Monthly Archives: November 2020

Teeth whitening

Which Toothpaste Will Brighten My Dental Crowns?

Hello,

I don’t think that teeth whitening will whiten my crowns, but I read online that some toothpaste brands will help brighten veneers. Will you tell me if Supersmile toothpaste works for veneers and porcelain crowns? Thanks. Terri

Terri,

Your question has two parts: whitening cosmetic dental work and toothpaste that is safe to use on it.

Can You Whiten Cosmetic Dental Work?

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on free teeth whitening from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Ask for teeth whitening before you get cosmetic dental work

Cosmetic dental work, including ceramic crowns and porcelain veneers, cannot be whitened. The dental materials are colorfast. The same is true with dental composites. You cannot whiten it. Although you can use teeth whitening products if you have cosmetic dental work, only your natural teeth will get brighter. The cosmetic work will stay the same shade.

If you need new cosmetic work and want to whiten your natural teeth, ask your dentist for teeth whitening first. Your dentist will ensure your new crowns or veneers will match the shade of your natural teeth.

What Kind of Toothpaste Is Safe for Cosmetic Dental Work?

Supersmile toothpaste is safe for cosmetic dental work. Most toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns—but not Supersmile. It will help keep your dental restorations white.

Will Supersmile Toothpaste Whiten Crowns or Veneers?

Supersmile toothpaste will keep your crown or veneers white, but it won’t make them a lighter shade. But your question seems to be about whitening your dental crowns. Toothpaste will not whiten crowns that are already dark. Depending on the cause of stains in your crowns or veneers, a cosmetic dentist can polish them. But if your dental crowns are old, worn, or have a metal foundation, polishing won’t work.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine your crowns. It might be time to replace them, but the dentist will explain your options.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a Plano, TX, female dentist, sponsors this post.

Affordable Dentistry

If I don’t like my porcelain veneers, can they be reversed?

I think that I want porcelain veneers. I found a dentist who is offering them about 25% cheaper than two other dentists that I met for consultations. My husband is warning me not to go cheap on something as important as my smile. I do love a bargain, and if this dentist can get it right, I am all for it. But what if I change my mind. Can porcelain veneers be reversed if I decide I don’t want them? Thank you. Claire from Houston

Claire –

Our first concern is shopping around for the lowest cost for dental care. Quality care and a beautiful smile are not cheap. It’s okay to look for a dentist with reasonable fees, but that should not be your basis for choosing a provider.

Results of Cheap Porcelain Veneers

If a dentist takes shortcuts just to give you a lower price, problems with your porcelain veneers can result, including:

  • Low-quality veneers that don’t look natural or don’t last
  • Poor bonding techniques that cause veneers to fall off
  • Leakage behind your veneers that promotes decay

Are Porcelain Veneers Reversible?

Photo of a single porcelain veneers, from affordable Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Don’t choose the cheapest dentist for porcelain veneers

Generally, after you receive porcelain veneers, they cannot be reversed. But some dentists might place veneers without preparing your teeth at all—or with very minimal preparation. In those cases, a skilled cosmetic dentist might be able to smooth and polish your enamel or use dental composite to restore the shape and gloss of your teeth.

But if a dentist aggressively prepares your teeth, if you decide you don’t want porcelain veneers, your teeth will have an unnatural shape and appearance. And you won’t like your smile.

Porcelain veneers are not meant to be removed. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before you ask a dentist for veneers.

Select a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

Select a cosmetic dentist with advanced training in dental aesthetics. The dentist will be concerned about the function and appearance of your smile. Even at a 25% discount, you can expect to pay almost $1000 per veneer. That’s an investment. Why not choose a dentist who will enhance your smile?

True cosmetic dentists involve you in the process of designing your smile. You should expect the following from the dentist:

  • Show you a wax model of your new smile
  • Allow you to wear temporary veneers for about two weeks to see if you like how they look and feel
  • Use a try-in paste to secure your porcelain veneers to your teeth and ensure you love them before bonding them on

The process takes time, and you should not rush it. It helps a cosmetic dentist ensure you love your new smile and don’t want to reverse it.

 If you need to make the cost of porcelain veneers more affordable, speak with a cosmetic dentist about financing or payment plans. But don’t choose a dentist just because his or her fees are the lowest.

Plano, TX, female dentist, Miranda Lacy, DDS, sponsors this post.