Hi harrietdhl, This is a common occurrence with dental bonding. It is also the reason that veneers should only be completed after all the factors that contribute to a poor experience and journey are controlled. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that composite resin (the material used in dental bonding) is very weak compared to natural tooth structure, and has very specific requirements both when placing the bonding, and for maintaining it adequately. The way your bottom teeth move against your top teeth will determine whether you are likely to chip your dental bonding. Since it's the same spot chipping repeatedly, this is the most likely explanation. It is also important for your dentist to thoroughly assess your facial tension and determine whether you have a tendency to clench or grind your teeth, as most patients are completely unaware of this until it is diagnosed. If you clench or grind your teeth, you will definitely chip and crack your dental bonding. In addition, you must be taught how to adequately maintain your bonding, as they tend to attract a lot more plaque than natural tooth structure and must be cleaned thoroughly to ensure there aren't problems that arise that may contribute to the failure of the dental bonding, or worse, your natural tooth underneath. I sincerely hope this issue is rectified soon, all the best. Dr Rick
Hi INADITCH, That extra aligner should still be with your dentist, we use it to add a button attachment. I can't assume to know what happened or why this was issued to you, but I can suggest what you should do: 1. Call your dentist, let them know they have accidentally given you an attachment template and book an appointment on, or as close as possible to, the start date of your aligner #15, 2. take the attachment template with you to your appointment, have the clinician overseeing this treatment place the attachment, 3. Continue as normal with tray #15. Hopefully that helps and good on you for being so vigilant with your treatment! Dr Rick
Hi LA_EM, Crown lengthening involves removal/recontouring of the bone that holds the tooth in the jaw, but also dictates where the gum height will settle. Bone healing can take up to 9 weeks to resolve in this area and the gum will continually change its appearance during this time. I would not be worried about the appearance at this stage as it is not necessarily representative of the final position of the gum on this tooth. Hope that helped! Dr Rick
Hi Energetic992, The black you can see is a blood clot, a normal part of the healing process. Hope you're back to 100% soon! Dr Rick
Hi Rational8762,Unfortunately wisdom teeth have the highest rate of post-operative discomfort of all teeth. I would encourage you to see your dentist to ensure there are no complications after the extraction, however it is not uncommon for the pain to continue for 9 days or more. I'm sure you've been briefed, but regular rinsing with warm, salty water is best to keep the socket moist and flush out any accumulated debris that may be slowing down the healing process. Best of luck! hope you're feeling better soon! Dr Rick
