Archives for May 2022

Does It Make Sense to Keep Weak Teeth and Get a Partial Denture?

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Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton RougeMy dentist told me that I needed a five-unit bridge in early February. I asked for a partial denture, but my dentist says I have so much bone loss that a partial denture would put too much pressure on the teeth for the partial to hook onto them. The teeth are weak from gum disease. The cost estimate for the bridge is $5600. I think it’s easier to get all my teeth extracted and get a complete set of dentures. Does it make sense to keep weak teeth?  – Dwight from Kansas City, MO

Dwight,

Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, digital x-rays, and dental records to give you an accurate diagnosis. But we can say that if most of your remaining teeth are healthy, you should not ask a dentist to extract all your teeth in exchange for complete removable dentures. It will create more problems that will affect your quality of life.

Dental Bridge or Removable Partial Denture?

How do a dental bridge and a removable partial denture compare? We will explain and briefly discuss an alternative.

Dental bridge

The cost your dentist quoted you for a dental bridge is reasonable. But we are not sure why he suggests a dental bridge instead of a removable partial denture. A dental bridge requires your dentist to shave down the teeth that anchor the denture. Shaving your teeth down and using them as anchors for a bridge will further weaken them.

Removable partial denture

A removable partial denture attaches to the tooth on either side of the missing one. The clasp can be metal or gum colored.

Implant-supported bridge

If your teeth are weak and in danger of declining, an implant-supported bridge may be an option for replacing your missing teeth and anchoring a dental bridge. Dental implants would support the ends of the bridge with replacement teeth in the middle. Speak with your dentist about this option.

Treat Gum Disease Before Restoring Teeth

If you are still battling gum disease and bone loss, your dentist needs to treat your gum disease and ensure it is stable before restoring your teeth. You may also need a bone graft to build up bone and protect your oral health.

Get a Second Opinion

We recommend that you see another dentist for a second opinion. Bring your dental records with you so the dentist can use them to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Also, speak with the dentist about options for relieving your anxiety during the procedure.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My Porcelain Veneers Don’t Look New Anymore

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My porcelain veneers are only two years old, but they are not as bright as new. My smile makeover does not look fresh anymore. I am disappointed because I thought veneers were colorfast. Although I drink coffee every morning, I never drink more than two cups. The dentist who placed the veneers asked if I smoke or am a heavy coffee drinker. I have an appointment with the dentist in two weeks, but I do not want my dentist to blame me for the discoloration of my veneers. Is there anything I can do to make them look better, or is this something only a dentist can do? – Thank you. Marcello from ATL

Marcello,

Thank you for your question. You are wise to ask how to improve your smile makeover before using products such as abrasive whitening toothpaste that will scratch the surface of your veneers.

Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers are colorfast and covered with a glaze that helps them resist staining. But if the glaze is damaged, it can increase the risk of stains.

Factors that may damage the glaze on porcelain veneers:

  • Abrasives – Abrasive whitening toothpaste can create tiny scratches in the glaze that attract stains.
  • Dental cleaning or polishing techniques – Power polishing equipment, pumice pace, air-powered cleaners, or acidulated fluoride can etch porcelain veneer glaze and cause stains.
  • Tobacco use – Regular tobacco use can cause surface stains on veneers.
  • Heavy coffee drinking – If you are a heavy coffee drinker, it may leave surface stains on your veneers.

What Can You Do to Brighten Porcelain Veneers?

Although whitening toothpaste or bleaching gels will not whiten porcelain veneers, either of these methods will help when your veneers do not look new anymore:

  • Use toothpaste that will not harm restorative dentistry – Supersmile is non-abrasive toothpaste that removes surface stains on cosmetic dentistry work. But it will not remove deep stains.
  • See an expert cosmetic dentist – A skilled cosmetic dentist can polish porcelain veneers, restore their original shine, and refresh your smile makeover. Polishing will increase stain resistance. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged, polishing will not remove the damage, but it will improve discoloration.
Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and After Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Brooksher

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

How Often Will I Change Invisalign Trays?

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Clear aligner trays similar to Invisalign and ClearCorrectInvisalign and other clear aligners can improve your smile faster than traditional braces—in half the time or less. After creating a 3-D model of your mouth, your dentist will develop a treatment plan to move your teeth gradually and precisely. Each set of clear trays that you wear will move your teeth closer to their final position. But how often will you change trays?

How Often Will You Change Invisalign Trays?

You will change Invisalign trays every one to two weeks if you wear the trays twenty to twenty-two hours daily. Your dentist will give you sets of aligners to keep at home and have available when it is time to switch to the next pair. Most invisible braces require you to change to a new set every one to two weeks.

What Determines When You Change Invisalign Trays?

The time frame for changing Invisalign trays depends on your case, the complexity of tooth movement, and your diligence in wearing the aligners as directed.

  • Your patient case – No two patients’ cases are the same. Depending on the stage of your treatment plan, when you switch aligners may vary between one and two weeks.
  • Complexity of tooth movement – It takes longer for Invisalign and other clear aligners to achieve complex tooth movements than simple tooth movements. When movement is complete and your teeth are stable, your dentist may advise you to move to the next set of aligners sooner than two weeks.
  • Wearing the aligners – It takes twenty to twenty-two hours of daily wear to move your teeth as outlined in your treatment plan. If you do not wear the aligners as directed, it will delay switching to the next set.

What Are Invisalign Alternatives?

Today’s invisible braces offer several alternatives to Invisalign. A dentist or orthodontist may work with various braces or aligners and decide which to use for specific cases. Some dentists use Invisalign only. Others achieve beautiful results with Invisalign alternatives like ClearCorrect®.

Schedule a Consultation for Clear Braces

Regardless of which brand of aligners you choose, look for an experienced dentist with advanced occlusion and bite and clear aligner training.

Schedule a consultation and ask questions:

  • How many orthodontic cases have you completed from start to finish?
  • How many cases like mine have you managed?
  • How long have you used clear aligners for patients?
  • Which brand do you use and why?
  • May I see patients’ before and after photos?

Straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners can be an exciting change. Take time to research your options and provider.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.