I decided to go see a cosmetic dentist to fix my front two teeth. They have drove me crazy for years because they overlapped each other. The dentist did a consult and recommended dental bonding to improve their appearance. First, he ground one of them down. They sit back farther in my mouth than they should, so he used composite bonding to fill them out.
The end result, they are sharp and very uncomfortable feeling. It seems like he took the approach to grind the side down on one of them to make the other look straight.
Also, he used a yellow tint on the bonding to make them blend in with my surrounding teeth. I fought him on this, but lost. Honestly, I think my crooked teeth looked better than the final product.
I’m embarrassed about my smile now, even more than before. Do I have any other options? The work is ugly. Also, I require bonding along my gum line to fill a gap and this is done every couple years. I can’t wait another couple years with jacked up teeth!
Is there any way to make them whiter and not feel so rough? Unfortunately, this cosmetic dentist is not understanding in the least. Do you know how I go about finding an excellent cosmetic dentist near Barrington, IL?
-Jess in Illinois
Jess,
Any time there is cosmetic dentistry work on the front teeth, it is vital to find an expert cosmetic dentist. Sadly, only two percent of dentists have the capacity, ability and training to create beautiful results. Many cosmetic dentists lack the aesthetics and passion it requires to create beauty. There is the shape, gradation of color and knowledge of bonding materials that not just any “cosmetic dentist” has or desires to achieve.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. But, it doesn’t sound like seeing this same dentist will benefit you. Sadly, he wasn’t qualified to give you the results you deserve. It would be best to move on and get a consultation with a couple new cosmetic dentists in your area.
How to find an excellent cosmetic dentist:
- Do your research. Check out their credentials, training and experience.
- Ask to see a portfolio of work. Any expert cosmetic dentist will have no shortage of before and after images for your to look at. Check out cases similar to yours.
- Schedule a consultation. Finding an expert cosmetic dentist requires trust. You should feel like they care and are listening to your desires.
For starters, type in your zip code and Google “cosmetic dentists near me” and see what turns up. The Chicago metro area has many qualified cosmetic dentists. Having an affiliation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is another decent indicator of their commitment and interest in cosmetic dentistry.
Thank you for sharing your story. Sorry to hear about your dental bonding nightmare.
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS.