Teeth Whitening Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Dentist or Orthodontist to Reduce My Tooth Gap?

Posted on October 27, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Should I get a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to close my gap a little? The gap is between my front teeth, but it’s getting wider by the week. I used to like the gap and saw it as my signature smile. However, it’s getting wider as I age. I don’t want to close the gap completely, nor do I want it to become wide enough to fit another tooth. What are my options for closing a gap? Should I see a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to reduce the space? I want teeth whitening afterward, so I know I should see a cosmetic dentist for whitening. Thanks. Anya

Anya– The space between your teeth can be closed with the assistance of a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist.

Options for Reducing a Tooth Gap

A skilled cosmetic dentist can explain your options for reducing or closing a tooth gap. Your options may include one or more treatments below:

Dental bonding – Depending on the size of the gap and how much space needs to be reduced, it’s possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist can reduce it with chairside dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist can skillfully apply bonding while you relax in a dental chair. Cosmetics dentist stock bonding in various colors to perfectly match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. The bonding will blend seamlessly with your teeth.
Porcelain veneers – Accredited cosmetic dentists are skilled in matching veneers to natural teeth to reduce or close spaces.
Orthodontic treatment – An orthodontist specializes in tooth and jaw alignment and can provide you with braces. Many cosmetic dentists also offer orthodontic treatment—particularly with Invisalign invisible braces.

Schedule consultations with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists. They will briefly examine your gap and let you know your options for reducing it in a way that looks completely natural and complements your smile. You must complete teeth whitening before dental bonding or porcelain veneers to ensure the veneers or bonding match your bright smile.

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

When Will I See Results from At-Home Teeth Whitening?

Posted on September 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

When will I see results from at-home teeth whitening? I started using carbamide peroxide 16% for my tetracycline stains about 5 weeks ago. I gave my teeth a break after only getting slight improvement. How long should I wait before trying again to avoid over-bleaching my teeth. I wonder whether I should try another brand of bleaching gel to see if the results are better. When should I see the improvement? – Thanks Zane

Zane – Understandably, you want to do something about the tetracycline stains on your teeth, but 16% carbamide peroxide won’t remove them.

When Will You See Results from At-Home Teeth Whitening?

You can see results from at-home teeth whitening the next day or several days later, depending on the type and strength of bleaching gel used. However, some whitening methods are not effective at all. If you have tetracycline stains, bleaching gel may not help at all. If teeth bleaching will help the stains, it needs to be done professionally by a dentist with high-strength bleaching gel. Even if the stains don’t disappear, overbleaching your teeth can damage them. Only an experienced cosmetic dentist can determine the treatment method for tetracycline stains.

It takes time and skill to get good results, though. It isn’t something that you should try on your own. Depending on your teeth and the severity of the stains, teeth whitening might not be the best option.

Porcelain veneers are a natural-looking way to conceal the tetracycline stains on your teeth. However, covering them isn’t easy. It requires the skill of a cosmetic dentist to give you porcelain veneers to cover the stains without them looking pasty or opaque.

Find an experienced, credentialed cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and recommend the right treatment.

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

An Unhealed Sinus Perforation Is Delaying My Treatment Plan

Posted on August 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’ve waited for an upper left sinus perforation after tooth extraction to heal since late May, but I still have symptoms. My next step was to get teeth whitening and four dental implants. I’m concerned that it will be 2025 before my dental work is complete. I don’t think my dentist can control the infection because he keeps prescribing antibiotics, but the infection flares again as soon as I finish the medicine. Should I request a referral to an oral surgeon, or is it too late? – Caleb from NM

Caleb

When a sinus perforation does not heal, it may be delayed by a root tip or bone fragment in your sinus. If your dentist took an X-ray of your sinus, he should be able to see if any foreign objects are lodged, preventing the area from healing.

What Can You Do If a Sinus Perforation Doesn’t Heal?

If a sinus perforation does not heal after tooth extraction, you can ask your dentist to refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor. The specialist will examine your X-ray to determine whether a bone fragment or root tip remains in the sinus, interfering with healing.

Dental implant with crown, abutment, and implant screw identified

Dental implants need the support of healthy gums and bone

If you have a foreign object lodged in your sinus, the ENT will take these steps:

Remove the fragment, root tip, or other object
Suture the perforation
Prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection

After treatment from the ENT and confirmation that the area has healed, you can resume your dentist’s treatment plan for teeth whitening and dental implants. We recommend getting a second opinion from an advanced implant dentist to determine whether you need bone grafting or sinus augmentation before dental implant surgery.

