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About Howard Finnk, D.D.S.
Expertise
I am a Family and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Society, Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Academy of General Dentistry, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience
After having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. In addition, I am now a member of the Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and the Atlantic Coast District Dental Society. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center. Over my lifetime career, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

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Dentistry - Lumineers or Bonding?

Expert: Howard Finnk, D.D.S. - 10/30/2009

Question
Hello. I have spots on my teeth, a calcification of sorts. All my dentists told me that they cannot be whitened with traditional bleaching methods. There are no cosmetic dentists in my area, but I would travel for it. I have very nice teeth aside from the ugly spotting. Would you recommend Lumineers, bonding, or something else? I am against traditional veneers because I do not want to damage my natural tooth. Noone has ever answered me as to what caused the spotting either. Thank you very much for your time!

Answer
Dear Cindy: Because I cannot see the spotting, I cannot make a specific recommendation for you. However, in general, I would begin with the least invasive procedure, and move toward more invasive as needed. I would first attempt bleaching. Have you tried Crest bleaching strips? They are inexpensive, and I have seen them work.

If they do not, there are several stronger levels of bleaching that might be tried. If none work, then I move to a chemical/abrasive/bleach technique, wherein I etch your teeth, then polish them, then etch, then bleach. This sometimes allows enough surface calcium to be removed from your enamel so that the bleach can reach deeper into it and lighten the spots. Sometimes I can spot-bond over the spots. Sometimes I must remove them and fill in with bonding. Lastly, I would recommend veneers, or Lumineers. These are the most expensive and most invasive, and would cause the permanent loss of about 1/10-1/2 mm of enamel from the faces of your teeth, so that they can be thick enough to hide the spots, without making your teeth look too fat or too large.

My practice is in the Fort Lauderdale area. If you wish to come for a visit, call 954-926-5888. Ask for Veronica. Tell her you met Dr. Finnk on AllExperts.com, and you are Cindy who asked about spots. She will take it from there. Whatever you decide, good luck. And let me know your results. dd

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