Cosmetic Dentistry Archives - Allyson K Hurley, DDS

September 29, 2017 by

Should I get a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to close my gap a little? The gap is between my front teeth, but seems like it’s getting wider by the week. It’s like the gap that keeps on giving. I used to like it but as time goes on it’s beginning to look like I’m missing a tooth. If I could close the gap a little without completely getting rid of it, that would be great. It’s like a signature for my smile because it’s what I am my friends have gotten used to. What are my options for closing it? Is a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist better to reduce the space in the gap? Thanks. Lyla

Lyla – The space between your teeth can be closed with the assistance of a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist.

Options from a top cosmetic dentist for closing a gap

A top cosmetic dentist will give you a variety of options.

Dental bonding – Depending on the size of the gap, and how much space needs to be reduced, it’s possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist can reduce it with chairside dental bonding. It’s usually done right in the dental office in just one appointment. An artistic cosmetic bonding has a variety of colors of bonding to perfectly match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. The bonding won’t be noticeable at all.
Porcelain veneers – They can be used to close a larger gap. Accredited cosmetic dentists are skilled in matching veneers to your natural teeth. The gap reduction will look natural.
Orthodontic treatment – An orthodontist specializes in tooth and jaw alignment and can provide you with braces. But many cosmetic dentists also provide orthodontic treatment—particularly with Invisalign invisible braces.

Schedule an appointment for a consultation with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists. They will briefly examine your gap and let you know your options for reducing it in a way that looks completely natural and complements your smile.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

July 15, 2017 by

I’ve been considering porcelain veneers for 5 teeth that are slightly twisted and have fluorosis stains. I went to 2 cosmetic dentists for estimates on correcting my teeth. The prices are higher than I expected. If the rates they quoted are common, I won’t be able to afford veneers until 2019. It doesn’t sound like a long time from now, but it is when your teeth are affected. I subscribe to Groupon e-mails and a few days ago I received notification about a dentist who is offering porcelain veneers at a discount. I called the office and found out I would save 40% of what I was quoted at my consultations for the other 2 dentists. One of my best friends told me it’s probably I scam, but it is a real dental office. Maybe the dentist is just advertising so people know about her services. I want to buy the offer before it expires or reaches the max for buyers. Do you know anything about Dr. (name withheld) that would raise a red flag for why I shouldn’t get porcelain veneers from her? Thanks. Gina.

Gina – We are neither familiar with the dentist you named, nor her services. Whether you purchase a Groupon or not, caution is always needed when choosing a dentist for porcelain veneers.

Before You Choose a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an investment. Before you choose a dentist for them, there are several factors to consider.

Any dentist can provide porcelain veneers, but few dentists do them well.
Cosmetic dentistry is an art. A true dental artist has:
- Post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry
- On-going training in the art
- An artistic eye to produce beautiful results
- The right tools, technique, and technology to transform your smile
Concealing fluorosis stains with porcelain veneers requires the talent of a highly skilled cosmetic dentist.

What to Expect and What to Ask

Like any beautiful artwork, porcelain veneers are in investment. An artistic cosmetic dentist uses the finest porcelain and the best labs. Your smile will be designed to match your requests, and to fit your personality and facial features.

You will receive mock-up veneers and try-in veneers to ensure you love the way your smile looks. It takes time to produce beautiful results. And you have to be willing to pay for them.

Before you purchase a Groupon for veneers, learn about the dentist’s experience and training.

How much post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry has been received?
Does the dentist participate in ongoing training?
How many porcelain veneers cases has the dentist completed?
How many cases of fluorosis stains with veneers has the dentist completed?
Does she have actual patient photos to show you?

The best results come from an accredited cosmetic dentist—particularly with fluorosis stains. Although you have to invest more in your smile with an accredited cosmetic dentist, the results will be beautiful and long lasting.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

May 30, 2017 by

I got porcelain veneers on my upper 6 front teeth. Although I had 4 or 5 discussions with my dentist before I got the veneers, they are too short. My smile looks gummy. I was hoping that the veneers would lengthen the look of my teeth, but they don’t. My dentist says they look fine and he did the best he could with my little teeth. Isn’t that rude? I’m beginning to think that porcelain veneers weren’t the right choice and maybe something else would have looked better. Did I agree to the wrong thing? Kasside

Kasside – Your dentist’s comments weren’t appropriate. It sounds like the real issue is not your agreement to receive porcelain veneers, as much as it is the dentist who placed them. It seems that your dentist has little or no training in cosmetic dentistry.

