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Dentistry/Veneers or Caps....

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Expert: - 9/21/2004


Question
Hi,

I just had a quick question wondering if you could help answer it. My teeth are all straight but I have some small spaces in between each of my four front bottom teeth. I would like to have my four front bottom teeth veneered to close in the caps or have them capped.

But I'm obssesed with having super white teeth. I love white teeth. I'm 25 years old and had my teeth laser whitened 4 years ago and they are still super bright. But if I have veneers or caps put on my four front bottom teeth to close in the gaps... do veneers and caps really never stain? If they do... can they be laser whitened like regular teeth? My upper teeth will have no veneers and I plan on laser whitening them once every 10 years or so to keep them super white so I'm wondering if that means only my upper teeth will need to be laser whitended since my bottom teeth which will have caps or veneers cannot be lasered, right? But I guess they would never have to be since veneers and caps don't stain? But I know somene who has a cap and it's all stained and gross looking so that's confusing me because I thought they don't stain.

And since I have small gaps beteen each of my four front bottom teeth only... are there any advantages of having them capped instead of veneered? I mean, veneers and caps are made of the exact same material and are the exact same thing but aren't caps stronger and better since they cover the entire tooth? I would almost prefer to have my four front bottom teeth capped instead of veneered or are veneers usually better?

Thanks for your time,
Robin  

Answer
Dear Robin:  Veneers and caps can stain.  But the stain remains on the surface of the porcelain, and is more easily removed by brushing.  Tooth enamel stain can actually penetrate into the enamel, requiring professional removal, as you have experienced.  You will not need whitening of veneers or caps.  Caps are stronger and longer lasting, as they are usually thicker and cover the entire tooth. dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant 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 Association, and 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 Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

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. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. 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 (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, 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.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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