Myrtle Beach Doctors

How to Get Rid of Lines on Teeth Resulting From Braces?

I had braces from the ages of 13 to 15, I am now 23. After the braces were removed I was left with these lines on my two front teeth. They are like clear lines that follow the shape my braces had, probably the result of me not brushing my teeth well. They really effect my self esteem and make my teeth look bad, is there anything I can do about them? I have heard of MI paste, but I don't have white spots they are more like clear lines. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It sounds as if you may have some residual resin left on the surface of your teeth from where the brackets were bonded.  If this is the case, it can be removed quite easily, revealing your natural tooth surface.  Ask your dentist or hygienist to scrape the "clear lines" with a metal explorer--if it leaves a mark, then you have excess bonding resin which was left over from your bracket removal.

If this isn't the case, then you may need to consider restorative options (like porcelain veneers) to correct the issue.
 

Chad Colson, DMD

Myrtle Beach Cosmetic Dentist

Are Porcelain Veneers Recommended for Really Crooked Teeth?

Is it possible for an adult to correct extremely crooked teeth with veneers, or should they see an orthodontist?

Correcting severely crowded or "crooked" teeth can be accomplished both orthodontically or restoratively.  The risk in correcting them restoratively lies in the severity of the crowding.  If the teeth are rotated too severely, they will be at risk for needing endodontic treatment (root canals) performed.  This is relative to the amount of tooth structure that would need to be removed during the restorative process to achieve the desired esthetic outcome.  Usually these restorations are porcelain crowns vs. veneers.

My suggestion would be to consult a restorative dentist that is well trained in smile makeovers (cosmetic dentistry) and express these concerns.  I always suggest (and prefer) orthodontic treatment to correct severe crowding, whether it is the only treatment rendered or it is adjunctive to eventual restorative treatment.  Aligning the teeth allows for a more conservative approach to the restorations (i.e. veneers).

Chad Colson, DMD

Myrtle Beach Cosmetic Dentist

Normal for Veneers to Not Feel Secure?

just had permanents put on...they do not feel secure....i feel like i can push them up furhter....is is just because he did some gum work?

Once bonded into place, porcelain veneers should not move.  They should feel seemless--like part of the underlying tooth.  If you can move your recently delivered veneers, you should follow up with your restorative dentist.

Chad Colson, DMD

Myrtle Beach Cosmetic Dentist