blog Archives - Coleman Dental

My Invisalign dentist is rude!

September 15, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I went to a new dentist to get Invisalign invisible braces. They had a new patient special going and the deal was too good to pass up. Well I stuck with him for a couple months, but I have never met someone so rude, especially when I am paying someone. With all the dentists in my area, there really is no reason for me to want to keep going. Well, I’m on aligner #5 and the tray didn’t fit right. He went off about how I need to follow the instructions and be compliant, and wouldn’t even let me get a word in. Needless to say, he was supposed to have re-ordered my tray #5 so I have been waiting to hear back. But it’s been two weeks and now they are telling me I need new impressions. That’s the last straw for me. Please tell me I can switch to another Invisalign dentist without too much of a headache.

– Hannah in New York

Hannah,

Sorry to hear you have had a negative experience with your current dentist. There are no shortage of Invisalign providers, so you should have no problem finding another reputable dentist in your area. When a patient is unhappy or is moving out of state, Invisalign dentists can be switched. It does involve coordinating with the current dentist to fill out a form. When it has been signed by all parties, the Invisalign treatment plan should be easily moved to your new desired practice. It’s the fees that may be tricky. There is a good chance you already paid the initial dentist, so you will need to figure out a refund. Or maybe you can pay for only the services rendered. It all depends on how the dentist has it broken out and their payment policies. Fingers crossed that the transition is smooth.

Pain After Dental Bonding: What’s the Fix?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had a fair amount of dental bonding done a few weeks ago. The vast majority of it was for cosmetic reasons, but I did have a couple of cavities as well. The doctor said it would be easier on me if I did it all in one visit and I assumed he was right. Since then, my teeth have been very sensitive and it seems to be getting worse. It actually hurts on one side every time I bite. I called the office and asked about it and the lady said I’d get used to it over time. If this was true, I would think it would have stopped by now. Is there something else I need to be doing?

Thank you,

Shirley in Minnesota

Dear Shirley,

Actually, it sounds like you need to go back to the dentist. The dental bonding could need to be smoothed out a little bit. When you have excess material, it affects your bite and the constant unnatural banging on your other teeth can become painful. That’s why it hurts more when you bite down. Since the tooth is already upset, the pain lingers on for some time after. Some people report having shooting pains or jaw pain when their recent filling needs an adjustment as well. This isn’t something that gets better on its own. In fact, letting it go can further traumatize the tooth and the one that it’s biting against, which may result in the need for additional treatment. You’ll have to go in to have it smoothed out.

There are other issues it could be as well. It’s possible there’s something going on with the tooth or the dental bonding, too. If the tooth is just irritated, something like that would likely settle down on its own. Taking ibuprofen to help the inflammation may speed up recovery time with things like that. At other times, if the tooth was traumatized or the cavity was deep, a root canal may become necessary for your comfort and the long-term retention of the tooth.

It’s a little disappointing that the office staff didn’t suggest that you go in and have the dental bonding checked out and adjusted. That’s generally the first step when someone feels uncomfortable after a filling. Start with that and, if you don’t feel relief within a week or so, you may need to start looking into other possible causes for the discomfort.

Sometimes teeth really do need a little rest to settle down, but you’ll start to gradually feel better as time passes and it sounds like your pain is getting worse. Unexplained pain should never be ignored, and certainly not if it’s progressive. Get this checked out as soon as you can.

What’s wrong with my porcelain veneer?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I ended up getting a porcelain veneer done to fix my damaged front tooth. At first, I really liked it. It blended in perfectly with my surrounding teeth. No one seemed to notice I had any work done. I am wondering what’s wrong with it now? It has only been a couple years and I’m noticing a really dark line along my gums. Should I be concerned? I am starting to feel self conscious when I’m laughing and smiling. Do you know what happened?

-Pam in Missouri

Pam,

From what you have described, it actually doesn’t sound like you have a porcelain veneer. It is more likely that you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. A porcelain veneer is a very thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the front of a tooth. Typically, a porcelain veneers are used to improve the aesthetics of teeth. For example, minor gaps, discoloration and small chips can be addressed with porcelain veneers. But, a dental crown is used when a tooth is more severely damaged. For example, if a tooth is cracked or chipped, has too large of a cavity to fill or needs to be reinforced structurally, a crown is more effective. A porcelain crown covers the entire tooth, kind of like a cap.

