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Getting Porcelain Veneers While Pregnant

I am afraid I’ve screwed up big time and need some advice. Three days after completely finishing my porcelain veneers procedure I found out I was pregnant. I looked it up and you are not supposed to have dental work done in the first trimester of pregnancy. Is there anything I can do or is it too late?

Lacey


Dear Lacey,

A porcelain veneer being held up to a tooth.

Take a deep breath. This is going to be okay. Dentists are told not to perform unnecessary dental work in the first trimester of a pregnancy because that is the most sensitive time for the baby and you don’t want to introduce chemicals that can be harmful. Fortunately, for you, the only chemical that should have been used in the porcelain veneers procedure is Lidocaine. This has already been approved for use during pregnancy and is even used in the delivery room. There should be no issues of adverse reactions with your baby.

So you know, you will be better off to schedule any regular dental work during the second trimester, so I’d get that appointment scheduled now. We have already discussed why we avoid the first trimester. We avoid the final trimester for the sake of your comfort, more than any actual safety issues. You’ll be a bit larger because you’ve got a whole baby you are holding on to. This tends to make it less comfortable for you to sit in a dental chair for any length of time.

The exception to avoiding dental work is if you have a dental emergency of some kind. It is important and infections, including dental infections, are treated promptly so you don’t have any lingering bacteria that can be passed to your child. You also want to keep up with your cleanings. Untreated gum disease is linked to low birth weight in babies. So, as much as you are probably exhausted right now and feeling a little nauseated, go ahead and schedule your cleaning.

If you end up dealing with a lot of morning sickness during your first trimester that leads to vomiting, call your dentist and ask about ways you can protect your teeth during those early months.

Congratulations on your new baby!
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.

Will I Need a Crown to Replace a Porcelain Veneer?

Can a dentist fix a cavity on a porcelain veneer tooth without me needing a new veneer or a crown? My dentist wants to remove the cavity but says I might need a crown instead. Why? I would have three veneers and one crown on my front teeth. How would that look? I am worried that a crown would be noticeable beside three veneers. Thank you. Isaac from Oak Park, IL

Isaac,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Goebel would need to x-ray your tooth and examine it and your veneer for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will provide general information.

Matching crowns and veneers

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
Porcelain veneer

If you need a crown, it will be challenging for a dentist to match it with your other veneers. A dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry training to achieve a match.

Do You Need a Veneer Replaced with a Crown?

Whether your dentist must replace your veneer with a crown depends on the tooth’s condition and the cavity size.

Removing the cavity might require losing much tooth structure. When little tooth structure remains, it may be challenging to bond a veneer to it. Even with a crown, a dentist may need to build up the tooth before it can support a crown.

If you want to keep your porcelain veneer, please understand that although family dentists are skilled at keeping your teeth healthy, they have limited cosmetic dentistry skills without advanced training. The results depend on the dentist’s training and experience. It is unreasonable to expect your family to achieve beautiful results.

We recommend scheduling a second opinion with a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to examine your tooth and veneer to explain your options.

Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

Help Correcting Overjet and Spaces Between My Teeth

I have multiple problems with my teeth. I have overjet, and some spaces between my teeth are about 1/8 inch wide. Four of my teeth are missing. Also, I have caps on my front center teeth that are yellow, old, and too big. The overjet makes it looks like I am poking out my lips. My top teeth completely overlap my bottom teeth when I close my mouth. If I bite down, my teeth dig into my gums. This is a lot of work that I know my regular dentist doesn’t usually do. He said he could do new caps and then refer me to an orthodontist. I do not feel good about how my crowns will look from my dentist. I prefer not to switch dentists, but is there another way around it if I need cosmetic work and braces?

Loraine –

We understand your concerns. When there are multiple issues with your teeth, if a dentist’s work is not good, it can still detract from your smile. Although braces may beautifully align your teeth, if your dental crowns (caps) do not look natural, you will be unhappy with your smile—and perhaps self-conscious about it.

Over Jet Treatment Options

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
Porcelain veneer

If you have overjet and want to correct it, a cosmetic dentist will recommend orthodontics before dental crowns or veneers.

