Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentists

Invisalign Bonding Agent Covering Whole Tooth, Is This Ok?

I just got my Invisalign yesterday. I have some gumline recession on a few of my teeth, and attachments were required on some of those teeth. The dental assistant put the clear bonding agent on two teeth, coating them up to the gumline. They are now hardened shells covering both teeth entirely. Will this do any damage to the teeth if left on for the entire Invisalign treatment (9-10 months)? Also, how will they get it off? I'm afraid drilling/sanding it off will hurt since it is so sensitive!

The excess material from the placement of attachments should not impinge upon the gums or root surface of the tooth.  In addition to patient discomfort, Improperly placed attachments can lead to Aligners that dont fit well and a compromised end result. The good news is that this problem can be easily solved by polishing away any excess material around the attachment.  You should have your dentist inspect each attachment and aligners for proper fit. A local anesthetic can be used if any excess material needs to be removed so you will feel no discomfort.  Wish you all the best with your Invisalign treatment.

Giri Palaniswamy, DDS

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist

Two Recently Crowned Teeth Need Root Canals?

I recently got two crown lengthing/crowns. I waited a month between the lengthening and crown. It's two weeks later and I'm still throbbing in pain. It's hyper sensitive to cold. Now he says I need a root canal, without even looking in my mouth. I'm suspicious that two teeth suddenly need canals and suspect the process. These new crowns are all ceramic (not metal on ceramic) and I read the cement used might be the issue. I'm leaning towards getting a second opinion.

It could be a list of many factors and without seeing an x-ray and doing a clinical exam, any dentist is just guessing.  If its an all ceramic crown, it could be  poorly bonded on.  Bonding is an extremely technique sensitive procedure and any moisture or conataminant that gets under the crown could potentially cause sensitivity. If you take your finger nail and press into the crown and you get a slight zinger, its mostly a bonding problem.  If thats what it is, my advice is to have the crowns taken off and re-done.  Sometimes the sensitivity will go away on its own but that can take up to a year. Make sure your dentist is properly trained when it comes to bonding restorations.  Good luck. 
Dr. David Frey

David S. Frey, DDS

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist

Overcrowded Teeth+Overbite: Am I Eligible for Invisalign? (photo)

Dear Dentists, I am seriously considering Invisalign due to the nature of my job, i can't have visible braces. I've been putting up with my overcrowded teeth and overbite for 24 years. Please advise if i'm a suitable candidate for the treatment. Your response matters so much! Thank you!

Such as yours. It may take about 12 -14 months but you will see a huge improvement in your smile and facial contours...You lips will even become more even and putting on lip stick etc will be easier. I hope you get this treatment....

Michael J. Thomas, DDS

Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist