Does Leaving Toothpaste on Teeth Help Whiten Them?

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Whitening toothpaste from a tube for info on whitening for a quick smile makeoverI 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

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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.

 

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.

Is Bleeding Between Your Dental Crowns from an Allergic Reaction?

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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.

 

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

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.

My dental crowns are yellow, even though they are ceramic

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My dentist did eight ceramic crowns on my upper front teeth. The crowns are turning yellow. I asked for ceramic crowns, not gold. I do not smoke or drink coffee excessively. Before I approach my dentist, what are some reasons my crowns might be turning yellow? Thank you. Stefan form KY

Stefan,

Thank you for your question.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your crowns to determine why they are yellowing, we can discuss some possibilities.

Why Do New Dental Crowns Turn Yellow?

New dental crowns might turn yellow for several reasons, including they are not ceramic, damage to the surface when adjusting the crowns, and damage to the crowns during a dental cleaning.

  • Damage when adjusting the crowns – If your dentist had to grind your crowns to adjust your bite, they might have damaged the glaze. Or the lab that made the crowns may not have glazed them properly.
  • Damage during a dental cleaning – If a dental hygienist mistakenly uses power cleaning instruments on your teeth that blast them with sodium bicarbonate, it will damage the glaze. Or, if a hygienist gives you acidulated fluoride treatment, the chemical will etch the glaze and discolor your crowns.
  • Your crowns are not ceramic – Sometimes, dentists give patients the impression that they are receiving ceramic or porcelain crowns when the crowns are composite instead. You can ask your dentist for a copy of the lab certificate that lists the materials in your crown.

Get a Second Opinion

Before-and-after smile makeover photos. Top photo shows a missing tooth and poorly spaced and shaped teeth. A new smile is below.

Dr. Brooksher rejuvenated this patient’s teeth with a beautiful smile makeover

In addition to talking to your dentist about your yellowing crowns, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist. The cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns and glaze to identify the issue.

You paid your dentist for a new smile and crowns that should last at least five years. Also, porcelain is colorfast, so crowns should not turn yellow. It is appropriate to ask your dentist for a refund.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

I thought I was getting a smile makeover

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Although my dentist said she could use dental bonding to give me a smile makeover, it didn’t work out. She was supposed to fill in gaps and chips in my teeth. My teeth looked and felt bulky, and they caused me to pronounce some words with a whistling sound. I asked my dentist to remove the bonding, and now my teeth are discolored and blotchy. My dentist says that’s just the way my natural teeth look, but I have pictures of my smile before the bonding. And my teeth didn’t look the way they do now. I don’t trust her to do anything else with my teeth. Is the damage permanent? – Danae from MS

Danae,

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, your description sounds like your general dentist doesn’t know enough about cosmetic dentistry to give you a smile makeover.

Bulky Dental Bonding

A cosmetic dentist uses dental bonding to fill in or conceal imperfections in your teeth. If you had chips and wear on your teeth, a cosmetic dentist would apply bonding to those areas and seamlessly blend in it with your natural teeth. But your dentist made your teeth so bulky that it affected your speech. It sounds like your dentist overdid it and applied bonding on the entire surface of each tooth.

Although some dentists can apply bonding to conceal a chip, it takes advanced training in aesthetics and artistic talent to create a smile makeover with dental bonding. A dentist must have the right tools and a variety of shades of composite to blend, match your teeth, and give you beautiful results.

Removing Dental Bonding

Advanced cosmetic dentists use specific tolls to remove dental bonding without damaging your tooth enamel. Three instruments a cosmetic dentist might use to remove bonding include:

  • Sandpaper disc
  • High-speed carbide drill
  • Air abrasion
Dental bonding smile makeover before and after photos from Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA

Accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brooksher used dental bonding for this beautiful smile makeover

But if a dentist grinds off composite without noticing where it ends and where your tooth enamel begins, it’s easy to remove the enamel mistakenly. Before treatment, trained cosmetic dentists take pictures of your teeth. And they take “after” photos so you can see how the treatment improved your smile.

Although you can show your dentist photos of your smile, she probably won’t be able to restore your teeth and give you the smile makeover you want. But the pictures will back up your claims of faulty work and a request for a refund.

Get a Dental Bonding Second Opinion

Ask friends or family members if they know an experienced cosmetic dentist. Otherwise, you can search online for a dentist with accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Dental Esthetics. If it increases your comfort, you can schedule consultations with two cosmetic dentists to discuss your smile goals and treatment options for a successful smile makeover.

 

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Spent 30k on a smile makeover that looks like a smile mess up

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I received a smile makeover in February 2019. My mouth is small, and my front upper teeth were tilted slightly inward. I also had an overbite and 3 missing back teeth. My dentist put crowns on my front teeth and did mini implants for the back teeth.

Wallace and Gromit

Wallace and Gromit
Donovan says his smile makeover looks like Wallace’s smile

The smile makeover that I was hoping for cost me $30k. I didn’t get a makeover – I got a messed-up smile. My front teeth are too large for my small mouth and face shape. And my overbite is worse, so I try not to smile. I included a picture of Wallace & Gromit so you can see how my smile looks. I’m too embarrassed to send you my smile photos, but it looks like Wallace’s smile. I look goofy when I smile. Although I had problems with my teeth before, I’ve never felt so bad. Some rude people asked me if my dentures are too big. I would never ask anyone something like that about their teeth.

Unfortunately, I made the wrong decision about when to ask my dentist for a smile makeover. Two months after I received it, I had a long-term assignment in Asia. I had to leave my assignment there due to COVID-19, and since then, I haven’t been able to see a dentist. Now I must do something about my teeth. The pandemic is stressful enough. Now I’m on Zoom almost every day for work, and people think I’m in a bad mood because I’m not smiling. But it’s my teeth that are causing the problem. Although I think that I know the answer to this issue, I would like to know my options. Thanks for your advice. Donovan from Mississippi

Donovan,

Thanks for attaching the photo. We weren’t familiar with Wallace & Gromit before you mentioned them. As you hinted, you probably know what must happen to correct your smile; a cosmetic dentist will need to redo it.

Our advice is about ensuring you select a skilled cosmetic dentist.

You’ve learned that a competent family dentist isn’t a skilled cosmetic dentist. An artistic cosmetic dentist has advanced training and experience in aesthetics and has creative talent. Look for a dentist with credentials from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

It can be challenging for a dentist to correct the mishap to your teeth, so if you want an attractive smile makeover this time, don’t compromise on choosing a dentist who can design a smile that functions well and looks fantastic. Schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists before choosing one. Take notes during the consultations to help you make an informed decision.

Can You Get a Refund for a Bad Smile Makeover?

You might be able to get some of your money back for the lousy smile makeover. Work with your new cosmetic dentist to help you do it. If your previous dentist did work that was technically sound but doesn’t look good, it will be challenging to get a refund unless your teeth look awful.

Although you didn’t mention problems with the function of your teeth (e.g., with your bite or pain), if they are present, it will be easier to get some of your money back.

Three options that can help you get a partial refund

Some options that might motivate your previous dentist to refund you at least partially for your botched smile makeover include:

  • Strong leverage – File a malpractice suit if a malpractice attorney agrees you have a case.
  • Moderate leverage – Threaten to complain to the dental board.
  • Weak leverage – Leave a negative online review on the dentist’s Google or social media pages

 

Best wishes on your search for a new dentist and getting your smile and confidence back.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Are Crowns on All Teeth Needed As I Recover from Bulimia?

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I’m recovering from bulimia, and I have had three consultations with cosmetic dentists who have good reputations. One of them suggests a complete smile makeover with porcelain crowns. He said the crowns would restore my decayed teeth, correct my bite, and make my smile beautiful. 10 of my teeth are severely decayed, 2 have some decay, and the others are healthy enough not to require major work. I’m concerned about the dentist grinding down all my teeth when only 10 are severely decayed. Unfortunately, my consultation with the dentist who wants to do all crowns was the last of the three. I was surprised by his recommendation, and I couldn’t ask the other two dentists about it because I had already seen them. Each dentist agrees to give me sedation for anxiety and do wax-ups of my new smile. But now I’m concerned and getting more anxious. Did the first two dentists miss something about the condition of my teeth and which treatment is best? Or is the third dentist too aggressive? Thanks. Micah from TX

Micah,

Congratulations on your recovery from bulimia. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, dental history, and x-rays to evaluate your case accurately, your explanation of the third dentist’s recommendation raises concern.

Advanced, ethical cosmetic dentists treat teeth conservatively, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. And they don’t try to convince patients to receive treatment that makes them uncomfortable or recommend an aggressive treatment plan without the patient’s request.

Does It Take All Crowns to Get a Smile Makeover?

If you get the sense that a dentist is a salesperson, opt for a conservative cosmetic dentist who will transform your smile in a way that preserves your healthy tooth structure whenever possible. As you recover from bulimia, a conservative approach will increase your confidence in your smile. A full-mouth reconstruction that shaves all your teeth for crowns is required in these instances:

  • Severe issues with your bite that cause pain
  • Facial collapse
  • Many decayed or broken teeth
Before-and-after photos of dark, uneven, and broken teeth transformed by a smile makeover from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Dr. Brooksher gives his patients healthy, natural-looking smile makeovers

It’s wise to return to either of the first two cosmetic dentists you saw and discuss your concerns about porcelain crowns for all your teeth vs. the dentist’s recommendation. The cosmetic dentist will further explain why he or she recommended specific treatment and not all crowns for your teeth. Often, a smile makeover includes a combination of treatments, such as cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and sometimes crowns.

If it increases your comfort to return to both cosmetic dentists, don’t hesitate to do so. Best wishes on your journey and your new smile as you recover from bulimia.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

His Dentist Bonded Porcelain Veneers to His Teeth Even Though He Hated Them

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In February, I received eight porcelain veneers. My dentist did two different wax models, but I didn’t like either of them. He told me that the final veneers would look several times better than the wax model. Before he bonded the veneers on, he used some a paste to attach them to my teeth.

I wrote down everything I told my dentist about what I hated about the veneers: 1 – the shape was wrong, 2) the color was wrong, 3) they looked like they were sliding away from my gums, 4) the teeth were unevenly spaced.

My dentist said he sent the veneers back to the lab, but I am wondering if these are the same veneers that I hated. I don’t see any difference. I really didn’t get a good look at these new veneers, but my dentist bonded them on without telling me that they were final. He did tell me that he had to “push back” with the lab to get them to redo my veneers. When he had me look in the mirror, I felt like I had been cheated. Now, I’m sure I’ve been cheated.

Last month I found about serious illnesses for two family members. This is a terrible time for me to worry about veneers. My dentist is trying to convince himself that my veneers are beautiful. He will never convince me. I know that I can start over, but I used a lot of my savings for this dental work. I don’t want to take more money out to have it corrected. Do I have any options? Thanks, Russ

Russ,

Many things went wrong with the way your dentist treated you as his patient.

  • Ignoring that you didn’t approve either was model
  • Directing the lab to make veneers when you didn’t accept the model
  • Proceeding with his plan after you tried on the veneers
  • Bonding the veneers to your teeth without your consent
Before-and-after smile makeover photos. Top photo shows a missing tooth and poorly spaced and shaped teeth. A new smile is below.


Dr. Brooksher rejuvenated this patient’s teeth with a beautiful smile makeover

Although we don’t know your dentist’s view on what happened, your description of the events sounds as if your dentist isn’t skilled in cosmetic dentistry.

A trustworthy cosmetic dentist will ensure you are delighted with your new smile before bonding it to your teeth. And he or she will only bond on veneers with a patient’s consent. Your dentist’s approach doesn’t reflect that he wants you to have a confident smile.

If Your Veneers Were Bonded on Without Your Consent

If you didn’t agree that your dentist could bond your veneers, you can file a complaint with the state dental board, leave negative feedback online, and consult with an attorney.

We hope that your dentist will voluntarily resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Some of My Teeth Just Came Loose!

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Hi there,

My grandmother is in her nineties, and while she has most of her teeth, her teeth and gums may not be in the best of health. She saw her dentist for a filling recently, however since then, two of her teeth have simply fallen out of her mouth! We’re not sure what the best options for her are – should she get a bridge with her remaining teeth? If her teeth are healthy enough, should she get dental implants or should she go for dentures?

Anna, from Kissimmee, FL

 

Hi Anna,

Teeth take a large amount of force to knock out. If your grandmother’s teeth simply fell out, then she most likely has advanced periodontal disease, or gum disease.

With gum disease, it is likely most of her teeth are unstable in her gums, making it impossible for her to get a bridge. If you anchor a bridge to unhealthy, unstable teeth, it will strain and stress them, causing them fracture and need removal.

The ideal replacement would be dental implants, but since your grandmother likely needs a full-mouth smile makeover, that can run tens of thousands of dollars. A removable denture is also the more affordable option compared to dental implants. Also, if you grandmother does not have enough bone in her jaw, she may be better off going with a removable denture. For patients lacking enough bone in their jaws, a bone graft is an option, but your grandmother may be too old or not healthy enough to receive a bone graft procedure.

Since your grandmother’s teeth are likely in need of extraction, a full set of upper and lower dentures may her best option. Dentures can lead to bone resorption (the body breaking down the jaw bone for minerals and nutrients) and facial collapse over the course of 10 years. At your grandmother’s age, she may not need to worry about jaw collapse as much as a younger patient would.

A full set of dentures would be less stressful on her teeth than a removable partial denture. Seek a general dentist or affordable cosmetic dentist for your grandmother as soon as possible, before any more teeth fall out.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.