Beautiful smile done with porcelain veneers

Want to “Wow” People with My Smile

I’ve lost over 100 pounds. I feel better than I have in my entire life. I’m starting to feel attractive as well. I want to go all the way with this. I’ve been keeping up with my workout routine. I’ve gotten a new hairstyle, and now I want to take it one step further. I hear that celebrities get cosmetic dentistry all the time, which makes sense. There can’t be […]

Is a Mercury-free Dentist Absolutely Necessary to Remove One Filling?

I keep reading that it’s important to replace your old silver fillings, which are loaded with mercury, with a white filling. I also hear you need to use a mercury-free dentist to do it. Is that really necessary? I only have one filling. I’ve had it for about 2o years. Cyndy L. – Brooklyn Cyndy, There is some controversy surrounding the whole amalgam versus composite fillings. Here’s the problem. The […]

My Dentist Refuses to Give Me Lumineers

I’ve done a lot of research about smile makeovers and decided I wanted to get Lumineers. I especially like the fact my teeth wouldn’t have to be ground down. My dentist said no. Can you believe that? In fact, he said he’ll only place traditional porcelain veneers. I’m annoyed enough I’m considering switching dentists. They’re my teeth, shouldn’t I decide what I do with them? Dania K. – Ft. Worth, […]

A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Why Are the Top of My Porcelain Veneers Dark?

I had a porcelain veneer placed on a tooth that had a large chip. It looked great when I got it about six months ago, but recently it’s become dark at the top, near the gumline. I don’t know if it means there’s a problem, but it makes me embarrassed to smile. Can anything be done about it? Stanley L. – Burbank, CA Stanley, There are three possibilities that come […]

Photo of teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on dark stains in teeth from Naperville cosmetic dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Can Whitening Trays Sub for Retainers?

I lost my retainer. I don’t get paid for another week and a half. There’s no money in my account. There’s no way I can get a new retainer until I’m paid. Even then I won’t have all the money. Can I use my teeth whitening trays instead? Serena P. – Ohio Serena, Unfortunately, teeth whitening trays won’t work. They’re designed to be soft and flexible, not hard like retainers. […]

Can My Dentures Look Like My Old Smile?

I’ve had dentures for about a year. They’re not the greatest thing, but they’re not the worst either. At least I have teeth. I lost my teeth after a severe beating. I was ashamed to smile for a long time. I can smile now. The only thing is, it’s not really my smile. Is it possible to get these dentures to look like my old smile before the thing that […]

Can Dental Implants Replace Teeth that Fell Out?

I’ve lost two teeth. They were lost because I had gum disease that wasn’t cared for quickly enough. I’m hoping I can get dental implants to replace them. Daisy E. – Kentucky Daisy, I understand why you’d want dental implants. They are excellent tooth replacements. Unfortunately, gum disease means that implants are not a good treatment for you at this moment. The priority must be your gum disease. Once that has […]

Woman smiling in the dental chair with her dentist behind her

What is the Best Dentist for a Bulimic?

If I have bulimia, is there a better dentist for me to go to? Name withheld. Well, this is a little hard to answer without some more specific information. Are you still purging? Are you a recovered bulimic and need to repair the damage done to your teeth from your previous purging? I’ll try to answer both generally. First, I will say, likely your best dentist will be a highly […]

Is Nail Polish Remover Safe on Dentures?

I’ve had the same pair of dentures for about six years now. I haven’t had many issues with them, aside from some adjustments in the beginning, but lately I’ve noticed they’re starting to pick up my cigarette stains more than usual. I tried brushing them, but it didn’t seem to help. Last weekend, I had an outing with my family and, in my haste to make them look nicer, I […]

If I Get Dentures Will I Look Like an Old Person?

I was thinking about getting dentures. I have to replace my teeth. They’re all coming out because of an accident. My dentist says they can’t be saved. If I get dentures, will it make me look old? Nina A. – Portland Nina, You won’t have to look like an old person just because you get dentures. The biggest thing to determine that will be the quality of the cosmetic dentist […]