A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Why Are the Top of My Porcelain Veneers Dark?

I had a porcelain veneer placed on a tooth that had a large chip. It looked great when I got it about six months ago, but recently it’s become dark at the top, near the gumline. I don’t know if it means there’s a problem, but it makes me embarrassed to smile. Can anything be done about it? Stanley L. – Burbank, CA Stanley, There are three possibilities that come […]

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. […]

Can My Dentures Look Like My Old Smile?

I’ve had dentures for about a year. They’re not the greatest thing, but they’re not the worst either. At least I have teeth. I lost my teeth after a severe beating. I was ashamed to smile for a long time. I can smile now. The only thing is, it’s not really my smile. Is it possible to get these dentures to look like my old smile before the thing that […]

Can Dental Implants Replace Teeth that Fell Out?

I’ve lost two teeth. They were lost because I had gum disease that wasn’t cared for quickly enough. I’m hoping I can get dental implants to replace them. Daisy E. – Kentucky Daisy, I understand why you’d want dental implants. They are excellent tooth replacements. Unfortunately, gum disease means that implants are not a good treatment for you at this moment. The priority must be your gum disease. Once that has […]

Woman smiling in the dental chair with her dentist behind her

What is the Best Dentist for a Bulimic?

If I have bulimia, is there a better dentist for me to go to? Name withheld. Well, this is a little hard to answer without some more specific information. Are you still purging? Are you a recovered bulimic and need to repair the damage done to your teeth from your previous purging? I’ll try to answer both generally. First, I will say, likely your best dentist will be a highly […]

Is Nail Polish Remover Safe on Dentures?

I’ve had the same pair of dentures for about six years now. I haven’t had many issues with them, aside from some adjustments in the beginning, but lately I’ve noticed they’re starting to pick up my cigarette stains more than usual. I tried brushing them, but it didn’t seem to help. Last weekend, I had an outing with my family and, in my haste to make them look nicer, I […]

If I Get Dentures Will I Look Like an Old Person?

I was thinking about getting dentures. I have to replace my teeth. They’re all coming out because of an accident. My dentist says they can’t be saved. If I get dentures, will it make me look old? Nina A. – Portland Nina, You won’t have to look like an old person just because you get dentures. The biggest thing to determine that will be the quality of the cosmetic dentist […]

Numbness from Dental Implant

I had multiple dental implants placed in my lower left side three days ago. The whole procedure was a nightmare. The dentist was running behind and it took him almost an hour to get to me. When he came in, he was in an obvious hurry. He normally puts gel on my gums and lets it sit for a while before he tries to numb me, but this time, he […]

Is It Safe to Remove Mercury Fillings?

I have a mercury filling I want to get rid of. When I spoke with my dentist about it, he said it was less safe to remove them than to just leave them in. Is that true? Addy – Wisconsin Addy, Removing amalgam fillings does release mercury vapors. That would be quite bad for you. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your mercury fillings removed. You’ll just need to […]

Dececember 2008 Lumineers case-of-the-month after photo

Have a Lisp Since Getting Lumineers

I received a promotion. I’m stoked because it is my dream job. I’ll be speaking at our big annual conference this year and decided to go all out and get a smile makeover. I like how they look, but seem to have developed a lisp. I don’t know what to do. Is this normal? Deidre – Maryland Deidre, First, things first…congrats on the promotion. There’s nothing like really loving your […]