Q.
Dear Dr Caplan, I moved to Salisbury from Glasgow about 4 years ago. During the time in Scotland, my dentist had occasion to fill certain teeth (in the ‘normal’ manner and to bridge my upper right incisor. One filling in question and the bridge cement lasted at least six years but, on my move to Salisbury, the filling had to be replaced but then replaced again twice within a matter of months of each other. The bridgework also loosened on one side and was re-bonded about two months ago. It has just come away again after biting normally on an oatmeal biscuit. I do not wish to cast aspersions on my dental surgery in Salisbury but I have not previously experienced such replacements in such a short period of time. Are there different grades of dental filling materials/cements for cavities and bridgework? Thank you, J

Q.
Dear Dr.Caplan, I have a question regarding composite bonding of teeth. To make the story short, my dentist wish to use composite bonding to smoothen the surface of my 4 front upper teeth, the enamel have decreased after an accident that required bracing and repair years ago. I want to avoid veneers or Lumineers, as I am young, and have no issues with the looks of my teeth, they look fine, they just feel rough surfaced. Composite sounds like a good solution, but I have read that it tends to stain very easily, and bleaching it would be impossible. What is your opinion on this matter? Does the potential for future staining of the composite depend on the dentist’s skills when placing it, is it coffee habits, or will such bonding inevitably stain? In case, how many years would this take? And would it be possible to re-do the bonding would this occur? I would much appreciate your opinion.