2013 | Naperville Cosmetic Dentistry

Beware of deals in dental implants

I often have people call our office looking for the cheapest dental implants. That is a very dangerous way to approach this highly complicated procedure. In fact, I firmly believe that you are more likely to end up spending more money than saving money. Dentists who offer dental implants at a price that seems too good to be true, are more than likely doing it by purchasing sub-par material. These […]

I want “hot” teeth

I just inherited a ton of money. I want to totally remake myself. I’ve been working on losing weight and am doing well. My next step is my teeth. Can I get teeth that make me look “hot”? Is there such a thing as a sexy smile? Heather H.- Benton, AR Heather, Yes, there is definitely such a thing as a sexy smile. There is also a sophisticated smile, a […]

Cracked veneer

If my new porcelain veneer cracked (about three months old), should my dentist replace it free of charge? I usually wear a night guard, but on Thanksgiving I was so tired that I fell asleep without it. I woke up with a cracked veneer. Actually, I’m lucky I woke up. I could have ended up swallowing it. Harriet I.- South Dakota Harriet, I’m assuming you wore the night guard because […]

How do I get a movie star smile?

Celebrities have such perfect teeth. How do they get them? Is it just teeth whitening? Amanda B. – Benton, AR Amanda, While some celebrities might be able to get those perfect teeth with just teeth whitening, that is not very common. You would have to have perfect teeth, with just some staining for that to work. Instead many celebrities, including such big names as Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise get […]

Fast makeover

OK, please don’t think I am shallow, but I want to know what is the fastest way to makeover my teeth that doesn’t cost a lot of money. I have a reunion coming up in three months. I wan’t going to go, but then thought if I can make myself over I might show up. I don’t have much money. I can get a new haircut, buy a new outfit, […]

My dentures move

I recently got some dentures. They look OK, but they move around. Did my dentist make them wrong? Is there anything I can do about that? Eugenia- Ft. Collins, CO Eugenia, Even the most well-fitting dentures will move around. You’ll also lose about 50% of your chewing effeciency. I wouldn’t necessarily think the moving is because of a lack of skill on your dentist’s part. That being said, there is […]

I hate my dentures

I absolutely hate my dentures. They keep moving around. They get food under them all the time and it is hard to chew. My dentist has suggested I get dental implants, but they are really expensive. Is there anything in between the two? Andy C. – Arkansas Andy, Many patient’s hate their dentures. What you could do is get implant supported dentures. Just getting two implants will stabalize your dentures […]

Whitening my crowns

Can you tell me if I can whiten my dental crowns? They’ve always been fine, but then a few weeks ago they started picking up stains and getting dull. Audra W. – Baltimore Audra, I suspect that your dental hygienist used a prophy-jet or something similar that destroys the glaze on your crowns. It will do the same to porcelain veneers. She may not have realized what she did because […]

Dental Implants and Hip Replacement

I wanted to get implant supported dentures. I’ve had two opinions on this surgery, but both dentists gave me different advice. One of them told me that I would need to start an antibiotic regimen before surgery and the other said it is not necessary. So, do you want a vote? Elisa M.- Louisville, KY Elisa, Well, how about I just confuse the issue a little more for you. It […]

Porcelain veneers with crowns

If I have two porcelain crowns can I still get porcelain veneers? Lily- Baltimore Lily, You can get porcelain veneers even if you have porcelain crowns. However, you will not be able to remove the porcelain crowns and replace them porcelain veneers. The reason for that is dental crowns require that too much tooth structure be removed for their placement. The crowns cover your entire tooth. There is hardly any […]