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Cosmetic and
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dentistry

Archives for July 2019

Do I Have to See an Accredited Cosmetic Dentist?

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I’m thinking of getting a smile makeover and research says it is important to go to an accredited cosmetic dentist. There doesn’t seem to be any in my area. To get a beautiful smile, do I have to see an accredited dentist?

Mercy

Dear Mercy,

Brunette with a beautiful smile

AACD accredited dentists are in the top 1% in the country.

For a dentist to reach accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, they have to pass both technical and clinical exams. The technical exam is to ensure they have the requisite knowledge to do the job skillfully. The clinical exams show they also have the artistry to create stunning smiles.

AACD accredited dentists are in the top 1% of cosmetic dentists in the country. However, there is no regulation to compel a dentist to seek accreditation in order to provide cosmetic work. In fact, there are no regulations necessary for a dentist to call him (or her)self a cosmetic dentist.

Getting a Beautiful Smile Makeover

While you don’t have to see an AACD accredited dentist to get a beautiful smile makeover, you do have to make sure the dentist has the expertise to do the work properly and with artistry. If you don’t have an accredited dentist in your area, you still have an additional resource where you can trust the dentists to know what they’re doing.

The mynewsmile.com website also screens cosmetic dentists. They won’t list them unless they have done post-doctoral studies in smile makeovers at a reputable institution and provided visual evidence of their artistic abilities. Some of these dentists are accredited. Some are on their way to accreditation. Some aren’t interested in going through the process. All of them can give you a stunning smile.

You may already know that the top of the line procedure for a smile makeover is to get porcelain veneers. It is not recommended to place them over dental crowns, so if you have those on any teeth, you will still have to have a crown. A good cosmetic dentist is skilled enough to match your crowns to your veneers. If they’re on visible teeth, they will give you an all-porcelain crown. Those are more natural-looking.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Jaw Pain from Dental Appointment

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I had my teeth prepared for both crowns and porcelain veneers on my upper arch. I’m almost a week out and my jaw is still in massive pain. I ache constantly. My dentist suggested taking Ibuprofen, which I have been, but I feel like I’m living on the pills. Could my dentist have caused a TMJ problem? He’s going to be gone for a week. Do I need to see another dentist or can I wait until he gets back?

Missy

Dear Missy,

woman holding her her jaw in pain

This sounds pretty normal for what you’ve been through. Your mouth had to be propped open for quite a while. Soreness in your jaw is to be expected. It may even go on for another week or so. In addition to the pain medicine, you can do hot and cold compresses to help give you some relief.

If your dentist is gone for a week, he should have made arrangements with another dentist to care for his patients in the case of a dental emergency. I don’t think this is one, but if things get worse you can call your office and there should be a number on their answering machine for the dentist he’s made arrangements with.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

While jaw pain is a symptom of TMJ, that in isolation isn’t usually a sign. There are generally other things which accompany jaw pain. Some examples would be:

  • Popping or clicking of your jaw
  • Migraines, especially in the morning
  • A change in your bite
  • Neck pain

If any of these symptoms develop, that would be when you should talk to a dentist about TMJ disorder. There are tests a dentist can run to help determine if this is an issue for you.

Don’t go to any dentist about this, though. You want a dentist who has invested time in TMJ training after dental school. You’ve had what sounds like a full-mouth reconstruction. When this is done properly, it can actually treat TMJ disorder. But, if it is done improperly it can make things worse. That’s why you should keep an eye on those other symptoms.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.