains While Wearing Braces?

It is advisable to treat fluorosis stains after your child’s braces are removed. A cosmetic dentist must carefully time the treatment, considering the eruption status of the front teeth. Temporary measures like direct bonding may be necessary if the teeth have not fully erupted. The approach will depend on the patient’s preferences and the dentist’s assessment.

While there is no minimum age for porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist will advise that a child’s growing teeth will create the need for replacement veneers until tooth development is completed. Other factors can affect whether veneers are advisable. Depending on the cause and nature of teeth stains, a cosmetic dentist can complete teeth whitening procedures for children. However, whitening makes some stains more noticeable, so avoid do-it-yourself whitening.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Will an Onlay Protect a Cracked Tooth?

Posted on October 25, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My bottom right second molar cracked. My dentist sent me to an endodontist to ensure the tooth wasn’t infected and needed a complex root canal. During the visit, the endodontist recommended a crown. However, my dentist wanted to assess the damage and use a porcelain onlay instead. Do I need a crown for a cracked tooth? – Thanks. Gisella from NJ

Gisella,

Dental cracks vary in severity, from superficial enamel to deep cracks extending into the dentin or pulp. Cracks can be horizontal (affecting a cusp or pointed biting surface) or vertical (running down the middle of the tooth).

It’s important to distinguish between cracks and fractures. A cracked tooth has stable pieces, while a fractured tooth has independently moving pieces. Treatment for a cracked tooth aims to prevent it from fracturing.

What Is a Dental Onlay?

Porcelain onlay

Onlays are versatile restorations that cover most of a tooth’s chewing surface. While they can be made from gold, porcelain, or composite, gold offers the most comprehensive protection for any type of crack. Porcelain suits minor cracks but may not be strong enough for severe vertical cracks. Composite, being the weakest material, is not recommended for cracked teeth.

While alternative treatments may provide temporary relief, a crown is often the most reliable long-term solution for a cracked tooth. If your dentist suggests a different approach, he or she may be skilled with onlay placements and produce durable results. If unsure about your dentist’s recommendation, get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Will Root Canal Treatment Lighten a Dark Tooth?

Posted on October 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist diagnosed me with a tooth infection that requires root canal treatment. The tooth is dark, so my dentist referred me to an endodontist because she anticipates complications with the tooth. The endodontist recommended GentleWave for the root canal. That’s fine with me, but I wonder whether GentleWave will lighten the tooth. I’m concerned because it’s a front tooth, and I want to anticipate the cost of getting a porcelain veneer to make the tooth look whiter. Thanks. Liz from San Bernardino, CA

Liz,

The GentleWave system is a recent innovation (2014) in root canal treatments that has earned positive reviews in dental literature. The advanced technology yields excellent results, potentially surpassing traditional methods in certain cases.

Will Root Canal Treatment Lighten a Dark Tooth?

Traditional root canal procedures typically don’t lighten a darkened tooth. The GentleWave system uses sodium hypochlorite and sonic energy to dissolve soft tissue within the tooth, which could produce slight brightening. However, the effects would be minimal compared to the bleaching process required for root canal teeth.

Often, front teeth become noticeably darker after a root canal due to the leftover filling material and cement in the pulp chamber. A dentist must thoroughly clean this area and bleach inside the tooth if needed.

After removing the root canal material, a fiberglass post and composite filling can restore tooth color. Otherwise, a dentist may recommend a porcelain veneer. A dental crown is an overly aggressive treatment for color correction, especially in front teeth, because a crown can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of breakage.

A dentist can complete internal bleaching immediately after root canal treatment. However, the tooth should heal adequately before a post is placed in it.

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist because the techniques require specialized skills beyond the scope of general dentistry.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.