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Porcelain Veneers

Oct 05

Would a prosthodontist be willing to do porcelain veneers for me?

By Porcelain Veneers No Comments

I’m wondering if a prosthodontist would be willing to do porcelain veneers for me. I’ve been to 2 dentists about veneers and neither of them will do them for me because I grind my teeth a lot. They say the veneers would break under the pressure from grinding. I know that different dentists have different techniques and some can accomplish things that others won’t touch. The issue with my teeth is that they are too small. My smile is short and looks like it belongs to an adolescent. I’m 37 years old and would very much like a change. Is a new smile with porcelain veneers something a prosthodontist would be willing to do? Thanks. Jess

Jess – Many dentists would not recommend porcelain veneers if you’re a heavy teeth grinder. Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause damage to natural teeth, porcelain veneers, and even porcelain crowns.

Before addressing the cosmetic issues with your teeth, a prosthodontist would try to determine the cause of your teeth grinding habit. Treatment, which can include relaxation techniques, minimizing stress, and wearing a custom night guard can help protect your teeth and dental restorations.

A prosthodontist wouldn’t give you porcelain veneers right away. Several things have to be done first. Some of them include:

  • Examine the health of your natural teeth and gums to determine if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.
  • Collaborate with you to determine the cause of your teeth grinding.
  • Determine if you need TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment.
  • Recommend therapy or jaw exercises to alleviate discomfort from teeth grinding
  • Provide a customized night guard to minimize grinding and protect your teeth

A prosthodontist is a specialist in the replacement and restoration of teeth. After general dentistry training, a prosthodontist receives up to four years of specialized training. They understand dental aesthetics and what is required to improve your smile.

Porcelain veneers aren’t the only option for lengthening the appearance of your teeth. A prosthodontist will let you know your options, based on your case and the condition of your teeth and gums.

We suggest that you find a specialist who can address your bruxism and your desire to lengthen the appearance of your teeth. A prosthodontist can do both. You can get a second opinion from a prosthodontist to discuss your options.

 

This post is sponsored by American Board certified prosthodontist and Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 08

Do affordable dental implants need veneers to look good?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers

I’ve been saving for affordable dental implants because since 2002 I’ve been wearing a partial denture 2 missing top right teeth and it is very uncomfortable. My cousin is a dental hygienist and she suggested that I look into dental implants. That was 3 yrs ago. When I found out the cost of implants I knew I couldn’t do anything about the partial so I saved up for it. I found a dentist who supposedly offers affordable implants but now I’m beginning to wonder about him. I had consultations with 3 different dentists like my cousin advised me. I chose this dentist because he is personable and explained everything so clearly to me. Last week I went into the office to get digital x-rays. The dentist told me everything looks good and I am eligible to get implants. Then he started talking about my need to have porcelain veneers on the teeth on the left and right of the implants. He said that to get the teeth to match the implants I need veneers. I thought implants would be made to match my natural teeth. Now I’m getting nervous about the cost and I don’t want veneers anyway. Is it normal protocol to need veneers so the implants match my teeth? Thank you. Jovana

Jovana,

Unfortunately, we have to recommend that you see a different dentist for affordable dental implants. It is not normal for a dentist to recommend porcelain veneers to ensure your dental implants match the teeth on either side of them.

It sounds like your dentist might not have cosmetic dentistry training and is not confident that he can provide you with implants that match your natural teeth. Either he doesn’t have the skill to provide you with natural-looking results, or he is trying to increase his profit on your case.

Do any of the dentists with whom you had consultations also have training in cosmetic dentistry? If so, visit one of them again to get more information on their recommendations for your implants. If you were really dissatisfied with the other two dentists, we suggest that you find two more dentists who offer affordable dental implants.

Your priority should be quality implant placement and results that look good. It’s possible that to get affordable dental implants, financing or a payment plan might be your best option. It’s better to ensure you get quality dental care than for it to be the cheapest option available with a poor outcome.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Oct 28

My porcelain veneers keep getting stains on them

By Porcelain Veneers

I got porcelain veneers in June of 2013. I really like the way they feel and they are so comfortable that I forget they are on my teeth. In March of this year I noticed a stain on a left incisor. My regular cleaning appointment at the dentist was in June so I brought the stain to the attention of my hygienist and she cleaned it off with n problem. By august another veneer had stained. I called the office and they asked me questions about what I was eating or drinking but nothing points to the reason for the stains. So I went back to the office and had the stained removed. Last week I noticed that the first veneer that I had the stain cleaned off is stained again but in a different location. I am keep my teeth cleaned and flossed but these stains keep popping up. I have asked my hygienist about it and she only questions me about what I am eating, but I am certain that is not the problem. Why are the stains recurring? Thanks. Mylan

Mylan,

Porcelain veneers generally don’t stain. Porcelain is durable and virtually stain resistant. But it is possible for the outer layer of the veneers to be get microscopic scratches on it and attract stains.

Extra care must be taken when you receive a dental cleaning and polishing at the dentist’s office. Certain polishing pastes and dental tools can scratch the surface of your veneers. When that happens, debris from food and drink can build up in the tiny scratches and cause stains. Ensure that your dentist and hygienist have been trained in how to properly clean veneers.

Certain types of toothpaste can also cause stains. If you use whitening toothpaste or other types of abrasive toothpaste, fine scratches can be left in the veneers. Whitening toothpaste won’t brighten your veneers, but it will scratch them. Your porcelain veneers need to be closely examined for microscopic scratches. If your veneers are scratched, they will need to be replaced.

Sometimes avid coffee or tea drinkers, or avid smokers, get stains on the surface of their veneers. If the stains on your veneers are only on the surface, a skilled cosmetic dentist will be able to polish your veneers to remove the stains. Ask your dentist to examine your veneers to determine if there are scratches on them or if the stains are only on the surface. You also have the option of visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist for the examination and a second opinion.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Dec 15

My gums are swollen with temporary veneers

By Porcelain Veneers

I’ve been wearing temporary veneers for two weeks. I really like the look of the veneers but on Sunday I noticed that my gums were looking a little puffy. This morning when I looked in the mirror at my gums they are really swollen, and they feel irritated. Is it normal for gums to swell with veneers or could it be that I am having some sort of allergic reaction to the veneers or the bonding material?  Should I just go ahead and take the veneers off myself or is this something that a dentist has to do? Is this going to delay the process of me getting veneers? Or does this mean that I won’t be able to get porcelain veneers?Thanks Bella

Bella – When gums are swollen or irritated after porcelain veneer placement, the issue can be caused by the design of the veneers or the placement of the veneers. It is unlikely that the swelling is caused by an allergic reaction.

If the veneer is too thick or too deep under the gumline, it can cause irritation and swelling. If it is left untreated, chronic irritation can result.

Don’t remove the temporary veneers yourself. You can cause more irritation to your gum tissue, and possibly damage the tissue or your teeth while trying to remove the veneers. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the veneers removed.

If the veneers are removed and you continue to experience gum irritation, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a periodontist (gum specialist) for evaluation and treatment. After the inflammation clears, you may also want to get a second opinion for porcelain veneers from a skilled cosmetic dentist. An experienced cosmetic dentist will ensure that your veneers are properly designed, placed, and bonded to prevent the gum irritation issue from recurring.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Sep 30

My dentist and I can’t agree on porcelain veneer color

By Porcelain Veneers

I always thought that the final details of my porcelain veneers are my decision. My dentist keeps telling me that she really doesn’t like the shade I picked. She thinks that the color should be 2 shades lighter than what I picked. This might become a deal breaker for me to get veneers from this dentist. How can I convince her to submit my case so that I can get veneers? – Stefanie

Stefanie – Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your concerns. Explain how important it is to you to receive veneers in the color of your choice.

It is ultimately the patient’s decision, but listen closely to your dentist as to the reasons that she is recommending a lighter color. You likely can reach an agreeable decision. If you can’t, we suggest that you seek a second opinion. Veneers are big investment. You should be thrilled, not hesitant, with the results.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Nov 14
adult-teeth-are-small-blog

Adult teeth are small

By Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers

I am 42 years old and my teeth are extremely small. They are the size of a child’s teeth. When I am talking to people—particularly new clients—invariably their eyes are drawn to my teeth, even if it’s only for a moment. My lips are full, so maybe that helps draw attention to my teeth. I have read about dental bonding, porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers. Is there a preferred treatment for small teeth? – Melanie

Melanie – Dental bonding is often used to make small repairs in teeth, such as gaps or cracks. Bonding is somewhat soft. In time, it can wear, stain, or get scratched. It is not ideal for enlarging all of your teeth.

Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth. It is an excellent means of preserving teeth that are badly broken or worn, and that might otherwise me extracted.

Porcelain veneers cover the front of your teeth. They are an excellent way of enlarging your teeth. Thin layers of porcelain will be bonded to the front of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist will provide you with veneers with color and translucency that looks natural. For a beautiful smile makeover, the cost is approximately $1000 to $2000 per tooth, depending on where you live.

Avoid finding a bargain price for porcelain veneers. Find a few experienced cosmetic dentists, look at pictures of their smile designs, and make a decision that includes quality as a factor—not price alone. If you find that the cost of veneers is not within your budget at this time, don’t opt for a cheap veneers. Wait until your budget allows you to get a beautiful smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

May 26

Bad smell around my veneers

By Porcelain Veneers

I had some porcelain veneers done about six months ago. I LOVE how they look, but I’ve developed a horrible smell around it. Whenever I floss, or rub the gum around the area, it smells like vomit. I have a hard time not getting sick from the smell. Even my boss has mentioned it. My dentist said I’m just not cleaning it well enough, but I’m very faithful with my oral hygiene. I’m using Supersmile Toothpaste, as well as Dr. Katz’s products. I’m brushing and flossing after each meal, but within 20 minutes the smell is back. Is there anything that can be done? I’m desperate.

Mercedes- Orlando, FL

Mercedes,

This is a serious situation. It is important to get it taken care of right away. I would go to a different dentist. Though you like how the porcelain veneers look, something was done incorrectly. I suspect you have overhangs or some other marginal defect under there.  You were fortunate to have a bad smell that warned you of the situation. This will lead to gum disease, or even your teeth coming loose. Get it looked into as soon as possible.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 13

Can you get cavities with veneers?

By Porcelain Veneers

I was considering getting porcelain veneers and wondered if I would still be able to get cavities if I got them?

Thanks for the help,

Cassie H. – Washington D.C.

Cassie,

Yes, you can still get cavities if you have dental veneers. Though you won’t get them under the veneers, it is possible to get one on the  edge or at another  part of the tooth. The cavities can be filled with white composite filling materials, just like any other cavities. Composite fillings require special bonding techniques, so you’ll want to be sure your dentist knows how to do those.  As a cosmetic dentist, I discourage people who don’t take care of their teeth from getting veneers. If you’re going to invest that kind of money, you want to have good oral hygiene habits in order to insure your investment will last.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Aug 24

Porcelain veneers for one crooked tooth

By Porcelain Veneers

I have one crooked tooth in the front. I was wondering if I could get porcelain veneers to fix it, or if I have to have braces.

Jennie I. – Sandy, Utah

Jennie,

If you don’t want traditional braces you have two wonderful options. The first one is porcelain veneers. They are an excellent solution for your crooked tooth. If it sticks out in the front it would need to be shaved down first. It is important you go to a qualified cosmetic dentist to get these done. It takes a lot of artistic skills to do veneers, your basic family dentist may not have the needed training.

A second option for you is invisalign. It sounds like you are uncomfortable with the idea of traditional braces. However, I wanted to make sure you were aware that with invisalign there is not the same issue with pain/discomfort that you get with wire & brackets. Plus, they are completely invisible. No one will know you are wearing braces.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 14

Getting a Hollywood smile

By Porcelain Veneers

I have always been embarrassed by my teeth. Not only are they yellow and crooked, but they are much shorter than most people’s teeth. I’ve never been able to afford a smile makeover, but I had been saving up for teeth whitening and invisalign. Recently, I just inherited a lot of money and am free for the first time in my life to do whatever I want. Well, what I want is a Hollywood smile. Would  you recommend anything other than the services I had already been saving up for?

Denise in Washington

Denise,

Congratulations on your windfall! The two procedures you had in mind are a great start, but will not do anything about the shortness of your teeth. Instead of a bunch of different procedures, I’m going to recommend one “all encompassing” procedure. Getting porcelain veneers will solve all of your mentioned issues and it can be done in only two appointments. You can learn more about the procedure on our website.

One word of caution. Make sure you use a qualified cosmetic dentist with a lot of experience. Look through their smile gallery to see if you are impressed with the quality of his or her work. Just because someone says they are a cosmetic dentist, doesn’t mean they are artistic enough to give you a truly spectacular smile.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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