Porcelain veneer versus composite veneer

Question: I have always heard of porcelain lamiate veneers, but I recently read about "composite resin" veneers that are less than half the cost. What are these?

- Mary S. in Malden, MA


Answer: One of he many things I like about dentistry (other than the free toothpaste samples), is the frequent ability to offer more than one option to satisfy a patient's desires. (Dental, desires that is!)

Case in point: A patient wants gorgeous, straighter whiter teeth, but 10 upper porcelain lamiate veneers are not financially feasible at this time. What is the plan "B"? Composite resin veneers.

Porcelain lamiate veneers require two to four appointments over a three week period; utilize local anesthesia for the reduction of enamel and utilize impressions, temporaries and laboratory work to create long lasting restorations.

Composite resin veneers often are done in one visit, no lab work, and are at least half the cost of porcelain lamiates. However, it does not last as long as porcelain laminate.

Dr. Wu practices Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Malden, Massachusetts. She is an extramural faculty member of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and a columnist in the Malden Observer Newspaper. Dr. Wu was awarded America's Top Dentists in 2009 and 2010 by the Consumer's Research Council of America. Dr. Wu can be reached at diana.pwudmd@verizon.net (781) 322-0131, or by visiting www.mymaldendentist.com

New products improve adhesive dentistry

Question: I have several white fillings in between my front teeth and where the enamel meets the gum line. I am frequently needing to replace them due to ugly brown stains around the edges, decay or they just simply fall out. Is this normal?

- D.F. in Malden, MA


Answer: Adhesive dentistry has come a long way since the ’80s when it truly came into vogue. Clinicians have been able to chemically bond tooth-colored composites to existing tooth structure, sparing patients from the more extensive drilling required for the older, unsightly, amalgam (silver) fillings. New products have arrived to increase the longevity of these restorations. Now there are a variety of surface sealers available that seal the gaps between the filling material and the adjacent enamel while releasing fluoride to prevent recurrent decay and staining. Plus, it will improve the luster on cosmetic bonding procedures on your front teeth.

Dr. Wu practices Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Malden, Massachusetts. She is an extramural faculty member of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and a columnist in the Malden Observer Newspaper. Dr. Wu was awarded America's Top Dentists in 2009 and 2010 by the Consumer's Research Council of America. Dr. Wu can be reached at diana.pwudmd@verizon.net (781) 322-0131, or by visiting www.mymaldendentist.com

Dental Implants

Q: I need several dental implants and extractions. Should I have this done in a hospital like when I had my hip replacement, or can it really be done in a dental office with equal success?

- Moe in Malden, MA

A: A recent study in a respected dental journal addressed this. Approximately 1,500 implants were placed in a typical hospital surgical setup along with 1,500 placed in a simplified operatory setup similar to a typical dental environment from 1985 to 2003. Healing was evaluated after six months. No significant differences with regard to complications or implant survival rate were found in the study.

For a free dental implant consultation, please contact us.

Dr. Wu practices Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Malden, Massachusetts. She is an extramural faculty member of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and a columnist in the Malden Observer Newspaper. Dr. Wu was awarded America's Top Dentists in 2009 and 2010 by the Consumer's Research Council of America. Dr. Wu can be reached at diana.pwudmd@verizon.net (781) 322-0131, or by visiting www.mymaldendentist.com

Early Tooth Decay (Dental Caries) Detection - Diagnodent

Q: I recently moved to Massachusetts and was examined by a new dentist. She found several cavities on the chewing surface of some of my molars. Why did my long time, previous dentist miss all of these? I was just in his office a few months ago, just before moving.

- Sally in Malden, MA.

A: This is a dilemma we hear quite often. Generally, X-rays are useful for detection of chewing surface decay (occlusal caries) only after extensive lesions have developed that are very close to the nerve canals of the teeth. Over the past few years, electronic devices been developed to detect these cavities in much earlier stages. The Diagnodent uses a laser to read the bacteria levels produced by cavity-causing organisms. The Spectra system shows live images of teeth with the microorganisms fluorescing in red against a green background of the healthy enamel.

Dr. Wu practices Advanced Restorative Dentistry in Malden, Massachusetts. She is an extramural faculty member of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and a columnist in the Malden Observer Newspaper. Dr. Wu was awarded America's Top Dentists in 2009 and 2010 by the Consumer's Research Council of America. Dr. Wu can be reached at diana.pwudmd@verizon.net (781) 322-0131, or by visiting www.mymaldendentist.com