Smile Makeover Archives - Dentistry by Brooksher

Is Peroxide Ruining My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on December 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had two porcelain veneers loosen within the last four months. My sister said it’s probably because I’ve been rinsing my mouth with peroxide to whiten my natural teeth. I drink a lot of coffee, so I’m trying to keep my teeth as white as my veneers. Can peroxide ruin veneers? I’m embarrassed to tell my dentist what I’ve been doing. Thanks. Trudie

Trudie,

“Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.” That’s advice that many people have heard for years. Is it good advice? We will explain how hydrogen peroxide can affect your mouth and smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

How Does Peroxide Affect Your Mouth?

As you rinse your mouth with it, hydrogen peroxide bubbles and releases oxygen. What’s the result?

The oxygen kills harmful bacteria that promote gum disease.
Beneficial microbes are also killed.
The absence of good bacteria causes other microorganisms, including yeast, to thrive.
Extended use (approximately two weeks or longer) of hydrogen peroxide to rinse your mouth will cause candida albicans to grow. The result is an oral yeast infection that will cause the tissue inside your mouth to become white and peel. The tissue will be red, raw, and painful.

If you want to keep your natural teeth as white as your porcelain veneers, get teeth whitening from a dentist.

Will Hydrogen Peroxide Ruin Porcelain Veneers?

Short-term use of hydrogen peroxide will not ruin porcelain veneers but don’t overdo it. However, it can irritate the gum tissue around the veneers and irritate. Still, if you wear porcelain veneers, caution is needed with the type of mouthwash you use. Mouthwash that contains alcohol softens the bonding that secures veneers to your teeth, and it will promote staining. Diligent oral hygiene limits the need for mouthwash.

Brush your teeth with non-abrasive toothpaste twice daily.
Floss daily.
If you still need mouthwash, ensure it’s alcohol-free.

How Can You Help Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneer

You can prolong the life of your porcelain veneers with these steps:

Maintain regular exam and cleaning appointments – Ensure that your exam and cleaning are only completed by a dentist and hygienist trained in properly maintaining porcelain veneers. Power polishing equipment should never be used on veneers.
Wear a mouth guard – Wear a custom mouth guard if you play contact sports.
Wear an oral appliance at night – Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth at night. Wearing an oral appliance at night will protect your teeth.
Use a sonic toothbrush – A sonic toothbrush’s soft, vibrating bristles will clean and polish your porcelain veneers.
Limit snacks and sugar intake – Sugary foods and drinks promote bacteria and decay, as does frequent snacking.

Consult a cosmetic dentist to determine why your porcelain veneers are loosening.

Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

What Are My Options for Chipped Tooth Repair?

Posted on November 20, 2023 by AllSmiles.

What are my options for chipped tooth repair? I was mountain biking with friends two weeks ago, hit a bump too fast, and hit the ground face-first. Thank God we wear biking helmets, but I chipped five teeth, including my top center teeth. The chips are noticeable, but fortunately, I lost no teeth. I saw my dentist last week, and he suggested porcelain veneers. I should mention that I have crossbite and was considering braces. Now that my teeth are chipped, I cannot afford braces and veneers. What are my options, and will the chipped teeth interfere with braces?

Rick,

It’s good to know that you didn’t have serious injuries from your biking accident.

What Are Your Options for Chipped Tooth Repair?

Options for chipped tooth repair include dental bonding and porcelain veneers. A cosmetic dentist can skillfully apply bonding to your teeth or work with a dental ceramist to craft custom porcelain veneers that cover the fronts of your chipped teeth. Consider how dental bonding and porcelain veneers compare.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding is a mixture of plastic resin and quartz or glass. Cosmetic dentists have an inventory of dental composites and blend and layer them for seamless chipped tooth repair.

Application – A dentist etches your teeth and applies dental bonding by hand while you sit comfortably in a dental chair.
Longevity – Dental bonding can last five years or longer if you take care of it. However, it is not as durable as porcelain veneers. It is not stain resistant.
Cost – The average cost of dental bonding in the US is $300 to $700 per tooth.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are dental ceramics custom made to cover the fronts of your teeth. After taking impressions of your teeth, a dentist will make temporary veneers for you to try on. A dental ceramist will craft the veneers.

Application – A skilled cosmetic dentist will conservatively remove a small amount of enamel from the fronts of your affected teeth. The preparation ensures the veneers fit well without looking bulky. Then, the dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth.
Longevity – According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers last seven to twenty years.
Cost – The average cost of porcelain veneers in the US is $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth.

Orthodontics After Chipped Tooth Repair

Consult a cosmetic dentist and explain your goals for chipped tooth repair and correcting your crossbite. The dentist can develop a treatment plan for your smile makeover and explain the healthiest ways to restore your smile.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Before and after dental bonding pictures from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and after dental bonding photos of Dr. Brooksher’s work on a patient’s chipped tooth.

My Dental Bonding Is Peeling

Posted on September 29, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist whitened my teeth and later placed bonding on them last February to hide fluorosis stains. The color still wasn’t right after three tries, so I let it go. I figured I would keep the bonding because my dentist said it would last five years. After that, I planned to find another dentist to replace it. But within the past week, the bonding started peeling off like old paint. This is so embarrassing. I called my dentist, who said bonding on fluorosis sometimes doesn’t stick to your teeth. He never mentioned that the bonding might peel before he placed it. Now, I am concerned that I must live with these stains. If my dentist cannot get this right, what are my options? Thank you. Jay

Jay,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with dental bonding from your dentist. Fortunately, you have options for concealing fluorosis stains, but you cannot rely on your dentist for them.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains occur from consuming too much fluoride as a child while your teeth are still developing. Tooth stains are white in mild to moderate cases and brown in severe cases. The stains usually affect the tooth enamel only.

How Do You Conceal Fluorosis Stains?

Concealing fluorosis stains in teeth is one of the most challenging aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Depending on the stains and condition of your teeth, an advanced cosmetic dentist may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding

Applying dental bonding to tooth enamel securely requires these steps:
Etch the tooth enamel
Rinse and dry the enamel
Apply a liquid bonding agent to the tooth and use a curing light to cure it
Place the composite over the cured bonding

At least your dentist bleached your teeth before applying bonding, even though the color did not stay on. Bleaching teeth first is essential to matching bonding to your natural teeth. Whitening is an effective way to refresh your smile.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneer

After removing a conservative amount of tooth enamel, a cosmetic dentist will complete these steps:

Take impressions of your teeth
Provide a wax-up of your veneers
Make temporary veneers for you to wear
After you approve the temporary veneers, send pictures and instructions to a dental ceramist to make the final product
Try the veneers on your teeth to ensure you are delighted with your smile makeover

Get Porcelain Veneers or Bonding for My Peg Laterals?

Posted on August 23, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I paid $1,500 for dental bonding on my left and right peg laterals, but I would like to know if I should have gotten porcelain veneers instead. The bonding was a waste of money because the shape of the peg laterals is weird, and the color doesn’t match my teeth. My dentist says she could try again, but I don’t have the time or money to waste on her attempts.

Should I see another dentist to remove the bonding and ask for porcelain veneers instead? What are the chances that I can get a refund from my current dentist? At least the $1,500 could go toward the cost of porcelain veneers. Thank you. Borys from IL

Borys,

When you pay for cosmetic dentistry, but the results are teeth that look fake and don’t match your surrounding teeth, you deserve a refund. You can request a refund without being confrontational because you paid for cosmetic dentistry to improve your peg laterals, but now they look worse.

Porcelain Veneers or Dental Bonding for Peg Laterals?

