Cosmetic Dentist Archives - West Seneca Dentist

Choosing Between Bad and Worse

Posted on July 4, 2021 by writeradmin.

I needed two crowns put on my front teeth. My dentist struggled to get them to look like the shape of my previous teeth, so he decided to send me to a prosthodontist. While he got the shape right, the color was way too opaque, they look like he shaped two teeth out of chalkboard chalk. He said he could adjust the color. When I went back, he said they are the exact shade I wanted. He had suggested the last time that I do sedation for my final appointment because I was so uncomfortable during the previous one. I agreed to that. I wish I had not. I was very groggy and don’t remember even seeing the crowns until I was home and they were permanently bonded in. While these are not opaque like the last ones, they are very gray compared to the rest of my teeth. I called the next day and they swear I approved the color. Now they are saying he will only replace them with the first set he made. If I want two new crowns I have to pay the entire fee again. Am I really stuck choosing between bad and worse?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

You are up against what some dentists call the prosthodontist mentality. They have extra schooling with dental restorations, such as crowns and fancy that makes them an expert in the cosmetic side of things too. It does not. A true cosmetic dentist would never permanently bond on your dental crowns without you being able to give full consent. Being under dental sedation does not allow you to give consent. He could have put them on with a temporary try-in paste before you had your sedation and allowed you to see them, but he didn’t.

Your best bet at this point is to try and get a refund and go to a true cosmetic dentist to get these dental crowns matched and shaped properly. First things first, do not let him do any more work. Then, I would go back to your dentist who referred you to this prosthodontist. He bears some responsibility here. If the color is that far off, I’m willing to bet your dentist (who seemed to be very ethical) would stand up for you and help you recoup that money.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

The Importance of Going to a True Cosmetic Dentist

Posted on September 29, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have a problem that I don’t even know if it can be fixed. I had some teeth with dental bonding on them. The bonding was getting old and needed to be replaced. I had moved since having it done and thought one dentist was just as good as another. Boy was I wrong. When he told me that bonding couldn’t be replaced and said I’d need porcelain veneers instead, I believed him and looked on the bright side that they last longer. However, when he realized I had fillings he said the only thing that can be done is dental crowns. I reluctantly agreed because I couldn’t just leave my teeth as they were. However, the crowns look awful. Plus, my two front teeth are more gray than the other four crowns, yet my dentist insists they’re all the same color. Can this be fixed?

Penny

Dear Penny,

I am sorry you are facing this and wish you would have been able to talk with us ahead of time. As you’ve discovered, one dentist is not as good as another. It’s even harder when it comes to things such as cosmetic dentistry. There isn’t a recognized specialty, nor is it taught in dental school. For a dentist to develop the skills necessary, they have to invest in post-doctoral training. But, it is up to them how much, if any, they get. Yours apparently didn’t get much. He missed the mark on quite a few things.

First, dental bonding can be replaced. So, I have no idea where he got that one from. Next, you can get porcelain veneers even if you have fillings. So, both those things would have been possible without grinding down your healthy tooth structure. It’s too late at this point. We can’t get that structure back.

Where to Go from Here

We can at least get your dental crowns to match. I think you need to ask for a refund on those two crowns. He may not give it to you and unfortunately, when it comes to cosmetic work, not liking how they look is not a mandated reason for a refund if the work functions properly. You could tell him that you will be leaving a review about how he misled you to see if that will convince him. Maybe he’ll care about his reputation.

Then, I’d like you to see a dentist who has invested in the training necessary to do this well. My suggestion would be to look on the mynewsmile.com website. These dentists are prescreened for their artistic ability and training. They will give you dental crowns you will be proud to share.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Are Lumineers Why I’m in Pain?

Posted on September 24, 2019 by writeradmin.

I had Lumineers put on about 6 months ago on both my top and bottom teeth. While the top teeth are just fine, the bottom teeth have been in constant pain. I recently developed an infection on one of my bottom teeth. We tried a root canal treatment and that didn’t help. Now the tooth is being extracted and I’m getting a dental bridge. Could the Lumineers be the problem? The health of my teeth was fine before but I don’t want to jump to conclusions.

