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Can I fix my tooth gap with orthodontic bands?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’m trying to find an affordable and fairly quick way to fix the gap between my front teeth. Braces will take too long and I’m not in at a point in my life where I want make the time commitment. Another option my dentist recommended was porcelain veneers, but they cost an outrageous amount of money and there’s no way I can afford them. I recently read about something called orthodontic bands and I think they might be a great option for me. They fit my budget and it’s not a long-term thing because I would just wear some rubber bands around the teeth I want to move. Why hasn’t my dentist offered this? I’m afraid if I ask him, thinking he’ll brush it off because he wants more money. Are these bands a viable alternative to fix my gap? — Sharna

Dear Sharna,
There are several things to think about when it comes to these type of orthodontic bands. First and foremost, the companies that are marketing these products don’t have FDA approval. Second, it’s really not the best way to move teeth and could cause more damage than good.

Braces are designed to move your teeth in a slow, gentle and consistent manner until they are aligned perfectly. That means there will be no strange looking gaps. They do use bands, but they are metal and fit around the teeth or rubber bands are also used. Porcelain veneers don’t change the position of the teeth, but rather bond directly to the front of them to change the look.

The orthodontic bands you are asking about wrap around teeth and essentially pull them together. It can actually loosen the teeth in the process, align them incorrectly or even damage them. The gap between the two teeth wrapped in the band will look smaller, but it will increase the gap on either side. There’s also no long-term way to keep the teeth in their new position (like retainers after braces) so eventually the teeth will just move back. You should think twice about these orthodontic bands. While they may fit your budget, spending less now will likely mean spending more later to fix an even more serious issue.

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.

Why does my lip stick to my Lumineers?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’m so in love with my new Lumineers smile! It looks better than I ever imagined, but there’s one little problem I am noticing since I got them: when I talk, my upper lip tends to dry out and stick to my front teeth. It’s kind of annoying, but I don’t know what to do other than try and get used to it. Is this normal? — Ashley

Ashley,
Lumineers are a great option for many people and it sounds like you are very happy with the appearance of your new smile. It’s unfortunate about this lip issue. While you think it’s just a little annoying right now, you’ll likely find that if it continues, it will become more distracting and even embarrassing. Kudos to you for trying to live with it, because most people would probably be very irritated and back at their dentist to complain in no time.

When traditional porcelain veneers are placed, it requires shaving down the front of the tooth slightly to accommodate the veneers. Lumineers are called “no-prep” which means your dentist can bond them directly to the teeth, which often results in a bulky or thick feeling.

That is probably what you are experiencing. Your teeth are now thicker and your lip is getting stuck and drying out. Since the Lumineers are bonded in place, your dentist could try and shave them down a bit and polish them, but it’s pretty risky if he gets too aggressive and accidentally shaves right through the veneer. Your only other options are to have the Lumineers re-done, or as you stated before, try to get used to them and just live with it.

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.

Does the blue light in Zoom whitening do anything?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had Zoom Whitening done and my dental office made a big deal about preparing me for the blue light. I’m thrilled with the results and my teeth have never been brighter, but I was talking with my boyfriend after the procedure and he laughed it off. He said that the blue light is just a gimmick, and that it doesn’t do anything. Does the blue light used in Zoom Whitening actually have a purpose, and if so, what does it do?  — Shyla

Dear Shyla,
The blue light associated with Zoom Whitening and other systems is highly-debated, and it’s possible your boyfriend stumbled upon some of the less-credible information on the net. The blue lights are LED lights, and each system projects the light at a slightly different intensity. There are basic home systems that like to include a single LED for the sake of show. It kind of resembles the blue light that people are familiar with, and have seen on makeover shows. Sometimes those lights work as a timer, and can boost consumer satisfaction, simply because the individual feels like it’s doing something. On the other hand, professional-strength systems include very powerful lights, that can actually be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Although similar lights are used in some medical treatments, and have even been shown to impact mood in people who suffer from SAD, lengthy exposure to professional-grade systems can actually burn the skin, just like a sunburn. Therefore, Zoom Whitening offices will take great care to block out your gum tissue, and will give you sunblock and eye protection, too.

Even though the light is cool, it’s very intense, and it triggers a reaction in the Zoom Whitening gel, so that it works even quicker. Studies that have compared Zoom Whitening results with and without the blue light generally find there’s a remarkable difference between the final shades. Other systems don’t fare as well in these sorts of trials, and that has a lot to do with the quality of the lights included in the system. The active ingredients in the prescription-strength gel is effective by itself, which is why your office can send you home with the same product, though usually at a lower strength, and you can do touch-ups at home. However, your results with in-office whitening will be quicker and more dramatic, because of the gel’s concentration and the quality of the activating blue light. Hope this helps settle the dispute!

