I wanted to get porcelain veneers before my wedding day. I went to see a dentist. He said I was a good candidate but he wouldn’t make them for me unless I got rid of my tongue ring. Can he really do that? It’s part of who I am. Will every dentist be the same? I wanted a pretty smile for my wedding.
Laryn M.
Dear Laryn,
First, let me say congratulations on your upcoming wedding. That’s a very special time in a person’s life. I wish you all the happiness in the world. While I’m certain you’ll be able to find a dentist willing to place porcelain veneers on your teeth before your wedding. Before you decide though, I want you to consider a few things.
1. Are there chips and dings on your teeth and that’s why you’re wanting porcelain veneers? Part of the reason the dentist didn’t want to place them while you are still wearing a tongue ring is because they tend to damage both teeth and porcelain veneers. The damage it does to your teeth it will do to your veneers. Which leads to my second question.
2. Are you willing to spend a small fortune on something you’re likely going to damage shortly after it’s placed? If you are, that’s fine. It is your mouth and your smile. I understand the tongue ring is part of your identity and is important to you. Most cosmetic dentists won’t judge you for wearing one, but will warn you it will damage the very thing you’re trying to improve.
If you decide to move forward with your smile makeover, who you have create it will be the single greatest factor in determining how beautiful it turns out.
Who Should Do Your Porcelain Veneers?
Cosmetic Dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty from the American Dental Association. That means any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist regardless of their skill. Think of it as art training. Some have natural ability. Some learned art in elementary school. And then some have spent years training under the masters. If you were picking an artist to do your smile, which would you want?
As a patient, it is very hard for you to know what category a dentist falls into when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recognized this issue and saw how many patients ended up with smile makeover disasters. Because of those issues, they started an accreditation program. This enables patients to get a truly qualified cosmetic dentist.
So, if you want a truly gorgeous smile for your wedding. Look for a dentist who has reached accreditation level with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accreditation is different than membership. A dentist can pay to become a member of the AACD. They cannot pay to get accredited. That requires passing stringent exams and demonstrating artistry in cases they’ve personally done. Any one of them can give you a gorgeous smile. In fact, most of them have beautiful smile guarantee.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.