Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentist Yelled Because I Didn’t Like My Crowns

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I’m having to replace four crowns which are aging. Originally, my crowns were a beautiful white color. My new dentist has made me temporaries but they’re yellowy and don’t feel or look like they have the right shape. He wants to make the permanent ones and I’m not wanting to. I told him my concerns and he actually yelled at me saying they “were perfect” and I’m unreasonable. I left telling him not to even order the permanent ones. However, now I have these hideous temporaries and I don’t know what to do. These are my front teeth.

Penny

Dear Penny,

Beautiful brunette woman with gorgeous smile
To get beautiful dental work requires the right cosmetic dentist

This “I know better than you” attitude is what dentists learn in dental school. However, those who invest the time after they graduate to learn that when it comes to creating gorgeous smiles it is what the patient thinks which matters.

A true cosmetic dentist would never have behaved the way your dentist did. You were wise not to allow him to move on to the permanent crowns. You would have been miserable every time you saw them.

Plus, if the shape is off, it can throw your bite off. Then, you risk getting TMJ Disorder.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist

Especially because you’re talking about your front teeth, you need an expert cosmetic dentist. In your place, I’d look for a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Accredited Dentists are among the top in the world. They’ll give you a stunning smile. If you’re not satisfied, neither are they.

I’m going to suggest, because you are about to get new crowns and you said you like them to be white, make sure you teeth are the level of whiteness you’ll be happy with for a long time.

If they’re not, it is important you get your teeth whitened before getting your permanent crowns. This way they’ll match your permanent tooth color and you won’t have to re-do anything.

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

Avoiding Disappointing smile makeovers

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One common theme the best cosmetic dentists see in their practice is patients who come from other practices because they received a disappointing smile makeover. It’s not awful. It’s just average. When you spend that much money for a smile makeover, average is the worst. Why? It’s not bad enough to get your money back, but it’s absolutely nowhere close to the dream smile you’d been saving up for all this time. While patients who leave Dr. Cha’s chair are thrilled with their stunning new smile, it would have been better if they could have received that the first time around and not had to come to him to fix what their dentist couldn’t.

Woman with beautiful smile

The key to a beautiful smile is going to the best dentist

The #1 Factor in Avoiding a Disappointing Smile Makeover

The most important decision you make isn’t the type of porcelain veneers you get. We often see the debate of Lumineers versus Other brands of porcelain veneers. It’s not whether you get ultra-thin versus traditional. It’s not the brand.

Simply put, the wrong dentist can ruin all of it. He or she can have the best materials and a patient with an idea facial structure, yet his output is mediocre at best. Why?

Smile Makeovers aren’t Taught in Dental School

When dentists go to school, they are taught how to clean, examine, and repair teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is something completely separate. Things like smile makeovers, color theory, smile esthetics, etc. aren’t taught.

Instead, a dentist has to make the effort to get the training they need post-doctorally. They’ll need to go to schools like The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, among a few others to learn these procedures and the art form that makes them stunning.

Smile Makeovers are an Artform

Like any art form, some artists have more skill and a naturally artistic eye than others. Two sculptors can have the same subject model for them. Both will likely get the form of the subject. Yet, somehow, one is able to capture the spirit of the subject more than the other.

This takes training, experience, and a willingness to understand what the end result should be before even starting.

How Do Patients Locate the Best Cosmetic Dentists

While patients used to be left to flounder and evaluate the training and artistry of dentists on their own, that is no longer the case. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) began an accreditation program. This tests the dentist’s technical knowledge with both oral and written exams.

It also tests their artistry by requiring them to present a large number of cases they’ve recently done themselves. Dentists which are awarded accreditation are among the top 1% of cosmetic dentists in the world. They’ll give you an absolutely stunning smile. If you want the best dentist, choose an accredited one.

Most of them even have a beautiful smile guarantee.

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

Lumineers or Porcelain Veneers

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I’m FINALLY able to get a smile makeover. I can’t tell you how excited I feel about this. I’m just having a bit of a hard time choosing. I like the idea of the thin ones called Lumineers. Originally, I thought that would look more natural. But, I’m reading a bunch of reviews which seem to be mixed. Am I better off with porcelain veneers?

