Zoom Whitening Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Dentist Agreed to Composite Veneers and Then Declined

Posted on February 10, 2023 by AllSmiles.

After three consultations with dentists about teeth whitening and composite veneers, I selected a dentist close to my job. My teeth are uneven, chipped, and discolored. I’ve had teeth whitening by a dentist before, but it made the other problems more noticeable. My dentist did the whitening and said we could wait a week or two before the color stabilizes to see if I want to continue whitening. Then he said we could discuss what I wanted for my porcelain veneers. Before I let this dentist do my teeth whitening, we agreed to composite veneers, not porcelain. I reminded the dentist that we decided that I could get composite veneers. Then he said that he only does porcelain veneers.

I chose composite veneers because of my budget and desire to see how it looks. If I like it, why would I agree to tooth preparation for porcelain veneers? The composite costs less, I can try it out, and if I don’t like the dentist’s work, I can pursue other options. Isn’t this my choice? What can I do about a dentist who will only do porcelain veneers for me? Thanks, Paul from Columbus, OH

Paul,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We encourage you to get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

The differences between composite veneers and porcelain veneers include their composition, process, longevity, aesthetics, and required skills.

Composition – Dental composite, a mixture of plastic resin and glass, makes composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are dental ceramics.
Process – For composite veneers, a dentist will layer composite bonding directly on your teeth while you sit in a dental chair. A dental lab crafts porcelain veneers, which are custom made to fit the fronts of your teeth.
Longevity – High-quality composite veneers can last five years or longer but are not stain resistant. Porcelain veneers last eight to over 15 years and are stain resistant.
Aesthetics – An artistic cosmetic dentist can select shades of dental composite and layer them on your teeth for natural results. Dental ceramics for porcelain veneers mimic natural teeth more closely than other options.
Skills – Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers require artistic talent. Not all cosmetic dentists offer composite veneers because they need much care and details to look natural.

Your dentist may lack enough training in dental composite to achieve beautiful results. That may be why he insists on porcelain veneers.

If you want composite veneers, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look at the dentist’s website to confirm that they work with composite. You can also look at the dentist’s smile gallery of composite veneers or composite bonding. The dentist will examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy after teeth whitening and explain which options will conceal the imperfections in 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.

Before and after composite veneers photos

Dr. Delaune transformed this patient’s smile with composite bonding.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe If I Take Blood Thinning Medication?

Posted on November 23, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I understand that some dental procedures are risky for people who take blood thinners. I take Xarelto and am considering getting my teeth whitened. Is it safe to get my teeth whitened if I take a blood thinner? Thanks. Lydia

Lydia,

Thank you for your question. Invasive dental procedures have a greater risk of provoking bleeding than noninvasive procedures. Whenever you see a health care provider, ensure you update your records with your prescription medication so the doctor can anticipate any concerns and plan accordingly.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe If You Take Blood Thinning Medication?

Teeth whitening is safe if you take blood thinning medication because the whitening procedure is noninvasive. If your teeth and gums are disease free, the whitening process should not cause bleeding. When gums bleed easily, gum disease is often the cause, and even flossing your teeth can irritate your gums. Your dentist will recommend gum disease treatment before teeth whitening to minimize the risk of bleeding.

What Happens During the Teeth Whitening Procedure?

Before teeth whitening, your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. During the in-office whitening session, you can expect the following steps:

Retract your cheeks to get full access to your teeth
Apply a protective barrier on your gums to prevent bleaching gel burns
Apply bleaching gel to each tooth
Rinse your teeth and repeat the process two or three times depending on the brightness you want

Request a Teeth Whitening Consultation

In-office bleaching gel, such as Zoom whitening, being applied to teeth

Tell your dentist which medications you take before dental procedures, including in-office teeth whitening, such as Zoom.

Schedule a consultation with a dentist if you are concerned about whether a dental procedure will conflict with your medication or affect a medical condition. The dentist will explain what the treatment involves and whether precautions are needed before your procedure date.

Ask Your Medical Doctor

Keep your medical doctor or prescribing physician informed about any health care procedures you plan. The doctor can review your medications and collaborate with your dentist or other health care provider to ensure your safety before, during, and after the procedure.

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

How Much Teeth Whitening Is Too Much?

Posted on September 13, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Can I whiten my teeth too much? My dentist told me to wait six months before repeating zoom whitening. She said I could damage my teeth if I overdid it, but I wanted to see how white my teeth could get. I have been bleaching my teeth every two weeks for four months. I felt some sensitivity in my teeth and went to the dentist. After examining my teeth, my dentist asked me about whitening, and when I told her that I had been whitening every two weeks for four months, she asked me to stop. She also said that she would not complete another in-office whitening session unless it was necessary. I was hoping to get another in-office session in December for the holidays. Is my dentist correct? Do I need to stop whitening my teeth? Thank you. Torri

Torri,

Thank you for your question. Your dentist examined your teeth and asked questions to determine why your teeth are sensitive. Excessive teeth whitening is likely the culprit.

How Much Teeth Whitening Is Too Much?

Teeth whitening is too much when it creates lingering sensitivity and wears away the enamel. Over-bleached teeth can become brittle, thin, and discolored. According to the American Dental Association, factors that affect teeth sensitivity with whitening include:

Concentration of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide
How long the bleaching gel is in contact with your teeth
Intensity and duration of light use
Presence of adhesive restorations

If your dentist recommends that you pause at-home and in-office whitening, it may be time to give your teeth a break to avoid damaging them.

How Can You Prevent Teeth Stains?

Although you cannot prevent teeth stains altogether, you can minimize them. Limit or avoid the things that can increase staining, including:

Coffee
Cola
Dark berries
Smoking
Wine

Rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming substances that stain teeth. It will dilute the ingredients and limit their staining effectiveness.

If you do not fully understand why your dentist recommends a pause in teeth whitening, contact her to request more information.

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

Will This Toothbrush Scratch My Dental Bonding?

Posted on December 10, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed Zoom whitening three months ago. Then I got dental bonding to fill in some small gaps and chips on my teeth. I know that my Zoom touch-ups will not harm the bonding, but what about an ultrasonic toothbrush? I see a few toothbrushes on sale and wonder if they will scratch the bonding and make it turn yellow. Thank you. Clifton from Albany, GA

Clifton,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question. Regular maintenance will keep your teeth bright after whitening your teeth with Zoom or another brand. But what if you have cosmetic dentistry work, such as bonding or porcelain veneers?

Will an Ultrasonic Toothbrush Damage Dental Bonding?

A sonic or ultrasonic toothbrush will not damage dental bonding. The soft bristles of the toothbrush clean and polish teeth. How do they work? The brush releases sonic energy for these benefits:

Removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria
Breaks up particles that the bristles can sweep away
Helps bristles and toothpaste access and clean crevices

Dental Bonding Brushing Tips

Whether you use a manual, sonic, or ultrasonic toothbrush, consider these tips to keep your teeth and bonding healthy:

Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching your dental bonding.
Brush for two minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Supersmile® is gentle on cosmetic dental work.
Remember to floss daily to remove debris between teeth.
As the American Dental Association recommends, replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn bristles do not clean well. Ultrasonic toothbrushes have replacement heads that you can buy in a pack.

Can Ultrasonic Dental Equipment Damage Dental Bonding?

If ultrasonic dental equipment is misused, it can damage dental bonding. An example is an ultrasonic scaler with a metal tip that can nick dental bonding or porcelain veneers at high speeds. But skilled hygienists understand how and when to use ultrasonic tools to clean and smooth teeth and keep your bonding intact.

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

I Am Still Wearing Temporary Veneers

Posted on October 22, 2021 by AllSmiles.

In August, I got eight porcelain veneers, but I do not like them. My dentist tried the veneers on my teeth without attaching them. I explained to her that the shape and color were not what I wanted. The veneers should match my teeth after Zoom whitening, but they are darker than my natural teeth.

Before all this, my dentist did the wax-up and temporary veneers, but she assured me that I would like the final veneers because they look much better than the mock-up. The final veneers made my teeth look unevenly spaced, which was not a problem before. After I explained that I could not accept the veneers, the dentist told me she would return them to the lab for correction. But when I returned to the office to try on the new veneers, they still were not right. I am still wearing temporary veneers now and am concerned that I will be wearing them longer than I should?

I spoke with my dentist yesterday, and she said that the lab is hinting that this is their final attempt to redo my veneers. I am concerned about what will happen if I do not like the result. Will I have to start the process all over? – Thank you. Lynnae from GA

Lynnae,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. But, fortunately, your dentist did not bond on your veneers without your approval.

If your dentist and the lab she uses cannot achieve the results you agreed to, you should consider stopping the process and finding another dentist. Although you may be hesitant about switching dentists in the middle of treatment, we recommend not asking your dentist to try another time. And if the lab does not seem willing to work with your dentist to ensure your satisfaction, your porcelain veneers case probably will not be resolved.

Get a Second Opinion

a porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

An accredited cosmetic dentist can give you natural-looking veneers

Look for an advanced cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation. Cosmetic dentists have post-graduate training and understand the techniques required to achieve the tooth shape you want and match your veneers to your newly whitened natural teeth. Also, advanced cosmetic dentists work with master ceramists who understand how to layer and shape porcelain for beautiful results.

Ask for a refund. If needed, your new cosmetic dentist might be willing to talk with your previous dentist to help you get your money back. Meanwhile, you can speak with your dentist about your disappointment in not getting the results you wanted.

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

Can a dentist improve the color of my dental crowns?

Posted on September 9, 2021 by AllSmiles.

Last December, my dentist whitened my teeth with Zoom. In February 2021, I got four dental crowns on my front teeth. Last month, I noticed discoloration in the crowns. And now, they are turning yellow. I am not a heavy coffee drinker. I drink coffee two or three times a week. I’m disappointed that I went through whitening my teeth and getting crowns to match, but now the crowns are turning yellow. I think I know the answer, but I must ask. Is the color change reversible? What is causing it? – Thanks for your help. Avery from SC

Avery,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with your new crowns turning yellow.

Why Do New Dental Crowns Turn Yellow?

When new dental crowns turn yellow, several factors might be responsible, including damage during a dental cleaning, surface damage when you received the crowns, and the composition of your crowns.

Damage during dental cleaning – Sometimes, a dental hygienist can mistakenly use chemicals that damage porcelain restorations.
Sodium bicarbonate – If a hygienist uses a Prophy Jet or another power cleaning instrument on porcelain crowns or veneers, sodium bicarbonate (a chemical tooth-cleaning substance) can remove the glaze. Glaze damage will leave your crowns at risk for staining.
Acidulated fluoride – This chemical substance etches away glaze on porcelain restorations.
Damaged crown surface – Sometimes, when a dentist must adjust the front surfaces of crowns, they can damage the glaze. Or the laboratory may not have glazed the crowns properly.
Crown composition – At times, yellowing crowns are dental composite instead of porcelain. You can verify with your dentist whether you have porcelain or composite crowns

Can You Lighten Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are colorfast, and a dentist cannot change the color. An advanced cosmetic dentist can make new crowns and achieved an expert match to your natural teeth after Zoom whitening.

Dental Crowns Second Opinion

Dental crowns

We recommend that you look for an advanced cosmetic dentist and schedule an appointment for an exam. The dentist will examine your crowns and determine why they are yellowing.

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

The Secret to Very White Teeth

Posted on March 31, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have been using whitening toothpastes for years and never seem to get very white teeth. I’ve about given up and am now looking at getting Lumineers at the suggestion of my dentist. It looks like it can give me very white teeth, but I wanted to make sure I am on the right track with this before investing that much money. Any advice?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

You have a few good options. Before we get into that, I’d like to discuss why your whitening toothpaste hasn’t worked. These don’t actually whiten our teeth as much as scraping them clean. Whitening toothpaste uses an abrasive on your teeth, which removes the stains. However, it also will scratch the surface of your teeth. This has the unfortunate effect of damaging the surface of your teeth, in turn making them pick up stains more.

I’m a bit concerned that your dentist jumped from whitening toothpaste straight to Lumineers. It is massively more expensive than some of your other options. Lumineers are one brand of porcelain veneers. It’s a highly marketed brand. Unfortunately, it is mostly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. This rarely goes well for the patient. Plus, porcelain veneers are not intended for simply whitening your teeth. Instead, they are for total smile makeovers. If that is what you want, then great. Get porcelain veneers. They can be made as white as you’d like. They can also change the shape and size of your teeth. It’s important you choose an excellent cosmetic dentist to do that procedure. If you decide to go that route, I suggest you look for a dentist that is listed on the mynewsmile.com website. These dentists are pre-screened for their training, technical knowledge, and artistry. They cannot just pay to get listed.

If you are not looking for anything quite that expensive, then you can get your teeth very white by doing professional teeth whitening. Doing bleaching trays can get them very white and you can do it at your convenience. If you want them white super fast, then you can go with Zoom Whitneining which will whiten your teeth in just one appointment. Unlike with porcelain veneers, you won’t need an exceptional cosmetic dentist for either teeth whitening procedure. Pretty much any dentist who offers the services can do them without any problem.

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

Should She Finish This Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

Posted on January 27, 2021 by writeradmin.

I went for years grinding my teeth without any intervention or knowledge that it was happening. I moved to a new city, which meant a new dentist. He was the one who told me about the grinding. I would explain why my jaw always hurt. I am wearing a night guard now, but he also suggested a full-mouth reconstruction. I was a bit nervous about that because I have a very sensitive mouth. I once had Zoom Whitening done and it was absolute agony. I did (and do) trust this dentist so I went ahead with the reconstruction. He’s finished the first half, which is the bottom arch. While it does make that part of my smile look much better, it almost looks too perfect. I liked the quirky look of my old smile. Plus, like the Zoom, the procedure was agony for me. I’m no longer hurting, since he did the first half and I’m wondering now if it is necessary to finish. There is a color difference wtih my bottom teeth being whiter. If Zoom weren’t such a painful experience for me I’d just do that. Do you have an opinion?

