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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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Will teeth whitening make my brown teeth lighter?

I’m wondering if teeth whitening will lighten 3 of my top front teeth that are brown. They are really ugly, so I make sure I don’t show my teeth when I smile. I used to think the teeth were rotten, but they haven’t gotten worse and they don’t hurt. I’m not sure what’s wrong with then. I am wondering if I can use teeth whitening on them to at least […]

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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 […]

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Charcoal

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 […]

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Beautiful brunette smiling with gorgeous white teeth

Apple Cider Vinegar to Whiten Teeth

I keep looking for natural ways to whiten my teeth. One thing everyone on the natural health sites seems to tout the benefits of apple cider vinegar for many things. I recently read it can naturally whiten your teeth. Is that true? Or is it a waste of time? Cecelia Dear Cecelia, I’m sure nature has a safe way for us to whiten our teeth, but we haven’t discovered it […]

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Vita tooth shade guide

My Teeth are Whiter Than My Porcelain Veneers

I’ve always done my best with my smile. When I didn’t have any money, I was diligent to brush and floss regularly and never drank coffee and other drinks which could stain my teeth. Once, my finances were a little better I started whitening my teeth about every two years. Now, I can finally do a full smile makeover. I’m was so excited about this…until they came in. The porcelain […]

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Beautiful White Teeth

Teeth Whitening Store Has Me in Agony.

I’m in complete agony and am too embarrassed to call my dentist. I’ve wanted to whiten my teeth for a while, but am a broke college student. So, as you can imagine, what my dentist quoted wasn’t feasible for me. I was at the mall and saw a teeth whitening store. I was curious if they’re the same price so I wandered in. The girl seemed super helpful and knowledgeable. […]

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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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porcelain crown being placed on a tooth

My Crown Was Whiter Than My Teeth Now It’s the Other Way Around

I have a dental crown. For the last few years, it’s been whiter than my teeth. I drink a lot of coffee, so the natural assumption is the coffee’s been staining my teeth, but not the crown. I decided to whiten my teeth. It worked. My teeth look much whiter and brighter now. The problem is they’re whiter than the crown now. My dentist thinks everything looks fine, but said […]

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Photo of teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on dark stains in teeth from Naperville cosmetic dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Can Whitening Trays Sub for Retainers?

I lost my retainer. I don’t get paid for another week and a half. There’s no money in my account. There’s no way I can get a new retainer until I’m paid. Even then I won’t have all the money. Can I use my teeth whitening trays instead? Serena P. – Ohio Serena, Unfortunately, teeth whitening trays won’t work. They’re designed to be soft and flexible, not hard like retainers. […]

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