Karen

Dear Karen,

A porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Which is more important the brand of veneer or the dentist who does them?

It’s great that you’re trying to research this. However, I’d like to redirect your question just a bit. The brand isn’t as important as the dentist which does them. A great cosmetic dentist could make any brand look stunning. But, an inexperienced cosmetic dentist could have the best materials and still create a subpar smile.

Lumineers Limitations

You should be aware that most expert cosmetic dentists aren’t extremely fond of the Lumineers brand. Much of that has to do with their lab. The DenMat company owns Lumineers and requires dentists to use their lab. Sadly, that lab isn’t known for its skill and artistry.

True cosmetic dentists will normally have a ceramist they prefer to work with that they feel produces the right results and follows their directions well.

While Lumineers brand does seem to heavily advertise as being no-prep because they’re’ ultra-thin it’s not always best practice to place porcelain veneers without any tooth prep whatsoever. The results can look bulky depending on the smile.

The Most Important Decision for Porcelain Veneers

More important than which brand of porcelain veneers you get is which cosmetic dentist you have design and place them. The artistry and skill of the dentist will make the biggest difference in the beauty of your smile makeover.

To find one of the best cosmetic dentists in your area, I recommend you go to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website (aacd.com). The AACD has an accreditation program which helps patients looking for a good cosmetic dentist to know which dentists have the skills necessary to give them a gorgeous smile.

On their website, is a link to help find a cosmetic dentist in your area. Just be certain you check that you’re looking for one who is accredited. If there is not one in your immediate area it will be well worth a little bit of travel to get stunning results.

Best of luck. This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.

Do I Need a Special Dentist for Implants?

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My husband wants to get two dental implants. I think he needs a specialist and he said regular dentists do it. Because we’re talking about surgery, I just want to make sure he gets the best care possible. What’s the right type of caregiver for this?

Cindy

Dear Cindy,

Illustration of dental implants in three parts

I don’t blame you for wanting the best dentist possible for your husband’s care. In fact, it’s not just the sign of a loving wife, but a wise one as well. To answer your question, there isn’t a dental implant specialty, but there is a distinction in what type of dentist your husband should see for his implant procedure.

Finding the Best Dentist for Dental Implants

The first thing you want to look for is a dentist who is well-trained in the dental implant procedure. When I say well-trained, I’m not referring to a good dental school. This procedure is so advanced it requires significant post-doctoral training.

For instance, Dr. Cha completed every course at the famed Misch International Implant Institute. Not only that, he’s done so many successful implant cases he’s now a fellow at the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). This puts him among the top implant dentists in the world.

The second thing you’ll look for is a dentist who can do the surgery himself. Many dentists who say they do dental implants actually only do the crown portion and farm out the surgery to another practice. While that can work, often communication issues arise which means the dental implant isn’t placed in the exact position the dentist needs.

Oral surgeons may be good at surgery, but they don’t always understand the science behind how teeth should properly meet with each other. This can lead to biting or aesthetic issues. If you have a dentist trained in the surgery, there’s no chance of bad placement through miscommunication.

Finally, you’ll want a dentist who is skilled in cosmetic work. You want the porcelain crown used for the tooth to look both beautiful and natural, blending in perfectly with your natural teeth. Ideally, you’d find a dentist who is not only highly qualified in dental implants but is also accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

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

Avoiding My Sister’s Porcelain Veneers Disaster

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My sister and I were both planning on getting a smile makeover. She beat me to the punch and I’m feeling glad she did because I’m hoping to learn from her disaster. I don’t want to sound mean but her teeth look like horse teeth. Is there a way I can make sure my teeth won’t look bulky? She said hers were no-prep. Is that the problem or is it something else? She’s pretty disappointed in her smile.

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

A porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

I wonder if your sister’s dentist placed Lumineers on her teeth. They’re a brand of porcelain veneers which are highly marketed as being no-prep. The problem is some smiles do need prep even with an ultra-thin brand of porcelain veneers. Otherwise, they look bulky. Your sister’s smile sounds like one of those.

