Should My Dentist Have Put a Veneer Instead of a Crown on My Front Tooth?

Posted on by .

After getting a root canal on my left front tooth in 2021, started turning dark. My dentist at the time wanted to put a veneer over the tooth, but I declined. I’m beginning to regret it. My new dentist filed down the tooth for a crown last month. The crown looks okay, but I’m still concerned about how little of the tooth is left. Did I make the wrong decision? Did my dentist trick me into getting a crown when a veneer would have worked better? Thanks. Dominique

Dominique,

Dental school teaches students to protect a tooth with a crown after root canal treatment. Your dentist did what she was taught and offered a crown, which requires grinding down your tooth in preparation. It’s unfair to say she tricked you into getting a crown when you could have a porcelain veneer for your front tooth.

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

A porcelain veneer covers the front of a tooth and requires minimal tooth preparation

Your description sounds as if your tooth didn’t have extensive decay or breakage. However, root canal therapy weakens teeth, and a crown protects them from fracture.

Back teeth absorb more pressure from chewing than front teeth. Without a dental crown, a back root canal tooth would break.

Stress on front teeth is lateral mainly because they do not have chewing surfaces. A front tooth is most likely to break at the gumline. After root canal treatment, preparing the tooth for a dental crown further weakens it. A veneer would have left your front tooth stronger.

Tooth discoloration after root canal treatment is caused by the dental filler material. A skilled cosmetic dentist would remove the material, place a flexible fiberglass post in the tooth, and fill it with tooth-colored composite. However, you have a dental crown instead of a veneer now. Keep your dental cleaning, exam appointments, and yearly X-rays to help your dentist monitor your front tooth and ensure it remains healthy.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

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

Posted on by .

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

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

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 by .

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.

Before and after dark teeth picture

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

My Dental Bonding Is Peeling

Posted on by .

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

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

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

My Dentist Buffed the Gloss Off My Porcelain Veneers

Posted on by .

My cosmetic dentist said he could remove scratches on two of my porcelain veneers after I finished Invisalign with my orthodontist. Now both veneers look matte because the glossiness is gone. My dentist said he used cups and some polishing tools. Are my veneers going to stain now? Is there a way to reverse the damage? Thank you. Bethany from Erie, PA

Bethany,

Thank you for your question.

Congratulations on completing Invisalign treatment. We understand your disappointment in wanting to complete your smile makeover by ensuring your veneers look great. Although a dentist may claim to be a cosmetic dentist, practicing cosmetic dentistry well takes post-graduate training and artistic inclination. A trained cosmetic dentist understands how to polish veneers after specific training on how to do it.

Will Veneers with a Matte Finish Stain?

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

A matte finish makes porcelain more susceptible to stain. It takes experience to polish a porcelain veneer and achieve a luster almost as good as the original glaze. Although polishing veneers requires less skill than creating a smile design, a dentist must know the process and stock specialized tools and materials in the office.

Polishing porcelain requires a cosmetic dentist to use these items:

  • Diamond polishing instruments
  • Polishing paste
  • Ultra-fine diamond polishing paste for finishing

If you trust your dentist’s skill, you can tell him you want more shine on your veneers. Some cosmetic dentists use Brasseler’s Dialite porcelain polishing system to remove the matte finish and restore the gloss. Depending on the extent of the issue, the system may work for your veneers.

Alternatively, you can look for a cosmetic dentist with advanced training and get a second opinion. The dentist will examine your veneers and explain your options for restoring them to a natural-looking gloss that complements your natural teeth.

 

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.

Six Upper Teeth Left After Gum Disease. What Are My Options?

Posted on by .

I had a two-year battle with gum disease that left me with six upper teeth remaining. The teeth are unevenly spaced from tooth loss and disease. My dentist recommends dental implants, but implants are expensive, and they do not resolve the spacing issue. I am not against implants, but the thought of going into debt for them makes me anxious. Maybe I need to take more time to find affordable implants and dentures. I already wear an uncomfortable dental flipper and understand I can get a partial denture or another flipper. I have a lot of teeth to replace, but at 62 years old, with longevity in my family, I must do something about my missing teeth. My thoughts are scattered. What are your suggestions? Are dental implants my only option? – Antoinette from Austin, TX

Antoinette

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and gums and take a 3-D T scan to determine your treatment options. Still, we can advise you on how to find a dentist to manage your case and give you a healthy, attractive smile.

Are Dental Implants Your Only Option?

