My Porcelain Veneers Don’t Look New Anymore

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My porcelain veneers are only two years old, but they are not as bright as new. My smile makeover does not look fresh anymore. I am disappointed because I thought veneers were colorfast. Although I drink coffee every morning, I never drink more than two cups. The dentist who placed the veneers asked if I smoke or am a heavy coffee drinker. I have an appointment with the dentist in two weeks, but I do not want my dentist to blame me for the discoloration of my veneers. Is there anything I can do to make them look better, or is this something only a dentist can do? – Thank you. Marcello from ATL

Marcello,

Thank you for your question. You are wise to ask how to improve your smile makeover before using products such as abrasive whitening toothpaste that will scratch the surface of your veneers.

Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers are colorfast and covered with a glaze that helps them resist staining. But if the glaze is damaged, it can increase the risk of stains.

Factors that may damage the glaze on porcelain veneers:

  • Abrasives – Abrasive whitening toothpaste can create tiny scratches in the glaze that attract stains.
  • Dental cleaning or polishing techniques – Power polishing equipment, pumice pace, air-powered cleaners, or acidulated fluoride can etch porcelain veneer glaze and cause stains.
  • Tobacco use – Regular tobacco use can cause surface stains on veneers.
  • Heavy coffee drinking – If you are a heavy coffee drinker, it may leave surface stains on your veneers.

What Can You Do to Brighten Porcelain Veneers?

Although whitening toothpaste or bleaching gels will not whiten porcelain veneers, either of these methods will help when your veneers do not look new anymore:

  • Use toothpaste that will not harm restorative dentistry – Supersmile is non-abrasive toothpaste that removes surface stains on cosmetic dentistry work. But it will not remove deep stains.
  • See an expert cosmetic dentist – A skilled cosmetic dentist can polish porcelain veneers, restore their original shine, and refresh your smile makeover. Polishing will increase stain resistance. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged, polishing will remove the damage, but it will improve discoloration.
Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and After Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Brooksher

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

Tooth fillings near my gumline keep popping out

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Woman covering her mouth, perhaps due to tooth fillings popping outOver the years, I’ve had problems with notching at my gumline, and my dentist covered them with bonding to prevent any more cavities. The issue affected five teeth. That was 15 years ago.

Last summer, my new dentist replaced the bonding because it was old and discolored. Since that time, the fillings on three of the five teeth popped out twice. I have slight anxiety over dental appointments, but this episode is making me nervous. I asked my dentist to find a permanent solution because the fillings popping out is increasing stress.

I have an autistic child and a stressful job, so I do not need repeated dental visits. My dentist seemed unphased by my concern and said he could use sedation whenever I needed new fillings. He doesn’t get it. Why are the fillings popping out? Also, I’ve never had sedation. Is it safe enough for me to keep getting it whenever I need new fillings? – Thank you. Katia from GA

Katia,

Thank you for your questions.

What Causes Notches on Teeth at the Gumline?

Clenching and grinding put pressure on your teeth and cause them to flex. Research shows that clenching or grinding your teeth causes notches on then near your gumline. The notches are called abfraction lesions.

How Can You Prevent Fillings from Popping Out?

Your dentist can prevent fillings near the gumline from popping out by using flexible dental composite. Silux Plus and Renamel are two brands of flexible composite. They will blend with your teeth and stay in place for years if your dentist properly bonds them. Newer dental composites are often hybrids that do not stay in long. And your dentist might be using a newer composite.

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is safe enough to use on every dental visit. Relaxing at the dental office might require the lowest level of sedation—nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Otherwise, your dentist might prescribe an anti-anxiety for you to take before your appointment. In the United States, training requirements for dentists to administer sedation vary in each state. According to the American Dental Association, millions of dentists safely treat dental anxiety each year.