Sadly, these are marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. Being easy to place is completely different than making them look stunning. There’s much more to porcelain veneers than just the prep of the teeth.

The key to a beautiful smile makeover is choosing the right dentist to design your smile. Cosmetic dentistry is an art form. If you were commissioning a portrait you wouldn’t just hire the first artist that popped up on your internet search. You’d do research to see if you like the type of work they do.

Getting Gorgeous Porcelain Veneers

You’ll want a dentist who’s passed accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists are the top cosmetic dentists in the world. They’ve passed stringent oral and written exams. Additionally, they had to demonstrate their artistry by providing a large sample of specific cases they’ve completed.

Any accredited dentist can give you a truly stunning smile. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee. You’ll find your smile makeover gives you increased confidence.

As for your sister, you can’t really “improve” veneers once they’ve been permanently bonded on. Her best bet is to have her case completely re-done. If her dentist cares about the quality of his work, he won’t want a patient to be disappointed in their smile. Hopefully, he’ll be willing to do it over or give her a refund.

If he does it over, make sure he allows her to look at her porcelain veneers carefully with a try-in paste before he bonds them on. She should give complete approval before allowing them to be permanently bonded.

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

Mismatched Front Teeth

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I had a root canal and the tooth needed a dental crown. My dentist has had a very hard time getting it to look natural. The first one looked way too white. Then he redid it. The next one was a more realistic shade, but still doesn’t match my adjacent teeth. He bonded that one on. At first, I thought I could live with it but I’m really uncomfortable having mismatched front teeth. He’s willing to try again. Do you think I’m being too picky? I can tell he’s getting frustrated, even though he hasn’t said anything.

Louisa

Dear Louisa,

Image of a crown being placed on a tooth

You’re not being too picky. You have every right to have matching front teeth, especially when they’re being crafted for you. However, you might be asking too much of your particular dentist. Matching a single front tooth requires cosmetic skills that are likely above his artistic and technical ability at this point.

Even many expert cosmetic dentists, will charge extra for matching a single crown to a front tooth because they know it could take three or four try-ins. A dentist should never permanently bond on the crown until they are 100% sure it matches the adjacent tooth absolutely. There are many subtleties in colors. It’s rare to get it spot on first time out of the box.

You have two choices. The first one is for you to continue to allow your dentist to try and get it right. He may and it won’t cost you any extra. However, there’s no guarantee he will.

Your other option is to find an expert cosmetic dentist and let them do your crown. They’ll be more likely to get the result you’re both hoping for and deserve. But, it will cost you some extra. It’s possible your dentist would be willing to give you a partial refund because you’re having to go elsewhere for the crown.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

How is a patient supposed to know which cosmetic dentists have the skills and artistry to create a gorgeous restoration? The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) realized the quandary many patients found themselves in. Because of that, they began an accreditation program. This requires the dentist to pass stringent oral and written examinations demonstrating their technical knowledge of their craft. In addition to that, they have to provide examples of a large number of specific cosmetic cases they’ve done within a recent time period.

Anyone who reaches accreditation level with the AACD can not only match your crown to your front teeth, but if you ever decided to go all out and get a total smile makeover with porcelain veneers, they’d give you an absolutely stunning smile.

If you were to pick a new dentist to do your cosmetic work, they should be on the top of your choice list. To find one in your area, you simply go to the aacd.com website and choose “find a dentist”. Make sure you click that you’re looking for an accredited dentist.

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

Porcelain Veneers on Top of Porcelain Veneers

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I was disappointed in my porcelain veneers. I asked for a really white smile. They came back a bit dingy in my opinion. He said that’s because the tech said that’s the whitest available. I would have rather waited until they had the whiter available than get these. Is there a way to put whiter ones on top of these or am I stuck with the dingy ones?

