I was looking at President Trump during a speech and wondered if he’s wearing porcelain veneers? I’m sure he must do some kind of tanning, but wondered if the teeth were natural. They seem awfully white for a guy his age.

Melissa R.

Dear Melissa,

Well, you’re certainly right about the color of his teeth. They’re whiter than the brand new teeth you see on a pristine toddler. And, if you compare it with his teeth from his younger years, they’ve certainly lightened with age, which is the opposite of what nature tends to do to us. It’s possible to get it that shade with teeth whitening, but in the case of President Trump, I know he achieved his look with porcelain veneers.

If you’re interested in the whole story about when he got them, you can read about it on Dr. David Hall’s website. But, there’s an important lesson about to be learned about cosmetic dentistry in his case. President Trump knew the importance of a highly qualified cosmetic dentist. Even though he went to the “dentist to the stars” who’d done a number of famous smile makeovers, President Trump tested his resolve to see how passionate he was about doing the case correctly.

In the president’s case, it was a matter of insisting on more veneers than President Trump wanted to do. As you can see from the picture above our president has a wide smile. That requires more than the standard six veneers if the case is to be done well. If the dentist had compromised, President Trump’s teeth would never have matched.

If you’re planning on doing cosmetic work, teeth whitening can be done by just about any dentist. If you’re looking at a more advanced procedure, such as porcelain veneers, then what dentist you get is imperative. So, let’s say you can’t get to the “dentist to the stars”, how are you supposed to find an advanced, artistic cosmetic dentist? My best recommendation is for you to find someone who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accreditation and membership are two different things. Anyone can be a member, but you have to pass stringent qualifications to become accredited.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.