Smile Makeover Archives | Dentistry by Brooksher

Spent 30k on a smile makeover that looks like a smile mess up

August 17, 2020 by AllSmiles

I received a smile makeover in February 2019. My mouth is small, and my front upper teeth were tilted slightly inward. I also had an overbite and 3 missing back teeth. My dentist put crowns on my front teeth and did mini implants for the back teeth.

Wallace and Gromit
Donovan says his smile makeover looks like Wallace’s smile

The smile makeover that I was hoping for cost me $30k. I didn’t get a makeover – I got a messed-up smile. My front teeth are too large for my small mouth and face shape. And my overbite is worse, so I try not to smile. I included a picture of Wallace & Gromit so you can see how my smile looks. I’m too embarrassed to send you my smile photos, but it looks like Wallace’s smile. I look goofy when I smile. Although I had problems with my teeth before, I’ve never felt so bad. Some rude people asked me if my dentures are too big. I would never ask anyone something like that about their teeth.

Unfortunately, I made the wrong decision about when to ask my dentist for a smile makeover. Two months after I received it, I had a long-term assignment in Asia. I had to leave my assignment there due to COVID-19, and since then, I haven’t been able to see a dentist. Now I must do something about my teeth. The pandemic is stressful enough. Now I’m on Zoom almost every day for work, and people think I’m in a bad mood because I’m not smiling. But it’s my teeth that are causing the problem. Although I think that I know the answer to this issue, I would like to know my options. Thanks for your advice. Donovan from Mississippi

Donovan,

Thanks for attaching the photo. We weren’t familiar with Wallace & Gromit before you mentioned them. As you hinted, you probably know what must happen to correct your smile; a cosmetic dentist will need to redo it.

Our advice is about ensuring you select a skilled cosmetic dentist.

You’ve learned that a competent family dentist isn’t a skilled cosmetic dentist. An artistic cosmetic dentist has advanced training and experience in aesthetics and has creative talent. Look for a dentist with credentials from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

It can be challenging for a dentist to correct the mishap to your teeth, so if you want an attractive smile makeover this time, don’t compromise on choosing a dentist who can design a smile that functions well and looks fantastic. Schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists before choosing one. Take notes during the consultations to help you make an informed decision.

Can You Get a Refund for a Bad Smile Makeover?

You might be able to get some of your money back for the lousy smile makeover. Work with your new cosmetic dentist to help you do it. If your previous dentist did work that was technically sound but doesn’t look good, it will be challenging to get a refund unless your teeth look awful.

Although you didn’t mention problems with the function of your teeth (e.g., with your bite or pain), if they are present, it will be easier to get some of your money back.

Three options that can help you get a partial refund

Some options that might motivate your previous dentist to refund you at least partially for your botched smile makeover include:

Strong leverage – File a malpractice suit if a malpractice attorney agrees you have a case.
Moderate leverage – Threaten to complain to the dental board.
Weak leverage – Leave a negative online review on the dentist’s Google or social media pages

Best wishes on your search for a new dentist and getting your smile and confidence back.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Are Crowns on All Teeth Needed As I Recover from Bulimia?

June 24, 2020 by AllSmiles

I’m recovering from bulimia, and I have had three consultations with cosmetic dentists who have good reputations. One of them suggests a complete smile makeover with porcelain crowns. He said the crowns would restore my decayed teeth, correct my bite, and make my smile beautiful. 10 of my teeth are severely decayed, 2 have some decay, and the others are healthy enough not to require major work. I’m concerned about the dentist grinding down all my teeth when only 10 are severely decayed. Unfortunately, my consultation with the dentist who wants to do all crowns was the last of the three. I was surprised by his recommendation, and I couldn’t ask the other two dentists about it because I had already seen them. Each dentist agrees to give me sedation for anxiety and do wax-ups of my new smile. But now I’m concerned and getting more anxious. Did the first two dentists miss something about the condition of my teeth and which treatment is best? Or is the third dentist too aggressive? Thanks. Micah from TX

Micah,

Congratulations on your recovery from bulimia. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, dental history, and x-rays to evaluate your case accurately, your explanation of the third dentist’s recommendation raises concern.

