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Can’t Floss Between My Teeth After Getting Bonding for Black Triangles

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After my dentist used bonding to close the black triangles between four teeth, I couldn’t floss between them. The bonding looks like a glob between my teeth—almost like the teeth are connected. The spaces developed while I was wearing Clear Correct braces. Is it even possible to correct the spaces with bonding? Thanks. Kolby from TX

Kolby,

Often caused by receding gums, black triangles are a common dental concern. The image provided illustrates a case where this occurred. In your case, black triangles developed from straightening your teeth with Clear Correct braces. A skilled cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth to determine whether bonding can resolve the black triangles.

Challenges of Using Dental Bonding for Black Triangles

IBlack triangles between lower teethf you decide to proceed with bonding, it’s important to be aware of several challenges:

  • Gum Health: Improperly applied bonding can create a food trap, leading to plaque and calculus buildup and potentially causing gum disease. The bonding material must be carefully shaped and polished to prevent this. A healthy gumline allows for smooth floss passage, indicating proper shaping and polishing.
  • Bonding Difficulty: Gum tissue sensitivity and fluid production can hinder bonding. Retraction techniques can control these factors and ensure a successful bond.
  • Aesthetics: Achieving a natural appearance requires careful consideration of color matching and shape. A dentist must choose appropriate composite materials and skillfully shape the bonding.

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist

Consult a dentist with advanced aesthetic training to offer appropriate solutions. Removing the bonding may allow for easier flossing and a smoother tooth surface.

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.

 

My Dental Bonding Is Tuning Yellow After Eight Months

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Last December I got dental bonding on six upper front teeth. I’ve had bonding replaced on the front teeth four times in the past 15 years. The current bonding is yellowing. Can my dentist polish it, or should I find someone to replace the bonding?  I know it shouldn’t yellow this fast. Thanks. Deonne

Deonne,

One of the primary differences between composite bonding and porcelain veneers is their durability and stain resistance. Porcelain veneers are significantly more durable and stain-resistant than tooth enamel, making them a longer-lasting option. Conversely, composite bonding is softer and more susceptible to stains, leading to a shorter lifespan.

Composite materials can develop tiny scratches that attract stains. Thorough polishing can smooth out these scratches, remove the stains, and restore the surface’s luster.

Two types of staining that can affect composite bonding:

  • Surface Discoloration: Surface scratches can attract stains that polishing can remove
  • Material Penetration: Certain colored liquids can penetrate the composite material, resulting in more difficult-to-remove stains. Staining typically occurs over a more extended period and may only be noticeable later.

Prolong the life of composite bonding and maintain its appearance with these steps:

  1. Choose a skilled cosmetic dentist: An experienced dentist with expertise in cosmetic dentistry can select high-quality materials and skillfully apply dental bonding.
  2. Avoid abrasive toothpaste: Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth or cosmetic dentistry work.
  3. Request a fine-grit polish: Ensure your dental hygienist uses a fine-grit polishing agent to avoid scratching the composite surface.
  4. Be mindful of staining beverages: Limit drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. If you consume them, drink them quickly and avoid letting them linger in your mouth. Swish water in your mouth afterward.
  5. Consider porcelain veneers: For a longer-lasting, more stain-resistant option, porcelain veneers may be a better investment.

Consult with an advanced cosmetic dentist for an exam and treatment recommendations.

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 dark front teeth restored with dental crown photos from Metairie, LA, cosmetic dentist Dr. Delaune

Dr. Delaune’s patient

My Front Tooth Is Too Long After Getting Dental Bonding

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My new dental bonding made one front tooth too long. Also, I didn’t match my teeth, so I asked my dentist to correct the color. I got the bonding because my two front teeth are chipped. Now, the bonding is whiter and has more texture than my teeth. One of my front teeth is longer than the other, and somehow, my dentist created a gap in the bonding. It seems that each time I ask my dentist to correct an issue with the bonding, she creates another one. My dentist is nice, and I don’t want to cause friction. Can I just ask for a refund? I’m afraid to let her try again. Thanks. Giovanna from MS

Giovanna,

Dentists need advanced training, skill, and artistic talent to apply dental bonding and match it to your surrounding teeth. Your dentist cannot correct your bonding regardless of how often she tries if she lacks advanced cosmetic dentistry training.

Skilled cosmetic dentists have an inventory of composite bonding materials with varying textures, colors, and translucence to perfectly match your tooth color and characteristics.

We recommend scheduling consultations with two cosmetic dentists for a second opinion. You can compare the dentists’ treatment options and chairside manner to decide which dentist you prefer to replace your dental bonding.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding for Chipped Teeth

While both porcelain veneers and dental bonding can address chipped teeth, veneers require tooth preparation. A cosmetic dentist must shave off a tiny amount of tooth enamel to create a secure fit for the veneers.  In contrast, dental bonding requires slightly etching your teeth before applying the bonding material.

A cosmetic dentist can seamlessly hide your chipped teeth with bonding or porcelain veneers. During a consultation, a dentist should explain what to expect in these areas:

  • Tooth preparation
  • Chair time
  • Results
  • Cost
  • Longevity of cosmetic work

We wish you a swift resolution that helps you feel good about your smile again.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

before and after dental bonding for a chipped tooth

Bonding Keeps Falling Off My Lower Front Chipped Tooth

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My lower left right front tooth was chipped last October, and the bonding keeps falling off. My dentist can’t seem to secure it. The chip isn’t large, but it’s big enough to show when I smile. The bonding fell off four times. When it comes off, my tooth looks worse than it did without the bonding. I’m tired of trial and error and going back and forth to the dentist. I lost my confidence in her anyway. She doesn’t know how to repair my tooth. What do you suggest?  It’s sad to think about changing dentists for a small tooth chip, but I’m self-conscious about my smile. Thanks. Lydia

Lydia,

Many dentists find restoring a chipped lower incisor challenging because the edges of the tooth hit the opposite upper tooth whenever you close your mouth. An impact of upper and lower teeth can cause a tooth to chip. The composite on a chipped tooth is under extreme stress that can loosen the bonding. A dentist must understand occlusal stress to ensure the bonding stays intact.

Veneers or Dental Bonding for Lower Front Chipped Teeth?

Skilled cosmetic dentists can use dental bonding or porcelain veneers to conceal chips on teeth, but they must minimize stress on the teeth when they meet. Before treatment, a cosmetic dentist will consider the position of each chipped tooth. For example, light shaving may be needed for a tooth that leans forward. Otherwise, it would absorb more stress when you close your mouth when the upper and lower teeth meet. Stress on teeth is minimized when the upper and lower incisors meet simultaneously, and only an expert cosmetic dentist can achieve the desired results.

We recommend finding a dentist with postgraduate training in occlusion, bite, and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule a consultation to learn about 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.

Before and after dental bonding smile

An example from Dr. Delaune is how a cosmetic dentist can produce beautiful results with dental bonding.

Why Did My Dental Bonding Stain Within Three Weeks?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I got Zoom whitening three months ago and waited before getting dental bonding on my four upper front teeth. Three weeks ago, I got dental bonding that looked like a perfect match, but now the bonding is stained and darker than my teeth. I drink coffee daily, but the bonding should stain that quickly, should it? I called my dentist’s office and left a message. She returned my call after hours and recommended reducing my coffee intake to keep the bonding white. Bonding doesn’t stain within three weeks. Will I need to get the bonding redone? What is the bonding staining already? Is it cheap? Thank you. Taelyn from San Diego

 

Taelyn,

We understand your concerns about your dental bonding. Although bonding is not stain-resistant, it should not stain within weeks. We suspect that your dentist doesn’t have extensive training in bonding techniques and how to help new bonding deflect stains.

Does Dental Bonding Stain Within a Few Weeks?

Quality dental bonding does not stain within a few weeks. However, most general or family dentists have an inventory of general-purpose bonding, a high-strength material that is not aesthetically appropriate for high luster on front teeth.

Composite bonding is a blend of plastic resin with quart, silica, and glass. Various composites exist—some are durable but have limited shine. Others have high luster but lack durability. Then, newer nanofill composites combine strength and luster.

How Can You Get Bonding to Match Your Whitened Teeth?