Porcelain veneers or dental bonding can reshape peg laterals. However, we encourage you to find a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training rather than request a specific treatment to improve your smile. Asking a dentist to become an artist when they lack the training or artistic talent will result in further disappointment.

Start by scheduling consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists, preferably accredited. After an exam, each dentist will explain your treatment options to reshape your lateral incisors and what to expect.

Dental bonding for peg laterals

Applying composite by hand, a cosmetic dentist can layer dental bonding to adapt the size of your peg laterals while matching your surrounding teeth. Dental bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers, but it doesn’t last as long. It is also susceptible to stains, but a cosmetic dentist can polish the bonding for you to help it last.

Porcelain veneers for peg laterals

A skilled cosmetic dentist and dental ceramist can create porcelain veneers to reshape your peg laterals and mimic your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are dental ceramics that are more durable than tooth enamel. Custom porcelain veneers are stain resistant.

A cosmetic dentist will consider these factors before recommending treatment:

Your goals
The condition of your teeth
The extent of the imperfections in your teeth
The dentist’s experience with porcelain veneers or dental bonding in lateral incisor cases like yours

Best wishes for a happy resolution with your smile makeover.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Before and after peg lateral cosmetic dentistry photos from Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Peg lateral patient photos from Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Wrong Shade for My Dental Crowns, and They Are Yellowing

Posted on May 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My natural teeth are quite white, so I asked my dentist for BL1 crowns when I found out that I needed crowns. The crowns are the wrong shade and turning yellow, although I got them in early May. I drink a cup or two of coffee or tea daily, and they make the crowns even darker. I am looking for another dentist and hope you can advise me on what to expect or what another dentist might say is the problem. Thanks. Yadi from Brooklyn

Yadi,

Porcelain crowns with the glaze intact will not attract stains or discolor. Sometimes a patient thinks they got porcelain crowns or veneers when the dentist placed cheap resin on their teeth instead.

If the glaze breaks your crowns, that could also cause them to attract stains. Hydrofluoric acid in acidulated fluoride in the dental office can etch the glaze away and leave your crowns with a rough, porous surface. Also, power polishing equipment in the dental office can damage the glaze on dental crowns. Still, your crowns were not as white as you wanted, and we discuss what may have happened.

When Your Dental Crowns Are Not as White as You Wanted

Requesting BL1 shade for your dental crowns produces whiteness beyond any shade of natural teeth. Your dentist may hesitate to give you super-white dental crowns. Dental ceramists introduced the Ivoclar shade guide on this page in the early 90s after teeth bleaching became popular and people wanted super white teeth. Only teeth bleaching could get your natural teeth to the BL1 shade. A2 is the most common shade of adult teeth.

Whitening your natural teeth before you get porcelain crowns allows a dentist to see how white your teeth could get. Most cosmetic dentists would only give you a BL1 shade for dental crowns if you had bleached your teeth to that shade. Further, an experienced cosmetic dentist would address the teeth behind your front six teeth to avoid a glaring color mismatch. If you insist on crowns lighter than your natural teeth could get, the dentist may recommend porcelain veneers on the teeth that show when you smile. Otherwise, your crowns would look fake, and the dentist’s commitment to aesthetics would cause them to advise you to see another dentist. We wish your dentist had been upfront about the BL1 shade and helped you anticipate what to expect.

See the picture below for A2 (the most common natural shade) versus BL1 after bleaching. Can you see why a dentist would want to see if BL1 crowns were too white for your surrounding natural teeth even after teeth bleaching?

Getting a Second Opinion for Dental Crowns on Front Teeth

We recommend asking for recommendations or searching online for an expert cosmetic dentist, preferably an accredited dentist. Look at dentists’ websites for a smile gallery of patients’ before and after pictures. Look for dental crown cases and pictures that show the dentist’s artistry. Your crown color and smile design are fundamental to your smile makeover. Schedule at least two consultations to compare the dentist’s credentials, experience, and ability to give you crowns that look real, do not turn yellow, and complement your smile.

