Naperville Dentist | Naperville Cosmetic Dentistry

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 […]

Do Amalgam Fillings Stain Teeth?

I want to remove a couple of amalgam fillings on my back teeth but my dentist insists it won’t help their appearance to look white because amalgam stains teeth. If that’s true, is there any way to make them look more attractive? Hardly anyone has a smile filled with silver anymore and I feel like it makes me look bad. I have a big smile and you can see my […]

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 […]

Essential Oils for Teeth Whitening

I’ve been looking for a natural way to whiten my teeth. I don’t like the idea of using chemicals. I keep reading you can use lemons or lemon essential oils to whiten them. Have you seen this work with your patients? I use lemon essential oils in my cleaning regimen but I’d never thought of using it on my teeth. Caroline Lemons are commonly touted as a DIY tooth whitening […]

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 […]

Charcoal for Teeth Whitening

I read an article which talked about whitening your teeth with charcoal. I know you can’t believe everything you read so I wanted to get a dentist’s take on it. Will that work? If so, is there anything I need to know to make it more effective? Corinne Dear Corinne, You are a wise woman to verify the things you read. Too many people take anything they read or hear […]

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 […]

Husband Refuses to Wear His Dentures

I’m at my wits end with my husband. First, he went for a few years with no bottom teeth. I finally talked him into getting dentures and now he won’t wear them. When he does, he takes them out when we eat. It’s disgusting enough at home, but when we’re out, he just sets them on the table for all and sundry to see. When I ask him why he […]

Ilustration of a dental implant crown being placed in three stages

Dentist Pushing Me to Get Implant

I recently lost a tooth and my dentist is pressuring me to replace it with a dental implant. You have to understand I have a very hard time recovering from surgeries and the idea of doing one electively seems absolutely insane to me. I am currently wearing a dental flipper while I make a decision. Am I insane for looking at alternatives? If not, what do you recommend in my […]