Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

Will Porcelain Veneers Turn Dark Around My Gums Like Crowns?

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I have five porcelain crowns with the metal framework. I think they’ve been on for about 12 years now. I want to know what type of metal is used, although I guess I should have asked that before I got these crowns, and I want to know if the metal is causing the black line at my gums. I’m thinking about getting the crowns replaced, and I want to know what kind of metal to ask for so this won’t happen again. I am also getting three veneers on my upper teeth and want to see if I could experience the same problems with dark gums. Thank you. Lenny from TN

Lenny,

Thank you for your question.

Why Do Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns Turn Dark?

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns form a dark line near your gumline eventually because of their foundation. PFM crowns have a foundation made from base metals or noble metals. Nickel and chromium are the base metals; gold, platinum, and palladium are noble metals.

A noble metal framework fits better, causes less sensitivity, and is less likely to corrode.

Although a dentist might try to hide the metal framework under the gum, after several years, the gums recede, and the black line is visible anyway. When a ceramist cuts the metal back near the gumline, the black gumline will be less visible. Partially masking the metal requires the crowns to be opaque, which will give them a pasty look rather than looking like natural teeth.

All-porcelain crowns don’t have a metal foundation. So, you do not have to worry about developing the black gumline. An artistic cosmetic dentist will give you beautiful crowns that match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. If you select a cosmetic dentist for your new crowns, people will not notice that you have crowns on your teeth.

Will Your Porcelain Veneers Turn Dark at the Gumline?

Porcelain veneers are all-ceramic and do not contain metals. Your veneers will not turn dark around your gumline.

Choose a skilled cosmetic dentist to replace your crowns and give you veneers. You will get natural-looking results.

Dr. Jerome Cha of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sponsors this post.

Porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Porcelain veneers do not dark at your gumline

How Do I Choose the Best Dentist?

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Is there a way to find the best dentist before spending money and realizing you don’t like the dentist?

Alicia L. – Rhode Island

Alicia,

This is tricky. There aren’t any guarantees, but there are some things you can do to give yourself a leg up on finding the best dentist for your situation.

  1. Decide what you want as your services. Are you only interested in general dental services, such as basic check-ups and cleanings, along  with any requisite treatments needed for fillings and such? Or, are you also interested in cosmetic services?
  2. If you want a general dentist, then decide if you want a mercury-free dentist (meaning doesn’t place silver, amalgam fillings). If you want a mercury-free dentist, they’ll generally advertise as such on their website. Doing a Google search for that term specifically should yield a lot of options for you.
  3. If you want a dentist who also does cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers, then I would search for a dentist accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Be aware that accreditation is different than membership. Any dentist can become a member of the AACD. Accreditation requires passing stringent exams as well as demonstration of actual cases so they can gauge your artistic ability. Only the top dentists in the world reach accreditation level. But, if you want a smile makeover, you want to make sure it will be stunning.
  4. After you’ve decided what type of services you want and find a list of dentists from a Google search that meet your criteria, it would be prudent to check their reviews. There are plenty of sites, such as Google, Yelp, etc., which allow patients to document their experiences with service professionals. If everybody is complaining that he are she was rude or doesn’t spend much time with the patient you know not to waste your time.

Other than those things, it’s just a matter of trying the dentist out and seeing how you feel about their work.

Best of luck to you!

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

My Porcelain Veneers Are Making it Hard to Speak

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I got porcelain veneers. Ever since he put them in I’ve been having a hard time speaking. They’re so bulky. I don’t know if it’s because of the brand he used or the way they’re put in, but I’m suddenly lispy. I looked up lumineers online and a lot of people seem to complain about how bulky they look. Will I get used to it?

Jennie L. – Ohio

Jennie,

There is a lot more to doing porcelain veneers than most dentists who place Lumineers understand. That brand in particular are marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place.

If he’s a dentist who just took the Lumineers seminar and learned how to bond them to get certified, he didn’t have the expertise to understand how your bite affects not just your speech, but many other aspects.

It’s possible you can get used to it, but it might be better to have an expert cosmetic dentist to look at them first. If they’re improperly placed, you could get your money back and have them done well by someone with significant skill.

It’s not always easy for a patient to know which cosmetic dentists are top of the line and which are just average family dentists that also do cosmetic work. Your best bet is to find a dentist accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

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

What Cosmetics Would I Do for a Knockout Smile?

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I’ve come into a lot of money. I mean A LOT. I’m so excited. The first thing I did is buy my first new car.  Now I want to get a drop dead gorgeous smile. Where do I start?

Angela L. – Arizona

Angela,

Congratulations on your windfall.  It sounds like you’re having an exciting time right now. You didn’t mention what you were wanting to change about your smile. IF there are no other issues except cosmetics, the top of the line treatment for changing the shape, size, and color of your teeth is porcelain veneers.

However, what procedure isn’t the most important thing for you to research. The most important thing you need to do is choose the best cosmetic dentist.  That’s what can make or break your smile.

You find the right dentist. He or she will know the right procedure, and how to make it look exceptional.

My recommendation is you go to a cosmetic dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accredited dentists are among the top 1% of cosmetic dentists in the world.  They have both the technical skill and knowledge, paired with artistry and proven results.

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

I Thought Porcelain Veneers Could Change the Shape of Teeth?

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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 Want to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist

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I have always hated my smile.  Always. I’ve never had the money to do anything about it–until now. I’ve just inherited a ton of money and the very first thing I want to do is feel pretty.  Shallow? Maybe. But, you don’t understand how embarrassed my smile has always made me.  Now that I can do something about it, I want the BEST cosmetic dentist there is.  How do I find him or her?

Dana P. – Ohio

Dana,

You are not alone in being embarrassed about your smile.  One poll showed that over 50% of Americans were unhappy with some aspect of their smile. It’s great that you’ve been given the resources to do something. You’ll find that not only will a smile makeover improve your smile, but your confidence will soar as well.

You’re wise to ask questions before just jumping in. There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, so any general dentist can claim to have the skills required to do a smile makeover. While they might be able to give you a basic makeover, there’s no guarantee that it will be beautiful.

If you want a gorgeous smile, your safest bet is to go to a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).  There is a difference between a member of AACD and someone accredited with the AACD.  Any dentist can join and become a member. To be accredited, you have to pass stringent exams as well as demonstrate your artistic skill with cosmetic procedures.  Many accredited dentists also have a beautiful smile guarantee.

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

Can Dentures Look as Natural as Implants?

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I’m trying to decide between dentures and dental implants. Dentures are much less expensive so it got me wondering if the dentures look as good as the implants. Can you give me a heads up?

Olivia P.

Olivia,

How they look does not depend on whether or not they are dentures or dental implants. It depends on the dentist you use. You’ll need to find a great cosmetic dentist with both technical skill AND artistry. The best way to do that is to find a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in your area.

That issue aside. There are big differences between dentures and implants. Implants are secured to your jawbone. Dentures just sit on top of the ridge. They will move. They will sometimes fall out. They will decrease your chewing capacity.

I’d talk to a hightly qualified dentist about both and weigh your options before making a decision.

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

Can dentures look beautiful?

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I come from a long line of denture wearers. It’s like a family tradition. I’m hoping I can change one part of that tradition. Everyone else has horribly ugly looking dentures. Is there any way to make dentures that look natural?  Or even beautiful?

Kenna M. – Ohio

Kenna,

I’m glad you wrote.  Yes, denures can look natural AND beautiful. However, and it’s a big however, it has to be done by the right dentist.

You need a dentist that is highly skilled in cosmetic dentistry. Two dentists can do the exact same cosmetic work, with the exact same instructions and smile in mind, and they will come out differently. Why? Because it is about more than the technical skill. It also requires an artistic eye.

The safest thing for you to do is for you do go to someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These are the top dentists in the world.

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

Can White be the Shade I Want…Not My Dentist?

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I went to the dentist to get white teeth. I wanted teeth whitening. He suggested lumineers to change their shape too. I will admit they were a little on the short side. I was fine with that because I was going for a more attractive smile anyway. I was clear what shade of white I wanted. The whiteness was the whole reason I cam to begin with. It turns out he put some kind of stain on the lumineers in order to make them look more “natural”. He insists this is the right way to do it. I had the natural look before my makeover. I wanted whiter, younger looking teeth. Shouldn’t it be up to me? I haven’t let him put them in and he’s frustrated with me.

Miranda L – Sacramento, CA

Miranda,

I’m afraid you’re getting a smile makeover by an inexperienced cosmetic dentist. The first clue to that was the fact he recommended Lumineers. These are often marketed to beginning cosmetic dentists as easy to place. Most skilled cosmetic dentists prefer to use other brands because the lumineers lab isn’t that great and their veneers generally turn out looking bulky.

The second clue to me that a different cosmetic dentist would be a good idea is his insistence they look natural, instead of white. In dental school, we’re taught that we know what is best for the patient. But, as we study cosmetic work, we learn it’s different than that. We know that it is about the way the patient wants their teeth to look.

It’s great that you didn’t let him bond them on. Once they’re bonded, it’s too late.

You might want to go to a more experienced cosmetic dentist. Look for someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The porcelain veneers can be as white as you want.

This blog is borught to you by Dr. jerome Cha.

 

Porcelain Veneer Fell off Twice

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I had a complete set of porcelain veneers placed, however the one of my front tooth has fallen off—twice. The first time he said it was because of my bite and adjusted the veneer. Now it’s fallen off again and he’s still saying it is because of my bite. I’m hesitant to go back because the tooth was quite sensitive. Should I just see another dentist?

Brooke L. – Michigan

Brooke,

Yes, I think you should see another dentist about having this veneer re-bonded. I’m not buying the whole “your bite is off” thing. Generally, if your bite is off and a veneer is  properly  bonded on, porcelain  veneers will chip or crack before it would do anything like fall off. I also suspect when he shaved the front of your tooth, he got a little too close to the dentin and that is why your tooth was so sensitive when he re-bonded it.

My advice would be to go with your gut and see another dentist to have this taken care of.  You’ll want to go to one with more experience. I would sugggest someone who is AACD accredited.  I did a quick check and there are 10 dentists accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I don’t know which area you’re in, so you’ll have to sort through them.

Whichever of them you pick, you’ll be in good hands.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.

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