Tag Archives: Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

CEREC

Persistent Pain with CEREC crown

I got a CEREC crown on a molar. I’ve had horrible pain ever since, whenever I bite down on anything. My dentist blames it on the way I chew. He said I have a cow chewing effect and that is the cause.  I’m wondering how that is possible if it didn’t hurt before.

Mika B. – Denver, CO

Mika,

I’m with you. I see no reason why you would suddenly start chewing like a cow. My suspicion is your dentist is just not quite up to snuff on this procedure.

CEREC crowns are milled by a computer, so they’re usually easier to place. That being said, there are two things that can go wrong.

  1. It is placed too high. If that happens, whenever you bite down, that tooth is higher than the others. That would cause sensitivity whenever you bite down.
  2. A second possibility is that the underlying tooth is infected. It’s possible something was missed.

Because I’m not sure your dentist is handling this well, I would get a second opinion from an endodontist.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Can a 12 year old use invisalign?

I have a daughter that recently turned twelve. She has all her permanent teeth. Is it possible for her to get invisalign?

Sara  L. – Pennsylvania

Sara,

It may be physically possible for your daughter to use Invisalign at twelve, depending on her specific case. However, I want to caution you about a couple of things.  There are some great advantages of invisalign over traditional braces.  One of the biggest for teens is the ease of oral hygiene. Many teens have a lot of trouble getting their teeth clean enough with all those metal and wires.  Even those who had never previously had cavities, often end up with decay problems with braces.  Because Invisalign is removable, it makes it ideal for keeping their teeth clean easily.

That advantage is also a problem. They’re removable. It is a rare twelve year old who will not lose their aligners. You also have to consider compliance.  She’ll have to keep the aligners in for 22 hours out of the day for the treatment to be effective.

If you think she can handle that responsibility, then Invisalign may work for her.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Uncategorized

What’s the real difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?

There is a pediatric dentist in my town, but he is pretty pricey. Plus, I find his personality a little too abrasive for my taste.  Is there really a significant difference between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist?

Emily J. – Montana

Emily,

A pediatric dentist does two extra years of dental training that are specific to children.  Therefore, some parents choose to go to a specialist because the added training gives them peace of mind.  However, many parents have found that there child was more receptive at their regular family dentist.

A general dentist is qualified to treat children.  The advantages are the dentist treats the whole family, which gives him some insight into the dental genetics of your family and can keep an eye out for issues that are unique to your family.

If any treatment issues arise that require a specialist, your family dentist could easily give you a referral to someone else as needed.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Porcelain Veneers

Don’t listen to your dentist!

My dentist has recommended I get porcelain veneers to fix my teeth.  There is a large gap (about 10 mm). He thinks two veneers in the front should cover it.  I’m a little concerned, because the gap is so large and thought I should get a second opinion. What are your thoughts?

Brandon K. – Oklahoma

Brandon,

I’m exceedingly glad you wrote before you went forward with that treatment.  A 10mm gap is enough to fit in an entire new tooth.  Just placing two porcelain veners will look a little weird.  Plus, if you’re going to do porcelain veneers, you generally want to get all the visible teeth of your top arch done in a way that looks completely natural.

I would like you to see an AACD accredited dentist for a second opinion. These dentists are of the highest calibar of cosmetic dentists in the country.  They’ll be able to give you the most beautiful and natural solution to your situation.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

How often must I visit the dentist with invisalign?

If I want to get invisalign, will I have to go to the dentist every two weeks? I heard that is how often you have to have the aligners changed.

Melissa S. – Portland, OR

Melissa,

You don’t have to go in to the office to switch your aligners.  Even though your dentist will have you switch them out every two weeks, he gives you enough Invisalign to wear for six weeks.  You just trade out your aligners in between times.  They’re easy to get in and out, so there is no special procedure or training necessary.

Some things to be aware of–

1. Don’t try to change them out sooner than every two weeks.  That will mess up your teeth.  Although you’ll find that your teeth move into their new position quicker than that, your bone needs time to support your tooth root in its new position.

2. Be sure to leave your aligners in for the prescribed amount every day.  Of course, you get to take them out and eat.  It is recommended that you brush your teeth after each meal as well.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Lafayette LA Dentist

Trying to decide between a dental implant or a bridge?

I have a tooth I need to replace. I am trying to decide whether I should get a dental implant or a bridge. Is there any advantage to the implant? They are much more expensive.

