porcelain veneers Archives - West Seneca Dentist

Dentist Doesn’t Understand the Problem, Yet Wants To Do Gum Surgery

Posted on November 24, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have had a difficult history with my teeth. First, in the 1980s, my teeth developed little holes on the surface. My dentist at the time suggested I treat it with dental bonding, which I did. That lasted for a while then it needed to be replaced. My old dentist had retired and the new dentist suggested two porcelain veneers and two dental crowns. I agreed to that. Fast forward a few years and the gums around those teeth are seriously inflammed and painful. My dentist does not really know what is causing it. We have tried an antibacterial liquid. I’m faithful at my dental appointments as well as brushing and flossing at home. None of my natural teeth have this problem, just the ones with the crowns and veneers. Now my dentist is suggesting trimming back the gums, but cannot tell me if it will solve the problem. The gums look awful and are very painful. Now I have lichen planus and I am desperate. Do I go ahead with this surgery?

Paul

Dear Paul,

There are a few reasons for gum inflammation.

The cement wasn’t fully cleaned out from around the dental crowns and or porcelain veneers.
The crowns or veneers are not fit properly.
The dental work goes too deeply under the gumline.
You are experiencing an allergic reaction to the material in the crowns.
There may be an open margin by the gums that is trapping bacteria.
The final possibility is gum disease

I think we can elimanate the first three right away. They would not have waited this long to start showing the symptoms you are experiencing now. The fourth option is unlikely but still possible. Generally, an allergic reaction happens at the onset of exposure, but it can take time to develop. However, if the inflammation is around the porcelain veneers or your crowns are all-porcelain, I find this highly unlikely. The type of allergy seen in this situation is a result of porcelain fused to metal crowns. It is actually the metal that would be the cause of the reaction.

I do not think this is the best dentist for you. This should not be as complicated as they are making it. I do not reccommned you allow this dentist to move forward with the procedure on your gums. Instead, I want you to get a second opinion from another dentist that can examine you. I’m guessing you’ll have a diagnoses.

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

Solution for a Large Tooth Gap

Posted on September 15, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have a large tooth gap. I think my dentist measured it at close to ten millimeters. He is suggesting I get Lumineers to cover the gap. It’s a pretty expensive solution. Do you know if there is another option that does not include a mouth full of metal braces?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

Do not let this dentist give you Lumineers for this. Your tooth gap is large enough to fit an entire tooth in. It would take one of the top 1% of dentists in the world to make this look right. The fact that he is suggesting Lumineers makes me think he is not one of them. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers that is highly marketed to being inexperienced dentists.

For smaller tooth gaps, a dentist would use dental bonding to close the gap, but again, the size of your tooth gap precludes that from being a good suggestion as well. I have a better solution for you.

Closing Your Gap without Tradtional Braces

In your case, you would actually want to close the gap. These days you can do that without traditional braces. I am going to suggest you use Invisalign. These use clear aligners to straighten your teeth. No one will know you are wearing them, even at a converstational distance. In addition to being more attractive than braces, they are more comfortable as well.

Additionally, they have a hidden benefit as well. The alingers can double as teeth whitening trays, so if you were interested in whitening your teeth, the only thing your dentist would have to provide is the gel. This will save you a substantial amount of money in getting a second procedure. By the end, you will have a mini smile makeover at a fraction of the price.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca 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.

She Spent $25,000 for a Disastrous Smile Makeover

Posted on January 30, 2020 by writeradmin.

I spent a fortune to get my smile to look attractive. The first problem was my small mouth. It caused my teeth to push outward, giving me a small overbite. Then, I had two missing back teeth which my dentist placed mini-implants because my mouth is so small. I wanted porcelain veneers for the front teeth but he said because my front teeth fit over the bottom teeth I’d be better off with dental crowns. Now my front teeth are so big I look like I have horse teeth. They’re so big, it is hard for me to close my mouth. Most of the time, I have to keep it open. Now I’m a mouth-breather!!! After all this money for a pretty smile, I’m more embarrassed than I ever was about my teeth. Is there anything I can do about this? My dentist swears it looks great and I’m just not used to the difference.

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

I’m very sorry you are going through this. My guess is that you went to your family dentist for this smile makeover, instead of an expert cosmetic dentist. There are a few things which point this out. First, a true cosmetic dentist would never tell you that you’re just not used to the new look. Instead, they would work to give you the smile of your dreams. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

Second, using porcelain crowns instead of porcelain veneers is a huge mistake. I know he blamed your overbite, but that was a bogus excuse. Because porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth, hugging the sides a bit, they make more sense for an overbite. They don’t impact that back of the teeth at all. Dental crowns, on the other hand, not only go around your whole tooth, but your dentist also had to grind your teeth down to nubs.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about that now. You are stuck with crowns. However, you don’t have to be stuck with horse teeth. Generally, if the only thing wrong with your teeth is their appearance, the patient doesn’t have much recourse. Luckily, your case was so bad, that you can’t even shut your mouth. Believe it or not, this works in your favor.

Having to breathe through your mouth causes dry mouth. Our saliva is an important part of our defense against decay. Without that, you’ll end up with significant decay. This means your case is not technically sound, giving you greater leverage for a refund.

Getting a Disastrous Smile Makeover Fixed

What you need is an expert cosmetic dentist to fix this. First, I’d see one from the mynewsmile.com. These dentists have been vetted for both their technical skills and their artistry. Not only can they look at your case and help you secure that refund, but they can also re-do your smile to finally give you the one you’ve been dreaming of. While you are there, have them look at your dental implants. I’m a little concerned that he used mini implants. Those aren’t strong enough to secure a dental crown.

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.

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.

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.

Cosmetic Press-on Veneers

Posted on March 30, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I need to improve my smile. They’re really stained. I also have a chipped tooth. I’m thinking porcelain veneers will fix both those things, but they’re pretty pricey. I read online about these press-on veneers. They’re only about $1,000. Though that’s less than porcelain veneers it’s still a lot of money to invest. You save money by not seeing a cosmetic dentist. The lab makes them and sends them to you. If they’re legitimate, it sounds like it could save me a ton of money. What do you think?

Delaney

Dear Delaney,

A porcelain veneer being placed on teeth

Real Porcelain Veneers Look Completely Natural

Press-on veneers are similar to another low-cost cosmetic procedure called Snap-on Smile. They temporarily press-on (more like fit over) your teeth. Because they fit over your teeth they add a bit of thickness and length. Even the company admits that. I’d say they’d do fine for something like a photo shoot where you want to improve your smile quickly. However, they don’t look completely natural.

When a cosmetic dentist does your porcelain veneers, it’s a completely different experience. You meet with the dentist and discuss the type of smile design you’re going for. For instance, maybe you want to look more youthful. Or maybe looking more authoritative and confident is what you’re going for. Both of those would require completely different techniques on how to shape your veneers.

With an expert cosmetic dentist, they can tailor design every aspect of your smile to your specific desires. Then, when your veneers are ready you get to try them on before they’re permanently bonded to make sure they’re exactly what you’d dreamed of.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

If you decide to get porcelain veneers, you’ll want to make sure you go to a highly skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist. Two dentists can do the exact same makeover, but depending on their level of artistry the two smiles will end up completely different. There are way too many cosmetic dentistry horror stories. So, if you do it, do it right.

I’d look on the mynewsmile.com website to find a highly skilled, artistic cosmetic dentist. They check both the technical knowledge and training as well as the artistry of the dentists before allowing them to be listed on their site. Be assured a dentist just can’t pay to be recommended by them.

Options That Aren’t Porcelain Veneers

Given what you described about the stained teeth and a chipped tooth, you have other options which won’t cost you as much as porcelain veneers. You could have your dentist use professional teeth whitening on you. There’s even an in-office whitening that can be done completely in one appointment.

After your teeth are whitened, the chipped tooth can be repaired by dental bonding. It uses a composite resin. Your dentist can sculpt the missing part of your tooth directly on to the rest of your tooth structure. It will blend in so perfectly, no one will know it’s bonded on.

It won’t give you a complete smile makeover the way veneers will, but it will solve the problems you mentioned.

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

Dentist Won’t Fix Off-Centered Porcelain Veneers

Posted on January 17, 2018 by iowasmiles.

I had porcelain veneers done. The dentist and I discussed everything ahead of time, but I didn’t get to look at them before they were bonded on. When I looked at them, they seemed wider than I expected. I could live with that, but they’re not centered with my lips and that is driving me crazy. The dentist says they’re beautiful and I’m being overly critical. Is there anything to be done about this?

Allyssa K.

Dear Allyssa,

I don’t think you’re being overly critical, but even if you were it’s your smile. You paid to have a beautiful smile and that’s what you should get. What matters most is whether you think it’s beautiful. This sounds to me like you’ve used an inexperienced cosmetic dentist. Most true cosmetic dentists realize it’s the patient’s feelings that matter. In fact, the best cosmetic dentists have a beautiful smile guarantee.

Because your dentist bonded them on without your consent first you have a great case for a full refund. A dentist is never supposed to perform a procedure without your consent. Ever.

Who Should Place Your Porcelain Veneers?

You’re not the first person to have off-centered teeth. Even some famous people have some things go wrong. A famous example is Tom Cruise. Find a portrait of him online and you will see that his midline is off too. But, when you’re an action celebrity, it may be easier to get away with that.

When it comes to porcelain veneers, who you choose to do your smile matters. You need someone who’s invested a significant amount of time in post-graduate training. Additionally, they’ll need an artistic eye. But, how are patients supposed to know who that is?

Fortunately, there’s a website who evaluates the skills of cosmetic dentists. The mynewsmile.com website checks the technical skill and artistry of dentists who want to advertise on their site. They don’t allow dentists to just pay to get on. Instead, they’ll only allow the best cosmetic dentists. Check there site.

If you go to one of their recommended dentists, they can give you a gorgeous smile.

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