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Cosmetic Dentist Isn’t Listening

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I’m quite concerned how this smile makeover is going. I’ve been very specific with my dentist about the type of smile I wanted. He keeps arguing with me to tell me why I’m making the wrong choice. Every time I try to argue, he says, “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.” I just don’t think I’m going to be happy with these results. Should I get out now or trust him as he says?

Bernadette

Dear Bernadette,

brunette woman smiling
Getting a smile you’re proud of requires a great cosmetic dentist

You called him a cosmetic dentist, but I’m not sure he really is. The problem many patients run into is there isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. Any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist regardless of their training and skill.

In dental school, we’re taught that the dentist knows best. However, those of us who’ve studied cosmetic dentistry after dental school, understand that what matters is the look the patient wants.

One area we see general dentists fight patients is with the color of their smile makeover. Most patients want really white teeth. A non-cosmetically trained dentist will say they want their teeth an unnatural color.

However, with the increase of teeth whitening and cosmetic work, teeth are whiter than they were when these dentists went to school. Even if it were to look “super white”, if that is what the patient wants, that’s what they should get. They’re paying to receive their dream smile.

I don’t think you’re going to get the results you want from this dentist. You’re better off finding one who will listen to you.

What to Look for in a Cosmetic Dentist

The first thing you want to look for is a dentist who gets good results. Look at their smile gallery to see the type of results they get. Would you be thrilled to have a smile like that?

Next, you want to make sure they’re willing to listen to what YOU want. Many of these type of dentists offer something called a beautiful smile guarantee.

Finally, check their reviews. Are patients who’ve been to their practice praising the dentist and staff? Are they happy with the results they received?

I feel confident if you tell your current dentist “nevermind” and seek out a dentist such as I mentioned above, you’ll be much more excited about your investment.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Consideration Before Getting Porcelain Veneers

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I’m making plans to get a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. I don’t want to make any mistakes and wondered what I should be thinking about before moving forward. Any suggestions?

Helen

Dear Helen,

A porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth
Porcelain veneers can create beautiful smiles

Congrats on your plans for a smile makeover. With the right dentist, you’ll love the results. You are wise to see what needs to be thought through before starting on your porcelain veneers. I’ll give you three important considerations.

Make Sure Your Teeth and Gums are Healthy

Porcelain veneers are designed to improve the cosmetics of your teeth. They cannot improve the health of them. It is absolutely imperative you start with healthy teeth and gums.

If you have any developing gum disease, there will be inflammation. The gums will pull away from the teeth leaving a ridge between the gumline and porcelain veneers. This “shelf” will collect food and bacteria causing you to get decay.

If you have gum disease, that is priority number one. When the teeth are healthy, then they will be cleared to be beautiful as well.

Check Out the Dentist’s Smile Gallery

You want to be certain the dentist has the requisite skills to give you the smile you are dreaming of sharing with the world. One important way to do that is to check out their smile gallery.

This is an exhibit, usually on their website, showcasing work they’ve done. Be sure to ask the office if their smile gallery shows examples of work the dentist did personally or is stock photos.

The smile results they get should blow you away. If they don’t, look elsewhere. You want a smile you’ll be completely proud of.

Make Certain They Stand Behind Their Work

There’s nothing worse than sub-par smile makeovers. Some even end up with a smile makeover disaster. They should have the confidence and integrity to have some form of beautiful smile guarantee.

This will mean that before they bond on your porcelain veneers, they do a try-in with a temporary paste and let you look at them in a variety of lightings. If you’re not thrilled, they should be willing to send them back to the lab to make any changes you want.

If they’re not willing to stand behind their work like that then you shouldn’t trust them with your smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by Michigan Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.