Your leading source for cosmetic dentistry
information and referrals.

Thanks for your website!

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You are RIGHT!!!—not all dentists who claim to be cosmetic dentists have artistic ability. I didn’t know it wasn’t a specialty until after the dentist I went to, who had ‘aesthetic’ in his company name, ended up not being that good at it. Although he himself thought he did well, just like you mentioned in your article elsewhere in this website, his work wasn’t that great. He promised me a nice smile with some Valplast partials, but it did not turn out that way. The lab kept making the partials poorly (made 2 upper & 2 lower) didn’t fit the gums or palette, teeth misaligned, clear coat pooling between teeth, gums not marrying to the gum in a realistic way, all of which the dentist seemed to think were OK and fixable, and he had to keep making adjustments for, but not to a satisfactory conclusion of realism or comfort. Apparently anyone can say they are a cosmetic dentist, since it’s not a true learned expertise and the public suffers from misinformation. I would like to think that there are more than just two percent of dentists (based on what was written in your article) out there that have the knack for real art in their work. Seems now I’m stuck trying to find a dentist with more quality lab work who has experience with Valplast. No question here today, just agreeing with your statement that it takes an artistic ability to produce cosmetic dentistry well. Thank you for running this website.

– Jo Jo from West Palm Beach, Florida

(See Dr. Hall’s response below.)


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Jo Jo,
Thanks for your kind comments. We have a couple of excellent cosmetic dentists near you that we recommend. I’m sure either one of them could help you. I wouldn’t specifically search for someone experienced with Valplast – that’s a relatively insignificant detail. Even if a dentist has never worked with Valplast before, it would be very easy for an informed lab technician to bring them up to speed on the material.
Dr. Hall

Do you have a comment or anything else to add? We’d love to hear from you. Enter your comment below. Or click here to ask Dr. Hall a question.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

You were right – and thanks!

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Last week, Kathy from Oregon wrote and said that she wanted a Nesbit partial, but her dentist said that they were illegal in Oregon. I told her that I was skeptical and gave her some advice about how to proceed.

Click here to read the original post, Are Nesbit Partials Illegal?

Kathy wrote back and confirmed my suspicions. Here is her thank you:

Dr. Hall,
Thank you….for the reply.

I hate my flipper partial. My speech is slurred and my mouth is dry since wearing it. I feel like I have a clump of peanut butter on the roof of my mouth all day long. I am wearing it to keep my teeth supported on either side of the extraction and also because the gap is very apparent when I talk or smile. I do have a consultation from a dentist I found using your site and his front desk did confirm that he did work with nesbit partials. Thank you for being honest which is more than I got from the dentist who took my tooth out.

Thanks….so much, Kathy from Oregon

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About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Tina’s reply to our “Buccal nerve damage” post

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Last week I answered a question from Tina from California, who was told she has buccal nerve damage as a complication of the removal of her wisdom teeth. I suggested that she may have an entrenched infection that needs a long-term course of antibiotics. Here is her reply:

“Thank you so very much for your insight into my unusual case. I do feel that you could be exactly correct and this is combination of two things. Infection and nerve damage. I was prescribed a good strong dose of clindamycin. I will complete the duration and then reevaluate. Of course I will absolutely join you on Facebook. I really appreciate your reply!”
– Tina from California

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About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Thank you, Dr. Hall

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I had a correspondence back and forth with Cortney from Maryland.
She first wrote to me bothered because her dentist had said she had a little cavity, which he filled. The tooth then became sensitive and the dentist wanted to do a root canal. See the original post: “It was a small cavity – now he says I need a root canal!”

I questioned the dentist’s recommendation, advised her to get a second opinion, and gave her some guidelines on how to tell if the tooth is infected.

She responded with the following:

Thank you Dr. Hall. I did take your advice to seek a second opinion and she took 2 digital xrays and saw no sign of infection. She did visually inspect a hairline fracture on the back of tooth #2 and her plan is to crown the tooth to hold it together. She didnt seem to think it needed a root canal either at this point since the sensitivity is to cold and air stimulus and lasts less than 10 sec. I really appreciate all your advice and credit you with helping solve my tooth dilemma. Now my mind is at ease and I can focus on the rest of my pregnancy. Thank you Dr Hall!
 – Cortney from Maryland

 

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About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Possibly saved from a root canal treatment.

