Existing Patients: (978) 454-9332 | New Patients: (877) 790-5172 |
Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Will I be able to find a cosmetic dentist to reverse my gap closure?

Posted on by .

I visited a cosmetic dentist to have a gap closed. I lived with the gap for 40 years but finally decided to close it because it looked like it was becoming larger. The dentist recommended 6 dental crowns. He seemed like he knew what he was doing.  I’m sorry that I wasn’t told that closing the gap would change my speech and that I would have to practice pronouncing certain words to make them clear. Also, it might be a coincidence, but I’m now having neck and jaw pain. My dentist claims it just takes time to get used to my teeth without a gap between them. I received the crowns in November. Is this a long-term adjustment? I’m certainly not asking him to do anymore work on my teeth, but is it possible to have the crowns removed from my center front teeth so I can just live with the gap and be able to speak clearly again? Thanks. Austin

Austin,

It is likely that the dental crowns you received from the cosmetic dentist are the cause of your speech problems and your neck and jaw pain. True cosmetic dentists close gaps with dental crowns and their patients have no speech issues or neck and jaw pain.

Before we continue with an explanation of a possible cause of your discomfort, let us explain what we meant by a “true cosmetic dentist.”

What Is True Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry involves enhancing the appearance of teeth. Any dentist can claim to be able to repair or fix your teeth—any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. But a true cosmetic dentist has several qualifications, including:

  • Extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry
  • Artistic inclination
  • Participates in on-going training for cosmetic dentistry to stay current with the latest tools and techniques needed to give you a natural-looking smile

A small amount of cosmetic dentists in the United States are so passionate about producing beautiful results that they set the goal of becoming accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Accreditation attests to a dentist’s clinical skill and artistic ability, because it includes:

  • A written exam
  • An oral exam by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Completing, extensively documenting, and submitting five patient cases that demonstrate a broad range of cosmetic dentistry work

What’s Causing Your Discomfort?

Although Dr. Szarek would need to examine your teeth, crowns, and bite, it seems that your cosmetic dentist opened your bite too far. Crowns that are too thick or too long can prevent your lips from closing together naturally. If your crowns are too thick, your bite—or the way your teeth fit together—could be misaligned and jaw and neck pain can result.

Can Your Gap Closure Be Reversed?

We realize that you’re disappointed and frustrated. When a patient receives dental crowns, his or her natural teeth are prepared—significantly shaved down—to ensure the dental crowns fit over the teeth. The tooth reduction cannot be reversed. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to have your natural teeth as they were before. If the issue cannot be corrected with your existing crowns, you will need new crowns.

What’s Next?

You’ll need a consultation and a second opinion.

  • Before you schedule a consultation, try to find an accredited cosmetic dentist. If you can’t find an accredited dentist, select a cosmetic dentist who has extensive training, beyond dental school, in occlusion/bite and cosmetic dentistry. Look on the dentist’s website for information on his or her education, training, and credentials.
  • Schedule a consultation; it will likely last 10-15 minutes. Some patients decide to schedule consultations with two different cosmetic dentists so they can compare options, costs, office environments, the dentist’s interaction with them, and whatever is important to the patient to have a positive experience.
  • During the consultation, ask to see before-and-after photos of the work the dentist has completed on multiple patients whose gaps were closed with dental crowns.
  • If you’re pleased with your interaction with the dentist, you can schedule an appointment for an examination to determine the cause of the issues you’re experiencing.
  • After an examination, and possibly digital x-rays, the dentist will explain the source of the problem, as well as your treatment options.

The before-and-after photos below show how cosmetic dentistry with dental crowns can beautiful close gaps between teeth.

  • Before cosmetic dentristry close-up photo of lips and worn and discolored teeth that have a gap between the front center teeth.
    BEFORE
  • AFTER

This post is sponsored by Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is located in Lowell, MA and is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Can a cosmetic dentist to anything about my walrus teeth?

Posted on by .

After doing a lot of research online I think a cosmetic dentist might be the only one to help me. You know how a walrus looks with teeth that look way too long? That’s how I look now. My teeth really used to be beautiful but now all my gums have receded. No exaggeration – every tooth looks way too long now. Is this something a cosmetic dentist can correct? How many options do I have? Thanks Ashley

Ashley – A cosmetic dentist can help with the appearance of your teeth, but first, he or she will identify the cause of your gum recession.

A Cosmetic Dentist Will Look for Causes of Gum Recession

  • Periodontal (gum) disease – This is the most common cause of receding gums. Gingivitis and periodontist can cause gum tissue to recede and break down. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily are essential to preventing gum disease. If you have periodontal disease, it will be treated before any cosmetic treatment is done on your teeth.
  • Vigorous tooth brushing – If you brush your teeth too aggressively, it can weaken your gums and cause them to recede.
  • Plaque accumulation – Plaque can cause gums to become inflamed and recede.
  • Genetic predisposition – Some people naturally have thin gums, which recede with time.

As gums continue to recede, tooth roots will be exposed, and you may experience sensitivity in your teeth. A cosmetic dentist can perform gum grating tissue to fill in your gumline and protect your tooth roots. Grafted gum tissue will be contoured to give you a natural-looking gumline.

Contact at least two accredited cosmetic dentists for an examination and to find out your treatment options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can I get white teeth like Karrueche Tran’s smile from a cosmetic dentist?

Posted on by .

I’m 3 months older than Karrueche Tran and I just love, love her smile. Will it take a cosmetic dentist to get my teeth white like hers? I have a few friends who got their teeth whitened, but so far I haven’t seen anyone’s smile that looks as good as Karreuche’s. I saw her post on Instagram from a few years ago that said she was getting her teeth whitened in Beverly Hills. Of course I can’t go that far, but I do want my smile to pop! How do I find a dentist that can really give me the results I’m looking for and not end up wasting my money on average results? Thanks. Kym

Kym – Karreuche Tran has been interviewed on several talk shows recently, and more people are noticing the brilliant smile she’s flashing. She has made high-quality teeth whitening very desirable to a lot of people.

Photo of Karrueche Tran smiling, for information on teeth whitening from Lowell MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Karrueche Tran smiling

Anyone who wants predictable results with bleaching gel should see a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists are very picky about the results they achieve. You’ll receive a treatment plan that is customized for the types of stains in your teeth, the sensitivity of your teeth, and the results you want.

Only Choose an Accredited Cosmetic Dentist for a Karreuche-Tran White Smile

We recommend that you schedule consultations with at least two accredited cosmetic dentists. Why accredited dentists?

  • Accredited cosmetic dentists have passed written exams to demonstrate their advanced knowledge of the art.
  • They’ve also submitted patient cases to demonstrate their skill in producing beautiful smiles.
  • You’ll benefit from their years of experience. No doubt, they have completed countless cases of teeth whitening with stunning results.

Before your consultations, have a close-up photo of Karreuche Tran’s smile available on your mobile device. You can show each dentist the results you want to achieve. He or she will let you know the type of whitening treatment needed to get your smile amazingly bright, yet natural looking.

Dentists use different brands of whitening, so you might receive different recommendations based on the dentist’s experience and results with a certain brand. If a dentist is accredited, you can trust his or her judgment. Don’t insist on a specific brand.

Look on each dentist’s website to see before-and-after teeth whitening photos. If photos aren’t available on the website, ask to see them during your consultation.

What Will a Cosmetic Dentist Require before Teeth Whitening?

Your teeth and gums must be healthy before your teeth are whitened. Keep in mind that some dentists have additional requirements before whitening your teeth. Depending on the dentist, any of the following might be required:

  • A recent dental exam and cleaning from your current dentist
  • Become a patient of the dentist who will whiten your teeth
  • Pay for an exam if you only want your teeth whitened and don’t plan on switching dentists

Consultations will help you choose the best cosmetic dentist for the results you want. Best wishes on your sparkling smile!

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Need a dentist to restore 2 teeth

Posted on by .

I have 2 teeth that were cracked in an accident. At first it was a hairline fracture that my dentist told me not to worry about. Last night while I was flossing my teeth, I noticed that one of the teeth is a little loose. Unfortunately I am looking for another dentist to do the work because mine told me not to worry about it. I don’t want to lose my teeth. What are my options for restoring the teeth? Jamie

Jamie – We advise you to find a skilled cosmetic dentist. Your teeth can simply be made functional again, and just about any dentist can do that. If you want beautiful results, you can get them from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

An experienced cosmetic dentist has an artistic eye. He or she is concerned about protecting your teeth, and about making the restoration match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth.

If your teeth were damaged by trauma, you will need to have them examined to determine which treatment is best for you. A damaged tooth is generally protected with a dental crown or “cap,” as it is often called.

Start by looking for a dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accreditation requires in-depth testing and presentation of cases by the dentists who apply for accreditation. This credential will highly increase your chances of receiving beautiful results for your smile. Fees from a cosmetic dentist may cost a little more, but the results will be beautiful and long-lasting. You won’t walk away frustrated with the look of your teeth.

If you can’t find an accredited dentist, look for one who is a member of the AACD. Ask the dentist how often he or she participates in ongoing cosmetic dentistry training. It will give you an indication of how interested the dentist is in achieving natural-looking results.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can cosmetic dentistry fix my gap or do I need braces?

Posted on by .

I’ve had a gap between my front teeth as long as I can remember. It seems to be getting bigger though. I don’t want to close it completely, because I’ve had it so long that it’s part of my smile now, but I do want to make it smaller. Can cosmetic dentistry make the gap smaller or do I have to get braces. – Naomi

Naomi – Cosmetic dentistry can decrease the width of the gap between your teeth. The right treatment for you depends on the size of your gap, and the size of your teeth.

In some cases, dental bonding that matches the color of your teeth can be used to close the gap a little. Porcelain veneers may be another option.

Invisalign invisible braces can be worn for a short period to partially close your gap. After treatment with any type of braces, a retainer must be worn to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.