cosmetic dentistry Archives

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!

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!

Cosmetic dentist’s dental bonding is yellow.

September 14, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My daughter is in the thick of her teen years. She hated the discoloration on her front teeth. So we met with a dentist that was recommending a cosmetic solution for her two front teeth. The price wasn’t exorbitant, so we did it. Well, the dentists did tooth bonding and now they are yellow. Yes, two yellow front teeth. Ugly and embarrassing to any teen. I honestly think they look worse now than before. When I went in to complain, the dentist shaved off the bonding work and reapplied more. And it’s still yellow. It’s coming off too in some places. I think it looks terrible. Is there anything I can do? I’m having a hard time trusting this dentist to go back in? I’m not sure she knows what she is doing? Is that normal to remove it and reapply? Do you think I have a case to go to another dentist and ask reimbursement from the first?

– Betty in Kansas

Betty,

Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story. It sounds like it may be time to go see another dentist. And you definitely have a case in requesting that the original dentist cover the cost for the new work. But there is no legal recourse really that the original dentist must adhere to. In most cases, some firm persuasion does the trick. Most dentists will want to keep their reputation in tact by making it right. And worse case scenario you can mention that you are meeting with a lawyer. Good luck in how you approach her. Try to keep it cordial and not threatening in nature.

Dental bonding that isn’t done by an experienced cosmetic dentist can be mediocre at best. Unfortunately, it sounds like you had to learn the hard way. This work truly takes an artistic eye for creating beauty. Not just any dentist can do this kind of work. But how would you know? Fundamentally, general dentists are trained to fix things. They are solving some sort of functional problem. Whereas, an excellent cosmetic dentist is passionate about creating beautiful, natural-looking solutions with an emphasis on esthetics. In order to be an expert cosmetic dentist, extensive advanced training is required. Some general dentists dabble in cosmetic dentistry but don’t go to great lengths to hone their skill. And since cosmetic dentistry isn’t a regulated field within dentistry, it makes it very difficult for an average patient to know the difference. Only 1-2% of dentists really do beautiful cosmetic dentistry. So moving forward, check the dentist’s credentials and ask to see their portfolio of work for cases similar to your daughter.

Porcelain veneers may be a good solution for your daughter. But do not let the original dentist do the veneers. It doesn’t sound like this dentist has the ability or heart to give you a beautiful result. Or since your daughter is young, direct dental bonding by another cosmetic dentist may turn out much better. If you find the right dentist with the right credentials, yield to their recommendation.

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.

Why do I have a black line around my crown?

September 11, 2021 by Brian Sartin

So I had a crown done awhile ago now. My regular family dentist did the work. I was using a bright flashlight the other night to get a good look at my teeth. And when I shined the light on my crown it appeared transparent. I noticed a little bit of black right around my gums. What is that? Should I have gone to a cosmetic dentist to have the crown done in the first place? I don’t like the way it looks.

– Michelle in Nebraska

Michelle,

Based on what you have described, the crown you have in your mouth sounds like it is a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. It doesn’t mean that your dentist did anything wrong or that anything is wrong with the functionality of the tooth. That said, a cosmetic dentist places a much higher emphasis on the aesthetics of dentistry. So an excellent cosmetic dentist may have recommended an all porcelain crown.

Some dentists still prefer to use porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns on back molars because the metal structure provides a strong foundation for back teeth. These types of crowns hold up well from a structural standpoint and can withstand extreme biting force. But with the advances in bonding technologies today, many cosmetic dentists are confident that all porcelain crowns will hold up just find on molars. Anyway, the black that is beginning to appear at your gumline is the metal showing through the porcelain. Or if you had a root canal on the tooth, the tooth can appear darker than normal because there is no longer blood circulating to that tooth.

For future reference, you may be interested in learning more about CEREC crowns. These days are also known as same day crowns, because all of the work is done in one visit. That means you don’t have to wear an uncomfortable temporary.

