860-563-4544
Innerpage Hero image
Advanced general and cosmetic dentistry
delivered with complete comfort.
Request an Appointment

What’s the Solution for My Jaw Stiffness and Weird Smile?

Woman holding the side of her face portraying jaw stiffness and TMJ problemsWhat’s the solution for my jaw stiffness and weird smile? My upper teeth don’t show when I smile unless I force my lips up. I am very self-conscious about it. I don’t know if my jaw, teeth, or lips are unbalanced because I have jaw pain even throughout the day. I wear a nightguard, which makes my mouth and lips feel better, but I can’t wear it all day. P and T words are particularly difficult to pronounce during cold weather because my jaw seems tight, and I can open it enough to enunciate. Is this something dental veneers would, correct? Are they my only option? – Thank you. Iris from Long Island

Iris,

Please find another dentist if your current one recommends porcelain veneers to resolve your concerns. Although porcelain veneers might improve your smile, they could worsen your jaw pain and pronunciation problems.

It sounds like your teeth are worn, resulting in an overclosed bite. This could cause jaw pain, tightness, and other symptoms related to TMJ disorder. Feeling better when you wear a nightguard further indicates that you might have an overclosed bite. However, a dentist trained in TMJ diagnosis and training can confirm it.

What’s the Treatment for an Overclosed Bite?

Instead of porcelain veneers to correct an overclosed bite, a dentist with advanced TMJ training will probably recommend full-mouth reconstruction. A skilled dentist may recommend combining treatments, such as dental crowns or implants.

Schedule Consultations

Finding a dentist with adequate training and experience can be tricky, so look for dentists with advanced training from one of these institutes:

  • The Pankey Institute in Florida
  • The Dawson Academy, also in Florida
  • The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies

If you find more than one dentist with the desired training, you can schedule consultations with at least two dentists to compare your options.

Rocky Hill, CT, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

How Can I Fix My Gummy Smile and Be Less Self-Conscious?

I am self-conscious about my gummy smile and small teeth. Would I be a candidate for gum contouring? I guess porcelain veneers are an option, but you know…money. I can’t afford to get veneers on all my teeth, and they are all small. I consulted with one dentist, and she said I have naturally small teeth. I know that. She encouraged me not to alter my teeth but to embrace them. Okay… That’s a nice philosophy, but I’m still self-conscious. I know your dentist would need to see my teeth in person to really recommend anything, but can you list the options for a gummy smile? Thanks! Bethany – Canton, OH

 

Bethany,

Most family dentists lack advanced cosmetic dentistry training to improve a gummy smile, so be careful when choosing a dentist. Do not allow a dentist to alter your teeth with dental crowns; it’s too aggressive and unnecessary unless your teeth have extensive damage. Nor should a dentist refer you to an oral surgeon to shorten your jaw. You can trust an advanced cosmetic dentist for healthy, natural-looking results.

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile is an excessive amount of gum tissue around your teeth. You may feel that too much of your gums show when you smile, making your teeth look small. A gummy smile can make you feel self-conscious and hesitant to show your teeth when you smile. However, cosmetic dentistry can address your concerns and give you a healthy, attractive smile.

How Can You Improve a Gummy Smile?

You can improve a gummy smile with one or more treatments, including a gum lift, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or orthodontics. However, an expert cosmetic dentist will complete a comprehensive exam and take X-rays to determine the causes of your gummy smile before recommending treatment.

Gummy Smile Treatment Options

An advanced cosmetic dentist will explain whether you can benefit from the following treatment options.

  • Gum lift (gingivectomy) – Removing a small amount of gum tissue and supporting bone can expose some upper front teeth to lengthen their appearance. A 2019 article in the International Journal of Oral and Dental Health confirms that a great advantage of a gum lift is easier oral hygiene in gum pockets around your teeth, which helps prevent gum disease.
  • Porcelain veneers – A skilled cosmetic dentist can take impressions of your teeth and work with a master dental ceramist to craft custom porcelain veneers for the fronts of your teeth. Only an expert cosmetic dentist understands how to lengthen your teeth without interfering with your bite or speech. High-quality veneers can last 15 to 20 years, making them a long-lasting solution for a gummy smile and small teeth.
  • Dental bonding – Advanced cosmetic dentists skillfully blend dental composites to reshape small teeth and make them look larger. A dentist will apply bonding by hand to each tooth after roughening the surface. Your cosmetic dentist will expertly shape the bonding to enlarge your teeth, harden it, further shape it, and polish it to a natural gloss. Well-maintained dental bonding can last five to ten years. It costs less than porcelain veneers, but a dentist will eventually need to replace the bonding due to wear and staining.
  • Orthodontics – Misalignment can make adult teeth look small. Your cosmetic dentist will determine whether your teeth are in healthy positions. Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or other braces can improve your teeth’s appearance.

Consult with an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

It is essential to consult a dentist who understands how to improve your gummy smile and small teeth while protecting your oral health and ensuring a healthy bite. To keep your smile healthy, a dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry, occlusion, and bite training. Look for dentists with the training we mentioned and schedule consultations with at least two of them to discuss and compare your options. You will get options to help your gummy smile look better so you can smile more confidently.

 

Before and after gummy smile treatment photos from Hartford CT area cosmetic dentist Dr. Michalski

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, sponsors this post. Dr. Michalski provides cosmetic dentistry services to patients in Hartford, Wethersfield, Newington, Cromwell, Portland, New Britain, and surrounding areas.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers Removed If I Don’t Like Them?

I have thought about getting porcelain veneers for the last two years. Six of my top front teeth are discolored, and teeth whitening hasn’t helped them much. Two of the teeth are chipped, too. I have hesitated to get veneers because I don’t want to be stuck with something I don’t like. Can I get the veneers removed if I don’t like them? Thank you. Isadora from FL

Isadora,

Thank you for contacting Radiant Smiles of Rocky Hill. We understand your concerns about dental treatment and how it can affect your smile and self-esteem.

Can You Remove Porcelain Veneers Removed If You Don’t Like Them?

If you don’t like your porcelain veneers, a dentist can remove and replace them with new veneers. But we encourage patients to research the porcelain veneers process and choose a dentist carefully to ensure they are satisfied with the results.

If you choose a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, they will ensure you are delighted with your veneers using these steps:

  • Listen to your concerns and your description of your ideal smile
  • Show you smile photos to help you make decisions about your tooth shape and shade
  • Use your facial features and personalities to design veneers that are customized for you
  • Create temporary veneers for you to wear and try out to ensure you will love your porcelain veneers
  • Work with a master dental ceramist who uses high-quality materials to craft natural-looking porcelain veneers

How Can You Select a Cosmetic Dentist for Veneers?

You can select a cosmetic dentist for porcelain veneers with these steps:

  • Ask friends or family members for recommendations.
  • Read patient reviews and look for comments about porcelain veneers.
  • Search each dentist’s website for their training and credentials, including advanced cosmetic dentistry training.
  • Look at each dentist’s website for a smile gallery of patient photos, including porcelain veneers.
  • Schedule at least two consultations with cosmetic dentists to discuss your smile goals and the dentist’s experience with cases like yours.
  • Take notes during the consultations.
  • Ask each dentist how they will achieve your ideal smile. The dentist’s technique should include temporary veneers for you to try out.

Your efforts to find a skilled cosmetic will ensure you love your porcelain veneers and do not want them removed.

Before and after porcelain veneer photos of a woman's smile from Dr. Michalski in Rocky Hill, CT
Dr. Michalksi beautifully restored his patient’s smile with porcelain veneers

 

This post is sponsored by Rocky Hill, CT, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski.

What Are Treatment Options for a Teen’s Chipped Teeth?

My 14-year-old daughter’s front teeth are chipped from an accident. They are her permanent teeth, so our options are limited. At 14, she may have another growth spurt. Are veneers or bonding the only options for her chipped teeth? Thank you. Danielle

Danielle,

Thank you for your question. You are correct that veneers or bonding are the options for permanent teeth unless the tooth is severely damaged.

What Are the Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth?

For a teenager who is still growing, dental bonding is the preferred option for minor chipped teeth. When a large portion of a tooth is missing, a dentist will x-ray it for internal damage and determine whether the tooth needs a dental crown to protect it. A skilled cosmetic dentist can conceal the chips with these steps:

  • Clean the teeth
  • Roughen the surfaces
  • Etch the teeth and apply a bonding agent
  • Select and blend dental composites that match the teeth
  • Apply and shape layers of composite on each tooth
  • Harden the composite
  • Reshape and polish the composite to match the surrounding natural teeth

Cosmetic dentists can restore chipped teeth with dental bonding while patients sit in the dental chair. Bonding strengthens teeth because, according to the American Dental Association, tooth enamel and bonding fuse. The seamless bond will look completely natural.

How Long Will Dental Bonding Last?

Quality dental bonding placed by a cosmetic dentist lasts an average of five years. As the bonding wears, a dentist will eventually need to replace it. If your daughter takes care of the bonding and sees a cosmetic dentist to refresh it and remove stains.

Before and after chipped teeth photos from Rocky Hill dentist Dr. Michalski
Dr. Michalski restored this patient’s chipped teeth with dental bonding

What About Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?

Porcelain veneers can restore chipped teeth, but dental bonding is more practical for a growing teenager whose jaw is still growing. A dentist would need to replace the veneers when the jaw and tooth are complete, and each veneer costs over $1,000.

Will Dental Insurance Pay to Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Although dental insurance will not cover the entire cost of dental bonding, it may provide some coverage. Contact your dental insurance company to ask about plan benefits.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who treats children.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

 

Is Replacing One Porcelain Veneer Risky?

My dentist wants to replace a veneer because I have sensitivity from exposed dentin. I am concerned about damage to adjacent veneers and that my dentist will not be able to match the veneer. Another dentist placed the veneers six years ago when I lived in Chicago. Now that I moved to rural Georgia for family reasons, I am concerned about whether to let this dentist replace one veneer or if I should drive two hours to a larger city. My current dentist does a great job helping me maintain my surfaces, but she has not completed any significant work on my teeth. So, I am unsure of her skill level. I would love to leave the veneer, but if the sensitivity gets worse, that is not ideal either. Is it worth it to replace one veneer, or is it too risky? Thank you. Ciara from Georgia

Ciara,

Thank you for your question.

Is Replacing One Porcelain Veneer Risky?

a thin veneer, similar to a LumineerReplacing one porcelain veneers is not risky for a trained cosmetic dentist. It is worth replacing one veneer when your tooth’s health is at risk. When the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) is exposed, irritation and sensitivity will increase with time. Dentin tubules connect to the tooth pulp and cause sensitivity. If bacteria contaminate the pulp, you can get a tooth infection that requires root canal treatment.

Will Replacing One Veneer Damage the Adjacent Ones?

A skilled cosmetic dentist will not damage adjacent veneers when replacing one. They carefully use tools designed to treat individual teeth without harming others.

Will One New Porcelain Veneer Match the Others?

Trained cosmetic dentists are adept at matching veneers with your natural teeth or other veneers. They understand how to manipulate color to achieve a match. Also, cosmetic dentists collaborate with dental ceramists and laboratories that keep patients’ color formulas for future work.

Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to replace your veneer, even if you must travel to get quality work. Your new cosmetic dentist can contact your dentist in Chicago to request your dental records and get information on the color formulas for your veneers and the lab that made them.

 

Rocky Hill, Connecticut cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, sponsors this post.

The Picture-Perfect Smile You Deserve with Porcelain Veneers in Rocky Hill, CT

When you smile, do you feel confident in your appearance? Perhaps your teeth are cracked, crooked, or chipped, and you prefer to smile with your lips closed in photographs. If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth, choosing to hide their smiles rather than share them with the world. At the office of Thomas S. Michalski, DMD, men and women from Rocky Hill, CT are invited to explore their cosmetic dentistry options, including porcelain veneers.

Transforming Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers are one of the most commonly utilized cosmetic dentistry treatments for patients seeking a completely revitalized smile. This is due, in large part, to their versatility and lifelike quality. Crafted of high-grade dental porcelain, veneers are made to look and feel like natural teeth. In fact, the tooth-colored porcelain used to create veneers even reflects light in the same way that tooth enamel does, ensuring a completely natural-looking and luminous smile.

Porcelain veneers are capable of correcting a wide variety of aesthetic flaws in as few as two visits to our Rocky Hill, CT cosmetic dentistry office. These include:

  • Deep staining that does not respond well to teeth whitening efforts
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Unevenly spaced teeth or crowding
  • Teeth that appear too small or misshapen
  • Cracks, chips, and fractures

When bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, porcelain veneers give your smile an instant makeover. You’ll love the improved sense of confidence that comes with the ability to smile openly and express yourself freely. A consultation with Dr. Michalski will help determine which cosmetic dentistry solution is ideal for you.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Have you often wished that your smile were whiter or that your teeth were straighter? Contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Michalski and our experienced, caring team of dental professionals. We genuinely look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic dentistry goals and the smile of your dreams. Conveniently located in Rocky Hill, CT, the dental office of Dr. Michalski is privileged to serve nearby communities in Cromwell, Newington, Wethersfield, Berlin, Hartford, and beyond.

The Many Ways of Cosmetic Dentistry in Rocky Hill, CT

If you are thinking about cosmetic dentistry, then you have a lot to consider. First, what goals do you have for your smile? Do you have any teeth that need repair? And, of course, what is your budget? Thankfully, the office of Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski in Rocky Hill, CT, offers a number of cosmetic dental procedures to improve your smile.

Teeth Whitening

If you are simply looking to brighten and rejuvenate your smile and your overall appearance, then teeth whitening may be all you need. Dr. Michalski offers a convenient at-home teeth whitening system that can make your smile up to eight shades brighter. We’ll take impressions of your teeth in order to fabricate custom trays to hold the professional strength whitening gel against your teeth. Just wear the trays and gel for the amount of time Dr. Michalski specifies, and you’ll see whiter teeth in no time.

