teeth whitening Archives

Dental Bonding Staining in Two Weeks

Posted on March 21, 2025 by writeradmin.

I had dental bonding done just two weeks ago and they’re already picking up stains. I do drink coffee, but he never told me that I could not drink that. Someone told me that Supersmile toothpaste may be able to help me with that. Is that accurate? Will it take of the stains I have now? Do I need to stop drinking coffee?

Isabelle

Dear Isabelle,

I’m glad you wrote. It sounds like your dentist is likely a decent family dentist but he does not understand cosmetic dentistry. While cosmetic dental bonding is not going to last long before it starts to pick up stains, two weeks is a bit ridiculous. Composite is a mixture of a plastic resin with inorganic fillers (silica, quartz, and glass). These fillers use different sized particles. Hybrid fillers cannot be polished up to a nice shine, but they are very strong. Microfills are so small that they can be polished up beautifully. However, they are not as strong.

Your general family dentist will tend to just stock the hybrids because they are focused on functionality. Cosmetic dentists are equally interested in form and function so they will stock more of a variety of composites. When it comes to doing a cosmetic bonding procedure, especially for front teeth, they would put the larger hybrids on the interior of the tooth for strength, but the smaller microfills on the surface in order to have a more esthetic result.

I would like to suggest that you show your dentist this post. If he or she is serious about learning cosmetic dentistry in order to serve that sector of their patients, then they will find it helpful and will be able to fix your bonding. If they’re not interested, you’ll have to have it done by someone else.

Two things I want you to consider. First, if you are getting this redone think about teeth whitening. If you are going to want your bonding any whiter, then you will want to whiten your teeth before having it redone. The bonding can be made to match the whiter color of your teeth, but it is nearly impossible to match whitening to an existing color. Second, if you want something more permanent and stain resistant than bonding, porcelain veneers can last your lifetime.

As for Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste, it is a fantastic way to keep your teeth free of surface stains without damaging the surface of your teeth the way most whitening toothpastes do.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Will Supersmile Toothpaste Whiten Dental Bonding?

Posted on September 6, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have dental bonding to repair a gap in my teeth. It has started picking up stains, which makes my front teeth look odd. I have been told that teeth whitening won’t work for them. I’m curious if the Supersmile toothpaste will do better. It has been advertised as being specific to cosmetic work.

Jared

Dear Jared,

You didn’t mention how long you’ve had your dental bonding, but they should last you several years. They are not as stain resistant as porcelain veneers so I would expect to replace your bonding periodically. That doesn’t mean you can’t prolong their life. One of the things that can do that is Supersmile Toothpaste.

You are correct that teeth whitening will not improve your dental bonding. Supersmile will remove surface stains on them. In fact, it is the only whitening toothpaste which I would recommend for cosmetic dental work. Over the counter whitening toothpastes use abrasives, which will cause damage to both your natural teeth as well as your cosmetic work. Instead, Supersmile removes it chemically in a way that is completely safe to both natural tooth structure as well as dental work.

There are a number of ways that bonding can pick up stains. If the stains are more than just on the surface level, but have gotten into the bonding itself, then not even the toothpaste will help. In that case, you will want to replace it. As I mentioned earlier, this is something I would expect to do several times over your lifetime.

When You Want More Out of a Smile Makeover

If all that you wanted to improve with your smile was the tooth gap, then sticking with your dental bonding makes complete sense and I would do that. Just make sure if you want some whitening done, then I would do the whitening before you have the bonding replaced so that they can match perfectly.

However, if you have other issues that bother you with your smile, you may be better off with porcelain veneers. This is the go-to for celebrity smile makeovers and can completely transform anything you want about your smile, including the shape, size, and color of your teeth. The additional benefit to these is, when well cared for, they can last a couple of decades instead of just a few years.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Brown Spots on Teeth

Posted on April 16, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have had brown spots on my teeth ever since my adult teeth came in. My dentist and I have tried several over-the-counter whitening treatments. While some of them have whitened my teeth, the brown spots are still brown compared to the rest of my teeth that are getting even whiter. My teeth are perfectly healthy. In fact, I’ve never even had a cavity. I’m just so embarrassed by these brown spots. My dentist is suggesting we grind the spots off, however she can’t be certain how far to grind them. I’m a bit worried about this. Have you heard of someone in my situation? Is this the right direction to go?

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

I am glad you wrote. I can tell that your dentist is well intentioned and wants to help you. She is just in over her head. Teeth whitening will whiten teeth evenly, which you discovered. In situations with brown spots, it tends to make your spots look even more obvious. The good news is that there is a solution for you. I don’t think your current dentist will be able to do it, but from what you’ve described about her, she won’t mind you going somewhere to get the help you need. In fact, it is quite common for patients to go to one dentist for general work and another for serious cosmetic dental work.

Please don’t let your dentist grind the spots down. This will do horrible damage to your teeth. If you had white spots, microabrasion might be useful. I write that for the benefit of others reading this blog. With brown spots, however, that rarely works. Instead, you can get beautiful results with either dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

If there is just a small amount of the brown spots. Dental bonding will be sufficient, though there is certainly nothing wrong with you getting veneers in that case either. If the spots are more extensive, I would only do porcelain veneers.

The big issue here, though, is getting the right dentist to do the work. I would say only about 2% of cosmetic dentists in the country could do this well. In your place, I would look for an AACD accredited dentist. These dentists have proven skill and artistry. It will be worth it even if you have to travel to have the work done.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Want a Pretty Smile But Can’t Tolerate Dental Work

Posted on December 5, 2023 by writeradmin.

I am embarrassed by my smile, but have an extremely hard time with dental work. Each appointment is a nightmare. Though I am not allergic to Novocain (I know this because I got tested to check) it just doesn’t work for me. I have yet to meet a dentist who can get me numb. This has made getting the work I need done impossible for me. I’m thinking my only option is to just go ahead and remove all my teeth and then get a fake smile with dental implants. My question is can I do that with anesthesia?

Patti

Dear Patti,

I am very glad you wrote. I do not think you are going to have to do anything as drastic as remove all your teeth and replace them with dental implants. I’m pretty sure I can save not only your teeth, but also your bank account. There is a biological reason why Novocain has not been working for you AND there is a solution.

Many dentists do not realize that when someone has dental anxiety, which you are bound to have after all those horrifying appointments, it has the effect of burning off the numbing medication before it has ample opportunity to work. This is why your dentists have had difficulty geeting you numb.

The solution for this is to see a sedation dentist. If you use something like oral conscious sedation, then you will be completely relaxed for your procedure. This will enable your numbing medication to do its job. You will be so relaxed, that you are likely to sleep through your appointment. Some people even call it sleep dentistry. This will enable you to get all that work done you have wanted to and hopefully save your teeth.

Once your teeth are healthy, there are a variety of cosmetic procedures that can help you improve the appearance of your smile. If you just want something simple, like teeth whitening, then any dentist can do it. However, if you’re wanting a complete smile makeover with something like porcelain veneers, that requires some expertise. If you are going to go that direction you will want an AACD accredited dentist. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country and will create a gorgeous smile for you.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

How Much Dental Work Can Be Done in One Sitting?

Posted on June 11, 2023 by writeradmin.

I need a significant amount of dental work done and am finally in a position to do something about it. At last check, I needed three root canal treatments, several cavities filled, my teeth whitened, as well as some cosmetic work done about some chips and a snaggletooth. I’d like to get this done as quickly as possible. How much dental work can be done in one sitting? I am ready to get that beautiful smile I have always wanted but couldn’t afford.

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

I am glad that you are able to get the work you have always wanted done. How much you can have done in one setting will really depend on the dentist. Each dentist is different in the amount of work they are willing to do during an appointment. You will find that sedation dentists will be willing to do more at a time than other general dentists. This is especially true if you use oral conscious sedation. You are so relaxed with this type of sedation that you will sleep through the appointment. This makes it easier for you to tolerate more dental work at a time.

You’ll want to get the general work done before you start in on the cosmetic work. The exception to that would be the teeth whitening. If you are going to need dental crowns, you will want your teeth the color you want them before you have the crowns made. The whitening will not work on dental crowns, only natural tooth structure.

Be Careful Who Does Your Cosmetic Work

While teeth whitening can be done by just about any dentist, the work for the chips and the snaggletooth will require cosmetic expertise. When you do get those procedures done, you will want to see a dentist who has both technical skill and artistry. You will have the most success with a dentist who has been accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. You can feel confident that any one of them can provide you with stunning results. You’ll have a smile you will be proud to show for many years.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

After My Porcelain Veneers I Have Tri-Colored Teeth

Posted on June 30, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had four porcelain veneers placed on my upper front teeth. I was so excited about the prospect of having a pretty smile and now it seems like my smile is even worse than it was before. First, I have my yellow, natural teeth that are next to the porcelain veneers. Then, I have the two white veneers. Finally, there are my two front teeth where one of the veneers has turned gray. My dentist said we can fix that by making that tooth thicker, but I’m worried that not only will I have tri-colored teeth, as I do now, but one of them will look like a donkey tooth it will be so thick. This is not the smile makeover I was hoping for.

Kristin

Hi Kristin,

It sounds like you went to your average family dentist to have this smile makeover done. She probably had the best of intentions but does appear to be in over her head. Smile makeovers are not adequately taught in dental school. Unless your dentist invests in a significant amount of post-doctoral training. It doesn’t sound like she has done that.

You paid for a beautiful smile and I’m not convinced she can give you one. Whatever you do, do not allow her to thicken that one tooth. Your instincts are correct. It will look stupid. Plus, If it has turned gray, it is either because the glazing was damaged, which will just keep getting worse, or there is some microleakage which is getting bacteria between your porcelain veneers and your tooth. This will lead to decay.

My recommendation is you ask for a refund and then have this case redone by a skilled cosmetic dentist. The top cosmetic dentists in the country are AACD accredited, so I would start there. It is very likely that he or she will want to start the case over, which is to your benefit. They will likely start with some teeth whitening, which your dentist should have done to begin with. You want the adjacent teeth that do not receive porcelain veneers to blend in color with the veneered teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Insurance for Dental Implants

Posted on March 15, 2022 by writeradmin.

I am looking into tooth replacement options. I keep hearing that dental implants are the best replacement. Do you know if dental insurance covers them? Is there anything else I need to know?

Carol

Dear Carol,

If you already have insurance, it will cover some of the cost of the dental implants, but will not cover the whole thing. In most cases, your dental insurance will only pay for the least expensive option. In the case of tooth replacements, that is always something removable, such as full dentures or a removable partial denture. If you can avoid those, I would, especially if you are talking about full dentures which hold the risk of facial collapse. We have information on that on our dental implants page. In the best of scenarios, they are the least comfortable of all the restoration options.

If you don’t already have dental insurance, it would not be very helpful at all. Even if you got the insurance policy today, there is a waiting period before you could get something like dental implants.

You asked if there is anything else you need to know. To that, the answer is most definitely yes. Dental implants are not adequately taught in dental school. It is quite an advanced procedure that requires surgery. You will want a dentist who has post-doctoral training in dental implants. Additionally, if they do not do the surgery themselves and send you out to an oral surgeon, it is important that you see the dentist first and that it is the dentist who determines the placement of the dental implant.

Aesthetic Considerations

First, when the implant crown is made, it can match your teeth perfectly. However, you want to make certain that your teeth are the color you want because the color the crown is fashioned to is permanent. If your teeth have aged and are showing stains, you may want to consider having teeth whitening done.

Second, if the implant crown is on a front tooth that will be quite visible when you smile and directly exposed to light, you will want an expert dentist to do your restoration. Placing a crown on a front tooth is a challenge for the best of dentists and that is what you will need. I recommend you look for an AACD accredited dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Stained Dental Bonding

Posted on August 30, 2021 by writeradmin.

I had dental bonding done on two of my front teeth a few months ago. They seem to be turning yellow. I was told to pick the color I’d want permanently because I wouldn’t be able to change it later. What I’m wondering about is whether if I would be able to whiten them back to the original color I picked. If so, will I need to go to have professional whitening done or will over-the-counter whitening work, like a Crest Whitestrips?

Allie

Dear Allie,

Unfortunately, teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structures. Even going to a dentist for professional teeth whitening will not make a difference. The only way to get this color back to the original color is to have the bonding re-done.

One thing I am curious about is the timing of this. While dental bonding is not meant to last as long as something like porcelain veneers, they should last much more than a few months. Is it possible you recently had a cleaning and check-up? If your dental hygienist used something like a power prophy jet or acidulated fluoride it will have damaged the polish on your dental bonding and cause your bonded teeth to begin picking up stains.