It is still not a bad idea to get into your dentist to have it looked out so the possibility of any tooth decay can be ruled out. Again, it sounds like the metal that is visible, but better to be safe than sorry. Lastly, if this is a indeed a front tooth that you are referring to, then a cosmetic dentist may be the way to go. They care much more about how the end result will look. And all porcelain will look so beautiful that no one will no you had any work done. Good luck!

Dental bonding mistake!

September 10, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am so utterly disappointed in the cosmetic dentistry I just had done. I decided to move forward in getting my front tooth gap closed and then some work done to the lateral incisors to make them appear a bit longer. The dentist recommended dental bonding be used to fix my smile. The first thing that I was surprised by was the fact that the color doesn’t match. When I talked to the cosmetic dentist about this, he said the color difference is supposed to match my “eye teeth” but then when I questioned him he stated that the color was consistent on all the work he did. I’m thinking he’s changing his story here. What was it? A darker color for the incisors or not? Well, I guess it doesn’t matter because they don’t look the same. So, when I expressed my dissatisfaction, he wants me to pay more. That, on top of the whitening toothpaste he is telling me to use, even after he had me do tray teeth whitening. Ugh! Have I been duped? Please help! I literally feel like my lateral incisors are grey.

-Carrie in California

Carrie,

Thank you for reaching out. Cosmetic dentistry mistakes are all too common and the more individuals that share stories like yours, future patients will hopefully become increasingly educated.

Most excellent cosmetic dentists feel that the central incisors should actually be lighter then the canine teeth which are darker. This is to create the most natural-looking smile possible. So if the coloration is how you described it, then this is a dental bonding mistake by your cosmetic dentist. A grey color isn’t acceptable.

If you feel the work is not sufficient, you have two main options. You can approach your cosmetic dentist and request that the work be redone and fixed. Or, you can request that the cosmetic dentistry is paid for elsewhere in seeking a different cosmetic dentist. Now, since it sounds as if your dentist is giving you different explanations and you obviously aren’t happy with the first attempt, you may be better served in finding a new cosmetic dentist to fix your dental bonding. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. If this first dentist isn’t able to give you a beautiful result, it is unlikely an artistic, natural result will happen the second time around with the current dentist.

But it is imperative that you try to refrain from a confrontational demeanor. It sounds like he already is taking the stance that he will charge for any re-work. The thing is teeth whitening isn’t going to solve your problem either because the color is not going to change on the dental bonding. You have a case here. This needs to be redone at his expensive. You have already paid for a beautiful smile and he fell short. He needs to make this right.

Can I get some bling on my teeth, like Beyonce?

September 9, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am admittedly kind of obsessed with Beyonce. Well, she had an awesome spread I saw in a recent magazine where she had something that looked like bling or glitter on her upper teeth. It was wicked looking and I cannot get that hot look out of my mind. It almost had the appearance of a French tip manicure. I have been looking into porcelain veneers and want to know if I can get “glitter” veneers? Is this possible? I will pay whatever it takes.

– Aliyah in Georgia

Aliyah,

Stars do set trends, but this one may not have the staying power. Remember, porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic dentistry treatment. Glitter teeth for celebrities aren’t far fetched, but think how this kind of look would go over at your next job interview or picking your kids up from school. There is no way to know if the treatment she had on her teeth was indeed porcelain veneers, but it is unlikely. Let’s remember, it may not even be real. Did you ever consider it was edited onto the photo after the fact?

Celebs jazz up their looks everyday and these smile fads come and go. But, keep in mind the “go” part. It would not be advised that you move forward with blinging up your teeth. That said, a cosmetic dentist does have the capability to customize porcelain veneers. An expert cosmetic dentist can create virtually any kind of smile design from sexy and sophisticated, to playful or sultry, you name it. But most cosmetic dentists will encourage you to think long term with your new look. Mess around and play up your makeup or outfit, but it would likely be advised that you keep your smile all-natural to the greatest extent possible.

There are some appliques that are called removable grills that can jazz up your smile. But please strongly consider if this is worth it or not? We see patients into see us that have broken, chipped, or otherwise permanently damaged teeth with these sort of temporary treatments.