finding a cosmetic dentist Archives

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.

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.

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!

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.

Is it normal for porcelain veneers to come off every couple months?

September 7, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am wondering if I made a big mistake. I just had four porcelain veneers done on top and four on the bottom. As I was getting ready to leave, the dentist mentioned in passing that in a couple months they may come off. He didn’t act like it was any big deal and he said it happens every few months. He suggested avoiding crunchy foods and apples to help them last longer. What?! This would have been good to know BEFORE getting the porcelain veneers done.

-Shannon in Indiana

Shannon,

No! Porcelain veneers should not come off every few months. If they are done correctly, porcelain veneers should last for over 10 years or more. So, here’s the deal. If they do indeed come off, you need to demand a refund. This kind of thinking is simply not okay.

All dentists adhere to a certain “standard of care” to their patients. Even though cosmetic dentistry is different because it is more aesthetically driven, having porcelain veneers that fall off after a short time does not meet this standard. Sadly, the standard of care for cosmetic dentistry doesn’t compare to general dentistry. For example, if the veneers look bad, it could be perceived one way to you and another to a different patient. That is a somewhat gray area. But, they should absolutely stay on. And if they don’t you may have grounds to pursue legal recourse.

Also, you mention to avoid certain foods with your new porcelain veneers. Aside from opening a beer bottle with your teeth or other common sense practices, you should be able to eat any kind of food you’d like. You shouldn’t have to avoid crunchy foods!

In fact, you should try an apple. If the veneers pop off now, it may be better to know right off the bat. Because if porcelain veneers have been bonded properly, you will have no issue with the foods you eat.

Other than wearing mouth protection in contact sports and avoiding eating metal or rocks, you should not have to worry about the functionality of your porcelain veneers. Or if you tend to grind your teeth at night, it may be good to pursue a nightguard to protect them from the sustained stress of grinding.

Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully, it helps someone else out. Unfortunately, you may not have seen an experienced cosmetic dentist for your work. Keep an eye on them. I’m curious to hear how this turns out. Please keep us updated.

I’m living a porcelain veneers horror story!

September 4, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m so sad. My porcelain veneers look terrible. I have been seeing the same dentist since I was five years old. I love going to see him. When I was in for a regular checkup, I mentioned that I had a really big project at work. It was an opportunity for me to expand my role at and I would be highly visible. He offered to do porcelain veneers to improve my smile. And I didn’t think twice about it. I have always trusted him. I have only ever had positive experiences at the dentist.

So, he did the work. Well, I guess that was a big mistake. I am so unhappy with the results. They are oddly shaped for one. The color isn’t right. I don’t know how to explain it. But, they look fake. The best way to explain it is that it looks like I have Chiclets glued to the front of my teeth.

But, the thing that is most frustrating is that I can’t talk normally. My tongue keeps getting stuck on them and I sound funny. This is a nightmare. I’m not only paranoid about only how they look, but I’m embarrassed that I sound funny. What do I do? I don’t want to damage our relationship. But, I’m mortified. I have to get them fixed or taken off.

-Elizabeth in Louisiana

Elizabeth,

Oh no! This is an unfortunate situation. The bad news is that the porcelain veneers cannot be removed. When porcelain veneers are placed, a tiny bit of the enamel is removed so that they can be permanently bonded in place. When porcelain veneers are don’t correctly, the tooth preparation steps ensures they look completely seamless and natural-looking. But, it also means that they cannot be removed. Your smile won’t look like it used to. Also, your teeth would be more susceptible to decay.

You have learned the hard way. There is a fundamental difference between cosmetic dentists and general dentists. It sounds like your general dentist is a wonderful dentist, seeing that you’ve been going to him since you were a child. But, he simply may not have the training and experience to do beautiful porcelain veneers.

To be an excellent cosmetic dentist requires extensive training beyond dental school. A cosmetic dentist is passionate about creating beauty, in the same way an artist is obsessed with creating art. Think of your smile like a canvas. That is how a true cosmetic dentist is motivated. They want nothing more than for you to fall in love with your new smile.

I know you don’t want to hear this. But, you probably need to see a different dentist to get this straightened out. One that is highly experienced in cosmetic dentistry. If it was only a matter of fixing the speech issue, your dentist may be able to make some adjustments. But, it sounds like there are many things wrong with the smile design. So, the porcelain veneers need to be replaced.

You need to talk to your dentist. He may end up offering to redo them for you. But, it is not in your best interest. He probably had the best intentions. He’s just not equipped to do the highly-skilled, aesthetic work that is needed. You may be able to see if he will refund you or give you some money back, so you can go elsewhere to get the smile you deserve.

