Archives for December 2021

Can Snap-on Smile Make for a Nice Smile Makeover?

Posted on December 31, 2021 by writeradmin.

I want to get a smile makeover but my dentist quoted me quite a bit of money. I did some online research and it looks like I can get snap on porcelain veneers for a fraction of the cost. Is this as good a deal as it looks?

Carter

Dear Carter,

When it comes to snap on veneers, such as a Snap-on Smile, which is the best brand of this sort, your expectations are way too high. These are made of acrylic and fit over your teeth. These are mostly intended as a temporary solution. the best uses for these are a job interview or photo shoot where you need to upgrade your smile quickly. However, they do not last long, nor do they look nearly as beautiful as a smile makeover with porcelain veneers will. Additionally, because they fit over your teeth, many of them look bulky.

My suggestion if you are in a hurry but do not have the money right now is to get Snap-on Smile only as a temporary solution while you save up for a real smile makeover with porcelain veneers. In reality, it will only last about three years tops anyway.

How to Get a Beautiful Smile Makeover

To get gorgeous results, you will need an expert cosmetic dentist. Don’t judge that by cost alone. Look for someone with extensive post-doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry. If you want an easy button for this, I would look for an AACD accredited dentist. These are the best cosmetic dentists in the country. Any one of them can create a stunning smile for you.

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

Fixing Black Triangles

Posted on December 31, 2021 by writeradmin.

My orthodontist did some shaving of my teeth to fit me for a retainer and it has resulted in black triangles. Is there a gum grafting procedure I can do to fix these? My smile looked great before he did the shaving.

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

Black Triangles

I haven’t examined you so cannot tell you if the shaving was necessary or not. It is very likely that your orthodontist is planning on dealing with the black triangles when your procedure is over. If he doesn’t, there is a solution. I would not consider gum grafting. Our gums respond to the position of our teeth. If your teeth are straight, the gums will move back to the open position even after the grafting.

The solution to this when your treatment is done and your teeth are perfectly straight would be to have dental bonding placed in the open spaces on either side of the teeth. Be careful though. I would not expect your average family dentist to be able to do this procedure. Dental bonding is quite tricky and has to be done freehand. You will need an expert cosmetic dentist for this procedure. I would look for someone who is AACD accredited. These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country and will give you a natural looking result that blends perfectly with the rest of your teeth.

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

Crowns Versus Veneers for Tetracycline Stains

Posted on December 29, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have tetracycline stains on my teeth and really want a pretty smile. I spoke to one dentist who has a good reputation in cosmetic dentistry, name Dr. —–[name withheld]. He wants to charge me $42, 000 for upper and lower full mouth veneers. Another dentist is suggesting porcelain crowns and is only $28,000. I really only have $30,000 to budget for this, so I should probably go with the crowns. However, I wanted to double check with someone not invested in getting my business as to crowns versus veneers for tetracycline stains. Is one better than the other for this? Plus, you should know I have a tooth grinding problem, which may impact your answer.

Carla

Dear Carla,

The first dentist you mentioned, who is suggesting porcelain veneers is one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country. If you decide to go with him, he will provide you with a stunning smile. You didn’t give the name of the second dentist, but I am cautious about recommending him either way because he is suggesting dental crowns.

Tetracycline stains are some of the trickiest to deal with when it comes to a smile makeover. You have to get the teeth opaque enough to cover the stains, while still creating a natural looking translucency to the teeth. To compensate for the difficulty, some dentists will suggest dental crowns instead of porcelain veneers thinking the added thickness will make it easier for them. It doesn’t. I find porcelain veneers to be the superior treatment. As for your bruxism (teeth grinding), if you get a nightguard to wear while you sleep it will protect you from the grinding damage. So that will not be an issue.

If your budget is the main reason for going to the cheaper dentist, I am going to suggest a different approach. I know the quality you will get with the first dentist. Why don’t you have him just do your upper arch and use a strong teeth whitening, such as Kor Whitening to do on your lower teeth. It will take a bit to get the lower teeth to match, but if you are persistent they will. Then, you are only paying $21,000, which is below budget and will have a stunning smile.

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

Should I Get My Veneers Online?

Posted on December 28, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have a discolored front tooth. Previously, it was damaged from a fall. My dentist did a composite repair on it. It was okay, but there was some color disparity and a small gap. I want to cover four teeth. I am not as worried about the color difference because the whole surface will be covered. The problem I’m having is the cost. It’s pretty steep. I just saw a company online that does snap-on veneers. I can get a full set for $700. Would that be a better option for me?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Let’s talk about the composite bonding first. Don’t do it. First, you mentioned your dentist had trouble repairing a chipped tooth. There was a mismatch in color as well as a small gap. I’m not sure if you meant a gap between your two front teeth or a gap between the composite and natural tooth structure. Either way, your dentist has a serious lack of skill. If the gap was between the composite and your natural tooth structure, that can lead to serious decay issues. I would love for you to have a thorough check up before moving forward with this just to ensure there is not any build up of decay in the gap.

If your dentist could not handle a chipped tooth, which should blend completely like the case pictured above, then you certainly do not want him doing large surface areas of your teeth. Plus, composite does not last nearly as long as porcelain veneers. You would have to re-do the work every few years. So, even if you could afford what your dentist is suggesting, say no. If you’re going to get a smile makeover, do it with porcelain veneers. Even then, you will want an expert cosmetic dentist, such as an AACD accredited dentist.

As for the snap-on veneers, the best of these options is made by a company that produces Snap-on Smile. You have to understand its limitations before investing. It is not made of porcelain so will not be as beautiful or natural looking. They are made of acrylic. They are not really designed for smile makeovers and are mostly designed to help people with really bad teeth get through an important event such as a job interview or special evening. They will look okay, not stunning. Because they fit over your teeth, they have the tendency to look a bit bulky too.

If you were going to get Snap-on Smile, I say only do it as a temporary measure while you save up for a true smile makeover with porcelain veneers. Done and cared for well, veneers can last your lifetime.

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