Advanced, ethical cosmetic dentists treat teeth conservatively, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. And they don’t try to convince patients to receive treatment that makes them uncomfortable or recommend an aggressive treatment plan without the patient’s request.

Does It Take All Crowns to Get a Smile Makeover?

If you get the sense that a dentist is a salesperson, opt for a conservative cosmetic dentist who will transform your smile in a way that preserves your healthy tooth structure whenever possible. As you recover from bulimia, a conservative approach will increase your confidence in your smile. A full-mouth reconstruction that grinds down all your teeth for crowns is required in these instances:

Severe issues with your bite that cause pain
Facial collapse
Many decayed or broken teeth

Before-and-after photos of dark, uneven, and broken teeth transformed by a smile makeover from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Dr. Brooksher gives his patients healthy, natural-looking smile makeovers

It’s wise to return to either of the first two cosmetic dentists you saw and discuss your concerns about porcelain crowns for all your teeth vs. the dentist’s recommendation. The cosmetic dentist will further explain why he or she recommended specific treatment and not all crowns for your teeth. Often, a smile makeover includes a combination of treatments, such as cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and sometimes crowns.

If it increases your comfort to return to both cosmetic dentists, don’t hesitate to do so. Best wishes on your journey and your new smile as you recover from bulimia.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

His Dentist Bonded Porcelain Veneers to His Teeth Even Though He Hated Them

January 6, 2020 by AllSmiles

In February, I received eight porcelain veneers. My dentist did two different wax models, but I didn’t like either of them. He told me that the final veneers would look several times better than the wax model. Before he bonded the veneers on, he used some a paste to attach them to my teeth.

I wrote down everything I told my dentist about what I hated about the veneers: 1 – the shape was wrong, 2) the color was wrong, 3) they looked like they were sliding away from my gums, 4) the teeth were unevenly spaced.

My dentist said he sent the veneers back to the lab, but I am wondering if these are the same veneers that I hated. I don’t see any difference. I really didn’t get a good look at these new veneers, but my dentist bonded them on without telling me that they were final. He did tell me that he had to “push back” with the lab to get them to redo my veneers. When he had me look in the mirror, I felt like I had been cheated. Now, I’m sure I’ve been cheated.

Last month I found about serious illnesses for two family members. This is a terrible time for me to worry about veneers. My dentist is trying to convince himself that my veneers are beautiful. He will never convince me. I know that I can start over, but I used a lot of my savings for this dental work. I don’t want to take more money out to have it corrected. Do I have any options? Thanks, Russ

Russ,

Many things went wrong with the way your dentist treated you as his patient.

Ignoring that you didn’t approve either was model
Directing the lab to make veneers when you didn’t accept the model
Proceeding with his plan after you tried on the veneers
Bonding the veneers to your teeth without your consent

Before-and-after smile makeover photos. Top photo shows a missing tooth and poorly spaced and shaped teeth. A new smile is below.

Dr. Brooksher rejuvenated this patient’s teeth with a beautiful smile makeover

Although we don’t know your dentist’s view on what happened, your description of the events sounds as if your dentist isn’t skilled in cosmetic dentistry.

A trustworthy cosmetic dentist will ensure you are delighted with your new smile before bonding it to your teeth. And he or she will only bond on veneers with a patient’s consent. Your dentist’s approach doesn’t reflect that he wants you to have a confident smile.

If Your Veneers Were Bonded on Without Your Consent

If you didn’t agree that your dentist could bond your veneers, you can file a complaint with the state dental board, leave negative feedback online, and consult with an attorney.

We hope that your dentist will voluntarily resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Some of My Teeth Just Came Loose!