Although you are understandably anxious to complete your smile makeover, please patiently wait for healing. Dental implants require healthy jawbone and surrounding tissues to ensure the implants and bone integrate. Otherwise, you may experience dental implant failure, which can further delay treatment, sometimes requiring alternative forms of tooth replacement.

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

How Can I Whiten My Teeth After Braces?

Posted on June 29, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I should be finished with braces in October. How can I whiten my teeth after the braces are off? My teeth were yellow before the braces, and now they look spotty and yellow. Which whitening strips or toothpaste should I use? – Thanks, Ahmed from VA

Ahmed,

Upper and lower teeth whitening trays with bleaching gel syringe tips on either side

Teeth whitening trays and bleaching gel syringes. Only whiten your teeth with a dentist’s supervision.

Thank you for your questions. Wearing braces can cause various teeth stains. Only when a dentist identifies the source of the stains and recommends treatment should you whiten your teeth at home. Your efforts can make the stains more noticeable. Also, whitening strips and whitening toothpaste will have limited results.

How Can You Whiten Your Teeth After Braces?

Professional whitening from a dentist is the best way to whiten your teeth after braces. Most dentists offer in-office and take-home whitening. The advantages of professional whitening include the following:

Source of the stains – A dentist will examine your teeth to identify the causes of the stains. If your teeth are yellow and spotty, you have experienced decalcification beneath your braces and yellowing over time. A cosmetic dentist may recommend more than one cosmetic treatment for your teeth.
Anticipate the results – Without training, you cannot predict the effects of bleaching gel on your teeth, but a dentist can. Bleaching can make some stains more noticeable.
Targeted whitening – If you are a candidate for teeth whitening, a dentist will take impressions of your teeth for custom bleaching trays. Either you will you the trays for take-home whitening or touch-ups after in-office whitening.
In-office whitening – You can get rapid results with an hour of dental whitening in the office. You can continue whitening at home if you want your teeth brighter.
Treatment options other than bleaching gel – As the next section explains, bleaching gel may not be enough to remove teeth stains after braces.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Teeth Stains After Braces

Improving teeth stains after braces may include more than one cosmetic treatment, such as the following:

Teeth whitening – Removes surface and embedded stains
Remineralization – Stops demineralization and loss of tooth enamel
Composite restoration – Tooth-colored resin repairs damage to your tooth enamel
Microabrasion – Improves appearance by sanding and polishing tooth enamel

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

Dental Bonding Doesn’t Match My Whitened Teeth

Posted on January 9, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Hi,

I got my teeth whitened in October and waited until the color stabilized before whitening them again. I did everything my dentist told me to do. Now that my dentist applied new dental bonding to four of my front teeth, the bonding is two shades darker than my natural teeth. My teeth look patchy because the color doesn’t match. My dentist said she could try again, but I am not confident about this. Can she keep applying and removing bonding without damaging my teeth? Thank you. Adrianne

Adrianne,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Delaune’s office. Although many dentists apply dental bonding, it takes training and skill to match it to natural teeth.

When Dental Bonding Doesn’t Match Your Teeth

A dentist who cannot match dental bonding to your teeth may need more training, experience, or materials to achieve a match. Applying dental bonding requires artistry because dentists layer it by hand. In addition to skill, achieving a perfect match for patients requires a dentist to stock these items:

Bonding materials
Dental composites
Tints

A trained dentist can perfectly match the bonding to your brighter tooth shade and translucence with the right assortment of materials. Otherwise, the bonding and natural teeth will be mismatched.

Can a Dentist Repeatedly Remove and Reapply Bonding?

A trained cosmetic dentist can remove and reapply bonding without harming your natural tooth structure. A dentist without training can potentially remove too much tooth enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

An example from Dr. Delaune of how a cosmetic dentist can seamlessly match dental bonding and tooth color.

Consult with a Cosmetic Dentist for Dental Bonding

We recommend looking for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to examine your teeth and determine how to restore them. The dentist may be able to resurface the bonding. Otherwise, the dentist will replace it. You can save time and frustration by consulting 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.

Could a Pulp Cap Work for My Tooth?

