Dentist says amalgam fillings are better

I need to get a couple of fillings. I wanted to get white fillings, but my dentist says the old amalgam ones are better. I just didn’t want a bunch of silver in my mouth. Are the old ones really better? Lyric A. – Pittsburgh Lyric, It is more likely that your dentist is just unfamiliar with the procedure to place white (composite) fillings. Until very recently, dental schools didn’t […]

Must I get Lumineers on bottom teeth?

I’m getting Lumineers on my upper teeth. My dentist insists I get them on my bottom teeth, because their color is so stained. But I just can’t afford to get them on the top and bottom. I am mostly concerned about the upper teeth. Is there no way to get lumineers without doing the lower ones too? Elijah – Hawaii Eiljah, Yes, there is a very easy way to get […]

Disappointed with my veneers

I am having a hard time not being disappointed with my porcelain veneers. The veneers themselves look nice, but my natural teeth, which still show, don’t match them. That makes it obvious I had work done on my teeth. Can anything be done about this? Jane H. – South Dakota Jane, There is nothing worse than spending a small fortune on a smile makeover, only to have it be disappointing. […]

Avoiding atomic teeth

A co-worker of mine had her teeth whitened. For the most part I like how they look, but they’re just too bright. In fact, some people in the office call them atomic teeth. Is there a way to whiten your teeth without ending up looking like a radioactive experiment gone wrong? Carrin – Memphis, TN Carrin, Yes, there is a way to control the level of whitening you get. The […]

Broken denture

I was cleaning my denture, but dropped it into the sink. When I did that the tooth broke off. I was thinking I could super glue it back on, but worried maybe that is a bad idea. Is it OK to glue it back on or do I need to see a dentist? Denae L – West Virginia Denae, It’s good you asked before you took any action. It is […]

What is facial collapse?

My dentist told me if I got dental implants, it would lead to facial collapse. That sounds really bad, but wondered what exactly it was. Paula M. – Nevada Paula, I’m surprised your dentist would make such a statement, though accurate, without explaining it to you. Part of a dentist’s job is to make sure his patients understand what he’s talking about. Facial collapse is a term that refers to […]

Does cost matter in porcelain veneers?

I have been thinking about getting porcelain veneers. I’ve called around to the dentists in my area. They’re all close to the same price, excpet one, who is several thousands dollars less expensive. Is it a different brand he uses that makes them less expensive? Bethany H. – South Carolina Bethany, I am going to warn you off of this. While it is possible, though only slightly, that he’s found […]

No veneers on bottom teeth?

My dentist said we don’t usually put veneers on bottom teeth, though they can do it. I’m wondering if I don’t do the veneers, won’t my smile be obviously different between the top and bottom? Denise L. – West Virginia Denise, I’m surprised your dentist didn’t give you all the information. While it is true that we don’t usually put veneers on your bottom teeth, that is because you can […]

Can my teeth look like Angelina Jolie’s?

I got lip surgery to look like Angelina Jolie’s, but my smile still doesn’t look quite like hers. Is there a way to get my teeth to look just like hers? Angela M. – Miami Angela, It is possible to make your teeth look like anyone’s. However, it is extrememly important you get the right dentist. Most people don’t know that cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. ANY general […]

Avoiding Bulky Teeth

My best friend and I are both getting smile makeovers. She got hers done first, because her dentist could fit her in first. My first appointment is in two days. Her teeth do look better, but not as good as I thought they would. I actually think they’re a little bulky looking. Is there a way to avoid that? Denae H. – El Paso, TX Denae, I’m glad you’ve written […]