Archives for April 2018

My Teeth Look Worse After Cosmetic Bonding Removal

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sad face over bad cosmetic bonding

I had cosmetic bonding done about six months ago to fix a chip and close a gap between my front teeth. It felt very rough and awkward from the very start and I couldn’t speak properly, but my dentist said I’d get used to it. After about a month, I went back in and he made some adjustments, then told me to spend more time adjusting to them. I tried. I really did. They felt a little smoother after that, but still bulky and messed with how I talk. I gave it until about the four-month mark and went back in for more adjustments. At that point, the dentist said if I couldn’t get used to the cosmetic bonding, we’d just take it off. Well, that’s where we wound up. I had the work undone last week. My teeth do feel almost normal again, but the look really splotchy and uneven. My dentist says they look exactly how they looked before we did anything, but I really don’t think that’s true. I feel like I’m losing my mind a little. Is it possible I’m imagining this? What are my options now?

Thanks,

Uli

 

Dear Uli,

It sounds like you were treated by a general dentist rather than a cosmetic dentist, as cosmetic dentists typically take before and after photos so patients can see the improvements with ease after work is complete. Without something like that, it’s impossible to say or prove what your teeth really looked like prior to having the work done, though odds are your memory is correct. If you had a problem with splotchy teeth or discolorations before visiting the dentist, that would likely have been something you mentioned.

Cosmetic Bonding Can’t Be “Undone”

Unfortunately, there’s no real way to undo work once it has been done. Even very conservative dentists who don’t remove much of any tooth structure to prepare a tooth still make alterations to the surface. On top of that, the tooth-colored composite material used for procedures like this should match your tooth, meaning that even if it is being reduced or shaved off, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to see where the material ended and where your tooth began. Although it can’t be proven, it’s quite likely the dentist removed a bit of enamel while removing the cosmetic work, which could result in uneven coloring.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist to Have This Fixed

If you want to have this repaired, you’ll need to visit a cosmetic dentist or a dentist who does a lot of this type of work. Depending on where you live, dentists may not be able to call themselves “cosmetic dentists,” or even say they specialize in cosmetic work, but you should be able to tell based on how he or she positions him/herself, viewing before and after photos with major cosmetic improvements, and reviews. Best of luck to you.

 

This blog is sponsored by the chairside veneer template system Uveneer.

Does it Pay to Market a Direct Composite Veneers Technique?

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business card that says ask me about my direct composite veneers technique

I’m wondering if it’s worthwhile to market my specific direct composite veneers technique to patients. It’s something I’ve refined over more than a decade of work, enhancing and building upon practices that are typically part of continuing education courses. It’s a big part of why my chairside work is more aesthetically pleasing than others and has led to a considerable number of positive reviews on social media/ Yelp. I’m not particularly worried about other local dentists using my direct composite veneers technique because it’s more intensive than most and there are few cosmetic dentists in the area. I believe that by breaking down the process for patients, they’ll understand why my methods are superior and it will increase buy-in as well as satisfaction. Equally, I’m hesitant to start something that could open up a can of worms and either confuse people or have them questioning the methodology. Is there anything to back either school of thought up?

Thank you,

Dr. C. Martinez

 

Dear Dr. Martinez,

This I a great question. Generally speaking, patients don’t care about the direct composite veneers technique as much as they care about the results and other factors that go into choosing a dentist. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t inform them, only that there are other things you could be focusing on with your marketing before getting down to the details that might produce better results. To shed a little light on the subject, some stats were gathered from a dental referral company. Though they may be a bit biased, most surveys reveal similar patterns.

Why Patients Choose a Dentist

  • 59% Select based on insurance
  • 44% Are influenced by location
  • 29% Are swayed by ratings and reviews
  • 19% Check out your tech
  • 18% Consider your credentials
  • 13% Seek immediate appointments
  • 13% Require extended/ more convenient hours

In short, your specific processes won’t likely weigh into anyone’s decision to select your office. However, the technology your office uses might weigh in. For example, if you’re using a dental matrix system like Uveneer, have a CEREC machine, use digital x-rays, and so on, a significant number of people will feel more confident choosing you. It’s equally important for you to mention your credentials, such as your dental school and notable continuing education courses. These, paired having great reviews (ideally with before/ after photos) are the greatest things you have control over that can boost confidence in you and encourage patients to sign up.

How Patients Find a Dentist

  • 82% Get referrals from friends, family, and co-workers
  • 54% Use search engines like Google
  • 52% Choose from an insurance list
  • 32% Use directories like the Yellow Pages
  • 30% Select from an online directory
  • 27% Check out review sites like Yelp
  • 26% Use dental referral companies
  • 24% Select one they’ve traveled past
  • 17% Review print ads
  • 15% Choose from social media

With this in mind, you’d want to send targeted messages to people concerning the items on the first list through the mediums displayed on this list. That’s not to say your processes don’t matter. They do. However, they only matter as far as the results you create and comfort you can establish with potential patients. If you have a system that works well for you, by all means, use it because your results will generate interest, but you won’t get measurable results by explaining your processes. Hope this helps clear things up.

 

This blog is sponsored by Uveneer, maker of an innovative chairside composite veneer system for dentists.

 

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