How Do I Whiten My Dental Bonding?
I have had dental bonding for a bit over six months. It is already picking up stains. What is the best whitening gel for dental bonding? Caroline Dear Caroline, By whitening gel, I am assuming you mean a teeth whitening brand. Unfortunately, even professional teeth whitening will only work on natural tooth structure. It does not help with any type of dental work, including dental bonding. A lot of what […]
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Porcelain Veneer Fell Off Twice
I had four porcelain veneers placed for my front teeth. I’m having a couple of issues even a few weeks out even though he told me these would last for ten years. First, I wasn’t thinking about how wide my smile was so the teeth next to the porcelain veneers look very dark comparatively. If I whiten my teeth will it damage the porcelain veneers? My second issue is a […]
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Dentist’s Disastrous Treatment Plan
I went to see my dentist to get a crown and veneer placed and I have some concerns about his suggested treatment plan. First, some background. I have one dental crown and three porcelain veneers. The reason I wanted the crown replaced is two-fold. First, it has never looked that great. Second, now there is a dark line at the gumline. The porcelain veneer I want to be replaced is […]
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Finding a Good Cosmetic Dentist
I need some advice from someone not in my area so it will be an unbiased opinion. I want to get porcelain veneers and teeth whitening done. Every dentist in my area claims to be a cosmetic dentist. Is there some way of knowing who does good cosmetic work and who doesn’t? Peter Dear Peter, This is an important question. Patients who haven’t thought to ask this are usually the […]
Read More Dental Bonding Yellow in 5 Days
I’m worried about my dental bonding. I’ve just had them five days and now they seem to be turning yellow. I wonder if I wasn’t supposed to brush with baking soda. I thought it would keep them super clean, but the change in color has me concerned. Did I do something wrong? Katie Dear Katie, Baking soda as a toothpaste is quite abrasive. That could have damaged the polish on […]
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Dental Bonding Disaster
I’m trying to figure out what to do. I’ve had these spaces toward the top of my teeth that look like dark triangles. I got so tired of that being the thing I see when I smile. My dentist said he could just close those spaces with dental bonding and it would be an easy fix. That has not been the case. When he first did the bonding it looked […]
Read More Whiten Old Porcelain Veneers
I had porcelain veneers placed fifteen years ago. Mine have a natural stain on them because my dentist said all veneers are that way to make them look natural. This was before they could be made super white. I’d like to whiten them now. Does teeth whitening work or is there a different procedure to whiten them? Elaine Dear Elaine, Your dentist was mistaken about the color of the porcelain […]
Read More Porcelain Veneers While Pregnant
I’m trying not to panic. I recently had porcelain veneers placed on my teeth and now I just found out I’m pregnant. I’ve heard you are not supposed to have cosmetic dental work done while pregnant, such as teeth whitening. I did whiten my bottom teeth when I had my veneers placed. Now I’m worried between the two procedures I could have harmed my baby. Ashley Dear Ashley, Take a […]
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Porcelain Veneers or Crowns for Tetracycline Stains
I have embarrassing tetracycline stains. I’ve got a budget of about $30,000. I’ve been to see two dentists. One (Dr. B—)is suggesting a full set of dental crowns for about $27,000. The other, (Dr. M—) is suggesting porcelain veneers for $46,000. I’m leaning toward the crowns because they’re in my budget and I grind my teeth. I’m assuming crowns hold up better with that. But, my husband is insisting I […]
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Are Porcelain Veneers and Press-on Veneers Comparable?
I have stained teeth and the two front teeth have a small gap. I’ve been thinking about porcelain veneers, but I’m still paying off student loans so I’m not sure if more debt is what I need. However, at this point in the game, I worry that the condition of my teeth keeps me from advancing at work. It may just be my sensitivity about my teeth, but I feel […]
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