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Will Root Canal Treatment Damage My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Two of my eight porcelain veneers have a periapical abscess. I thought I had a sinus infection, but my teeth are causing the problem. My dentist referred me to an endodontist for root canals. I am concerned about losing the veneers or having them turn dark. I know the endodontist is a root canal specialist who will focus on the infection—not how my veneers look afterward—but I must get the condition under control. What do you suggest for my veneers? – Thank you. Genesis

Genesis,

It is good to recognize the need to remove the infection and resolve the periapical abscess (pus-filled sac at the tooth root). Otherwise, it will remain in your bone and spread. We are concerned about what led to needing root canal treatment after getting porcelain veneers—and for two teeth.

Porcelain Veneer Preparation and Root Canal Treatment

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

It is unusual to require root canal treatment after you receive porcelain veneers. Skilled cosmetic dentists conservatively prepare teeth for porcelain veneers—removing a half millimeter or less of your tooth enamel. With this approach, infection and root canal treatment are extremely rare. Only a stub is left if a dentist aggressively prepares teeth and removes all the enamel. And the dentin (layer beneath the enamel) is exposed.

Some dentists prepare teeth and place full crowns, calling them porcelain veneers instead. Aggressive preparation increases the risk of tooth stress, irritation, and infection, which results in the need for root canal treatment. We hope that aggressive tooth preparation does not cause infection in your teeth.

Root Canal Treatment for Teeth with Porcelain Veneers

A tooth turns dark after root canal treatment, and darkness will show through your veneers, which have some translucence. Most tooth darkening comes from root canal filling material and cement that a dentist leaves in your tooth.

A cosmetic dentist takes these steps to retain the color of your veneers:

  • Clean out root canal filling materials and cement from the tooth
  • Place a flexible, white fiberglass post deep into the root
  • Fill the space with light-colored composite

The results can last five to ten years. And if your dentist placed your veneers correctly, you should not lose them.

If you are unsure about your dentist’s ability to resolve the color issue with your porcelain veneers, you can visit a skilled cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

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.

 

Is It Risky to Get a Root Canal on a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I need a root canal on my top right incisor. The tooth has a veneer over it. Is the procedure risk? Will it ruin my veneer and require replacement? Thanks. Darcie from NJ

Darcie,

Root canal treatment on a porcelain veneer tooth is rare, so we are concerned about what caused the tooth abscess. An abscess is an infection at the root tip that can spread to the bone without treatment, so treating it is a priority.

Why Might a Porcelain Veneer Tooth Require Root Canal?

If a dentist aggressively prepares a porcelain veneer tooth, it may require root canal treatment. Aggressive preparation can result in more significant stress, irritation, and inflammation on a tooth, leading to infection, which may require root canal treatment. If bacteria leak behind the veneer, it can also cause an infection that, if left untreated, may need root canal treatment. Regardless of the cause, delaying treatment will only worsen the situation.

Will a Root Canal Damage a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

Root canal treatment can darken any tooth, primarily due to the discoloration caused by the root canal filling material. While a porcelain veneer has some translucence, the darkness may show through it. However, your dentist can minimize the discoloration by:

  • Cleaning out the root canal filling material from the tooth crown (the portion above the gumline)
  • Placing a white, flexible fiberglass post into the root
  • Filling the space with a light shade of dental composite

Typically, cleaning out the root canal filler material from the crown and filling lasts five to ten years.

Will a Root Canal Damage a Porcelain Veneer?

Root canal treatment should not loosen or damage your porcelain veneer if the dentist who originally placed your veneers bonded them correctly. Unless the endodontist assesses that the condition of your tooth is dire, you will not need a dental implant.

If you still have concerns about your tooth and veneer, consider scheduling a second-opinion appointment with 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. Ask Delaune Dental about financing to help pay for dental care.

