436 N Roxbury Drive Suite 100, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Call Us: (310) 276-2468
Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics
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Brian LeSage, DDS, FAGD, FAACD

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exquisitely beautiful smile.
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Which Teeth Whitening Brands Improve Tetracycline Stains?

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I’ve had tetracycline stains on my teeth since I was about 10 years old. I’m 47 now, and the stains are still there. I’m trying to figure out the best way to get rid of the stains without wasting money. I’ve tried five teeth whitening brands over the past two years, but none have helped. I have chips in three left front teeth, and my whitening attempts have made my smile look worse because the chips are more noticeable now. Do I need professional whitening, or do you recommend specific brands for me to try? Thank you. Caleb

A note for our readers – Intrinsic teeth stains develop when tetracycline antibiotics are consumed during childhood while teeth are forming. Other medications can cause teeth stains in children and adults.

Caleb,

Thank you for your question. Dr. LeSage would need to examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment, but we will explain so many people do not achieve success with whitening attempts on tetracycline-stained teeth.

Which Teeth Whitening Brands Improve Tetracycline Stains?

Patients cannot purchase a brand of teeth whitening to improve tetracycline stains. Concealing tetracycline stains is among the most challenging cosmetic dentistry procedures, even for experienced dentists. Often, the color and depth of the stains—beyond the tooth enamel—prevent the bleaching gel from improving them. After examining your teeth, an advanced cosmetic dentist can determine whether teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or a combination of treatments is best for your case.

How Can You Find a Dentist to Treat Tetracycline Stains?

You can find a dentist to treat tetracycline stains with these steps and precautions:

  • Find a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry, preferably an accredited dentist.
  • Ask the dentist to show you their tetracycline cases’ before-and-after photos.
  • Schedule consultations with at least skilled cosmetic dentists.
  • Avoid shopping around for the lowest rates.
  • Instead of asking dentists for a specific treatment or method, trust the artist behind the technique, their training, and their experience with tetracycline cases.
A porcelain veneer - as a potential solution for a tetracycline stains smile makeover

A skilled cosmetic dentist may include porcelain veneers for a tetracycline stains smile makeover

An experienced cosmetic dentist will consider multiple factors before recommending treatment, including:

  • The location of the affected teeth
  • The condition of the teeth
  • Your overall oral health
  • The extent of stains across your teeth
  • The darkness of the stains

A skilled cosmetic dentist will explain all factors that affect treatment recommendations and give you the healthiest, most natural-looking smile makeover.

 

In Beverly Hills, Dr. Brian LeSage is an accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Only three dentists in the world have achieved both credentials. Request a consultation with Dr. LeSage today.

 

Can I switch dentists in the middle of porcelain veneers treatment?

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I wish I had found your website before I got my teeth prepped for porcelain veneers. I did not know that my current dentist could not do cosmetic dentistry work. I wanted to even the length of my teeth, close a small gap, and fix two teeth that overlapped the others. My dentist confidently assured me that she could accomplish it with porcelain veneers. She said that she is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry member. We agreed on my tooth shape and color. My dentist prepped my teeth for veneers. I am wearing the temporary veneers now. The temporary veneers are light beige and make my teeth stick out. I noticed it immediately after my dentist put them on, and I complained. She was upset with me and said I needed to wear them for a week. If I did not like them, she would see what she could do. She will see what she can do?! That is not acceptable for the thousands of dollars she will charge me.

My dentist’s attitude makes me afraid of what will happen next. That is why I am asking your office about it. Can I switch dentists in the middle of porcelain veneer treatment if she fails to do what she promised? I am trying not to think too far ahead of myself because I already suffer from anxiety. Thank you. Micah from NV

 

Micah,

Thank you for contacting Dr. LeSage’s office. We are sorry to hear about your porcelain veneers nightmare. We are happy that you are interrupting the process.

Switch Dentists in the Middle of Porcelain Veneers?