Marilyn

Dear Marilyn,

A single porcelain veneer being held by a dental tool

First, I’m going to suggest you get a different cosmetic dentist. They could have made your porcelain veneers as white as you wished. Either he lied to you for a reason I can hardly fathom or he is totally incompetent about cosmetic dentistry and just listens to whatever his lab tells him.

While you could have new veneers on top of the ones you don’t like, I’m going to recommend you don’t for the following reasons:

  • It will cost you just as much money as if you had the case completely re-done.
  • They won’t last as long. Bonding porcelain to porcelain isn’t as secure as bonding porcelain to enamel.
  • You double your chances of the veneers having a problem and falling off. For instance, if by some miracle your new veneers stay bonded to the old ones, what if the original bond breaks?
  • The porcelain to porcelain margin is more prone to staining than the porcelain to enamel margin.

Finding the Cosmetic Dentist to Re-do Your Smile

If you really want a stunning smile makeover the most important decision you’ll make is which dentist you go to to have it done. Two cosmetic dentists can attempt the exact same smile makeover on the same patient, given the same instructions and they will turn out completely different. So how is a patient to know which dentists are artistic and which will do disappointing smiles?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) set up an accreditation program for that very reason. Dentists have to pass stringent oral and written exams as well as demonstrate their artistry with a large number of cases they’ve personally done. Dentists who reach accreditation level are among the top dentists in the country.

They will create a stunning smile for you. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Jerome Cha. Check out his smile gallery.

Cosmetic Dental Disaster! Can it be Fixed?

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I’ve had a cosmetic dentistry disaster. I asked my dentist about finding a cosmetic dentist so I could get a makeover. He said there isn’t a cosmetic dentistry specialty and they’re just general dentists who do cosmetic work. I didn’t realize that, so when he offered to do my smile makeover I figured I was safe. I think that was a huge mistake. My smile seems bulky and opaque. It’s very obvious they’re fake. They don’t look at all beautiful. Can this be fixed? If so, how?

Ingrid

Dear Ingrid,

Beautiful brunette woman with gorgeous smile

Getting a Gorgeous Smile Requires Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Your Area

I’m very sorry this happened to you. While your dentist is technically right about there not being a cosmetic dentistry specialty, that doesn’t mean any general dentist can give you a gorgeous smile. Think about it in terms are art. Yes, many people graduate from art school, but aren’t some artists better than others? That’s what you’re facing.

You said the smile makeover you received is opaque and bulky. Is there any chance your dentist gave you Lumineers? That would explain both of those issues. There are many different brands of porcelain veneers, but Lumineers are often marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. All that’s required for being certified in them is to watch a simple seminar. That’s it. Nothing which determines if they can do a good job or not.

Also, the Lumineers brand insists dentists use their lab, which isn’t thought to be that great among the cosmetic dentists who really know what they’re doing.

Finding the Best Dentist for a Smile Makeover

When you want a gorgeous smile, you need to find the best cosmetic dentist you can. But, as you’ve learned, it can be tricky. How can a patient know who is an artist and who isn’t? Fortunately, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) realized this was going to be a problem for patients. Because of that they began an accreditation program so patients would have a way of gauging the artistic and technical skill of dentists.

If a cosmetic dentist wants to be accredited they have to pass both an oral and written exam that clearly demonstrates they have advanced technical knowledge about the procedures, color theory, etc. In addition to that, there is a long list of cases where they have to submit photos of work they’ve actually done to demonstrate they’re not just knowledgeable but artistic.

An AACD accredited dentist can give you a gorgeous smile. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

Can Your Smile Be Fixed?

The short answer is yes. But…. You were waiting for that “but” weren’t you? In order to get it fixed you’ll have to completely start over. I’d start by getting a refund from your current dentist. If he knows how unhappy you are with his results, he shouldn’t mind refunding the money. Though, he may not refund the lab fees, because he had to eat those.

