Archives for January 2024

Why Are My Porcelain Veneers Turning Black at the Top Then Yellow?

Posted on January 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I got porcelain veneers eight years ago. I was never thrilled with them, but they are beginning to discolor so badly that it’s embarrassing that 5 of my eight veneers are turning black at the top and then yellow beneath the black. I expected to keep the veneers for 15 years because my dentist assured me that I had the highest quality materials. I am so anxious because I realize this may mean I need new veneers. I’m getting married in September 2024, and new veneers are not in my budget. I have relocated twice since I got the veneers and must find a new dentist. Although my current dentist takes good care of them, I hesitate to ask him for new veneers. Why do I have two-toned veneers? Thank you. Khloé

Khloé,

Quality porcelain veneers can last 15 years or longer if you care for them well.

Why Are Your Veneers Turning Black and Yellow?

If your veneers are changing colors, the cause may be damage to the veneers or their composition.

Dental Veneers That Turn Yellow

Veneers Composition. Veneers can be porcelain or dental composite. Dental composite is a mixture of plastic resin with quartz or glass. Dental composite discolors from everyday activities, including eating, drinking, or smoking over time. However, undamaged porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
Damaged Veneers. Porcelain veneers resist stains unless something damages them. Dental office power polishing equipment can etch away the glaze, causing the veneers to turn yellow.

Dental Veneers that Turn Black Near the Gumline

Porcelain veneer

Dental veneers may turn black at the gumline if something is leaking behind the veneers. Weakness, where the veneer and tooth meet, can allow fluid to leak and contaminate the bond. The veneer will gradually darken near the gumline. Bonding dental veneers to teeth requires advanced knowledge of bonding techniques.

What Are Your Options for Discoloring Veneers?

Replacing your porcelain or composite veneers is the only option to protect your teeth and oral health. Regardless of the cause of the discoloration of your veneers, leaving it untreated promotes tooth decay. You may need tooth fillings or root canal treatment for untreated decay.

We recommend consulting an advanced cosmetic dentist for an exam and X-rays to identify the source of leakage behind your veneers and explain how to protect your oral health.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

Why Did My Wisdom Teeth Erupt Brown?

Posted on January 28, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Both of my lower wisdom teeth erupted brown. I don’t know why it happened, but I’m self-conscious about it. Also, my lower molar teeth are darker than the rest. Could something be wrong with my tooth enamel? My dentist’s first available appointment is March 6, but I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening with my teeth. Can a dentist restore them? Will porcelain veneers work?

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and take X-rays, we can use your description to describe what may be happening with your teeth. Remember that the explanation is not a diagnosis without an in-person appointment.

Why Are Your Wisdom Teeth Brown?

If your wisdom teeth erupted brown, you may have defective enamel. Decay can turn tooth enamel brown, but if the tooth erupts brown, it’s not from decay. A medical condition may cause discolored tooth enamel if other molar teeth are brown. Sometimes, a medical condition or medication taken while teeth form can affect their color as they erupt.

Defective enamel can make teeth susceptible to decay. A dentist would recommend a dental crown if a tooth is weak from decay or other causes. However, a weak or discolored wisdom tooth doesn’t need a crown because wisdom teeth are often problematic and need extractions anyway. Your dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth and review your medical and prescription histories to determine the cause of discoloration. Afterward, the dentist can recommend treatment to improve the shade of your teeth.

Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Molar Teeth?

Porcelain veneers will not withstand the forces of biting and chewing on molar teeth. A cosmetic dentist can recommend an alternative to porcelain veneers for discoloration. Depending on your teeth’s condition and the cause of discoloration, teeth whitening or dental crowns may be appropriate.

If your dentist doesn’t have post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training, schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist to compare your treatment options.

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

Photos of Dr. Brooksher’s patient. A tooth’s condition and location determine cosmetic dentistry options.

Is My Tooth Cracked Beneath a Dental Bridge?

Posted on January 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

After my routine hygiene and dental exam last week, my dentist said I needed a new upper left bridge. She said an anchor tooth in the bridge was cracked. I don’t have problems with the bridge, nor have I felt any discomfort. Should I deny a new bridge if I don’t have symptoms? Thank you. Portia

Portia,

Your dentist’s diagnosis should accompany an X-ray showing your tooth is cracked. Generally, you would feel sharp pain when biting hard food if a tooth is cracked. Also, it is unusual for a crowned tooth to crack. A crown protects a weak tooth and prevents it from cracking.

We recommend getting a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist without mentioning your dentist’s diagnosis. Ask for an exam and X-ray, but provide as little information as possible. Avoid telling the dentist that you or your dentist think your tooth beneath the bridge is cracked. You might ask if the dentist seeks anything questionable about your upper left teeth.

A dental bridge hovering above dental implants and abutments

Dental implants can anchor a bridge and replace multiple missing teeth in a row

Your situation underscores the advantage of replacing a tooth with a dental implant. If anything goes wrong with a tooth that is a part of a dental bridge, a dentist usually replaces the entire bridge. However, a dental implant stands alone and is not affected if you need dental work on an adjacent tooth.

If your tooth beneath the bridge cracks, a dentist must remove the tooth and extend the bridge to cover the space left after the extraction. Consider getting a dental implant or an implant bridge as an alternative to traditional bridgework to replace missing teeth.

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