Tag Archives: Cosmetic Dentist

Dentist Broke Tooth “Fixing a Porcelain Veneer”

I had several porcelain veneers done and they ended up looking awful. I never got to see them before he bonded them on so had no idea how bad they were until I got home. He agreed he’d redo them after I called him and told him how miserable I was about how they looked. Unfortunately, when he tried to remove the first one, he broke the tooth. It broke so completely he ended up having to extract it and now I’m having to get a dental implant. I have a flipper for now because I told him not to remove the others until I have a chance to get a second opinion on what’s going on. I know he’s the professional, but I feel like he can’t be trusted. What’s going on?

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

I have to tell you this is gross incompetence on the part of your dentist. If I am truly understanding what you’re saying here, it sounds like your dentist tried to “pop” or pry off the veneers from your teeth. That is absolutely NOT how this is done.

Instead, porcelain veneers will be gently ground off, sort of how the dentist prepared your teeth the receive the veneers to begin with. If he broke your tooth so badly it couldn’t be saved, I wouldn’t let him anywhere near the rest of your teeth. He doesn’t have a clue about cosmetic dentistry.

1. He didn’t let you see them with a try-in paste before permanently bonding them on.
2. He didn’t make them to your standards.
3, He didn’t know how to remove them.

You’re going to need an expert cosmetic dentist. I’ll tell you how to find one of those in a moment, but first I want to make sure you don’t get stuck with this bill. You’re going to have to be pretty tough and tell your dentist you won’t sue him if he pays for the repairs with the cosmetic and implant dentist of your choice. If he’s wise, he’ll do it.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

The problem many patients run into is the skills necessary to go stunning cosmetic dentistry requires significantly more training than they received in general dental school. It takes significant post-doctoral training to know what you’re doing.

You want a dentist who’s invested that time in the additional studies as well having an artistic eye. To find that type of dentist you can look at two resournces, The first of those is the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website. Once there, you can list a location were you’d like to be treated. The key here, though, is checking you want an accredited cosmetic dentist. These are among the best dentists in the world.

They can give you a stunning smile. However, because it takes many years to reach accreditation, there aren’t many of them around the country.

There is another list. This one is called nynewsmile.com. Like the aacd.com website, they have a link to find a cosmetic dentist. You’ll input your zip code along with how far you’re willing to travel and they’ll give you a list of incredible cosmetic dentists. Many of them are close to being accredited if they’re not accredited already.

Have one of these dentists re-do your smile makeover as well as plan your dental implant. You shouldn’t have anything to worry about with one of them. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

Do I Get a Dental Implant or a Dental Bridge?

I lost a tooth. It’s my own fault. I waited too long to deal with it and now I have to replace it. My dentist is suggesting a dental implant, but I’m not too keen on the idea of surgery. Would a dental bridge do something close?

Kevin C.

Dear Kevin,

It depends on how close you’re wanting to get. Both a dental implant and a dental bridge are acceptable tooth replacement options. Both are permanent and secure. There are important differences though. I’ll explain both options. Then, you can discuss with your dentist what fits your situation best. His job isn’t to pressure you into an option, but rather to give you your options and a recommendation. The final decision is yours.

Dental Implants

Dental Implant DiagramYou already knew that a dental implant required surgery. The diagram on the left shows why.

As you can see, the implant is placed directly into your jawbone. The benefits to this are it’s like having your own natural tooth back, it preserves your jawbone, and no other teeth need to lose tooth structure for its placement.

Dental Bridge

Illustration of a dental bridgeA dental bridge is also permanent however, in order to bond them, it requires grinding down the adjacent teeth. Additionally, if part of it breaks the whole unit will have to be redone. They also do nothing to preserve the bone underneath.

When Does a Dental Bridge Make More Sense?

While it may sound like I’m suggesting dental implants are the better option, there is a time when a dental bridge makes more sense. For instance, if the adjacent teeth need to be crowned anyway then it’s like getting two procedures in one. Then, you’re not grinding healthy tooth structure.

The key is good communication with your dentist. He or she knows your teeth. If finances are a consideration as well, many dentists will let you pay out a procedure like dental implants which are a little more costly than simple procedures like a filling.

Who Should Do Your Tooth Restorations?

When you’re looking at replacing teeth, it’s important you choose the right dentist. The especially important when the tooth is in a visible part of your smile. You want it to look natural and beautiful. Not every dentist can pull that off.

Look for a dentist who’s accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. One other thing to consider. Once your implant crown or dental bridge is made, the color cannot be changed. If you want a whiter smile, be sure to have your teeth whitened before your tooth replacement procedure is done. That way your restoration will match your bright white smile.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.

Fixing protruded teeth

I have protruded teeth. I am wanting a cosmetic option to fix it, but don’t want braces. What are my best options?

Alina M. – Montreal

Alina,

Both the options I am about to share with you will repair protruded teeth. However, neither will work if your teeth are extremely protruded. My most important advice is to make sure you go to an expert cosmetic dentist. We’ll talk more about this in a minute. I’ll give you the options first.

Your first option is Invisalign. These are different than braces, which I can understand you not wanting.  They will repair your teeth, straightening them like braces, but there are no uncomfortable wires and brackets, plus they are no visible to other people, even at at conversational distance. No one will even know you are wearing them. If you’re open to that, then Invisalign would be one of your options. A good one too, because your teeth will be straight.

A second option is to get porcelain veneers. These will not actually straighten your teeth, but they will make them appear straight. Even though these don’t actually straighten your teeth, they do have a different kind of advantage. These can also change the shape and color of your teeth.  So, if there is more than just straightening your teeth you had in mind, these may be a better option.

That being said, if you ever get cosmetic work done of any kind, it is extraordinarily important that you use a highly skilled cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Therefore, any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. The skills necessary to do a beautiful smile makeover are not taught in dental school. It takes a considerable amount of post-graduate training to develop the skill and technique necessary. Plus, you want a dentist with an artistic eye.

So, how do you make sure you’re getting a qualified cosmetic dentist? My recomendation would be to find a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Only the top cosmetic dentist reach accreditation level.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

 

What can be done about damage to teeth from bulimia?

I am a recovering bulimic. I’ve been pretty stable for the last two years, and have a great counselor, so I feel like I can really beat this illness. I am having this issue, though, and it seems kind of vain in light of all the other health problems I’ve been dealing with, but here it is – my teeth are an embarrassment. I’ve had bulimia for more than half my life. My front teeth are worn, and really thin and chipped. They are shorter than they should be, too.

I know this might sound like something that should be low priority, but I feel like I am finally starting to live again, and my total lack of smile is holding me back. I am not capable of smiling without my hand over my mouth. I mumble. I always look tight-lipped, because I am.

What can be done? Are the teeth too damaged for porcelain veneers? What about porcelain crowns? I have even considered just having them pulled and getting a bridge. I don’t think dental implants are an option I can afford.

Thoughts? I appreciate your help.

Patricia in Erie, PA

Dear Patricia,

Congratulations on working so hard to improve your health and well being. It is absolutely normal to want to express your new-found joy with a radiant smile.

The best recommendation is to seek the services of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns could work for you, but you want to make sure you have someone who is experienced and highly artistic do the work. Generally speaking, a cosmetic dentist will also be more sensitive to your cosmetic concerns.

Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone’s office sponsored this post.