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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Do I Need Dental Crowns to Get Whiter Teeth?

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Last month, my dentist recommended full-mouth reconstruction on all my upper and lower teeth. I already have two crowns and three veneers. My gums are receding above the crowns, and I have a dry mouth. I asked my dentist for teeth whitening, but he said that replacing the crowns and veneers with all crowns is best. He hasn’t addressed my dry mouth for the past few years, though. Why would I need crowns on all my teeth? I wasn’t expecting the recommendation, nor could I afford it.  Thank you.  Karleigh from San Jose

 

Karleigh,

We encourage you to switch to a skilled dentist and avoid aggressive treatment.

Are Dental Crowns the Solution for Whiter Teeth?

Dental crowns are not a solution for whiter teeth; teeth bleaching is the treatment of choice. Few dentists have full-mouth reconstruction skills; unless your teeth are otherwise unsavable, you should avoid rebuilding your teeth. Full-mouth reconstruction can change your bite, speech, and facial appearance. If a dentist doesn’t understand how to harmonize your occlusion and bite, it can lead to lip incompetence, TMJ concerns, and poor oral health.

Do You Need to Replace Porcelain Veneers with Crowns?

You do not need to replace porcelain veneers with crowns unless teeth are tooth-damaged or decayed for porcelain veneers to bond to them. Even so, a skilled cosmetic dentist will determine whether you qualify for a porcelain onlay to preserve as much tooth structure as possible. Replacing a porcelain veneer with a dental crown requires grinding the tooth on all sides to ensure the crown fits over it. For other concerns about porcelain veneers, see our post, How to Get Porcelain Veneers Without Regrets.

What Is Causing Dry Mouth?

A medical condition, stress, or a misaligned bite can cause dry mouth. Allowing a dentist to complete unnecessary full-mouth reconstruction can increase your dry-mouth symptoms. We recommend consulting an advanced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist for an exam and digital X-rays. The dentist will evaluate your teeth’ condition and suggest teeth whitening treatment without using dental crowns.

 

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.

Reshape My Peg Laterals with Porcelain Veneers or Bonding?

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I have peg laterals on the right and left. My dentist wants to place porcelain veneers on them instead of dental bonding. She said I might need veneers on the teeth on either side of the peg laterals, too. I did not think about porcelain veneers because I know dental bonding is cheaper. My dentist says she could use dental bonding, but it won’t look as good as veneers and won’t last as long. I felt like she was discouraging me from bonding, although that’s what I can afford. Maybe I will consider porcelain veneers later, but is dental bonding a waste of money for peg laterals? Thank you. Akari from Sacramento

Akari,

Thank you for contacting the Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics about your peg lateral incisors. We will provide an overview of peg laterals and then answer your question about treatment options.

What Are Peg Lateral Incisors?

Peg laterals are underdeveloped lateral incisor teeth. Lateral incisors are behind your front center teeth (central incisors). Peg lateral teeth are often pointy or cone shaped. According to a 2022 article on the aesthetic treatment of peg laterals, two to five percent of people have peg-shaped incisors. The location of the teeth near the front of your mouth impacts your smile, so getting natural-looking results is essential.

What Is the Treatment for Peg Lateral Incisors?

Treatment options for peg lateral incisors are usually dental bonding or porcelain veneers. Sometimes, a dentist will recommend a combination of treatments, which may include orthodontics. Each case is unique, so a skilled cosmetic dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment and explain what to expect.

Porcelain Veneers for Peg Lateral Incisors

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain that fit over the fronts of your teeth to reshape them. A skilled cosmetic dentist will work with a master ceramist to ensure the veneers match the shade and characteristics of the surrounding teeth.

  • Process. A cosmetic dentist may recommend removing a tiny amount of tooth enamel from your teeth to ensure the veneers fit well. The dentist will bond the veneers to the fronts of your teeth.
  • Longevity. High-quality porcelain veneers can last over ten years.

Dental Bonding for Peg Lateral Incisors

Advanced cosmetic dentists stock an inventory of bonding materials and tools to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth. However, dental bonding does not last as long as porcelain veneers. Still, an artistic cosmetic dentist can give you beautiful results. It takes a dental artist to layer composite on your teeth and achieve perfect shape, symmetry, and shade.

  • Process. A cosmetic dentist will etch your tooth enamel in preparation for dental bonding. Afterward, the dentist will layer, shape, harden, and polish the bonding.
  • Longevity. High-quality dental bonding can last over five years. A cosmetic dentist can help you maintain it well.

Get a Second Opinion

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

 

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, sponsors this post. Find out what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Beverly Hills. Read our related post about short lateral incisors.

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

Dr. LeSage used porcelain veneers to beautifully reshape this patient’s teeth and can do the same for peg laterals.

Will Sleep Apnea Prevent Me from Getting Porcelain Veneers?

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Will sleep apnea prevent me from getting dental veneers? I have delayed dental appointments for the past four years. I finally had an appointment with a new dentist two weeks ago because I have several chipped and discolored teeth and want veneers. The hygienist cleaned my teeth, which took a while because I had lots of tartar buildup.