December 27, 2019 by ecrabtree

Hi there,

My grandmother is in her nineties, and while she has most of her teeth, her teeth and gums may not be in the best of health. She saw her dentist for a filling recently, however since then, two of her teeth have simply fallen out of her mouth! We’re not sure what the best options for her are – should she get a bridge with her remaining teeth? If her teeth are healthy enough, should she get dental implants or should she go for dentures?

Anna, from Kissimmee, FL

Hi Anna,

Teeth take a large amount of force to knock out. If your grandmother’s teeth simply fell out, then she most likely has advanced periodontal disease, or gum disease.

With gum disease, it is likely most of her teeth are unstable in her gums, making it impossible for her to get a bridge. If you anchor a bridge to unhealthy, unstable teeth, it will strain and stress them, causing them fracture and need removal.

The ideal replacement would be dental implants, but since your grandmother likely needs a full-mouth smile makeover, that can run tens of thousands of dollars. A removable denture is also the more affordable option compared to dental implants. Also, if you grandmother does not have enough bone in her jaw, she may be better off going with a removable denture. For patients lacking enough bone in their jaws, a bone graft is an option, but your grandmother may be too old or not healthy enough to receive a bone graft procedure.

Since your grandmother’s teeth are likely in need of extraction, a full set of upper and lower dentures may her best option. Dentures can lead to bone resorption (the body breaking down the jaw bone for minerals and nutrients) and facial collapse over the course of 10 years. At your grandmother’s age, she may not need to worry about jaw collapse as much as a younger patient would.

A full set of dentures would be less stressful on her teeth than a removable partial denture. Seek a general dentist or affordable cosmetic dentist for your grandmother as soon as possible, before any more teeth fall out.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

3 Secrets for a Successful Smile Makeover Even Without Digital Design

October 29, 2019 by AllSmiles

Digital smile makeovers are becoming increasingly popular. It’s exciting to see a digital version of your current smile as it’s progressively becoming exactly what you’ve envisioned. But what if your dentist doesn’t offer digital smile makeovers? How do you know what to expect?

Advanced cosmetic dentists have created beautiful smiles for decades—even without digital smile technology. Did you know? – Even if a dentist uses digital technology, there are specific steps advanced cosmetic dentists take to achieve a predictable outcome and a smile makeover you’ll gladly show off.

Secrets of a Success Smile Makeover

Your feedback, the opportunity to wear a temporary version of your new smile, and a final try-in are crucial factors to being confident about your smile makeover. Here’s why.

1. Your Feedback

An advanced cosmetic dentist isn’t simply concerned about giving you a beautiful smile makeover. He or she personalizes your smile so well that it looks like it’s always belonged to you. Throughout the process, your cosmetic dentist will carefully listen as you describe your ideal smile, and he or she will ensure the details are there.

2. Trial Smile Makeover

Skilled cosmetic dentists make a wax model of your new smile design.

You’ll snap it in over your teeth as a preview of your smile makeover.
You’ll be able to examine it closely and let friends and family see it.
If you want changes to the way it looks or feels, your dentist will make the changes to align with the smile you envisioned.

This phase is not complete without your approval. When you give your dentist the okay, your permanent smile makeover will be crafted by a master ceramist.

3. It’s Final When You Say So

Your dentist will temporarily attach your final smile makeover to your teeth. This is another opportunity for you to smile with approval or to explain any hesitation you have. If you’ve chosen a dentist who is an artist, the smile design is only acceptable to your dentist if you also love it.

Smile Makeover Satisfaction with or without a Virtual Model

Even if your dentist offers virtual or digital smile makeovers, your feedback, the trial smile, and a final try-in are phases that must be included to ensure you get the smile you love. If you’re left out of the process, you’ll likely end up with a smile that you’ll want to leave behind in the office. And that’s a waste of time and money.

Before-and-after smile makeover patient photos from Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dr. Brooksher gave this patient a smile makeover that is healthy and natural-looking

Accredited cosmetic dentists consistently provide stunning smile makeovers. Are there accredited cosmetic dentists in your area or within driving distance?

Visit their websites
Check their credentials and accomplishments
Look at their smile gallery of actual patient photos

Select your dentist carefully—digital design or not—and you’ll get a smile makeover you love.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

4 Gummy-Smile Makeover Options that Get Stunning Results

August 6, 2019 by AllSmiles

Have your gums taken over your teeth and your smile? A smile makeover can make a life-changing difference that boosts your confidence. But the options for beautifully transforming your smile require the skill and talent of an artistic cosmetic dentist.

Treatment Options for Your Smile Makeover

Gum Contouring

Expert cosmetic dentists use gingivectomy, or a gum lift, to remove excess gum tissue around your teeth. Removing the tissue will make your teeth look longer.

No needles or scalpels are involved.
Your cosmetic dentist provides painless treatment with a laser that gently removes excess gum tissue.
Sometimes additional cosmetic work is needed to lengthen tooth structure and complete your smile makeover.

Porcelain Veneers

Your cosmetic dentist may need to prepare your teeth before giving you a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, by removing a small amount of enamel (0.05 mm or less) from each tooth. Your dentist may also remove some of the bone beneath the gums. He or she will position porcelain veneers over the fronts of your teeth to make them look longer but natural.

Dental Crowns

Dr. Brooksher used gum contouring and dental crowns for this smile makeover.

Depending on your case, your cosmetic dentist might recommend crowns to lengthen your teeth. He or she must taper the entire tooth for a crown to fit over it properly without affecting your bite. Your dentist will explain what you can expect with crowns versus veneers.

Orthodontics

In some cases, your cosmetic dentist will recommend orthodontic treatment to level your teeth and provide a smile makeover that highlights your teeth—not your gums. What can you expect?

Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a treatment plan to move your teeth upward, which will also move your gums upward.
The vertical position of your teeth will allow your upper lips to hide your gums.
Less gum tissue will show when you smile.

Which Option Is Right for You?

You should entrust your smile makeover only to an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look for a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation. He or she will examine your teeth and gums and explain your options for saying goodbye to your gummy smile.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

Is $100,000 for a Smile Makeover Normal?

April 14, 2019 by ecrabtree

Hello there,

I am trying to find a new cosmetic dentist after a bad experience. I went to see a highly-reviewed cosmetic dentist in my area for a second opinion. He said I needed a full-mouth restoration to fix my bite, which would run me between $50,000-100,000. I thought I just needed a few crowns on my upper teeth. I would rather get a new car for that price! I’m not sure exactly what he planned to do, but my gums and teeth are in good health, so I didn’t think I needed all this work. I can’t afford this smile makeover.

-Charlie from Washington, D.C.

Hello Charlie,

The prices you were quoted is on the high end, even for a smile makeover by an expert cosmetic dentist. You should go see another recommended cosmetic dentist in your area to compare prices.

Even if your bite is off, you may not need a full-mouth restoration to fix it. Your dentist may be suggesting an ideal course of treatment, but you need a more practical approach. You can work out costs with an affordable dentist.

Fees are not indicative of quality for a cosmetic dentist. Look at reviews and awards for dentists in your area. You should be able to find a quality dentist willing to personalize a smile makeover treatment plan for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

Lackluster Smile Makeover After Just 2 Months?

April 7, 2019 by ecrabtree

Hi,

I hope you can help me. I recently had extensive cosmetic work on all my upper teeth. My restorative dental work was an expensive undertaking, so I want to take care of my teeth, so they’ll last a long time. I’ve been brushing and rinsing with over-the-counter products. However, after two months of this, my bright, white veneers have become noticeably less shiny. I even tried restoring their brightness with baking soda, but that had no effect. Did my toothpaste or mouthwash do this to my smile? Was it too abrasive, or was I just overdoing it? I made another appointment with my cosmetic dentist, is there anything she can do? I was very happy with the whiteness of my smile makeover, so I hope I can get it back.

