2014 | Naperville Cosmetic Dentistry

Avoiding atomic teeth

A co-worker of mine had her teeth whitened. For the most part I like how they look, but they’re just too bright. In fact, some people in the office call them atomic teeth. Is there a way to whiten your teeth without ending up looking like a radioactive experiment gone wrong? Carrin – Memphis, TN Carrin, Yes, there is a way to control the level of whitening you get. The […]

Broken denture

I was cleaning my denture, but dropped it into the sink. When I did that the tooth broke off. I was thinking I could super glue it back on, but worried maybe that is a bad idea. Is it OK to glue it back on or do I need to see a dentist? Denae L – West Virginia Denae, It’s good you asked before you took any action. It is […]

What is facial collapse?

My dentist told me if I got dental implants, it would lead to facial collapse. That sounds really bad, but wondered what exactly it was. Paula M. – Nevada Paula, I’m surprised your dentist would make such a statement, though accurate, without explaining it to you. Part of a dentist’s job is to make sure his patients understand what he’s talking about. Facial collapse is a term that refers to […]

Does cost matter in porcelain veneers?

I have been thinking about getting porcelain veneers. I’ve called around to the dentists in my area. They’re all close to the same price, excpet one, who is several thousands dollars less expensive. Is it a different brand he uses that makes them less expensive? Bethany H. – South Carolina Bethany, I am going to warn you off of this. While it is possible, though only slightly, that he’s found […]

No veneers on bottom teeth?

My dentist said we don’t usually put veneers on bottom teeth, though they can do it. I’m wondering if I don’t do the veneers, won’t my smile be obviously different between the top and bottom? Denise L. – West Virginia Denise, I’m surprised your dentist didn’t give you all the information. While it is true that we don’t usually put veneers on your bottom teeth, that is because you can […]

Can my teeth look like Angelina Jolie’s?

I got lip surgery to look like Angelina Jolie’s, but my smile still doesn’t look quite like hers. Is there a way to get my teeth to look just like hers? Angela M. – Miami Angela, It is possible to make your teeth look like anyone’s. However, it is extrememly important you get the right dentist. Most people don’t know that cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. ANY general […]

Avoiding Bulky Teeth

My best friend and I are both getting smile makeovers. She got hers done first, because her dentist could fit her in first. My first appointment is in two days. Her teeth do look better, but not as good as I thought they would. I actually think they’re a little bulky looking. Is there a way to avoid that? Denae H. – El Paso, TX Denae, I’m glad you’ve written […]

Broke my denture dancing

I’ve done something I am really embarrassed about and am hoping you can help me. I’m old. I’m not telling you how old. My granddaughter keeps sending me these videos of these other elderly women who are boogying to music. I wanted to surprise her by doing my own little dance routine. I was practicing tonight and I fell. When I did, my dentures fell out and one of the […]

Is the mercury safe in fillings?

I found out that silver fillings have mercury in them. I’m a little worried about that and want to get rid of them somehow. My dentist says I can’t and that they are perfectly safe. Is he right? My friends say they can be removed. Danielle W. – Pennsylvania Danielle, Your silver (amalgam) fillings are made of about 50% mercury. Though the ADA has said they are perfectly safe, many […]

Need better veneers than my sister

When I got engaged, my sister got engaged and then scheduled her wedding for a month before mine. My whole life she’s been trying to upstage me. Well, last week she did it again. I mentioned I was going to get porcelain veneers a couple of months ago. The next thing I know she shows up at my house with veneers on her teeth! The only consolation I have is […]