When the framework is made of metal, the gums can recede over time and the metal is visible. That said, a couple years seems like a short time for the metal to be exposed. It is possible you may need to be checked out to rule out any other conditions, like gum disease. That way, the cause can be taken care of before the crown is redone.

Now, this is all based on assumption from what you have explained. It is possible that you did get a porcelain veneer. If so, it doesn’t sound like it was done properly. Or, the cosmetic dentistry may have been done by a dentist that didn’t have the proper expertise and training.

There have been cases where bacteria creeps into the gumline area with porcelain veneers that were not placed seamlessly. If this is indeed the case, you will need to have be seen for a professional exam and cleaning. If bacteria is gathering along the gums, decay will become an issue if it hasn’t already and the bond that holds the veneer in place may be compromised.

Thank you for your question. Hopefully this will give you some guidance as to what your next steps should be.

Fake-looking porcelain veneers.

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been saving up for years to have my smile improved with beautiful porcelain veneers. I feel conned and am so frustrated at how they turned out. I think they look huge when I smile and unnaturally gleaming white. Ugh! In fact, I saw myself in a photo and I think they honestly resemble Chicklets. Will I get used to them? Or do you have any advice? Please help, I’m feeling desperate.

– Rebecca in Idaho

Rebecca,

Sorry to hear that your expectations have fallen short. Porcelain veneers are a large investment and you should in no way have to settle or try to get used to them. Based on your description, it sounds as if you went with no preparation veneers or very little preparation for the teeth. These no prep veneers are appealing but sometimes just don’t work well on everyone. One popular brand of ultra-thin, no prep veneers is Lumineers and sadly, the comments you have made are not uncommon among Lumineer patients.

The bottom line is that porcelain veneers, really any type of cosmetic dentistry, truly is an art. The cosmetic dentist must have the right experience and advanced training in order to do beautiful work. The lab is also a very important competent in achieving beautiful veneers. Have you talked to the dentist? If he or she is a skilled cosmetic dentist, they will not rest until you are satisfied with your smile design. By nature, true cosmetic dentists tend to be perfectionists, so they consider your smile a failure unless you absolutely love it. Hopefully your cosmetic dentist will work with you to make them right. Otherwise, it may be wise to find an expect cosmetic dentist that can address these issues you are unhappy with. Best of luck!

Does coffee stain Invisalign?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am very interested in learning more information about Invisalign invisible braces. It sounds like patients just love them. I really am attracted to the fact that no one will know I’m wearing them. But here’s the thing. I am a heavy coffee drinker. I don’t think I can give it up. Will this defeat the purpose and stain the trays yellow or brown?

– Maria in Nevada

Maria,

Coffee does stain teeth and so naturally that is assumed that it will stain Invisalign aligners. You could quit! Just joking. You don’t have to quit to get a beautiful, straight smile.

But what you may not have realized is that you need to remove Invisalign trays whenever you are eating or drinking. Coffee that is hot will damage the aligners. It may also cause damage to your teeth below the aligner because the liquid could become trapped on your teeth, underneath the aligner. The coffee, sugar that is likely added, and high acidity of coffee just sitting on your teeth can cause increased decay. If for some reason you are in a situation where you cannot remove the aligners while having a cup of coffee, you could drink through a straw. Yet, there is still a possibility that it will stain the aligners and they will still end up being exposed to heat.

Ideally, coffee drinking should be limited or only drink it when you are not wearing your aligners. Also, it is a good habit to brush and floss right after a cup. The safest way to keep your teeth healthy and Invisalign aligners looking their best is to remove them, enjoy your food or drink, clean your teeth, then pop them back in.

What’s cheaper Lumineers or Durathin veneers?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I want to get a smile makeover and have been comparing DURAthinveneers to Lumineers. Which one is cheaper? I think I am gravitating toward the photographs I’ve seen of Durathin. But I’m keeping my options open.

-Amanda in New Jersey

Amanda,

The first question that needs to be asked is, have you consulted with a cosmetic dentist yet? Or have you been searching online looking at pictures? In the day and age we live in, it’s true that we cost compare almost everything, from a new appliance to new shoes. But there is a shift that you need to make when considering porcelain veneers. This isn’t some product that you can return when it doesn’t fit right. The difference in the price of the porcelain between these two brands is approximately one percent. It really doesn’t matter the brand. The cost of porcelain veneers comes from selecting the right dentist. Any dentist can place Lumineers or Durathin veneers. But when it comes to a smile makeover, you’re talking about the first thing people see when you smile, how you feel at a job interview, and how others see you. You need to make sure you find an excellent cosmetic dentist that can make the right recommendations for your specific concerns and not just the cheapest option around.

Most expert cosmetic dentists won’t even place Lumineers. There are trademark restrictions on this brand of porcelain veneers that they must be manufactured in the Lumineers laboratory. Therefore, there isn’t much that the cosmetic dentist can do to tailor them to match your complexion, facial shape, and personality. Many patients end up feeling like Lumineers look bulky and others say the look fake and just aren’t happy in the long run. Therefore, if you are looking for an ultra-thin brand of veneers, DURAthin will likely win out.

But if you say that you are keeping your options open, then that is the best attitude. Meet with a cosmetic dentist, one that is truly artistic. It will be worth every penny you spend on yourself. Only 1-2% of dentists truly have the right background and training to create beautiful smiles. So do your research more on the dentist you select versus the brand that is cheaper.

Can teens use Invisalign?

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My front teeth are so ugly. They are crooked and one sticks out really far. I really don’t want to be a brace face though. Can I use Invisalign if I am only 13? I heard it was only good for adults, not teens. Do you know if it’s cheaper than braces? I want to have my facts straight before I beg my parents. Also, it’s really only my top teeth that are jacked up. Maybe that will cut the price down? Looking forward to your help!

– Gentry in Alabama

Patients love Invisalign invisible braces for many reasons. They are invisible, more comfortable than metal braces, and take about half the time to straighten teeth. The good news is that the Invisalign company did release an Invisalign Teen line in 2009. But the main issue with this clear aligner system is that your permanent teeth need to be fully erupted in order to be a candidate. If this sounds like you, find an Invisalign Teen dentist in your area to make sure it will work for you.

Regarding the cost of Invisalign, in most cases, it does tend to be more expensive than traditional braces. Also, Invisalign will not provide aligners for only the top arch. So there is no cost savings with only getting aligners on the top because it simply isn’t an option. The general or cosmetic dentist will end up paying the same fee whether you get trays for the top only or bottom, or both. Many dentists will provide a free consultation to answer your questions and help determine if Invisalign makes sense for your case.

Best of luck!

Trying to decide between crowns or Lumineers?

September 13, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am seeing a cosmetic dentist to close the gap between my some front teeth. They aren’t the ones right in front, but the ones next to the front ones. I feel like my smile has always been unbalanced and I’m ready to get it fixed. When I started looking around online, Lumineers seem like a good way to go so the dentist doesn’t need to remove any of my natural tooth structure. I really like that. But when I met with the dentist, he told me most types of porcelain veneers have problems and he wants me to get crowns. Is this really the only solution?

-Arnold in Georgia

Arnold,

If this “cosmetic dentist” is telling you that he has problems with porcelain veneers, it doesn’t matter if it’s Lumineers or another brand, he probably doesn’t have the expertise to place them. Not every dentist that claims he is a cosmetic dentist has the artistic ability or knowledge of dental bonding techniques to create a beautiful result. So don’t press him out of his comfort zone, or you may end up regretting it. When porcelain veneers are done correctly, they can last for well over 10 years or more. It may be that your dentist is much more comfortable with placing crowns. But, unless the teeth are decayed and require porcelain crowns, that is not the ideal treatment since such a large portion of the tooth must be removed to fit a crown.

It may be time to find seek a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist. Most dentists would suggest the least-invasive treatment. Before moving forward with any type of cosmetic dentistry, be sure to check out the dentist’s credentials and ask to see examples of cases that are similar to yours. Best of luck!

Crowns keep falling off!