But in your case, the issue is using a dental bonding that will stay in your teeth and not pop out. If your dentist lacks the tools or materials to keep your fillings in place, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

We hope the information will help you make an informed decision about what to do next.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

My dental crowns are yellow, even though they are ceramic

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My dentist did eight ceramic crowns on my upper front teeth. The crowns are turning yellow. I asked for ceramic crowns, not gold. I do not smoke or drink coffee excessively. Before I approach my dentist, what are some reasons my crowns might be turning yellow? Thank you. Stefan form KY

Stefan,

Thank you for your question.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your crowns to determine why they are yellowing, we can discuss some possibilities.

Why Do New Dental Crowns Turn Yellow?

New dental crowns might turn yellow for several reasons, including they are not ceramic, damage to the surface when adjusting the crowns, and damage to the crowns during a dental cleaning.

  • Damage when adjusting the crowns – If your dentist had to grind your crowns to adjust your bite, they might have damaged the glaze. Or the lab that made the crowns may not have glazed them properly.
  • Damage during a dental cleaning – If a dental hygienist mistakenly uses power cleaning instruments on your teeth that blast them with sodium bicarbonate, it will damage the glaze. Or, if a hygienist gives you acidulated fluoride treatment, the chemical will etch the glaze and discolor your crowns.
  • Your crowns are not ceramic – Sometimes, dentists give patients the impression that they are receiving ceramic or porcelain crowns when the crowns are composite instead. You can ask your dentist for a copy of the lab certificate that lists the materials in your crown.

Get a Second Opinion

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

In addition to talking to your dentist about your yellowing crowns, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist. The cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns and glaze to identify the issue.

You paid your dentist for a new smile and crowns that should last at least five years. Also, porcelain is colorfast, so crowns should not turn yellow. It is appropriate to ask your dentist for a refund.

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

Why do new crowns make my teeth sensitive and burn my gums?

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The whole process of getting crowns from my dentist has been a nightmare. They are burning my gums now, and my teeth are sensitive. I’m blaming myself a bit because the temporary crowns were a mess, too. They felt like they were leaking, and my teeth hurt beneath them. I told my dentist that I was worried about infection, so he prescribed an antibiotic. He did not check my teeth or anything–just gave me a prescription. When I got my six new crowns, my dentist filed and re-filed my teeth because my bite was off. I felt fluid rushing beneath the crowns whenever I drank anything, so my dentist sent the crowns back, and I wore temporaries. The temporaries felt better than the crowns and the first set of temporaries. Now I’ve been wearing my new crowns for two weeks, and my teeth are sensitive, and my gums are burning. Fortunately, my dentist used temporary cement. But something is not right with the crowns. But as I said, this has been a nightmare from day one. What should I do to prevent this situation from getting worse? I had a little anxiety before this process began. But I have hyperventilated three times at the dental office recently. Can I switch dentists in the middle of treatment, or is it too late? – Marquita from GA

Marquita,

Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, gums, and new crowns for an accurate diagnosis. But we can be helpful. Please do not allow your dentist to bond your crowns to your teeth permanently.

New Dental Crowns and Burning Gums

If your gums are burning and teeth are sensitive after new dental crowns, ask your dentist for the exact composition of the crowns. When a lab makes crowns, they send a dental alloy certificate listing all materials in the crown. And if your crowns are porcelain-fused-to-metal, you might have a metal allergy or sensitivity. It would explain why your gums are burning, and your teeth are sensitive.

Challenges of Placing Dental Crowns on Front Teeth

Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton Rouge

Sedation will relieve your anxiety while a cosmetic dentist restores your teeth

When a dentist places a crown on your front teeth, they must ensure your bite is adjusted. But your dentist placed six crowns, which increases the challenge of bite adjustment. A dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite can adjust your bite accurately without extensively filing your teeth down to stumps.

And when you suspected that you might have a tooth infection, your dentist prescribed antibiotics instead of identifying the cause of your discomfort.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Treatment?

Yes, you can switch dentists in the middle of getting new crowns. First, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training—preferably accredited—to examine your teeth. The dentist can explain sedation options to prevent anxiety from overwhelming you. Then, the dentist will determine if your crowns have a metal foundation or if something else is causing tooth sensitivity and burning gums. Your new crowns should feel so comfortable that you don’t notice them at all.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Read why so many of his patients think he is among the best dentists in Baton Rouge.

Looking for a cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers

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I am looking for an alternative to porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains on my teeth. I got prices for veneers on 8 upper teeth, the consistent quote I get is about $15,000 – 20,000. That would take a big chunk out of my savings, and I am not sure I want to do that. The stains are horrible, and the older I get, the more self-conscious I am about them. Someone suggested a university dental school. Is that a reasonable option? Any other cosmetic treatment that may work? Thanks. Nathan from

 

Nathan,

Thanks for your inquiry.

If you want to save money on porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains, it is best not to get veneers at all. Premier porcelain veneers are priced to reflect the quality of the veneers you will receive and the work of the cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain Veneers for Tetracycline Stains

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneers cover the fronts and sides of teeth to conceal tetracycline stains

It is demanding work for a cosmetic dentist to conceal tetracycline stains with porcelain veneers. If a dentist charges less than $1000-$1200 per tooth, you won’t get the results you want. High-quality veneers can last 20 years or longer if you take good care of them.

What About Dental Schools for Veneers?

Three reasons not to get porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains from a dental school:

  1. Dental schools teach techniques for fixing teeth—not the artistry required to produce beautiful results.
  2. If you go to a dental school, your teeth may be in the hands of a student doing their first porcelain veneers or tetracycline case.
  3. And their instructor may not be much help either.

What About Dental Bonding or Teeth Whitening?

Will dental bonding or teeth whitening improve tetracycline stain?

  • Teeth whitening – Only a skilled cosmetic dentist can use a high-strength whitening system to lighten your tetracycline stains. Although the results will not be as good as porcelain veneers, you can get whitening for a fraction of the cost.
  • Dental bonding – Applying dental bonding requires great skill and time from a cosmetic dentist. The necessary precision and application will cost more than porcelain veneers.

When You are Ready for Porcelain Veneers

When you are ready to get porcelain veneers to conceal tetracycline stains, we recommend that you find an accredited cosmetic dentist with accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Accreditation requires a cosmetic dentist to pass rigorous exams and present numerous successful cases that demonstrate the quality of their work.

Please do not leave your tetracycline-stained teeth in the hands of an inexperienced dentist.

Best wishes.

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

Can I Get Only One Porcelain Veneer Replaced?

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I received six porcelain veneers in May 2019. My dentist didn’t get the bonding quite right on one veneer, and I had a lot of sensitivity in the tooth. At first, he suggested that I use Sensodyne toothpaste, but it didn’t help much. I mentioned the sensitivity at my next dental cleaning appointment, so my dentist looked at the tooth and said that the veneer is not in its original position and the dentin is exposed. He suggested replacing the veneer (upper left center) and the right-center veneer next to it to ensure the veneers match. I’m disappointed because this dentin exposure business was my dentist’s fault. Why did the porcelain veneer move out of place? He offered to reduce the cost of replacing the two veneers, but I don’t think I should have a fee at all. And why can’t he just replace the one veneer anyway? I’m afraid that if he must remove the veneer on my right front tooth that it might become sensitive, too. Should I insist that he only replace one veneer? Thank you – Zachary from GA

 

Zachary,

You didn’t mention if your general or family dentist provided the veneers. But it seems that you saw a dentist with limited training in cosmetic dentistry who aggressively prepared your teeth.

Is It Possible to Replace One Porcelain Veneer?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

A skilled cosmetic dentist can replace a single porcelain veneer

Yes, it is possible to replace a single porcelain veneer. Any dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can replace one veneer and perfectly match the color with your existing veneers. Dentists who are skilled in aesthetics use dental laboratories that keep color formulas for each patient’s case so they can perfectly match it in the future.

Dentin Exposed with Porcelain Veneers

When a dentist prepares your teeth for porcelain veneers, and the dentin is exposed, they over-prepared your teeth. When tooth preparation is necessary, skilled cosmetic dentists only remove a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel for several reasons:

  • Preserve as much tooth structure as possible
  • Provide better bonding—veneers adhere better to tooth enamel than dentin, which is softer.
  • Avoid exposing dentin because dentin tubules lead to the pulp and risk irritation and infection.

Insist on Replacing One Veneer?

If your dentist says he must replace veneers on both central incisors (center front teeth) to achieve a color match, he probably doesn’t know how to do otherwise. You can decide if you trust your dentist to do the work or want a second opinion. If you choose to get a second opinion on your porcelain veneers, look for a dentist with post-graduate training and experience in dental aesthetics.

You probably want to get the issue resolved quickly, so don’t delay—especially because dentin exposure is unhealthy for your teeth.

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

Get details from a previous post on reasons that porcelain veneers might fall off.

Why do my veneers make my teeth look thick and bulky?

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One of my best friends and I both received porcelain veneers about six to eight months apart. But my veneers make my teeth look thick and bulky. We went to the same dentist, and he used the same veneers on both of us. My friend got veneers to make her teeth look larger, but I wanted veneers because my teeth were inconsistently shaped and uneven at the edges. My friend’s smile looks beautiful, which is why I used her dentist. She received no-prep veneers, so I asked for the same type.

I’m disappointed with the results from my smile (eight upper veneers) because my teeth look thick and bulky. The dentist explained that sometimes that happens with no-prep veneers. But if the dentist knew the results, why wouldn’t he tell me how they would look? And yes, I did try on temporary veneers, but I let the dentist convince me that I would get used to my “fuller” smile. Why did I get such drastically different results? Will I have to start over with veneers? Thank you.  Kennedy from Memphis, TN

Kennedy,

From your description, it seems that your friend’s case was successful because her teeth were small, and she wanted to enlarge them. The results of no-prep veneers vary with each patient. And not every patient is a candidate for no-prep veneers.

Thick and Bulky Porcelain Veneers

Your porcelain veneers can make your teeth look thick and bulky if you have average-sized or large teeth and your dentist doesn’t prepare them first. Even ultrathin veneers—as thin as 0.3 mm—add thickness to your teeth and slightly extend their length. Cosmetic dentists with advanced training in aesthetics use several brands of veneers and select one to match your case and your smile goals. And they work with master ceramists to ensure give you beautiful results.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, minimal preparation is probably the solution to helping your veneers fit well and look natural.

Correcting Thick or Bulky Veneers

If you want to correct the look of thick or bulky porcelain veneers, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. You can ask your dentist to redo your veneers, but based on your experience, you will probably be disappointed with the results again.

  • Look for a dentist with accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED).
  • Read the dentist’s patient reviews about porcelain veneers and the results.
  • Ask to see the before-and-after photos of the dentist’s patients who had cases like yours.

Before and after cosmetic dentistry photos from Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge

Dr. Brooksher used cosmetic dentistry to even this patient’s smile


A cosmetic dentist will explain your treatment options. And unlike your current dentist, they won’t try to convince you that you will eventually like your smile. Skilled cosmetic dentists don’t bond veneers to your teeth unless you are confident that your smile is exactly as you want it.

Best wishes for a beautiful smile.

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

I thought I was getting a smile makeover

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Although my dentist said she could use dental bonding to give me a smile makeover, it didn’t work out. She was supposed to fill in gaps and chips in my teeth. My teeth looked and felt bulky, and they caused me to pronounce some words with a whistling sound. I asked my dentist to remove the bonding, and now my teeth are discolored and blotchy. My dentist says that’s just the way my natural teeth look, but I have pictures of my smile before the bonding. And my teeth didn’t look the way they do now. I don’t trust her to do anything else with my teeth. Is the damage permanent? – Danae from MS

Danae,

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, your description sounds like your general dentist doesn’t know enough about cosmetic dentistry to give you a smile makeover.