 

New Porcelain Veneers Make My Teeth Stick Out

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had veneers done on my six front teeth, and it’s been a total disaster. My teeth weren’t even that bad before. I just wanted a little boost, so my dentist suggested veneers. She said she was an Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry member, so I trusted her. I now have noticeable gum recession around my front teeth. My dentist prepped my teeth too much. My teeth look super long and weird.

When I got the veneers, they protruded because of the recession. I told the dentist I didn’t want them, and she got mad at me! She said I had to pay a $2,000 lab fee if she had to remake them. She put temporary teeth on, and now they protrude so much that I can’t even feel my bite. I’m quitting this dentist and refusing to return.

All I want is my old teeth back, minus the .5mm my dentist took off. I don’t mind going back to my original teeth shape and gaps. Is that even possible? I don’t care about a cosmetic look anymore. – Thanks. Greg from Chicago

Greg,

We are sorry to hear about your cosmetic dentistry nightmare. You are wise not to return to the dentist.

Although your dentist may be a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, membership does not represent a dentist’s cosmetic dentistry training, skills, or experience. Any dentist can join the Academy. Patients must check a dentist’s training, experience, and credentials to determine their ability to produce natural-looking results with porcelain veneers.

Search online for experienced cosmetic dentists in your area. Find each dentist’s biography on their website to read about their post-graduate training and experience. A smile gallery on the website features before-and-after patient photos. Then, schedule consultations with at least two dentists who can briefly examine your teeth and explain possible treatment options for restoring your teeth.

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.

Is My Mouthwash Discoloring My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Is my mouthwash discoloring my porcelain veneers? About eight months ago, I had 12 porcelain veneers placed on my upper teeth. Since then, I’ve used Listerine mouthwash, a firm-bristled toothbrush, and Colgate toothpaste. Recently, I’ve noticed that my veneers look a little grayish.

I’m concerned that these products may have ruined my veneers. When I had the veneers placed, no one gave me specific care instructions. – Thanks. Jackie S.

Jackie,

Unfortunately, your dentist didn’t provide specific aftercare instructions for your porcelain veneers.

Will Mouthwash Discolor Porcelain Veneers?

Alcohol-based mouthwash may harm porcelain veneers. Let’s review your current hygiene routine:

  • Listerine: Alcohol-containing mouthwashes can harm porcelain veneers. Consider switching to an alcohol-free option. This blog post provides more information about alcohol-free mouthwash alternatives.
  • Toothbrush: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your veneers. Choose a soft-bristled brush, which is generally more effective at cleaning teeth.
  • Colgate Toothpaste: Colgate toothpaste is generally safe for porcelain veneers. Whitening toothpaste can be abrasive. However, some specialized toothpastes like Supersmile, including porcelain veneers, are formulated for cosmetic dentistry work.

What Causes Discoloration of Porcelain Veneers?

While these factors can negatively impact the longevity of your veneers, they are unlikely to cause a general graying of the veneers. The factors below can cause veneer discoloration:

  • Veneer Material: There’s a possibility that the material used for your veneers isn’t genuine porcelain.
  • Veneer Damage: Damage to the veneer’s surface with an ultrasonic scaler, such as Prophy Jet, or exposure to chemicals, including acidulated fluoride. If you’ve recently had a dental cleaning, ask about the cleaning methods used. A Prophy Jet can be harmful to porcelain veneers.

Consult a cosmetic dentist experienced in veneer care to determine why your porcelain veneers are turning gray.

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

How Can I Find a Dentist to Bleach My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How can I find a dentist to bleach my porcelain veneers? I got my teeth whitened before getting porcelain veneers. My family dentist assured me she could match the veneers to my teeth. However, when my dentist showed the shade tab for veneers, the whitest shade was darker than my teeth. So, now I have veneers and am self-conscious because the four veneers on my front teeth do not match the teeth around them. Can I get my porcelain veneers bleached? I’m afraid to ask my dentist because she would want to bleach the veneers, and I no longer trust her. Thanks. Sydneigh

 

Sydneigh,

True cosmetic dentists are sensitive to aesthetics.

How Can You Find a Dentist to Bleach Your Porcelain Veneers?

