2012 | Naperville Cosmetic Dentistry

Getting rid of brown spots

I’ve had brown spots on my teeth since I was a child. They really embarrass me. My dentist has been trying all kinds of whitening, but it only makes the area around the brown spots whiter making the spots MORE noticeable. She is thinking of trying to grind off the brown spots, but we’re both hesitant because we don’t know how much she’d have to grind. Do you have recommendations? […]

Loose front tooth

I’ve been undergoing gum disease treatments. I’ve got my gum disease under control. However, I have one problem. One of my front teeth is slightly loose and is a little longer than the others. Is there anything I can do to save this tooth? Gerry B.- Oklahoma Gerry, Yes, this is called extrusion. There is a simple way to solve this. If your gum disease is under control and the […]

Big hole where my wisdom tooth was

I have a huge hole where my wisdom tooth was. I had it removed a week ago. It catches food every single time I eat. Is it normal to have a hole like this? Oscar E. – Kansas Oscar, Yes, it is very natural to have a hole after a wisdom tooth extraction. It will eventually close up. In the meantime, it will catch food. To prevent a bad smell […]

Crowning a live tooth

Is it normal to crown a live tooth? My dentist put a crown on a molar that didn’t have a root canal. I’ve just never heard of that before. Nancy G.- Alabama Nancy, Yes, it is pretty common to put a dental crown over a tooth without a root canal treatment. We do that whenever there is a significant risk that the tooth can break. This protects the tooth. The […]

Root canal without pain

How can I need a root canal if I’ve never had any pain in my tooth? My dentist said that my tooth is infected and needs a root canal and a crown. I’ve never felt any pain in the area at all. That tooth is a little darker than the others, but that is it. Mason L- West Virginia, Mason, It is possible you had hit that tooth many years […]

Cosmetic Emergency

Is a veneer falling off considered a dental emergency? I feel it is, but my dental office said that it is only a cosmetic issue and they can’t fit me in for five days. Even then, they may not have a permanent veneer ready, but can make a temporary one. Janice U. – Indiana Janice, A dentist who does a lot of cosmetic work, would understand the nature of a […]

Making teeth attractive with cavities

I have some cavities on the front of my teeth. I want to find a way to make my smile look attractive again. Do you have any recommendations? Jeremy from New Mexico Jeremy, If the cavities are minor, you can have dental bonding placed to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, if the cavities are more extensive, then you’ll need a bit more. Both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns […]

Can I get implants cheaper than clear choice?

I went to my local Clear Choice center and they quoted me about $50,000. I almost fainted. $50,000!! I’ve already had all my teeth extracted. Will that make it any cheaper? Is there another way to save money on these implants? I can’t really wear my dentures any more, so I know I need them, but jimminey crickets that is a lot of money. Dirk from Newport. Dirk, Clear Choice […]

Lumineers for cavities

I have a lot of cavities and I’m embarrassed by my smile. Will Lumineers fix the cavities on top of the look of my teeth? Becky W. from Arkansas Becky, Lumineers are a specific brand of porcelain veneers. Regardless of the brand of porcelain veneers you choose, they are intended solely for cosmetic use and, therefore, will not repair your cavities. Depending on the size of your cavities, it is […]

My dental bonding fell off

I fell and chipped a tooth. My dentist put bonding on it. It kept getting caught on my dental floss. Then after about 8 days it fell off. Did I do something wrong? Brianna J. -Albuquerque, New Mexico Brianna, Though we have to bear in mine I haven’t examined you, I really don’t think you did anything wrong. Here’s why: First, your floss shouldn’t get caught on the dental bonding. […]