You shouldn’t feel bad. Honestly, it’s probably him who will feel really bad. You can continue seeing him for your routine care. But, for the porcelain veneers and any future cosmetic dentistry, be sure you find a reputable cosmetic dentist.

Look for one that has many before and after photographs to share with you. Ask about their training, what other services they provide and how they will improve your case. Good luck to you!

Is there Hope for My Lumineers Nightmare?

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I literally spent thousands of dollars to have Lumineers done across my four front teeth. They didn’t feel right from the moment my dentist put them on, but they told me I would adjust. Sadly, I have not been given the opportunity, because the darn things keep falling off. Seriously, not two days later after they were put on, I was back in the office having one of them put on again. A couple days later, another one popped off. This has been going on for months and I don’t think I’ve gone two weeks without having to go back in. I just finished eating dinner and I realized my teeth felt funny, so I went and looked and two of them are gone. TWO! I think I must have swallowed them with dinner. Now that’s a concern for obvious reasons, but I’m also worried the dentist is going to charge me for a whole new set because I don’t have anything for him to glue back on this time. I really wish I had never had them done in the first place. What should I do?

Thanks,

Peter in Washington

Dear Peter,

First off, swallowing your Lumineers probably isn’t a huge cause for concern. These things tend to pass without issue and you probably won’t even notice when it leaves your system. The fact that they keep coming off, however, is a concern. Your dentist is bonding them wrong, and he should have figured that out by now. Or he should have come up with an alternate treatment if he couldn’t get them to work. If you want to stick with Lumineers, you should find a cosmetic dentist who does them frequently and has a high rate of success.

There was nothing that you could have done to prevent the issues- it’s a technique error. As such, it’s your dentist’s responsibility to repair or replace them. If you feel confident enough that your dentist can perform an alternate treatment, perhaps porcelain veneers, you might have some success. The only other real alternative is to ask for a refund and find a cosmetic dentist who can repair or redo the work.

Also, you probably don’t want to hear this now, but the best cosmetic dentists refuse to place Lumineers. Each has their own reasons, but the majority feel that a much more beautiful result can be done with other brands of porcelain veneers. So, if you aren’t confident that your current dentist can give you a smile you will fall in love with, it’s time to move on. Not just any dentist can do cosmetic dentistry well. But since it’s not a regulated field within dentistry, any dentist can claim to do it without any extra training. So be careful in asking your dentist to do something he isn’t completely confident in. Or you could be looking at a bigger nightmare than you are already dealing with. Thank you for your question. Hopefully, it helps someone else considering Lumineers.

Is a digital smile makeover legit?

September 2, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am very intrigued by the ad I saw on television for a digital smile makeover. I know we live in the digital age and all, but how can they pull off something so individualized? I would love to fix my smile. My teeth are discolored and oddly shaped. I’d love to hear you thoughts? Is it too good to be true?

-Sharon in Nevada

Sharon,

A digital smile makeover is a real thing. There is software that has been around for over 20 years now that enables the cosmetic dentist to take a photograph of you and then digitally enhance it to show you exactly how our new smile will look. It is a fabulous tool that simplifies the smile design process.

That said, you make it sound as if the television ad you saw will enable you to do this independently. Unfortunately, I have never heard of any company that offers digital smile makeovers to the patient directly. You need to find a talented cosmetic dentist to make the digital image process a reality. Most cosmetic dentists that utilize this software in their practice will offer it as part of the smile design process at no extra charge. Typically, it is just another step in the smile design and consultation process.

It is a powerful tool that can realistically show you exactly how your porcelain veneers will look on your face and complexion. And more often than not, the patient will move forward with the services once they visualize it.

But you have to realize that not every dentist can create a beautiful smile makeover, whether they have this software of not. Only two percent of dentists have the extensive training and experience to deliver lifelike, stunning results. Cosmetic dentistry is truly like an art.

Many excellent cosmetic dentists that do not have the digital software available in their office will use provisional veneers. It is a temporary set made out of plastic that mimics what your porcelain veneers will look like. Then you can snap them onto your teeth to see exactly how they look on you. Then, if any changes are required, they can be done before the permanent porcelain veneers are done. Most expert cosmetic dentists will have multiple opportunities for you to see exactly what your smile looks like before it is cemented. They may call this process their beautiful smile guarantee.

So, the best piece of advice I can give you is to focus on the dentist’s experience with similar cases, training and credentials. The tools they choose to deliver beautiful results vary. But the most important piece of the puzzle is selecting the right cosmetic dentist that you can trust.

Thank you for your question.

What is the best to fix my white spots – Zoom, porcelain veneers or something else?