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers are colorfast, and bleaching will not lighten them. Although you won’t be able to find a dentist to bleach your veneers, a cosmetic dentist and ceramist can make your porcelain veneers as white as you want—even brighter than bleached natural teeth.

Understanding Dentistry Shade Guides

Many dentists are not artistic and lack the training and experience to match your veneers and teeth. A supplemental shade guide for bleached teeth is four shades brighter than B1, which dental schools teach is the brightest. Some dentists are unaware of the supplemental shade guide for bleached teeth.

If you want a beautiful smile makeover and porcelain veneers matching your natural teeth, schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists. Look for dentists with post-graduate training in aesthetics. Visit the smile gallery on the dentist’s website to see before-and-after patient photos of cases like yours.

During the consultation, each dentist should explain, in terms you understand, how they will color-match new porcelain veneers to your teeth.

Ask Your Dentist for a Refund

Your dentist didn’t deliver what you wanted—porcelain veneers that match your whitening teeth. Ask your dentist for a refund. If she refuses, you can explain that you will leave a negative online review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. You can also report the issue to the state dental Board. Although the Board may not reprimand your dentist, your complaint will be on file.

Best wishes for a smooth resolution.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Delaune strives to be among the best dentists in Metairie.

 

What Is the Treatment for Discolored Tooth Enamel?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had never heard of enamel hypoplasia until two years ago. It took a new dentist to diagnose me correctly. However, I didn’t start treatment because I knew I would relocate in two months. Now that I must find a new dentist, I would like to know my options before choosing one. Is composite bonding the best option to make my teeth a uniform color? – Thanks. Oaklynn

 

Oaklynn,

A skilled cosmetic dentist can examine and x-ray your teeth to determine treatment options for the discoloration.

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia is a defect where the enamel of the teeth hasn’t fully formed. This condition can stem from a genetic defect or be caused by disease during the teeth’s formation period. Tooth formation primarily occurs from before birth through about twelve years of age.

 

What Are Enamel Hypoplasia Signs?

Severe hypoplasia results in thin, often pitted enamel and may have areas where the dentin is exposed, making a tooth look spotted. This severity can lead to deep ridges in the enamel and a brownish color. Teeth may have horizontal ridges, thin enamel, and, in some places, the complete absence of enamel. The adjacent teeth might be less affected, displaying white spots and some pitting.

On the other hand, mild hypoplasia might only involve mild white spots on the teeth. An example is a large white spot on one central incisor among the six upper front teeth.

What Is the Treatment for Tooth Enamel Hypoplasia?

Treatment options for discolored tooth enamel caused by enamel hypoplasia are available for severe and mild to moderate cases.

Severe Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Severe enamel hypoplasia may require porcelain veneers

For severe cases, treatment typically requires porcelain veneers on the fronts of the affected teeth. If the lingual surfaces (inside surfaces) of any teeth are severely impacted, as seen on the front two teeth, it may even necessitate full crowns on those teeth.

Mild to Moderate Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment

In cases of mild hypoplasia, direct composite bonding of the affected tooth is recommended. The dentist would remove the very surface of the white spot and replace it with a high-gloss composite. Tiny spots on other teeth could either be left as is or treated with small spots of composite, depending on the patient’s concern about the appearance.

Consult an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

For either condition, consulting an expert cosmetic dentist is advisable. Even for bonding a single tooth, most general family dentists might only have general-purpose composites, which do not offer the high-gloss, translucent finish needed for natural-looking results. A cosmetic dentist may recommend multiple treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers, for the most aesthetic results.

 

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

 

How Can I Safely Straighten My Teeth During Pregnancy?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How can I safely straighten my teeth during pregnancy? I planned on getting porcelain veneers next February because I want straight teeth. Now, I am pregnant and don’t want to introduce any dental chemicals into my body until the baby is delivered. And as I am typing this, I’ll probably have the same concerns while I’m breastfeeding for a year. What chemicals should I be concerned about with porcelain veneers? – Fatu from CT

Fatu,

While in dental school, dentists are taught the following regarding dental treatment during pregnancy.

  • First trimester – Avoid introducing chemicals that might harm the baby
  • Second trimester – Scheduling routine dental work is okay
  • Third trimester – Whenever possible, avoid stress on the mother by limiting care to dental emergencies

Are Porcelain Veneers Safe During Pregnancy?

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

Only local anesthetic—one of the safest medications—is used if you choose porcelain veneers for teeth alignment. Lidocaine is a commonly used local anesthetic that is proven to be safe during pregnancy.

Your concerns are understandable. If you want straighter teeth but don’t want porcelain veneers throughout your pregnancy and during breastfeeding, there is an alternative.

Invisalign During Pregnancy

A typical Invisalign case can be completed in a year or less. Although porcelain veneers are a faster way to align your teeth, if you wait until the baby is delivered and breastfeeding is complete, you’ll have 19 months to complete Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is more affordable than porcelain veneers. Your dentist might need to bond small composite tabs to your teeth to help the aligners grip and move them. You will also wear BPA-free, medical-grade aligners to straighten your teeth.

Maintain regular hygiene appointments to keep your gums and teeth healthy during pregnancy. Before you receive Invisalign or any other dental treatment, your dentist will review your medical and dental histories to ensure you’re a candidate. You’ll undoubtedly weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to proceed with dental treatment.

 

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

Porcelain Veneers for My Crooked Teeth or Invisalign?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I’m trying to decide whether to get porcelain veneers for my crooked teeth or Invisalign. I just got engaged last weekend. I wasn’t expecting it so soon, but I am incredibly happy. I am regretting that I didn’t get Invisalign before now. I have several crooked front teeth, and now I am in a rush to get them straightened out before October 2024. I want a beautiful smile for my wedding pictures. We were thinking about engagement pictures, but I don’t want to send photos of me smiling with crooked teeth. Maybe I just won’t smile for the engagement pictures, but that would seem strange. Is a year enough time for Invisalign, or should I get porcelain veneers? Thanks. Raleigh

Raleigh,

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

Congratulations on your engagement! You need to receive an examination to determine how long it would take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign. Of course, porcelain veneers are faster, but a cosmetic dentist can help you compare your options.

Porcelain Veneers for Crooked Teeth or Invisalign?

Porcelain veneers can straighten mild cases of crooked teeth, but so can Invisalign. A consultation will help you compare which treatment options are available to you based on several factors:

  • Teeth condition – Your teeth and gums must be healthy before cosmetic dentistry with porcelain veneers or Invisalign.
  • Teeth position – Porcelain veneers can correct mildly crooked teeth. However, orthodontic treatment corrects complex cases.
  • Your preferences – A cosmetic dentist must prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers by removing tiny amounts of enamel from the fronts of your teeth. Also, porcelain veneers only correct the teeth that show when you smile. If you want all your teeth aligned, you may prefer Invisalign.
  • Your timeline – Porcelain veneers straighten crooked teeth faster than Invisalign. However, Invisalign aligners are virtually Invisible and may not be noticeable in your pictures. Also, you can remove the aligners for your wedding day. Your dentist or an orthodontist can project how well your teeth will be aligned by your wedding date.
  • Your budget –Porcelain veneers can cost $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth, depending on the dentist’s fees and where you live in the US. Invisalign is less expensive.

Schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your 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.

 

No Problems with Inflamed Gums Until I Got Porcelain Veneers

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My gums have been inflamed since I got porcelain veneers in February. My hygienist and dentist showed me how to brush and floss with veneers, and I followed their instructions to the letter. I had my dental cleaning appointment in late March, and the dental assistant said I must be brushing too aggressively, so my gums are inflamed. Two weeks ago, I returned to the dentist for an exam, and she removed cement and some roughness behind my teeth. She didn’t seem too concerned, but my gums are still inflamed.

