porcelain veneers Archives

What would you recommend to fix a crooked front tooth?

August 7, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

My Dental Bonding Keeps Falling Off- Can I Leave it Off?

August 6, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I wasn’t happy with the gap between my front teeth and I asked about doing porcelain veneers at my last checkup. Instead, my doctor recommended dental bonding to fill the space. He said it would be less invasive and look just as good, so I reluctantly went along with it. He actually did it right there and then, which surprised me. Here I thought I was just getting a cleaning, and the next minute they’re pulling out all the stuff to do the dental bonding. I noticed right away that it wasn’t lined up properly- as in, the space between the teeth is off to one side just a bit. It’s not much, but it’s noticeable to me. He said I just wasn’t used to not having the gap. Well, two days later, the dental bonding fell off on one side, so I went back and had it replaced. Then, the other side fell off. Then, they both fell off. What gives? I’m so frustrated that I wish I had just left it alone. Can I just leave them off next time or will it cause issues?

Thanks,

Jillian

Dear Jillian,

Sorry to hear you’re having so much trouble. Dental bonding is a great alternative to porcelain veneers As your dentist said, it’s far less invasive. Veneers usually require some tooth structure be removed, while tooth bonding only needs minor preparations.

It sounds like something is either going wrong with the adhesion process or the shape is off, so you’re catching them when you bite. These are usually technique errors. Considering that the alignment is off and it was a rush-job, that’s probably the case. Even great dentists miss a spot of moisture sometimes and adhesion fails. However, the fact that it’s happening repeatedly and there were other issues raises a lot of red flags.

It’s ill-advised to just leave it if they fall off again, simply because the surface has been roughened up by etching. Those spots will attract stains and be more prone to decay now. You can ask the dentist to repair it one more time, or it would certainly be within reason to request a refund and have a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry procedures redo the work.

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

August 5, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

Doing porcelain veneers with dental implants? Things that make you go hmm…

August 5, 2019 by drscottcoleman

Have you ever heard of getting porcelain veneers with dental implants.

Here’s the back story. I have played hockey all my life. When I was 18, I lost two front teeth. So, I’ve had a dental flipper for over 10 years. Now that I’m an adult and have a real job, I’ve been looking into getting affordable dental implants. I ended up at a cosmetic dentist that supposedly has stellar reviews for cosmetic dentistry. But, he also offers really affordable dental implants.

When I had my initial consultation, he suggested that I also get porcelain veneers done on the two teeth surrounding the two missing front teeth. Is he trying to up-sell me? His story is that everything will match better if I get the porcelain veneers done too. I’m starting to wonder if this is legit. Although my dental flipper wasn’t perfect, it blended in pretty darn well. My previous dentist never mentioned anything about needing porcelain veneers now or in the future. I want to improve my smile. But I don’t have that big of a budget. Do I really need the veneers?

-Ben in Florida

Ben,

Unless you have some other type of cosmetic issue on the teeth that will surround the dental implants, porcelain veneers are not needed. And honestly, if this cosmetic dentist is as good as he sounds, he should be able to make dental implants blend in with your surrounding teeth with no problem. The dental implants should actually look just like your natural teeth. Now, doing beautiful implant dentistry requires a high level of skill and knowledge of restoration materials. But it can be done, if you have the right dentist. Your instincts are correct to be skeptical. It could be an indication that he’s not as good of a cosmetic dentist as he claims to be, or he really is trying to up-sell you.

It may be in your best interest to get a second opinion. Even if you are on the hunt for affordable dental implants, you shouldn’t sacrifice quality. If you end up with substandard dental implants, they will end up costing you significantly more in the long run. Also, if you find the right implant dentist and it’s a bit of a stretch financially, you can ask about payment or financial options. Most implant dentists will have you pay for dental implants in stages. That may be beneficial to you to spread out the payments over time. Don’t let cost be your deciding factor, especially if you are questioning this dentist that wants to do more work. Definitely get another opinion before moving forward.

I’m living a porcelain veneers horror story!

August 5, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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 a digital smile makeover legit?

August 4, 2019 by drscottcoleman

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.

Is my child teenager enough to get dental implants?

August 4, 2019 by drscottcoleman

My son is in high school. You know how it goes. The teasing, self conscious years we all want to forget. Well, he is becoming more and more embarrassed about his teeth. He still has some baby teeth because his permanent teeth never developed properly. The dentist keeps telling us it’s no big deal and that if the baby teeth are well cared for, they will last his entire life. Well, that’s good to know from a functional standpoint, but cosmetically it stinks for him. He’s getting made fun of and the dentist made us feel like he will just get over it eventually. I was wondering if the baby teeth can be removed and replaced with dental implants? My son is 15 years old.

-Layla in Arizona

Layla,

The dentist is correct that the primary teeth can functionally serve your son into his adult years. But, you have every right to explore your options, if it means giving your teenage son his self esteem back.

Since your current dentist has made himself clear, it may be time to try a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentistry practice puts a much higher emphasis on aesthetics in dentistry. They truly understand how a beautiful smile plays into how you look and feel about yourself. He or she will be able to help you explore some cosmetic dentistry options that will address your concerns.

That said, dental implants are not the ideal treatment option for your son at this time. For dental implants, it is best to wait until the jaw is completely developed and done growing. In some cases, that may not be the case until much later into the twenties. Dental implants may be a possibility down the road.

At this time, your son may be a candidate for porcelain veneers. These very thins shells of porcelain are adhered to the surfaces of the teeth. When the porcelain veneers are bonded in place, they can be made to mimic the size and shape of permanent teeth. They will blend in beautifully and naturally with the surrounding teeth and no one will ever know they aren’t the real thing. Since your son isn’t done growing yet, the porcelain veneers may need to be redone in a couple years so they continue to look lifelike. Be sure you ask the cosmetic dentist to see examples of work that are similar to your son’s case.

