September 2017 - Ryan Perry, DDS

I have always hated the stain on my teeth from the antibiotic tetracycline. I have hidden my teeth when I smile for as long as I remember. We just retired and all the kids are gone, so I’m ready to do something for me and fix my smile. I think I want to get porcelain veneers. My daughter mentioned that they took my granddaughter to a dental school for orthodontics and it saved her a lot of money. I am wondering if I can go to a dental school for porcelain veneers? What are the drawbacks?

Thanks,
Ann, Birmingham, AL

Dear Ann,

Porcelain veneers are a great way to cover tetracycline stains since teeth whitening isn’t effective. They can help you get a beautiful smile–if it is done by the right dentist.

Dentists who create a smile that you would be proud to show off have completed extensive training after dentistry school to learn the artistic aspect of veneers. They learn coloration, shaping, size, and opacity. These cosmetic dentists listen to what you want your smile to look like, what you want to change. They will often create a “mock up” so you can see what your veneers will look like on your teeth before they bond on your permanent veneers. This ensures that you are happy with the final product.

Unfortunately, a dental school is not the place to get porcelain veneers. Students there are learning the fundamentals of dentistry. They are learning how to fix your teeth. That is the priority, not aesthetics. Likely, if you went to a dental school for porcelain veneers, you would have a student doing it for the first time and you would get what you paid for.

If you want porcelain veneers, a better option would be to save your money and do it right the first time with a cosmetic dentist rather than spending the money and having to still pay the greater amount later to have them fixed.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge Family Dentist.

Last weekend, the day before my daughter’s quincinera of course, I had a crown on one of my back teeth break. My dentist wasn’t available so I found an “emergency dentist” in town and had him fix it for me. He was able to do a same-day crown. I was so glad to get the tooth fixed quickly before the party Saturday. I didn’t notice until earlier this week, though, that the color is off on my new crown. My husband doesn’t think it’s bad, but I think the crown is obvious because it doesn’t match my other teeth. Can I just go to my regular dentist now and have him put a new one on?

Thanks,
Lupe, Sacramento

Dear Lupe,

Both emergency dentists and same-day crowns (most likely a CEREC crown) can be such a blessing, especially when you are in a time crunch. Many people think that emergency dentists only do emergency work, like ER physicians at the hospital. The truth is most emergency dentists are just general dentists. They either work extra hours or are flexible to help people with dental emergencies.

Just because a dentist is willing to help with emergencies doesn’t mean he is an expert at all aspects of dentistry. Most dentists can get a job done. It takes many hours of training and practice for dentists to become skilled at aesthetics–making it look good. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty that dentists can be certified in.

While it was helpful to get your crown fixed quickly, it sounds like the emergency dentist may not have been skilled at color-matching the crown to your other teeth. Unfortunately, dentists typically set crowns to last. A well-placed crown can last 10-20 years. The only thing to do if you aren’t happy is to have it removed and replaced.

If you know the color is going to continue to bother you, try speaking to the emergency dentist and see if they will make it right. If not, either consult your regular dentist or find a cosmetic dentist in your area who can replace your crown with one you are satisfied with.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge Family Dentist.

Can I go to a dental school for porcelain veneers?

Can my dentist replace a new crown that’s the wrong color?

Archives for September 2017