Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Archives

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.

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
AFTER

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

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