CASE STUDY | Porcelain Veneers

Patient: David, 40 Years

Problem: Did not like his smile because of the tetracycline stains on his teeth.

Solution: 10 Porcelain Veneers

We’d like to introduce you to David …

Problem:

David disliked his smile due to the tetracycline stains on his teeth that made gray and white horizontal stains. (Tetracycline is an antibiotic used in the 60’s to treat infections that caused permanent discoloration in teeth, making them a brownish grey color.)

Solution:

David had a smile consultation with Dr. Anderson do discuss all the reasons he disliked his smile. After weighing pros and cons, porcelain veneers are the treatment they both agreed would give David the results he wanted.

Their conversation included why additional expertise and care is needed when designing his veneers to overcome the brownish gray tetracycline stains he has on his teeth, because blocking out the underlying discoloration with porcelain can lead to poor results in untrained hands. Which is why David ultimately decided to have Dr. Anderson complete his treatment.

10 minimum-thickness porcelain veneers on his front teeth gave him the smile that he’s always wanted!!

Process:

The results are amazing to see the transformation to David’s smile by adding 10 porcelain veneers. Look at the differences it made to the appearance of his front teeth:

1. No more dingy smile with lines of discoloration, due to Tetracycline stains on his teeth:
2. No more dark area between his teeth and gum line: His gums look healthy and his teeth are a beautiful white throughout each tooth.
3. No more alignment issues. His teeth are symmetric, straight and natural looking.

• Left pictures (before photo) show the dark discoloration around gum line and uneven lines of discoloration throughout his teeth
• Right pictures are the final images of the 10 porcelain veneers showing David’s natural and beautiful smile.
  • Notice the level of detail and craftsmanship that can be achieved with porcelain veneers when working with an experienced dentist.
  • Porcelain Veneers can cover teeth that are severely discolored or misshapen.
  • Porcelain Veneers can improve the symmetry of a smile.
  • Porcelain Veneers are a more natural-looking cosmetic dentistry option.

Please note that David’s veneers are NOT NEW!! They have had 15 years of use, but they still LOOK BEAUTIFUL!! That is the wonderful thing about porcelain veneers – they are an investment; however, with proper oral hygiene and care, they can last you a lifetime!!

Outcome:

15 years ago, David told Dr. Anderson how much he disliked his smile and that he was ready to invest in his smile and as a young man, increase his self-confidence as he was ready to tackle the world! They worked together to create the smile he wanted. You can see how beautifully his smile looks 15 years later … even, bright, and natural. The best part is … David doesn’t just “like” his smile – HE LOVES HIS SMILE and the confidence it’s given him in his personal and professional life!!

Related Articles:

• Smile Makeover Treatments to Achieve Your Perfect Smile
• Regain Your Self Confidence: Smile Makeover with Cosmetic Dentistry

We Can Transform YOUR Smile!

Dr. Anderson and his team take the time to consult with each patient and understand what they like and do not like about their smile and what they envision as their result. Questions are answered, custom options are discussed, and the custom Smile Design process begins.

We love to improve the smiles of our patients – because we love to see them smile! From dental exams to complete smile transformations that include multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures – the professional team at the offices of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates are constantly fine-tuning their craft through the art and science of dentistry to deliver the results their patients want.

We invite you to schedule a smile consultation if you are unhappy with your smile. We hope you’ll visit us, so we can discuss what you do and do not like about your current smile and how you would like to see your smile transform.

If you’d like to look at another one of our SMILE SPOTLIGHT patients who had Porcelain Veneers as a treatment for tetracycline stains, check out Carla’s Story.

FAQ: Tetracycline Stains on Teeth

Q. Can tetracycline affect your teeth?

ANSWER:

Tetracycline and related antibiotics are not recommended during pregnancy or for young children, under the age of 8, whose teeth are still forming.

In the 1950s, doctors discovered that women taking tetracycline while they were pregnant led to brownish-colored teeth in their children, because the medicine settles into the calcium that the body uses to build teeth. When those teeth grow in, they are a yellowish color, and they gradually turn brown in sunlight.

But tetracycline does not cause tooth discoloration if all your teeth are formed.

Q. What medications can cause tooth discoloration?

ANSWER:

These antibiotics can cause brown, yellow-brown, or gray tooth discoloration:

These antibiotics may cause greenish or a blue-green grayish color:

Too much fluoride can lead to white streaks on the tooth enamel, or a whitish-brown discoloration.

Iron salts taken by mouth can lead to black teeth.

• Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin), used to treat bacterial infections
• Chlorhexidine, an antiseptic/disinfectant
• Doxycycline, used to treat acne
• Tetracycline, used to treat acne and some respiratory infections
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Minocycline

Q. Can tetracycline stains be removed?

ANSWER:

The simple fact is that tetracycline color molecules cannot be completely removed from teeth. Therefore, the amount of whitening that can be achieved when using typical whitening systems is limited.

Q. What can tetracycline be used to treat?

ANSWER:

Tetracycline is used to treat infections caused by bacteria including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections. Certain infections of skin, eye, lymphatic, intestinal, genital and urinary systems and certain other infections that are spread by ticks, lice, mites, and infected animals.

Are YOU Ready for a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is exciting. It can completely change the look of your smile and give you a huge boost in confidence. Essentially, a smile makeover is using one or more procedures to enhance the look of your smile. These procedures may include a few different enhancement and restorative services provided by Thomas L. Anderson and Associates, such as:

• Porcelain veneers: thin, wafer-like shells that are bonded to the top of your teeth and improve the appearance of your teeth.  Learn more HERE.
• Invisalign invisible braces: clear aligners that straighten your teeth. What’s the difference between Braces and Invisalign? Learn more HERE.
• Professional teeth whitening: removing stains on your teeth.
• Dentures: removable appliances that replace teeth.
• Dental implants: artificial tooth roots and crowns.
• Crowns and bridges: A dental crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.

Using Porcelain Veneers to Conceal (Antibiotic) Tetracycline Stains

Porcelain veneers can be customized to cover unsightly tooth enamel, blend in with the rest of your teeth, and give you a beautiful new smile. You work together with your dentist to determine every element of your veneers, including color, shape, and size, so they complement and flatter your appearance.

Most importantly, the veneers can be matched to your natural teeth color or shade. They are white, so your teeth will be white, and they will never be stained again. The side effects of medications, like tetracycline stains, will be concealed permanently.

With porcelain veneers, chips, cracks, stains, misalignment, gaps, and more can be covered up and your smile can be enhanced and transformed.

Smile Makeover: Porcelain Veneers Can Give You the Smile of Your Dreams

In most situations, people choose a smile makeover for cosmetic improvement or personal preference. Many wish to enhance their smile as a way to increase their self-confidence and change how they navigate social settings. As opposed to hiding their smile, patients who receive a smile makeover can smile brightly.

In other circumstances, a smile makeover is a necessity since the procedure can seal cracks and mend broken teeth. Porcelain veneers are ideal for smile makeovers. They provide immediate perfection, allowing patients to see a new smile right after the procedure is completed. If you want a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, keep reading for the more information on the treatment and its benefits.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry. A veneer is a thin shell that is placed over a tooth to correct any tooth damage or to improve the color and alignment of a smile. Porcelain veneers are customized to match the color and the appearance of natural teeth completely. It is a permanent procedure with lasting results. Many patients opt for veneers because capping teeth corrects a number of dental concerns.

Related Article: Top Trends and Treatments in Cosmetic Dentistry

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Provides a Protective Coating for Teeth

Tooth enamel plays an important role in tooth function and longevity. Enamel is said to be much stronger than bones in the human body. Although it is resilient, enamel can wear down over time and leave teeth susceptible to decay, discoloration, and unwanted oral conditions. Porcelain veneers offer a solution to damaged enamel as it provides a layer of coating that protects to teeth. Veneers also limit any discomfort or visible damage caused by worn-down enamel.

Whitens Teeth Immediately

For people who have stained or yellowed teeth, porcelain veneers offer a quick fix. They shield the front portion of the teeth, disguising any discoloration and presenting a more beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains and offer protection and longevity. After this dental procedure, individuals do not have to worry about whitening their capped teeth. Instead, they can comfortably sip coffee, wine, and other drinks without hesitation.

Corrects Unwanted Imperfections  

One of the primary advantages to porcelain veneers is the ability to repair chipped, broken, or gapped teeth quickly. Veneers offer instant results that, in most situations, eliminate the need for additional dental cosmetic procedures. Overall, porcelain veneers help conceal minor cosmetic and orthodontic issues.

Related Article: Cosmetic Dentist in Kansas City

Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates Has the Dental Cosmetic Treatments You Want

Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates dentistry extends their services beyond professional cleanings and fillings. We also provide a range of cosmetic treatments. Porcelain veneers are one such procedure that we have used to help our patients achieve the look and function they want from their smile. If you have been dreaming of the perfect smile, reach out to our team of professionals to discuss how veneers could be the solution for you. Contact us to book your appointment.

Schedule your appointment to meet with any of our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.