Category Archives: Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

A Porcelain Veneer Fell Off, So My Dentist Recommended Crowns

I needed six new crowns for my upper front teeth, and my dentist recommended porcelain veneers for the teeth behind them. The teeth are worn, so my dentist said veneers would give me a new smile and enhance my facial appearance. Three weeks after work, a veneer fell off. The dentist says she wants to replace the two veneers with crowns because I grind my teeth. She said she made a mistake recommending veneers since I grind my teeth so hard. My dentist never told me about teeth grinding until the veneers fell off. Although she bonded the veneer back on, it’s still a little loose. Do I really need crowns? Should I ask my dentist to give me a discount on the crowns since she recommended the veneers? – Thanks. Yara from NY

Yara,

A dentist’s tooth preparation or veneer bonding technique may be the cause when porcelain veneers fall out. However, either scenario may reveal that your dentist isn’t highly skilled in cosmetic dentistry. When a dentist identifies a problem after porcelain veneer placement that he or she didn’t anticipate, it is time to get a second opinion.

Generally, if you grind your teeth, you can still get porcelain veneers, but your dentist should have seen signs of teeth grinding and recommended a custom mouthguard to protect your veneers. Although your dentist suggests teeth grinding is the cause, we suspect her bonding techniques may be the reason your porcelain veneer fell off. So, get a second opinion. Replacing dental veneers with crowns will require significantly reducing healthy tooth structure on your otherwise healthy teeth.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Porcelain Veneers

Will Root Canal Treatment Ruin a Porcelain Veneer?

I have eight porcelain veneers on my upper front teeth. After seeing an ENT for what I thought was a sinus infection, my dentist found the problem. I have a periapical abscess. My dentist referred me to an endodontist for a root canal, but I’m concerned because the abscess is between my right lateral incisor and the tooth behind it. Will I need a new veneer for the tooth with an abscess? Thanks. Abbie from Arlington, VA

Abbie,

Without root canal treatment, the infection can spread deep into your jawbone. However, it is uncommon to have an infection in a porcelain veneer tooth.

Will Root Canal Treatment Ruin a Porcelain Veneer?

If your dentist placed and bonded your porcelain veneers well, you should not lose them during root canal treatment. The endodontist can access the infection without damaging the veneer. You can ask the endodontist about the procedure and how he will avoid damaging your veneers.

Why Might a Porcelain Veneer Tooth Need a Root Canal?

Aggressively preparing a tooth for porcelain veneers increases the risk of stress and infection that requires root canal treatment. We hope that over-preparation of your teeth for veneers is not the cause of your tooth infection. However, we won’t linger on what may be the cause of the infection because you need root canal treatment.

A tooth turns dark after a root canal procedure because a dentist replaces the tooth pulp with root canal filler material after removing the infection. The material and cement left in the tooth make it look darker.

Ask your dentist to clean the filler material and cement from the portion of your tooth above the gumline. After removing the material, your dentist can place a fiberglass post into the tooth root and fill the space with a tooth-colored composite. This intervention can help your teeth retain its color for five to ten years.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Lacy makes treatment affordable through payment plans and offering treatment alternatives when appropriate.

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

How can I find an affordable dentist to replace 8 porcelain veneers?

How can I find an affordable dentist to replace 8 porcelain veneers I receive May of last year? Within 3 months of getting the veneers, one of them fell off. My dentist bonded it back on. Since that time 2 more veneers fell off. When I was brushing my teeth last Wednesday, I noticed that one of the veneers that my dentist bonded back on is now loose. This is ridiculous and I want to switch to another dentist to get my veneers completely redone. If I could go back to my natural teeth I would do so. I feel stuck and ripped off by my dentist. Of course I didn’t budget for porcelain veneer mistakes, so now I need to find an affordable dentist to get new veneers. Of course I’m concerned about quality. I already paid a lot of money for these veneers and the quality is poor. Hopefully you can guide me in finding quality affordable veneers. – Sabrina

Sabrina – We’re sorry to hear about your bad experience with porcelain veneers. Quality cosmetic dentistry is a rare art, and when patients request affordable dentistry for cosmetic purposes, it concerns us.