Expert cosmetic dentists have an inventory of various composites to match your newly whitened teeth. Also, composites vary in shade, luster, and translucencies. Skilled cosmetic dentists blend composite bonding to match the graduation of color and gloss in your tooth enamel.

When a dentist chooses a material that lacks luster when polished, the bonding can stain more easily. You can ask your dentist to polish your bonding or use another material to achieve more luster while resisting stains. If your dentist cannot improve your bonding and match it with your Zoom-whitened teeth, consider seeing a skilled cosmetic dentist for the work.

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

Before and after dental bonding smile

An example from Dr. Delaune of how a cosmetic dentist can produce beautiful results with dental bonding.

 

Dental Bonding Doesn’t Match My Whitened Teeth

Posted on 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.

Before and after dental bonding smile

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.

 

Should I Replace Dental Bonding with Veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After having bonding on four front teeth since 2001, my dentist wants to replace the Lumineers because he says it’s easier. I am not sure what makes veneers easier, though. The bonding is yellowing. It didn’t help that I whitened my teeth and home and made the bonding more noticeable. I know Lumineers are supposed to be no-prep, but I am worried about tooth enamel damage if my dentist decides I need a little preparation. Should I insist on bonding? Thank you. Tyrelle from Chicago

Tyrelle,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Remove Dental Bonding?

A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can remove and replace dental bonding. Dental bonding removal may include one or more of these techniques.

  • Flexible sandpaper discs to maintain tooth shape while removing the bonding
  • Carbide polishing drills and a sandpaper disc to remove any streaks left
  • Air-abrasion equipment for gentle removing

Replacing Dental Bonding with Lumineers

A single porcelain veneer - for info on Lumineers

A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether veneers or dental bonding is best for your front teeth

A dentist can replace your dental bonding with Lumineers, but it is your choice. If you do not need to conceal any significant imperfections in your teeth, your dentist should not try to convince you to get Lumineers. Your dentist may say that he prefers Lumineers due to his discomfort with dental bonding. Although Lumineers are famous for not requiring preparation, without preparation, your teeth may look bulky with veneers bonded to their fronts.

Placing dental bonding requires advanced training and an artistic eye. Dentists apply it by hand. Only skilled cosmetic dentists have the bonding materials and tools to match any patient’s teeth perfectly. If your dentist lacks advanced cosmetic dentistry training or is uncomfortable with dental bonding, we recommend getting a second opinion.

A skilled cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your options, and explain the results you can expect with dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers.

New Bonding on Canine Teeth Is Yellow – How to Resolve It

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I asked my dentist for bonding on my canine teeth because they were noticeably shorter than the teeth on either side. I also wanted my teeth whitened, so my dentist completed it last November before bonding. My appointment for bonding was in January. Although my dentist assured me that she would blend shades to match my teeth, the bonded teeth were yellow when she asked me to look in the mirror and smile. Neither she nor I had time to correct it that day.

I returned to her office later in the month, and she took off the original bonding and replaced it. She kept saying how much I would love the results as she was applying them. I was almost in tears to see yellow bonding again that looked somewhat DARKER than the original bonding she placed. I’ve been fortunate to work from home, so no one I see on video conferences can look at my teeth long enough to notice how yellow the canines are.

My dentist’s office called me to schedule an appointment. I declined, but my dentist called me two days later and said that she might need to replace it with porcelain veneers if the bonding didn’t work this time. I politely told her that I was not getting porcelain veneers. I didn’t reschedule with her because I’m skeptical. Is it possible that my dentist has ruined my teeth by adding and removing bonding, and I need porcelain veneers? Carlton from NV

Carlton,

We agree that you should be hesitant about letting your dentist correct the bonding on your canine teeth. No doubt, the bonding is even more noticeable because your natural teeth are even whiter after getting them bleached. We recommend that you find an advanced cosmetic dentist to do it.