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

How Can I Get My Small Adult Teeth to Look Larger?

Posted on January 9, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I am a 37-year-old adult, but my teeth are small and look like baby teeth. I feel like only my gums show when I smile, and the tiny teeth beneath them are almost invisible. It is embarrassing. My friends try to comfort me by saying it’s better than having teeth that are too large, but I need to feel confident and smile more. How can I get my teeth enlarged, at least the ones that show when I smile? – Thank you. Imari from MD

Imari,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. Although he would need to examine and x-ray your teeth, we will explain two options for enlarging small adult teeth.

How Can You Make Small Adult Teeth Larger?

You can make small adult teeth larger with the help of a cosmetic dentist. Two treatment options include dental bonding and porcelain veneers. We will compare how the options can transform your smile.

How Do Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers Enlarge Small Teeth?

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers enlarge small teeth by using cosmetic dentistry to expand their appearance. The treatment options have different procedures, materials, longevity, and costs. Let us explain.

Dental bonding

Below we explain dental bonding composition, procedure, longevity, maintenance, and the average cost for enlarging small adult teeth.

Composition. Dental bonding is a blend of plastic resin and silica filler. Bonding material has properties like tooth dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). A cosmetic dentist can polish bonding to a natural-looking gloss.
Procedure. After lightly etching your tooth enamel, a skilled cosmetic dentist blends composite and layers it by hand to achieve your desired tooth shape and size.
Longevity. Dental bonding is less durable than porcelain and has a shorter lifespan. High-quality bonding can last five years or longer if you care for it well and maintain it with a cosmetic dentist’s help. A study published in a 2011 Japanese Dental Science Review issue concluded that at least 60 percent of high-quality dental bonding could last up to ten years.
Maintenance. Floss between your teeth and use a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Dental bonding is not stain resistant, but a cosmetic dentist can polish it for you.
Cost. Chairside bonding costs $300 to $1,000 per tooth. The price depends on the condition of your teeth, the extent of work, the dentist’s skills and fees, and your location in the U.S.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers composition, procedure, longevity, maintenance, and cost differ from dental bonding in several ways, which we will explain.

Composition. A dental ceramist can craft porcelain to mimic the color and characteristics of natural teeth while making your small teeth look more prominent. Porcelain veneers contain dental ceramics and are more durable than tooth enamel.
Procedure. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend conservatively preparing your teeth for porcelain veneers by moving tiny amounts of enamel from their fronts. After taking impressions of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will make temporary veneers to determine whether they require adjustments. You will get custom veneers after you approve the temporary ones.
Longevity. Well-made and precisely bonded porcelain veneers can last about 20 years. A 2021 European Journal of Dentistry article published findings from a cumulative, long-term study on the lifespan of porcelain veneers in patients with good oral health and oral hygiene habits. The results after five, ten, fifteen, and 20 years are below:
- Five years: 98%
- Ten years: 96%
- Fifteen years: 91%
- Twenty years: 91%
Maintenance. Schedule dental cleanings and exams with a trained cosmetic dentist. You can floss and brush your veneers as your natural teeth but avoid abrasive substances.
Cost. One porcelain veneer can cost $1,500 to $3,500 depending on tooth condition, personalization, veneer quality, and your dentist’s fees.

Request a Consultation for Enlarging Small Adult Teeth

Enlarging small adult teeth is a cosmetic dentistry technique that requires artistry and advanced training. We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two highly trained cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

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

Before and after pictures of small adult teeth that look larger with dental bonding

Dr. Brooksher used dental bonding to make this patient’s front small adult teeth look larger.

Does Leaving Toothpaste on Teeth Help Whiten Them?

Posted on July 22, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I bought a sonic toothbrush and whitening toothpaste. I’ve used both for three months, but I don’t see any difference. The toothpaste instructions say to leave the paste on my teeth for at least a minute, but I leave it on for five minutes, and it still doesn’t help. I was trying to get an easy smile makeover, but this isn’t doing it. Will leaving the toothpaste on any longer help? Thank you. Brandon from Idaho Falls

Brandon,

Thank you for your question.