August 29, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have had white spots on my teeth my entire life. My mom told me that they developed on my teeth when I was very young. I ended up with braces as a teen and I have a feeling that didn’t help my situation. The white spots on my front teeth are very noticeable. I’ve been with the same family dentist for as long as I can remember. He told me that my teeth are healthy. He said that my teeth are in good condition and I’m only in my twenties. So, I shouldn’t try to fix something that doesn’t need to be fixed. But, I hate my white spots. I find myself being self conscious. So, I’ve been researching different options and I keep coming back to teeth whitening with something like Zoom or maybe porcelain veneers. Would Crest Whitestrips be strong enough for something like this? I’m afraid Zoom would actually make the white spots whiter. Does that make sense? Maybe porcelain veneers would be the best fit. I’d love to hear your feedback?

– Carrie in New York

Carrie,

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, is very typical of general dentists. His response is quite telling in his experience and understanding of cosmetic dentistry. He is being honest and likely has your best interest in mind. But, it truly doesn’t sounds like he is a cosmetic dentist. And that’s okay. Stick with him for your regular routine care. But, you need to find an excellent cosmetic dentist in your area to address the white spots. There is a fundamental different between general dentists and cosmetic dentists. A cosmetic dentist is like an artist. They believe that everybody deserves a beautiful smile. An experienced cosmetic dentist will also have extensive training beyond dental school. So, it sounds like it’s time to seek another opinion. A general dentist is trained to fix things and has a more functional mindset.

As far as the correct treatment option, teeth whitening treatments like Zoom whitening, will not work for you. Your instincts are right. Whitening the spots, may make them worse. Steer clear of any dentist that recommends whitening treatments.

An expert cosmetic dentist will be able to give you specific treatment options. If the spots aren’t too large, you may be a dental bonding candidate. Or, porcelain veneers may be the better option for you. It’s difficult to give recommendations without having seen your case in person. So, you need to find a reputable cosmetic dentist and ask to see examples of cases similar to yours. It is also possible to have the teeth whitened to brighten the majority of your smile. Then, you could get the spots fixed and the cosmetic dentistry could be made to blend in perfectly with the surrounding teeth.

Thank you for your question. Hopefully, this gives you some options to consider.

Was CEREC the wrong choice for a front tooth?

August 29, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am starting to doubt my dentist that placed a CEREC crown on my front tooth. I was sold when I heard that by choosing CEREC, I wouldn’t have to deal with the inconvenience of a temporary crown. Having the crown done in only one office visit was very appealing. Well, I left town the day after I had the crown placed. I was shocked when the crown came off the next day. I was freaking out and so my friend referred me to her personal dentist. Her dentist seemed comfortable with CEREC and reattached the crown for me. I don’t love the look of the new crown. The color doesn’t look quite right and I think it appears a little longer than the neighboring tooth. The following week when I returned home, I called my dentist to explain what had happened. My dentist offered to have the crown redone. But now I’m starting to wonder if CEREC was a bad choice to replace a broken front tooth? Maybe I should move forward with the traditional crown placement method and go through with the temporary and permanent crown. And I’m even beginning to doubt that having my dentist redo it is the right call either. I’m feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. Can you give me some advice?

-Jen in New York

It is always difficult to provide specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. That said, I’m sorry that you are having to go through this. The bottom line is that a front tooth, single crown is very difficult to get right. Not just any dentist can pull this off. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. Most dentists come from a functional mindset of fixing a problem. Very few (less than two percent) actually have the artistic beauty to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results, especially on a front tooth.

The color may not be right because of the milling machine that was used to fabricate the CEREC crown. Typically, there is a lot of communicator and collaboration on the color of a crown between the cosmetic dentist and the ceramist. But the machine short cuts that process and the CEREC machine will result in a factory color for the crown. A CEREC crown is milled form a single ceramic block, which is provided from the factory. Often times, dentists like using CEREC technology, but agree that they may not be the best fit for a front tooth crown. But there are some highly skilled cosmetic dentists that may be able to deliver a beautiful front tooth CEREC crown. Most excellent cosmetic dentists would choose a traditional porcelain crown so they could perfectly match the surrounding translucency, color and exact shape.

Another cautionary sign is that the crown should not have come off in the first place. So, it is quite possible that the dental bonding wasn’t done properly to begin with. Therefore, you may be correct in questioning your dentist’s ability with cosmetic dentistry. It is nice that he is offering to redo the crown, but you have to wonder if he will successful bond it in place this time around. This may be beyond his personal skill set.

All this to be said, it may be time to seek a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist before moving forward with the crown replacement. Meet with another dentist, one that has experience and training in cosmetic dentistry. Specifically ask if they have done front tooth crowns and ask to see examples of the work. Then, you can better assess what may be the best way to go.

Again, it is hard to tell you exactly what to do without having seen your case. Hopefully this gives you some things to consider before moving forward in getting the porcelain crown replaced.