It is unlikely that dental implants are your only option. Still, your treatment options depend on several factors, including:

  • Your oral health
  • The condition of your remaining teeth
  • Your jawbone volume and quality
  • The sizes of your remaining teeth
  • The extent of spacing between your teeth

Schedule a Consultation with a Cosmetic and Implant Dentist

We recommend searching for a dentist concerned about the function and appearance of your teeth and smile. You will benefit from a highly sympathetic dentist with advanced training in these areas:

  • Cosmetic dentistry
  • Dental implants
  • Occlusion and bite
Diagram of snap-on dentures. Dental implants are in the lower jawbone, and a denture with attachments in the base is hovering above the gumline.

A snap-on denture is an affordable option for dental implants

Although saving natural teeth is a dentist’s priority, affordable implant dentures can restore your smile if your remaining teeth do not support your long-term oral health. The dentist will explain options for natural-looking teeth replacement that complement your facial features and personality. An implant bridge may be an option for you.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of implantology, sponsors this post.

What’s the Cheapest Fix for a Tooth Broken at the Gumline?

Posted on by .

My front left tooth broke below the gumline. I am looking for a cheap, fast way to fix it. I don’t know if there is anything like an affordable implant. Will a mini-implant work? If not, I am interested in something that is not expensive. I suppose there are not many options, but what is the least expensive? Thanks. Bart from WVA

Bart,

Cheap options do not last. You can ask a dentist to bond the tooth back with composite as an inexpensive fix, but it will not look good, nor will it last. Two treatment options can restore your tooth, but neither is cheap or fast.

Restoring a Tooth that Broke at the Gumline

Depending on the severity of the break, a dentist can restore a tooth that breaks at the gumline a dental crown or a dental implant.

Dental crown

If you do not have a strong bite or deep overbite, a dental crown might be able to restore your tooth. Treatment steps include:

  • Root canal treatment
  • Inserting two strong, flexible post in the tooth to absorb stress on the crown and prevent tooth root fracture
  • Building up the tooth and post with composite
  • Bonding the crown to your tooth

Dental implant

Dental implant components, including root form, abutment, and crown

If you need a dental implant, it will mimic a natural tooth.

If your tooth broke at the gumline, weak and you have a strong bite, a dental implant is the only solution. You will need a standard dental implant—not a mini-implant. Although mini-implants are more affordable, they are not durable enough for front teeth, molar teeth, and most teeth. A mini-implant might support a small upper or lower incisor. And some dentists use mini-implants to secure a denture.

An implant and crown cost about twice as much as a root canal, two posts, and a crown, and it takes longer to heal. But a dental implant will last longer because the implant fixture fuses with your jawbone like a natural tooth root.

You can choose to get a dental crown, but understand the risk of failure if you have a strong bite or underbite. It is usually best to get the most effective option and avoid spending more time and money in the long-term.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist who has advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry training to discuss your options.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My dental crowns are yellow, even though they are ceramic

Posted on by .

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.

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

Posted on by .

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.

Where Is The Cost Information on Dental Websites?

Posted on by .

Hi there,

I need a tooth replacement and want a dental implant. However, I’m looking for an affordable dentist, so I wanted to compare cost information. However, none of the cosmetic websites I’ve checked had any pricing information. How can I find out the cost of my procedure before the appointment? I don’t want to waste my time or the dentist’s time.

Phoenix, from Mesa, Arizona

 

Hi Phoenix,

Most dentists don’t post their dental information online as they think it will make them look unprofessional. Dentists prices vary due to payment plans or the type of insurance patients have. So putting prices of dental care online may not be accurate.

Choosing a dentist is not the same as choosing a car dealership. Picking the cheapest option may not be a good idea when it comes to dentistry. A dentist that is cheaper upfront may use lower quality materials, which may cost you more in the long run. On the flipside, the dentist with the highest fees may not be the best, either.

Whoever gives you a dental implant should use high-quality materials, so it will last a long time and not require any future work. Getting a dental implant from a cosmetic dentist is better than seeing a general dentist. Dental implants take a lot of skill and experience to place correctly. A general dentist may offer a cheaper price, but it may be placed incorrectly, and end up costing more due to increased appointments to fix it.

If you want to know pricing information before making an appointment, call a few cosmetic dentists in the area and ask for the ballpark prices of a few key procedures: a cleaning, a multi-surface composite filling on a molar, and a posterior crown. Any fees that see extremely high or much lower than the others are places to be avoided.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dental implant provider, Dr. Stephen Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.