Whitening Teeth Near Porcelain Veneers
I have porcelain veneers on my front four teeth. They’re fine, but the teeth surrounding them have yellowed some. Would I be able to use over-the-counter whitening strips to whiten them without them damaging the porcelain veneers I have? Callie Dear Callie, One of the problems with dentists only providing four porcelain veneers in smile makeovers is what you are experiencing right now. Most patient’s smiles are much wider than […]
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Vampire Teeth for Halloween
With Halloween coming up I am planning my costume. I am going as a vampire and thought that, instead of getting those cheap, uncomfortable, not to mention fake-looking costume teeth, I could go all out and get Lumineers for just those teeth and then have them removed after the holiday. Is this do-able? Jay Dear Jay, This is a request dentists get every year at this time. It can be […]
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Why Does the Cosmetic Dentist Matter if they Outsource their Ceramic Work
I’m planning on getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. Everyone keeps warning me that I have to choose the cosmetic dentist carefully. I would understand that if I were getting dental bonding, which the dentist does himself. But, I’m getting porcelain veneers. Isn’t that sent out to a ceramist to do the work? Why would the dentist matter? Corrie Dear Corrie, You’ve asked a good question. You’re right that […]
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DURAthin Versus Lumineers— Which is Less Expensive
I’ve been researching the ultra-thin veneers in preparation for my smile makeover. I like the look on the pictures of DURAthin better than Lumineers but wondered if there is a significant cost difference. I can’t seem to find that information anywhere. Alanna Dear Alanna, I like that you are doing research, but I’d like to switch how you’re approaching it. Let’s start with the cost. The reason you can’t find […]
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Tetracycline Cases Require the Best Cosmetic Dentists
I feel like I am living a nightmare. I have pretty bad tetracycline stains that I had dreams of fixing. I suggested porcelain veneers, but my family dentist said in my case porcelain crowns are much better. My family dentist is very reputable so I trusted him. I have a great deal of regret about that now. He did six crowns. Next to my other teeth they look fake. Even […]
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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 […]
Read More 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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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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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 […]
Read More 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 […]
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