I am planning to get nine crowns redone by a local cosmetic dentist. They initial work was done by a great cosmetic dentist. My teeth were ultra white and I loved my smile.
This new dentist doesn’t seem to get it. He doesn’t listen. The yellow temporaries make me look hideous. The color and shape isn’t right either. Now, I feel like he’s pressuring me to get the permanent crowns done. But, I don’t like the way they look. When I start to explain what I want, he just shuts me down. He talks over me and just wants to move through the process. I feel stuck. Can I go to a new cosmetic dentist at this point?
-Sarah in Texas
Sarah,
Wow! Your question gets to the heart of what differentiates an excellent cosmetic dentist from a typical general dentist. Not just any dentist gets it. They don’t understand true aesthetically-pleasing cosmetic dentistry. Ultimately, it sounds like your current dentist really doesn’t care what you think. He would rather move your through the process to be done with you. This is not a true cosmetic dentist. It sounds like you’ve done everything you can to explain that you aren’t happy with the temporaries.
How to find the right cosmetic dentist
A true cosmetic dentist is empathetic and listens. In fact, an expert cosmetic dentist will consider the work an absolute failure if you don’t love it. You should be proud to show off your new smile. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like this is the dentist for you. Although, he may do excellent routine care. It sounds like he does average cosmetic dentistry at best. He is not an artist and it doesn’t sound like he has listened to your concerns. It’s time to move on.
In order to do beautiful cosmetic dentistry requires extensive training beyond dental school, coupled with a passion for creating beauty. It doesn’t sound like this dentist is going to change his priorities to meet your needs. You should have no issues in leaving at this stage in treatment and finding the right cosmetic dentist in your area.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is an organization that requires extensive case-work and experience to be a member or affiliated with it. If you can find an AACD accredited cosmetic dentist in your area, that would be a good start. But most importantly, you need a dentist you can trust. Request a consultation to get to know them, check out their portfolio of work for cases similar to yours and learn about their credentials.
Many cosmetic dentists will offer a some sort of cosmetic dentistry guarantee. If you don’t love the work, they will redo it until it is perfect. Often times, it’s called a beautiful smile guarantee. You should not settle for results that are just okay. You should fall in love with your smile.
Thank you for your question. This kind of thing happens far too often. You shouldn’t be stuck with a dentist you don’t care for, just because you have started the procedure.
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS