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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.

Can my 16-year-old get porcelain veneers?

Posted on by smiles4u.

My daughter’s front teeth are somewhat discolored, crooked, and one is larger than the other. She is only 16, but she has been begging me to let her get porcelain veneers. Is she too young?
— Anne in Michigan

Anne,
There is no set minimum age for veneers; however there are some risks when placing veneers on younger patients if they have not yet reached maximum jaw maturity. If place too early, the veneers may need to be redone a few years later if she experiences a growth spurt.  The bones and gums continue to develop as we age, and that can cause the porcelain edge of veneers placed too early to become exposed. Your 16-year-old may be a good candidate for veneers – it really depends on the condition of teeth, how crooked they are, and if they are fully developed. If you and your daughter fully understand that the veneers will likely need replaced once or twice later down the road, the decision is really more of a personal choice.

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.

Porcelain Veneers are Irritaing my Gums

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had some of my teeth prepped for porcelain veneers. Right now I am wearing temporary veneers, but I have noticed that my gums around the prepped teeth are very irritated – even to the point of bleeding. Is something wrong? – Shelly in VA

Shelly,

If you’ve ever experienced a home remodel or something similar, you know that sometimes things have to get worse before they can get better. That is very true with the smile makeover you are undertaking. The treatment may have irritated your gums or the temporaries might be the culprit. The good news is that they will heal! Salt water rinsing a couple times a day is a great way to speed up healing, and also be sure to brush carefully and gently and avoid alcohol based mouth washes as they will try your gums out. Also, don’t be afraid to use ibuprofen, for pain and inflammation, or even Orajel. Talk to your dentist at your next visit – he should be to tell you how the healing process is going. Once you lay eyes on the beautiful finished product – your new smile – you’ll soon forget the pain in getting there!

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 be done for tetracycline stains?

Posted on by smiles4u.

Hello,

I am in need of a solution for covering the dark tetracycline stains on my teeth. A friend of mine had veneers put on several years ago for the same reason, but hers look bulky and fake. The dentist said that opaque veneers were best for covering dark stains. How can I cover my dark stains, but still have a natural-looking smile that doesn’t look fake?

— Anne

Anne,

Tetracycline stains can be difficult to cover, but it has been successfully done for many years. Unfortunately, there are many dentists who claim to be skilled in cosmetic dentistry who have just never taken the time to learn the techniques and the results patients achieve are exactly as you describe. Another common issue with dark stains is that when dentists bond the veneers, the teeth are not covered at the edges, resulting in a halo effect.

The first step in getting the smile you want is choosing the right dentist – one that is an expert in cosmetic dentistry, who, like Dr. Delaune, has mastered the techniques required to cover tetracycline stains. You won’t find these types of dentists simply by opening the phone book. You must do your homework. When interviewing potential cosmetic dentists, ask for testimonials from patients who have achieved the results you are looking for as well as before and after photos of their work. Any cosmetic dentist who takes pride in their work will be happy to show you why they are the best choice for your smile makeover.

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.

Is it possible to refurbish my 20-year-old porcelain veneers?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had porcelain veneers for 20 years and they have lasted just about the length of time my dentist said they would. I got them because my teeth were stained by tetracycline and at the time, whitening treatments were not readily available like they are today. I would have liked to have gone that route, but my dentist said whitening treatments aren’t really effective on tetracycline stains.

I’ve been pretty happy with my teeth, however, in the last six months to a year, I have noticed a gap forming between the veneers. When I eat, food seems to get caught. Also, I am starting to have a space at the top of the veneers and the gum line. Can my veneers be removed for new ones or is there a way that I can “refurbish” them? — Nancy

Nancy,
Your dentist was correct in the fact that teeth whitening or bleaching is not a good option for tetracycline staining. Even if you had been able to lighten your teeth, they would never have been perfectly white.

It is possible to touch up porcelain veneers by polishing them and smoothing off the margins. However, what you are describing sounds like you might need to have them replaced. The space developing between the veneer and your gumline is likely a result of your gums receding a little and exposing some of the tooth. With tetracycline staining such as yours, it could be noticeable if the space continues to get worse.

If you have to go the replacement route, be sure to do your homework. Many dentists who say they can cover tetracycline stains often lack the skill and artistry required for true, high quality cosmetic dentistry – and these stubborn stains require the best cosmetic dentist you can find.

As for the life expectancy of veneers – even though your dentist told you they would last twenty years they could have possibly lasted longer. Your situation sounds more like the issues may have been caused from changes specific to your teeth, rather than the veneers deteriorating themselves.

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

How can I avoid my sister’s porcelain veneer nightmare?

Posted on by smiles4u.

My sister and I are grown adults with families, careers and homes of our own and yet, it always seems like we are competing against one another in everything – even our smiles. I have some spaces between my teeth and a few chips here and there that have made me self-conscious over the years so I decided to start saving for veneers. My sister found out and of course, she had to get veneers before me.

She has had nothing but problems with hers. I’m not sure how to explain it, but I don’t think they look natural at all. They seem to be the right color, but they look fake. I am not sure if this is a result of something she has done, but a couple of them have fallen off.  It has taken me quite a while to save up for this so I don’t want to have these same problems. How can I be sure I get a beautiful smile that lasts?

