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Teeth Whitening with a Smile Makeover

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I want to get a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, but have a couple of questions first. 1. Will I need to do teeth whitening before getting the porcelain veneers or after? 2. If I have one slightly crooked tooth, will I need to get Invisalign before getting the veneers?

Laurie

Dear Laurie,

teeth whitening trays

Teeth Whitening and Smile Makeovers

A good cosmetic dentist will recommend you get your teeth whitened before you get porcelain veneers done. This is for two reasons. First, the color of your porcelain veneers is permanent. If you decide to do teeth whitening afterward, your natural teeth will whiten, but the veneers will not.

A second reason is to get your bottom teeth white. In most cases, you won’t need to place porcelain veneers on your bottom arch. However, you don’t want there to be a huge color difference. Teeth whitening prevents that.

Invisalign and Smile Makeovers

Unless you have a complicated orthodontic case, you would usually either do porcelain veneers or Invisalign. You wouldn’t need to do both. Based on what you described, Invisalign wouldn’t be necessary in your case. The porcelain veneers can make your teeth look straight.

When it comes to teeth whitening, you don’t need a skilled cosmetic dentist to do the procedure. It’s a straightforward process and just about any dentist can do it.

Porcelain veneers are different. Smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. If you want to have beautiful results, you’ll want a dentist who has invested time in post-doctoral training in porcelain veneers and the art of smile makeovers. Your case, in particular, requires some shaving of the crooked tooth so you want to make sure you get a dentist who knows what they’re doing.

In your place, I’d go to the website of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. They have a link to find a dentist. Check that you are looking for an accredited cosmetic dentist. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. Any one of them will provide you with a stunning smile.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

If My Bite is Off Do I Have to Have Crowns?

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I was at my dentist for a regular checkup. He told me my bite was off and wants to crown every tooth. I know I needed some fillings after my braces were taken off, but a crown on every tooth seems extreme. Plus, my braces have only been gone for a few years. How off could my bite really be?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

Diagram of TMJ

In extreme TMJ cases a full-mouth recontruction is necessary

Something seems fishy to me here. Crowning every tooth is called a full-mouth reconstruction. There are times when a full-mouth reconstruction is necessary, but that is generally reserved for extreme cases of TMJ Disorder. I don’t think that’s what you have. How can I say that without examining you?

Your dentist gave no specifics and said your bite is “off”? What does that mean? Everyone’s bite is off to one degree or another. That doesn’t mean they have severe problems or even any problems. If your bite was off enough to require such a drastic treatment, the complaint would come from the patient, not the dentist.

I’m going to recommend you get a second opinion from a dentist who’s invested a lot of time and training for TMJ Disorder. Look for a dentist who has studied at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies or the Pankey Institute. These institutions are well known for their TMJ training.

If Your Bite Does Require a Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Let’s say the second opinion dentist tells you your dentist was right and does need this invasive of a treatment. In that case, I want you to look for two qualifications in the dentist who actually performs the procedure. The first, we’ve already discussed. They need significant TMJ training.

However, getting the bite correct isn’t enough. Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. You’ll want your first impression to be one of a beautiful smile. Because of that, it will require an artistic cosmetic dentist. Ideally, you’ll want a dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists are the best cosmetic dentists in the country and can make you a stunning smile.

Though it’s a tall order to find a dentist with both of those qualifications, I wouldn’t settle for anything less if you really do need to get a dental crown on every tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Cosmetic Dentistry Versus Facelift

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My upper lip has lowered over the years and now it is difficult to see my teeth when I smile, if you can see them at all. It really bothers me. I’ve done some research on having my lip lifted. It can be done, but it is challenging, not all cosmetic surgeons will even do the procedure, and there are scarring issues. I’m not sure I want to do that if there is a better option. I asked my dentist if I can approach this from the inside by having some type of cosmetic work to make the teeth longer so they show when I smile. He wasn’t sure because he doesn’t do cosmetic work. Is this do-able or do I need to go for the lip lift?

Celine

Dear Celine,

Grosse Pointe Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneer

I’m glad you wrote because this is very do-able. I’m going to suggest you have a smile makeover done with porcelain veneers. Not only can these make your teeth look longer, but they can completely remake your smile, including the shape, size, and color. Celebrities aren’t born with those perfect stunning smiles, they have this exact type of smile makeover done.

