I have teeth that are slightly protruded and stained. What are my options for getting an attractive smile that doesn’t include braces? Seriously…NO Braces!
Alicea
Dear Alicea,
You have a couple of good options to get a beautiful smile. The first option is to get orthodontics. Now, I can hear you saying, “No braces!” I promise I am not talking about traditional braces. There have been some wonderful advances in dentistry. One of those is an invisible braces option, such as Invisalign. Instead of metal wires and brackets, these use clear aligners that straighten your teeth. For the discoloration, some simple teeth whitening will do the trick.
A second option is to have a complete smile makeover done using porcelain veneers. This is the go-to for celebrities that want that Hollywood smile. It can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth simultaneously.
The important thing with porcelain veneers, though, is to make certain you go to an expert cosmetic dentist. Doing smile makeovers is not taught in dental school. Nor is cosmetic dentistry a recognized specialty. If a dentist wants to develop skills in cosmetic procedures, it is up to them how much and how skilled they become. There is no baseline.
Your safest option is to find an AACD accredited dentist. Dentists who seek accreditation through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have to prove not just their technical knowledge and understanding about cosmetic work, but also have to demonstrate they have artistry by submitting a large number of visual evidence of procedures they’ve done.
With the right dentist, porcelain veneers will give you a smile that lights up a room.
This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.