  • Orthodontics – Braces can correct overjet and the spaces between your teeth.
  • Dental crowns – Repositioning your teeth takes priority. Afterward, a cosmetic dentist can replace your dental crowns with natural-looking ceramic crowns.
  • Porcelain veneers – If you did not have crowns already, after orthodontics, porcelain veneers could correct flaws in your teeth, including shape and discoloration that teeth whitening will not resolve.

We recommend looking for two or three accredited cosmetic dentists with whom you can have consultations. Make a list of questions that you want to ask during the consultations.

You will learn about your options for closing the spaces between your teeth, resolving the overjet, and what can enhance the shape and color of your teeth. Ask to see photos of cases like yours that each cosmetic dentist has completed for their patients. It will take some time, but it will help you find the best dentist to give you a smile you want.

Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.

Can a Dentist Make My Too Big Veneers Smaller?

My four front teeth have been crooked from an accident 12 years ago. Last year, at age 32, I decided to improve my smile with porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, I did not research dentists well enough or get enough information about what it takes to get quality veneers. Last December, I allowed my dentist to place veneers, but they are too big. The veneers are wider and longer than my teeth in general. I am embarrassed to smile. My crooked teeth looked better! Now I have a better idea of how to find a cosmetic dentist, but what can I expect? Is there a way to make my veneers smaller, or will I need new ones? If I need new veneers, I want to know how to get a refund. Gia T. from Brooklyn

Gia,

Thank you for contacting our office. It is good to know that you will research cosmetic dentists before choosing a new one to correct your smile.

Look for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. And schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

Can a Dentist Make Too Large Veneers Smaller?

The tip of dental forceps are holding a porcelain veneer next to a lateral incisor tooth
Skilled cosmetic dentists provide veneers that are proportionate for your natural teeth and smile

In some cases, a skilled cosmetic dentist can shorten porcelain veneers. Depending on the extent of the changes required, altering the veneers might damage them or crack the glass. Also, drastic changes make it difficult to adjust the veneers and keep a natural-looking shape.

The best approach is to have an experienced cosmetic dentist examine your veneers. They will explain if and how much they can alter your veneers without damaging them. You mentioned that your veneers are too wide and long, so a cosmetic dentist will most likely recommend replacing them.

Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

My Replacement Porcelain Veneer Does Match the Others

I relocated in May of last year. I was due for a six-month cleaning in July, but I did not find a dentist due to the pandemic. I have eight porcelain veneers, and one of them broke last month. Unfortunately, I had to find a dentist quickly to replace the veneer. Now that I think about it, I should have called my former dentist for advice. When this new dentist got the veneer back from the lab, it was too light. He returned the veneer, and the lab tech baked a glazed on it to make it darker. The dentist removed some glaze to match the shade of my shade other veneers. We both thought it was okay, but now I see that the veneer is still a little too dark. And the veneer is not as shiny as the others. This experience is making me nervous because I do not know this dentist well. I just found him online because my veneer broke. Is it too late to lighten the veneer? Thank you. – Trevor

Trevor,

Thank you for your inquiry.

We understand that you chose a dentist because your porcelain veneer broke. And a broken veneer is a good reason to see a dentist right away. Unfortunately, it sounds like you found a dentist with limited training in dental aesthetics.

Replacing one veneer, manipulating the color, and matching it to existing veneers is tricky and requires special training. If the dentist you chose lacks experience in cosmetic dentistry, it may be challenging for him to match the shade.

How to Match a Veneer to Other Teeth

Although it is possible to polish off some tint to try to match other veneers, your new dentist’s technique was risky. Many advanced cosmetic dentists would send a photograph of your teeth to the lab tech to see the discrepancy in color, along with a detailed description of what needs to change. Sometimes it takes two or three try-ins to get the color right, but a skilled dentist will not bond the veneer unless it is a perfect match. And if a cosmetic dentist needs to manipulate veneer tint, they adjust tints beneath the veneer, not tint on the surface.

It sounds like your dentist is not familiar with the tinting process or does not stock tints to apply beneath a veneer. If your dentist continues to repeat the process, it could disturb the tint and further change the color.

Returning the Gloss to Your Porcelain Veneer

Your dentist can use diamond polishing wheels and polishing pastes to return the gloss to the porcelain. Expert cosmetic dentists usually have these items. If your current dentist must order the supplies, he may not have experience using them.

Improving the Shade of Your Veneer

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
A skilled cosmetic dentist can match a veneer to other teeth

A dentist achieves color match with proper lighting. Although your veneer might have appeared to match under artificial light in the dental office, you can see the color difference when you go outdoors in the sunlight. Expert cosmetic dentists check shade next to a window or use color-correct lighting in their office.

You can give this dentist another chance to color match the veneer, or you can find a dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training and years of experience. We recommend that you at least get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

 

Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.

 

My New Porcelain Veneers Are Too Short

Last week my dentist completed a crown and six porcelain veneers. I wore temporary veneers for several weeks and decided to get the work done finally. The temporary veneers were too long, so I asked for the final veneers to be slightly shorter. My dentist let me look at the veneers before he cemented them on, but I didn’t get a good look at them. My teeth are too short, and one incisor is smaller than the other. I know I won’t be happy unless the veneers are redone. Is it a big deal to lengthen porcelain veneers, or will a dentist need to replace them?  Thanks. Irina from IN

Irina,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

The only way to make your porcelain veneers longer is to replace them. And it is a big deal for your dentist. But if you aren’t happy with the results, you should ask your dentist to replace them.

Most people get porcelain veneers because they want a beautiful smile. You paid for a new smile, and an experienced cosmetic dentist feels obligated to deliver it. Porcelain veneers cost thousands of dollars—and you should love them. Although your incisors should be similar in size and shape, they don’t have to be identical for them to look natural.

The Difference an Expert Cosmetic Dentist Makes

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
A skilled cosmetic dentist can replace too short veneers

You mentioned that you briefly looked at your veneers—not long enough to notice that they are too short and that an incisor is too small. Although your dentist might practice cosmetic dentistry, an expert cosmetic dentist lets you examine your veneers before bonding them to your teeth. If you choose your current dentist for replacing your porcelain veneers, insist that he bonds them on after you’re delighted with your smile.

Reasons to get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist:

  • Legally—and according to the dental society—if a dentist restores your teeth and the work is functional, they have met the standard of care, even if you don’t like your smile.
  • If your dentist doesn’t want to replace your veneers, you don’t have legal leverage to insist he does so.
  • Be respectful and persuasive if you decide to keep the same dentist. But if you want a smile without disappointment, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a Moline, Illinois cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

 

 

My dentist hit my tooth hard, and now it’s turning gray

Man holding the side of his mouth, portraying tooth injury and need for a veneerMy tooth is turning gray because my dentist injured it while removing by lingual braces. She apologized many times and took an x-ray. The said the x-ray was fine. But now my tooth is turning gray. My dentist referred me to an endodontist who did a sensitivity test on my tooth and tooth x-rays. Then the endodontist said that I need root canal treatment because the tooth is dying. He uses something called Gentle Wave.

I did not schedule an appointment for the procedure yet because I am concerned about how the tooth will look afterward. Is root canal the only resolution?  Is it possible that I will need a porcelain veneer? Although my dentist is going to pay for everything, it still bothers me that my tooth is damaged to this extent. – Thanks for your help. Christopher from Medina, OH

Christopher,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

You need root canal treatment if a tooth is infected, dying, or dead. Without the procedure, the issue will progress, and you will eventually lose the tooth. Untreated tooth trauma has the following progression:

  • Inflammation and swelling
  • Lack of room inside a tooth for swelling
  • The living tissue becomes diseased, chokes, and dies

Your endodontist took an x-ray, which shows signs of diseased pulp and completed a sensitivity test. You can move forward with root canal treatment.

An Alternative to Traditional Root Canal Treatment

Your endodontist prefers GentleWave®, an alternative to traditional root canal treamtent. GentleWave has several advantages:

  • It is less invasive than traditional root canal treatment.
  • Multiple acoustic frequencies spin cleaning fluid through a tooth
  • The fluid reaches the deep into tooth roots where root canal tools sometimes cannot.
  • The procedure is less invasive than traditional root canal treatment and helps you heal faster.

An advanced cosmetic dentist can examine your tooth and determine if internal bleaching or some other treatment can lighten your tooth color. Dental bonding is less invasive than a porcelain veneer, so if you need it, a cosmetic dentist can achieve beautiful results.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a Moline, Illinois cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will I need bonding or porcelain veneers for uneven tooth edges?