Kaleigh

Dear Kaleigh,

One of the problems with Lumineers is they are heavily advertised to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. This is because they’re told they are a no-prep porcelain veneer. While this can sometimes work fine on the top teeth, as yours have, the bottom teeth are a different story. Without tooth prep, the teeth will stick out about two mm. longer and thicker. This will put the lower teeth into a traumatic occlusion.

Even with other brands of porcelain veneers, which aren’t considered no-prep, dentists don’t often place veneers on the bottom arch. Usually, we will whiten the teeth and just place the porcelain veneers on the top teeth.

All of that to say, it is very likely the Lumineers are the problem. Your dentist needs to make this right. Fortunately, even though he doesn’t seem to have any significant cosmetic training, fixing this will only require basic general dentistry. He should be able to make things right.

What to Look for in a Cosmetic Dentist

You may not be aware but cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. They are just general dentists who do cosmetic procedures. The level of training and skill they have in those procedures varies from dentist to dentist. Think of it like an artist. You can have two sculptors but one of them will be better than the other even if they’re working with the same materials and subject.

It’s the same with smile makeovers. It requires both technical knowledge (which your dentist lacked) as well as an artistic eye. Without both of those, there will be either problems with the veneers or disappointment in how the smile turns out.

If you are ever in need of another cosmetic dentist, I’d like you to check the mynewsmile.com website. This site is run by a retired accredited cosmetic dentist. He prescreens every dentist who wants to be listed for both the above requirements. They can’t just pay to be listed. Any one of their recommended dentists can give you a stunning smile.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Can Invisalign Widen My Smile?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m wondering if Invisalign is the right treatment for me. I’ve been reading up on all the options and there seems to be a lot of disagreement. I’m approaching 30 and have not had previous orthodontics. I remember going in when I was younger and the dentist wanted me to use a palate expander and go through a pretty significant process. My parents decided it was too much money, which stinks because that leaves me as an adult with a lot of crowing and a narrower smile. I’ve heard Invisalign can do some really great things and some sources are saying it may be able to help me widen my smile and correct the crowding without going through the whole process like I would have when I was younger. Is this accurate? And, if not, what are my real choices?

Thank you,

Matt

Dear Matt,

Invisalign Aligner

You’re hearing conflicting information because the right treatment will vary based on the individual and the challenges he or she faces.

Invisalign Can Widen a Smile

Generally speaking, clear braces, like Invisalign, can help widen a smile, but you have to think of it in terms of what space is available, how things will shift, and what the final results will look like. Dentists who offer the service should be able to do a computer simulation to show you what treatment would look like for you and what you can reasonably expect from clear braces.

Braces of All Types Have Limitations

The problem is, you’re dealing with a narrow palate. That means your arch isn’t wide enough for all your teeth. When you’re young and your face is still developing, your palate is soft. Palate expanders can work wonders at this stage, gradually widening your palate at the “seam.” Usually, orthodontists want to get going on treatment like this early; preferably by age ten or younger. However, boys sometimes respond to treatment up to age 14 and girls up to age 13. Everyone is a bit different, so it depends on the development of the mouth. That said, when a palatal expander is deemed necessary, then chances are, no form of braces by themselves will get you the results you need.

You Still Have Options

Once the stage where a palatal expander could work has passed, some other form of more intensive treatment is necessary. Sometimes dentists will extract teeth to ensure there’s enough space, but there may also be alternative appliances or orthodontic tools which could help without doing the extractions. Your situation is unique to you, so you can’t really rely on what someone else had done as a guide to determine if it will work for you. They may be younger, have more space, already have extractions, and so forth. Your best bet is to visit a dentist who can do a full evaluation and help you explore the solutions that are right for you.

Another Cosmetic Benefit of Invisalign

If Invisalign works for you, talk to your dentist about getting teeth whitening gel to use in the aligner while straightening your teeth. This is a great way to whiten and straighten your teeth at the same time, giving you a mini smile makeover.

