His Dental Bonding Couldn’t Look Worse

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My 11-year-old son’s dental bonding couldn’t look worse. He fell two weeks ago and broke both front teeth. Fortunately, he was at school, and it was a weekday, so we could get to our general dentist within an hour. The dentist was helpful and took X-rays. He said he could fill in both teeth with dental bonding, which he did two days later. The bonding looks like lumpy instant oatmeal. The color and texture are wrong. My son cried and is so embarrassed that he wouldn’t smile. Fortunately, he has not been teased, but then he makes sure no one can see his teeth when talking. I need this corrected, but I won’t relieve my son’s anxiety about letting our dentist try again. On top of that, we were planning to start clear braces for my son in two years. I don’t want to waste money on bonding if it won’t work. Where do we start?  – Thanks. Zach from IL

 

Zach,

We are sorry to hear about your son’s accident and embarrassing dental bonding.

Your dentist chose the right treatment option to fill in your son’s teeth. Unfortunately, the dentist is not skilled enough to produce aesthetic results with dental bonding. Especially when a large portion of a tooth is broken, a dentist must have an in-depth understanding of dental composite and artistic skills. So, although your dentist knew how to fix the problem, he couldn’t make it look natural.

We encourage you to get a second opinion from an advanced, preferably accredited, cosmetic dentist. Please don’t do otherwise because a dentist may recommend dental crowns for your son, which is a mistake for two reasons:

The pulp in a child’s tooth can be close to the surface, and grinding the tooth down for a dental crown can damage the pulp, requiring root canal treatment.

Your son is still growing, so the tooth will erupt further. The margin between the crown and tooth will show as the tooth erupts. It will be obvious that he has a dental crown.

We recommend searching online for a dentist with post-graduating cosmetic dentistry training who treats adults and children. Explain your concerns with dental bonding for your son’s teeth and your plans to start clear braces within two years. The dentist will explain your son’s options for dental bonding and how cosmetic dentistry can keep his teeth looking great as he grows.

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

Will Invisalign Correct Crowding in My Mid-40s?

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I have a couple of quick questions related to Invisalign. I’m in my mid-40s and had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 17. When I had the teeth extracted, they told me I wouldn’t need braces because removing my wisdom teeth would give space for my other teeth. Over the years, my teeth have become somewhat crowded, and it’s becoming obvious I will have to do something to fix it if I ever want to feel comfortable about smiling. Could I have done something to cause this since they told me I would not need braces? Is this something Invisalign can solve? Thanks. Danielle

 

Dear Danielle,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment. But orthodontic treatment can correct teeth crowding.

What Causes Teeth Crowding?

Genetics, teeth grinding, tooth loss, or oral habits during childhood can cause teeth crowding. Your tooth position can change. That’s why clear braces or traditional braces can help.

Clear aligner trays similar to Invisalign and ClearCorrectReasons for overcrowding of teeth may include the following:

  • Genetics: Some people have naturally smaller jaws or have teeth that are too wide for their jaws. Others have narrow palates and other oral conditions that can cause tooth malalignment. When teeth do not come together naturally, the constant biting force can push them out of place.
  • Grinding: Regularly applied force of any kind, including teeth grinding, can shift teeth. Grinding, particularly at night, is a big culprit for adults.
  • Extended Pacifier/ Bottle Use: Sucking on things—even thumbs—creates forward-moving pressure. Although most adults will not have an issue from prolonged bottle and pacifier use, some continue similar behaviors in adulthood, such as chewing on pens or thrusting their tongue against their front teeth.
  • Tooth Loss: If a tooth is missing, the other teeth will begin to close the gap, the way water will rush into a hole carved on a sandy beach. It can gradually occur. Tooth loss also impacts the position of the tooth that would normally bite against the missing tooth. For example, if you lose a premolar on your lower left, you’ll likely have shifting on your lower and upper left teeth.
  • Oral Health: If you do not maintain regular cleaning appointments and good care at home, you will develop periodontal disease. In the early stage, it can cause bleeding gums, but when it progresses to an advanced stage, you will likely have bone loss in your jaw and lose teeth.
  • Poor Dental Work: When dental repairs are not properly completed (this occurs more often with dental tourism), poorly shaped crowns, fillings, bridges, and other work may change the bite or begin to push teeth out of alignment.
  • Injuries: Car accidents, falls, and other forms of trauma can impact your teeth in many ways.
  • Tumors: Tumors and other medical conditions can impact your jaw, teeth, and bite, although rare.
  • Failure to Wear a Retainer: Many orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer at night for life or having a permanent fixed retainer attached to the back of your teeth. Failure to follow the orthodontist’s advice after braces will likely result in shifting.

Clear Braces Can Correct Teeth Crowding

In most cases, clear braces are an excellent choice to solve crowding and can address some underlying issues as well. You will need a dentist to evaluate the degree of crowding, but you must people have success with clear aligners. Schedule a consultation.

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker formerly used Invisalign but prefers an alternative, Clear Correct. Learn why.

Will My Root Canal Tooth Break?

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My dentist says I need a root canal on my left incisor before beginning Invisalign treatment. I was concerned about needing a crown on a front tooth that would turn yellow or dark around my gums. But my dentist explained that she does not need to place a crown after the root canal; she will fill it instead. I wonder if the tooth will break because it is weak after the root canal treatment. And with Invisalign repositioning my teeth, isn’t it just a matter of time before the tooth breaks? Thanks. Jamison from NY

Thank you for your question, Jamison. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth for an accurate diagnosis, we will offer some basic information about root canals and orthodontic treatment.

Does Root Canal Treatment Weaken Teeth?

Teeth that require root canal treatment are already weak from decay, trauma, or extensive fillings. And root canal treatment can weaken them. But whether a dentist places a crown on the tooth depends on the tooth’s condition and position.

  • Back teeth – Back teeth must withstand the forces of chewing and grinding food. So, dentists protect the teeth with crowns after root canal treatment.
  • Front teeth – Fewer forces affect front teeth. It is unlikely for an incisor to split vertically, but sometimes it can break horizontally. But preparing an incisor for a dental crown can weaken the tooth near the base before its roots. If you have lost most of your tooth structure or the tooth is already cracked. A dentist can reinforce your tooth with a flexible post and fill the tooth with a dental composite. Removing root canal filler material will prevent your tooth from turning dark.

Will Invisalign Break Your Root Canal Tooth?

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Invisalign

Your dentist will begin Invisalign treatment when your root canal tooth is stable to prevent any trauma during treatment. Healing time can take one to two months, but each patient’s case is different, so your dentist will explain what you can expect. Also, Invisalign and other alternatives for clear braces move teeth with precision and gently apply force on your teeth.

If you are hesitant about your dentist’s treatment recommendation, ask questions to ensure you understand them. And you can consider getting a second opinion.

 

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of implant dentistry Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his efforts to offer some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

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.