Menu Phone
Phone: 504-885-8869 Main Site Pen Icon Reviews: GoogleFacebook

Help…my gums look uneven after porcelain veneers

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently saved up to get porcelain veneers and was so excited when I was finally able to get the appointment scheduled and get the process going. One of the main things I was concerned about was how uneven the bottoms of my teeth were. My dentist assured me that the veneers would look great and I even tried them on before they were cemented and was very pleased with how they looked. Now that they are permanently placed and I’ve had more time to really look at them, I’m noticing that my gums look uneven. I didn’t see it before the veneers, so I’m not sure if they did something wrong? It’s frustrating because I’m still not happy with how my smile looks. Can my dentist fix this or is it something I will just have to learn to live with? — Annika

Annika,
Did your dentist mention that he would have to make any adjustments to your gums as part of your porcelain veneer prep? The technical term he would likely use would be “gingivectomy” or “gingival surgery” but some dentists will refer to it as “recontouring “ or even a “ginge.” A procedure such as this should have been discuss with you up front so that you could give your consent, but if it was done in a more casual, conversational manner maybe there was a miscommunication. However, if you don’t remember addressing the topic at all, it likely wasn’t done. The fact that you are noticing the uneven gums now is probably because your teeth are straighter. You should ask your dentist for sure, however.

Any gumline issues should be talked about during the consultation process, and if any reshaping is needed it’s done during the preparation. There is no way to correct the problem now because removing gum tissue will likely expose the margin. Not only will that look even worse asthetically, it also puts your teeth at risk of decay. Schedule a follow-up appointment so you can talk to your dentist about your concerns. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this issue would be to request a do-over.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

My sister looks like bugs bunny!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have an identical twin sister and we happen to have identical teeth, too (they’re slightly crooked and small). For as long as I can remember, we’ve both talked about getting porcelain veneers, and she actually went ahead and had them placed by her regular dentist. While I’m glad she decided to do it, I’m trying to figure out the best way to tell her that I think they look totally fake and unnatural. To be honest, she looks like Bugs Bunny and I have to wonder if the dentist didn’t do them correctly. Her veneers look bulky and big, so I’m wondering if they can be shaved a little to make them look smaller? If they can, I might consider telling her what I think. If not, any idea what could have gone wrong? If I decide to get mine done, I want to be sure I don’t end up with the same issue. — Anika in Oklahoma

Anika,
If you and your sister are used to being honest about everything, it might be hard to keep your feelings to yourself. If you do decide to tell her what you think, be gentle and just present it as your opinion. Start the conversation by asking her if she’s happy with the length of her veneers. If she says she is, it would probably be best to leave it at that and let it go. But, if she’s not happy, you can tell her that her dentist may be able to shorten them a little, depending on the type of porcelain veneer he used and how it was prepared.

As you start thinking about your own procedure, tell your dentist up front what your expectations are and about your sister’s results. Taking a photo of her would be helpful so that he/she can understand what you consider to be too long. You may find that hers are a perfectly natural length and it’s just going to take some getting used to. Also, make sure your dentist will let you “test-drive” the porcelain veneers before they are permanently bonded. This will allow you to see exactly how they look and feel, plus give your dentist the opportunity to send them back for any adjustments that may needed.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

I’m ready to say goodbye to my gap… what are my options?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had a gap between my front teeth for as long as I can remember. I’ll be turning 40 soon and I’d like to start this next phase of my life by getting it fixed. My dentist recommended braces, but I’d like to explore other options that might not take as long to see a result. His other option was porcelain veneers, which seemed ok at first, but now that I have learned more about the procedure, I am not sure about having my teeth shaved down. So now I am back to braces unless there is another alternative. Can you help?  — Felicia in Arkansas

Felicia,
Kudos to you for reaching such a milestone and wanting to look and feel fabulous. The good news is that you have a couple other choices in addition to the two your dentist mentioned that will get you the result you desire:

  • Bonding – If you’re simply looking to fill in a small gap (and your dentist is skilled in bonding) he can add a tooth-colored material to either side to fill it in. Bonding is less invasive and requires less tooth preparation than veneers.
  • Six Month Smiles – This procedure utilizes clear braces to correct aesthetic issues, often producing results in as little as four months. It’s a great choice if you only need to correct the appearance of your teeth and don’t need any adjustments to your bite. While they are a great alternative to traditional braces, many dentists are not experienced with Six Month Smiles. You may have to search for an experienced dentist and they will have to evaluate whether or not you are even a candidate.

Definitely do your research and don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion when considering all your options. Regardless of what method you choose, you’ll get beautiful results. However, Six Month Smiles will be the least-invasive – and quickest way to help you achieve that “fabulous at 40” smile!

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can I whiten my bonding?

Posted on by smiles4u.