This blog is sponsored by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Dentist Lied About Her Dental Crowns

Posted on July 26, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m a bit distraught at the moment. I needed to get six porcelain crowns on my front teeth. I told my dentist I wanted all-porcelain crowns. He said he’d try but not every bite can have that. When he put them on and I was looking at them, I noticed the backs were silver. He then told me he realized he wasn’t able to do the porcelain ones so he gave me metal-based crowns instead. While they look okay, I’m sure they don’t look as well as the all-porcelain ones I wanted. Plus, I know that the gray line is going to show up at some point. After all this money, I want a smile I can be proud of. Is there anything I can do or was this dentist right?

Lisa Anne

Dear Lisa Anne,

To get a beautiful smile requires a great cosmetic dentist

Your dentist bonded these crowns in without your permission. You were expecting all-porcelain crowns and he can’t change the treatment plan without your permission. This gives you some good leverage, but you may have to be tough if he’s the type of dentist I suspect he is.

He obviously doesn’t understand cosmetic work at all. I don’t know a skilled cosmetic dentist who would think putting metal-based crowns on front teeth is a good idea. Unfortunately, it is very obvious to me your dentist isn’t in that category. He is of the traditional general dental school where the dentist knows best.

Almost all of the time, it is possible to place porcelain crowns. There certain bites which the crowns will wear down the opposing teeth. Even then, you don’t have to have metal-based crowns. Instead, your dentist could have placed Empress crowns. These will not cause any wear on your bottom teeth.

Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist to Fix This

The first thing you’ll need to do is secure a refund. I wouldn’t trust your dentist to re-do the crowns in a way you’ll be totally happy with. You have the right to a refund because you did not get to give informed consent. If he doesn’t agree, let him know you’ll be speaking with the dental board and a lawyer. That should sober him up.

After you’ve secured your money back, the next thing is finding a great cosmetic dentist. The mynewsmile.com website screens cosmetic dentists who want to be listed. They check them for both their technical knowledge and their artistic skill. Any one of them can give you a stunning smile. I would go to one of them to have your porcelain crowns done. Many of them even have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Avoiding a Cosmetic Dentistry Disaster

Posted on May 15, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve been crying for the last hour and have decided I need to reach out for advice. I went to get a smile makeover from my dentist with porcelain veneers. We talked in depth about what I wanted. He seemed to think it could happen. When they first came back I could tell before he even tried to put them on that they were way too bulky looking. He sent them back but used the same lab, which puzzled me. Then, the second set looked bulky to me too when they held them up. He said they’d look different on my teeth. They didn’t. Now I have bulky teeth permanently bonded on and am embarrassed by this smile I paid a small fortune for. I’ve tried calling my dentist for a refund or re-do, but he seems to be avoiding me. What do I do?

Lanna

Dear Lanna,

When you pay for a smile makeover, you want to be proud of it!

I am very sorry this happened to you. We hear these cosmetic dentistry horror stories all the time. They usually derive from someone going to their family dentist for a smile makeover not realizing he hasn’t invested adequate time and training in this part of his field to do it well.

There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, nor are smile makeovers taught in dental school. It’s up to the dentist to invest in learning this art form. It doesn’t sound like your dentist has had enough experience and training with this yet. That being said, every cosmetic dentist has their first few cases. The difference between those who do well and become skilled artists and those who stay poor or mediocre is their willingness to make it right.

If a patient isn’t happy with the results of their porcelain veneers, they should be done over at the dentist’s expense. That’s not a requirement, just what a good cosmetic dentist would do. As your dentist is avoiding you, it sounds like your dentist isn’t striving to be better. He just wants the case to be done.

Getting Help with botched Cosmetic Dental Work

In order to get any real help with this, you’re going to need to get a great cosmetic dentist to assist you. Look on the mynewsmile.com website. They have a link for readers to “find a cosmetic dentist”. However, the biggest difference in this list is a dentist can’t just pay to be listed. They have to pass a screening for both their technical training and their artistry in their work. Only then can they get on the list.

Go to one of the dentists they have listed from your area. Let him or know what’s happening and see if they won’t help you get a refund. I don’t really know if you’ll want the dentist to re-do it again. While the third time may be the charm, you’ll want him to first assure you he’ll use a try-in paste before bonding the new ones on and will only bond them if you absolutely love them. If you’re not happy, he should be willing to send them back as many times as is necessary to get them right. That may mean he has to go to a different lab as well. All great cosmetic dentists have a beautiful smile guarantee.