The picture above shows a single porcelain veneer. These are tiny wafers of porcelain which are designed to the shape and color which best flatters your face and smile, all while giving you the smile of your dreams. I’m sure you’ve already figured out that your dentist won’t be the best one to provide this procedure for you.

I’m sure he is a fine family dentist, but doing smile makeovers isn’t taught in dental school. It requires the dentist to invest in post-doctoral training to learn both the technical and artistic skills requisite to creating stunning smiles.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, therefore any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. This makes it tricky for the patients to know who has the real skills and who doesn’t. To help patients with that problem along with aiding dentists in getting the skills necessary, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry began an accreditation program.

Dentists who are AACD Accredited (which is different than just being a member) can provide you with a smile you’ll be proud of for the rest of your life.

One thing I’d like to suggest is you get your bottom teeth whitened so that they won’t look drastically different than your new smile on your top arch. You can do that gradually with at-home teeth whitening or in one appointment with Zoom Whitening.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can I Change My Mind about Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

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I went to a dentist about jaw pain. He said I have TMJ and ordered a full-mouth reconstruction. He’s given me the temporaries, but nothing feels right. Is it too late to change my mind?

Annabelle

Dear Annabelle,

Jaw pain can be a sign of TMJ

I cringed after reading your question. I hate when I hear things like this. I’m curious as to why your dentist went straight to a full-mouth reconstruction. There are much more conservative treatments which should be tried first. The exception being that your case was extraordinarily bad. Based on your description above that didn’t seem to be the case.

If you’ve already received your temporaries that means your teeth have already been ground down. The only thing which can be placed on your teeth now are porcelain crowns. It’s too late to switch the procedure, but not too late to switch your dentist. In fact, if your temporaries aren’t fitting properly it might be prudent to find a more experienced TMJ dentist. A poorly done full mouth reconstruction can make your TMJ much worse.

Finding the Right TMJ Dentist to Fix This

I’d like you to get a consultation with a well trained TMJ specialist. Don’t confuse me saying specialist with a recognized specialty. There is not a TMJ specialty. However, there are dentists who invest a great deal of time in training in TMJ.

Do NOT hesitate to ask a dentist where they received their TMJ training. Dental school is not enough. There needs to be post-doctoral training involved. Here are some reputable institutes. He or she should list at least one of these:

  • The Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies
  • The Dawson Academy
  • Spear Institute
  • The Kois Center
  • The Pankey Institute

They are the type of dentists who can give you a properly functioning smile.

You have another issue to consider. Obviously, functionality is of primary importance; however, we’re also talking about your smile here. It’s the first thing people notice about us and, right or wrong, we’re often judged by the condition of our teeth.

You’ll want an experienced and artistic cosmetic dentist. In your place, I’d want an AACD accredited dentist. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. They can guarantee you a gorgeous, natural looking smile.

I know it’s no short order to find an expert in TMJ who is also an accredited cosmetic dentist, but they do exist. Dr. Hadgis is one of them. You didn’t mention what area you’re from but you can look at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website to find them in your area.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

What Happens If You Picked the Wrong Dentist to Do Your Smile Makeover?

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I think I made a hasty decision. I wanted a smile makeover and mentioned it to my dentist. He said he knew how to do one. I was so excited about getting it done, that I just agreed without doing any research. I know— stupid. It turns out that knowing how and good execution are two different things, but I’m guessing you already knew that. Getting them was super easy and completely pain-free so I have no complaints there. I do worry about the fact that they’re off center. My dentist insists they’re in the perfect spot and I must be looking at them from an angle. But, I think he’s embarrassed. Is there any way I can fix this? Now all I see when I look in the mirror are those off-centered front teeth.

Delleth A.

Dear Delleth,

Grosse Pointe Porcelain Veneers

I’m sorry you’ve had a disappointing result. You’ve also put a pin right on what your dentist is likely feeling. He told you he could do it and then ended up botching it. Everyone wants to be known as skilled at their work.