Posted on October 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Last month, my dentist filled two cavities. While removing the decay from the third tooth, he mistakenly exposed the pulp. He stopped trying to remove the decay and used a pulp cap to avoid root canal treatment. Before that visit, I had not heard of a pulp cap, but I had to decide rather quickly because the pulp was exposed. My dentist explained the procedure to me and e-mailed some material to me. I want another dentist’s opinion on this, though. How do I know that the pulp cap will work? Are there any symptoms I should watch that might signal cap failure and that I will need a root canal anyway? Also, how long does this take? I was supposed to begin teeth whitening in two weeks and have it completed before my wedding. Thank you. Cecelia from Springfield, MA

Cecelia,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

We will give you and our readers some background on a pulp cap.

What Is a Direct Pulp Cap?

A direct pulp cap is a procedure to protect entirely or partially exposed tooth pulp. The process allows the dentin (the layer beneath tooth enamel) to grow back and cover the pulp. It can save you time and money and help you avoid root canal treatment.

When Do You Need a Pulp Cap?

You might need a pulp cap if tooth pulp (living tissue and nerves) is exposed during decay removal. Your dentist may be able to prevent damage with a pulp cap if the pulp is not infected. Saving tooth pulp can help avoid the need for root canal treatment.

What Is the Pulp Cap Procedure?

During a pulp cap procedure, a dentist will take these steps::

Remove tooth decay
Apply a cotton pellet to the tooth to stop bleeding
Clean and dry the tooth
Ensure the pulp is healthy
Apply a biocompatible material over the pulp to seal out the infection
Apply and bond composite filling in the tooth

If a dentist leaves decay in the tooth, it can grow slowly and infect the tooth eventually. If you are not experiencing any symptoms, we recommend not doing anything to the tooth. And if you remain symptom-free, your dentist can x-ray the tooth to see if it is still healthy. A toothache, sensitivity, or swollen gums are symptoms and signs of an infection leading to root canal treatment. Otherwise, your tooth should be healthy. After your tooth begins to heal, your dentist can give you an estimate of when you can start whitening your teeth.

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

Why Do I Need Another Root Canal If I Take Care of My Teeth?

Posted on February 4, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have two root canal teeth, and during my last visit, my dentist said I would soon need a third one. The first two root canals were completed after filling failed. I grind my teeth, and my dentist said I need another root canal on a cracked tooth that grinding may have caused. I have a night guard, but sometimes I forget to wear it at night. Other than that, I floss my teeth daily and brush them morning and night. Unfortunately, I must delay getting my teeth whitened until after the root canal. I don’t understand what I need to do to avoid root canals in the future. Are some people’s teeth more at risk for root canals? – Thanks. Monroe from Rhode Island

Monroe,

The problems you describe with your teeth are not uncommon. Preparing a tooth for filling requires removing some tooth structure, weakening the tooth. The tooth can become sensitive. And if you grind your teeth, they will experience even more stress. Try these suggestions.

How Can You Avoid Future Root Canal Treatment?

You can minimize the need for future root canal treatments through at-home care and finding a dentist knowledgeable about the latest techniques for preserving teeth.

Wear your night guard – In addition to practicing diligent oral hygiene at home, wear your night guard regularly. A night guard protects your teeth from the forces of grinding.
Avoid frequent snacking – Snacking throughout the day releases acid in your mouth that breaks down tooth enamel and weakens teeth. Although some people think brushing their teeth after snacking is the solution, it is not because brushing teeth while they are weak can further wear tooth enamel.
Look for high-quality dental care – A dentist with a commitment to continuing education and the latest techniques will provide work to improve your oral health and keep your teeth strong. If you do need fillings or restorative work, a skilled dentist will use techniques that minimize the impact on your tooth structure.

Although you need a third root canal treatment, if your dentist is not conservative in his treatment, we suggest that you get a second opinion. Root canal treatment weakens teeth, and if your tooth needs a crown afterward, conservatively preparing it will help preserve it. Also, talk to the dentist about your plans for teeth whitening and ask how you can minimize sensitivity during treatment.

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

How Long Is Too Long to Wait for an Abscessed Tooth Extraction?

Posted on November 14, 2021 by AllSmiles.

About a month after teeth whitening and preparing to get porcelain veneers, an upper left molar broke. The tooth has an abscess and is making me tired and foggy. Now the specialist says he cannot save the tooth, so I need an extraction and dental implants. The soonest appointment the office has is two weeks away. I feel sick, and the sluggishness and pain are affecting my concentration. Is it okay to switch to another specialist who can remove the tooth sooner? – Thank you. Krystal A. from NC

Krystal,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

If the specialist (we assume an endodontist or oral surgeon) did not give you a reason for waiting two weeks, yes, look for one who can complete the removal and get rid of the infection. Explain to your dentist that your tooth infection is making you ill and you do not want it to linger for two more weeks.

