Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

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.

What Do I Look For in the Best Cosmetic Dentist?

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I want to get drop dead gorgeous porcelain veneers. My aunt, who’s filthy rich, asked me what I dream about. I told her having a smile which doesn’t embarrass me. Then she handed me a blank check and said. “Go go it.” She was serious, too. I burst into tears. Now that I have this dream as a possibility, I want to do it right. How do I go about finding the best cosmetic dentist?

Thank you,
LeeAnne

Dear LeeAnne,

A single porcelain veneer being held by a dental tool

How exciting! You have a very generous aunt. You’re also wise to be doing research before investing in a permanent smile. I’m sorry you’ve spent your life feeling embarrassed about your smile. If it’s any consolation about half of all Americans feel the same way.

When it comes to finding the best cosmetic dentist, there are three skills that are of equal importance.

  • Technical Skill
  • An Artistic Eye
  • Empathy

The first one always makes sense to patients. Of course you want a dentist with the skill to do the procedure, but what do artistry and empathy have to do with it?

Creating a beautiful smile is like creating a work of art. Two artists can have the same subject and their painting will turn out completely different depending on their level of artistry. The same is true with porcelain veneers. The dentist has to understand how facial shape, smile width, subtleties of color, and shape of the teeth all work together to create a portrait of sorts.

Empathy is equally important. You sort of explained why during your question. You have lived with a smile that you’ve been ashamed of your whole life. You want one to be proud of. You need a cosmetic dentist who understands this is about how YOU feel about the results. Not how he feels. You don’t want a dentist who lets pride in his “creation” get in the way of giving you your dream smile.

How Do You Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist?

The easiest way to locate a skilled, artistic cosmetic dentist is through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (aacd.com). They have an accreditation program to separate the sheep from the goats. With no offense intended to goats. They have to pass stringent oral and written exams as well as demonstrate artistry in a list of recent cases they’ve completed. Bear in mind that being a member and being an accredited member are different.

Not everyone has an accredited dentist near them and there are some fantastic dentists on their way toward accreditation that just haven’t finished yet. It’s a long process. In that case, check out the mynewsmile.com website. They recommend skilled artistic dentists by zip code and the distance you’re willing to travel.

But what about empathy? How do you measure that ahead of time? I’d suggest two things. First, check their reviews. What type of experience have other patients had with them. Second, make sure they have some sort of beautiful smile guarantee. By that I don’t mean a smile they think is beautiful, but one YOU love. Check out Dr. Cha’s guarantee to see what I mean.

I hope this helps!

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 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.

What’s the best brand of porcelain veneers?

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I’ve decided to get a smile makeover, but I want to figure out what is the best brand of veneers first. Do you have a recommendation?

Mandy, Ft. Worth, TX

Mandy,

It’s great that you’re trying to do research, but I’ll warn you that you’re going about it the wrong way.  There are many great brands of porcelain veneers. Which one is best for you depends on the smile you want and your current smile situation.

What you really want to do is find the best cosmetic dentist possible. A great cosmetic dentist can give you an absolutely gorgeous smile. A bad cosmetic dentist can ruin your smile no matter what brand of porcelain veneers you choose.

What you’ll want is to find a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). There is a difference between a member and an accredited member. You want the latter. Accredited members have to pass rigorous standards.  It would be worth it, even if you had to take a drive to the next city or so.

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

Do I have to have my teeth ground down for a smile makeover?

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I wanted a smile makeover. My dentist said I need to get porcelain crowns. Do I really have to have all my teeth ground down to get a makeover? I thought crowns were for infections in your teeth. I don’t even have any cavities.

Olivia P. from Kansas City

Olivia,

NO, NO, NO, don’t get porcelain crowns if you don’t have a large cavity, especially for a smile makeover. Your dentist is insane.  My guess is he doesn’t know how to do porcelain veneers and he isn’t man (or woman) enough  to admit it.

There are cases when you have to mix porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns, but that is when you have teeth with large cavities. Otherwise, in general porcelain veneers are a better option. Either way you want an expert cosmetic dentist. The obvious ignorance of your dentist means you need to find another one.  You can stick with him for your basic dental care, but go to someone with more expertise for your cosmetic work.

Look for someone who is AACD accredited (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). They are among the top 1-3% of dentists in the world. It is worth a bit of a drive to get a gorgeous smile.  Be aware there is a difference between being a member of the AACD and being accredited by the organization.

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

 

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