Porcelain veneers are unique in that it takes more than skill. It also takes an artistic eye and a great deal of training along with it. A skilled cosmetic dentist would have noticed the position issue and never have bonded in place. Even if they had, they’d not be satisfied with the results. They’d rather do the whole procedure over than have a sub-par result. In fact, most true cosmetic dentists have a beautiful smile guarantee.

It sounds like your veneers have already been bonded on. Unfortunately, the only way to fix it at that point is to do the whole case over. You’re welcome to give him another go. Tell him you’re unhappy with the results and he can either re-do the smile on center or give you a refund.

If you decide to go with the refund and another dentist, Look for one who has reached accreditation level with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). They’re among the most skilled cosmetic dentists in the world. You’re sure to get stunning results.

As to the crookedness, for now, I want to show you a couple of pictures that may make you feel better in the interim.

Tom Cruise Porcelain VeneersTom Cruise porcelain veneers with centering line

As you can see from Tom Cruise’s pictures, you’re not the only one whose dentist placed their porcelain veneers on off-center. It drives me crazy every time I see the images but most people don’t notice and think he’s nice looking. So, every time you’re feeling insecure about your smile while you’re waiting on the repair, you can say to yourself, “I have something in common with Tom Cruise.”

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Is It Safe to Get My Smile Makeover Through Groupon?

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I’ve wanted a smile makeover for ages. It’s just been outside of my affordability. Today I saw a Groupon in my email offering a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. It’s being offered for less than half the price which I’ve been quoted by most other dentists around town. I’ve scheduled an appointment with the dentist and was about to hit “purchase” but I started having doubts. This is still a lot of money. Is it safe to do it through Groupon?

Callie A.

Dear Callie,

The answer to your question mostly depends on the dentist offering the Groupon and why he’s offering it so cheaply. Cheap can sometimes end up being very costly. I know Groupon offers generally have a time limit, but see if you can get in to have a consultation with the dentist before purchasing. The first thing you’ll want to be sure of is whether you’re actually a candidate for porcelain veneers. I’d hate for you to purchase something nonrefundable only to find out you can’t have the work done.

Here’s what you want to check out with the dentist doing the offering. How much experience and postgraduate training does he have in aesthetic dentistry? Does he have a smile gallery you can look at to see the results he’s achieved with actual cases he’s done? Does he offer a beautiful smile guarantee?

While all dentists are capable of doing a smile makeover, not all of them do it well. Don’t spend a ton of money only to get disappointing results. There have been many smile makeover disasters where their new smile ended up worse than their original smile.

Be bold in checking out your dentist’s credentials. The best, most artistic dentists are accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, though there are still very artistic dentists who are working toward accreditation. If it turns out, while looking over the dentist’s smile gallery, you realize this dentist doesn’t get stunning results it’s in your best interest to find another dentist—even if it means not getting the Groupon.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

I Thought Porcelain Veneers Could Change the Shape of Your Teeth

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I think I may have gotten the wrong procedure. I spoke with my dentist ahead of time about what I wanted. A whiter smile that was a little taller and broader. I also didn’t want to see so much of my gums when I smiled. My dentist suggested porcelain veneers. I got them and couldn’t wait to see my new smile. I’m really disappointed with the results. While they are close to the color I wanted, and (as my dentist pointed out) nicer than my old smile, They’re still short. I still see a ton of my gums, and worse one side of my gums seem lower than the other. I shared my disappointment with my dentist. He said he always does beautiful veneers and has never had a complaint. H e pointed out that my smile wasn’t very good to begin with and this is way better than what I had. While true, it isn’t what we’d discussed. Did I get the wrong procedure? All the porcelain veneer before & after photos I looked at showed that veneers could reshape your teeth.

Cyndy M – Wisconsin

Dear Cyndy,

It sounds to me like the problem with your smile makeover isn’t the procedure. Porcelain veneers are the right treatment. The problem is the dentist.  I’m not basing that just by his results and lack of planning. I’m also basing it on his attitude. Many family dentists, with good intentions, do cosmetic dentistry. However, it takes a lot of post-graduate training, not to mention an artistic eye to do a beautiful job.

In dental school,  dentists are taught that they know what is best. But, those dentists who do extensive cosmetic study know that smile makeovers are about how the patient feels about their smile. If they’re not thrilled, the treatment was a failure. Period.