Desiree J. – New Mexico

Desiree,

This is an important question. Dental implants are fantastic and function much more like your natural teeth than a bridge, but there are times where a bridge would make more sense. Your dentist can help you determine which one is the better treatment, but here is a basic  guideline.

When one of your adjacent teeth needs some work, such as a dental crown.  If you’re going to need to have an adjacent tooth ground down anyway, you can save money by getting a bridge. It will replace your tooth and crown the sick one simultaneously.

If, on the other hand, both of the adjacent teeth are healthy and you have the money, you’ll be much happier with the dental implant.   It is much more like your natural tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr.Mike Malone.

Porcelain Veneers

My Lumineers make me look like a beaver!

I just spent and embarrassing amount of money on lumineers.  I was so excited to get a new smile, but when he put it one I was horribly disappointed.  They’re so bulky that I feel like a beaver.  IS there anything I can do to trim them down?

Rose T.  – Georgia

Rose,

I’m very sorry for the experience you’re having with your smile makeover.  Believe me, I’ve heard similar stories a thousand times.  It appears that you’ve had an inexperienced dentist to your porcelain veneers. Lumineers are simply one brand of porcelain veneers. They often appeal to inexperienced cosmetic dentists, because they are marketed as being very easy to place.

However, to do a smile makeover well, it requires a lot of post graduate training in cosmetic techniques.  It takes more than just technical skill though.  You need a dentist who has an artistic eye…..otherwise you end up looking like a beaver (or worse!).

Unfortunately, once porcelain veneers are bonded on there is nothing you can do to change them.  You’ll have to have an entire new set done.  It’s possible you can get at least a partial refund.  I’d start by asking your dentist.   IF he says no, you can get a second opinion by a highly skilled cosmetic dentist on your veneers.  He could add some pressure to your dentist.

Look for someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  They’re the top cosmetic dentists in the world. You can be confident that you’ll get a smile that is stunning.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Cosmetic Dentist

Do you have to grind your teeth for cosmetic dentistry?

I was thinking of getting some cosmetic dentistry done to make my teeth look beautiful, but I’ve heard you have to get your teeth ground down. Is that true? I’m not too keen on that idea, to be honest.

Mary G. – Denton, TX

Mary,

It’s lovely that you’re wanting to do a smile makeover. Cosmetic Dentistry can completely change your appearance. it can even make you look years younger.

You don’t have to grind down your teeth for cosmetic dentistry. Occassionally, you may need a dental crown for a damaged tooth, but that is not cosmetic.

If you’re wanting to remake your smile, the best procedure would be to get porcelain veneers. There is no grinding in that case. It’s possible you’ll need to have your teeth gently shaved for tooth preparation, but that would only be about the depth of a fingernail.   There is no real visible difference between the prepared and unprepared teeth.

You’ll want to find an artistic cosmetic dentist in order to ensure  that you get a beautiful smile.  An inexperienced cosmetic dentist could give you a very horrible smile, so be careful.  My recommendation is you look for one of the dentists recommended on the mynewsmile.com website. They’ll have listings for great cosmetic dentists in your area.  They only recommend the best. A dentist cannot just pay to get on their site.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

CEREC

Crowns are getting old- can they be upgraded?

My dental crowns are getting old.  I don’t have time to do a new crown, which would mean two days away from work.  Can I just get the old ones upgraded a little so they are white again?

David R. – MN

David,

If by upgraded, you mean have your crowns whitened, then no.  There isn’t any kind of dental work, such as crowns, bonding, or veneers, that can be whitened by traditional teeth whitening. Instead, they have to be re-done.

I know you can’t get a lot of time off work.  In that case, I would consider CEREC crowns.  You can get them in just one appointment.  There is no need for a temporary crown.  The same day you go in for the initial appointment, you  get your permanent crown.

They’re made out of porcelain, just like regular porcelain crowns and are attractive and natural looking.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Invisalign

Straighten and Whiten your teeth at the same time

I’ve been saving money to make my teeth look better. I’ve got enough to straighten my teeth and whiten them.  Would it better to do the braces first or to whiten them first?

Nerry P. – Georgia

Nerry,

If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, you could do both at the same time.  You’ll find most patients prefer invisalign over traditional braces anyway. They’re more comfortable, more attractive, and finish much sooner.

You may click here to learn more about Invisalign.  If you’re dentist agrees, it is possible to use the invisalign aligners as whitening trays.  This way you can spend some of your time wearing the aligners with the whitening gel inside. In all likelihood, you’ll have briliant, white teeth before you’re even done straightening them, allowing you to witen your teeth and straighten them simultaneously.

This blog is brought to you by Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.