I told my dentist I was ready to get porcelain veneers. I’ve been saving up for years. Now that I have enough, he tells me I’m not a good candidate because I grind my teeth. He said that’s bad for porcelain veneers and I should get crowns instead. I’m really disappointed. Is there any way around this? I don’t think crowns will be as pretty.
Karyn
Dear Karyn,
There are a few problems with what your dentist told you. Let’s address your teeth grinding first. It appears as if your dentist knows you grind your teeth but has taken no steps to protect you from the consequences. It’s not likely you could stop it on your own. Most people do it in their sleep and have zero knowledge of even doing it.
You’re in need of a mouth guard. The same damage he was saying would happen to your porcelain veneers is currently happening to your natural teeth. For that matter, it will also destroy the dental crowns, just like anything else.
Why Your Dentist is Saying No to Your Porcelain Veneers
My guess is your dentist doesn’t feel qualified to place porcelain veneers. He likely hasn’t done much (if any) of his continued education in cosmetic procedures. I wouldn’t recommend you do any form of a smile makeover with him, especially not porcelain crowns. First, you’d be grinding down healthy tooth structure. Second, he’ll probably do a horrible job. You’d have functional crowns but your smile won’t be the gorgeous smile you’re hoping for.
Even worse, what he’s suggesting is a full mouth reconstruction. it takes some advanced knowledge of how your bite fits together. If he doesn’t get it right, and he probably won’t, he could mess your bite up so horribly that you’re in pain for years with TMJ Disorder. You’d have to live with jaw pain, migraines, and sometimes you might not even be able to eat.
Finding the Right Dentist to Place Your Porcelain Veneers
What you need is to find an AACD accredited dentist. That’s different than membership. Those who reach accreditation have to pass stringent oral and written exams as well as demonstrate their artistry on a large number of cases they’ve personally performed. It’s not an easy achievement. They’re among the best cosmetic dentists in the country. They will give you an absolutely gorgeous smile. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee.
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