If so, they bear the responsibility of fixing this. I would talk to your dentist about the condition of the bonding after such short a time. They should not have a problem making this right.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Dental Bonding Disaster

Posted on May 25, 2021 by writeradmin.

I need some advice, I had a chipped tooth and had it repaired with dental bonding. It has aged and I needed it redone. I have since moved and had to go to another dentist. It has been a complete disaster. First, the color is whiter than the rest of my teeth. Then, one tooth is longer than the other. Finally, the tooth has a gap that wasn’t there. I asked my dentist about it and here is what she said:
“Teeth are supposed to be different colors.” When I asked about the unevenness and the gap, she told me she could try to make them the same size, but gaps happen with dental bonding. Her suggestion is that I give it a few more days to see if I like it and if not she’ll try to work on it some more for me. I am torn between giving her a second chance and just asking her for a refund.

Bethany

Dear Bethany,

I am showing you a bonding case that was done so you can know with certainty that this can be done where the teeth match, are the same size, don’t have a gap between them. I do not think your dentist will be able to achieve these results. Here is the problem. Dental school teaches mechanics, not artistry. Dental bonding is one of the most difficult cosmetic procedures. There are a variety of colors, textures, and translucencies, that are available to the dentist to create a replica of your tooth, and they have to do it freehand. This makes it one of the most challenging cosmetic procedures a dentist can do.

In order to develop the skills necessary to do this well, dentists need to invest in significant post-doctoral training in cosmetic work. Maybe your dentist is at the very beginning of this, but she’s not anywhere near ready. I think your best bet is to ask for a refund and get this done by a dentist who already has the training. She will get there, she’s just not their yet.

So who should you get to do the procedure? My suggestion is you look for an AACD accredited dentist. These dentists have proven credentials that they have both technical knowledge and artistry. They will be able to give you results such as the ones above.

As you are replacing old bonding, I’m guessing there is some normal aging on the color of your teeth. If you are going to whiten them, the time to do that is before you have the bonding redone. If you wait and have any teeth whitening after the bonding, your natural tooth structure will whiten, but the bonding will not and will have to be replaced once again.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist on Yelp

Posted on April 30, 2021 by writeradmin.

I go in to have porcelain veneers done in a couple of weeks. The dentist I chose was listed number one on Yelp for smile makeovers. I want to go to the appointment prepared. I’m 57 years old. Blonde, with medium skin. If I had 6 teeth done, would getting a B2 color look beautiful and natural for my age and skin?

Angeline

Dear Angeline,

Let’s start with the dentist. Did you choose him simply because he was number one on Yelp or did you do some other research like whether he has post-doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry and what his smile gallery looks like? I love Yelp and use it regularly. However, in choosing top cosmetic dentists they seem to fall a bit short. I think that mostly has to do with their algorithm, which is based primarily on their reviews. However, from what I can tell, their reviews do not seem to distinguish between general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or just plain friendliness of the staff.

As an example, I picked a random city and did a search for the best cosmetic dentists. I looked on the website of the dentist listed as number one and he does not even do cosmetic procedures. The second dentist did, but I saw no listing that showed he had any significant training in the smile makeover procedure. He did have a smile gallery, but I was not that impressed with the results. One of the pictures I knew to be a stock photo, so that wasn’t even his work.

When it comes to getting a smile makeover, the best dentists are AACD accredited dentists. They’ve had extensive training, passed stringent exams, and had a large body of their work examined by an accreditation board for both technical skill and artistic excellence. Those who actually become accredited are the top 2% of cosmetic dentists in the country. If I were getting a smile makeover, I would want an AACD accredited dentist to do it. And if they offered a remote smile consultation, I’d take advantage of that.

Color and Porcelain Veneers

Getting the color right has more to do with the overall look you are going for as well as the skill of the dentist. You can have a very white smile look perfectly natural and a B2 smile look opaque and fake. This is another reason the dentist you choose is so important. You will meet with him or her, go over your smile goals, and then the smile design will be based on that.

One thing I can tell you is that most smiles are wider than six porcelain veneers. In order to have your smile match, you will want to have your teeth whitened first. This way, the adjacent teeth that you do not place veneers on will blend in better.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.