Katherine

Dear Katherine,

You’ll need to bear in mind that I haven’t examined you, nor have I seen any x-rays. I can give you some generalities. I am not usually one to recommend half of a full-mouth reconstruction. In general, restorative material is harder on your teeth than natural tooth structure. That could cause a problem with your upper teeth, including increased sensitivity–something you definitely don’t need.

If not having the quirkiness bothers you, there is an easy solution for that. Most cosmetic patients want the perfect smile look. My feeling is your dentist and his ceramist would LOVE the opportunity to be more creative and add some quirkiness. You mentioned having some pain with the reconstruction. If the numbing medication isn’t working it is likely because with your sensitive teeth you have had enough bad experiences to give you dental anxiety. There is something about how the anxeity affects your body chemistry that causes it to interfere with the effectiveness of your medication. Oten, doing something as simple as using nitrous oxide before the procedure starts will relax you enough to enable the numbing medication to do its job.

All of that being said, if you feel the first half of your reconstruction has served the purpose you needed and all you truly want at this point is the whitening, you don’t have to use Zoom Whitening, which can be a tad strong for people with sensitive teeth. Instead, you can do home whitening trays. You will wear the gel at your convenience for as long as you can comfortably tolerate. You may find that a better solution for you. There are a variety of teeth whitening options.

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

Tetracycline Teeth and No Money

Posted on December 31, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have tetracycline stains on my teeth. I had dental bonding placed on my teeth but they are old and chipping. I can’t afford the porcelain veneers my dentist thinks I should get. Is there a whitening option that will work for me? Or if there are ways to get porcelain veneers cheaper than my dentist offers them can you give me that tip? My dentist is one of those top cosmetic dentists so I know he is more expensive than most.

Katya

Dear Katya,

Teeth whitening trays

I will answer your second question first. If you cannot afford to get porcelain veneers from a skilled porcelain veneers, please don’t go to a cheaper dentist. I can tell you countless horror stories of smile makeover disasters from patients who tried to save money by going to a cheap cosmetic dentist. This is especially true in your case because tetracycline stains are one of the most advanced types of cosmetic cases there are. If you cannot afford to have it done right you have a few options.

If your dentist placed the dental bonding over your dental enamel, you should be able to have your dentist remove the bonding with sandpaper disks. In some states, a dental hygienist can do this for you at a lower fee. Once the dental bonding is off, you can whiten your teeth. If you are persistant enough and stay at it long enough it can make a difference. It will not be a great as porcelain veneers but it will make a difference. Don’t use anything over the counter. They are not strong enough and it will be a profound waste of money. In that same vein, don’t use anything like laser whitening or Zoom whitening. Yes, they are stronger than the take home teeth whitening, but they are more expensive. You are trying to save money and it would take way too many sessions to make a difference.

On the other hand, if your dentist did remove some of the enamel on your teeth, the best you can do at this point is have someone smooth out the dental bonding while you save to get porcelain veneers done by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

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

Getting Super White Teeth

Posted on November 30, 2020 by writeradmin.

I want super, super white teeth. My dentist said I won’t be happy with that because it won’t look natural. I don’t feel like I am going to get all my options from him. He’s a super nice guy and your basic bread and butter dentist, but for this I may need someone else. Can you tell me what my options are so I can start doing some research on dentists who do those procedures?

Missy

Dear Missy,

First, I will say you are wise to discern that you may need to see someone else for the types of procedure you are looking for. Too many patients think any dentist can do any procedure and that just isn’t true. You can have a great family dentist, but he or she could still be clueless as to cosmetic work. That’s not taught in dental school, nor is it a recognized specialty. That means it is totally up to the dentist how much post-doctoral training he invests in, if any. There are countless cosmetic dentist horror stories from patients who pressured an unqualified dentist. Fortunately, this should not happen to you.

You have a few options here.

Go the Whole Hog with a Total Smile Makeover

If you are looking to do more than just whiten your teeth, such as changing other aspects of your teeth, then you may want to look into porcelain veneers. This is what celebrities turn to for that Hollywood smile. It can remake everything about your smile. The shape, the size, the color, and even the character of your smile. However, this will need to be done by an expert cosmetic dentist. I would look on the mynewsmile.com website to choose the dentist to do this procedure. They have all been previously vetted and found to have both technical skill as well as artistry. They will create a stunning smile for you. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

One Appointment Teeth Whitening

If you are just wanting to whiten your teeth but want to do it quickly, Zoom Whitening is a good option. It will get your teeth extremely white in just one appointment. You won’t have to find a dentist with special skills for this the way you would for porcelain veneers, but you will need a dentist who has the Zoom whitening machine.

At-home Teeth Whitening

If you are persistent enough, you can use at-home teeth whitening with bleaching trays. Any dentist can do this. You will wear the trays for a minimum of 20 minutes a day. The longer you wear them, the faster they will whiten. Many people choose to sleep in them. You can get them massively white by just sticking with this method.

This blog is brought to you by Metairie Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.