I have an overbite along with tetracycline stains. Given both those issues, you can imagine how much I hate showing my teeth. I have been saving up for porcelain veneers for quite a while. I was totally disappointed when I went to see my dentist and he said because my front teeth cover my lower teeth I can’t get porcelain veneers. Instead, he said I need to get six porcelain crowns. Is that my best option? If so, so I whiten my lower teeth or do I need to get them crowned as well?
Ruby
Dear Ruby,
You don’t want to get porcelain crowns. In order for that to happen, your dentist will have to grind your teeth down to nubs. Plus, dental crowns surround your teeth. With your overbite, it makes more sense to do porcelain veneers because they are only on the front of your teeth and hug the sides a bit.
My guess is your dentist doesn’t really do porcelain veneers so he suggested the procedure he is most comfortable with. You don’t want to try to force his hand to do your smile makeover with porcelain veneers. It won’t turn out the way you want. Doing smile makeovers isn’t something taught in dental school.
In order to do it well, a dental has to invest in post-doctoral training. Without that, you will end up with a disappointing, if not disastrous, result. In your situation, especially given your tetracycline stains. These are among the most difficult type of stains to treat.
Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty, so that can make it hard for the patient to determine who has the skills and who doesn’t. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recognized that. They started an accreditation program both to give dentists a way to improve their skills and to give patients a way to know who has them.
Dentists who reach accreditation are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. They’ve passed stringent exams as well as provided visual evidence of a large number of specific cases they’ve done. In your situation, I’d want an AACD accredited dentist.
Teeth Whitening and Porcelain Veneers
In most cases, doing teeth whitening on the bottom arch is sufficient for the two arches to match. With tetracycline stains, it really depends on your particular stains. Kor Whitening has the most success with this type of stains. Before taking any particular steps, let the cosmetic dentist look at it and advise you.
This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.