Sincerely,
Lisa

Dear Lisa,
It sounds like that crazy competitive spirit has followed you and your sister into adulthood and oftentimes these competitions can become quite ugly. But look at it this way… thanks to your sister you can save yourself from making the same costly mistakes.

The color and your perception that your sister’s porcelain veneers look fake likely has to do with the translucency. Our natural teeth absorb and reflect light, and when veneers are made to look too solid, they tend to look fake. If a dentist isn’t skilled in cosmetic dentistry and have additional training, they often can’t achieve a natural look because they don’t know how to match the opacity of a real tooth – which is just as important as matching color.

Also, veneers should not fall off. You need not be concerned that your sister did something to make that happen. Poor lab work when the veneers were created could be the problem, or an unskilled dentist doing the work.  If done correctly, porcelain veneers are extremely durable and should last for ten years or longer.

There’s a saying that goes, “I smile because you’re my sister.  I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it.”  Do your homework and find an expert cosmetic dentist so you’re guaranteed to be smiling for years to come.

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

Quality porcelain veneers that don’t fall off

Posted on by AllSmiles.

We receive many inquiries to our website from people who are not our patients, but whose porcelain veneers fall off—some whose veneers keep falling off, even though they have been re-bonded.

Porcelain veneers should last 15 to 20 years or longer, depending on how well you take care of them. But the duration of the veneers also depends on how well they are bonded to your teeth and how well they are cared for during dental cleanings.

An experienced cosmetic dentist like Dr. Duane Delaune will ensure that your porcelain veneers are properly bonded so they remain secured to your natural teeth, and properly cared for during dental cleanings so they maintain their beautiful glaze and shine. He was voted a Top Dentist by New Orleans magazine. If your porcelain veneer has somehow been damaged, Dr. Delaune will give you an honest assessment as to whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. But he won’t pressure you to have any treatment.

If you don’t have porcelain veneers yet, but are interested in getting them, learn from the experience of others. Quality, natural-looking porcelain veneers come from an artistic, skilled cosmetic dentist. Don’t shop around for cheap or inexpensive veneers. You may regret that decision. The bargain price may mean a sacrifice in the quality of the veneers, or improper bonding.

Dr. Delaune offers a complimentary consultation if you’re interested in getting porcelain new veneers.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Should I get composite filling or porcelain veneers to close my gap?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I want to close a gap between my front teeth. I know that composite fillings are cheaper than veneers, but how do they really compare? If veneers are really better I don’t want to be too cheap to spend the money for them. Thanks for your help – AnnKatherine

AnnKatherine – It sounds as you’ve done some research on your options. Composite bonding can be used to close small gaps. The composite is less expensive than the veneers, but it still requires the skill of a cosmetic dentist to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite filling, but they also are more durable and more stain resistant. The veneers can beautifully conceal the gap in your teeth. But matching them to your natural teeth also requires an experienced dentist. If you take care of your veneers, they can last up to twenty years or more.

Discuss the pros and cons with your cosmetic dentist to help you make a final decision.

This blog post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Can abrasive toothpaste damage my porcelain veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I hope that I haven’t ruined my new porcelain veneers or at least that I haven’t affected how long they will last. I have been brushing them with a toothpaste that is abrasive. Will the glaze come off? thanks jessica from georgia

Jessica – The porcelain surface of your porcelain veneers will not be scratched by the abrasive toothpaste. But the composite that is used to bond the porcelain to the tooth can scratch and wear away.

If you haven’t used the abrasive toothpaste for an extended period, you probably won’t notice any scratches or wear on the bonding. If the bonding is scratched, a stain line around the veneer will be visible. Or a thin groove around the veneer can form and attract decay. When this happens, see an experienced cosmetic dentist to correct the problem.

Dental bonding is softer than porcelain and it is likely to be scratched from abrasive toothpaste. But an expert cosmetic dentist would be able to polish away the scratches.

Supersmile toothpaste is best to use on cosmetic dental work. It can help preserve the life of your smile makeover.

This blog post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

 

Can I switch to a cosmetic dentist, if my dentist already started the work?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I’ve been going to the same dentist for years, and I trust him, at least with the work he previously did. I recently decided to get a smile makeover, so I figured he could do it. I’m wearing my temporary veneers now, but I don’t like them. He’s made several adjustments, but it just looks worse to me now than when we started. Can I switch and find a real cosmetic dentist? I wish I had found out about this and did my research before I asked him to do the work. – Kristin from Mississippi

Kristin – You’re right. It’s best to select an artistic cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover. A lot of patients don’t realize that cosmetic dentistry is truly an art that few dentists practice. And it requires training in the techniques needed to give you a beautiful smile makeover.

If you’re not comfortable with your temporary porcelain veneers, you can insist that you are able to closely examine them before they are bonded to your teeth.

It may add to your expense, but you are able to switch to a cosmetic dentist in the middle of your case. Some of the work will need to be duplicated, though. According to the ethical standards of the American Dental Association, the dentist who started the work must cooperate with the transition by providing notes, x-rays and other material to help your case succeed with the new dentist.

If you need help selecting a new dentist, mynewsmile.com is a website that is run by an accredited cosmetic dentist. The site provides nation-wide recommendations of cosmetic dentists whose training, experience and pictures of smile makeovers have been carefully reviewed to help ensure that you will truly receive a beautiful smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read about Dr. Delaune’s beautiful smile guarantee.