Ever since I had my porcelain veneers placed on my teeth I have been experiencing a salty taste in my mouth. This is bewildering to me. Could this be from my new porcelain veneers?
Sarah from Ohio
Dear Sarah,
You should not be experiencing a salty taste from your new porcelain veneers. In a normal porcelain veneer placement process there is nothing that would have this kind of result. You should give your dentist a call to see if there was something unusual that was used during the procedure.
Click to learn more on Lumineers, which are a particular brand of porcelain veneers.
I would like to improve my smile by fixing the spacing between my teeth. I’m looking for quick and affordable way to make my teeth look straight. I really can’t afford costly cosmetic dentist work. What is your opinion of the Snap-On Smile appliance?
Shelly from Utah
Shelly,
If you’re looking for a temporary and inexpensive way to improve the appearance of your smile, then the Snap-On Smile appliance will work. Most dentists should be able to do this for you since it only involves taking an impression of your teeth and choosing a color shade and smile design. Then the dentist will send it New York to be created in the laboratory.
I believe the appliance will cost you between $1000 and $1500 as opposed to this same price for just one porcelain veneer. This appliance should last you anywhere from 3 to 5 years if worn daily, and then you can pop it when you don’t want to wear it.
Another affordable and longer lasting alternative to the Snap-On Smile is a technique called direct tooth bonding, but you would need to go to an expert cosmetic dentist who has artistic ability for this. Direct tooth bonding involves adding tooth-colored composite to both sides of your teeth where you want to correct the gap. Although, using this method depends on how many gaps you have between your teeth because direct tooth bonding should not be used for complete smile makeovers.
If you would like to learn more about complete smile makeovers, visit our porcelain veneers web page.
Not long ago, I had chipped my two front teeth that left a gap between them in the form of a V. When I went to my dentist I was told that he could repair the gap by doing a dental bonding procedure. Now that the procedure is complete, I can see where the bonding material has been applied, and I still have a gap between my teeth. While this procedure has made an improvement in my appearance, I am still not satisfied with the results. Is there anything I can do about this? Is this bonding process reversible?
Karen from Ontario
Karen,
Fortunately, tooth bonding can be reversed by sanding these teeth down to the enamel with special sandpaper that most dentist should have.
Once the material has been removed from your teeth, I highly recommend that you find a qualified cosmetic dentist, one who has had additional post-graduate training in this procedure. While dentist tend to be good technicians, they do not have an a artistic skill to do this type of work. Direct bonding takes a very special skill since it is done freehand. If the work is done right, you will be quite pleased with the results. When searching for a well-qualified cosmetic dentist to do the work right, look for one who is accredited in cosmetic dentistry by the American Academy of Cosmetic dentistry.
Over the last twenty-five years I have had an ongoing battle with bulimia. At last I finally feel like I have a grasp on this illness after having many years of intensive counseling and belonging to support groups. As a result of my illness, I now fear my teeth have been damaged beyond repair. I can no longer bite or chew correctly, because my teeth have worn down to almost nothing and many of them have chipped apart from being so thin.
Eating has also become difficult because of my damaged teeth and my jaw is even misaligned. As a result of this damage, I suffer from terrible pain and I get headaches when opening my mouth to bite or chew.
I’m considering finding a cosmetic dentist to fix my jaw and improve my smile. Can something still be done for me?
- Sheri from Washington
Sheri,
I commend you for overcoming your eating disorder. As time goes on your life will improve more each day.
You’ve made a wise choice to consider a cosmetic dentist to help you with your jaw and teeth problems. Cosmetic dentists are highly trained in treating severe cases such as yours resulting from Bulimia. If your teeth have worn down to paper thin, this may require dental bonding technology to repair them. Crowns may also be a necessity, but they may not hold on your severely worn teeth since the conventional cementation techniques may not have the strength to secure them.
You also mentioned your bite is now misaligned and that you suffer from severe jaw pain and headaches when opening your mouth to chew or bite. These symptoms may be caused from TMJ disorder, so you will need to find a good dentist who can restore your bite. When searching for a cosmetic dentist be sure to look for one who also has extensive experience in treating TMJ disorders.
This will be extensive work that you will need to have done since you will more than likely require crowns on nearly all your teeth, so I’m glad you realize that you should find an experienced cosmetic dentist. I wish you all the best in overcoming these challenges.
New Jersey Monthly Magazine recently listed Dr. Allyson Hurley among their illustrious list of “NJ Top Dentists of 2009“. This list is compiled through a survey of New Jersey dentists, and so inclusion is truly an honor, as it is a nod of respect from her peers.
This blog will include news and information from Dr. Hurley about cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry.