October 2016 - Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

I didn’t have the best looking smile to begin with, I had a tooth gap and a couple of chips, but they were my teeth and they were fairly healthy. Then I got cancer and everything went to pot…including my teeth. They say it was the chemo and radiation. I ended up having to get dentures. That was humiliating enough, especially after losing my hair. However, the worst came when the dentures were finished. They look horrible. Completely fake. When I mentioned it to my dentist, he scoffed at me and said they’re as pretty as they can be and the smile I had before wasn’t anything to smile about anyway. That hurt. But I am wondering if he’s being honest. Are dentures going to look fake no matter what?

Esperanza C. – New Mexico

Esperanza,

I am so sorry for what you’ve experienced. Your dentist had no right to say what he did about your smile before the dentures. I can only assume that he was pouncing on you out of embarrassment at the quality of his work.

To answer your question, dentures can be made to look not just natural, but stunningly beautiful. However, it takes a dentist with advanced cosmetic skills to make them so.

If I were in your place, I’d get a second opinion from a highly skilled cosmetic dentist. Check the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (aacd.com) to see if there is an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area. They’re among the top cosmetic dentists in the country. Depending on the dentures, they might be able to help you get a refund so you can have some new ones made.

This blog is brought Dr. Jerome Cha.

I spent a fortune on porcelain veneers. I was under the impression that they could completely change the look of your teeth. I had short teeth that looked kind of square to me. My dentist assured me that he could make them beautiful, but I’m disappointed in the results. My teeth are the exact same shape. The only difference is they’re whiter. He says that’s as good as they get. I could have just had my teeth whitened and saved myself thousands of dollars. Was I mistaken about what they could do? Am I being too picky?

Willow M. – California

Willow,

No, you didn’t have unrealistic expectations. Porcelain veneers, when done properly, can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth.

The biggest problem is likely to be the dentist who did the cosmetic work. Two dentists can use the exact same materials, trying to create the exact same smiles, and end up with completely different results. Artistry is an important part of cosmetic dentistry. Some dentist’s have invested the time to learn it and some haven’t.

If I were in your place, I’d seek a second opinion with a dentist who has more expertise in cosmetic dentistry. Preferably a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. There is a difference between a member of the AACD and an accredited member. Accreditation is what you’re looking for.

They can certainly redo your smile to give you the smile of your dreams. In fact, many of them including Dr. Cha, have a beautiful smile guarantee.

It’s possible he can get you at least a partial refund from your old dentist, but that’s not written in stone.

It’s worth it if you have to drive to get an accredited dentist. I don’t know what part of California you live in, but I do know they have a few accredited dentists in your state.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Jerome Cha.

I Hate How My Dentures Look

I Thought Porcelain Veneers Could Change the Shape of Teeth?

Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

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