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Whiten Old Porcelain Veneers

I had porcelain veneers placed fifteen years ago. Mine have a natural stain on them because my dentist said all veneers are that way to make them look natural. This was before they could be made super white. I’d like to whiten them now. Does teeth whitening work or is there a different procedure to whiten them? Elaine Dear Elaine, Your dentist was mistaken about the color of the porcelain […]

Are Lumineers Bad for Your Teeth?

I’ve been considering getting a smile makeover and have been doing some research. I am finally ready to jump forward and spoke to my dentist. He wants to place Lumineers which is why I’m writing to you. From what I can tell. Lumineers get very mixed reviews. Some people like them, some people hate them, and some say they destroyed their teeth. I was hoping to get porcelain veneers but […]

Teeth Whitening and Invisalign Before Porcelain Veneers?

I told my dentist I wanted to get a smile makeover and he told me he was recently certified to place porcelain veneers using Lumineers and would be happy to do them. However, he’s also suggesting two other procedures first. One is teeth whitening and the other is Invisalign for a slightly crooked tooth. I’m new at this, so didn’t know if this was standard operating procedure or if any […]

Porcelain veneers being held up by a dental tool

Lumineers Versus DuraThin

I’m planning on getting a smile makeover but can’t seem to decide between DuraThin and Lumineers. I like the look of the Durathin better than the Lumineers, but didn’t know if there was a significant cost difference. I might be willing to swing my vote based on that. Andy Dear Andy, It’s not the brand of porcelain veneers that’s important I’m hoping to change the way you look at this […]

and image of dentures side by side to a dental implant

Is a Pretty Smile After 20 Years of Dentures Possible?

I’ve had dentures for about 20 years. I’ve never liked how they looked, but what could I do. Dentures are dentures. I’m wondering if it’s possible to get a beautiful smile now. I’ve learned about dental implants and think they’d be awesome. Margaret Dear Margaret, I’m sorry you’ve spent this many years disappointed in your smile. That had to be hard for you. Fortunately, you won’t have to stay that […]

Left: porcelain crown; Right: porcelain veneer

Worried I’m Getting Bad Advice from Dentist

So, I’m in a tad of a quandary. I’ve had tetracycline stains for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been embarrassed by my smile as a result. I’ve been saving for years to do something about it. I FINALLY have what I think is enough. I went to visit my family dentist about it. We’ve known him for years and he’s a reputable dentist. He’s suggesting six porcelain […]

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers with Silver Fillings?

I have a mouth full of silver. I want to get porcelain veneers, but my dentist said he doesn’t recommend it with silver fillings. Can I remove them and then get the veneers? Lisa Dear Lisa, The only reason you might want to change out your fillings in order to get porcelain veneers is if the fillings are visible when you smile. Without that, there’s absolutely no technical reason to […]

Lumineers or Another Brand?

I really wanted to get Lumineers. I love the smiles I see in their advertisements. Yet, when I do research on them the reviews are quite mixed. I can’t decide if they are the right brand to get or not. I like the idea of the no prep part. It sounds like it would be better for my teeth. I just don’t want to make a mistake. Any advice? LeeAnne […]

Traditional Versus Ultra-Thin Porcelain Veneers

I’m looking at getting porcelain veneers but I can’t figure out whether to get the traditional or the ultra-thin types. There’s so much conflicting information from the dentists I’ve consulted with. I’m hoping you can give me an unbiased opinion because I live in a different area of the country and you can’t make money off of me. Haha. Lisa Dear Lisa, I’d like to think I’m the type of […]

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 […]