When the dentist came in for the exam and asked about my concerns, I explained my dental anxiety and wanted veneers for the chipped teeth and discoloration. The dentist explained that I had a dry mouth and asked about my sleeping habits. I know that I snore, and the dentist said the lack of rest could contribute to my anxiety. He wants to treat my snoring/sleep apnea before discussing veneers. I already have anxiety, so do I need to prolong dental visits with sleep apnea treatment before we can discuss veneers? Should I see another dentist? Thank you. Montana from NJ

Hello, Montana,

Thank you for your question. Dr. LeSage would need to examine your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, but we will explain the relationship between sleep apnea, anxiety, and your oral health.

Are Sleep Apnea and Anxiety Related?

Obstructive sleep apnea and anxiety are related. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) occurs when throat muscles relax, and your tongue falls back and blocks your airway. Research shows the following about sleep apnea and anxiety:

  • 53.9 percent of people with OSAS have anxiety
  • 46.1 percent of people with OSAS have symptoms of depression

People with sleep apnea have high levels of glutamate and low levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, brain chemicals that regulate emotions, impact how people think, and influence blood pressure.

Will Sleep Apnea Prevent You from Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Although you can get porcelain veneers without sleep apnea treatment, we understand your dentist’s concerns about the relationship between sleep apnea and dry mouth. Dentists treat mild to moderate sleep apnea with a custom-made oral appliance that moves your lower jaw forward to prevent you from snoring while sleeping.

Although the oral device will not cure your dental anxiety, it can minimize your overall anxiety and improve your dental experience. Additionally, a dentist can use sedation to help you relax during appointments. Some patients eventually overcome their dental phobia.

How Will Dry Mouth Affect Porcelain Veneers?

A healthy mouth helps you avoid future concerns with your teeth behind the porcelain veneers. An oral appliance can reduce dryness in your mouth and promote saliva flow that fights bacteria. If your snoring causes a dry mouth, the dryness interferes with your oral health and increases cavity risks. Also, people with sleep apnea may grind their teeth at night, which can ruin veneers.

Talk to your dentist again about the cosmetic dentistry you want and ask about the pros and cons of porcelain veneers if you decline an oral appliance for sleep apnea. You can also get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist. A second opinion can help you avoid the need to switch dentists in the middle of porcelain veneers treatment.

Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post. Read our post on what to consider before you choose a dentist for veneers.

Will Teeth Whitening Work on Bonding?

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Can you tell me which teeth whitening brands will work on dental bonding? I’ve tried Crest strips and another brand, but my whitening still looks dingy. Instead of wasting money trying different brands, I hope you can tell me which ones will get the best results. I got the bonding in 2016 when I lived in Omaha and want to refresh it. Thanks for your help. Bryce from Walkill, NY

Thank you for your question, Bryce.

Will Teeth Whitening Work on Bonding?

Teeth whitening will not work on dental bonding, whether it is a premier over-the-counter brand or professional whitening from a dentist. Bleaching gel penetrates natural teeth to break down stains, but it will not remove bonding discoloration. Read about the effects of abrasives on bonding in our post, Will I Need New Dental Bonding Again?

What Are the Effects of Trying to Whiten Dental Bonding?

If you try to whiten dental bonding with bleaching gel containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, the gel may whiten your natural teeth while leaving the bonding unchanged. Any bonding discoloration or stains will become more noticeable after your natural teeth are whiter.

What Is the Treatment for Dark or Stained Dental Bonding?

Depending on the condition and age of your dental bonding, a skilled cosmetic dentist may be able to polish it and improve its appearance. Otherwise, the dentist will recommend replacing your bonding. If you want whiter teeth and dental bonding, speak with the dentist about whitening your teeth first. After your teeth are as bright as you wish, the dentist will blend dental composite to match your tooth shade and translucence.

The benefits of replacing dental bonding include the following:

  • Requires less removal of tooth enamel than porcelain veneers
  • Matches the shape, shade, and characteristics of adjacent teeth
  • Looks natural
  • Conceals tooth discoloration that will not improve with bleaching gel

Read our post that compares porcelain veneers with composite veneers.

Request a Dental Bonding Consultation

Schedule consultations with two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss your options for improving your dental bonding. Dentists apply bonding by hand while you sit in the dental chair. Advanced cosmetic dentists have the training, instruments, materials, and artistic talent to blend the bonding seamlessly with your natural teeth—even if you decide to bleach them before bonding.

 

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post. See examples of his beautiful results in his smile gallery of patient photos.

Dental bonding before and after photos of Beverly Hills Dr. LeSage's patient.

Dental bonding before and after photos of Dr. LeSage’s patient. See his smile gallery for case details.

How Can a Dentist Make My Small Adult Teeth Look Larger?

