“Top dentist” ruined my teeth

Over a 2 month period I searched for a top dentist in town. I will let the dentist I found be anonymous but my teeth are now ruined. Nothing is top about them except that they are at the top of the list for the crappiest looking, most expensive teeth in town. You can bet that I have documented all of my discussions with this dentist who claims that I got exactly the look that I asked for. This mix of veneers and crowns is a mess. They are not even color matched. I am self-conscious about smiling which is ridiculous because I smiled before I even got this bogus smile makeover. If I could, I would get my natural teeth back because at least they looked like my own teeth. Not getting this fixed is not an option, but I just don’t know what to do or who to trust. How do I start? Thank you. G.C.

Dear G.C. – We are very sorry to hear about your negative experience. We suggest that you start by asking friends or family members for recommendations for cosmetic dentists. If you can’t get recommendations, search for an accredited cosmetic dentist, or an award-winning cosmetic dentist. A dentist’s website should list verifiable credentials, training, and awards.

After you select two to three cosmetic dentists, schedule a consultation with each of them. Explain your situation, ask the dentist how he or she would resolve the issue, and take notes. Prepare a list of questions about your concerns, and ask away. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of cases like yours that the dentist has completed, or work done by another dentist that he or she has corrected. Also ask for recommendations on how you can be reimbursed, or in some compensated, for the work done by the dentist who placed your crowns and veneers. The dentist you choose will likely be willing to help.

Remember to be patient. The resolution can take time, but with the right cosmetic dentist who has a proven record of being one of the top dentists in your area, your smile can be beautifully restored and look completely natural.

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

 

Full dentures or 2 partials?

Hi. I have 4 missing top teeth and 4 missing bottom teeth. The solution my dentist gave me is one I don’t like – top and bottom partial dentures. The thought of it sounds very uncomfortable. I am wondering if it’s just better to pull the rest of my teeth and just wear full dentures. Thanks Alexis

Alexis – It is best to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. If all of your teeth are extracted, your jawbone will begin to shrink.

When your jawbone shrinks, it is difficult for it to support a denture. Dentures make speaking and chewing more difficult. Eating won’t be as enjoyable. The dentures will begin to rub your jawbone and make it sore. Dental implants prevent jawbone shrinkage because they mimic natural teeth. Dentures can be supported with dental implants. They will be stable, and they won’t rest on your jawbone and irritate it. But if you still have most of your natural teeth, there is no need to remove them and replace them with dentures or dental implants.

For your eight teeth that are missing, dental implants, or an implant-supported bridge are alternatives to a partial denture, and they will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for dental implants or an implant-supported bridge, or schedule a consultation with a skilled implant dentist or periodontist to discuss your options.

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

At 33 yrs old are dentures going to ruin my social life/dating?

I am 33 years old. Health issues beyond my control caused me to lose so many of my upper teeth that I now need dentures. I am single and would very much love to have someone in my life permanently. I have always been somewhat shy and now needing dentures I hope that my confidence level will not drop to zero. I am feeling way too young for dentures but there is nothing that I can do about it. How can I smile confidently at women my age when I am wearing fake teeth? – H.C. from Scotch Plains

H.C. Needing to replace your teeth at age 33 is a challenge. We understand your concerns. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help you to smile confidently.

When you are missing your teeth, dentures are just one option. But let’s discuss that first. If you receive your dentures from an expert cosmetic dentist, he or she will personalize your dentures so that they look completely natural and express your personality. You will not receive generic dentures that are given to just about anyone.

Additionally, your dentures can be secured with dental implants. Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and the dentures will be secured to them. Implant dentures will look and feel more natural. They will also make it easier for you to eat with dentures, and help you avoid embarrassment from dentures that slip or fall out.

An alternative to dentures is dental implants. Each tooth is individually replaced with an implant that mimics the structure of a natural tooth. A crown is placed on the implant, and the crown replicates the part of a tooth that shows when you smile.

We recommend that you find a few skilled cosmetic dentists in your area. Have a consultation with each of them to discuss your options. You will be surprised at how good you can look with restorations for your teeth—whether it’s dentures or dental implants.

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