About 14 years ago I had bonding done on my two front teeth. I really need to have it replaced because it is no longer white, but I am still saving up the money to do it. Until then, will bleaching help with returning it to its original color?  — Sara in Texas

Sara,
Unfortunately, you cannot whiten dental bonding – not even with those high-powered whitening procedures that are done in the dental office. If you try to do it, it will only make your natural teeth look whiter and the difference in color will probably be even more noticeable. Have you talked with your dentist about polishing the bonding? If the discoloration is from external staining it’s possible that the discoloration could be polished away. If the staining is internal, you’ll get the best results by having the bonding replaced.

Be patient and continue to save your money. When it comes to bonding, the worst thing you could do is go bargain shopping for the best price. You’ll want to be sure your dentist has the expertise, artistry and skill to do it right.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Why are my veneers yellowing and looking black at the top?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am so depressed about my teeth right now. I have a class reunion coming up and I don’t even want to go because my teeth look so bad. When I was 16 I had two veneers placed on my front teeth and now, 16 years later they are yellow… and, to make matters even worse, they look black at the top. What is causing them to look this way and can anything be done to fix them?  — Leisha in Nebraska

Leisha,
There’s no reason why porcelain veneers shouldn’t last 16 years if you are taking good care of them. And they definitely shouldn’t be turning yellow, unless for some reason you had them cleaned with a power polishing spray such as the Prophy Jet. This type of cleaning can cause porcelain veneers to lose their glaze and start to yellow. If, however, your veneers are composite, they can discolor quite easily and quickly – especially if you are eating or drinking foods and beverages that can stain or if you smoke.

If you are noticing black at the gumline, that is a whole other issue and could be a sign of leakage from the bond failing. If a dentist isn’t skilled or simply is careless during the bonding procedure, fluid can seep up from the gums and contaminate the bond. Over time, this contamination will cause the veneer to blacken near the gumline. If this is happening, the veneers absolutely need to be replaced because the leakage will lead to decay underneath them. If the decay continues to spread, it can cause even more damage. So, replace the veneers, not only to get the smile you love back, but to ensure the future health of your teeth.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Could my implant be causing my stinky breath?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had nothing but trouble with my dental implant. Not only were the appointments grueling, but I had bone grafting as well as a problem with my crown resulting in it having to be re-cemented. To top it all off, I had an infection that just wouldn’t go away, so I was on several rounds of antibiotics. I’m finally to the point where the implant feels ok, but I’ve recently noticed a really bad taste in my mouth and my husband now says I have bad breath. Nothing seems to help. Could this bad taste and smell be coming from my implant? My dentist insists that everything is fine and suggested that I watch the foods I am eating and referred me to my doctor.   — Lisa in Oakland

Lisa,
It seems like you can’t seem to catch a break in this whole process. It must be so disappointing to invest all that time and money and have to endure so many problems. There’s so much expertise and skill that goes into placing implants…that’s why it’s so important to do your research up front when choosing the best implant dentist.

Go ahead and check with your physician, but you should also seek  a second opinion from another implant dentist. The reoccurring infections you have been dealing with could be a sign that there is something wrong. Active infections can cause many of the symptoms you are describing and if ignored and not treated the infection can spread – costing you not only the implant, but even your jaw or something much worse.

A failing implant is not something to brush aside – it’s a very serious issue. Find someone who can get to the root of why you are having these problems. Antibiotics are only a temporary fix until the real problem is addressed and treated. If a proper diagnosis is not made, the infections will continue – and so will the bad smell and taste.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Unhappy with my porcelain veneers… shouldn’t my dentist be required to fix them?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am wondering what I should about the porcelain veneers I recently had placed… I am so unhappy with them. I can see two problems with them: 1) my canine teeth look crooked and 2) I noticed a little line above my left front tooth and wonder if it is my natural tooth surface showing through. When I went back to my dentist with my concerns, he refused to do anything about the line because he said it was barely noticeable. I spent so much money and now I am afraid that area might decay. I chose porcelain veneers because I had old bonding that needed to be replaced, but now I am just as insecure with my smile as I was before. Is it really not a big deal and I am just being difficult? What should I do? — Lizzi in Atlanta

Lizzi,
It sounds like you have a couple of things going on here. To address the issue of your dissatisfaction with how your smile looks, it is quite disappointing that your dentist didn’t do a better job of letting you see what your smile was going to look like before permanently bonding it. Good cosmetic dentists want to always make sure you see exactly how your porcelain veneers will look, and will even let another family member or a friend look at them with you. They may even offer a beautiful smile guarantee because their first priority is making sure you absolutely love your new smile.

As a patient, you have a right to ask him to re-do what you don’t like… particularly the crooked canine teeth. As far as the line at your gumline, unless there is a groove or ledge that could “catch” decay, you tooth is not going to be vulnerable, so he does have a point there.