Bulky Dental Bonding

A cosmetic dentist uses dental bonding to fill in or conceal imperfections in your teeth. If you had chips and wear on your teeth, a cosmetic dentist would apply bonding to those areas and seamlessly blend in it with your natural teeth. But your dentist made your teeth so bulky that it affected your speech. It sounds like your dentist overdid it and applied bonding on the entire surface of each tooth.

Although some dentists can apply bonding to conceal a chip, it takes advanced training in aesthetics and artistic talent to create a smile makeover with dental bonding. A dentist must have the right tools and a variety of shades of composite to blend, match your teeth, and give you beautiful results.

Removing Dental Bonding

Advanced cosmetic dentists use specific tolls to remove dental bonding without damaging your tooth enamel. Three instruments a cosmetic dentist might use to remove bonding include:

  • Sandpaper disc
  • High-speed carbide drill
  • Air abrasion
Dental bonding smile makeover before and after photos from Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA

Accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brooksher used dental bonding for this beautiful smile makeover

But if a dentist grinds off composite without noticing where it ends and where your tooth enamel begins, it’s easy to remove the enamel mistakenly. Before treatment, trained cosmetic dentists take pictures of your teeth. And they take “after” photos so you can see how the treatment improved your smile.

Although you can show your dentist photos of your smile, she probably won’t be able to restore your teeth and give you the smile makeover you want. But the pictures will back up your claims of faulty work and a request for a refund.

Get a Dental Bonding Second Opinion

Ask friends or family members if they know an experienced cosmetic dentist. Otherwise, you can search online for a dentist with accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Dental Esthetics. If it increases your comfort, you can schedule consultations with two cosmetic dentists to discuss your smile goals and treatment options for a successful smile makeover.

 

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

Her Porcelain Veneers Are the Wrong Color – Again?

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In October, I went to my dentist to get a second set of six porcelain veneers on my front teeth because he can’t get the color right. The first set of porcelain veneers looked horrible. On this new set, my dentist allowed me to speak with the lab tech. I chose a specific white shade that is whiter than what my dentist likes, but it still looked natural. When I went to get the veneers bonded on, they were darker than what I requested. I complained, and my dentist said that he asked the lab tech to add color.

I’ve read too many horror stories online about porcelain veneers, so I didn’t let my dentist bond them to my teeth. I asked him to hold while I am thinking about what to do next. Is there a way to lighten the veneers? Or will I need another new set to get the color corrected? Thank you! Carlie from S. Carolina

 

Carlie,

We are sorry that you’ve already had two bad experiences with porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, your dentist puts his preferences above yours. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your veneers to explain accurate treatment options, but we will discuss the possibilities.

Can Porcelain Veneers Be Lightened?

It is impossible to lighten porcelain veneers if a dark shade is within the porcelain. But if a stain was applied over veneers to add color, an advanced cosmetic dentist might be able to remove it. Over-the-counter products will not lighten porcelain veneers.

  • Over-the-counter products – Neither teeth bleaching gel nor whitening toothpaste will whiten porcelain veneers. Abrasive toothpaste might scratch the surface.
  • Cosmetic dentistry polishing – If the lab technician applied stain to your veneers to add color, an expert cosmetic dentist might be about to polish or grind out the color. Afterward, the cosmetic dentist can polish the veneers to improve their appearance. After examining your veneers, a cosmetic dentist will let you know if this is an option. But don’t ask your dentist to complete the work. It seems that he has limited skill in aesthetics.

Replacing Your Porcelain Veneers

You have a right to ask for new porcelain veneers. Although the process might be inconvenient and take up more of your time, you didn’t receive what you paid for and requested.