I am concerned that something is wrong. Last night I thought about the veneer placement process. I wonder if the irritation is because my dentist removed the temporary veneers that I wore for five weeks but didn’t have my teeth cleaned afterward. Do I need to see a periodontist if my dentist is so casual about my gum inflammation? – Thanks. Joslyn

Joslyn,

Like most patients who get cosmetic dentistry work, you have been diligent about your oral hygiene. It’s irritating when a healthcare professional accuses the patient of doing something wrong when a healthcare provider is at fault. Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your teeth, gums, and veneers, we can explain the possible causes of your gum inflammation.

What Causes Gum Inflammation After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Excess cement, irregular margins, porcelain veneer position, or ceramic sensitivities can cause gum inflammation after getting porcelain veneers. We will explain.

Excess cement

Red, inflamed gums after getting porcelain veneers

A case of gum inflammation around two lateral incisors with new porcelain veneers. See an expert cosmetic dentist if you experience gum irritation.

If you experience gum inflammation after getting porcelain veneers, it may be because your dentist left excess cement behind. Dentists who regularly place veneers cure the cement in the middle of a tooth and remove the excess while it is still soft. When excess cement lingers, it hardens and irritates gum tissue.

Irregular margins

Unevenness, where a veneer and tooth meet, can lead to gum irritation. You may need to see a periodontist after a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist. We recommend getting a second opinion first.

Porcelain veneer position

Veneers placed too far under your gumline can inflame the gingival attachment—connective fibers that hold gum tissue to your teeth.

Ceramic sensitivity

Ceramic sensitivities are rare, but you may be sensitive or allergic to the material in the porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dentists with advanced training ensure gum tissue is healthy before and after treatment. We recommend scheduling a second opinion with an expert cosmetic dentist who regularly places porcelain veneers. Allow the dentist to examine your veneers and gums and explain the next steps. Avoid mentioning your current dentist’s name or any diagnosis you got from the office to get an unbiased opinion.

 

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

Will a Porcelain Veneer Tooth with a Cavity Need a Crown Instead?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Is replacing a porcelain veneer with a dental crown necessary if I have a cavity in the tooth? My dentist found a cavity on my top left incisor during my dental cleaning and exam last week. I have veneers on my 8 front teeth and prefer not to have a veneer replaced with a crown. Isn’t this aggressive? How could a crown match the veneers? Thank you. Jillian from White Plains, NY

 

Jillian,

We wish we had your dental records and knew more about your case. We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. We will explain why.

Can You Match a Dental Crown to Porcelain Veneers?

Although it is possible to match a dental crown to porcelain veneers, only about two percent of cosmetic dentists have the skills and artistic talent to do it. Most dentists and their laboratories don’t understand how to achieve a match. Your concerns about a mismatch are valid.

What Is the Size of the Cavity of the Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

If a cavity is so large that restoring the tooth would result in losing at least 20 percent of the tooth’s structure, you might need a dental crown. Otherwise, a dentist would shave every side of your tooth to accommodate the crown. We suspect your dentist is more familiar with dental crowns than porcelain veneers and offering your treatment options on their preference.

A dentist can fill a cavity on the edge of a porcelain veneer’s tooth with dental bonding. Again, only advanced cosmetic dentists have the training and equipment to use composite filling and ensure it matches your porcelain veneers.

Can You Keep Your Porcelain Veneer Instead of Getting a Crown?

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

You may be able to keep your porcelain veneer depending on the condition of your tooth. If the tooth is savable, understand that a general family dentist cannot achieve what you want. Although most family dentists claim to practice cosmetic dentistry, only a dentist with post-graduate (and ongoing) training and experience can produce beautiful work with crowns or veneers.

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two skilled cosmetic dentists. Look for dentists with extensive cosmetic dentistry training.

Meanwhile, try to limit how often you snack during the day. Porcelain veneers can be susceptible to decay at the margin where a veneer and tooth meet. Each time you eat, you expose your teeth to bacteria-producing acid. Floss daily to clean the margin.

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