How Long Can You Wait to Remove an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth results from an infection. And an untreated tooth infection will continue to spread, even if it does not complicate tooth removal.

A cosmetic dentist can match your dental implant to your whitened teeth

While your body is fighting the infection, your immune system is weak and more vulnerable to other infections. Delaying tooth removal will only make things worse. Also, although many people take antibiotics to minimize the infection, it will not go away without root canal treatment or tooth removal.

Your dentist can refer you to another specialist to complete your treatment. Otherwise, if you have dental insurance that allows you to self-refer, you can see a specialist to remove your tooth an explain when you can receive an implant.

If your dentist does not have advanced cosmetic skills, look for one with training who will perfectly match your implant crown to your newly whitened teeth.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.A

What is causing tooth sensitivity near my gumline?

Posted on October 9, 2021 by AllSmiles.

For the past few weeks, my left first molar has been sensitive. It is hoe sensitive to heat or cold, but it is sensitive to pressure near the gumline. I get regular cleanings at the dentist. Could this be tooth decay that my dentist has not detected? I stopped using my teeth whitening trays because it makes the sensitivity worse. – Thank you. Xavier from Oklahoma City

Xavier,

Thank you for your question.

Continuous tooth irritation can lead to nerve damage and root canal treatment. When teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, it Is a symptom of progressing infection. But if you only feel sensitivity to the touch in a spot, hear your gumline, your dentist can seal the area with a small filling to relieve the sensitivity.

What Causes Sensitivity Near the Gumline?

Woman's mouth clenching teeth - for info on tooth sensitivity from Metairie dentist Duane Delaune, DDS

Teeth clenching and grinding can cause sensitivity

Teeth flex for several reasons, including:

Chewing food
Grinding teeth
Clenching teeth

Grinding and clenching increase the pressure on teeth and cause more damage to them. If you clench or grind your teeth, consider asking your dentist for a custom night guard, an oral appliance you can wear at night. A night guard will minimize the impact on your teeth.

It is challenging for many dentists to get fillings to adhere in the grooves without popping out. But flexible filling material, such as a microfill composite will stick. Your dentist must keep your tooth dry while applying composite to ensure a firm bond.

Summary

Sensitivity near the gumline is not always a symptom of tooth decay. If you have bulges in a tooth, your dentist can seal it or use a small amount of microfill to eliminate the sensitivity.

If your dentist cannot resolve the issue, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist to place the filling. After the sensitivity resolves, you can resume teeth whitening treatment.

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

How Much Is Needed for a Smile Makeover?

Posted on July 30, 2021 by writeradmin.

I’m a little confused about smile makeovers. I was told that THE procedure for this was porcelain veneers, but when I went to see my dentist for this, he is suggesting I have teeth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers. Is all this REALLY necessary? I was under the impression that porcelain veneers can make teeth look straight. The only thing I have like that is one front tooth goes just slightly over the other. I would think you could shave that down, though I am not a cosmetic dentist. Am I misunderstanding something here?

Susan

Dear Susan,

There are a few things going on here. First, you are correct that porcelain veneers are the way to go if you are getting a smile makeover. You mentioned that you are not a cosmetic dentist so maybe you did not understand how they worked. The trouble is your dentist may not be a cosmetic dentist either. Believe it or not, cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Any general dentist can do cosmetic dentistry regardless of the amount of training they’ve received. That leads me to answer your questions. Some of what he said could be necessary and one is not.

Let’s start with the teeth whitening. Unless you are placing porcelain veneers on every single visible tooth, then teeth whitening will be a good idea. You did not mention how many porcelain veneers you are getting. Most smiles are 8-10 teeth wide. Unless you are getting that many veneers, the whitening will help the adjacent teeth to blend in nicely and is less expensive than additional veneers. Just make certain that you do the teeth whitening before the veneers.

The Invisalign is a completely different story. Some cases are so complicated that it might be necessary, but from your description, it is NOT necessary in your case. An experienced cosmetic dentist could definitely make those teeth look straight. I don’t think your dentist is an expert cosmetic dentist. That is why he is suggesting Invisalign. It will help compensate for what he is not capable of doing on his own.

My suggestion is you find an expert cosmetic dentist to do your case. You will be much happier with the results. To find one with real expertise and proven artistry, I would look on the mynewsmile.com website. These are some of the best cosmetic dentists in the country.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.