I’ve always wanted to improve my smile because when I was a kid I had an injury that chipped my teeth. I had porcelain veneers done years ago and they look terrible. It pretty much looks like I had some fake teeth glued on top of my normal teeth. One is kind of twisting and it just looks awkward. I am ready to have it done right. Any pointers?
-Jerry in Nevada
Jerry,
So sorry to hear that you need to have your porcelain veneers replaced. You didn’t specific how long it has been since they were originally placed. But it definitely sounds like it’s time to have them done right. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. And as you are well aware, not just any dentist can place porcelain veneers and deliver a beautiful result. It’s a little bit tricky, because cosmetic dentistry isn’t a specialty area within dentistry. So, although any dentist can claim to do porcelain veneers, there is no guarantee that you will love your smile. In order to do beautiful cosmetic dentistry requires extensive training beyond dental school. Also, an excellent cosmetic dentist is passionate about getting it just right. So how do you find the right dentist?
Here are a few pointers. Do your homework. Look for a dentist that has cosmetic dentistry credentials and training. You will also want to ask them to see their portfolio of work. Any excellent cosmetic dentist will be proud to show you cases similar to yours, show you their portfolio of work and will discuss in great length how he or she can give you the smile of your dreams. Also, don’t let cost be your main driving factor in selecting the right cosmetic dentist. In cosmetic dentistry, quality is much more important. It would also be wise to consult with several cosmetic dentists. You are looking for someone that truly listens to your concerns, understands your goals and ultimately won’t be satisfied with anything less than perfection.
Lastly, many excellent cosmetic dentists may offer some sort of beautiful smile guarantee. This means different things to different dentists. But mainly, you should have multiple opportunities to see exactly what your new porcelain veneers will look like before they are permanently bonded in place. Some will go as far as sending them back to the lab, until they are absolutely perfect.
Hopefully this is helpful as you find the right dentist for you.
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS