Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Archives - Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist

Not Sure I Can Afford a True Cosmetic Dentist

Posted on July 15, 2019 by writeradmin.

I was about to get a smile makeover when I did some research and realized my dentist would not do a good job for me. I decided to go to a AACD accredited cosmetic dentist. I’ve got a list of dentists in my area who are qualified. I went to see one of them and he quoted me over $100,000. He said I have bite problems which will need to be fixed and he’ll do veneers where possible. I can’t afford that. Is that what I’m going to face with all of them? Should I give up on this dream?

Lindsey

Dear Lindsey,

You don’t have to spend your life hiding your smile.

I wouldn’t give up on your dream just yet. That price seems like he was quoting you for a full-mouth reconstruction. It’s even on the high end of cost for that. You didn’t mention any TMJ symptoms, so that might no be what you need. I’m going to suggest you get a second opinion.

You should also be aware there can be a large disparity between the different amounts cosmetic dentists charge. I’m going to give you an example of two cosmetic dentists I’m aware of two dentists in the Florida area without giving their name. We’ll call one Dentist A and the other Dentist B.

Dentist A is on the high end of fees. He has patients who travel from all over the world to see him. He’s highly skilled and provides beautiful smile makeovers. Dentist B is also highly skilled and creates beautiful smile makeovers, but his fees are in the median range. But guess what? When dentist A needs his teeth worked on or touched up he goes to see Dentist B.

Prices vary. In your place, I’d find a list of the AACD accredited dentists in your area and get consultations until you find one whose treatment plan and price match what you can do.

If You Can’t Find an AACD Accredited Cosmetic Dentist

Very few cosmetic dentists have actually reached accreditation. If you can’t find one in your immediate area you feel you can work with you have two choices.

Choice #1: Find one in a nearby state and travel to get your smile makeover.

This, of course, increases the cost because you also have to budget for travel, but it is an option. When I mentioned Dentist A above, he will have celebrities and other patients fly in from other states and countries. Because of that, he has hotels he works with that help accommodate his patients. Not everyone can do that, which leads me to option 2.

Choice #2: Find a dentist recommended by mynewsmile.com

Not every great cosmetic dentist has reached accreditation. It takes a long time. That doesn’t mean they don’t have the skill requisite to giving you the smile of your dreams. The mynewsmile.com website screens cosmetic dentists who wish to be listed for both technical skill and knowledge as well as their artistic abilities. Any one of them can give you a gorgeous smile you’ll be proud to share, whether you get porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, or a mix of both. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Staining Around Edges of Porcelain Veneers

Posted on May 17, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve only had my porcelain veneers for a little over a year. I was told they’d be very stain resistant. Yet, mine have picked up staining around the edges of my porcelain veneers. I’m worried it’s because I’m a smoker. I wish they’d have warned me about this. Will teeth whitening help them?

Lucy

Dear Lucy,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

You are correct that porcelain veneers are very stain resistant. In fact, they typically are even more stain resistant than your natural teeth. Staining can happen on porcelain veneers for several reasons, however.

Why Porcelain Veneers Might Pick Up Stains

The major reason porcelain veneers will start to stain is if the glaze has been removed from the porcelain veneers. It’s the glaze which protects them. This can happen if a dental hygienist mistakingly uses something like a power prophy jet during your checkup and cleaning. With the glaze gone, the veneers will look fine at the appointment but quickly begin to pick up stains.

I don’t think this your issue though. When that happens, the stains are usually all over the porcelain veneers. Yours are limited to the edges.

A second reason for discoloration would be if you don’t have a good bond between the veneers and the teeth. This will allow food and other types of bacteria carrying things to get lodged underneath your veneers. Like the issue above, this would show up over the surface area of the tooth, not just the edges.

A third reason for stains would be if your veneers had bulky margins. This happens when the dentist doesn’t get the veneers flush with the tooth and gums, creating a small “shelf” above your veneers. This will allow particles to get trapped, leading to discoloration and decay. This particular issue shows up at the gumline.

What you’re describing on the edges makes me think you’ve got some bonding material there. Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure, so don’t expect that to take away these stains. Instead, this can be fixed if the hygienist uses ultra-fine polishing strips in this area and a special ultra-fine aluminum oxide polishing paste, to keep this area as smooth as possible and resistant to stain and plaque accumulation.

I would consider this a part of the normal maintenance of your porcelain veneers. Make sure you go back to the dentist who did your smile makeover to have this done. It is not something I would expect your general dentist to know or even have the materials to perform the task.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Dental Bonding Yellowed After Three Days

Posted on April 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

I think I did something to mess up my dental bonding. I’m heart broken about it. I really loved them. I brushed with baking soda. Did I ruin them? They’re turning yellow and I’ve only had them three days. Can they be fixed?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

Baking soda is quite abrassive and would have etched your dental implants allowing them to pick up stains. That’s where the yellowing is coming from. Your bonding is unprotected.

Don’t beat yourself up about this. The problem is your dentist didn’t actually prepare you for how to care for your newly bonded teeth. That’s on them. Because of how short a time span you’ve had them, your dentist shouldn’t object to redoing them for you.

My hope is that they didn’t use lower quality materials which makes it easier for them to wear down. After they’re redone, make sure you use Supersmile toothpaste to clean them. This is specifically designed to clean and protect cosmetic dental work.

If you use the right toothpaste and they still turn yellow, then you can know they’re using inferior materials. You’ll need to go to an expert cosmetic dentist in order to get your dental bonding done properly.

My suggestion, if that happens, is you see one of the recommended dentists on the mynewsmile.com website. They screen cosmetic dentists to make sure they have both technical skill and artistry to give you a gorgeous smile.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Porcelain Veneers or Crowns for Tetracycline Stains?

Posted on February 23, 2019 by writeradmin.

I haven’t smiled in a long time. It’s not that I’m depressed or just plain unhappy. I’m embarrassed. I have tetracycline stains. I’ve been to see two dentists about this. One suggested crowns. The other veneers. I’m not sure which is better. I’m guessing crowns would cover the stains better, but I don’t really like the idea of grinding down my teeth. Do you have a recommendation?

Patty

Dear Patty,

I’m not going to recommend the porcelain crowns for the same reason you are not excited about them. It would require getting rid of healthy tooth structure. It’s not required, either, to cover the stains. Though, some dentists will use it as a crutch.

Covering tetracycline stains are among the most challenging procedures a cosmetic dentist can do. The stains are dark and deep. This isn’t your fault. I hope you know that. Though, I do realize that likely doesn’t ease the embarrassment for you.

I’d recommend porcelain veneers. However, it will require the best of the best of cosmetic dentists. We’re talking someone in the top 1-2% of his or her field. The veneers have to be made opaque enough to cover the stains, but still have a natural translucency to give it that varied shine.

There are opalescent porcelains which can help with this, but not many ceramists have them. Again, a skilled cosmetic dentist knows about these and who will know how to use them properly.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

I’d start by choosing the dentist, not the procedure. The top cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. This is a certification awarded by The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. These dentists are highly skilled and artistic.

However, be sure to ask them how many tetracycline cases they’ve done and ask for before and after pictures. I’m a big believer in trust but verify.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Dentist Wants to Crown Healthy Teeth

Posted on January 30, 2019 by writeradmin.

I need some advice. I’ve had horrible tetracycline stains most of my life. I’ve gone to three dentists to try to get this fixed and all of them want to put crowns on my teeth. I don’t want to do that because the teeth are perfectly healthy. Do I have an alternative?

Brenda

Dear Brenda,

First, I will say so you’re aware, tetracycline stains are among the most difficult cases for a cosmetic dentist to deal with. Truthfully, I’d say only about 2% of dentists can do this well.

For the benefit of those reading who are unfamiliar with what tetracycline stains are, I’ll explain. When children are given the antibiotic tetracycline before the age of 12 it causes severe staining on the developing teeth.

The stains are so dark that most dentists have trouble finding the balance between getting the porcelain veneers translucent enough to look natural but still not show the staining through.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist To Fix This

There is definitely an alternative to getting dental crowns. Seeing as your teeth are healthy, you don’t want to remove any structure unnecessarily. I mentioned porcelain veneers above. That’s what I’d recommend. But, again, not every dentist can do this.

I’d ask any dentist to show you examples of the work they’ve done with tetracycline stains. Make sure they show you before and after so you can see if the staining is as dark as yours.

Another option is to go to aacd.com and look for an accredited dentist with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country and will have the color knowledge and skill to give you a beautiful smile.

If there’s not one within a reasonable travel distance to you, mynewsmile.com also recommends excellent cosmetic dentists. Not all of them are accredited, but they’re all screened for both skill and artistry. You can feel confident they can perform this as well.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Are CEREC Crowns the Best?

Posted on December 1, 2018 by writeradmin.

My dentist wants me to get a CEREC crown because of the convenience. I don’t mind, but want to get the best crown. It’s my first one and I want to choose well. Are CEREC crowns my best choice?

Catherine

Dear Catherine,

Dear Catherine,

You asked a fantastic question. It is great that you are looking for the best solution for your teeth. There are three main types of dental crowns which are commonly used these days. One isn’t the best. Instead, think of it like a matter of where their strengths lie.

Depending on where you need the crown would determine which one is best for you. Let’s go over the three most common and when they’re best used.

Conventional Crowns

Conventional crowns are also called porcelain-fused-to-metal. This is because they have a metal base. They are best used on your very back teeth because of their strength. Our back teeth have strong biting forces so this type of crown serves well there.

The downside of these type of crowns is their appearance. They have to be made more opaque in order to cover the metal and they tend to develop a gray line at the gumline. Neither of these make for a natural look. On back teeth that won’t matter as much.

All-Porcelain Crowns

The two photos below are the same woman. The smile on the right was with conventional crowns. As you can imagine, she wasn’t thrilled about the look and had them switched out for all-porcelain crowns.

If you’re looking for a beautiful look, you want to go with all-porcelain crowns. The porcelain mimics the natural translucency of our teeth. Though, like any type of cosmetic work, the more skilled and artistic the dentist, the better the results.

CEREC Crowns

The biggest advantage to CEREC Crowns is the convenience. They are milled by machine in the office. This allows you to leave with your crown instead of needing to get a temporary crown while yours is sent off to a lab.

It’s great if you’re in a hurry. While they are all-porcelain, they are milled from a single block. Beautiful crowns require several different shades. Unless you have one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country, I wouldn’t have these put on your very front teeth.

If you do want them on a front tooth, you would really need a dentist who has reached accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists are among the top 1% in the world.

Whitening Dental Crowns

So you are aware, dental work of any kind, including all the dental crowns we mentioned above, do not whiten. Whatever color your dentist makes them, is the color they’ll be. Your dentist will match them to your teeth. If you’re considering bleaching your teeth, you’ll want to do it before the crown is completed.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Lumineers for a Gapped and Chipped Tooth?

Posted on November 12, 2018 by writeradmin.

I just want to double check a treatment before I invest in. My dentist had recently developed an interest in cosmetic dentistry and just became certified to place Lumineers. He happened to ask if I’d like to fix the gap between my teeth as well as the chip on a tooth. In fact, I would like that repaired. He suggested I get four Lumineers. I wondered why four when it’s really just two teeth that need the treatment. He said so they’d match better. It’s going to be a tad pricey so I just wanted to double check. Is this the way for me to go?

Penny

Dear Penny,

There are cosmetic solutions for a tooth gap

It’s great that your dentist is trying to improve his skills and broaden the services available to his patients. All cosmetic dentists have to start somewhere. All that being said, this isn’t the best treatment option for you. Here’s why.

Porcelain Veneers are for Complete Smile Makeovers

First, I should explain that Lumineers are simply a brand of porcelain veneers. If you wanted a complete smile makeover, then getting porcelain veneers would be a good option. As it is, you simply want to fix a gap and a chip. In that case, veneers are quite an overtreatment. I don’t necessarily think your dentist is trying to cheat you. He likely offered the only cosmetic treatment he knows.

The usual treatment for the things you want to fix is dental bonding. It uses a composite resin that a cosmetic dentist will hand sculpt onto the teeth to close the gap and to repair the chip. It takes a skilled cosmetic dentist because it has to be done freehand. I’m sure your dentist didn’t offer that because he doesn’t know how to do it yet.