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My adult teeth are too small. I compare them to the size of a preteenager’s teeth. My smile looks immature, and I am self-conscious about it. My teeth do not prevent me from smiling, but I do not smile with my teeth showing for pictures. I will be 40 years old next year, so I think it’s time for a more mature smile. What are the options for making small teeth look larger? Thank you. Anya from Reno, NV

Anya,

Thank you for your question. Although Dr. LeSage would need to complete a comprehensive exam and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment options, we will discuss several options for enlarging small adult teeth.

How Can You Make Small Adult Teeth Look Larger?

Treatment options for making small adult teeth look larger include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, gum contouring, orthodontics, dental implants, or a combination of treatments. The condition and position of your teeth and the number of affected teeth influence treatment recommendations. Before transforming your smile, a cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.

Treatment options:

  • Porcelain veneers – A highly skilled dentist can bond custom-crafted thin porcelain shells to the fronts of your teeth. Veneers can transform your smile with natural characteristics, shade, and translucence. Veneers can last fifteen to twenty years or more.
  • Dental bonding – Composite bonding can reshape your small teeth and make them look larger. Your cosmetic dentist will explain the pros and cons of dental bonding for your case. Cosmetic dentists skillfully select and blend dental composite. After roughening the surfaces of your teeth, they apply, shape, and harden the bonding. Your cosmetic dentist will polish your teeth with a natural-looking gloss. Well-maintained bonding can last five to ten years.
  • Gum contouring – Sometimes, excessive gum tissue makes adult teeth look small. Removing excess tissue and contouring the gums around your teeth can help them look more prominent and enhance your smile.
  • Orthodontics – Depending on the position of your teeth, you may need orthodontics before getting veneers to make your teeth look larger. If you are missing lateral incisor teeth, canine teeth can erupt in the wrong position—often beside your front center teeth (central incisors). Misshaped, pointy canines look even smaller beside center front teeth. A dentist may recommend Invisalign or other braces to reposition your teeth and make room for dental implants to replace the missing lateral incisors.
  • Dental implants – If you are missing lateral incisors and require tooth replacement, an implant mimics a natural tooth’s structure. Implant components are an artificial root, an abutment (connector), and a dental crown attached to the connector. An adult-sized custom dental crown will complete each implant. The crowns will match the characteristics and color of your surrounding natural teeth.

Schedule a Consultation with a Highly Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

An advanced cosmetic dentist uses various tools, materials, and techniques to ensure your smile is healthy, functional, and attractive. Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation to discuss how you want to improve your smile and learn about the options for improving

Patient case of making small adult teeth look larger from Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage.

Dr. LeSage used porcelain veneers, a gum lift, and Invisalign to enlarge some of his patient’s teeth and align them. Her smile is beautiful and natural looking.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?

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My upper front teeth are clearly uneven when I smile, and I have an almost ¼-inch gap between my teeth. Three left teeth look like strays because of their spacing and position. I have searched online for solutions, and it seems that porcelain veneers or braces are my best options. Is that correct? Also, I know that upper-level dental plans offer some orthodontic coverage, but what about coverage for veneers? Thanks for your response. – Darcie from San Diego

 

Darcie,

Thank you for your question. Dr. LeSage would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to determine treatment options, but we will compare veneers and braces and the type of insurance coverage you can expect.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?

Dental insurance usually does not cover porcelain veneers because they are cosmetic treatment. Dental procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth rather than resolve oral health concerns are elective, and insurance will not cover them. Your dentist can give you a pretreatment estimate to submit to the insurance company and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs for porcelain veneers.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Most higher-tiered or premier dental plans pay for a percentage of your treatment with traditional braces and clear aligners, like Invisalign. Still, dental insurance does not pay for all your treatment costs. Plans that offer orthodontic benefits have a lifetime maximum for payments toward your treatment. Ask a dentist for a pre-treatment estimate for braces, and your dental insurance company will explain how much the plan will pay and what you can expect for out-of-pocket costs.

How Do Porcelain Veneers and Braces Compare?

Porcelain veneers and braces can straighten your teeth, but how do they compare? Some cases of spacing and misalignment are so complex that they require braces. Still, dental technology offers options for braces with clear brackets and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, which makes braces less noticeable.

Porcelain veneers

  • Correct mild misalignment
  • Require conservative tooth preparation by removing tiny amounts of enamel
  • Transform your smile in a few visits
  • Enhance tooth shape, size, and color

Braces

  • Correct mild to severe misalignment
  • Do not require tooth preparation
  • Align your smile in six to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case
  • Reposition teeth without changing shape, size, or color

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Porcelain veneers before-and-after photos, for info on dental insurance and veneers

Dr. LeSage achieves beautiful results with veneers

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist who provides treatment with porcelain veneers and braces. After a comprehensive exam, the dentist will explain and compare your treatment options and costs. Read our post on other factors to consider before getting porcelain veneers.

Dr. Brian LeSage of the Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics sponsors this post. He is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry and among the top cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills and internationally. See examples of Dr. LeSage’s aesthetic dentistry in his smile gallery.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?

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

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