and image of dentures side by side to a dental implant

Is a Pretty Smile After 20 Years of Dentures Possible?

I’ve had dentures for about 20 years. I’ve never liked how they looked, but what could I do. Dentures are dentures. I’m wondering if it’s possible to get a beautiful smile now. I’ve learned about dental implants and think they’d be awesome. Margaret Dear Margaret, I’m sorry you’ve spent this many years disappointed in your smile. That had to be hard for you. Fortunately, you won’t have to stay that […]

Essential Oils for Teeth Whitening

I’ve been looking for a natural way to whiten my teeth. I don’t like the idea of using chemicals. I keep reading you can use lemons or lemon essential oils to whiten them. Have you seen this work with your patients? I use lemon essential oils in my cleaning regimen but I’d never thought of using it on my teeth. Caroline Lemons are commonly touted as a DIY tooth whitening […]

Left: porcelain crown; Right: porcelain veneer

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 […]

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 […]

Charcoal for Teeth Whitening

I read an article which talked about whitening your teeth with charcoal. I know you can’t believe everything you read so I wanted to get a dentist’s take on it. Will that work? If so, is there anything I need to know to make it more effective? Corinne Dear Corinne, You are a wise woman to verify the things you read. Too many people take anything they read or hear […]

Lumineers or Another Brand?

I really wanted to get Lumineers. I love the smiles I see in their advertisements. Yet, when I do research on them the reviews are quite mixed. I can’t decide if they are the right brand to get or not. I like the idea of the no prep part. It sounds like it would be better for my teeth. I just don’t want to make a mistake. Any advice? LeeAnne […]

Porcelain veneers being held up by a dental tool

Traditional Versus Ultra-Thin Porcelain Veneers

I’m looking at getting porcelain veneers but I can’t figure out whether to get the traditional or the ultra-thin types. There’s so much conflicting information from the dentists I’ve consulted with. I’m hoping you can give me an unbiased opinion because I live in a different area of the country and you can’t make money off of me. Haha. Lisa Dear Lisa, I’d like to think I’m the type of […]

Ilustration of a dental implant crown being placed in three stages

Over the Border for Dental Implants

I had a dentist tell me something which I’m not sure about. It’s one of those gut feelings that something is wrong. I asked my dentist about dental implants and he said he won’t give me any until I get my gum disease completely dealt with. I was a tad annoyed and thought it wasn’t fair of him to withhold teeth until I did another demanding group of treatments with […]

Woman smiling in the dental chair with her dentist behind her

Dentist Insulted My Bulimic Daughter

I need some advice. I’ve been with the same dentist for years. He’s always been a great family dentist. However, recently, my daughter has been suffering from bulimia. We’re aware of the situation and working with her, but the dentist noticed the damage and was a bit rude. He said, “You think purging will make you pretty, but how pretty will you be when all your teeth are destroyed?” While […]

Husband Refuses to Wear His Dentures

I’m at my wits end with my husband. First, he went for a few years with no bottom teeth. I finally talked him into getting dentures and now he won’t wear them. When he does, he takes them out when we eat. It’s disgusting enough at home, but when we’re out, he just sets them on the table for all and sundry to see. When I ask him why he […]