Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for April 2024

Can a Dentist Repair My Chipped Crowns?

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Can a dentist repair my chipped crowns? I fell outdoors during a home repair last week. I chipped two of my three dental crowns that I got in 2021. It’s only been three years, and I dread the cost of getting new crowns. I invested in quality crowns, but if I need new ones, I cannot afford the same quality. Can a dentist repair them? I had an appointment with a dentist who said the repair wasn’t worth it. He wants to replace the crowns all three crowns to ensure they match. Why would I need a new crown to replace the one that is not chipped? Thanks. Joel from SC

 

Joel,

The dentist you saw probably lacks skill in concealing the chips in your crowns with composite. Also, if the dentist recommends three new crowns when only two are chipped, he may not be confident about matching two new crowns to the third, undamaged one.

Can a Dentist Repair a Chipped Crown?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can examine your crowns and determine if bonding can correct them.

A skilled cosmetic may use this technique to restore your crowns if they are repairable:

  • Use a sandblaster or hydrofluoric acid to etch the broken edges of the ceramic crowns
  • Treat the ceramic with a silane coupling agent
  • Select composite to match the color and luster of the porcelain, blend it, and bond it to the crowns

Look for two cosmetic dentists in your area who have post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. You can schedule consultations with each dentist to examine your crowns and explain your options for concealing the chips.

 

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide some of the best dentistry in Baton Rouge.

Why Are My Porcelain Veneers Turning Dark?

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Why are my porcelain veneers turning dark? Although I got them in 2005, should they be darkening? I got the veneers to hide calcium deposits on my teeth. But now, when I compare current pictures with some from a few years ago, my teeth almost look gray. Is this something that a dentist can correct, or will I need new veneers? Thanks.  Thu from TN

Thu,

A dentist with cosmetic dentistry experience would need to examine your teeth and veneers to determine why they look darker. But we can provide some insight.

Do Porcelain Veneers Change Color?

Porcelain veneers do not change color unless they are damaged. Porcelain is more stain resistant than tooth enamel. But your teeth behind the porcelain veneers can make them look darker.

  • Damaged porcelain veneers – If a dental hygienist mistakenly uses power polishing equipment on porcelain veneers, it will destroy the glaze. Within a few weeks, the veneers will attract stains and become darker. In addition, acidulated fluoride treatment or other harsh chemicals can erode the glaze and cause veneers to attract stains and darken.
  • Darkening natural teeth — Porcelain veneers are translucent, so the color will show through if your teeth get darker behind the veneers. If your veneers are leaking and bacteria is seeping between them and your teeth, your teeth will look darker. Leaky veneers promote tooth decay, which will darken teeth and show through.

Schedule an Exam

Find an advanced cosmetic dentist in your area to examine your teeth and veneers and determine why your veneers look darker. The dentist will explain your treatment options. Some possible options include:

  • Lightening your teeth beneath the veneers – Teeth bleaching may lighten your teeth.
  • Polishing the veneers – Sometimes, diamond polishing instruments and polishing paste will improve the veneers’ appearance.
  • Replacing the veneers – You may need new veneers if yours are extensively damaged or worn.

 

Best wishes.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.  Read how Dr. Perry strives to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.