Call Us: (267) 763-1500

261 Old York Rd, Ste 517, Jenkintown, PA 19046

  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Michael Weiss
    • About Our Staff
    • Reviews
    • Financial Policies
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
    • What Can I Expect My First Visit?
    • Patient Forms
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Smile Makeovers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Zoom Whitening
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Gallery
  • The website of Dr. Michael Weiss
  • Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • Dentures
    • Implant Overdentures
    • Facial Collapse
  • Other Services
    • Dental Crowns
    • Porcelain Crowns
    • e.max Crowns
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
    • TMJ Dentist
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Mercury-Free Dentist
Banner image on site front page
Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

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,

snap on smile

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.

Filed Under: Smile Makeover Tagged With: AACD accredited dentist, finding an expert cosmetic detnist, porcelain veneers, Snap-on Smile

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,

example of black triangles

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.

Filed Under: Dental Bonding Tagged With: AACD accredited dentist, black triangles, composite bonding, finding an expert cosmetic dentist

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,

a porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

 

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.

Filed Under: Teeth Whitening Tagged With: bruxism, KoR Whitening, porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, teeth grinding, tetracycline stains, tooth bleaching

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,

before and after dental bonding

 

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.

Filed Under: Porcelain Veneers Tagged With: AACD accredited dentist, composite bonding, composite veneers, dental bonding, finding an expert cosmetic dentist, smile makeover, Snap-on Smile

Recent Posts

  • Do I Need to See My Dentist After Getting Head Butted by a Horse?
  • An MRI with Dental Implants?
  • Did I REALLY Get daVinci Crowns?
  • Can Dental Bonding Fix My Peg Laterals?
  • Picking the Color for my Smile Makeover

Categories

  • AACD Accredited Dentist
  • Amalgam
  • Bad Breath
  • Best Dentist
  • Chipped Teeth
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Bonding
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Implants
  • Gums
  • Implant Overdentures
  • Oral Health
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Smile Makeover
  • Teeth Whitening
  • TMJ
  • Tooth Fillings
  • Uncategorized

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
Contact
261 Old York Rd, Ste 517
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone
Call Us: (267) 763-1500
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 12pm
Follow Us
Facebook
Instagram
Reviews
Google
Yelp
Facebook
Michael Weiss logo on website

©2015- 2023 Michael Weiss, DDS Cosmetic Dentistry • All rights reserved
Website Design and SEO by Infinity Dental Web IDW Copyright Logo

  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Best Dentist in Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia Accredited Cosmetic Dentist
  • Jenkintown Affordable Dental Implants
Menu
Mobile logo for Dr. Michael Weiss Phones Icon of a telephone
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Michael Weiss
    • About Our Staff
    • Reviews
    • Financial Policies
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
    • What Can I Expect My First Visit?
    • Patient Forms
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Smile Makeovers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Zoom Whitening
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Gallery
  • The website of Dr. Michael Weiss
  • Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • Dentures
    • Implant Overdentures
    • Facial Collapse
  • Other Services
    • Dental Crowns
    • Porcelain Crowns
    • e.max Crowns
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
    • TMJ Dentist
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Mercury-Free Dentist