Tag Archives: porcelain veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry, Lumineers, Porcelain Veneers

Lumineers and tooth sensitivity

I was wondering if getting Lumineers will help with how sensitive my teeth are? I have struggled with my general physical health because my teeth have affected what I can eat and drink. I feel like Lumineers are my last chance to get my body back on track. I have tried many different things but my teeth hinder me in so many ways. I have high Ph and my teeth are very sensitive.

– Bryce in Nebraska

Dear Bryce,

The good news is that many tooth sensitivities can be treated with Lumineers or other brands of porcelain veneers. First thing is first, you need to find an expert cosmetic dentist that truly understands these types of sensitivities. Your situation needs to be adequately analyzed so that the source or sources of your irritation are pin-pointed.

Sometimes a root canal may be needed to address sensitivity prior to placing porcelain veneers. An experienced cosmetic dentist will be able to perform root canals on your front teeth safely and simply. You can have the beautiful smile you deserve without the pain.

There are many reasons you could be victim to tooth sensitivity including fillings that are leaking or have not been sealed properly; a sensitive spot on the gum line; a misalignment in your bite; tooth decay; tooth grinding; or other reasons.

That is why it is important to have a thorough exam by a cosmetic dentist that knows what they are doing. You won’t want to go ahead with your smile makeover until you are confident that you know exactly what is causing your tooth sensitivity.

This post is sponsored by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Related links: mercury-free dentist, sedation dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

How do I get rid of white spots?

I have always had white spots on my teeth ever since I was a kid. When I was a teenager, I also had braces to fix the alignment of my teeth. I think the braces actually made the white spots worse on my front teeth. My family dentist that I have been going to for quite some time said there is nothing wrong with my teeth and that they are perfectly healthy for my age. The problem is that the white spots make me want to hide my smile.

I have been looking into teeth whitening and porcelain veneers as a possibility to correct this problem. What I’m wondering is, would over the counter white strips, professional whitening, or Zoom whitening make the spots stand out more? This is my thought since they may end up whiter than the teeth that do not have marks? Or would you recommend porcelain veneers or Lumineers for this issue?

– Karen in Michigan

Karen,

Dentists are trained to fix things, bottom line. So, this mentality of “don’t fix what isn’t broken” is not surprising. It sounds like your dentist is offering an honest opinion and truly believes that your teeth are fine. To treat the white spots, you need to seek out the expertise of a true cosmetic dentist.

Teeth whitening will likely not do the trick, even though many dentists may go this route. You are correct that when you have spots on your teeth, the whitening may actually make them to end up looking worse.

Depending on how big the spots are, tooth bonding may be the way to go. Or porcelain veneers would remedy your problem giving you the beautiful smile that you are after.

You need to have a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist. They may recommend a combination of treatments. For example, it may make sense to whiten first and then have the spots fixed. There are many simple, long-lasting solutions that when performed by an expert cosmetic dentist will transform the way your teeth look.

Stick to your regular dentist for your routine dental care, but seek the talents of a cosmetic dentist for your white spots.

This post is sponsored by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Less expensive porcelain veneers

I am in search of inexpensive porcelain veneers. I have had veneers for over 10 years now and I think my teeth have shifted a bit. Also, I never had veneers on my bottom teeth and I would like to have them done too. Unfortunately, this would not be covered by my dental insurance so I am in search of a less expensive way to have this done. Have you heard of graduate students performing this type of work at a discounted price? I’d be willing to travel if the price is right.

Thanks!

– Tanya in Oregon

Tanya,

It may be a possibility to find lower cost porcelain veneers if you are willing to travel. Fees change in different states and sometimes you can find less expensive services in smaller cities. That said, I would not compromise on the quality. Cosmetic dentistry truly is an art form and to be done well should be performed by an expert. Therefore, I would not recommend soliciting a dental school to have this type of work done.

Cosmetic dentistry and dentistry are two different things. For example, a general dentist is trained to fix things whereas a cosmetic dentist must possess an artistic ability to do them well. I would encourage you to wait until you can afford to have them done correctly and beautifully. An alternative route may leave you unhappy and requiring to have them fixed or redone down the road.

This post is sponsored by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Other links you may be interested in: affordable dentistry; Lumineers

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Bonding, Uncategorized

Flouride stains on teeth

My little boy has spots on his teeth. They are brown in color and are from fluoride. He has had his teeth bleached by a local dentist to try and get rid of them. But it did not work. The brown stains are still there. Now the dentist is recommending porcelain veneers. Can you tell me how much more expensive veneers are than dental bonding?

– Laura from Florida

Laura,

Unfortunately, I think it’s time to find a new dentist. Brown fluoride stains will not be remedied by teeth whitening or bleaching, which you are now aware of.

