Archives for November 2022

Why Are My Porcelain Veneers Turning Dark in Just 3 Months?

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Four of the eight porcelain veneers I got in August are turning dark. I’ve been back to the dentist three times, and all she does is look at my teeth and say that she isn’t sure what is going on. My veneers will soon look worse than the teeth beneath them. Since my dentist hasn’t done anything to determine what’s going on, I want a second opinion. It would help if you could give me a few ideas of why the veneers are turning dark so I know whether to trust a new dentist. Thank you. Monet from Charlotte, NC

Monet,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and veneers to identify the problem. We will discuss three factors that can darken porcelain veneers.

What Causes Porcelain Veneers to Darken?

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

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers can darken from power-polishing dental equipment, excess composite, or bacteria leaking between your teeth and the veneers.

  1. Bacteria between your teeth and veneers – If a dentist bonds your veneers but leaves small gaps between the veneers and your teeth, bacteria can leak in and attract stains. Prolonged bacteria lead to tooth decay, which can further darken teeth.
  2. Excess composite during bonding – Excess composite left around the veneers can cause them to darken. A cosmetic dentist can polish away the extra composite to lighten your porcelain veneers.
  3. Dental power-polishing equipment – Power-polishing equipment in the dental office can damage the glaze on the veneers, attract stains, and darken them. Dentists and hygienists trained in caring for veneers understand which instruments to use and avoid while caring for your porcelain veneers.

Can a Dentist Polish Your Veneers?

A trained cosmetic dentist can use ultra-fine polishing strips and aluminum oxide polishing paste on porcelain veneers for these benefits:

  • Help them resist stain
  • Prevent plaque accumulation
  • Smooth the area around veneers
  • Prolong the life of your veneers

Skilled cosmetic dentists have the tools, materials, and techniques required to polish your porcelain veneers and restore or replace them. After an exam, the dentist will explain the condition of your veneers and how to correct them. Look for dentists with advanced cosmetic dentist training for a second opinion.

 

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

Do I Need a New Invisalign Dentist After I Move?

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I am almost finished with Invisalign and would like to know if I need to switch dentists if I can finish treatment on my own. I only have three months of treatment left, and my dentist gave me the remaining trays. After Christmas, I will relocate to Virginia to be closer to my aging parents. I will see my dentist one more time before I move. My dentist wants me to find a new Invisalign dentist, but I want to know if I can continue without one. Thank you. Carolyn M. from Peoria, IL

Carolyn,

Thank you for your question. Many patients wonder whether they should find a new Invisalign dentist if they are relocating and almost finished with treatment.

Do You Need a New Invisalign Dentist After You Move?

You may need to switch Invisalign dentists if you are nearing the end of treatment and are relocations. Reasons to switch dentists include:

  • Ensure your treatment plan is on track
  • Determine whether you need new attachments for precise movement
  • Remove tiny amounts of enamel from between your teeth (Interproximal reduction) to ensure they align properly
  • Take a new scan of your teeth to identify whether they need refinement
  • Order a short series of aligners to refine your treatment outcome
  • Help you get back on track if anything interferes with your treatment
  • Order a custom retainer after you finish the Invisalign treatment

Invisalign upper and lower alignersAfter you select a new Invisalign dentist in Virginia, contact your current dentist to transfer your dental records and Invisalign care.

  • Schedule an appointment with your new dentist
  • Bring your remaining aligners with you
  • Schedule follow-up visits with the new dentist

When you complete treatment, your new dentist will use digital impressions of your teeth for the Invisalign lab to use when creating a custom retainer. Your dentist will explain how long you must wear the retainer to maintain your teeth alignment.

Look for a dentist in your new city with extensive Invisalign experience.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher has experience with Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners that are alternatives to Invisalign.

Can Teeth Grinding Loosen Dental Implants?

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My dentist placed three dental implants last August. One implant is loose. When I got the implants, my dentist made a custom night guard to wear because I grind my teeth. I don’t wear it because I hate the thing. It’s so hard to get used to it, and it is very difficult to sleep when I wear it. Could my not wearing the night guard be the reason why the implant is loose? Is this going to happen with the other 2 implants? I am embarrassed. I will have a hard time facing my dentist and telling him that I have not been wearing the night guard. I want to know before seeing him if this could really be my fault. Thank you for your time. TJ

TJ – Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. The only way to be sure about the cause of your loose implant is to have it examined.

Can Teeth Grinding Loosen Dental Implants?

Dental implant model with the fixture in the bone

Pressure from teeth grinding can weaken a dental implant

Teeth grinding (bruxism) at night puts extra pressure on dental implants and can loosen them. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it is vital to wear a night guard to avoid damaging your implants. You should wear the night guard while implants heal and afterward.

It is best to find out now why your implant has loosened. You have two other implants that your dentist must observe. If the preventive measure is as simple as wearing a night guard, you should know that now and ensure the success of your implants.

What Happens If an Implant Is Loose?

If your dentist will examine your implant and the area around it to determine if he can stabilize it. If not, your dentist must remove the implant. Depending on the condition of the implant and the area around it, you may need bone grafting before your dentist places another implant. Although you might be embarrassed, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is important. Also, if your mouth guard is excessively uncomfortable, your dentist may need to check it for fit.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.