Tag Archives: Porcelain Veneers

Cosmetic Dentist

Can I Close My Tooth Gap Without Invisalign?

I wanted to close a tooth gap. I wanted to do it with cosmetic dentistry, but my dentist wants to do orthodontics. Isn’t there a cosmetic way to do it?

Amanda L. – Idaho

Amanda,

Yes, there are a couple of cosmetic options to close a tooth gap without orthodontics. Two cosmetic options are dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding is the most logical if all you want to do is close the gap.  A cosmetic dentist will use a composite resin to fill in the tooth gap.

Porcelain veneers are a bit of an overtreatment for simply closing a tooth gap. But, if you had several changes you wanted to change about your smile, such as the shape, size, and color it would make more sense.

However, let me give you a small word of caution. If your dentist didn’t suggest either of those, it’s likely because he’s not confident in cosmetic procedures. You’ll want to find a skilled cosmetic dentist.

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

Invisalign

Why would I need to do two procedures to get pretty teeth?

I want to have my teeth much whiter. I also have one front tooth that is a little crooked. Not much. I was told by a friend that porcelain veneers would take care of both of these things, but my dentist wants me to have ortho done and then veneers. Why would I need two procedures?

Jermaine – San Jose, CA

Jermaine,

You question leaves me wondering if there’s something unique about your bite that your dentist is recommending both procedures; because, you’re right, generally you would either do porcelain veneers or invisalign, not both.

Invisalign will straighten your tooth and ensure your other teeth are in proper alignment. You could also whiten them simultaneously. Your invisalign trays can double as whitening trays.

Porcelain veneers are a better option if you want to change more about your smile than just color or crookedness. For instance,  if you wanted to change there shape as well, I’d definitely recommend veneers.

If I were in your place I’d get a second opinion by a highly experienced, artistic cosmetic dentist. Ideally, you’d want someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). If you don’t have one of those nearby, you can go on the mynewsmile.com website. They recommend expert cosmetic dentists by area.

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

Cosmetic Dentist

Why won’t my dentist let me get lumineers?

I want to get lumineers, but my dentist Dr. ———– says they’re not any good. Shouldn’t it be my choice?

Tara M. – Kentucky

Tara,

I know the dentist you’re referring to. He’s actually a very good cosmetic dentist and he can give you a gorgeous smile. There are a lot of good cosmetic dentists who aren’t crazy about lumineers. Mostly that stems from the fact that the Lumineers company requires dentists to use their lab, which to be quite frank, isn’t that great.

Yes, it is up to you, but you’re going to your dentist for his expertise. Maybe you should trust his instinct. If you’re worried, you can tell your dentist that you want to approve the try ins. But, again, he’s a great dentist and would have you do that anyway.

One thing to bear in mind is that Lumineers are just a brand of porcelain veneers. There are several different brands of veneers. Each of them have their own characteristics and a great cosmetic dentist will know which one is the best option for the type of smile you want.

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

Cosmetic Dentist

Can veneers fix a tooth gap?

I have a gap between my two front teeth that has always bothered me. Can I get porcelain veneers to fix it?

Lori Ann W. – Wyoming

Lori Ann,

While you can get porcelain veneers to fix it, that is a pricey way to go…unless, there were other things you wanted to fix about your smile. Porcelain veneers can fix the shape, size, and color of your teeth.  If you’re interested in a smile makeover, then porcelain veneers are an excellent choice and can give you a stunning smile.  Though, it will be imortant to go to a highly skilled, artistic cosmetic dentist.

If you just want to fix the tooth gap, my suggestion would be to use dental bonding. It’s a much more affordable treatment and will look just like your natural teeth.

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

Cosmetic Dentist

Do you have to grind your teeth for cosmetic dentistry?

I was thinking of getting some cosmetic dentistry done to make my teeth look beautiful, but I’ve heard you have to get your teeth ground down. Is that true? I’m not too keen on that idea, to be honest.

Mary G. – Denton, TX

Mary,

It’s lovely that you’re wanting to do a smile makeover. Cosmetic Dentistry can completely change your appearance. it can even make you look years younger.

You don’t have to grind down your teeth for cosmetic dentistry. Occassionally, you may need a dental crown for a damaged tooth, but that is not cosmetic.

If you’re wanting to remake your smile, the best procedure would be to get porcelain veneers. There is no grinding in that case. It’s possible you’ll need to have your teeth gently shaved for tooth preparation, but that would only be about the depth of a fingernail.   There is no real visible difference between the prepared and unprepared teeth.

You’ll want to find an artistic cosmetic dentist in order to ensure  that you get a beautiful smile.  An inexperienced cosmetic dentist could give you a very horrible smile, so be careful.  My recommendation is you look for one of the dentists recommended on the mynewsmile.com website. They’ll have listings for great cosmetic dentists in your area.  They only recommend the best. A dentist cannot just pay to get on their site.

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

Cosmetic Dentist

Can a general dentist do cosmetic dentistry?

I want to do some cosmetic procedures to my teeth. My dentist is a general dentist. Can you tell me if he can do the cosmetic procedures or if I need to go to a cosmetic dentist?

Frank C. – Oregon

Frank,

There is no recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. That means that everyone who does cosmetic dentistry is a general dentist. However, not all “cosmetic” dentists are equal.

You didn’t mention what type of cosmetic work you were planning on. If you were wanting something simple, such as teeth whitening, then any dentist could do it.

But, if you were wanting someting complicated, such as porcelain veneers, then you’ll want someone with specialized training.  In those cases, I would look for a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). They’ll have the skill to give you a gorgeous smile.

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

Cosmetic Dentist

Finding a cosmetic dentist

Can you give me some advice on how to know which brand of porcelain veneers to use?

Louisa M. – New Mexico

Louisa,

There is a more important question to ask. Instead of trying to figure out the bes brand of porcelain veneers, you need to be looking for the right dentist.

There are different nuances with each brand of porcelain veneers. What you want is a cosmetic dentist who is familiar with all of them, knows the technique, and has an artistic eye.

Because it is not a recognized speciality, any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. That doesn’t mean they have what it takes to give you a gorgeous smile. Even if they know the technique, you need to know if they’re artistic enough to give you what you want.

The ideal cosmetic dentist will be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Those with these qualifications will be able to give you a gorgeous smile.  They’re the top cosmetic dentists in the country.

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

Invisalign

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.

 

Invisalign

Snap on Smile for straight teeth

Will snap on smile make my teeth look straight? I’m too old for braces.

Cathy- Maine

Cathy,

Whether Snap-on Smile can make your teeth look straight, will depend on how your teeth need to look straight. If you have a large overbite, then it would make your smile stick out further.  If your teeth are a little crooked, then it will make them look straight. You need to know that while this will give you a decent smile, it will not give you a stunning smile like you would get with porcelain veneers.

You mentioned that you are too old for braces, but have you considered getting Invisalign? These will straighten your teeth with invisable aligners. No one will even know you are straightening your teeth.

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

 

Invisalign

Treating a huge tooth gap

If I have a large tooth gap. i measured it and it looks like it is a little over half a centimeter. if I wanted to treat that would it be better to do lumineers, dental  bonding, or something else?

Eric S.- Philadelphia

Eric,

Which treatment you use will depend in part about how you feel about your teeth in general. Are you happy with the shape and color of your teeth, but just want to fix the gap? Do you want to fix your gap and whiten? Or do you not like anything about your teeth and want a complete smile makeover? The only thing you mentioned that I would definitively say no to is the dental bonding. It is just too large a gap for that to be an attractive solution.

If you’re happy with your teeth and just want to fix the gap, then I would recommend Invisalign. These will straighten your teeth in less than half the time of traditional braces. The best part is the aligners are invisible. Even at a conversational distance people will not be able to tell you are wearing them.  It is also possible to do teeth whitening at the same time.

However, if there are other things, such as the size and shape of your teeth, that you want to change, then you might want to consider porcelain veneers. I know you mentioned Lumineers. I don’t know if you are aware that they are just a brand of porcelain veneers. Most expert cosmetic dentists are not happy with the quality of their product. Let me give you a word of caution. A gap the size you mentioned is large enough to fit another tooth into. Because of this, if you choose any type of porcelain veneers you had really better make sure you are going to an expert cosmetic dentist. I wouldn’t go to anyone who wasn’t accredited (which is different from just a member) by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Only about the top 1% of dentists reach the level of accreditation. They’ll be able to handle a complicated case like yours.

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