Thank you,

TJ, from Hippo, Kentucky.

Hi TJ,

A smile makeover can involve dental implants, porcelain crowns, or porcelain veneers. No matter what you had done in your mouth, it would involve ceramic or porcelain, both of which is stronger than your natural tooth enamel. Smile makeovers are designed to stand up to the repeated wear-and-tear of brushing, and last 10-20 years with proper care. If your mouthwash had acidulated fluoride in it, that could cause the porcelain to dull, but over-the-counter products don’t have that. Be sure to let any dental hygienists know about your restorative dental work before they clean your teeth; the Prophy Jet tool they use can wear down the glaze on porcelain veneers and dull their shine.

The only way brushing and rinsing can cause your smile makeover to dull is if it were made from composite, rather than porcelain in the first place. Unfortunately, composite is much softer than your tooth’s natural structure. Anything from an abrasive toothpaste to mouthwash with alcohol in it can weaken composite, making it dull and susceptible to scratching. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about your concerns at your next appointment, and in the meantime, stop rinsing with any alcohol-based mouthwashes.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher. Please note that Dr. Brooksher is a general dentist who has had additional training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

How Can I Be Sure I’ll Like My Smile Makeover?

February 4, 2019 by cescobedo

I have what I consider an awful smile and am searching for a way to enhance it. But I’m worried it’s not going to turn out very good. I have a friend who got porcelain veneers and she is telling me she’s sorry she ever did it – she actually liked her smile better before anything was done.

-Sondra from Indiana

Dear Sondra,

Get a Qualified Cosmetic Dentist

The most important thing to do when you want a smile makeover is to get a qualified cosmetic dentist.

While cosmetic dentistry is a highly specialized field, for political reasons it isn’t recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association. And during dental school, dentists are taught a lot about science, but really nothing about the art that is so important in creating a beautiful smile makeover. This is why the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry began its accreditation program. It’s a course of study followed by a series of examinations that, if followed, will certify that a dentist has the required expertise in cosmetic dentistry. There is a written examination to make sure the applicant has a grasp of the specialized knowledge of cosmetic dentistry, and then a clinical examination consisting of five procedures, followed by an oral examination. The testing is rigorous enough that the patient can be assured that any accredited cosmetic dentist will do beautiful, functionally correct cosmetic dentistry.

The Digital Smile Makeover

Beyond that, we can tell you how we make sure, in our office, that patients love the smile that Dr. Brooksher creates for them. One important step we undertake is the digital smile makeover. After discussing with the patient what changes they want to their smile, Dr. Brooksher will create the smile design they want, digitally, on a photograph of their face. They can see what it will look like before he starts any work.

The Beautiful Smile Guarantee

Another way we reassure our patients is with our beautiful smile guarantee. This is a mindset that pretty much all really great cosmetic dentists have. This principle highlights a big difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. General dentistry is about fixing things that are broken, and dentists are taught in school to have an authoritative approach because this is reassuring to the patient. The dentist knows best how to solve the problem. Is a cavity too big for a filling to work? Your dentist is trained to know. But in cosmetic dentistry we’re treating the self-image of the patient. Are you embarrassed to smile? You are the best judge of that. It’s a reversal of the mindset we’re taught in school. But for Dr. Brooksher, a smile makeover isn’t successful unless the patient loves it. So before permanently attaching it to a patient’s teeth, he will try it on and make sure the patient loves it. If the patient doesn’t, any needed changes, including possibly going back to the ceramist to be re-made, are made before it is affixed to the teeth.

Here’s a sample of a smile makeover created by Dr. Brooksher. This photograph illustrates the importance of personalizing each smile makeover. Many patients want a bright, dazzling, sparkling smile. This patient, however, wanted a more subdued, even smile. You can see by the expression on his face that he is very comfortable with it.