We recommend asking for a refund from your dentist and finding a dental artist to complete your smile makeover. Dentists who receive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry are concerned about creating a smile to match your preferences—not theirs. And cosmetic dentists are concerned with function and beauty. You will get porcelain veneers in the color you want.

How to Ask for a Refund from Your Dentist

Speak with your dentist respectfully and explain your concerns:

  • You’re unhappy with your veneers because they are not the shade you requested.
  • You believe that your dentist violated your right to be informed of the color change.
  • You did not receive what you paid for and requested.

Explaining it in a way that helps your dentist see his negligence should influence him to give you a refund. Dental law classes emphasize that it is essential to get a patient’s consent before providing treatment.

If the color of your porcelain veneers is the only thing you dislike about them, consider these options:

  • You can ask your dentist for a refund.
  • If you want your dentist to replace your veneers, insist on a third set of porcelain veneers in the color of your choice.
    • Remind your dentist that you want clear, tint-free bonding resin that will not alter the shade of your veneers.
    • Bring a friend or family member with you to look at your porcelain veneers after your dentist places them on your teeth with a try-in paste—before the dentist bonds them to your teeth.
  • Whether you receive veneers from your dentist or an advanced cosmetic dentist, please do not allow the dentist to bond them to your teeth unless they match your request. Don’t compromise.

How Can You Find a Cosmetic Dentist?

Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and After Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Brooksher

Look at dentists’ websites and read their biographies to see if they have advanced cosmetic dentistry or dental aesthetics training. Most dentists with membership or credentials in cosmetic dentistry organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, are concerned about the beauty of your smile, not just the function.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

What if you have an issue with just one veneer? Read our post about replacing a single porcelain veneer.

 

A well-known dentist messed up her smile

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In 2014, I received a crown for my right center front tooth. My dentist got the color and the size of the crown wrong. A friend told me about a well-known dentist who replaced my crown in June 2019, but the crown looked gray. He did a second crown, and the color was better, but the tooth was noticeably too long. The second dentist told me that I needed Invisalign, which he provided. My treatment is complete. Now I have a gap between my front teeth. But I also have anxiety now, which has never been an issue. In August, I scheduled an appointment for a third opinion and planned to get an exam, but I was so anxious that the dentist told me to reschedule the appointment when I have time for sedation.

Last month I had two consultations with two more dentists. When I mentioned the second dentist’s name, who left the gap between my teeth, they were skeptical about my report of what happened. I am beginning to think that I need to leave town to find another dentist to correct my smile. Am I too picky? Thanks. Daina from MS

Daina,

We’re sorry that you’ve had two negative experiences and that they led to dental anxiety. Although your second dentist is well-known, it doesn’t mean that he’s a talented, artistic cosmetic dentist who produces beautiful results.

Although most dental schools, the American Dental Association, and many reputable dentists have a negative view of cosmetic dentists, there is an art to producing beautiful smiles. Read the Wikipedia article about cosmetic dentistry. It’s written by someone with an academic mindset who has a condescending attitude about cosmetic dentistry.

We’ve seen many stories like yours. A patient doesn’t like the dentist’s work because their teeth are too white and look fake, but the dentist insists everything is fine. The dentist devalues the patient’s opinion of their smile.

But great cosmetic dentists are sensitive to the patient’s smile and self-perception. If a patient has reservations about their smile, the cosmetic dentist considers the case a failure. And the dentist will redo it.

Photo of woman sitting back in a dental chair with her eyes closed; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry during tooth extraction.

Sedation dentists are empathetic toward patients with dental anxiety

A well-known dentist with an excellent reputation might have great mechanical techniques but be unfit for appearance-related dentistry. Real cosmetic dentists often aren’t the most valued and prominent dentists in the community.

You’re not too picky. Your smile affects your confidence. So, find a cosmetic dentist who respects that. Look for a dentist who is a member of and has credentials from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. You’ll find a dentist who is an artist, who will accommodate your dental anxiety with sedation options, and who will regain your trust. And a true cosmetic dentist will give you your ideal smile.

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