Porcelain veneers can change the shape of your natural teeth and lengthen them. There are other ways to lengthen the appearance of your teeth, but it’s not clear if you were presented with your options.

Gum recontouring – A laser is used to remove excess gum tissue, which lengthens your teeth.
Dental bonding – An expert cosmetic dentists knows how to mix dental bonding to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. Teeth can be lengthened and made to look completely natural.

Before you received porcelain veneers, an expert cosmetic dentist would have ensured that your teeth were symmetrical. Unfortunately, to achieve the smile you want, your current veneers will need to be removed and replaced.

Speak with your dentist and ask if he is willing to correct his work and give you a smile that you’re happy with. It might be in your best interests to get a second opinion from an accredited cosmetic dentist who will have the education and talent to produce great results. Your current dentist might be willing to compensate you in some way if you want the work done elsewhere.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

March 28, 2017 by

I went through a lot of trouble to find a top dentist for a smile makeover. So how in the world she ended up chipping one of my teeth I will never know. I had 3 old, old crowns that needed to be replaced and for some reason the dentist was having trouble getting one of the crowns off. The first 2 came off without a hitch. After 20 minutes of trying to get the other one off I felt a big yank and felt a metal tool hit one of my left incisors. The dentist said, “Uh oh.” Uh oh? I asked her what happened and she told me that one my teeth was a little chipped. She let me look at it in a mirror and she said she would touch it up right away with dental bonding. She did a decent job but I can see where she did the touch-up. I now have temporary crowns on the 3 teeth I went there for and I am afraid to see what the new ones will look like if she couldn’t get the bonding right. With the work already in progress, how can I switch dentists in the middle of treatment? What can I do about a top dentist who doesn’t seem to know what she is doing? Tad

Tad – Although any dentist can claim to be a top dentist, it doesn’t mean that he or she has the skill, training, and experience needed to give you a smile that looks great. It is also possible for any dentist to make a mistake.

A mistake doesn’t necessarily mean that your dentist doesn’t know what she is doing. But if you can look at your tooth in a mirror and see where the bonding meets your tooth, your dentist might not be experienced or talented in every aspect of cosmetic dentistry. It takes skill to manipulate dental bonding to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth.

As a suggestion, you can receive a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. He or she can examine the bonding on your chipped tooth and improve or replace it.

It sounds as if your dental crowns have been ordered already, so you might want to give your dentist a chance to complete the work. Otherwise, it might take some time and negotiation, along with additional expense to cancel the placement of crowns that have already been ordered from the lab. If the dental crown work is faulty, your new dentist might be able to help you negotiate a reasonable solution.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

February 14, 2017 by

My porcelain veneers are way too white and this is a repeat issue I’m having with my dentist. Would you please give me some insight on this issue?

I have 8 porcelain veneers on my top teeth. When my dentist and I discussed the color, I was repeatedly showed shades that were too white. She finally agreed to give me the shade I agreed to. To my surprise when I tried the veneers in they were not the shade I picked. The dentist had them sent back for a shade that wasn’t startling white.

The second set came back 5 weeks ago and I thought I was getting a try-in but my dentist actually bonded them to my teeth. Needless to say I was furious when she showed me the veneers and after I told her they are still too white, she told me it was the shade I asked for, she had already bonded them on, and I’m all set.

2 weeks ago, the bottom half of one of the incisor veneers broke. My dentist said she will replace it with a 3 year guarantee. I am wondering why there is only a 3 year guarantee on the veneer. Shouldn’t it last 15 to 20 years? I am pretty frustrated and nervous about what will happen when I go back to the office to have the veneer replaced. It probably won’t match the other ones. Is this experience typical? Did I get a defective batch of veneers or maybe someone selected the wrong color?

My frustration is increasing by the day. What do you advise me to do? Thank you. Marielle

Marielle,
Your increasing frustration is understandable. It sounds as if you’re saying that your dentist bonded your second set of porcelain veneers without your approval. If that’s the case, your dentist is liable for malpractice. Dental or medical treatment cannot be legally performed without the patient’s consent.

A conscientious cosmetic dentist will never bond veneers without having the patient’s approval first. The fact that this was your second set of veneers, and they were bonded without your consent, suggests that your dentist didn’t care whether you liked your veneers or not.

When a veneer breaks soon after placement, it’s a sign of faulty bonding technique. Veneers get their strength from the bonding process.

Your misfortune with your porcelain veneers is getting increasingly complex. We recommend that you visit at least two accredited cosmetic dentists for a second opinion. Your teeth and veneers should be examined, and the findings should be documented.

Ask the dentist who originally placed your veneers to give you a refund. Your veneers need to be redone, and the dentist who is responsible is obligated to return your money so you can get a correctly designed smile. You can also consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney for advised on how to get compensated. The problem can also be reported to the dental board.

We wish you a prompt and smooth resolution of this issue.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

January 27, 2017 by

I can’t get my snap on smile off and I’m too embarrassed to call my dentist about it because the problem is that it’s not really mine. At least it wasn’t made for me. I’ve been wearing a snap on smile for almost 4 years. I’ve had to replace it twice because I wear it every day. Last month the smile cracked. I know it was wearing out but I didn’t expect it to break so soon. I was determined not to buy another one this early in the year. I only had the one that cracked for barely a year. I have friends who have snap on smiles too. One of my friends used to wear them but she decided to get veneers instead. She has kept her all of her snap on smiles so we decided that if one of hers fit me, we could disinfect and bleach it and I would wear it until I decided to get another one or buy porcelain veneers. So I got one of her snap on smiles on. It fit pretty snug but not too much worse than how it’s supposed to feel. I had been able to take it off to floss and brush my teeth but yesterday I couldn’t get it off. I can’t get it off today either. I can’t call my dentist about this. What do I need to do to get it off? Heather

Heather,

Your dentist or any dentist will be able to get the Snap-On Smile off for you. A dentist has the tools needed to get between the appliance and your natural teeth so it will loosen and dislodge. If you’re too embarrassed to call your own dentist, make an appointment with a different dentist.

Act quickly to prevent the appliance from harming your teeth. If the Snap-On Smile is fitting so tight that you can’t get it off, it will likely start to move your teeth to a new position. You can’t brush or floss your natural teeth if the appliance won’t come off, so bacteria and plaque will build up.

Alternatives to a Snap-On Smile

Speak with a cosmetic dentist about alternatives to the Snap-On Smile. Depending on your smile goals, a combination of cosmetic treatments can help. Some of which include:

Teeth whitening
Dental bonding
Orthodontics
Gum contouring
Tooth contouring
Porcelain crowns
Porcelain veneers

Schedule an appointment with a dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

November 4, 2016 by

My dentures have bothered me since I got them this February. I am almost sure that I am allergic to the acrylic. My dentist keeps making excuses or coming up with reasons that the dentures are bothering me and I am literally getting sick about this. When I first got the dentures, my mouth burned within five minutes of wearing them. My dentist’s explanation was that my gums were still healing and that in a month or two there wouldn’t be any problems. The problems didn’t go away. When I returned to the dentist he told me that my gums were irritated because I must not be wearing the dentures enough. I was wearing them every day for at least 8 to 10 hours. How much is enough? I want to switch to dental implants but I am not sure that I can afford them, if my insurance will help me with the cost because of the allergy, or if I just need to consider new dentures from another dentist. What are my options? Thanks. Peter.

Peter,

Although it’s rare to be allergic to dental acrylic, it is possible that you have an allergy or sensitivity to the material. At times, nickel in the metal base or an ingredient in the denture adhesive is causing the problem.,

If you use denture adhesive, try not to use it for a week. If the irritation improves, the adhesive might be the problem. Try other brands, one at a time, to see if they don’t irritate you and still help your dentures fit better.

If your denture is metal-free, or if you don’t have metal sensitivities or allergies, you, your dentist, and perhaps, your medical doctor can work to figure out what is causing the reaction. A new set of dentures from your dentist, or from a second-opinion dentist, might improve the situation. If you have an allergist, get a report of your sensitivities or allergies—or you might want to get tested for allergies.

Dental implants might be an option, but your insurance company isn’t likely to provide much in terms of benefits. If you learn that you are definitely allergic to your dentures, and if it can be proven, speak with your denture insurance company to find out if you can file an appeal for assistance with dental implants. Most insurance companies only provide benefits for the dental crown that is place on top of a dental implant.

We know this situation is frustrating, but if your dentist isn’t willing to get to the source of the problem, find a dentist who is willing to assist you.