I’m almost finished with braces, but my tooth edges are uneven. Can bonding fix this, or will I need porcelain veneers? Thanks, Emmie from Idaho

 

Emmie,

An expert cosmetic dentist can correct uneven tooth edges with cosmetic bonding, cosmetic contouring (enameloplasty), or both. What’s the difference?

Cosmetic bonding vs. Enameloplasty

Cosmetic bonding applies dental composite to your teeth to improve shape and color. Both procedures are less invasive than porcelain veneers. But enameloplasty removes some tooth enamel to improve your tooth shape. We will explain each process.

Cosmetic bonding

With composite bonding, a dentist skillful blends composite (a mixture of dental resin and glass) to match the shade and translucence of your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist works like an artist to apply and harden composite layers to smooth out jagged edges.

Cosmetic bonding steps include:

  • Acid etching your tooth enamel
  • Applying a bonding agent
  • Applying a layer of cosmetic bonding
  • Hardening the layer with a curing light before applying the next layer
  • Shaping your teeth
  • Polishing your teeth

Enameloplasty

Enameloplasty or cosmetic contouring reshapes your tooth enamel. After reshaping your teeth, the dentist will polish them. A cosmetic dentist understands how to reshape your teeth without changing your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth meet). Your dentist may need to use composite to finish the sides of your teeth.

Enameloplasty steps include:

  • Removing enamel with a dental burr or sand disc
  • Shaping and contouring each tooth
  • Polishing your teeth

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
Dental bonding or enameloplasty are less invasive than porcelain veneers

A cosmetic dentist will explain the cosmetic bonding and enameloplasty procedures and the results you can expect. You should not need porcelain veneers unless your teeth are damaged or stained beyond what teeth whitening can help. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

 

Cosmetic dentist Thomas J. Goebel, DDS, of Moline, IL, sponsors this post.

Why is my dentist pushing veneers for the gap between my front teeth?

I’ve always loved the gap between my front teeth. And people compliment me on my smile. But as I age, the gap is getting wider. I think that within the next two years, it will be large enough for another tooth to fit in the space. During my dental cleaning a year ago, I talked to my dentist about the gap, and she recommended porcelain veneers. We talked about the cost, and I explained that I’m not interested in paying that much money for my smile when my teeth are otherwise happy. I asked about my options, and she mentioned bonding but quickly added that I would not like the results. So during my cleaning appointment last month, my dentist asked me if I know when I want veneers. I quickly said, “No,” because I do not like confrontation, especially when paying for a service. So, I decided to find a dentist to write to and ask about this situation without any pressure. Why is my dentist promoting porcelain veneers for a tooth gap? Do I really not have any other options? Thank you. – Celina from PA

Celina,

We are glad that you decided to ask another dentist’s opinion. We are unsure why your dentist recommends porcelain veneers only for your gap. Ultimately, you may need an in-person exam with a nearby cosmetic dentist, but we can explain possible options. Please keep in mind that Dr. Goebel would need to examine your teeth for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options for a Gap Between Your Teeth

If you have a gap between your teeth, cosmetic dentistry options include orthodontic treatment, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding. We will discuss what to expect with each treatment option.

Correcting a Gap with Braces

Braces will align your teeth and remove the gap between them. If your excess tissue between your front teeth causes the gap, your dentist will need to remove the tissue before receiving braces.

  • Treatment time – Average treatment time is six to 12 months
  • Cost – Braces cost more than dental bonding. But depending on how many porcelain veneers you need, braces can cost slightly less than veneers.
  • How long will it last? – The results are permanent if you wear a retainer.

Correcting a Gap with Porcelain Veneers

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
Porcelain veneers are one option for closing gaps between teeth

Porcelain mimics natural tooth color and gloss. But a dentist must shave a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the fronts of our teeth to ensure the veneers fit well. Depending on the size of your gap, you may need veneers on more than your two front teeth to even out your smile.

  • Treatment time – You can receive porcelain veneers in an average of two to three visits. Some cases take longer.
  • Cost – Veneers cost more than dental bonding. And they can cost more than braces depending on your case. A single veneer costs about $1,500.
  • How long will they last? – High-quality veneers can last ten to twenty years if you take care of them.