Unfortunately, the only way to fix this is to re-do the procedure entirely. Plus, your gum issue has to be addressed before  the veneers are done. You’ll want some gum recontouring done.

To answer your question, yes, porcelain veneers can reshape your teeth. They can make them taller, broader, whiter, thicker…you name it, they can do it.

If I were in your place, I’d go to an expert cosmetic dentist and have him evaluate your porcelain veneers. Based on what you’ve described, I think (with a little pressure from your second opinion dentist) you should be able to get at least a partial refund.

I’d go to a dentist who has reached accreditation status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Porcelain veneers and crown don’t match

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I had one dental crown that I was replacing and then I decided to get a complete smile makeover. My dentist said that would be fine. I’d get a new dental crown and then the rest of the teeth have porcelain veneers.  I was excited until the project was completed. The crown looks good and the veneers look good, but they don’t match. Somehow, the crown looks a little more opaque than the porcelain veneers. I know that shouldn’t be a big deal to me, but it is.  My dentist says you can’t really tell there’s any difference.  Is there anything I can do?

Jenna M. – Wisconsin

Jenna,

Who’s telling you that you shouldn’t think it is a big deal? The dentist?  It’s your smile, and if you’re paying for a makeover, it should be gorgeous.  At the very least, your teeth should match.

I suspect your cosmetic dentist, is actually just a good natured family dentist who does some cosmetic dentistry on the side.  It takes a significant amount of skill and artistry to match a crown to porcelain veneers or vice-versa. I’m guessing your dentist doesn’t have that skill.

One thing that does worry me, is that you mentioned the crown looks a little opaque.  I would ask your dentist what kind of crown he gave you. Was it an all-porcelain crown or a porcelain fused to metal crown.  The porcelain fused to metal crowns tend to be more opaque, but worse than that you will eventually develop a dark line at your gumline that will be quite visible.

The good news is, that if you are thoroughly pleased with the porcelain veneers, it will be easy to just replace the dental crown in order to match it to the veneers. You’ll have to go to a different dentist, but that is much less costly than having to replace everything.

The key will be to get the right dentist. In tricky cases like this, you really need someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. (AACD) They will have the skill you need.  Bear in mind there is a difference between a member and an accredited member.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

I have ugly teeth

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My boss called me in for an evaluation. He had wonderful things to say about my job performance and wanted to give me a promotion. The only problem he saw was it is quite a public position and he feels my teeth need some work. I would have to do TV interviews and things. I really want the promotion, but don’t know what I can do about my teeth quickly enough.  He said the job will open up on four months. Is that even a possibility? My teeth are chipped and stained. Would I need false teeth?

Amanda M. –  Missouri

Amanda,

Congratulations on the possible promotion. That is something to be proud of.  False teeth would be a bad idea, because it means you would have to remove your natural teeth. You want to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible.

You can do that and still get a gorgeous smile. I would look into porcelain veneers. These can not only repair chips, but change the shape, size, and color of your teeth.

The only caution I would give you is to make sure you go to a dentist who is qualified.  There is not a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, so any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist, regardless of the amount of training they have (or lack thereof).

Your best bet is to find someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. If you’re going to get a new smile, you’ll want it to be gorgeous. Be aware that there is a difference between membership with the AACD and accreditation. You can just join to be a member. To be accredited, you have to pass exams and demonstrate both your skill and artistry.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can I get porcelain veneers instead of crowns?

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I was going to get some dental crowns for some teeth, but then read about porcelain veneers. They seem like a better option for pretty teeth. Can I get them instead of crowns?

Beverly C. – Iowa

Beverly,

The answer is it depends on a couple of things. First, have your teeth already been filed down for crowns? If so, there will be no way to get porcelain veneers. You’re stuck with the crowns.  If not, then it depends on why your dentist suggested crowns. There are some causes, like large cavities, that require a crown instead of a veneer. Those cases would still require crowns.

It is possible to mix crowns and porcelain veneers. You could get a crown on the teeth that have too much damage for a veneer, while getting veneers for the other teeth.

The key is having an advanced cosmetic dentist. Preferably a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. They are the top cosmetic dentists in their field, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a gorgeous smile.

This blog is brought to you Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.