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.

Are veneers the only option to replace my bonding?

Posted on by smiles4u.

When I was younger, I took tetracycline and it stained my teeth. Back then, they did bonding to cover the stains and for the most part it has held up pretty well. It’s just been in the last few years that they have started to look bad again and I’ve been considering what to do about it. At my last dental appointment, I brought it up to my dentist and asked him what my options are. He insists that I can only do veneers – which are completely out of the question because there is no way I can afford them. I asked if we could do bonding again or if teeth whitening would work and he shot both of them down. Is there really nothing else that can be done? Will I have to just have dingy, stained teeth until I can save up enough money for veneers? — Marilee

Dear Marilee,
Do you know if your dentist does much cosmetic dentistry? Based on what he is telling, it doesn’t sound like he does. There’s no doubt that veneers would be the best way to give you a great looking smile, but there are other options.

Unless he’s examined you and determined that there are structural issues with your teeth, there shouldn’t be any reason why the bonding couldn’t be redone. If he’s pushing the veneers, your teeth are probably fine. As for whitening, tetracycline stains are highly resistant to even the strongest professional grade gels and it could take months of treatment to get where you want to be.

Here’s what you need to do: find a good cosmetic dentist and get a second opinion. He or she might be able to polish some of the stains out. If you do try whitening, you need to realize that it could take a long time to see any results, so you’ll have to be persistent and patient. The bonding won’t actually change color, so it will need to be replaced. A good cosmetic dentist can tell you whether or not the bonding can be removed before you start the whitening and then replaced after you’ve gotten the results you want.

This will be a lengthy process – probably several months at least. If you don’t think you can endure that long, you better start tucking away those extra dollars so you can eventually get veneers.

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.

How can I remove stains from my porcelain veneers?

Posted on by smiles4u.

My porcelain veneers aren’t as white as they used to be. I drink a lot of dark soda and coffee and I think it stained them. What can I do to make them white again? — Vanessa

Dear Vanessa,
Porcelain veneers have a glaze that should make them resistant to staining. The only reason they could possibly stain is if the glaze has been compromised – either by abrasives in the air or from a harsh toothpaste you’re using. The glaze could also be affected by your dentist using a pumice paste or an air-powered cleaner.

There’s a couple of things you could try:

  1. Supersmile tooth-whitening toothpaste is great for removing surface stains like coffee or tobacco. It won’t work as well on stains that are embedded in the porcelain.
  2. Laser tooth whitening or tray teeth whitening will bleach the stains.

Ideally, it would be best to find an expert cosmetic dentist to polish your veneers to restore their original shine. It won’t bring back the glaze, but it will remove the current stains and make them more resistant to staining again in the future.

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.

Is my bad breath caused by generic brand of Lumineers?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently made some big changes in my life in regards to my health and wellness. Now that I am in a good place, one of the last things I would like to do is transform my smile. Since I hadn’t really taken care of my teeth for a long time, I had some periodontal disease that needed taken care of and after treatment and a few deep-cleanings, I was ready to move forward. I chose to go the route of Lumineers, but when my dentist said he didn’t do them, but rather another brand of ultra thin veneers, I didn’t question him about it and we started the process. It’s been a few months and I can’t say enough about how much I love my teeth! I can’t stop smiling because they look so good. The only thing I have noticed is something has changed with my breath – and it’s not for the better. It stinks! The dentist says I am not practicing good dental hygiene, but I know that’s not true. I got to thinking about this other brand of veneers he used. I didn’t question him about it at the time, but now I’m wondering if they were some sort of knock-off brand that isn’t as good and they are causing the problem.  — Catherine

Dear Catherine,
You’ll find many dentists who opt for other brands of ultra-thin veneers over Lumineers. They find them better not only in quality, but in functionality and fit. Another great advantage is that dentists – particularly skilled cosmetic dentists — can use a lab of their choice to give patients more aesthetic results.

Bad breath is often hard to pinpoint, but one of the first things to look into is your diet. Did you change anything about the foods you’ve been eating since you had the veneers placed? You mentioned periodontal disease which can also be a source. After living with it for so long, you might not have even noticed the smell. The treatments and deep cleanings probably took care of any odors, but if it’s been a while, your gums could be showing signs of disease again.

Make an appointment with your dentist for another cleaning and be sure your hygienist is aware of your concerns. The veneers could have created some hidden areas that you might be missing when you brush. Bacteria and food might be trapped and you don’t know it. She can take a good look and if there are those types of areas, she can give you tips on how to get them clean.

If the gum disease was severe, you might ask about more frequent cleanings in the short-term. If you try all these things and there’s still no improvement, get a second opinion. In the event the veneers were bonded incorrectly or improperly shaped, it’s possible you can get them adjusted or reshaped.

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.

Will dentist fix my cracked veneer?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I grind my teeth at night, but I was happy to find out that I could still be a candidate for porcelain veneers. I just got them done a couple months ago and I have been wearing a night guard. Last night, I was so exhausted that I feel asleep and didn’t get the night guard put in. I woke up because I noticed something in my mouth – it was a piece of one of my veneers that broke off! Do you think my dentist will replace it for free since I’ve had the veneers for such a short time? — Josh

Josh,
This is a tough one. While I’m sure you didn’t intend to fall asleep without your night guard, things happen and whether or not your dentist will fix it is completely up to him. If he prescribed the night guard and told you to be sure to always wear it, he really has no obligation to you.

Maybe he’ll offer to replace it this time if you cover the laboratory charge. You can be sure that it will be full price if it happens again. However, it’s best to have him look at it because there’s also a chance that he could repair it. If it split cleanly into two pieces that fit back together, he could re-bonded it to your tooth and the crack will be nearly invisible.

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.

Is my 16-year-old daughter a candidate for implants?

Posted on by smiles4u.

We have a unique situation with my daughter. Although she is old enough that she should have all of her adult teeth,  a couple didn’t come in and she still has the baby teeth. Our dentist doesn’t seem to be worried about it and says that her baby teeth could last the rest of her life. She is devastated. The teeth obviously look smaller, and while it didn’t bother her when she was younger, some of the kids at school are now noticing and making her feel very self-conscience.

She’s sixteen and has a great smile, but these teeth make her feel uncomfortable. I have been thinking about implants to replace those teeth, but when I asked the dentist, he pretty much blew the idea off without even considering how this is affecting her. It’s not like she’s just going to one day look in the mirror and decide they look ok. Will implants work? If not, what other options are there? — Judy

Judy,
While the baby teeth could last a lifetime, it’s understandable how your daughter feels about how they look. The teenage years are hard enough as it is, and it’s no fun to have your peers poke fun at something you have no control over. There are cosmetic options that can help, but at her age she’s really too young for implants. It’s best to hold off until she’s at least twenty and even then, she’ll need to have a dentist evaluate whether or not her jaw is done growing and changing.

Have you checked into a cosmetic dentist who does porcelain veneers? Veneers would cover the top and sides of the tooth, and build it up to make it look like an adult-sized tooth. There are a couple different options as far as the materials they are made of, but a cosmetic dentist will be able to recommend what’s best. As she continues to grow, her face shape will change, too. More than likely, she will need to have the veneers redone or at least adjusted every couple of years.

She can look into implants later on, but for now, a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist to find out more about veneers would be best. He or she can evaluate your daughter’s situation fully and help you make the right choice.

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 want to get veneers, but I’m afraid they will cause tooth decay

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’m in need of a smile makeover, but not sure if I should go with porcelain veneers or Lumineers. Should I be concerned about tooth decay with veneers from food getting stuck under them? — Anastasia

Anastasia,
Regardless of what type of veneer you go with, if your dentist bonds them properly, there will be no gaps behind them and your smile will look very natural because the veneers fit perfectly over your teeth. Porcelain veneers themselves are not made of enamel, so they will not decay, but the exposed tooth structure is still susceptible to normal decay if you don’t keep up on your daily home care of brushing and flossing. So be diligent in your daily oral habits and don’t forget to schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

You need to be sure that you get the help of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Be very thorough when doing your research – ask to see before and after photos of his or her work. Also, if you don’t have a good understanding of the difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers, you need to ask for more information and determine which is best for you. Lumineers are simply a brand a ultra-thin veneers that don’t require teeth preparation. They work for some people, but if they are not properly placed they can cause several aesthetic problems. Porcelain veneers are more versatile and allow a dentist to custom design a perfect fit.

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.

Will tooth mousse and whitening get rid of my white lesions?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had white spot lesions on my teeth for several years. I finally decided I wanted to do something about them so at my last dental appointment, my dentist sent me home with tooth mousse and then told me to come back in a couple of months for some whitening. Will the combination of these two things help me finally get rid of these stains for good? — Eric

Eric,
Unfortunately, your dentist is not quite on the mark with this one. Yes, tooth mousse does treat white spots, but it’s only designed to keep them from turning into cavities by remineralizing them. You can check into it, but the company doesn’t make any specific aesthetic claims beyond that.

But what is even more concerning is that your dentist is recommending tooth whitening. The bleaching gel is designed to whitening everything, so if you have white spots, they will end up looking even worse. Find an expert cosmetic dentist in your area and he/she will be able to help you get rid of the white spots with either microabrasion (an acid-pumice mixture that is applied to the surface of the teeth) or tooth bonding which is covering the areas with composite resin.

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.