Cosmetic Bonding

For a tooth with a slight chip or another minor imperfection, Dr. Michalski may recommend cosmetic bonding. In one appointment, he will apply a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and then use a special light to rapidly harden the bond. Once hardened, the doctor will sculpt and polish the restoration.

Porcelain Veneers

For a smile with more complex imperfections—severely stained or discolored teeth, slightly crooked teeth, unevenly spaced teeth or teeth that are broken—there are porcelain veneers. These cosmetic dental wonders can restore a smile in just two visits to the dentist. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin layers of dental porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth. Dr. Michalski will design your veneers based on precise measurements of your teeth and the goals you have in mind for your smile.

Call the Office of Dr. Michalski Today

These are only some of the options you can select from the world of cosmetic dentistry with Dr. Michalski. Other cosmetic services our office offers include Lumineers®, Invisalign® Orthodontics and gum recontouring. Our office conveniently serves patients in Rocky Hill, CT, as well as the surrounding communities of Hartford, Cromwell, Berlin, Newington and Wethersfield.

For Convenience and an Improved Smile, Choose Porcelain Veneers in Rocky Hill, CT

Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference. That’s the goal with porcelain veneers. Veneers are a thin layer of tooth-colored porcelain or composite that is placed on the surface of the tooth to correct a minor cosmetic flaw. If you think porcelain veneers may be what your smile needs, the office of Dr. Thadeus S. Michalski in Rocky Hill, CT, is ready to help you achieve your goal.

Porcelain Veneers Solve a Host of Cosmetic Issues

Whether it is the look of one tooth that is bothering you or several of your front teeth, porcelain veneers can often be the answer. Some of the problems that porcelain veneers can solve include:

  • ·Worn Enamel—Enamel is a tooth’s translucent outer coating. Over time, enamel may discolor. This may occur because of natural causes, such as aging, or from what we eat and drink, such as tea, coffee, soft drinks and specific medications.
  • ·Wear and Tear—Teeth naturally succumb to wear and tear through the aging process. Thus, with age, teeth are more likely to have chips or cracks.
  • ·Genetics—Some people have teeth with wider spacing, and with age these spaces may become more pronounced.
  • ·Uneven Teeth—Sometimes due to age, sometimes due to teeth grinding, uneven teeth can be a noticeable flaw in your smile.

How Are Porcelain Veneers Made?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of high-quality, semi-translucent dental porcelain that are bonded to the tooth surface. Dr. Michalski will carefully analyze your unique situation and design veneers that will create a beautiful and natural smile. Porcelain veneers with Dr. Michalski usually require only two appointments. And with proper maintenance, veneers are made to last for 10 years or longer.

Schedule An Appointment Today for Porcelain Veneers with Dr. Michalski

If you think porcelain veneers might be right for you, then schedule an appointment today.  Dr. Michalski conveniently serves patients in Rocky Hill, CT, as well as the surrounding communities of Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Newington and Berlin.

 

Achieve a Radiant, Flawless Smile with Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Michalski

Your smile says a lot about you, conveying a variety of characteristics and emotions in a mere instant. If your teeth are marred by cosmetic flaws, however, you may feel hesitant to show off your smile to the world and to those who matter most. At Thaddeus S. Michalski, DMD in Rocky Hill, CT, Dr. Michalski and our team provide a comprehensive menu of cosmetic dentistry services to help you reclaim your most beautiful smile. One of these services is the placement of porcelain veneers.

Can Porcelain Veneers Work for Me?

A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Michalski will help determine which of our cosmetic dentistry treatments best suits your individual needs. If we find that porcelain veneers are right for you, we’ll begin the process by preparing your teeth and taking a digital impression of your dentition. This ensures a precise fit for optimal aesthetic results.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin sheaths of dental porcelain that are custom-made to enhance the beauty of your natural smile. They are carefully fitted over the surfaces of your teeth, creating a seamlessly bright, even appearance. Porcelain veneers are commonly used to correct the following cosmetic concerns:

  • Deep stains and persistent discoloration
  • Teeth that are too short or too small relative to other teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Mild to moderate crowding
  • Chips and cracks in enamel
  • Teeth that are not symmetrically balanced

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’ve been living for too long hiding your smile due to cosmetic issues, now is the time to take advantage of today’s advanced cosmetic dentistry services at Thaddeus S. Michalski, DMD in Rocky Hill, CT. Porcelain veneers can help you smile with confidence and comfort, allowing you to truly shine in both professional and personal interactions. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and ask our friendly, caring staff about porcelain veneers. Our practice happily serves patients from throughout the Rocky Hill area, as well as nearby communities in Wethersfield, Hartford, Cromwell, Newington, Berlin, and beyond.