Archives for June 2022

My Dentist Is Retiring in the Middle of My Invisalign Treatment

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Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Find a dentist with Invisalign experienced and advanced cosmetic dentistry training

Hi. I’ve worn all but five sets of my Invisalign aligners. For unexpected reasons, my dentist must retire two years earlier than expected. He has referred his patients to two other dentists in town. I prefer not to see either dentist after my dentist retires in August. I have narrowed my choices to three dentists, but I don’t want to choose a dentist just because they are Invisalign certified. I am happy with the results of Invisalign, but I’m concerned about how my case will progress from here. Should this be a problem when I see a new dentist? – Nick from Lexington, KY

Nick,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Invisalign Treatment?

You can switch dentists in the middle of Invisalign treatment. You will be able to continue your Invisalign treatment with ease after your dentist retires. Your dentist has an ethical obligation to ensure a smooth transition to your new dentist. Even so, it will not be difficult for a dentist to provide whatever you need to continue your treatment. You can request a copy of your dental records before your dentist retires. Also, the Invisalign company has your orthodontic history and will help your new dentist continue your care without interruption.

Ensure that the dentists you are considering are skilled Invisalign providers with experience in cases like yours. You can schedule consultations with one or all three dentists to discuss your concerns and case. You can also ask each dentist to show you before-and-after patient photos.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a former Invisalign provider who switched to ClearCorrect® aligners for orthodontic treatment.

Why Don’t Dentists Warn Patients That Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

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I got porcelain veneers in February this year. Two of them have fallen off, and one of the two just fell off again last week. So far, none of the others feel loose for now. I am nervous because I’m going to S. America in three weeks. I’m not sure how to find an excellent dentist to bond veneers back on, and I’m not sure it’s a good idea either. My dentist has an accusatory tone about why my veneers have fallen off. He says that it can happen if I’m rough with them. This is news to me. I wasn’t rough with my natural teeth before veneers. I floss and brush as usual.

I’m beginning to wonder what else my dentist didn’t tell me about what to expect with veneers. Is it legal for dentists to withhold vital information like this? My husband thinks my dentist must have done bad work, but this is the same dentist I’ve had for the past seven years. I know other people who have received veneers from him and aren’t having any issues. Interestingly, our dentist did not warn them about the possibility of their veneers falling off. Why wasn’t I warned? Is this common for dentists to keep to themselves? Thanks. Keilah from NH

Keilah – You didn’t receive a warning about porcelain veneers loosening and falling off because it should never happen.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Quality porcelain veneers do not fall off

If you have had repeated issues with veneers falling off, it is most likely because of your dentist’s improper bonding techniques. The veneer that fell off a second time wasn’t properly cleaned before it was bonded on again.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your veneers to determine what is happening, we suggest getting a second opinion before your trip. Find a skilled cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers, check them for stability, and let you know your options to ensure they are secure.

If your veneers are constructed properly, a trained cosmetic dentist can correctly bond them to prevent them from falling off in the future. If any of your veneers are loose, a skilled cosmetic dentist can remove, clean, and bond them on again.

You can decide whether you trust your current dentist to make the corrections, but given his track record, we suggest that you consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

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

Whitening My Teeth Without a Dentist and Feeling Sensitivity

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I am saving for a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, but I want my teeth whitened first. I decided to save $300 by doing the whitening myself. The problem is that my teeth are sensitive after the whitening and sometimes during the day. I will feel an intense but brief shock in my teeth. So now, without my dentist knowing what I am doing, I would like to ask why my teeth are so sensitive and what I can do about it. Thanks! – Carmen from Lexington, KY

 

Thank you for your question, Carmen.

We understand wanting to complete teeth whitening before getting a smile makeover. A skilled cosmetic dentist can match your veneers to your newly whitened natural teeth.

Whitening Your Teeth Without a Dentist

Whitening your teeth without a dentist has some risks. Sometimes, bleaching your teeth can make stains look worse, depending on their cause. It is good to know that your whitening is working and not worsening the stains.

Why Are Your Teeth Sensitive from Teeth Whitening?

If you already have sensitive teeth or cavities, bleaching gel will increase sensitivity. How does bleaching gel create sensitivity? These factors contribute to it:

  1. Bleaching gel causes tooth enamel to become microscopically porous.
  2. The gel penetrates the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). If the bleaching gel is too strong, your teeth may be sensitive to whitening.
  3. Carbamide peroxide in the bleaching gel can affect tooth nerves and create sensitivity.

How Can You Minimize Teeth Sensitivity from Bleaching Gel?

Before-and-after smile makeover from Dr. Steven Brooker of Baton Rouge

A natural-looking smile makeover from Dr. Brooksher

You can minimize sensitivity in your teeth from bleaching gel in several ways:

  • Take ibuprofen before or after bleaching your teeth.
  • Before whitening your teeth, brush them with toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne.
  • Use a lower-strength bleaching gel.
  • Stop bleaching your teeth if sensitivity increases or persists.
  • Contact your dentist if sensitivity lingers.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.