cosmetic dentistry

[baggysenior]

has anyone had their teeth whitened and veneers put in to create the perfect smile? if so, where did you have it done and how much did it approx cost? I've had a plastic brace in, to close gaps in my teeth but sadly it hasn't worked. I don't have a lot of money,but i do have a little in my savings account so i would be prepared to pay for it. (i know its quite pricey)All i want to know is, was it worthwhile and does anyone know of a reasonably priced cosmetic dentist (if one exists!) in or near the Birmingham area?

[joannie10]

I had veneers put on my 2 front teeth at my own dentist(not your area). My dentist is partially nhs funded so only cost me �200. I was very happy with the result but unfortunately after a few months I split one of them on a crispy baguette - probably something I should not have been eating. Anyway the dentist got me a new one as had not had for a year at no further cost but obv had to spend sometime with broken veneer, then worn down tooth - people assured me it did not look as bad as I felt it did. Lifeline on them is approx 5-10 years so you need to be ready for that cost but the other thing is that period of about a week getting old veneer off before new ones fitted. Something I have obviously felt was worth taking the chance. I know a few others that have had it, some whose was much more expensive than me and they also agree that you do just have this worry about damage and the getting them redone.

[MrXLA]

Veneers or crowns would cost between �200-�400 each (you may get some kind of discount on the individual crowns/veneers if you are having several done)
- the price range varies according to time taken, material used, lab. cost, temporary material etc..
Veneers on front teeth can look good, however:
1) They do not last forever and will fall off (which can be embarrassing)
2) Assuming your teeth are un-restored even the most minimal veneer preparations involve removal of healthy tooth tissue
3) Preparing the tooth causes trauma to the 'nerve' and whilst veneer preparations tend to be minimal it is not uncommon to have sensitivity or 'nerve death' in the teeth resulting in the need for root canal treatment
4) you may have to wear a night splint to 'protect' the veneers
5) You will have to avoid coloured food and drink if she wish them to remain stain free

[MrXLA]

6) You would need more frequent visits to the dentist/hygienist because you will have something artificial bonded to the tooth surface which can leak and will attract more plaque than natural teeth
7) Your will have to have meticulous oral hygiene

***If the braces haven't worked
- is it due to relapse?
- compliance (i.e. did you wear it/them full time)?
- can the gaps be closed by more orthodontic treatment?

[joannie10]

further to MrXLA post I just have to add that I dont have to wear any night splint, it was never mentioned to me and also I have had mine for appx 3 years and no issue at all with staining.

[MrXLA]

Cosmetic dentistry is expensive for patients and can be very profitable for dentists that said there are a number of reasons for that:
- If the dentist 'sepcialises' in private cosmetic dentistry then:
- he/she sees fewer patients (and thus spends more time)
- would usually have done one or more postgraduate courses in advanced restorative/cosmetic dentistry
- will have higher lab. bills and will probably have higher overheads
- will be running a business

- if you do find a someone offering you a 'cheap' quote I'd perhaps wonder why

[MrXLA]

hi joannie10
- I believe my post says 'MAY have to wear a night splint to 'protect' the veneers'
- sometimes due to a patients occlusion (the way the teeth meet and interact) a bite guard is necessary to prevent the veneers de-bonding or fracturing especially if the patient grinds at night
- if the veneer margins are supragingival (slightly above the gum), these margins WILL stain over time (perhaps many years)
- also joannie10 you have had your veneers trouble free for 3 years which is good you MAY have them for a further 20 years with no problem but at some point they definitely will fail in some way

[MrXLA]

cosmetic veneers can look very good and in most cases can solve alot of aesthetic issues (such as space closure)
But its worth being aware of all the potential problems because once the tooth is prepared that is an irreversible step, it also depends how many you would need to get the appearance you want

[joannie10]

sorry MrXLA I was only mentioning to baggysenior that I did not have these problems - as you say needs to know both sides. You will see from my response quite early on I did experience a problem and did state that me, and those who know me do have to live with the worry of something going wrong with them.

[baggysenior]

thanks to everyone for your answers, you've definitely given me some food for thought....perhaps veneers aren't the quick fix i thought they'd be!!

[*kizzy*]

While in my twenties I wore a brace for a couple of years to straighten my top teeth. Cost a couple of hundred pounds at the time but my teeth have gradually moved back. Have two veneers on top front teeth. Very happy with them. One came off recently (put on over 10 years ago) and it cost �180 to have it replaced. Recently asked dentist about teeth whitening but because of the veneers I can't have the brilliant white teeth I'd really like.

[rootsandcrown]

The information at the link below will help you to know more about cosmetic dentistry.

Check here: https://rootsandcrown.in/cosmetic-dentist/