This post is sponsored by Bedminister, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

July 26, 2016 by

I have a gap between my two front teeth that I want closed without having to wear braces. I am trying to decide on whether to get bonding or porcelain veneers to close the gap. I already know that the bonding is cheaper but if it’s not going to hold up and I will have to keep replacing it, I’d rather spend more money on veneers. Will the bonding last or should I go ahead and the veneers? thanks Justyn

Justyn,

Dental bonding, if applied by a cosmetic dentist, will work beautifully to close a small gap. But the composite does have its limitations. In time it will discolor, and it can be more fragile that porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are just as durable as tooth enamel.

Dental composite will pick up stains over time, in contrast with porcelain veneers, which will not stain. Over time dental bonding will also wear away and need to be replaced. If you take good care of porcelain veneers, they can last 15 to 20 years or longer.

Keep in mind that dental bonding does not work well with a large gap. It can make your teeth look disproportionately large. If you have a large gap, or if you want a longer-lasting solution, porcelain veneers are the best option. Porcelain veneers are much stronger than the bonding material. They will last for years without staining or chipping.

Have a consultation with one or two dentists who are trained and experienced in cosmetic dentistry. Each dentist will discuss the pros and cons of your options. Whether you receive dental bonding or porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist has the artistic inclination required to close the gap in way that will make it look like it never existed.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

June 29, 2016 by

I am thinking about getting a snap on smile or press on veneers for my teeth. My teeth are different lengths and I want them to look even. I am not sure which appliance will last longer. Also, which will give me a more natural look? Thank you. Rhiannon

Rhiannon – A Snap-On Smile is a temporary smile makeover. Although it is not meant to be worn permanently, if you wear it every day, it will last about five years. The Snap-On Smile can improve the appearance of uneven teeth, but since it fits right over your teeth, it can make them look bulky. Press-On Veneers are a do-it-yourself way to conceal your teeth with hopes of improving your smile. They also fit over your teeth. And the results are unpredictable. Depending on which option you choose, they can be more expensive than a Snap-On Smile.

See a cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns. Porcelain veneers may be right for you. They are permanent and will cover the front of your teeth to make them look even. It could be that your teeth can be contoured, or shaped, to make them even. Even if you decide to get a Snap-On Smile, receiving an appliance that is from a dentist that is customized to fit your teeth can give you more natural-looking results.

Your dentist will also ensure that your Snap-On Smile will not rub and irritate your gums. Do-it-yourself products can be difficult to adjust without leaving them poorly cut or loose on your teeth. If you wear the Snap-On Smile or Press-On Veneers daily, they will wear out quickly. They can last two to three years if you only wear them for special occasions.

To find out which treatment is best for your case, and to discuss your options, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. The professional advice will save you money in the long term and help you get the best results.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

May 20, 2016 by

How do I find the top dentist to help me determine if I need crowns or veneers? My dentist isn’t a cosmetic dentist but she suggested that I just get braces for my teeth. My teeth are twisted inward. Braces might be an option but I am not really interested in them. The other thing is that my teeth are smaller than normal adult teeth. I am 39 yrs old so there is no chance that the situation will improve. I don’t want just straight teeth. I want celebrity teeth. I am not the most attractive woman so I want my teeth to make up for my appearance. My dentist is trying to refer me to a colleague of hers who is a cosmetic dentist and graduated dental school with her, but I am worried that this is just the buddy system. The colleague might be a good dentist but I need some definite markers to help me choose the top dentist for the work that needs to be done to get my smile where I want it. Thanks much. Symone T.

Symone – Your concerns are valid. Although many dentists claim to be cosmetic dentists, not all of them have the training, skill, or artistic talent to produce the celebrity smile you want. In fact, very few dentists can produce that kind of smile. So you will have to do a little work to find the top dentist for your case.

In your search for the top dentist for your smile makeover, look for a cosmetic dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or who has high credentials in another association for aesthetic dentistry. Have a few consultations with cosmetic dentists. Find out how long each dentist has been practicing cosmetic dentistry, and ask to see before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.

Braces are one solution to aligning your teeth. A combination of braces and gum contouring may produce the results you want. But so can porcelain veneers. Veneers will not only perfectly align your teeth, but they will also perfectly shape them. Porcelain crowns require more aggressive preparation of your natural teeth, so they are not the preferred option.

Ask each dentist about the pros and cons of your treatment options. Compare each cosmetic dentist’s work, experience, and credentials. And then you can make an informed decision about the top dentist for the celebrity smile you want.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.