Although you may not be able to legally force your dentist to compensate you for getting the work corrected, you can politely ask her and mention any of the possibilities below—whatever you think might get a response from her:

  • Hiring an attorney
  • Complaining to the dental board
  • Submitting a negative online review

Direct Dental Bonding

Only an artistic dentist achieves beautiful results with direct dental bonding. Any dentist can remove the bonding on your canine teeth and reapply it, but it takes an artist and specific technique to make bonding look natural and blend with the surrounding teeth.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Bonding

Although veneers produce beautiful results, you asked for dental bonding. A skilled cosmetic dentist can lengthen your canine teeth with bonding. It’s doubtful that your dentist ruined your teeth. It’s more likely that she doesn’t understand how to manipulate bonding to match your natural teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Is an Art

  • Dental school training isn’t enough – Dentists need advanced training to understand color, translucence, and gloss and achieve natural-looking results with bonding. It takes advanced training to become skilled in cosmetic dentistry, and few dentists are dedicated to refining their skills.
  • It takes an artist – Most people who become dentists want to fix things, but 95% of dentists aren’t artistic. They often don’t think extra training is necessary. And they are satisfied when the results look okay. However, the artistic dentist wants your smile to look natural and beautiful. Some dentists may not be concerned about yellow canine teeth resulting from dental bonding.
  • It takes advanced training – Although cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, it takes time to study it and achieve good results. Artistic dentists aren’t satisfied until you love your smile. They have a lifetime commitment to receive training that helps them refine their art.

How Can You Find a Top Cosmetic Dentist?

Follow the steps listed below to find a top cosmetic dentist who will enhance your smile.

  • Ask friends or acquaintances for recommendations.
  • Visit the dentists’ websites to confirm that they participate in ongoing training.
  • Look for the dentists’ affiliation or credentials with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
  • Find the smile gallery of patients’ before-and-after photos on the website. If the dentist doesn’t have a smile gallery, maybe they aren’t proud of their work.
  • Schedule a consultation with at least two cosmetic dentists, ask questions, and ask to see photos of dental bonding.

Best wishes for a confident smile.

 

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

Before and after dental bonding smile

An example from Dr. Delaune of how a cosmetic dentist can product beautiful results with dental bonding.

Smile Makeover Disaster

Posted on by writeradmin.

I need some serious advice. I went to my dentist with the intent of having my cleaning done and then getting a recommendation for an orthodontist. My four upper front teeth are crooked. He said he could make them straight with cosmetic dentistry and I would not have to worry about the inconvenience of braces. That sounded great to me so I agreed. He told me that two porcelain veneers and dental bonding would make my smile look completely straight. I was excited about the possibility of having a beautiful smile. When the makeover was “completed”, it wasn’t anything like he promised. The teeth are still uneven, the porcelain veneer is too small and you can see a gap between the veneer and my gums. He also charged me for reshaping my lower teeth which was never even discussed. I was quite upset and told him this wasn’t the outcome I expected. Then, he proceeded to tell me the only way to get the outcome I want is with four dental crowns. Of course, that will be an additional fee. Is this allowed? Can he get away with it?

Fanny

Dear Fanny,

porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

No. Your dentist cannot get away with this. I would go back to him and ask for a refund. If he says no, remind him that he was the one who told you what this outcome would be and he didn’t deliver on his promise. On top of that, the porcelain veneer he provided for you has an open margin (what dentists call that gap you described). Open margins put your teeth at risk because it allows food and other bacteria to get caught between your teeth and the veneers, leading to decay. A second issue that can get him in big trouble is reshaping your bottom teeth without your permission. It sounds like this dentist was using you for practice. Let him know you will be taking this issue to the dental board and I think he will provide your refund.

Once you have secured your refund, you will want to get the smile makeover you wanted. Believe it or not, it is probably still possible to do with porcelain veneers. You just need a skilled cosmetic dentist to do the work. I would look for a dentist who is recommended on the mynewsmile.com website. Dentists cannot pay to be listed on this site. Instead, they are screened for both their technical skill as well as their artistry. Any dentist recommended on there will give you a stunning smile.

I will say, if you are planning on just getting four porcelain veneers (and it is okay if you are) then I suggest you have teeth whitening done first. Most patients smiles are six to ten teeth wide. Getting your teeth whitened allows you to have your non-veneered teeth blend in better than if you left them their current tone.

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

Tetracycline Teeth and No Money

Posted on 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,

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a blue case.

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.