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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 […]

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A porcelain veneer being placed

To Lumineers or Not to Lumineers?

I’ve gotten two smile makeover recommendations from two different dentists. I’m hoping you can break the tie. I live in another city so I know you won’t be swayed to try to get my business. The first dentist said I was a good candidate and recommended I do porcelain veneers. The second dentist also said I was a good candidate but suggested I do Lumineers. He said they’re better because […]

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A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Bleeding Gums with Porcelain Veneers

I’ve been excited about my porcelain veneers. They’re much more elegant looking than my natural teeth. My husband says it’s given me confidence. I’m a little worried though. Recently, when I brush there’s been some red on my toothbrush. I went in for my first checkup since getting the veneers and they said I’ve developed gum disease and have to do much better brushing and flossing. I’ve always had good […]

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Implant Overdentures

What Are Implant Dentures?

I have heard of dental implants and I’ve heard of dentures, but what are implant dentures? I’m losing quite a bit of teeth because of a car accident. I don’t think I can afford dental implants but I’m too young for dentures (26). So is this a midway thing? Lara K. Dear Lara, I’m very sorry about your accident and that you’ve been put in the position of replacing your […]

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Woman with a beautiful smile created by cosmetic dentist Dr. David Newkirk

Confusion Regarding Lumineers

Can you help me understand why some cosmetic dentists swear by Lumineers and others think they’re the worst? Terri B. Dear Terri, There is a wide variation of abilities among cosmetic dentists. Some are just after functionality, while others want their work to be aesthetically beautiful as well. When it comes to things like getting a smile makeover, you definitely want to end up with the latter dentist. The “controversy” […]

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Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

I had my teeth replaced years ago with dentures. I don’t think dental implants existed back then, or at least he never mentioned them to me. They haven’t been the best thing in my life. They were ugly, looking almost wooden, but served their purpose so I put up with them. Now they’re no longer serving me well. In fact, I’m having a hard time even keeping them in. My […]

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Beautiful White Teeth

Can You Damage Enamel By Whitening Your Teeth Too Much?

The first time I saw my wife, she was covered in mud from head to foot from a powder puff football game played in the rain. The only thing not caked in mud were her teeth. Let me tell you, her smile was radiant. I fell instantly in love. I’m still in love with both her and her smile to this day. I say that as a preface because I’m […]

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Will Lumineers Look Fake?

I’m dying to get a smile makeover. I mentioned Lumineers to my dentist because I’d seen them advertised and they looked like they can completely change my smile. But, my dentist said people can tell when you’re wearing them and I should get crowns instead because they cover the whole tooth. I’m a tad bit concerned about that. It seems like I’d be destroying healthy tooth structure to do that. […]

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A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Can I Custsomize My Smile?

I’m about to be in a very visible position which requires public trust. I need to improve my smile, but I’m afraid if it is too “perfect” I won’t seem trustworthy. I want a pretty smile, but not a Hollywood smile, if that makes any sense. Is it possible to customize a smile this way? Felicia D. Dear Felicia, This is exactly what porcelain veneers are designed to do. With […]

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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 […]

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