Don’t Get Lumineers

If you were to decide to get a full smile makeover, I’m going to suggest you don’t get Lumineers. Let’s start with the “certification”. This is simply a seminar the dentist sits through. There’s not any significant training. It’s most often marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place.

However, the worst part about them is their lab. This brand is owned by the DenMat company and they require dentists to use their lab. Sadly, this lab is known for not being very good. Combine inexperienced dentist with bad lab and you’re likely to end up with a disappointing smile.

There is a very basic mistake your dentist is already suggesting. He’s saying you need four for them to match. First, an expert cosmetic can match a single porcelain veneer to the rest of your teeth. Second, most smiles are much wider than four teeth. If you’re wanting a smile makeover, you’d want a minimum of six to eight veneers (depending on the width of your smile).

However, if you’re happy with your smile, a single veneer is possible with a perfect match.

Who Should Do Your Porcelain Veneers

While every dentist has to start somewhere when it comes to cosmetic work, it is to your benefit to let him practice on someone else. You want someone with expertise and an artistic eye. Finding that dentist used to take a lot of research on the part of the patient. Fortunately, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry started an accreditation program.

This program is designed to help patients know who are the best cosmetic dentists and who are still developing their craft. If you go the aacd.com, you can do a search for a cosmetic dentist in your area. Just make sure you check that you want one who’s been accredited.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Porcelain Veneer Instead of Crown After Root Canal Treatment?

Posted on November 6, 2018 by writeradmin.

I recently had some trauma to a front tooth which required a root canal treatment. My new dentist is well-known for his cosmetic skills. I haven’t utilized that yet. However, he is suggesting a porcelain veneer on the tooth. Everyone I know who’s had a root canal treatment received a crown over the tooth. I would think that would be more secure. Is he suggesting a veneer because he’s a cosmetic dentist? Which is the better restoration after a root canal?

Amelia

Dear Amelia,

Difference between tooth prep fro a crown and a veneer

In dental school, if a student is asked the question, “What restoration do you use with a root canal treatment?” The expected answer is a dental crown. Most of the time, that’s the right answer. Often a crown is needed because there is too much decay and the tooth has to be ground down and protected. When there isn’t decay, you have more of an option.

On back teeth, a dental crown still makes sense because of the way we chew and how that affects our biting force. However, on front teeth, it’s a completely different story. Our biting force with front teeth is lateral, meaning the lower front teeth push forward on the uppers, and the upper front teeth push backward on the lowers.

Look at the two images above. The tooth prepped for the dental crown is ground down. That particular prep is very conservative, so that tooth will be stronger than most crowned teeth. Think about if that front tooth was hit with something. There is not enough of a base to keep the tooth secure. It will break.

Now look at the tooth prepped for a porcelain veneer. It removes much less tooth structure giving it a much stronger base.

This means on a front tooth, a dental crown would weaken the tooth. A porcelain veneer actually makes more sense.

That long answer to your question means, your dentist was right. A porcelain veneer is a great restoration in your case.

Who Should Place Your Porcelain Veneer?

When you’re talking about a porcelain veneer on a single front tooth, you need an expert cosmetic dentist. You seem to have one. You mentioned your dentist was known for his cosmetic dentistry. However, for the benefit of those who are reading this and don’t already have a well-known cosmetic dentist let me tell them what to look for.

When you need an expert cosmetic dentist, I would suggest you go to the aacd.com website. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has an accreditation program. Those who reach accreditation are the best of the best of cosmetic dentists. They will give you a gorgeous porcelain veneer. If you’re after a total smile makeover, you will get a stunning smile.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Did Implants Cause My Sinus Problems?

Posted on October 6, 2018 by writeradmin.

I think I made a mistake. I had a choice between two dentists to do my dental implants. One was significantly less expensive than the other. He said there isn’t a recognized specialty and all dentists do the same implant work. I had four implants placed. Ever since that surgery, I’ve had one sinus problem after another. I asked my dentist about it. He insists it’s not the implants and sends me to my doctor. I go to see my doctor and he just prescribes an antibiotic. Neither one is giving me any permanent solution. The antibiotic helps a while and then it goes back to another infection. I’m desperate. What do you recommend?