The other issue at hand is the difference between a true cosmetic dentist and a general dentist who “likes” to do cosmetic dentistry. A good cosmetic dentist understands: 1) that he or she is not just treating a patient, they are treating the self image of the patient, and 2) if the patient is unhappy, he or she has failed. Good cosmetic dentists will want you to leave the office absolutely loving your smile, and if you don’t they will make any and all adjustment needed to achieve that end.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Why do my gums look gray around my implants?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had a couple of implants placed, but I think there is a problem and it is very noticeable – the gums around the implants look gray! My dentist didn’t mention anything about this, and now I am worried that I paid a bunch of money and something is wrong with my implants or the materials that were used. Should my gums be turning gray? — Sheila in New Orleans

Sheila,
The grayish or dark color is likely the collar of the implant showing through your gum tissue. This is not uncommon and it can be a result of your gum tissue being too thin, as well as the implant not being placed at the right depth. It is the titanium from the implant visible at the gum line, which can eventually lead to gum recession.

You could have a soft tissue graft done to thicken the surrounding gum tissue or if you haven’t had your permanent crown placed yet, your surgeon could switch out the titanium for Zirconia (a tooth colored material that would eliminate the gray color). Regardless of what you decide, you definitely need to have your dentist take a look at it and make sure there is no bone loss.

There’s no doubt that implants are a major investment. All too often, people look for ways to cut costs or make implants more affordable. Many times that means compromising on quality and unfortunately there are dentists who cut corners or costs in the materials. Find an implant dentist who is properly trained and has the credentials and experience needed to give you the best results possible.

A great deal may be good for some things in life, but not when it comes to dental implants. The “deal of a lifetime” is likely too good to be true and could end up costing you even more money and heartache in the end.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

What Can I Expect When Getting Dentures?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I think I am to the point where I need to get dentures. How does the procedure work? Will my dentist put me to sleep and pull out all my teeth and make the dentures all at one time?

Sylvia in California

Sylvia,

If you are in need of dentures, your dentist will extract all of your teeth at one time. Most patients have the option of IV or oral sedation, but if you want to just have local anesthesia and be awake for the procedure, you can do that, too. Keep in mind that not all dentists are certified in IV and oral sedation, so if this is something you prefer, be sure your dentist offers it.

When it comes to dentures, you have several options. An immediate denture is the most common type of denture and it is placed right after your teeth are extracted so you can leave the office with a new smile. Another benefit of an immediate denture is that it helps reduce swelling and bleeding. They are, however, more expensive than conventional dentures because they take more time to make and you will need more follow-up visits for adjustments after initial placement.

Conventional dentures are placed about eight weeks after healing, but the advantage is that you will likely have a better fit then with an immediate denture. During the healing process your gum tissue shrinks and the immediate becomes loose, requiring a soft temporary reline material to be placed on the denture for refitting. After about six months, when your mouth is completely healed, you will need a more permanent reline or possibly a new denture.

Before you make any decisions, talk with your dentist or specialist and discuss all your options. Dentures don’t always stay put in the mouth, and that is a problem for some patients. There are options to make dentures more permanent, such as snap on dentures that snap onto dental implants. Be sure to learn as much as you can before determining the type of denture that is right for you.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

What are the chances of all-on-4 implant failure?

Posted on by smiles4u.

Hello,

My teeth have caused me nothing but trouble my whole life. I don’t have very many left and my dentist has agreed to pull them so I can get dentures. He mentioned all-on-4s as an alternative to removable dentures because it will be more permanent. I do like the idea, but am concerned because a friend of mine had all-on-4s and something went terribly wrong with one of the implants. I’ve had enough trouble with my teeth and don’t want to risk going through what she did if this is something common that can happen. — Sharon

Sharon,

You are right to do your research and ask questions up front. While the all-on-4 procedure has been a hot topic recently for the reasons that you mention, you can relax a little bit and know that the problems your friend experienced are very rare. Implant failure happens in a very small percentage of patients.

Your success mostly hinges on the skill level of your dentist. To ensure you have a good outcome with the procedure, find a dentist who is educated and experienced with all-on-4, and ask the following questions:

  • Where he/she learned the procedure
  • If he/she has had any continuing education on all-on-4s
  • How long he/she has been performing the all-on-4 procedure and how many patients they have treated
  • Has there been any failures and what is the most common complication his/her patients have experienced

As with any medical procedure, your health will also play an important role.  Be sure your dentist thoroughly reviews your medical history to determine if you are at risk for implant failure. And if you are aware of any risks in your medical history, such as periodontal disease, bone loss, diabetes – or if you smoke, be sure to discuss all those risk factors open and honestly.

All-on-4s have a very high success rate, but asking questions and educating yourself before the procedure will put your mind at ease and ensure the best outcome possible.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.