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

Solution for Tetracycline Stains

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I have tetracycline stains. I’m finally in a financial position where I can do something about them. I’ve seen two dentists thus far. Both gave me vastly different suggestions. I’m hoping you’ll break the tie. First, I went to my family dentist. He recommended I get porcelain crowns to cover the stains. He’s done a crown for me in the past and I liked it. Though, this one was made to match the stains. Next, I saw a cosmetic dentist. He suggested I get porcelain veneers. They’re much more expensive, but I assume are more likely to give a pretty smile. Do you know which procedure would be a better solution?

Corrine

Dear Corrine,

A single porcelain veneer being held by a dental tool

I’m glad you wrote. Tetracycline stains are some of the more difficult things to treat. I’m going to have you switch gears just a smidge. While I think porcelain veneers will be a better idea than porcelain crowns for reasons I’ll explain in a moment, more important than what procedure is what dentist.

Porcelain Crowns Versus Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain crowns require a much more aggressive treatment than veneers. They require the dentist to grind down a great deal of healthy tooth structure. Plus, let’s say a few years from now you meet a top-of-the-line cosmetic dentist. It will be too late to get porcelain veneers. Once your teeth are ground down, you can’t undo that and switch to porcelain veneers. You will always have to have crowns.

A good thing to consider is why your dentist is suggesting a much more aggressive treatment than is necessary. Most dentists will suggest the least invasive treatment so as to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. The one obvious reason he’d do that is he is more comfortable with crowns, which translates to not a lot of cosmetic dentistry training. I think even if you went with the porcelain crowns you wouldn’t be happy with the results.

Now, let’s discuss the cosmetic dentist who suggested porcelain veneers. While he’s suggested a good procedure, how do you know if he’s a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist? Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty so every general dentist can just call themselves a cosmetic dentist regardless of their skill level.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recognized the problem which patients face in finding legitimately skilled practitioners. To help, they started an accreditation program. This tests both the technical skill and artistry. They have to pass stringent exams, both oral and written. In addition to that, they have to show a series of cosmetic procedures they’ve completed in order to demonstrate their artistry.

Those who pass reach what is known as accreditation level. Only about 1% of dentists in the world reach this level. This is the type of dentist you want to take care of your tetracycline stains. Not only are they incredibly skilled, but almost all of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

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

30 Years of Dentures – Can My Smile Be Pretty?

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I’ve had dentures for over thirty years. I’ve spent my life embarrassed by my smile. The other day I read something that reminded me I’ve never tried to do anything about it. Instead, I accepted it as a fate I couldn’t change. Now I’m wondering. After all this time, is it too late for me to have a pretty smile?

Miranda

Dear Miranda,

You’ve got a few issues going on here. But, first let me tell you before we go into what to do that yes, you can absolutely have a beautiful smile again.

Sadly, your dentures could have been gorgeous from the beginning. Many patients feel like what their dentist gives them is as good as it gets, especially when dentures are concerned. Maybe it’s because they remembered their grandmother’s dentures looked similar. It no longer has to be that way.

It would have taken a better cosmetic dentist than you obviously had. But, gorgeous dentures are done every day by expert cosmetic dentists. Looking at Dr. Cha’s smile gallery, there are a few patients there who had partial dentures placed. You can see they are stunningly gorgeous. When it comes to beauty, it’s not the procedure nearly as much as it is the dentist.

But how do you find such a dentist? When it comes to finding the most artistic and skilled cosmetic dentists, I recommend getting a dentist who’s reached accreditation level with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

Problems with Dentures

However, your bigger issue is not just how it looks. The downside of dentures is far greater over the long term. When your teeth were removed, your body wanted to preserve the minerals which are no longer necessary to retain your teeth. Unfortunately, that means you’ll start losing jawbone. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone to retain your dentures, leaving you a dental cripple.

Solution to the Problems with Dentures

Illustration of dental implants in three partsFirst, you’ll need to build up your jawbone again. This can be done with a procedure called bone grafting. This will provide you with bone again. From there, you have two choices. You can get your dentures re-done. You will have similar problems with losing jawbone all over again, along with the other types of problems which go along with dentures.

You have another option, though. My suggestion would be for you to instead of replacing your dentures to get dental implants instead. You’ll find that your quality of life goes up significantly, especially your chewing capacity.

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

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