Frequently Asked Questions

• What can be done to fix a chipped front tooth?
• I have dark stains. What can be done?
• Do "special whitening toothpastes" really lighten teeth?
• My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached?
• How long does bleaching last?
• I have a space between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?
• There is a dark line on my tooth at the gum line. What causes that?
• My crown in the front doesn't match my teeth—it looks fake. What can be done?
• My teeth are too small. Can I have bigger teeth?
• I've lost a tooth. What can be done?
• What's the difference between bonding and porcelain laminate veneers?
• What are porcelain veneers?
• How long does each last?
• I have big dark silver fillings. Can they be made tooth-colored?
• My teeth stick out in the front. Are braces my only option?
• How long do your procedures take?
• What can I do about bad breath?
• My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal?

What can be done to fix a chipped front tooth?

A chipped tooth can ruin an otherwise pleasing smile. Fortunately, dental bonding can be applied, color-matched and shaped to help make your tooth appear pleasing again. Dental bonding is usually accomplished in one visit. A permanent solution would be to get a porcelain veneer. It is more costly, but should last a lifetime.

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I have dark stains. What can be done?

A good cleaning in the dental office is a good start. Bleaching using at home bleaching can also help. If your teeth are very dark it may take up to 3 months at home. You may also want to consider replacing old fillings with tooth colored bonded restorations and/or porcelain laminate veneers. The most important thing is for you to have a consultation with your dentist who will help you make the correct decision and avoid problems.

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Do "special whitening toothpastes" really lighten teeth?

Most "whitening toothpastes" remove some surface stains but they will not bleach the teeth as effectively as bleaching gels. Even if the toothpaste does contain some bleaching chemicals, the time the paste is in contact with the teeth is insignificant compared with using a bleaching solution and a form fitted tray. Also, these toothpastes may have harmful abrasives that can wear away tooth structure over time.

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My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached?

Bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. Usually, polishing may help but if not, you can have the surface of the fittings redone. Otherwise, it's time to replace with newer bonding or porcelain laminates for longer lasting results. Remember; only replace these fillings after bleaching in order to match the new improved color of your own natural tooth.

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How long does bleaching last?

Each person is different. It depends on many factors including your diet, the original color of your teeth, and each person's ability just to absorb the bleaching products.

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I have a space between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?

There are several ways in which this can be corrected:

• Orthodontics is the best way (multiple visits)
• Bonding (one visit)
• Porcelain laminate veneers (two visits)
• Crowns (two visits)

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There is a dark line on my tooth at the gum line. What causes that?

Usually a metal margin on a crown or a dark root. Look for a dentist that makes all ceramic crowns with no metal." Visit the dentist to determine the exact cause and best solution.

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My crown in the front doesn't match my teeth—it looks fake. What can be done?

This is the hardest thing to do in dentistry—match a single front tooth. Look for an excellent cosmetic dentist who works with a master ceramist. Sometimes it is necessary to do more than one tooth. In that case, bonding or porcelain laminates might be the answer. Remember, it takes a great deal of artistry involved on the part of the dentist and ceramist.

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My teeth are too small. Can I have bigger teeth?

Yes. Either with composite resin bonding, porcelain laminate veneers or full crowns. Have a consultation, which will include esthetic computer imaging to see how you can look with long or perhaps wide teeth.

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I've lost a tooth. What can be done?

Today dentistry offers many options:

• Tooth bonded back in place
• A removable appliance
• A fixed bridge
• An implant and crown

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What's the difference between bonding and porcelain laminate veneers?

Bonding is a tooth-colored, plastic (composite) resin material and is done in one visit. Porcelain laminate veneers can mask dark stains better with less long-term chipping than bonding. They are made by a ceramist and do not stain, offering greater choice in color, shape and vitality. They require two office visits.

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What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are permanently affixed to the front of your teeth. They are as hard or harder than your own enamel, and resist stains and abrasion far better. They can be the ultimate in a cosmetic make-over, because they can solve many common cosmetic problems: chipped, gapped, stained and misaligned teeth, among others. They require at least two visits to complete.

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How long does each last?

On the average, bonding lasts 3–8 years. Porcelain laminate veneers lasts 10–20 years or more.

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I have big dark silver fillings. Can they be made tooth-colored?

Yes. Possible tooth colored replacement choices include:

• Composite (plastic) resin
• Porcelain inlay / onlay
• Porcelain crowns

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My teeth stick out in the front. Are braces my only option?

No. Many times a compromise can be suggested after a cosmetic consultation.

• Cosmetic contouring
• Bonding
• Porcelain laminate veneers
• Crowns

Keep in mind that orthodontics is usually the best choice for these situations.

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How long do your procedures take?

Bonding can be completed in one visit in most cases. At Home Bleaching requires an initial visit to be fitted for the splint. You need to return in about 7 days to pick-up your splints (we make sure it fits right), then depending on how often you wear the them, you'll see results from one week to a month or more. Porcelain Veneers require two visits, about 15days apart for fitting and applying. In between visits you will be wearing temporary veneers that will look great. Since each person's dental needs are unique, the above time guidelines are only an estimate. During your first consultation a better schedule can be provided.

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What can I do about bad breath?

It may be coming from your teeth or gums but usually it's from bacteria colonizing on the back of the tongue. There are remedies available today to combat this problem. Mouth rinses (chlorine dioxide) and tongue scrapers help get rid of the bacteria that cause these odors.

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My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal?

No! A thorough soft tissue evaluation including x-rays, with cleanings and good home-care instructions, is an essential beginning. Usually bleeding is a beginning symptom of gingivitis or periodontal disease, and may require conventional gum surgery if necessary. Seek a dentist who can do different forms of treatment from simple cleaning of the teeth to antibiotic therapy, and as a last resort, surgery.

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