mynewsmile.com Archives - Naperville Cosmetic Dentist

Why Does the Cosmetic Dentist Matter if they Outsource their Ceramic Work

September 30, 2019 by writeradmin

I’m planning on getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. Everyone keeps warning me that I have to choose the cosmetic dentist carefully. I would understand that if I were getting dental bonding, which the dentist does himself. But, I’m getting porcelain veneers. Isn’t that sent out to a ceramist to do the work? Why would the dentist matter?

Corrie

Dear Corrie,

You’ve asked a good question. You’re right that cosmetic dentists send the work to a ceramist to do. However, I want you to think about it as a prescription. A doctor examines you, then makes a diagnosis and writes a prescription to help you get better. While you take that prescription to a pharmacy to produce the pills for you, it’s the doctor who mattered. If the doctor writes the wrong prescription or made an incorrect diagnoses you won’t get better. In fact, you could get worse.

It’s similar with cosmetic work. Your dentist designs the smile and writes the equivalent of a prescription. This would include the shade map, the surface texture, and the degree of translucency. In addition, the quality of his impressions, as well as the preparation of your teeth which he does, makes a huge difference.

Smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. It’s a skill that requires a great deal of post-doctoral training, as well as an artistic eye. Unfortunately, cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. So how is a patient supposed to know who has the training as well as artistry required?

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

What you would have to do is ask where they received their cosmetic training after dental school, knowing which institutions are reputable. Then you’d ask to see visual evidence of cases the dentist had done personally showing the before as well as the results he achieved.

Fortunately, someone has done that for you. The mynewsmile.com website screens cosmetic dentists who want to be listed on their referral link. No dentist can just pay to be listed. The site, run by an cosmetic dentist, verifies their training and inspects their previous cosmetic cases to make sure they create beautiful work.

If they list a dentist, you can be assured whether you get dental bonding or porcelain veneers, the results will be stunning.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Dental Bonding Disaster

September 25, 2019 by writeradmin

I’m trying to figure out what to do. I’ve had these spaces toward the top of my teeth that look like dark triangles. I got so tired of that being the thing I see when I smile. My dentist said he could just close those spaces with dental bonding and it would be an easy fix. That has not been the case. When he first did the bonding it looked like he just did some white caulking on my teeth. It doesn’t match at all. He insisted that’s because I’m used to seeing it dark there and it matches fine. I don’t agree. The bigger problem, though, is I can’t get floss between the teeth anymore. Is that going to bad or am I overreacting?

Lorna

Dear Lorna,

upper and lower teeth showing some black traingles

Black triangles on upper front teeth and several lower teeth

Black triangles, such as you can see in the picture above, are generally caused by receding gums. Direct dental bonding is a solution for it, but it does take an expert cosmetic dentist. It doesn’t sound like your dentist has this expertise. The fact that you can’t floss is a serious problem. So, no, you’re not overreacting.

This is a problem with dental bonding in a situation like yours. Without a proper understanding of how to shape the bonding in that area you end up with a spot where food and bacteria will get trapped. This is what you’re facing. Without the ability to floss you are going to develop decay and gum disease.

Fixing a Dental Bonding Disaster

My suggestion is to have your dentist use sandpaper strips which are designed to remove this type of dental bonding and have the case re-done. Because he’s put your teeth at risk with this being done incorrectly, you have a right to ask for a refund or for him to make it right.

The color and shape are tricky in that area. There are shade variations even in that tiny space. Plus, if he doesn’t shape it right the second time, you’ll still be in danger of there being no way to floss. If you trust him enough to give it another try, go ahead and give him another chance. However, if you don’t have confidence he can get this right, a refund is a reasonable request.

Finding a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist to Fix Your Dental Bonding

My suggestion, if you decide to get a refund and find a more skilled dentist, would be to look at the cosmetic dentist recommendations on the mynewsmile.com website. A dentist cannot just pay to be listed. Instead, they are screened for both technical skill as well as artistry. Without a high level of training and talent in both areas, they won’t be listed. Any of the dentists listed on their site will do a good job for you.

It’s worth noting that the color the bonding is made is permanent. If you decide to whiten your teeth at a later date, your natural tooth structure will whiten but not the bonding. Because of that, it’s always wiser to whiten your teeth first.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Porcelain Veneers for Tetracycline Stains

August 31, 2019 by writeradmin

I have struggled with embarrassing tetracycline stains my whole life. I’m about to graduate college and have a job which will allow me to finally get my smile fixed. I spoke with my family dentist and he wants to do dental crowns. I’m a little leery of this because, other than the stains, my teeth are completely healthy. I’m not sure I want to grind them down. I asked about porcelain veneers and he didn’t think they’d work. I’m hoping if they don’t there’s another option.

Callie

Dear Callie,

Your family dentist is steering you away from porcelain veneers, not because they can’t be done, but because he is not skilled in them. Many general dentists use porcelain crowns as a crutch. They think the added thickness will help with covering the stains. As you’ve noted, though, it means you have to grind down healthy tooth structure.

Tetracycline stains are among the toughest stains to cover. The porcelain veneers have to be opaque enough to cover the stains, yet translucent enough to still look natural. I would say only about 1-2% of dentists have the ability to pull off this type of smile makeover. You truly need an expert cosmetic dentist. You’ll have to be careful about who you choose.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

There isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. Even worse, doing smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. If a dentist is interested in doing cosmetic work, they have to invest time and training in the skills on their own at post-doctoral institutions.

It’s hard for patients to know which of these institutions are reputable and do a great job teaching how to create a beautiful smile. To help with this, mynewsmile.com has a “find a cosmetic dentist” page. They pre-screen each dentist who wants to be listed on their page.

The dentist has to show they’ve received the right post-doctoral training. But, technical skill alone isn’t enough to be listed. The dentist then has to show they have an artistic eye by providing visual evidence of cases they’ve done. Once their skill and artistry are verified, that’s when they are listed. Not before.

While this shouldn’t be a problem with anyone listed on their site, make sure you get to see the porcelain veneers on your teeth with a temporary try-in paste in several different types of lighting before they are bonded onto your teeth. Don’t approve them unless you are pleased.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

DURAthin Versus Lumineers— Which is Less Expensive

August 13, 2019 by writeradmin

I’ve been researching the ultra-thin veneers in preparation for my smile makeover. I like the look on the pictures of DURAthin better than Lumineers but wondered if there is a significant cost difference. I can’t seem to find that information anywhere.

Alanna

Dear Alanna,

Lumineers are one brand of porcelain veneers

I like that you are doing research, but I’d like to switch how you’re approaching it. Let’s start with the cost. The reason you can’t find any cost lists is because most of the price for a smile makeover is based on the individual dentist and his or her skill level.

While some dentists will charge as low as $700 per porcelain veneer (and I would stay far, far away from those dentists), others will charge around $3000 a veneer. That doesn’t necessarily mean the higher the price the better the smile makeover.

Smile makeovers are an art form. Unfortunately, that art isn’t taught in dental school. A dentist has to pursue post-doctoral training in order to develop the skills required. Not only does it take technical knowledge, but the dentist will need an artistic eye.

Just like any art, some artists are better than others. You can give the same paints to two different painters and ask them tp create a pastoral scene. In almost all cases, one will be better than the other. It’s got nothing to do with the brand of paints used. It’s the skill of the painter.

It will be the same with your new smile. If you want a gorgeous smile, the thing to do is pick the right dentist and let them pick the best brand of porcelain veneers to achieve the smile you want.

Finding a Great Cosmetic Dentist

I’m going to suggest that you go to the mynewsmile.com website. It is run by an expert cosmetic dentist who no longer practices. He screens dentists who want to be listed for their post-doctoral training as well as their artistic ability. Anyone he lists will give you a stunning smile.

Don’t be surprised if they recommend a brand other than Lumineers. Most good cosmetic dentists don’t like that brand. That is mostly because this brand requires a dentist to use their lab, which isn’t known for its artistry. That is very likely why you found the images from a different brand to be superior.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Whiten Old Porcelain Veneers

July 31, 2019 by writeradmin

I had porcelain veneers placed fifteen years ago. Mine have a natural stain on them because my dentist said all veneers are that way to make them look natural. This was before they could be made super white. I’d like to whiten them now. Does teeth whitening work or is there a different procedure to whiten them?

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

Your dentist was mistaken about the color of the porcelain veneers. I’m guessing you went to your family dentist instead of to an expert cosmetic dentist. Dentists are taught in dental school that cosmetic work needs to look “natural”. However, when a dentist studies cosmetic dentistry we know that patients who are coming for a smile makeover don’t want a natural-looking smile but one that is stunning.

If he’d been an expert cosmetic dentist, he’d have made you the beautiful white smile you wanted. Unfortunately, teeth whitening will not do anything to brighten them. The gel used only effects natural tooth structure. The porcelain veneers will remain exactly the same.

The only thing you can do at this point is to have them replaced. However, without using a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist your results won’t be any better.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

I’m going to recommend you go to the mynewsmile.com website. Dr. Hall, who runs the site, screens every dentist who asks to be listed. They cannot pay to be listed. Instead, they have to provide evidence of their cosmetic training and artistry. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. Nor are smile makeovers taught in dental school. A dentist has to invest their own time in training at post-doctoral centers.

Dr. Hall examines their training and then asks them to provide visual evidence of cases they’ve done to demonstrate their artistry. If a dentist is recommended on that site, they’ll be able to give you a stunning smile you’ll be proud to share with the world.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville, IL Dentist Dr. DAvid Newkirk.

Are Lumineers Bad for Your Teeth?

May 29, 2019 by writeradmin

I’ve been considering getting a smile makeover and have been doing some research. I am finally ready to jump forward and spoke to my dentist. He wants to place Lumineers which is why I’m writing to you. From what I can tell. Lumineers get very mixed reviews. Some people like them, some people hate them, and some say they destroyed their teeth. I was hoping to get porcelain veneers but my dentist seems pretty set on Lumineers. What’s the real scoop on these?

Cassie

Dear Cassie,

Lumineers are one brand of porcelain veneers

The first thing I want to make sure you know is that Lumineers are simply a brand of porcelain veneers. Think of it as the difference between brands of makeup. Some are matte. Some are glossy. Some are more pigmented. It’s the same with porcelain veneers. Different brands have different strengths.

The reason for the mixed reviews on the Lumineers brand is they are highly marketed, especially to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. They market them as no-prep veneers which makes dentists think they’ll be much easier to place. There are some problems with this though.

The Problems with Lumineers

First, there is no such thing as no-prep veneers. Even ultra-thin veneers require the teeth to be etched in preparation for the bonding. That etching is permanent. You will always need some type of covering on that tooth.

Second, the results are often bulky. With traditional porcelain veneers, a small amount of tooth structure is removed from the tooth so it doesn’t add extra bulk. Even with ultra-thin brands, though they remove maybe a millimeter less of structure, it’s important to remove it. Without that, the teeth are thicker than people are used to. Often, they look bulky and have been described as horse teeth. People have complained about having trouble talking.

The third problem with Lumineers is their lab. The DenMat company owns the brand and absolutely insists dentists use it. Unfortunately, their lab isn’t known for its skill and artistry. Expert cosmetic dentists prefer to use more skilled labs.

As I mentioned before they’re are highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. Most of the time, they don’t yet have the skill to provide you with a beautiful smile. While everyone has to start somewhere, you don’t necessarily want them practicing on you. It can be okay, but first I’d make sure they will put them on with a temporary try in paste and let you have a good look at them. If you don’t love them, they should be willing to re-do them until you do.

If they won’t put that in writing, I’m going to suggest you see a different dentist. IF you want to find a great cosmetic dentist, look on the mynewsmile.com website. They pre-screen the dentists for both their technical knowledge and skill as well as their artistry.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Teeth Whitening and Invisalign Before Porcelain Veneers?

April 30, 2019 by writeradmin

I told my dentist I wanted to get a smile makeover and he told me he was recently certified to place porcelain veneers using Lumineers and would be happy to do them. However, he’s also suggesting two other procedures first. One is teeth whitening and the other is Invisalign for a slightly crooked tooth. I’m new at this, so didn’t know if this was standard operating procedure or if any of it was unnecessary. What are your thoughts?

Destiny

Dear Destiny,

I’m very glad you wrote because I believe I can save you some almost certain heartache. Let’s start with the procedures he’s suggesting. The teeth whitening is pretty standard. Once the veneers are placed, they can’t be whitened. Their color is set and permanent. The whiter your teeth are when they’re placed, the closer the match can be to your natural teeth.

However, one key with cosmetic dentistry is it is about what YOU, the patient, want their teeth to look like. For instance, if you’re not wanting white porcelain veneers, but just veneers which match your natural teeth, the teeth whitening isn’t necessary.

The issue with the Invisalign for the crooked tooth, is not standard procedure. In fact, it makes me seriously doubt your dentist has the skills to give you a smile makeover you’ll be proud of sharing.

When porcelain veneers are done correctly they make crooked teeth look straight. There is no need for an additional procedure such as Invisalign.

You Need a True Cosmetic Dentist

Another issue which informs me he’s not a skilled cosmetic dentist is the fact he’s pushing Lumineers. This brand is highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place.

This is because the seminar stresses no-prep application. Without tooth preparation, the results are often bulky looking, which is one of the chief complaints which Lumineers wearers have expressed. In fact, I saw one reviewer describe them as horse teeth.

This is also why he’s suggesting Invisalign. He doesn’t know how to do the tooth prep, which would be required with a crooked tooth.

In order for you to find a dentist who can give you a gorgeous smile. I’m going to suggest you go to the mynewsmile.com website. They have a link for patients to find a cosmetic dentist. The best part about this is they’ve already been screened for both their technical skill and artistry. If they’re on that list, they are great cosmetic dentists.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Lumineers Versus DuraThin

February 27, 2019 by writeradmin

I’m planning on getting a smile makeover but can’t seem to decide between DuraThin and Lumineers. I like the look of the Durathin better than the Lumineers, but didn’t know if there was a significant cost difference. I might be willing to swing my vote based on that.

Andy

Dear Andy,

Porcelain veneers being held up by a dental tool — It’s not the brand of porcelain veneers that’s important

I’m hoping to change the way you look at this for a moment. Cosmetic work is different than other types of branding purchases. Both Lumineers and DuraThin are just that– a brand.

Let’s pretend you’re buying your wife a perfume. You have two brands you both like and you prefer one over the other. It really wouldn’t matter what store you purchased the perfume. The brand would be the same at any store.

That’s not the case when it comes to porcelain veneers.

The “store” matters. It’s the skill of the dentist that makes the biggest difference in the results of your smile makeover. Plus, cost isn’t determined by the brand, rather by the skill of the dentist. The cost of the porcelain itself is about the same either way.

Two cosmetic dentists can work on the same patient with the same materials and one is going to be significantly better than the other depending on the artistic eye of the dentist.

If you’re going to choose between things, choose between dentists. They’ll know the subtle differences in the brands of porcelain and why one might work better for the look you’re going for.

Finding a Great Cosmetic Dentist

What you need to know is whether they’ve done significant cosmetic training since graduating dental school. Then you want to examine a good sampling of cases they’ve done which gives a good idea of their artistic ability.

You’ll also want to know that they’re willing to stand behind their work and not be satisfied or finished until you’re completely thrilled. It’s about the patient’s goals.

Not many patients have the time to do all of that. Fortunately, mynewsmile.com has done all the work for you. They’ve thoroughly vetted cosmetic dentists who want to be listed on their site for both technical skill and artistry. They cannot pay to be listed.

My recommendation to you is to go to their site and click on “find a cosmetic dentist”. You’ll be in great hands with anyone they recommend.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Worried I’m Getting Bad Advice from Dentist

December 29, 2018 by writeradmin

So, I’m in a tad of a quandary. I’ve had tetracycline stains for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been embarrassed by my smile as a result. I’ve been saving for years to do something about it. I FINALLY have what I think is enough. I went to visit my family dentist about it. We’ve known him for years and he’s a reputable dentist. He’s suggesting six porcelain crowns. I don’t know why, but have this niggling feeling this is the wrong way to go. I think it may be that I’m not crazy about the idea of having crowns. My teeth are healthy. Am I overreacting and this is the right direction to go?

Lydia

Dear Lydia,

Your gut feeling is right. Your dentist probably has the best of intentions on helping you, but I don’t think he realizes the complicated nature of covering tetracycline stains. I don’t think he’s the best dentist to help you. There are two things he’s suggested that confirm this to me.

Mistake Number One

The best cosmetic fix for teeth is to have porcelain veneers done. These are thin wafers of porcelain which fit over the front of your teeth and “hug” the sides. They can completely remake your smile, changing the shape, size, and color of your teeth simultaneously.

Your dentist is suggesting dental crowns. As you noted, this grinds down healthy tooth structure. You’ll be stuck with dental crowns for the remainder of your life. There’s no reason for him to suggest this if your teeth don’t already have crowns on them or are not in need of crowns. He’s only suggesting it because that is the procedure he’s comfortable with.

Msitake Number Two

He’s suggesting six crowns. This is a common mistake with general dentists. In dental school they’re taught to think in terms of anterior/posterior teeth. The front six teeth are considered “front” teeth, everything else are considered back teeth.

Instead, cosmetic dentists are taught to think in terms of the “aesthetic zone”. Most smiles are much wider than six teeth, as you can see in the picture above. This woman had her “smile makeover” done by someone who didn’t truly understand the aesthetics of cosmetic dentistry. As a result, you can tell the six front teeth are dental crowns. It’s obvious her smile is fake. I doubt that was the look she was going for.

The Best Dentist for Tetracycline Stains

Tetracycline stains are one of the most challenging cosmetic procedures. You need the veneers to be opaque enough to cover they grayish color, but not so opaque it doesn’t reflect natural light and look fake. It will take an expert cosmetic dentist. If I knew where you lived I’d recommend someone to you. Fortunately, there’s a site I’m going to recommend.

Mynewsmile.com screened cosmetic dentists who want to be listed for both technical skills as well as artistry. Anyone listed on their site is capable of giving you a beautiful smile.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Lumineers or Another Brand?

November 10, 2018 by writeradmin

I really wanted to get Lumineers. I love the smiles I see in their advertisements. Yet, when I do research on them the reviews are quite mixed. I can’t decide if they are the right brand to get or not. I like the idea of the no prep part. It sounds like it would be better for my teeth. I just don’t want to make a mistake. Any advice?

LeeAnne

Dear LeeAnne,

You are sort of on the right track here, but you’re asking the wrong question. Lumineers are highly marketed, but not just to potential patients. They are marketed even more to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. They tell the dentists they’re easy to place because they can be placed with no tooth preparation.

However, that doesn’t always work out best for the patient. No matter how thin something is, you are still adding it to your teeth. Even a millimeter or two will add bulk to your teeth. Depending on your teeth this could end up looking quite bulky. Some disappointed patients have even described them as having horse teeth. Minimal tooth preparation can prevent that.

Question the Dentist Not the Lumineers

The more important question is who should design your smile makeover, not which brand you should use. Look at it this way. If you hire two artists to do a portrait of the same woman, will they both end up looking exactly the same? Of course not! Each artist has their own style and, quite frankly, one of them is likely more skilled than the other.

A great dentist can take any brand and make it beautiful. They just have the training and skills to make beauty. That being said, Lumineers has one big problem— its lab. The DenMat Company, which owns the brand, requires dentists to use their lab. Unfortunately, their lab is known for sub-par work. It is always better if a dentist can pick the ceramist they want to work with. They know their strengths and weaknesses and will know which one will give better results.

Finding the Right Dentist to do Your Smile Makeover

There are many brands of porcelain veneers, all with different strengths. A skilled cosmetic dentist knows them well. You want that cosmetic dentist. They’ve done significant post-doctoral studies in dental aesthetics. Not only that, but you’ll want them to have an artistic eye with their work as well. It’s nearly impossible for a patient to do all that research.

Fortunately, you don’t have to. There is a website called mynewsmile.com. They’ve thoroughly vetted any dentist who wants to be listed on their site. They have to demonstrate both technical skill and an artistic eye. They can’t just pay to get on the site.

If you’re looking for a stunning smile makeover, I’d go with one of their recommended dentists. They’ll go over what type of smile design you want, give recommendations based on your facial structure, etc. Then get to work. Trust them to pick the brand.

I hope this helps with your conundrum.
This blog is brought to you by Naperville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.