Best of luck! Hopefully, a cosmetic dentist will enable your son to love his smile once again.

Have Old Tetracycline Stains- Replace Dental Bonding or Get Veneers?

August 3, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I had dental bonding done ages ago to cover up tetracycline stains. As the years have gone by, my teeth have taken on a very unnatural mismatched look, but I haven’t been able to do anything about it. I asked my dentist what my options are, and he told me I have to get porcelain veneers. I tried explaining to him that they’re out of my budget, but he says that’s all I can do. I asked him if he could do more dental bonding to fix it, but he said no. I asked him if I could whiten them and he said it wouldn’t work. I’m at a loss here. Is there an alternative or do I really have to live with funky looking teeth until I can afford veneers?

Thanks,

Lucinda in Arizona

Dear Lucinda,

It sounds like you’re seeing a dentist who doesn’t handle much cosmetic dental work. Porcelain veneers are usually the preferred method to treat tetracycline staining and they’ll give you the best results if you’re looking for a bright and uniform smile. However, they’re not the only option.

The dental bonding can absolutely be redone, unless there’s a structural problem with your teeth. Given that he says you’re a candidate for veneers, your teeth are probably sound. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is very difficult to achieve results with. Tetracycline stains are highly resistant to whitening, and it can take months of repeated at-home whitening (even using a professional-strength gel) to see results.

For starters, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist who does a lot of cosmetic work. It’s possible that some of the staining can be removed with polishing. You can try at-home whitening, but only if you’re patient enough to stick with it, even if you don’t see results right away. This won’t change the color of the dental bonding, which is why it will need to be replaced. For the best results, it’s a good idea to see if the original bonding can be removed before you start whitening, and then replaced after you finish whitening.

This method isn’t the traditional one. It will take months to complete, and you’ll probably want to find an alternate dentist to do it. If you’re not up for the lengthy treatment process or don’t think you’ll have the dedication needed to whiten effectively, your only other logical option is to start saving up for porcelain veneers.

Is there anything I can do to avoid my porcelain veneers from coming off occasionally?

August 1, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I just paid a lot of money to have eight porcelain veneers placed. I was really surprised to hear from the dentist that I should expect them to come off every couple months. He told me to avoid really crunchy foods, but is there anything I can do to help them last longer? It sounds like a pain to have to go back in to have them redone so frequently.

-Tamara in Oklahaoma

What?! That is absurd. Cosmetic dentistry is not regulated as a specialty area within dentistry. This means that any dentist can say they do porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry services, like dental bonding, without any additional training beyond dental school. Porcelain veneers should not come off regularly. That is a very poor standard of care and is unacceptable. If the veneers come off before a year of being placed, the dentist should be liable for that. You should have every right to request a refund, as well. When porcelain veneers are placed correctly by an expert cosmetic dentist that has had the appropriate training, they should last more like ten years.

Also, you shouldn’t have any dietary restrictions. Apples, chips, and other crunchy foods should be eaten without a second thought when porcelain veneers are done correctly. Now, don’t go around using your teeth for tools and opening cans or packages. But you should be able to eat normally. If the dental bonding was done correctly, they should not fall off.

Now, if you have a night grinding problem or take part in contact sports, a night guard and mouthpiece should be worn. But it is completely inaccurate and not within the normal standard of care to state that the veneers would come off on occasion.

If indeed you encounter this happening, you should be able to request a refund. Then, it will be time to find a reputable cosmetic dentist in your area and move on.

Thank you for your question. This kind of misinformation is ridiculous.

Will porcelain veneers give my teeth a new shape?

July 31, 2019 by drscottcoleman

I am unhappy with the porcelain veneers that my dentist did. They ended up looking short. Honestly, I was shocked because he spent so much time explaining the look I wanted and looking at photographs. I thought my teeth would be re-shaped. The best way to explain what I feel they are lacking is that I wish they were fuller. I even expressed my dissatisfaction at the try-on appointment and he kept telling me that they look a lot better than my teeth did before. Well, that should be obvious – right? That was the point! Anyway, now I’m starting to wonder if porcelain veneers weren’t the right fit for me. Did I push him into this because I was so set on achieving a certain look that just wasn’t possible. Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Camille in Indiana

Camille,

When porcelain veneers are done by an excellent cosmetic dentist, they will reshape and transform your smile into a flawless, beautiful look. Although, porcelain veneers do have some limitations. But based on what you have described, the dentist should have been able to achieve fuller coverage with porcelain veneers and create the smile design you were after. Therefore, the possibility exists that your dentist may not have had the amount of training and artistic ability required to give stunning results. Even if you were set on getting porcelain veneers, it is your dentist’s job to explain if or why they aren’t right for you, for some reason.

Gum recontouring sounds like it would have been beneficial in your case, as well. Sometimes, different offices refer to it as laser recontouring or a gingivectomy. The reshaping of your gums can do a lot for the overall look of your smile. It will allow more of your natural teeth to show. Again, an experienced cosmetic dentist would have taken this technique into consideration and would have implemented it before the porcelain veneers were placed.

If you wanted to explore the recontouring at this point, the porcelain veneers would need to be redone. And you really should consider seeking a second opinion from an excellent cosmetic dentist. Since your current dentist was unable to achieve a beautiful smile for you, it may be time to move on. Sorry about the inconvenience. It is possible he will correct or reimburse some of his work. But, that is always a difficult road to travel. Best of luck!

If there is a lesson to be learned here, it is to take the extra time to research your dentist’s credentials, similar cases to yours, as well as any kind of satisfaction guarantee.