Littleton Doctors

Can I Have my Veneers Removed? I Dislike the Look and Feel.

I just had 6 upper porcelain veneers put on and I hate them. They are very thick and bulky but also much whiter than i had expected. My dentist did not give me proper temporary veneers to see what they would be like, but also failed to show me how they look before bonding them.

Porcelain veneers CAN be removed. Though the process of making veneers is actually designed to make them stay adhered for many years. In general, veneers can be a treatment that lasts 5 to even 20 years.

The problem you are describing is that you are disappointed with your veneers. This is a difficult place to be. First, start with a calm, objective conversation with your dentist. Explain without emotions and accusations, what concerns you have about how your porcelain veneers turned out. Then stop and listen. Try to find a workable solution. There may be some difficult choices.

You are in a place where there are no easy solutions. I would not make any decisions lightly about having your veneers removed. I would do that only as a last option.

If you don't seem to be working toward a productive solution with your dentist, you may want to get a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist. It's very important for him to know your list of what you expect before you start. It's also important that you listen to his list of what to expect. Great cosmetic dentistry is hard to do, takes lots of practice and education, and takes a fantastic ceramist-which can be expensive.

A good cosmetic dentist will help build your confidence at each step of the process. 

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS

Lakewood Cosmetic Dentist

Tooth Bonding on Front Teeth Discolors Easily, What Can I Do For This?

I have bonding on 6 of my front teeth. For the most part, I am happy with the look, but the bonding discolors easily. I have tried sticking to light colored beverages and applying petroleum jelly to them before I drink coffee or red wine, but this is so inconvenient and I still get some discoloration. Is there a way to prevent the darkening or to lighten them at home once the discoloration occurs? Do you recommend veneers instead? Thank you.

Bonding is a great cosmetic dentistry service. It can be quick, moderate in cost and make an amazing change in one appointment. Sometimes, you don't even need to be numb!

Bonding that is over 10 years old may continue to discolor easily. If you are needing to change your lifestyle this much to minimize staining, it's time to do something.

I've had patients who had old bonding, that just need it re-polished and sealed. That can make you much more stain resistant. Sometimes old bonding loses its adhesion, and the edges will continually collect stains. You may be at this point.

You may need the old bonding removed and replaced. New bonding can be extremely stain resistant.

If you really want a maintenance-free solution, then you may want to consider porcelain veneers.

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS

Lakewood Cosmetic Dentist

Tooth #8: Internal Beaching or Porcelain Crown? Discolored(pink) and Slight Fracture

About 3 weeks ago I had a trauma to my mouth and my #8 tooth (front) has become discolored pink and has a slight fracture on the surface. I have been to a dentist and an endodontist. My tooth still responds to the vitality tests but it is just discolored and has a slight fracture.Digital radiograph in 2 weeks. Does a tooth turn back to a natural color after several months? I would like to know more about the pros and cons for internal bleaching and if it lasts. Would a porcelain crown be better?

Trauma can cause all sorts of discolorations to front teeth. Some are transient, some are harbingers of the nerve eventually dying. Some barely discolor, some turn very dark. If you have an Endodontist involved, that's great. I would be patient and wait for their advice.  Some mildly traumatized teeth just return back to normal.

It's just too early to decide some of these things. After more than twenty years as a cosmetic dentist, you'll just need to see what you have to work with in a few months. 

As the course for this tooth becomes more defined, make sure to have a Cosmetic Dentist on board. They can help you make solid, conservative choices and beautiful results whatever happens.

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS

Lakewood Cosmetic Dentist