I struggled with bulimia for years. I’m finally recovered and haven’t had a single relapse in two years. The problem I’m facing now is the state of my teeth. They’re paper thin from constant damage. They’ve got spaces between them. To make matter worse, my bite seems to be completely off on the left side which is pushing my jaw forward when I chew. I don’t know if this is connected but every time I eat and when I wake up in the morning I have a massive headache. I’m thinking I need a cosmetic dentist to fix this because my family dentist doesn’t seem to think much can be done. But, I want a smile I’m proud of now that I’ve worked so hard to be healthy.
Maggie
Dear Maggie,
The key ingredient to a gorgeous smile makeover is the right cosmetic dentist
First, I’m going to say how fantastic it is you were able to overcome bulimia. I know several friends who still struggle so what you’ve done is incredible and you should be proud of yourself. Second, it is great that you are looking for a cosmetic dentist because that is the type of dentist you will need to take care of this.
Because of the damage to your teeth, you will likely need almost every tooth crowned. It will require special bonding technology. You will need an expert cosmetic dentist as a result. Not only will they have the technical skill necessary to do the job properly, but they also have the artistry to create a stunning smile you’ll be proud of for many years to come.
Dealing with Your Bite
I do think the headache issues you’ve been facing are TMJ related. You’ll want to make sure whichever cosmetic dentist you choose is also trained in treating TMJ disorder. He or she will do a full-mouth reconstruction. The treatment for that will also be crowning every tooth. So, nothing different there.
I’d start by looking for a dentist who has been accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Fortunately, those who’ve reached accreditation usually also invested a significant about of training in TMJ as well, so you can knock out two birds with one stone.
Best of luck to you.
This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.