Does Leaving Toothpaste on Your Teeth Help Whiten Them?

Whitening toothpaste may remove surface stains but leaving the paste on longer will not get your teeth whiter. Some whitening toothpaste is abrasive and scratches tooth enamel. Professional teeth bleaching gel contains carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or both. Carbamide and hydrogen peroxide penetrate tooth enamel to break down embedded stains that whitening toothpaste will not budge.

Whiten Your Teeth with Caution

Even if you whiten your teeth with bleaching gel, ensure you know the cause of the discoloration. Teeth stains from coffee, tea, or smoking will break down readily; however, stains from medications or certain medical conditions will look worse if you bleach your teeth.

Getting Safe, Predictable Teeth Whitening

Safe, predictable teeth whitening is dentist-supervised. The American Dental Association recommends talking to your dentist before whitening your teeth to assess the risks accurately. A dentist will examine your teeth before recommending whitening. The findings may reveal that dental bonding or porcelain veneers are safer and healthier for your teeth than bleaching them.

A dentist will take these steps:

Determine the cause of staining
Make custom bleaching trays that fit your teeth precisely
Anticipate whether your gums or teeth might be sensitive to the bleaching gel
Recommend an appropriate strength of gel based on the condition of your teeth, sensitivity, and your whitening goals

Although whitening toothpaste and do-it-yourself kits are less expensive than treatment from a dentist, you can get dramatic results with professional whitening. Ask your dentist about teeth whitening and how to make treatment affordable. Professional whitening can give you a quick smile makeover or be the first stage of completely transforming your smile. Request a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Whitening My Teeth Without a Dentist and Feeling Sensitivity

Posted on June 13, 2022 by AllSmiles.

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:

Bleaching gel causes tooth enamel to become microscopically porous.
The gel penetrates the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). If the bleaching gel is too strong, your teeth may be sensitive to whitening.
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.

My Porcelain Veneers Don’t Look New Anymore

Posted on May 24, 2022 by AllSmiles.

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.

Is Bleeding Between Your Dental Crowns from an Allergic Reaction?

Posted on November 23, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I had a smile makeover that included eight new crowns. Although I received the crowns in 2017, now my central incisor and the one to its right are irritated. And there is some bleeding between the teeth. I am concerned that the crowns contain some metal irritating my gums, so I asked for a copy of the alloy certificate for the crowns. I didn’t get that, but I have some documentation that I do not understand. It says that GC LiSi Impress is the crown type. How can I tell what these crowns are made of? Could I be allergic to them? Thank you. Catalina from Arkansas

Catalina,

Based on your description, your crowns are GC LiSi Press. The material is high-density lithium disilicate. The crowns are metal free, so your dentist could not give you a metal alloy certificate for them. We are not aware of reports of allergic reactions to the crowns.

Is an Allergic Reaction Causing Bleeding Between Your Crowns?

If you were allergic to your crowns, you would have inflammation between all of them. Your description sounds like a functional problem with your crowns. Some issues that might cause bleeding between your crowns include:

Food particles lodged between the crowns
Crown margins overhang the tooth edge
Crown shape that traps food

As you floss between the crowns, pay attention to whether a ledge beneath your gum catches the floss. If it does, your dentist must correct the crown margin. When a crown margin extends beyond the tooth, it can result in inflammation and gum disease. And bleeding between teeth is an early sign of gum disease.

If your dentist cannot identify and resolve the issue, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an advanced or accredited cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. Be prepared to receive an examination and possibly an x-ray to identify the issue and restore the health of your smile makeover.

A healthy smile makeover from Dr. Brooksher

Steven Brooksher, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will help you determine what to look for in a cosmetic dentist in your area.