We’ve had some of today’s biggest A-list entertainers as patients, people who are recognized the world over for their Hollywood smiles -- and there’s one thing we can tell you from experience:
A Hollywood smile is not a treatment, it’s a result.
Yes, the allure of a Hollywood smile is powerful. Who doesn’t want a smile that exudes confidence and makes you feel great?
But this is where most people are misinformed. You would never walk into a surgeon’s office and say, “I need a healthy heart. Please operate on me today.” Surgery is a treatment, but a healthy heart is the result of many other intentional decisions -- diet and exercise included. Heart surgery is a last resort, not a first one.
Yet so many people, especially those with money, think getting a Hollywood smile is a treatment. They walk into an office with their hard-earned money determined to get a “Hollywood smile” -- and dentists simply slap veneers on their teeth, charge them $50,000, $60,000, or even $100,000 -- and send them on their way.
The patient may be happy but only for awhile because they quickly discover there were better alternatives. Oftentimes, dentists prescribe expensive, invasive treatments because they make more money both on the initial procedure and the follow up. That’s wrong!
A R Dental, we always recommend a conservative approach to preserve more of your tooth structure because…
The more work you do on your smile, the more work you have to do to maintain it.
Since we’re only paid for our services, we have nothing to gain by sharing this information other than the satisfaction of helping you make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about cosmetic dentistry, especially here in Beverly Hills. We’re going to tell you the truth.
So, here are three things we recommend before you tell any dentist you want a Hollywood smile:
1. Do your research. Never make an impulsive decision based on some before-and-after photos on the internet or in a brochure.
Recently, we treated a patient who previously asked another dentist for a “Hollywood smile.” His previous dentist apparently saw him as a bag of money (the client was indeed wealthy), showed him some before-and-after photos in a swanky office, and eventually put veneers on his teeth.
This man did not do his research -- he made an impulsive decision. He didn’t need veneers to have a brighter smile, and that decision was the beginning of many other major problems.
2. Insist on the most conservative treatment possible. Always.
When a patient receives over-treatment, meaning they undergo a procedure that isn’t necessary, it exponentially increases problems later on.
This man’s veneers dug into his gums causing terrible pain and bleeding. After an initial exam, we even found cement inside his gums, which caused numerous other health issues!
His previous dentist did a terrible job on a procedure that wasn’t even necessary. All this man really needed was some straightening of his teeth, bonding, and bleaching and he would have had a Hollywood smile.
Now he needs gum treatment, a new set of veneers using a biomemetic (computer guided) method to ensure the fit, and medicine to offset the toxicity from having cement sit in his gums. Our heart breaks for people in situations like this, especially because it was all so unnecessary.
3. Make decisions that are in harmony with who you are.
People want the Hollywood smile because they associate it to success or confidence. Perhaps a great smile will help land them a marriage partner or a new job. The motivation behind wanting a great smile is very strong, and completely understandable.
Having a beautiful smile is a great asset. Your smile is what people see first when they see you, it’s how you present yourself to the world.
But take a deep breath before you do something irreversible. Any smart individual who values their body would choose a more conservative treatment.
We’re not saying you should be undertreated or overtreated. Just get treatment for exactly what you need -- nothing more and nothing less.
Stay in harmony with your health, identity, and long-term goals in life.
We’re passionate about this topic because we’ve met so many good people who have been taken advantage of -- and we want it to stop. Many of these folks come to us after the fact and there’s no shortage of dental work out there. There will always be people that need treatment, so we’re not worried about competition or market share.
Our mission is to help you make educated decisions and ensure you get the right treatment for your needs.
Now, if you have a sensitive tooth or are in pain we recommend taking action immediately. The longer you wait the more serious and costly it can become. If you are in the Beverly Hills area, book an appointment with us here.
Otherwise, why not sign up for original dental care tips (not found on the blog) straight to your inbox? You’ll learn how we help some of today’s top entertainers, high achievers, and business leaders keep a smile that shines.
If you live in or near Beverly Hills, come experience the exceptional, personalized service and unforgettable results that only we can offer.
Our patients describe us as artists, perfectionists, and their “forever dentists.” Our holistic approach delivers care on a whole new level.
We provide noise-canceling headphones and the renowned Dotera lavender essence oil to calm your nerves during a light screening to assess your needs.
The personal touch is only the beginning of our patient care. Book a consultation here or call (310) 271-1337 and we'll promptly answer.
The personal touch is only the beginning of our patient care. Book a consultation here or call (310) 271-1337 and we'll promptly answer.
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