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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.

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.

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.

CEREC for porcelain veneers? My dentist seems to think so…

Posted on by smiles4u.

I will be fifty soon and while I look and feel pretty great for my age, my teeth are definitely not holding up as well. I’ve chipped and cracked a couple of them and overall, they just look old and discolored. I’ve read up on porcelain veneers and I’d like to treat myself to an early birthday smile makeover. When I talked to my dentist, he recommended using his CEREC machine that is right there in the office. While I have had a crown done with CEREC, I’m not so sure it is ideal for extensive procedures like veneers. I have high expectations for my new smile, so wouldn’t it be better if he sent them to a lab? — Danielle

Danielle,
There are many dentist who use CEREC machines and claim they can get the same results that a dental lab can. If you talk to any tried and true cosmetic dentist, they would more than likely strongly disagree. Before making any sort of decision, google some photos of CEREC veneers. Hopefully you will find some before and after photos from dentists who have completed veneers this way. As you are examining them, ask yourself these these questions:

  • Is the gumline symmetrical?
  • Is the shape of the tooth natural?
  • Does the color and shading match the surrounding teeth?

While many of the smiles may look improved, if you find yourself answering no to these questions, CEREC will not give you the results you desire.

When it comes to porcelain veneers, the best results will be achieved by an experienced cosmetic dentist working closely with an expert lab technician. The best ones out there will have before and after photos of actual patients. Study the photos closely and if you have any doubts in his or her skills, keep looking. The other thing you can do is tell you dentist you would prefer traditional porcelain veneers. If he seems hesitant, it would be best not to push him into doing them. Chances are, he isn’t comfortable with them and that is a sure-fire reason to find someone who is.

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.

Should I still be in pain two weeks after cosmetic procedure?

Posted on by smiles4u.

A month or so ago, I went to Mexico to have a cosmetic dental procedure done and now I’m afraid I made a big mistake. I had several lower crowns done and also veneers on my front upper teeth. I am in so much pain and it’s been a couple of weeks since I had it done. My jaw hurts and one tooth is almost painful to the touch and I can’t even chew soft foods. When I asked the dentist about it, he told me to take ibuprofen to help with the pain and that it’s normal after having so much work done at one time. As for the crown that I can’t even chew on, he said something about it having high contact or possibly needing a root canal. Is it bad that it doesn’t even touch my top teeth when I bite together? Is this much pain normal so long after my procedure and should I just keep taking the ibuprofen until it goes away (I’m currently taking 800mg every 4-6 hours).

Julie,
You are right to be concerned. Taking those amounts of ibuprofen for such an extended period of time is not good for you, and it sounds like it’s not really helping – it’s only masking something that is not right. They amount of pain you are experiencing is not normal after getting crowns or porcelain veneers. Tenderness or soreness for a couple of days should be expected and your bite and teeth should align.

If you are back in the United States, go find a reputable cosmetic dentist in your area – or at the very lease, a competent general dentist. Even if you have to drive an hour or two, it will be worth getting a second opinion to determine what’s wrong before the situation gets worse. Try to back off or stop taking the ibuprofen and if you do need a root canal, don’t go back to the dentist in Mexico – there are only about a handful of good cosmetic dentist in the entire country. Even in the United States, only about 1 of 50 dentists is skilled in the art of cosmetic dentistry, but you should be able to find a reputable doctor near you.

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.

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.

Tired of my Lumineers falling off!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I was so excited to have Lumineers placed on several of my teeth a few months back, but now they keep falling off. I’ve had to go back to my dentist to have same tooth re-bonded three times and this time I accidentally swallowed the veneer. When I asked my dentist what I should do, he suggested traditional porcelain veneers – to the tune of $1200 per tooth! It took me a long time just to save up for the Lumineers, and now he wants me to hand over even more money? What can I do? — Bradee in Tennessee

Bradee,
It sounds like your Lumineers aren’t giving you much to smile about these days… and it probably doesn’t make you feel any better to know that there are many people who have had similar experiences. Today, Lumineers are one of the most marketed brands of ultra-thin porcelain veneers. Because they are promoted it as being “no-prep” and easy to place, many dentists believe they can deliver an aesthetically pleasing product with a good outcome. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case because much like traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers require a true cosmetic dentist who not only has an artistic eye, but uses high quality materials. Seeking an opinion of another true cosmetic dentist would be a good idea in your case. If, after that, you decide to stick with your current dentist and do the porcelain veneers, see if he will credit what you paid for the Lumineers toward the new procedure. If he wants you to truly be happy, he will do all he can to help make your situation right.

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.

Zoom whitening made my white spots look worse

Posted on by smiles4u.

My teeth have always had little white spots on them, and I was hoping that having them bleached would make them less noticeable. I talked to my dentist about Zoom whitening and decided to have it done, but I am utterly disappointed with the results. Instead of hiding the white spots, they are even brighter. What happened?
— Stephanie in Mississippi

Stephanie,
The white spots sound like fluorosis – a condition that results from excess fluoride while the teeth are still forming. Zoom whitening and other bleaching products typically brighten natural tooth structure for most people, but if you have fluorosis, your dentist needs to use a different treatment.

You need to talk to your dentist in more detail about the results you were hoping to achieve. There are treatments that will hide the spots, but you and your dentist need to determine which one is best for your situation, and more often than not, it will be either using tooth-colored composite material or placing porcelain veneers. The good news is that it’s best to bleach before having restorative work done – especially if your goal was to not only hide the white spots, but overall have a brighter smile.

Also, you can expect it to take about a week for your new tooth color to stabilize, and you may even notice the white spots even less and decide that they look ok. Regardless of whether or not you seek further treatment, let your dentist know how you felt about the results.

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.