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  • Pros and Cons to Lumineers

    Hi,

    I am interested in getting Lumineers. Should I? Or would I be better off getting something else instead?

    Jodie, from Chicago, Illinois

     

    Hi Jodie,

    Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin porcelain veneers. They can easily fix minor dental flaws by being cemented over your natural tooth.

    This article will highlight the pros and cons of whether Lumineers are right for you. Be sure to talk over your options with your dentist prior to getting any cosmetic dental work.

    Pros of Lumineers

    One major reason Lumineers are popular is because they are a no-prep veneer, meaning your tooth’s surface does not need preparing or roughening before the Lumineer is cemented in. Due to the lack of prep, Lumineers are a conservative option for a smile makeover.

    Veneers are a good option if you suffer from teeth that are crooked, cracked, discolored, or came in incorrectly. Porcelain veneers can easily fix these problems.

    If your smile is in need of a whitening boost but you’re tired of whitening your teeth, or needs to be evened out, porcelain veneers are a non-invasive option for a smile makeover.

    Cons of Lumineers

    For extensive, restorative dental work, porcelain veneers may not be the best option.

    Another thing to be careful of is the dentist placing your Lumineers. Due to the no-prep nature of the procedure, Lumineers are placed over your natural teeth. In the wrong the hands, Lumineers can appear bulky if placed by an inexperienced cosmetic dentist.

    If you want your Lumineers to look like the marketing materials, be sure to check a potential dentist’s smile gallery before agreeing to any work. If you find a dentist you want to work with who is not comfortable working with Lumineers, you may want to opt for a different material for your smile makeover.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineers provider, Dr. Hillary Peck, of Peck Family Dentistry.

     

  • Should I Seek a Second Opinion on my Porcelain Veneers?

    Hello there,

    I was interested in getting a dentist to do a smile makeover over some of my upper teeth. Initially I considered braces or orthodontic treatment, because my teeth were not aligned and there was some crowding. My dentist encouraged me to consider porcelain veneers instead, as they could fix my teeth’s problems much faster than orthodontics.

    He examined my teeth, and quoted me an amount that included shaving and shaping my teeth,  as well as the porcelain work. It was nearly $10,000! After I got over the sticker shock, he said that price did not include any root canals, which I would also need.

    Should I get a second opinion from another cosmetic dentist? Or is this a normal price everywhere?  Should I get Lumineers instead to make the price cheaper? I knew cosmetic work would be expensive, but I need something more affordable than $10,000!

    Luna, from Tonawanda, New York

     

    Hi Luna,

    The art of the smile makeover is not taught in dental school. Dentists are taught to be pragmatic and functional, to fix problems rather than create artistic solutions. Granted, the higher the sticker price does not always mean the best quality. A lot of research should go into selecting a cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover.

    Lumineers are sometimes cheaper because they do not require prep, such as shaping or shaving. However, Lumineers take a special amount of skill to place; in the wrong hands, they can look bulky. If your dentist is not comfortable with Lumineers, do not push them. You may save a few dollars, but if the dentist is working outside their comfort zone, the resulting work may not be the highest quality.

    You may be better off looking at smile galleries on local cosmetic dentists’ web pages to find someone you like. The final result is more important than price, and getting work done correctly the first time will save you money in the long run.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineers provider, Dr. Hillary Peck, of Peck Family Dentistry.

  • What Dental Treatments Do I Need as an Adult?

    Hi there,

    I keep on top of my dental appointments, going every six months. However, every time I go, my dentist insists on giving me x-rays and bitewings each time I go. I was wondering how often I needed these? My dentist also wants me to get fluoride treatments, but I thought only kids needed those. Do I still need them? I’m on a tight budget and only want to get what is absolutely necessary.

    Hannah, from Leeds, United Kingdom

     

    Hi Hannah,

    There is no negative affect for receiving fluoride treatments as an adult. However if you have had porcelain work done to your teeth, you should be wary of using acidulated fluoride. This strong type of fluoride can damage your veneers or crowns, and make your teeth more susceptible to staining. Be sure to inform your hygienist of any work you’ve had done prior to your cleaning.

    Your dentist would recommend these treatments for you if your teeth are in an advanced state of decay. You are correct, mostly children receive fluoride treatments until the age of 14, but some continue longer.

    The ADA guidelines recommend a full-mouth x-ray every that show the roots every one to five years. You need bitewings (a set of two to four x-rays taken while you bite down on some film) at least once a year.

    Your dentist may have recommended additional x-rays if your teeth have advanced stages of decay. If not, then you can ask your dentist to follow the ADA guidelines. Receiving fewer x-rays will save you some money.

    This blog post is brought to you by affordable Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck, of Peck Family Dentistry.

  • Should I Get Lumineers?

    Hello,

    I’ve always hated my smile, and am interested in getting veneers to fix it. I’m interested in Lumineers, but I’ve heard they may not be as durable as porcelain veneers. Which would be better? I’m currently saving up for the veneers, so cost is a factor. I want the longest-lasting veneers I can get.

