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Are Dentures Really that Bad?

I don’t want any judgments. I went my entire childhood without dental care. My parents just didn’t have the money. I used to blame them, but now that I’m a parent I completely understand what it means to not have money. I had two kids by the time I was twenty-two. I spent all my money taking care of them. I started having a seriously painful toothache and went to […]

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a cancer patient in a hospital bed smiling with a magazine on her lap

Helping Your Teeth Survive Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can make time stop for a moment. Will you be there when your loved ones need you? How will you get through all the treatments? Then, there is all the information being thrown at you. Chemo, radiation, stem cell treatments. It can be absolutely overwhelming. One thing which tends to get overlooked during this influx of information is what these treatments do to your mouth. Patients who’ve […]

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before and after mercury-free fillings

Do I Need a Cosmetic Dentist for White Fillings?

I go to a decent family dentist. However, he’s more of a bread and butter type practice—function over form. I’ve been considering getting rid of my silver fillings for the mercury-free white fillings. My dentist says they’re perfectly safe, but I have my doubts. Even if I’m wrong, it will give me peace of mind to get rid of them. Will I need to switch to a cosmetic dentist for […]

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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 […]

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A porcelain veneer being placed

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 […]

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and image of dentures side by side to a dental implant

What Can I Do If Dentures Won’t Stay in Anymore?

I’m over 60 and have had dentures for a bunch of years. I’ve been having trouble keeping them in. I did notice my ridge is almost gone which I’m guessing is why I can’t keep them in anymore. Is there anything I can put under them which will make a ridge again? Evelyn Dear Evelyn, You are right that the ridge in your jawbone is why your dentures won’t stay […]

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dental implant illustration

Neurological Problems with Dental Implants?

I am considering getting dental implants, but have heard that those based on a titanium implant can cause neurological problems because of metal being used in the body. Yet, most dentists prefer to use titanium, even though there are zirconia implants available. Is there a reason for this? Karl M. Dear Karl, There hasn’t been any research, that I am aware of, which indicates the titanium from dental implants causes […]

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Woman smiling in the dental chair with her dentist behind her

This Woman Needs a Different Dentist…Pronto!

I need some advice. I have trouble with a couple of teeth. It started as cavities, but now I need crowns. I need to get a third one crowned, but my dentist said, the teeth have been so much trouble why don’t I just extract them and get a couple of dental implants. He just learned the procedure and said he’d do it at a discount because he’s new to […]

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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 […]

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Porcelain veneers being held up by a dental tool

Staining Around 1-Year-Old Porcelain Veneers

I’ve had my smile makeover for about a year. Most of them look fine, but on three of them they’re stained at the top. What does this mean? Are they faulty? Brooke Dear Brooke, Bear in mind I haven’t actually seen your porcelain veneers. However, based on what you’ve said, my suspicion is you have what is called bulky margins. When your dentist bonds your porcelain veneers, they should be […]

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