If he’s unwilling to agree with that, stick with the refund. Then let the recommended cosmetic dentist re-do your case properly.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Saving Money with CEREC Veneers

Posted on February 23, 2019 by writeradmin.

I recently started looking into getting a smile makeover. I really like the idea. I told my dentist I think if I saved up I’d be able to do it. He suggested he could make me one with his CEREC machine. He even suggested it would cost a little less. I did look them up and from what I can tell they’re a little thicker than some. Will they look good? How does CEREC save me money?

Liz

Dear Liz,

a woman and her dentist in the background — The Cosmetic Dentist is the Most Important Aspect of a Smile Makeover

I’m actually very glad you wrote. Doing a beautiful smile makeover is not easy. It’s not even taught in dental school. A dentist has to invest a significant amount of time after they receive their doctorate in cosmetic specific training.

Don’t confuse that with it being a specialty, because it is not. It is, however, specialized learning. When you are talking about a smile makeover using a CEREC machine, it is even more challenging. Very few dentists would be able to pull that off, let alone make it look stunning.

What you need to ask yourself before you move forward with this is if your dentist is that dentist. Can he take an extraordinarily challenging method and make a work of art? I’ll tell you what to look for and how to find that dentist in a moment. First, I want to answer another question.

Why Is He Saying CEREC Veneers are Less Expensive?

Truthfully, every dentist’s pricing is different. However, the one big “savings” for him is in not hiring a ceramist. These are the people who take the instructions for the smile design your dentist has created and bring them to life.

Doing CEREC veneers uses a machine. Often from a single block of porcelain, so unless the dentist has incredible color theory skills, it’s going to look a little flat and lack the variety a natural smile holds.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

One thing you want to look for is their training. Ask them where they received their cosmetic training. Then, look at their smile gallery to see if you like the types of results they get. Their smile gallery should be their absolute best work, so you should be thrilled with what you see there.

If those two things check out, then check their reviews. Make sure patients have had good experiences with the dentist. Finally, I’d make sure they’re willing to stand behind their work. Make sure they have a beautiful smile guarantee.

The Easy Button

Sometimes, doing all that research can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what type of training to look for. There’s a website www.mynewsmile.com. They have a find a cosmetic dentist link.

They’ve done the work for you. Not only have they verified their technical skill and training but they also verify their artistry. If those things aren’t top of the line, they will not get recommended.

All you have to do is click the link, input your zip code and how far you’re willing to travel to get your smile makeover, and they’ll give you a list of expert cosmetic dentists.

Truthfully, though, I’m going to recommend you find a dentist who’s willing to use a ceramist. Porcelain veneers are the go-to for a stunning smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by Buffalo Cosmetic Dentist Warren Krutchick.

Cosmetic Bonding Color Mistake

Posted on October 5, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I took my granddaughter to get some bonding done on four of her teeth. The first thing we wanted was to get the gap closed in her front two teeth. Then, the teeth next to the very front teeth needed bonding done to fix chips and to build them up as they look too far back, but were in good alignment otherwise. We did teeth whitening first in order to get some uniform color. The close he did in the gap looks just fine. But, the two teeth adjacent to those look way too dark and don’t match. He says that’s normal and he’s giving her a natural smile. That if she’s unhappy with it she can use whitening toothpaste. We want him to re-do it. Are we out of place?

Carlson

Dear Carlson,

You are not out of place. Truthfully, those lateral incisors are supposed to be slightly lighter than the central incisors, not darker. Your dentist should know this if he’s a cosmetic dentist. He also should know that whitening toothpaste will have exactly zero positive effect on dental bonding. He’s making two rather basic cosmetic dentistry mistakes.

In these situations, you have two choices. First, you can get a refund or ask your dentist to pay for another cosmetic dentist to fix his mistake. Your second option is to see if he’ll do the part he got wrong over again free of charge.