Audrey

Dear Audrey,

An illustration of three dental implants at various stages of crown placement

I’m sorry you’ve been going through this. Sinus problems are absolutely miserable. To have one constantly must be maddening. I don’t like that neither of your caregivers seem to be trying to get to the bottom of this. Your dentist is passing the buck and your doctor is practicing lazy medicine.

While your dentist was honest about there not being a recognized specialty in dental implants, not every dentist is the same when it comes to their knowledge and skill in placing them. I’m wondering if your dentist didn’t quite place your dental implants correctly. Do you know if he did a CT scan either before placing your implants or after when you needed to diagnose your sinus problem? If all he did was a panoramic x-ray, that’s not adequate.

Diagnosing a Dental Implant Problem

You need to get a CT scan in order to get a second opinion on this situation. You can either go to an ENT (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) or you can go to a dentist who has a lot of training and experience with dental implants.

If you decide on an implant dentist. You want to make sure they have good post-graduate training. It’s key that a dentist continually strives to improve their knowledge and skill as well as keep up with the latest technologies.

For instance, when it comes to dental implants, Dr. Rothwell has done post-doctoral work at Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education as well as the LD Pankey Institute.

Once you’ve received a second opinion by someone who actually investigates the root issue, you’ll be on the path to wellness again. If it turns out your dentist damaged your sinus cavity in some way, which can happen when implants aren’t placed properly, you’ll have to take several steps— all of which your dentist should cover the cost for.

First, the implants will have to be removed. Then the trauma to the sinuses healed. Once that is done, your next step will be to have bone grafting done to build back up your bone loss. Then, finally, you can have the implants placed properly.

It’s an awful lot of trouble that you’re having to go through. I can’t tell you how many times patients have had to discover, through a horrific experience, that a cheap dentist isn’t always worth the cost. When you’re trying to save money, there is a difference between cheap and affordable dental implants.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Problems from Porcelain Veneers

Posted on September 29, 2018 by writeradmin.

I received four porcelain veneers a little over six months ago. For the most part, they’ve been okay. My gums have been tender but I figured that was normal after a procedure. The other issue I had was the teeth next to them are obviously darker because of their age and stains. I was considering asking my dentist to whiten my teeth at my last appointment. However, the hygienist told me I’m developing gum disease. I had noticed my gums occasionally bleeding when I brushed but I thought that was from the tenderness. I don’t know where the gum disease could be coming from. I’ve always been super diligent with my oral healthcare and had healthy gums. Could this be the result of the porcelain veneers?

Penny

Dear Penny,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

There are a couple of things going on here which make me wonder about your dentist. First, you said they only did four porcelain veneers and because of that you need to do teeth whitening. Most cosmetic dentists will do between six to ten veneers depending on the width of the patient’s smile for this very reason.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get an exact match for the color of your veneers but it will make them match a little better. If you want an exact match, you’ll need to have more veneers placed.

The second thing which worries me is your gums. Porcelain veneers do not cause bleeding gums, but if your dentist didn’t place them correctly then that can. I want you to get a second opinion. Ask the dentist if it looks like you have bulky margins. Don’t tell him who did your veneers, just let him know about the tenderness and bleeding gums.

I’m thinking your dentist didn’t get the veneers flush against your teeth and gums the way he should have. That would create a tiny shelf at the top of your veneers allowing food and bacteria to get trapped there. This would lead to both tenderness, bleeding gums, and if not dealt with quickly, gum disease.

If this is what you’re dealing with, you’ll need to have the case redone. I wouldn’t have your dentist do it again. He’s lacking some skill and he doesn’t even realize it. Otherwise, they would have recognized the true problem at your checkup.

Instead, ask for a refund and go to an expert cosmetic dentist to redo the case, this time with the proper number of veneers so you won’t have to bleach your teeth.

Who Should Place Your Porcelain Veneers?

To get a gorgeous smile makeover, you want a dentist with extensive experience and both technical skill and artistry. Finding that type of dentist is easier now than it used to be. Realizing patients wouldn’t be able to tell the experts from those just developing their skill, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) began an accreditation program.

To get accredited, dentists have to pass stringent oral and written exams demonstrating their technical knowledge. Additionally, they have to provide a large number of specific cases they’ve performed to show they’re artistic as well and can truly provide a gorgeous smile.

You’ll want to have an AACD accredited dentist to do your new veneers.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

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