Ilustration of a dental implant crown being placed in three stages

Over the Border for Dental Implants

I had a dentist tell me something which I’m not sure about. It’s one of those gut feelings that something is wrong. I asked my dentist about dental implants and he said he won’t give me any until I get my gum disease completely dealt with. I was a tad annoyed and thought it wasn’t fair of him to withhold teeth until I did another demanding group of treatments with […]

Woman smiling in the dental chair with her dentist behind her

Dentist Insulted My Bulimic Daughter

I need some advice. I’ve been with the same dentist for years. He’s always been a great family dentist. However, recently, my daughter has been suffering from bulimia. We’re aware of the situation and working with her, but the dentist noticed the damage and was a bit rude. He said, “You think purging will make you pretty, but how pretty will you be when all your teeth are destroyed?” While […]

Husband Refuses to Wear His Dentures

I’m at my wits end with my husband. First, he went for a few years with no bottom teeth. I finally talked him into getting dentures and now he won’t wear them. When he does, he takes them out when we eat. It’s disgusting enough at home, but when we’re out, he just sets them on the table for all and sundry to see. When I ask him why he […]

Allergic to Fillings

I had my first filling a few months ago. My insurance only covered silver fillings so I went ahead and got those. Ever since, I haven’t felt right and my tongue has been itchy. I think I’m allergic to the filling. Have you heard of this? My dentist doesn’t think that’s the problem. Catie Dear Catie, If you’ve eliminated other possibilities then it could very well be your fillings. Some […]

New Lumineers over Old

I’ve had my lumineers for about 5 years. They’re okay but not as white as I wanted them. At the time, my dentist said that’s as white as they get. To me, they look dingy especially compared to other smile makeovers I’m seeing out there. I’m thinking about having him put new lumineers over them because it seems like you can get whiter now. However, my friend (who’s makeover is […]

Left: porcelain crown; Right: porcelain veneer

Can a Cosmetic Dentist Match One Crown?

I had crowns done many years ago on all my teeth. One of them felt loose last week so I scheduled an appointment with a new cosmetic dentist. He told me the crown needed to be replaced. That didn’t surprise me given its age. What did surprise me was he said I’d need to replace all of them in order for them to match. I was shocked to think he […]

Can Dentures Cause the Corners of Your Mouth to Crack?

I’ve had dentures for a year or so now, but recently the corners of my mouth have started hurting and cracking. Is this because of my dentures or is something else going on? It’s hurting every time I open my mouth now. I’m scared to tell my daughter because she keeps trying to put me in a home because she thinks I can’t care for myself but I can. Florence […]

Beautiful brunette smiling with gorgeous white teeth

Apple Cider Vinegar to Whiten Teeth

I keep looking for natural ways to whiten my teeth. One thing everyone on the natural health sites seems to tout the benefits of apple cider vinegar for many things. I recently read it can naturally whiten your teeth. Is that true? Or is it a waste of time? Cecelia Dear Cecelia, I’m sure nature has a safe way for us to whiten our teeth, but we haven’t discovered it […]

Porcelain Veneers or Crowns for Tetracycline Stains

I have embarrassing tetracycline stains. I’ve got a budget of about $30,000. I’ve been to see two dentists. One (Dr. B—)is suggesting a full set of dental crowns for about $27,000. The other, (Dr. M—) is suggesting porcelain veneers for $46,000. I’m leaning toward the crowns because they’re in my budget and I grind my teeth. I’m assuming crowns hold up better with that. But, my husband is insisting I […]

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

I’m one of those rather “mature” women. When I was 20 years younger, I lost most of my teeth due to a car accident. I was given dentures. I was never even told there were options to dentures. I tried to make the best of it. It was embarrassing having false teeth and they were never comfortable. My daughter just lost a tooth due to a massive infection. She replaced […]