Truthfully, expecting your dentist to suddenly become an artistic cosmetic dentist is not likely to happen. But, you are certainly welcome to try. Your best bet is to try another dentist and have your dentist pay for the repair. You’re very welcome to show him the response to your question if you need someone to “back you up”. Often a dentist will listen to a peer even when they’re unwilling to listen to a patient.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

Ideally, you’d want a cosmetic dentist who has reached accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists are among the best in the country.

If you don’t have one in a reasonable distance, you next option is to look on the mynewsmile.com website. They recommend cosmetic dentists who are skilled and artistic in every state. You’re more likely to find one close to you on that list. Many of their recommended dentists are actually on their way to accreditation.

This blog is brought to you by Buffalo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Are Dental Implants Really Worth the Price Difference?

Posted on August 5, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I’m having to get my teeth replaced. I have an illness which caused me to lose all my teeth. My dentist is really pushing me toward dental implants. However, dentures are significantly more affordable. Is the price difference justified? Will it really be worth it.

Dan T.

Dear Dan,

I’m glad you’re looking into this before making a decision. I’ll tell you straight up that dental implants are most definitely worth the price difference. Even the best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. In addition, while the top arch of dentures are held in by suction, the bottom arch just rests on the ridge of your jawbone as you can see from the picture above left. This means they move around and the food you eat will get under them. It’s not a pleasing experience. But, that’s not the worst part.

You didn’t mention your age, but I’m assuming you’re not close to 80. If you’re even close to middle-aged, there is a much more serious reason to not get dentures. Once you remove your teeth, your body recognizes you no longer have teeth roots to sustain and immediately begins to reabsorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere where they’re deemed more necessary. This causes your jawbone to shrink. After about ten years, you’ll no longer have enough bone left to keep your dentures in, making you a denture cripple. This is known as facial collapse.

Unless you want to spend the remainder of your years on a liquid diet, you need a better solution.

Why Your Dentist Suggested Dental Implants

Your dentist is looking out for your best interest. He wasn’t just suggesting the more expensive procedure. With dental implants, prosthetic teeth roots are implanted into your jawbone. You can get them from either titanium or zirconia. These implants signal to your brain that the bone is still necessary and protects you from facial collapse.

After a healing period, an overdenture will be attached to the implants. If you go to an accredited cosmetic dentist, you will end up with a stunning smile. So, not only will you have a restored, functional smile, you could end up with the smile of your dreams.

As far as how they work, it’s like having healthy natural teeth again. You can eat whatever you want and oral care is just as easy. You just brush and floss as normal.

This blog is brought to you by Buffalo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Do Lumineers Lead to Gum Disease?

Posted on July 16, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I had porcelain veneers done. They look much nicer than my normal teeth. I’ve had them about six months now. I noticed my gums would occasionally bleed, which has never happened to me before I received my Lumineers. When I went in for my checkup, they told me I have gum disease. I was pretty shocked because I am quite diligent about my oral health care. I’m one of those people who actually do floss daily. I even use a water pick afterward to get what I couldn’t. Could this be a result of the Lumineers or is something else going on?

Carrie A.

Dear Carrie,

Lumineers or any other brand of porcelain veneers will not promote gum disease. However, poorly placed porcelain veneers will. You said your dentist provided you with Lumineers. These are often marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. Is it possible you just went to an average family dentist instead of one with more expertise?

If your dentist didn’t get the Lumineers flush against your teeth it can cause what is called bulky margins. Essentially, you have a tiny shelf on top of your veneers which is trapping minuscule pieces of food. This can lead to bacteria, decay, and yes, gum disease.

The only way to fix it is to have them redone properly. You can either give your dentist another opportunity or just ask for a refund and go to a cosmetic dentist with more expertise.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

When it comes to certain cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, any cosmetic dentist will do. But, there are certain procedures, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, which require cosmetic dentists of the highest skill and artistry.

The problem most patients face is there is no way for them to know who is a skilled cosmetic dentist and who isn’t. After all, cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. Rather than have to research every dentist’s skill, training, and technical knowledge, I’m going to recommend you check the mynewsmile.com website. They’ve researched dentists in each state and only list those with the skill requisite to giving you an absolutely gorgeous smile. In fact, most of them even have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.