Monthly Archives: June 2016

Lumineers

My Lumineers need to be whitened

I had Lumineers done a few years ago. I think they’re Lumineers. He called them no-prep veneers and direct bonding. I paid a small fortune for them and didn’t expect them to need whitening this quickly. He indicated they would last for many years.  How do I take care of them getting whitened? I’ve since moved and can’t drive four hours to his office, so I’d like to know what procedure I need and have it done locally.

Louisa – Seattle

Louisa,

There’s something that bothers me about your question. You said he called them Lumineers (which can sometimes be no-prep veneers) and direct bonding. Those are two very different things.  Your dentist indicated they would last for many years, which would indicate some type of porcelain veneer (such as Lumineers), but you’re saying they’ve only lasted a few years, which indicates dental bonding.

The first step is to figure out which procedure you actually received. Go to a good cosmetic dentist in your new area. Let them look at your teeth, they’ll be able to tell right away what procedure you received. Also, tell them how much you paid, so he or she can determine if there’s a chance you were scammed.

Whichever procedure it was, whitening doesn’t work on any type of cosmetic work. Your only solution is to have the procedure re-done.

This blog is brought to you by Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Do You Have To Go To A Rude Dishonest Clinic To Get An Affordable Dentist?

I needed a dental crown, but was unemployed and didn’t have much money. I called around and went with the dentist who quoted me the lowest price. I had no idea what I was getting into. The entire staff was rude and acted like I wasn’t up to their standards. The work was done in a hurried, and I might add, not so gentle manner. Then my bill was twice what they quoted me on the phone. Is there a way to get quality, honest affordable dental care?

Alice M.  – New Jersey

Alice,

What an unpleasant experience.  First, I will assure you that not all affordable dentists behave in such a way. Many, like Dr. Peck, strive to be affordable because they want everyone to have access to quality dental care no matter what their budget.

Their rudeness is inexcusable, but the problem with the quote may have been on the level. Some dentists refuse to give quotes because it is almost impossible to give an exact quote, because so much of a crown depends upon the condition of the tooth. There are several different fee levels for the same overarching procedure.

The best way to get quality, affordable care is to research the reviews a dentist gets for their care of the patient, then call that office to see how they work with patients.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Affordable Dentist

My Dentist Won’t Listen to Me

My dentist has in mind the type of treatment I need for a tooth that I would prefer to save, but he wants to replace with a dental implant. The tooth starting hurting me last week.  I went in to see my dentist.  He said the tooth is unsavable and wants me to get a dental implant.  I can’t afford a dental implant and he won’t listen to me.  I can’t believe that a tooth that JUST started hurting could be unsavable.  What do I do?

Samantha J. – Washington

Samantha,

It sounds to me that you need a second opinion. I agree that it would be unlikely a tooth couldn’t be saved if it had just started decay. Of course, there may to decay you never noticed. Another dentist might look at the tooth and have other ideas.

However, even if the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants aren’t your only choice. There are more affordable options for a tooth replacement.

A dentist has an ethical responsibility to tell you all of your treatment options.  For a tooth replacement, you can get a dental bridge, or even a removable partial denture. .

This blog is brought to you by Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.