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Dr. Hall
Just wanted to say thank you for a great and informative website. I got some good advice from the section on there about new fillings hurting. I recently had a composite put in and it has been almost 2 weeks. I’m having the unusual sensitivity where it doesn’t hurt to clench down but when I eat it hurts. Your site said that this can usually be remedied if the filling is replaced. I have no problems with my dentist but when I saw him earlier this week he found no infection and no cracking…couldn’t figure out the problem. He was talking root canal which doesn’t scare me other than the cost! I don’t have insurance right now and can’t handle that. Anyway I called them today and told them what I had found and brought it up thinking that a new filling may help. He is going to replace it early in the coming week. The receptionist complimented me for doing my “homework” and asked where I found the info. She had never heard of this issue before and asked if I could print the page and show it to them when I come in. Hope I get a finder’s fee, haha…that or he doesn’t charge me for having to fix this. It’s bad enough I’ll have to shell out money for the original filling but the cavity there in the first place was making it extremely sensitive (reason for my initial visit). This will be my 3rd appt in 3 weeks about this same tooth….hopefully a refill on it fixes the problem! Thanks again 🙂
– Jason from New York

Jason,
Thanks for your kind comments.

When it doesn’t hurt to clench but hurts when you eat, yes, that is almost always this bonding issue. If the dentist uses a self-etching primer, that will practically completely prevent that type of sensitivity. If he doesn’t have a self-etching primer, then he should be careful not to dry the tooth too much after etching. Visible moisture should be removed, but you don’t want the dentin dessicated.

Since the tooth was quite sensitive before it was filled, that kind of weighs on the side that it could be some bacteria in the pulp. Hopefully replacing the filling will do it for you.
– Dr. Hall

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Thank you for your reassuring advice

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Hi Dr.Hall,

Thank you for responding to my true concerns and questions! 

When I reviewed your website material, I was extremely impressed with the way you handled your questions–with pure honesty.  This is why I needed to contact you about how I’ve been feeling since having these crowns in 2004.

Your professional advice has assuaged my unsure decision of having crowns.  And let me tell you, I’ve been unsure since 2004, and I feel better with this decision more than ever.  (I’ve been complaining about this to my supportive husband–the poor guy.)  When my family and I can save more money, I will make sure I seek one of your recommended cosmetic dentists.  I will send you photos once I make the better change.

Please remain active in your specialty and website.  You have been more than helpful. 
THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Sincerely,
Alma

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Thanks for your comments about Lumineers

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Dear Dr. Hall,

I just read your “Lumineers cost”article at  and also the “example” question and answer which pertains to this topic and I was so pleased to read it. I write dental websites, and because of my familiarity with the dental world I have long been aware that Lumineers are not the best option available. I prefer not to write about them in favorable terms, but it is sometimes required as part of my job. I was pleased to read this direct and honest representation of Lumineers. In writing for dental websites, I have seen innumerable before and after images of Lumineers and of truly custom porcelain veneers, and the difference is almost always highly noticeable. While I cannot write website articles that warn individuals against Lumineers in a professional sense, I was very pleased to see that someone else has. Your article came up 3rd when I Googled “Lumineers.”

Because of the nature of my work, I prefer not to make my name available and would appreciate your discretion regarding my email address. However, I wanted to thank you for representing Lumineers as an option, but one which may have more negative than positive aspects.

I am amused to read your “hate mail section” – to find that dentists who are not willing to undergo the training which will allow them to do really great dental work are disparaging toward your article and email, and see it only as confirmation of their lack of interest in their patients’ welfare. Sincerely, &tc.

“L”

Dear “L”,
Thanks for your kind comments.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Thank you

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Dr Hall,

I don’t have a question, rather I wanted to thank you for putting together and maintaining this excellent web site on cosmetic dentistry. I am currently looking into getting some cosmetic dental work done, and your web site has been an invaluable resource. All the content is very well written, easy to follow, and extremely informative.

Thanks and keep up the good work,
-Joe from Boston

Joe,
Thank you for your kind words, and taking the trouble to write just to say thanks. You’re a classy individual.
Dr. Hall

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About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

A toast to Dr. Hall at a pub in Ireland

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Dear Dr. Hall,
I’m sure you are a very busy man, so I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for taking the time to reply to me. Your answer to my question about dry socket has done a lot to reassure me and help me calm down. I had been really worried about it.

My dentist has prescribed antibiotics, as you suggested.

Last night, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, in a quiet pub in Galway, your name was spoken and glasses raised to toast your good health. Go Raibh Maith Agat!

– Patrick in Ireland

Patrick,
Thanks. When people like you are so gracious and kind, it really warms my heart.
Dr. Hall

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

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