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.

Extract Remaining Teeth for Dentures? 6 Facts to Help You Decide

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I have advanced tooth decay and gum disease. My two center front teeth are healthy, and after a visit with the periodontist, he says that those two teeth are likely the only ones he can save. I have a cheap bulky partial, and I have an underbite. My dentist thinks that removing the two teeth and getting a complete denture would be healthier than partial dentures. I got a second opinion, and the dentist said that he could do either option, and it’s up to me. I guess that a full denture would look better than a partial. I’m asking a couple of dentists online for their help. My budget is limited, and I’m concerned about that too. But I’ve learned my lesson about neglecting my teeth, so although I’m not too fond of debt, if I need a loan to correct the situation, I’ll apply for financing.  Is it best to have my center front teeth removed or to get partial dentures around them? Thanks. Timothy from Huntsville, AL

Timothy,

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth personally and do x-rays.  We’ll give some principles based on your description of your oral health. But we can give you some principles that might help.

Save Your Teeth or Extract Them for Dentures?

The factors below and talking with your dentist can help you decide if you want to keep your teeth or get full dentures.

1. It’s usually best to save healthy natural teeth

When your natural teeth are healthy and won’t compromise your oral health, it’s usually best to save them. Replacing teeth with a removable appliance—a partial or full denture—has many disadvantages. The denture can move or slide if it’s not anchored, and it won’t be comfortable.

2. When few teeth remain, they are under stress

If you only have two upper teeth that are healthy, the force from your lower teeth when you bite and chew puts stress on the upper teeth. Pressure on the teeth can weaken them internally, even if they appear healthy on the outside.

3. A full upper denture increases comfort

Suction keeps a full upper denture in place, and it moves less than a lower denture. It’s more comfortable than a partial denture, and it’s easier to eat and chew with it.

4. A well-made upper denture is healthy for other teeth

A well-made upper removable denture is gentle on lower teeth. If you have a severe underbite, the force or impact of chewing can put stress on lower teeth.

5. When all your teeth are missing, your jawbone is affected

Teeth stimulate the jawbone, so when all your teeth are missing, the stimulation stops, and your body resorbs the bone. After 10 to 20 years, you’ll lack enough jawbone to support your facial muscles, and your face will sag and make you look older. The missing bone will make it difficult—if not impossible—to keep a lower denture in place. But you will still have some suction for an upper denture.

6. Implant-supported dentures increase function and comfort

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Affordable dental implants will secure your dentures

Your dentist can tell you if you’re a candidate for an implant-supported partial denture or an implant-supported denture. Either option might exceed your budget, but implants stimulate your jawbone to prevent further shrinkage. Your denture won’t slip around, and it will be comfortable to eat and speak with it.

Again, Dr. Brooksher hasn’t completed your oral exam or seen your x-rays, so you’ll have to rely on a local dentist for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is an accredited cosmetic dentist and a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Unsure If You Need Root Canal Treatment? – 4 Clues from the X-ray

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In April 2019, I received a filling in a tooth, and now my new dentist is recommending root canal treatment. I relocated, and in January of this year, I went to a new dentist for my yearly cleaning and exam. I also received x-rays, and the dentist said that the x-ray seems to show some decay beneath the April 2019 filling. She recommended root canal treatment, which I declined at the time. Now that I have time to think about the tooth, which isn’t bothering me, I want to get an online second opinion. If there is decay, I don’t want it to get worse and end up needing an extraction and dental implant. – Thanks, Segura from San Antonio

Segura,

X-ray of an invisor tooth with a filling and a dark spot beneath it

Although there is a dark area near the fillng, the tooth doesn’t need root canal treatment, an extraction, or a dental implant

Thanks for sending us a copy of your x-ray. Maybe dental schools need to give more training in x-ray diagnostics. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth, your x-ray doesn’t show inflammation or any reason that a dentist would disturb it with root canal treatment. But what about the dark area beneath the filling?

Facts About a Dark Area Beneath a Filling

  1. Dark areas – Not all dark areas on a tooth x-ray are a result of tooth decay. Decay, a gap in the filling, or a radiolucent material beneath the filling will appear dark on the x-ray.
  2. Location of darkness – The dark area on your x-ray is on the surface of your tooth. In this case, your dentist can use an explorer and poke the area. If it’s soft, there is decay.
  3. Effect on tooth pulp – Tooth pulp includes the living tissue and nerves inside the tooth. Root canal treatment removes infected pulp. When the dark area on your x-ray isn’t near the pulp, you don’t need root canal treatment. On an x-ray, it might seem that the dark area is between the filling and tooth pulp. You can resolve the illusion while looking at the x-ray: Cover the white filling with your finger and look at the remaining tooth structure. You can see the dark area and the distance from the pulp.
  4. Comparison with adjacent tooth – The lamina dura is a thin white line around the tooth root. An infection will break the line around the root tip or pull it away from the tooth. Look at the x-ray on this page. The tooth with the filling, and the canine tooth next to it, has a lamina dura that intact. Both teeth are healthy. You won’t need root canal treatment. And you surely don’t need an extraction and dental implant.

If you still have reservations about the health of your tooth, consider scheduling an appointment for a second opinion. You can take your x-ray with you for a dentist to examine it in person.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS practices in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Brooksher is one of ten dentists in Louisiana accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

3 Secrets for a Successful Smile Makeover Even Without Digital Design

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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

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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.

5 Facts About Porcelain Veneers and Teeth Grinding

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Bruxism (teeth grinding) can wear down and fracture natural teeth. So if you’re thinking about getting porcelain veneers, there is reason for concern because teeth grinding can fracture veneers.

It’s understandable that you’re interested in porcelain veneers. They are the most natural-looking way to restore teeth that are chipped, discolored, or misaligned. Porcelain mimics the characteristics of natural teeth. But porcelain veneers are costly, and you need to protect your investment in them. So before you ask a dentist for them, there are a few facts to know about veneers and teeth grinding.

1. The Stats

A 2017 study published on the U.S. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health website reveals the following about porcelain veneers and patients with bruxism:

  • Fractures – Fractures in porcelain veneers are more common in patients with bruxism.
  • Debonding – There is a higher incidence in the debonding (loosening or falling off) of porcelain veneers for patients who grind their teeth.
  • Splints/mouthguards – Mouthguards increase the success of porcelain veneers for patients with bruxism. If you grind your teeth but do not wear a mouthguard, your veneers will be eight times more likely to fracture.

2. What’s Causing Your Teeth Grinding?

Before you receive porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist will try to determine the cause of your teeth grinding. Treatment can include a custom mouthguard to wear at night or relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Some causes of bruxism include:

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Sleep apnea
  • Misalignment (malocclusion)
  • Certain medical conditions or prescription medications

3. The Exam

Before you receive porcelain veneers, an examination is required. Why?

  • Your teeth and gums will first be examined to determine if they are healthy enough for you to receive porcelain veneers.
  • Teeth that are already damaged by bruxism need to be restored.
  • Your dentist will need to determine if you need treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
  • Exercises might be needed to help you restore proper TMJ function and relieve pain or discomfort from the disorder.
  • A custom mouthguard will be recommended to protect your investment in porcelain veneers and prevent fractures.

4. High-Strength Materials Can Help

There are different brands and strengths of porcelain veneers. And a highly skilled cosmetic dentist can determine if high-strength porcelain is right for your case and will achieve the results you desire.

5. Alternatives

Depending on the condition of your teeth and the results you want to achieve, your dentist might recommend alternatives, such as ceramic crowns. If you select an experienced cosmetic dentist, he or she will let you know what to expect with each option.

What’s Next?

We suggest that you schedule consultations for porcelain veneers with at least two different cosmetic dentists. Look for accredited cosmetic dentists in your area, or choose dentists with advanced training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Check each dentist’s website to learn about his or her training.

Although you grind your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will help you determine if porcelain veneers are the right solution for enhancing your smile. If an alternative treatment is needed, a cosmetic dentist will still provide great results.

Below are photos of one of Dr. Brooksher’s patients. They show how porcelain veneers can beautifully transform your smile.

  • Before porcelain veneers photo of a female patient's smile. Teeth are uneven and the center teeth have a triangle between them.
    BEFORE
  • After porcelain veneers photo of a female patient's smile. Her teeth have been whitened, lengthened, and spaces between them were removed.
    AFTER

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.