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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.

Filed Under: blog, Lumineers Tagged With: cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, fake Lumineers, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, Lumineers, Lumineers are ugly, Lumineers dentist, Lumineers look fake, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, ugly Lumineers, ugly porcelain veneers

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.

Filed Under: blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Lumineers, Porcelain Veneers Tagged With: best cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, Lumineers, Lumineers came off, Lumineers dentist, Lumineers fell off, Lumineers pop off, Lumineers popped off, Lumineers problems, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, problems with 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.

Filed Under: blog, Porcelain Veneers Tagged With: beautiful smile guarantee, best cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, digital smile design, digital smile makeover, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, smile design, smile makeover

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.

Filed Under: blog, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening, Zoom Whitening Tagged With: best cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental bonding, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, porcelain veneers, teeth bleaching, teeth whitening, tooth bleaching, tooth bonding, tooth whitening, Zoom!, Zoom! whitening

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.

Filed Under: blog, CEREC Crowns Tagged With: best cosmetic dentist, broken front tooth, CEREC, CEREC crown, CEREC crown fell off, CEREC same day crown, CEREC same day crowns, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, crown fell off, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, front tooth crown, my crown fell off, porcelain crown, porcelain crown fell off, same-day crown, same-day crowns, single front tooth crown

I was told I’m not a porcelain veneers candidate. Is that true?

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am so disappointed to hear my cosmetic dentist tell me I’m not a candidate for porcelain veneers. He blamed it on my overbite because my top teeth come down over my bottom teeth when me mouth is closed. So, his solution is six porcelain crowns on my top teeth. He also mentioned that crowns were the way to go because of tetracycline stains on my front teeth. Does this sounds like an appropriate treatment plan? I really was hoping to get porcelain veneers because I don’t want to have my front teeth all shaved down to stubs, unless it’s the only way to fix my smile. Also, can my bottom teeth be whitened to match the top ones after the cosmetic dentistry is complete?

Please let me know your thoughts?

Thanks,

Tami in Nevada

Tami,

It’s a good thing you reached out. Your intuition is right. You don’t want crowns on all your teeth because there are other options where you don’t have to have them ground down. And the overbite concern the dentist provided is also inaccurate. Porcelain veneers are applied to the front of the teeth, so no work needs to be done on the back of the front teeth. For individuals with an overbite, porcelain veneers are the better choice.

Here is what is likely happening. Not every dentist is experienced in doing cosmetic dentistry. It actually takes extensive training beyond dental school. It sounds like porcelain crowns are within your dentist’s comfort zone and porcelain veneers are not. So, first of all, you never want to push a dentist out of their comfort zone. But your overbite is not an issue that should exclude you from porcelain veneers.

Also, not every dentist is experienced in treating tetracycline stains. This kind of stains requires an expert cosmetic dentist. t sounds like it’s time to find an excellent cosmetic dentist in your area. You can still see your general dentist for routine exams, cleaning and maintenance. If you can find a cosmetic dentist that is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) that would be a great starting point.

Then, during the consultation, listen to their recommendations. Find out about their training and experience, specifically with tetracycline cases and an overbite. Porcelain veneers can be used to successfully treat your case, but ask to see before and after photos of cases similar to yours.

In regard to whitening your lower teeth, it takes a powerful formulation of teeth whitening agents to treat tetracycline stains. Kor whitening may be the best choice to address that. But an excellent cosmetic dentist will be able to present you with all the options and will absolutely be able to match the new porcelain veneers to your bottom teeth.

A beautiful smile can be yours, when you find the right cosmetic dentist. Thank you for your question. Hopefully, this was helpful.

Filed Under: blog, Porcelain Veneers Tagged With: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, best cosmetic dentist, bleaching teeth, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, cover tetracycline staining, cover tetracycline stains, covering tetracycline stains, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, how to find the best cosmetic dentist, Kor whitening, porcelain crown, porcelain crowns, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, teeth bleaching, teeth whitening, tetracycline staining, tetracycline stains, tooth bleaching, tooth whitening, treat tetracycline staining, treating tetracycline stains, whitening teeth

My porcelain veneers horror story. What do I do?