Yes, you can switch dentists in the middle of porcelain veneer treatment. And we recommend that you do it before it is too late for your teeth and smile. Some disappointed patients seek ways to remove their veneers, which is impossible. So getting help now is wise.

  • Find an advanced cosmetic dentist in your area.
  • Look at the dentist’s bio (“about the dentist” page) for information about their education, training, or cosmetic dentistry awards.
  • Search for the dentist’s name online to confirm their history.
  • And look at their website smile gallery of before-and-after porcelain veneers cases.

Please do not give up. But schedule a consultation with at least two cosmetic dentists accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Those credentials can give you confidence that you will get a beautiful smile. Be willing to drive a reasonable distance to get healthy, natural-looking results.

Cosmetic Dentistry Membership Is Not Enough

Even if your dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, it does not mean that she has cosmetic dentistry training. Your dentist’s attitude about your teeth is too casual to let her continue with your smile makeover. Any dentist can join the Academy. Although many members are excellent cosmetic dentists, it is always best to check a dentist’s credentials or ask for their verification. Get further details on minimizing the risk of needing a new dentist.

Best wishes for your smile makeover.

Before-and-after porcelain veneers photos from Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. LeSage

Porcelain veneers photos of Dr. LeSage’s patient

Dr. Brian LeSage, an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, sponsors this post. See examples of Dr. LeSage’s work in his smile gallery.

Which BL Shade Will Look Good for My Porcelain Veneers?

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I’m getting porcelain veneers in January and trying to decide on the shade. My dentist tells me that BL4 might be brighter than I think. I want pleasingly white teeth, but I do not want them to look fake. I looked at shade guides, but I am not sure how they will look on my smile and skin tone. Is BL4 too white to look natural? Thank you. Jared from North Dakota

Jared,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question. First, we will give an overview of BL shades for our readers.

What Are BL Tooth Shades?

Teeth bleaching shade guide and natural tooth shade guideBL tooth shades measure teeth whiteness with bleaching. Ivoclar developed the system, and BL shades are whiter than the brightest shade of natural teeth. The shades are BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. BL1 is the most brilliant shade, and BL4 is slighter whiter than the whitest natural tooth shade.

How Can You Choose a BL Shade for Your Veneers?

We included a photo of the Ivoclar shade guide for bleach teeth. Next to it is a classic shade guide for natural teeth. A1 on the classic shade guide represents the whitest natural tooth shade for most people. B1 on the classic shade guide is standard for baby teeth, not adult teeth.

  • B1 – If you want your teeth to look natural, choosing veneers beyond B1 on the natural shade guide might make people notice you had work done on your teeth to make them so white.
  • BL4 – BL4 is slighter whiter than BL1. Depending on your personality and preferences, you may want people to notice your smile right away. BL4 will advertise your bright smile, but it will not look as stark as BL3, BL2, and BL1

So, you can decide if you want an immediately noticeable white smile with veneers that have the wow factor (BL4) or a softer white (B1). But you do not need to rush the decision. Look at the shade guides with your dentist in different lighting and discuss them further.

You can also look back at your dentist’s smile gallery of porcelain veneers. Look for patients with your skin tone and ask your dentist which shade of veneers you see in the photos. It can help you decide on your veneer color.

 

Brian LeSage, DDS of Beverly Hills, sponsors this post. Dr. LeSage is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost Per Tooth?

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Your smile makes an impression—face-to-face and online. Porcelain veneers are a fast path to correcting tooth shape, improving color, closing spaces, and concealing mild alignment issues. But how much can you expect to pay per tooth?

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost Per Tooth?

One porcelain veneer

A porcelain veneer

The average cost of one porcelain veneer in the United States is $2,000 – $5,000. Prices vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Where you live in the country
  • The type of veneers you receive
  • Your dentist’s fees

Are Porcelain Veneers Worth It?

High-quality porcelain veneers are worth it because they are an investment in a natural-looking, long-term solution for your smile. Some factors that can affect the cost of veneers include:

  • They can revive your smile in two or three visits.
  • High-quality porcelain mimics the translucency, characteristics, and gloss of natural teeth.
  • Advanced cosmetic dentists work with a master ceramist who handcrafts and layers porcelain with precision.
  • They outlast other types of cosmetic dentistry, including dental bonding and crowns.

Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?

Porcelain veneers are not permanent because they do not last forever. But high-quality veneers can last for decades if you take good care of them. So instead of looking for the cheapest place to get porcelain veneers, consider paying more for high-quality veneers that will last.

How Long Will Your Veneers Last?

How long your porcelain veneers last depends on the quality of materials and the skill of your dentist. If you select a high-end dentist that works with expert ceramists, your veneers will last longer than cheaper options. Read our post about how your research and dentist selection can help you get veneers that last.

Benefits of paying more for veneers

  • Highly durable
  • Stain resistant
  • Long-lasting naturalness and color

How Can You Help Your Veneers Last?

The cost of porcelain veneers per tooth shows that you should care for them well to help them last. What can you do to prolong the lifespan of your veneers?

  • Floss daily and brush at least twice daily.
  • Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol.
  • Wear a custom mouth guard at night if you grind your teeth.
  • Schedule routine dental visits with a cosmetic dentist.

Will a Dentist Grind Down Your Teeth for Veneers?

Whether a dentist grinds down your teeth for porcelain veneers depends on the dentist you choose. Advanced cosmetic dentists practice conservative tooth preparation. They recognize that minimal preparation is healthy for your teeth and helps your veneers last longer. The 2019 International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry published the article Tooth preparation for ceramic veneers: when less is more. The article confirms that conservative tooth preparation “means more adhesion and clinical longevity“for porcelain veneers.

For details on tooth preparation for porcelain veneers, read out post, Do Porcelain Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Summary

Porcelain veneers can cost $2,000 – $5,000 per tooth. But selecting an advanced cosmetic dentist who uses high-end materials and conservative preparation can help your veneers last for decades. And your diligent at-home care makes a difference, too.

 

Dr. Brian LeSage of Beverly Hills is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry and international lecturer. If you live in the Beverly Hills area, schedule a porcelain veneers consultation with Dr. LeSage.

I still don’t have dental implants because the bone graft failed

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My family dentist completed implant training 15 years ago and has done hundreds of implants since that time. So I agreed to let him do two implants for me. After the CT scan, my dentist said I needed a bone graft. He did the graft, but during surgery, he saw that the bone wasn’t thick enough, so he did not do the implants. Now I am waiting for healing again, but I have no implant. My dentist’s office called to ask when I want to schedule bone grafter surgery for the late summer, but I am nervous. Could this happen again? Thank you. Mike from Wyoming

Mike,

Unfortunately, your experience is not unheard of among dentists who have implant training but are not highly experienced with bone grafting. But we are not criticizing your dentist because he saw the problem and did not place the implant.

When Dental Implant Bone Grafting Fails

When dental implant gone grafting fails, it could be due to the dentist’s technique, the material used, your body’s response to the graft, or other factors. But to increase the risk of success, you should get a second opinion from any of these professionals:

  • An experienced implant specialist
  • An oral surgeon
  • A periodontist (gum specialist),

What to Expect During a Bone Graft Procedure

During a bone graft procedure, your implant dentist or surgeon will do the following:

  • Make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the bone
  • Place grafting material where bone buildup is needed
  • Secure the graft material with mesh, pins, plates, or screws
  • Some specialists promote healing with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)
  • Stitch the incisions

After a few months, the graft should heal. And your implant dentist will move forward with surgery.

Schedule a Dental Implants Consultation

Diagram of a two dental implants - before and after crown placement

If your dental implant bone graft fails, look for a skilled implant dentist or surgeon

Schedule a consultation with an implant dentist or a dentist who partners with an oral surgeon or periodontist. Discuss your concerns about bone graft and the recent graft failure. And ask the dentist how they will handle your case. If needed, schedule another consultation with another dentist to ensure you are comfortable with your treatment options.

Accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brian LeSage of the Beverly Hills Institute for Dental Esthetics, sponsors this post.

How long do porcelain veneers last? Mine broke within two years.

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Although my dentist told me that porcelain veneers could last about 20 years, I had a veneer break within two years. My dentist had a lab replace it, but the color is too light. The veneer is for my left incisor, so the color difference is noticeable. My dentist sent the crown back to the lab, and the tech baked a glaze onto it to make it darker. My dentist removed some of the glaze to get the shade right. But when I left the dental office and looked at my tooth in natural light, I can see that the tooth is still too dark, and the veneer is not as glossy as the others. I am not confident with all the changes to this replacement veneer that it will last any longer than the original one.

I have two questions: How long are porcelain veneers supposed to last? And if one breaks, can I expect challenges with getting the color to match the other veneers? Thank you, Gabriel from Reno, NV

 

Gabriel,

We hope you are receiving treatment from an expert cosmetic dentist, but your description creates concerns about your dentist’s experience. It is challenging to replace one veneer, manipulate the color, and achieve an exact match. A dentist needs advanced training and artistic ability to replace a veneer seamlessly. We will answer your question about how long veneers last and address the issues with your broken veneer.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain Veneers infographic from the AACD of which Beverly HIlls cosmetic dentist Dr. LeSage is a FellowPorcelain veneers can last up to 20 years. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers’ average lifespan is about 12 years. But the long-term success of veneers depends on several factors, including:

  • Quality of the veneers
  • Skill of your dentist and ceramist
  • Your dentist’s tooth preparation and bonding techniques
  • How well you take care of your veneers and your oral health

If you want long-lasting veneers, it is essential to find a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who uses a lab and ceramist that focus on quality and high aesthetics.

When Porcelain Veneer Color Does Not Match

When porcelain veneer color does not match, the issue is often color metamerism—color changes in different lighting. Expert cosmetic dentists are aware of the issue and will check color shade in natural light near a window or use color-correct fluorescent light to ensure a match.

Although your dentist can brighten your veneer by polishing away more of the tint, if he is not careful to check the shade in different lighting, you still may not have a match.

A Few Thoughts About Your Dentist’s Technique

Your dentist’s technique is to remove some of the tint from the outer veneer until he achieves a color match. But most expert cosmetic dentists work with their ceramist using photographs and color descriptions to achieve a closer match. If additional adjustments are required, the dentist manipulates tints beneath the veneer instead of polishing away tints above it. It seems that your dentist is not familiar with the tinting process or does not stock tints to manipulate them beneath veneers.

When a Porcelain Veneer Is Not Glossy

If a replacement porcelain veneer is not as glossy as the others, a cosmetic dentist uses specific diamond polishing wheels and polishing pastes. Advanced cosmetic dentists extensively use these tools and understand techniques to return the glaze to the porcelain.

Sometimes, porcelain veneers are too shiny. But a skilled cosmetic dentist can correct that, too. For details, read our post: My porcelain veneers are too shiny. Is it too late?

Consider a Second Opinion

We suggest that you find an experienced cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited—to examine your veneer and explain his or her approach to achieving a color match. If you decide to switch to an expert cosmetic dentist, you will get a perfect color match with your replacement veneers. Get tips on choosing a cosmetic dentist in our post about getting porcelain veneers without regrets.

 

Porcelain veneers before and after photos from Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian LeSage

A cosmetic dentist’s skill can affect how long porcelain veneers last.
Photos of Dr. Brian LeSage’s patient

Accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brian LeSage of the Beverly Hills Institute for Dental Esthetics, sponsors this post. Dr. LeSage is an international lecturer and trainer of cosmetic dentistry. Check out Dr. LeSage’s smile gallery.

 

How long do porcelain veneers last? Mine broke within two years.

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
– Thích Nhất Hạnh

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