These are some guidelines. I hope they are helpful in finding a dentist who will create a beautiful smile for you and making you comfortable with your choice.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

3 Ways a Smile Makeover Can Help Your Recovery from an Eating Disorder

November 22, 2018 by AllSmiles

Some estimates show that as many as 30 million Americans have an eating disorder. An eating disorder can affect your overall health and your oral health. If you’re in recovery, a smile makeover can improve your appearance and your journey to better health.

How Does a Smile Makeover Help?

1. Makes an impression

Your smile is an expression of your personality. It’s one of the first things people notice when they meet you. And it can make a lasting impression.

2. Boosts your confidence

An attractive smile can also boost your self-confidence. Your smile will enhance your facial appearance and help you feel better about yourself.

3. Improves your oral health

Throughout an eating disorder, poor nutrition can affect your teeth and gums. Regular exposure of acid on your teeth—whether it’s caused by vomiting from an eating disorder, a medical condition, or acid reflux—can damage your teeth and gums. Teeth can become brittle and erode. Gums can become irritated, inflamed, and infected. A smile makeover restores your teeth, gums, and your oral health.

What Treatment Is Recommended?

If your smile has been damaged by an eating disorder, cosmetic dentistry can help. But the type of cosmetic dentistry needed to restore your teeth depends on the extent of damage to your teeth and the position of the damaged teeth. Your smile makeover can include one or more of the following:

Periodontal (gums) treatment
Dental implants
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain crowns
Dental bonding
Dentures

Periodontal treatment

If you have swollen, irritated, or infected gum tissue, it needs to be treated. If gum disease is significant, you might be referred to a periodontist (gum specialist) for treatment before your smile makeover begins.

Dental Implants

If an eating disorder has damaged your teeth and resulted in tooth loss, replacing missing teeth is a vital part of your smile makeover. A dental implant can be used to replace each missing tooth. An artificial root form will be placed in your jawbone, and after a healing period, a dental crown will be attached on top. Dental implants mimic natural teeth and are healthy for your jawbone and gums. They are the most effective form of tooth replacement, but they are also the most expensive.

Porcelain Veneers

If you have minimal damage that is limited to the fronts or edges of your teeth, porcelain veneers might be a treatment option for your smile makeover. A custom-made veneer is bonded to the front of each affected tooth. Porcelain mimics the color, translucence, and gloss of natural teeth, so the results will look amazing.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers an entire tooth. A tooth that is extensively damaged may be weak and require the protection of a crown. A skilled cosmetic dentist can restore your smile with lifelike ceramic crowns. The crowns will conceal the damage to your teeth from an eating disorder and help you smile with confidence. Dental ceramics can be manipulated to look like beautiful natural teeth.

Dental Bonding

In cases of a short-term eating disorder that caused minimal damage to your teeth, chairside dental bonding might be an option for your smile makeover. Dental bonding can conceal discoloration and minor chips in teeth. This treatment can often be completed in a visit or two.

Unlike porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns, dental bonding is not stain resistant. Depending on how well you take care of it, bonding will need to be replaced every five to ten years. A skilled cosmetic dentist can blend shades of dental composite and make the results look natural.

Dentures

If your budget is limited and you’ve experienced extensive damage to your teeth, or if you have lost many teeth, a partial or a full denture might be recommended. A skilled cosmetic dentist can give you a great smile makeover with natural-looking dentures. Implant overdentures will keep your dentures stable and help them look and feel more like natural teeth.

What Can You Expect with Your Smile Makeover?

The results you get from your smile makeover largely depend on the skill of your dentist. We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists. If there is an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area, you can receive amazing results. Otherwise, search for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. Check dentists’ websites to learn about them. Ask to see before-and-after smile makeover photos of the dentist’s actual patients.

Cosmetic dentistry is an art. So expect to invest money in your smile makeover. But if it’s completed correctly, a smile makeover will be a worthwhile investment that lasts many years. See the example below.

BEFORE
AFTER

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.