Cosmetic dentistry schools?

jaimito

hi there,

i was just wondering if anybody knows if there is such a thing as a Cosmetic dentistry schools where trainees could practice on you? i know it is possible to get standard dental work done in a university training area but i'm not sure if the same would apply to the cosmetic dentistry as i am not sure where and how they train. also i haven't heard anything on this subject.

i would appreciate if anyone could shed some light on this as i think it would be the only option for me right now.

any help is appreciated!

jaimito

welshdent

Why do you think it would be your only option? Do you think it would be free? What exactly is your complaint?

jaimito

hi welshdent,

thanks for your quick post. to clarify, i would like to have some cosmetic dentistry done [possible veneers for top and brace for bottom] but i don't have a huge income at the moment. i do have access to some funds but not the amount that would be needed for the procedure. i wouldn't expect that it would be free but i am just looking for any input.

any advice is much appreciated,

jaimito

Toothsmith

The thing with cosmetic proceedures such as veneers is that they make your mouth so much more 'high maintenance'.

Natural teeth are really very strong, and if looked after can last you a lifetime. Any bits of porcelain stuck to the teeth are much weaker than natural tooth, and so break or wear out. Plus - edges of veneers can tend to discolour long before the veneer actally 'fails' and that can mean you'll want to change them long before they actually need changing from a function point of view.

So 'cosmetic' dentistry isn't a once-only process - it's a committment to reguar expensive dentistry for the rest of your life. (Apart from the orthodontic bits, or just simple tooth whitening, which don't damage your natural tooth - so long as it's done properly, anyway).

So if you can't really afford it now, then you need to have a serious talk with yourself about how you plan to look after the work you want. It's like buying a Ferrari without accounting for petrol, insurance and servicing!

I would talk through your wishes with your own dentist. It could well be that a good change could be made with some very simple non-damaging proceedures.

jaimito

hi toothsmith,

thanks so much for your reply-it really is excellent advice and something that i hadn't taken into consideration so thanks again.

i do have a couple more questions if you would be so kind to offer feedback. i have asked my dentist but due to language differences i don't really get the answers that i am looking for.

actually my teeth have a propensity to gather excessive plaque-can this be removed with hydrogen peroxide? i brush +floss 2-3 times a day but still can't seem to get rid of it.

my teeth are stained on the edges of the tooth-do these home bleaching kits work well? if so could you recommend one to me?

thanks again!

jaimito

welshdent

Plaque can only be removed by mechanical means i.e. brushing and flossing. Mouthwash wont remove it, particularly peroxide. Its good for killing anaerobic bacteria though. Personally I wouldnt bother with home bleaching. Get it done properly by people that know what they are doing .... namely dentists. The home bleaching kit we use involves a try customised to you and allows much more sparing use of the whitening gel at lower and safer concentrations. We can also advise on what wont change colour! namely crowns and fillings. Regards your own dentist - have you considered seeking a second opinion or even changing to a dentist you are happy with? Regards cosmetic dentistry schools - to my knowledge they dont exist in the manner you probably think. You can be a guinea pig for SOME courses run but I dont think you get it free or even reduced rate per se

jaimito

hi welshdent,

thanks so much for your information. actually after reading your message i phoned up to make an appointment with a different dentist! my appointment is in september. regarding the plaque, is there any other way to get rid of it? my dentist tells me the same that i need to brush and floss. but i do brush and floss regularly and it comes back so quickly. is baking powder any good? i'm really at a loss here and it's been causing me problems for years but i can't seem to do anything about it! and it is this that is the root of the problems.

any advice is appreciated,

jaimito

welshdent

what do you brush with? hand brush or electric tooth brush?

jaimito

soft bristle manual toothbrush-do mechanical ones really make a big difference?

jaimito

welshdent

Personally I swear by electric tooth brushes. Nothing too expensive but make sure its rechargeable. The patients of mine that have the best improvements with gum problems are the ones usually thats change to electric tooth brushes.

jaimito

wow-that's fantastic-thanks so much for the advice it really has been invaluable! all the best,

jaimito