Dental bonding is a possibility. But it all depends on how bad the staining is. It is imperative that you research an expert cosmetic dentist. Tooth bonding takes artistic talent and not every dentist can do it well.

Porcelain veneers tend to be a more expensive treatment but will give the best results. Pricing varies from dentist to dentist, so you will have to discuss cost comparison with the dentist you choose. Again, I would urge you to have a consultation with a cosmetic dentist that has trained with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. An AACD dentist should be able to provide you with the best recommendation and cost based on your specific circumstance.

This post is sponsored by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Cosmetic Dentistry

My porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are ugly

Many years ago, like 20 years or so, I had porcelain fused to metal crowns placed on my front top teeth. I think they look so terrible now. You can see this dark line when I smile. It makes me feel unhappy every time I look at them. Are Lumineers an option for me?

– Sally from Virginia

Sally,

What you have described is really quite simple for an expert cosmetic dentist. Yet it is important to realize how cosmetic dentistry truly is an art form. So be sure you understand the difference between a general dentist who says that they can do cosmetic dentistry and a true cosmetic dentist.

You can have the beautiful, white smile you long for. All new ceramic crowns is the way to go. They do not have any metal in them.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist 16th Street Dental Care.

Related posts: porcelain veneers, CEREC crowns

Porcelain Veneers

My porcelain veneers are not smooth

My porcelain veneers do not feel smooth on my five upper, front teeth. Basically, when I run my tooth over them they do not feel slick like my normal teeth. I have gone back to the dentist that did them to have them polished two times. Also, I think they look pasty.

-Carrie from California

Dear Carrie,

Unfortunately, from what you have described it does not sound as if your dentist knows how to polish your porcelain veneers. Another issue could be that he originally used a laboratory that may not have made the most natural-looking veneers.

Many general dentists claim that they can do porcelain veneers. The problem is that they need to look as life-like as possible. It truly take an “artist” to perfect this technique. That is why there is so much additional training and education to be considered a cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain veneers do not require polish. The process in which they are made when they are fired in the porcelain oven gives them a glaze. This coating is very stain resistant and durable. There are occasions where polishing is required when a dentist that is maintaining them does not treat them properly.

I would recommend consulting with a true cosmetic dentist. They should be able to polish them properly and ultimately give you the natural, beautiful look you are after.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Other links:

Learn more about sedation dentistry.

Learn more about dental implants.

Lumineers

Can Lumineers make my teeth bigger and longer?

I have a straight smile without any gaps between my teeth. I do have a bit of discoloration as I’ve gotten older. I really want my teeth to be bigger and longer. My dentist recommended Lumineers and I have already had the initial impressions taken. When they came back from the lab, apparently they said that they could have them whitened, just couldn’t do anything to make them bigger or longer. This was not the original impression I had from their brochure or from my dentist. The before and after pictures they show make it look like they can be bigger. I’ve already invested in two appointments. Do you have any recommendations?

-Connie in Ohio

Dear Connie,

Based on what you have described, you should proceed with caution. Unfortunately it doesn’t sound as if your dentist knows exactly what is going on or what can be done with Lumineers.

The laboratory shouldn’t be telling the dentist that they can’t be made any different shape or size. It should be the other way around where the dentist orders the look and type you request.

Unfortunately, it sounds like your dentist may not be that experienced with Lumineers or smile makeovers. It may be time to seek a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist. There are many things that can be done with Lumineers and porcelain veneers to manipulate the shape, size, translucency, and color. Sounds like it’s time to move on and seek an expert opinion. Best of luck!

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Invisalign

Switching Invisalign dentist

I am an Invisalign patient and every four months I receive retainers. I am very happy with the way Invisalign has straightened my teeth, I am just not happy with my dentist. So I would like to change dentists. Is it possible to continue with my retainers? I don’t feel that I should have to select my dentist due to their certification or affiliation with Invisalign.

-Leah in Texas

Leah,

There is an ethical obligation by your current dentist to do everything required to ease your transition to another dentist. You should be able to continue with using the retainers through another dentist. You have every right to switch dentists even if you are in the middle of undergoing treatment.

The dental association mandates these ethical standards and even if your current dentist fails to abide, it would not be difficult for a new dentist to create a new retainer. This is even possible without any previous information. The dentist or staff member will make a simple impression to make a model of your teeth, and order it from the laboratory.

Lastly, the new dentist does not have to be certified with Invisalign, although it would be good if that was the case.

Invisalign has a very high patient satisfaction rate, so I’m glad to hear you are happy.

This blog was posted by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Did you know you can porcelain veneers is another option to straighten the appearance of teeth.