Correcting a Gap with Dental Bonding

A skilled cosmetic dentist has an extensive supply of bonding materials and tools to close the gap between your teeth. The dentist blends shades of composite to match your teeth and hide the gap perfectly. And the dentist will polish your teeth to a gloss.

  • Treatment time – A highly skilled cosmetic dentist will close the gap with bonding while you sit in the dental chair. It takes about an hour.
  • Cost – Bonding is less expensive than braces or porcelain veneers.
  • How long will dental bonding last? – High-quality dental bonding can last about five years or longer if you take care of it.

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

If you schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, they can explain the results you can expect with braces, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding. You will also get specific information on the costs. Check dentist’s websites for information about their cosmetic dentistry training. And check out their smile gallery.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a cosmetic dentist in Moline, IL, sponsors this post. Looking for a cosmetic dentist near you? Read Dr. Goebel’s continuing education.

 

Brown spots on my teeth and whitening makes them worse

Since childhood, I’ve had brown spots on six front teeth. I was told that the discoloration came from illness and frequent fever as a child. My dentist has tried whitening my teeth with different products. Although my teeth are whiter, the discoloration looks darker than ever. My dentist says that he may be able to grind away the discoloration and put composite over it. The process sounds painful. And my dentist doesn’t sound as if he knows that it will work. I am 33 years old and finally stable enough to get this done right without being my dentist’s guinea pig. Is grinding off the stains the only option? – Thank you. Ksenia from Chicago

Ksenia,

You are wise to be cautious about letting your dentist try to remove or reduce the brown spots on your teeth. Your dentist’s attempt to improve your teeth with bleaching shows that he does not understand how to predict the results of whatever treatment he uses.

What Causes Brown Spots on Teeth?

Brown spots on teeth can result from a variety of conditions—some medical and some external. Some causes of brown tooth stains include:

  • Excessive intake of fluoride (fluorosis stains)
  • High fever during childhood while teeth are developing
  • Taking the antibiotic tetracycline while teeth are developing
  • Tobacco products
  • Tooth decay
  • Trauma
  • Untreated decalcification around braces

Will Teeth Whitening Remove Brown Spots?

Teeth whitening will not remove embedded brown spots caused by fluorosis, tetracycline, fever during childhood, and other factors.

Microabrasion for Brown Spots on Teeth

Microabrasion is a process that uses hydrochloric acid and pumice to gently remove a small about of tooth enamel. If the brown spots on your teeth are not deeply embedded, microabrasion might work.

Severe Brown Spots on Teeth

When brown spots on your teeth are severe, a cosmetic dentist can conceal them with dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Dental Bonding for Brown Spots on Teeth

Dental bonding can conceal brown spots if a skilled cosmetic dentist does it. The dentist will take these steps:

  • Clean and dry your teeth
  • Roughen the surface
  • Lightly etch your teeth
  • Blend dental composite to perfectly match your natural tooth shade
  • Apply and sculpt the composite
  • Harden and polish it

Porcelain Veneers for Brown Spots on Teeth

The tip of dental forceps hold a porcelain veneer
A cosmetic dentist can conceal brown spots with porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers will conceal brown spots on teeth. Although they are more expensive than dental bonding, they last longer. Veneers can last up to 20 years, but bonding must be renewed every three to five years—if not sooner.

A cosmetic dentist takes these steps for veneers:

  • Talks to you about your preferences for tooth shape, size, and color
  • Prepares your teeth by removing less than one millimeter of tooth enamel
  • Takes impressions of your teeth
  • Give you temporary veneers to wear before you approve the look and feel
  • Sends your case to a ceramist to make your porcelain veneers
  • Bonds the veneers on after you approve the look and feel

A dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry training to achieve natural-looking results with composite or veneers. Your cosmetic dentist must:

  • Conceal the brown spots
  • Maintain translucence in the bonding or porcelain veneers
  • Perfectly match the bonding or veneers with the surrounding teeth

We recommend looking for a cosmetic dentist and scheduling a consultation to examine your teeth and explain your treatment options. Verify the dentist’s credentials before agreeing to treatment. Read our post, Her porcelain veneers keep falling off, but are they really veneers?, to understand why you must be cautious.

 

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a cosmetic dentist in Moline, IL, sponsors this post. Visit his smile gallery to see before-and-after patient photos.