A skilled cosmetic dentist can make it more affordable for you to get your veneers replaced, but it won’t mean that the restorations will be inexpensive. We caution patients who focus on cost alone. Affordability is best met through payment plans or financing to make new porcelain veneers easier on your budget. If you insist on the lowest cost, even if you get new veneers, there could be a sacrifice in quality, and they too can fall off or be easily damaged.

A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools required to properly bond your porcelain veneers. He or she also knows the bonding techniques required to secure your veneers. They should never fall off.

Select two or three experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations. Have your veneers examined. It’s possible that you don’t need new veneers. Sometimes poorly bonded veneers can be removed, cleaned, and correctly bonded to your teeth.

  • Compare the options and costs for each consulting dentist.
  • Ask to see before-and-after pictures of porcelain veneers each dentist has placed.
  • Ask about options for payment plans or financing.
  • Don’t automatically select the dentist with the lowest cost. Verify his or her training and qualifications.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

 

Porcelain Veneers, Teeth whitening

Is it okay to use free teeth whitening on my porcelain veneers?

Is it okay to use free teeth whitening on my porcelain veneers? I don’t want to put anything on them that could mess up the veneers. I smoke a lot and thought I would be able to stop smoking by now. This is the 3rd year I’ve had veneers and they are starting to pick up stains. Instead of paying to have my dentist whiten them I wonder if I can do it myself. I found a promotion for a free teeth whitening kit as a starter and I plan on cancelling the subscription before my credit card gets charged for an ongoing supply. Brooke

Brooke,

Your porcelain veneers can neither be whitened with free teeth whitening nor any other type of teeth whitening.

An Alternative to Teeth Whitening for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are colorfast and bleaching them won’t remove the stains. They are also virtually stain resistant, but if they are getting stained by smoking, there are some things you should and should not do:

  • Avoid brushing your veneers with abrasive, whitening toothpaste. The toothpaste can crack the glaze on your veneers and cause them to stain more easily.
  • Only have your teeth cleaned by a dentist and dental hygienist who are specifically trained in caring for and cleaning porcelain veneers. There are dental tools specifically designed to be gentle on veneers and keep the glaze intact.
  • Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams.
  • Ask your cosmetic dentist to polish surface stains off your veneers.

Even on natural teeth, free teeth whitening might not be effective. The contents of the bleaching gel determine if it will clean your teeth. Carbamide peroxide is the whitening agent in professional-strength bleaching gel. In order to get predictable results, teeth whitening should be supervised by a dentist.

Only ask a trained cosmetic dentist for help removing stains from your porcelain veneers. Don’t use your free teeth whitening on them.

This post is sponsored by Plano female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Orthodontics, Porcelain Veneers

How can I find an affordable dentist to give me a smile makeover?

How can I find an affordable dentist who can give me a smile makeover? I don’t like my teeth. There are so many gaps between them and my front teeth are too big. I also want whitening and a small chip fixed. My dentist gave me a quote of $23500 for the work. He won’t budge on the cost either. He was insulted that I asked about more affordable options. I don’t understand this. I’ve been going to this dentist for 15 years and he has always been kind. This showed me another side of him and he isn’t willing to give me a break. I just need some advice on where to turn for affordable help with my teeth. I know not all the dentists are the same, so I really need a good cosmetic dentist who will respect my budget but won’t give me teeth that look fake. What do you suggest? Ken

Ken – We’re sorry about the reaction you received from your dentist. When you’re looking for an affordable dentist for cosmetic dentistry, be certain to find a dentist who has specialized training. Review the dentist’s training and credentials first. Ensure that he or she participates in ongoing training for cosmetic dentistry to stay current with the latest techniques and technology. You should be aware that dentists with more training and experience often have higher fees for their quality services. The rates also vary based on where you live in the country.

Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your smile to let you know your options, there are several possibilities for correcting the issues you mentioned:

  • Orthodontics – Orthodontic treatment is more affordable than porcelain veneers for closing spaces between teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers – Thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the front of your teeth to make them appear straight and ultra-white.
  • Tooth contouring – Uneven teeth or teeth that are too long can be contoured to shape them and give them a more uniform appearance.
  • Dental bonding – An experienced cosmetic dentist can beautifully restore chipped teeth with chairside dental bonding.

A combination of dental treatments can be used to help you achieve the smile you want. We suggest that you find two or three cosmetic dentists with verifiable training in the art. Schedule a consultation with each dentist to discuss your treatment options and how your dental care can be made affordable for you. It’s possible that their fees will be similar to those of your own dentist. At least you’ll be given options and can compare them.

Some affordable dentists offer payment plans or financing to provide you with treatment that fits your budget.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Can I find a female cosmetic dentist to lengthen my too short teeth?

My teeth are too short and look like a child’s teeth. This is very embarrassing to me. Even people that I’ve known for a long time look at my teeth when they are talking to me. I think it is affecting the way people treat me and it’s making it hard for me to find dates. I think women take a man less seriously if his teeth are smaller than normal for an adult. So that’s why I want a female cosmetic dentist. I want a woman’s opinion on how my smile looks to women. Maybe I am just self conscious about this. I am 39 yrs old and I want a new image. What can a cosmetic dentist do to change the length of my teeth? – Stephan

Stephan– A cosmetic dentist can change the length of your teeth.  The way it’s accomplished depends on what is causing your teeth to look small. It shouldn’t be difficult for you to find a nearby female cosmetic dentist either.

When patients have excessive gum tissue, a gum lift, also referred to as gum contouring or a gingivectomy can be performed. Excessive gum tissue can be removed to lengthen your teeth.

If excessive gum tissue is not the problem, porcelain veneers can be used to cover the front of your teeth and give them a longer appearance. Porcelain veneers beautifully design a smile. Porcelain is manipulated to match the color, characteristics, and translucence of natural teeth. People will think the veneers are your natural teeth.

In either case, be certain to select an experienced cosmetic dentist, so that you will get natural-looking results. We suggest that you schedule appointments for a consultation with two or three cosmetic dentists in your area to discuss your options. Ask to see actual patient photos of cases similar to yours or cases of the treatment that is being recommended to lengthen your teeth.

Take notes during each consultation. Notes will help you compare options, costs, and dentists. It will help you make a decision about which provider you want for your smile makeover.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Find out how Dr. Lacy makes it affordable for you to get a beautiful smile.

Porcelain Veneers

3 porcelain veneers have fallen off

I got porcelain veneers in April 2015 and since that time 3 of them have fallen off. The first one got loose before it fell off so I wasn’t really surprised by it, but I didn’t have any idea that the last 2 that fell off were even loose. The most recent one fell off in early November. I am writing in because 1 of the 3, the top left incisor feels loose again. Each time I got the veneers bonded back on again, my dentist asked me a series of questions that sounded like I am abusing the veneers. I never abused my natural teeth and I am certainly not abusing veneers that I paid thousands of dollars for. My sister hinted that maybe my dentist is trying to avoid the issue that he is the problem, not me. So she asked her friend who is a dental assistant about it and her friend also said that it may be that the dentist is applying the veneers incorrectly. If this is the case, what should he be doing to make sure that the veneers stay in place and is this something that I can expect to continue with all 8 veneers? Thanks. Audra

Audra – When porcelain veneers loosen or fall off, the most likely cause is improper bonding technique. When the same veneer repeatedly loosens or falls off, it is likely that the veneer wasn’t properly cleaned before reapplying it, and the bonding technique is faulty.

Without an examination of your teeth, veneers, and your dentist’s technique, Dr. Lacy can’t specifically say what needs to be done to ensure that your veneers are stable. We suggest that you seek a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. An examination will help determine the cause of the loose veneers and what needs to be done to prevent future episodes. Veneers should not fall off at all. For long-lasting results, you can consider having your veneers properly bonded by a more experienced cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Bonding, Porcelain Crowns, Porcelain Veneers

Patchwork quilt tooth enamel – how can I get rid of it?

My tooth enamel looks like a patchwork quilt. So many different colors and shapes on one tooth. I try not to smile and show my teeth. This is really noticeable. When I meet people for the first time if they manage to see my teeth when I talk (I try to hide my teeth), I am very sensitive to their stares. What can I do or use to get rid of the patches? Thanks Maxine

Maxine – The patches on your teeth can be successfully and beautifully hidden, but you need the help of a cosmetic dentist.

There is no at-home treatment or product you can buy that will conceal the patches. A cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth to determine the cause of the discoloration. In some cases, teeth whitening may help, but in most cases, cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns are needed.

The treatment options recommended to you will depend on the condition of your teeth. If your teeth are healthy, cosmetic bonding can be mixed and manipulated to conceal the patches and leave your teeth a naturally white color and translucence. Bonding stains with time, and needs to be polished by your dentist, and periodically replaced.

A porcelain crown covers an entire tooth. When teeth are badly worn or have significant decay, porcelain crowns may be used. This requires permanently reducing the size of each tooth to accommodate a crown. Crowns generally last five to fifteen years.

Another option is porcelain veneers. They cover the front of your teeth only. Veneers have a lifelike appearance and can last 15 to 20 years or more. This is a more expensive option than dental bonding or porcelain crowns, but the results last longer.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Ceramic Crowns, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Which is more affordable? Porcelain veneers or dental bonding for peg laterals?

I know porcelain veneers are not cheap, but I also read that applying dental bonding takes a lot of time for cosmetic dentists to do and it can be expensive. I have 2 peg laterals and want to know which is more affordable and which I should really get. Thanks. Pam

Pam – Dental bonding is more affordable than porcelain veneers. But what you really need to know is what treatment is best for your case.

An examination and diagnostic studies from an experienced cosmetic dentist will help determine your options. The least expensive option may not give you the best, longest-lasting results. It may wear with time and need to be replaced.

Teeth can be widened and lengthened with cosmetic bonding. This technique requires skill, experience, and artistic talent on the part of a cosmetic dentist. It can be completed in one visit. Quality dental bonding can last ten years or more if it is properly maintained. Bonding stains and discolors faster than porcelain veneers and crowns. It will need to be polished periodically and replaced occasionally.

Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth surface from the gumline to the biting surface. Porcelain can be mixed and manipulated to reflect the color, characteristics, and translucency of natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist along with his or her master ceramist can produce beautiful results.

Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of teeth. Light preparation of the teeth may be required to prevent the veneers from looking bulky or too large. Veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer. They are stain resistant.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic to discuss your options. If you want to proceed with treatment, an exam and x-rays will be required to assess the condition of your teeth and the preferred treatment options.

Your cosmetic dentist will discuss how the treatment you choose can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

If bonding from a dentist is more affordable than veneers why would I get veneers?

I have done some research on and off for about a month on how to fix the spaces between my teeth without braces. I understand that I need to see a cosmetic dentist for it to look natural. It seems that this can be done with dental bonding or porcelain veneers. If bonding so much less expensive than veneers why would I choose veneers? Thanks Xiao

Xiao – You are correct. Dental bonding is significantly less expensive than porcelain veneers. But bonding will dull and stain with time, while veneers are stain resistant. As your dental bonding wears, it will periodically need to be polished and sealed, but eventually it will need to be removed and replaced with new bonding. This process will need to be repeated continually.

Veneers are stronger than tooth enamel, so they won’t chip or crack as dental bonding can. Porcelain veneers will produce stunning results. The shape and color of your teeth can be beautifully enhanced with veneers. And they will last for many years—15 years or more if you take excellent care of them.

Whether you choose dental bonding or porcelain veneers, find an experienced cosmetic dentist to get the best results. A cosmetic dentist will match dental bonding to seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, or provide you with life-like porcelain veneers. If you want porcelain veneers, ask about financing options or payment plans that can help you receive an affordable smile makeover.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.