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am living my very own porcelain veneers nightmare. A couple days ago I had two porcelain veneers placed on my two front teeth. The main reason for the cosmetic dentistry in the first place was because I had a chip in my tooth. It had dental bonding on it that eventually came off. When I went into the dentist, I was originally thinking that I’d get the dental bonding redone. But the dentist basically said it wasn’t an option. Then he proceeded to tell me I would need a crown, since the 1/5 of the tooth was chipped. I felt like that was pretty invasive and told them I preferred porcelain veneers.

So, when I went back in for the final fitting, I decided I wanted the tooth to be a little whiter than my natural tooth because I was hoping to get teeth whitening on the others done later. I liked the way it looked during that appointment and so he had me sign a consent form. After it was cemented on, I didn’t have the chance to see it again until I got int he car.

They told me it looked great but I didn’t see it until I got to my car. I was instantly in tears when I saw it. It was more than a millimeter out of position and now it looks like it protrudes. It’s almost like the hygienist put too much cement on it and it kind of sticks out further than the others. It feels so funny on the backside, like there is a gap between the bottom edge of the tooth and the veneer. Biting just doesn’t feel right either.

When I called in to explain my issues, they told me that the gap on the back may be able to remedied but I was stuck with the length. She said it’s possible that the tooth moved. Are you kidding? I noticed the protrusion and length problem in their parking lot. It didn’t move in three minutes.

I don’t know what to do? I don’t feel like they want to help me or make it right. And I’m embarrassed to go see another dentist. Do you have any advice?

-Sherry in Florida

Sherry,

Sadly, your porcelain veneers horror story is not uncommon. It’s difficult to give you exact recommendations without seeing your case in person and my response is largely based on some general assumptions from other similar mishaps. But here is what it sounds like based on what you have shared.

Cosmetic dentistry is not a separate specialty area within dentistry. This means that any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist without any extra training. Cosmetic dentistry is like an art. It takes a passion for aesthetics and a thorough understanding of dental bonding materials and techniques used to create natural-looking, beautiful work. A dentist without this mindset, skill set or understanding comes from a functional mindset. They are more focused on fixing a problem versus creating beauty.

From what you have explained, your dentist doesn’t sound like an expert cosmetic dentist. First, there is no reason that dental bonding should have been off the table. If the chip is as you explained, dental bonding would have been an ideal choice for an experienced cosmetic dentist. It is quite possible that your dentist doesn’t have that experience. He may be used to doing porcelain crowns and therefore recommended what he is better at, not what was best for your specific needs.

It also needs to be said that your instincts were correct. A porcelain crown in this situation is not necessary and it is an invasive treatment. In hindsight, you never want to ask a dentist to do a treatment (like porcelain veneers) that they aren’t comfortable with or that they didn’t recommend.

You also mentioned that you selected the shading based on the fact that you were interested in teeth whitening down the road. An expert cosmetic dentist wouldn’t have had you picking the color or shading. They would have insisted that you have the bleaching done first and then after the color stabilized, the porcelain veneers could have been matched perfectly to your surrounding teeth. This is just another indicator that cosmetic dentistry may be out of your dentist’s comfort zone.

It’s good that you had a look at the veneer prior to it being permanently cemented in place. But it is very strange that you weren’t aloud to see it after it was bonded. Most cosmetic dentists would be so excited for you to see the final product. They live for your positive reaction because they would want you to love the work. It’s frustrating that you didn’t see it until you were in the car.

Regarding the positioning of the restoration, it sounds like the veneer wasn’t seated correctly. Properly placing a veneer is an entirely different process than it is with a crown. This isn’t the end of the world, but it isn’t right or fair to you. Patients trust their dentist, which is the key to a successful patient-doctor relationship. It doesn’t sound like this dentist had the proper technique or experience, but did the porcelain veneers anyway.

When you called back in and they told you that the length and positioning cannot be addressed, that is not correct. A porcelain veneer can be trimmed and honestly if it isn’t right – it should be redone. Your tooth didn’t move from the time you walked to your car and it is absurd that this is the response you were given.

The porcelain veneer sounds like it needs to be fixed and completely redone. At this point, based on what you have shared, you probably don’t want this dentist to do it. That said, you have every right to request a refund. The dentist has to realize that he messed up and should be embarrassed. You can state that you are going to a new dentist to have it fixed. If they give you any grief, the new cosmetic dentist may be able to help you out by confirming the mistake. Document everything and take photos. If it doesn’t go well, you have every right to file a complaint with the dental board. Hopefully it doesn’t’ get to that point though.

On behalf of cosmetic dentists that truly care about creating beauty, please accept our apology. I’m sorry you have to go through this.

Filed Under: blog, Porcelain Veneers Tagged With: cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry horror story, dental bonding, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, how to find a cosmetic dentist, how to find the best cosmetic dentist, mistake with porcelain veneer, porcelain crown, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneer horror story, porcelain veneer mistake, porcelain veneers, porcelain veneers horror story, teeth bleaching, teeth whitening, tooth bleaching, tooth bonding, tooth whitening

How do I close my big gap in my teeth? Anything other than Lumineers?

August 27, 2021 by Brian Sartin

Please tell me I have other options beyond Lumineers and Snap-On smile? I have a pretty big gap in between my two front teeth. I was planning to get Snap-On smile because that’s what my family dentist recommended. I did the x-rays and all the preparation steps and all the info was sent to the company. Then, after all that, the company  said I am not a candidate. I don’t want braces at all. So, I have an appointment with another dentist about Lumineers. My gap is between 8-10 mm. I’m not sure that Lumineers will work right either. I’d love to get your thoughts.

-Sharon in Mississippi

Sharon,

Thank you for reaching out before your Lumineers appointment because this is not the way to go for your case. If you went through with it, you wouldn’t be happy with the results. Your gap of 8-10mm is quite large. You are not a candidate for Lumineers. You need to have the gap closed or see an excellent cosmetic dentist to better explore your options.

You mentioned that you didn’t want braces and I’m assuming you are referring to traditional metal braces. Have you considered Invisalign? This treatment uses clear aligners and highly sophisticated computer technology to re-position teeth gradually. Invisalign would work well to close the gap and it works in about half the time as traditional braces. It is much more comfortable too because there are not metal and brackets. From a conversational distance, no one will know you are wearing the invisible aligners. So, this would be a good treatment option for you to consider. You could estimate approximately a year from start to finish, with new aligners being placed every two weeks.

Also, I mentioned having a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Not just any dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry. Your average family general dentist wouldn’t be the one to look for other recommendations. If a dentist is promoting Lumineers, that is a sign that they are not an expert cosmetic dentist. Most excellent cosmetic dentists don’t choose Lumineers for their patients. There are trademark restrictions that require them to be manufactured in their own laboratory and they deliver results that don’t look as nice as other brands of porcelain veneers. The teeth look dull, and some cases look long and thick. Now, there are other brands of porcelain veneers that may work okay. But, you still may need to have your teeth straightened prior to getting porcelain veneers. You would need to make sure you are meeting with a dentist that knows his or her stuff because it is possible (with an expert cosmetic dentist) to have the gap filled or re-shaped in a way that would look natural and beautiful. But with as large of a gap as you have, it would be difficult for the average dentist on the block.

Some things to consider when you are looking for a great cosmetic dentist would be to first off, have a consultation to see if you feel they are trustworthy. Then, ask them about cases similar to yours regarding working with a large gap in your front teeth. Also, check their credentials and their portfolio of work. Any excellent cosmetic dentist would require extensive training beyond dental school and if they were affiliated with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, that would be a good indicator of their skill level.

Good luck and thank you for reaching out. Lumineers just aren’t right for you. So, hopefully this helps you explore other options.

Filed Under: blog, Invisalign, Lumineers Tagged With: braces vs Invisalign, closing a front tooth gap, closing a gap, closing gap with porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, front teeth gap, gap in front teeth, gap in teeth, gapped teeth, Invisalign, Invisalign dentist, Invisalign versus braces, Lumineers, Lumineers dentist, metal braces vs Invisalign, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, Snap-on Smile, will porcelain veneers close a gap?

What’s the best way to fix a chipped front tooth – dental bonding?

August 25, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I love my smile. Now, I’m mortified because I chipped my front tooth on a glass. It is really small. But, I notice it every time I look in the mirror. Please tell me there is a simple fix, because I don’t want it to look fake. The chip is probably less than a millimeter and my friends tell me they can’t see it. Should I get a porcelain veneer or dental bonding?

I have a couple main concerns.

  • Will a porcelain veneer look natural?
  • Will it blend in or make me look silly?
  • Can the color be made to match the surrounding teeth?

I really don’t want to fork out the money for a smile makeover. What are my options?

-Beck in Chicago

Beck,

These are some great questions. It sounds like you’ve done some initial research. A porcelain veneer can be made to blend in beautifully with the surrounding teeth.

But, it has to be done by an excellent cosmetic dentist. Not just any dentist can do this type of highly-skilled, artistic work. It requires extensive training beyond dental school to create beauty. This is especially true when it comes to a front tooth.

To fix a tiny chip in a front tooth, dental bonding will work great. Here’s how it works. The cosmetic dentist will scuff up the surface of the tooth. Then, a composite material is applied and bonded directly to the roughened surface. This is the easiest, most cost-effective approach. If it’s done by an expert cosmetic dentist, the tooth bonding should last for years. Over time, you may need to have it redone.

You’ll be smiling again in no time.

Thanks for your question. Hopefully, this post helps others that may be considering dental bonding.

Filed Under: blog, Dental Bonding Tagged With: chipped front tooth, chipped tooth, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental bonding, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, fixing a chipped tooth, how to fix a chipped front tooth, how to fix a chipped tooth, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, tooth bonding

What would you recommend to fix a crooked front tooth?

August 24, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I haven’t been able to find the right dentist to help me with my crooked teeth. Every dentist I see, seems to have a different recommendation. How am I supposed to know what to do? I have a crooked front tooth, like really crooked. It goes behind the neighboring front tooth. Do you think Invisalign is an option or will I be stuck with braces? Or is it possible I could have it pulled? Please tell me you have some advice.

-Beck in Colorado

Beck,

Thank you for your question. It is always difficult to give specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. But, if you are an adult, Invisalign may be a legitimate option. Also, porcelain veneers, if they are done by an expert cosmetic dentist, may help you get the appearance of straight teeth. But it cannot be expressed enough that when dealing with the aesthetics of a smile, you need to find an excellent cosmetic dentist. Not just any dentist does beautiful cosmetic dentistry. Be sure to look into their experience with similar cases and credentials, in order to find the right fit.

Whatever you do, don’t pull the tooth. You may have received that kind of recommendation from one of the dentist, but your smile will simply not look right. Having an uneven number of teeth in your smile will look strange. You want to have symmetrical, straight smile and you cannot accomplish that if you are missing one of your front teeth. Did the dentist that recommended this treatment suggest replacing the tooth with a dental implant? Even so, this would not be the ideal treatment option. It would be in your best interest to find a dentist that will do whatever possible to keep your natural tooth.

Now, depending on how crooked the tooth is, it is possible that porcelain veneers may help. It all depends on the position of the crooked front tooth. So, you should continue exploring Invisalign. It would also be wise to consult with a cosmetic dentist, especially one that also offers Invisalign.

Good luck to you. Hopefully this helps you realize you do have options, beyond pulling the tooth.

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

 

Filed Under: blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign Tagged With: cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, crooked tooth, dental implant, dental implants, finding a cosmetic dentist, finding the best cosmetic dentist, fix crooked tooth, how to fix a crooked tooth, implant dentist, implant dentistry, Invisalign, Invisalign dentist, porcelain veneer, porcelain veneers, straighten teeth, straighten tooth, straightening teeth, straightening tooth

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