September 13, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have a couple crowns and have never had any problems with them. Well, I feel really bad for my husband because his dental crowns keep falling off. The dentist re-cements them and then in a week or so, they pop right off. The dentist seems like he’s at a loss at this point. I’m wondering what is going on? Is there a super-strong cement we can try first? Or I have heard of CEREC. Is that a better option?

– Jeffrey in Missouri

Jeffrey,

Sadly, it sounds like it’s time for a second opinion. There shouldn’t be an issue with the porcelain crowns not staying cemented. This is not a common occurrence. Once they are permanently cemented, they should stay in place if they were done properly. Something must be breaking the bond.

The life of a crown is typically dependent upon the tooth preparation that was done by the dentist. If the tooth is in any way tapered, the crown will not have a good fit. It sounds like it may be time for some new crowns or better yet, a new cosmetic dentist. In order to successfully place crowns, the dentist must have had extensive training in the bonding technologies and materials. There really is no excuse for your husband’s crowns not to stay on. It’s time to move on.

Lastly, CEREC crowns really aren’t the answer here. This sounds like it’s an issue with the dentist, not the product. CEREC is a technology enables the tooth to be prepared and placed all in one visit.

Why on earth did the dentist put stain on my Lumineers?

September 12, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had four Lumineers on my teeth from a long time ago that looked ugly, so I’ve been planning to have them redone for awhile now. Well, I just had 10 new Lumineers done and I hated the color. The dentist used a stain to make them look “natural.” I thought I had thoroughly explained that I wanted a white smile. So when I called in to complain, he had me come back in to fix the color. He drilled off the top layer to whiten them, as I was freaking out inside. Do you know what it sounds like to drill away over $13,000?! Was drilling really the right way to handle botched Lumineers? Now, I’m left with dull, lifeless veneers. The shape is messed up too. Is there anything that can help?

-Beck in Illinois (a.k.a. Going Broke and Still Not Smiling)

Beck,

This sounds like a cosmetic dentistry horror story. And sadly, it happens more than you might think. At this point, it sounds like you are coming to grips with the fact that there isn’t much that can be done to fix your Lumineers. Although, if they are really bad, there is a chance you may be able to pursue a refund, either partially or hopefully a full refund. At that point, you may be able to have the porcelain veneers redone.

The first step is to find another cosmetic dentist to help support your cause. The new dentist would have a vested interest of course, since you will still need to have your porcelain veneers redone. So, the new dentist may be willing to put some pressure on the dentist to help you get a refund.

As you select a new dentist, you need to look for an excellent cosmetic dentist. As you have realized and experienced, not just any dentist can do cosmetic dentistry. Any dentist can claim to do it, but fewer than one to two percent of dentists have the artistic ability and passion to create beautiful work. Another issue at play here is that most true cosmetic dentists don’t like Lumineers. This is because this particular brand of porcelain veneers come with strict trademark restrictions, which dictate them to be done in their laboratory. Also, the results aren’t up to the standard of most excellent cosmetic dentists. In the mindsof a reputable cosmetic dentist, the best Lumineers case may deliver an okay or above average smile. They often end up looking opaque and bulky. An expert cosmetic dentist will settle for nothing less than perfection and for you to absolutely love their work. That is the dentist you’re after. One that would go to bat on your behalf so you end up with the beautiful smile you deserve.

As far as your comment about the stain to whiten them after drilling them down, this probably is a result of a technique taught in dental school. Instructors (without cosmetic dentistry expertise) would state that a “natural” stain should be placed on teeth, so they don’t look too white. He was probably taught that if the teeth were too white, they would look fake. But, a true cosmetic dentist will listen to you and deliver results that are exactly what you are trying to achieve. They will figure out what smile design is best for your face shape, personality and complexion.

In order to get the smile you have in your mind, unfortunately the cosmetic dentistry needs to be redone. This time around, choose carefully. Ask to see cases similar to yours, look at their portfolio of work and be sure they have extensive advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. If you find a dentist that is a member or affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you are on the right track.

Sorry there isn’t better news for you. But thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully, it will protect another patient from falling into a similar situation with a dentist that isn’t equipped to provide beautiful cosmetic dentistry.