    Sydnee, from Richmond, VA

    Hi Sydnee,

    Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneer, and porcelain in general is very strong. If a veneer cracks, it’s likely because of poor bonding, rather than the material itself.

    Lumineers are thinner than your usual porcelain veneer, but require a skilled dentist to make and place. In the wrong hands, they can look fake. Since they are a no-prep veneer, they can also look bulky if not bonded properly. Be sure to check your cosmetic dentist’s smile gallery first, to see if you like the look of Lumineers.

    Before and after photos of smile makeovers are a good way to gauge a potential cosmetic dentist’s skill. Most dentists like their work because they get to fix problems, rather than create beautiful pieces of art. A true cosmetic dentist can combine aesthetics with functionality.

    Some cosmetic dentists do not do Lumineers. Apart from requiring high levels of skill to place, they also require a special lab for processing, so some dentists opt not to work with them.  If you go to a cosmetic dentist who does not do Lumineers, it’s best not to press the issue; pushing a dentist to work with a material outside their comfort zone can have disastrous results for your smile.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineers provider, Dr. Hillary Peck. Dr. Peck is a general dentist with years of training in cosmetic dentistry and experience placing Lumineers.

  • How Expensive is a Pediatric Dentist?

    Hi there,

    I have a six-year-old daughter and currently take her to see our family dentist. Recently, I was thinking of switching, though. Our family dentist does not seem used to working with such young children. My daughter was chided for fidgeting during her last cleaning. I think seeing a pediatric dentist would be a good change, but I am a single parent on a strict budget. Do pediatric dentists usually charge more, or would the price be the same as a family dentist?

    Taylor, from Rochester, NY

     

    Hi Taylor,

    Pediatric dentists are general dentists who have undergone additional training to hone their skills. Each office sets their own fees. You’ll have to check with pediatric dentists in your area to compare prices.

    If you are able to find a pediatric dentist in your insurance network, the price will be about the same. The insurance company dictates the fees that dentists can charge. If the work your child needs is preventative, such as cleanings, your plan should cover it. If you go outside your network, the fees may vary.

    You don’t necessarily have to see a pediatric dentist. Many general dentists are comfortable working with children – you just need to find an office that sees a lot of children. This way, you won’t need to worry about higher fees, either.

    Call your insurance beforehand. They can let you know pricing if you see a specialist, or even refer you to an in-network pediatric dentist. If you do not have insurance, call individual offices and ask for a price quote on common, preventative services. This way, you can make an informed decision on whether you will stick with your current family dentist.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

  • Are Lumineers Cheaper than Porcelain Veneers?

    Hi,

    I’m interested in a smile makeover with veneers. Where I live, porcelain veneers are over $1,500 per tooth. However, I’ve heard Lumineers cost a bit less. Is this true? Should I look for a cosmetic dentist to place Lumineers, or just get regular porcelain veneers? Can I get a beautiful smile with Lumineers for less than $1,500?

    Miki, from Minneapolis, Minnesota

     

    Hi Miki,

    One of the most important things to look for in a cosmetic dentist is artistry, not cost. That may sound counter-intuitive, but the cheaper the dentist, the less quality work you receive. When you pay for cosmetic dentistry, you’re paying for the training, education, and mastery of the dentist. When getting Lumineers, expertise is key because when placed by an inexperienced dentist, they can look bulky.

    A general dentist may agree to place your Lumineers or veneers, but a general dentist is trained to fix problems, not create an aesthetic smile. A cosmetic dentist will go the extra mile to create a smile you’re proud of. Saving money by opting for Lumineers isn’t going to be worth it if the colors don’t match and you’re too shy to show them off.

    It’s always best to approach cosmetic dentistry with an open mind. Check a dentist’s smile gallery, and see if their work is the kind that you’d like for yourself. If you find you still want Lumineers, look for a dentist experienced with them, as the no-prep placement requires skill. Call a few cosmetic dental offices in your area to compare prices, and you’ll have a better idea of the total cost of your procedure.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineers provider Dr. Hillary Peck. Dr. Peck is a licensed general dentist with years of experience in placing Lumineers.

     

     

  • Can I Get Cosmetic Dentistry at a Discount?

    Hi,

    I really dislike my smile. Many of my teeth are crooked or broken – my lateral incisors nearly stick straight out! I don’t have any photos of myself smiling as a child because I’ve always hated my teeth. I was wondering if there was a payment program I could sign up for to get a smile makeover? The majority of my teeth need to be redone, but I can’t afford it. Is there a way to get discounted cosmetic dentistry? I’d let them use my photos as promotional material, would that help me get a discount?

    Sincerely,

    Pam, from Sterling, Colorado

     

    Hi Pam,

    Unfortunately, offering the dentist the use of your photo in exchange for a smile makeover isn’t going to get you a discount. Most patients are so happy with their crowns or veneers that they agree to let the dentist use their photo anyway. So that isn’t the best bargaining chip.

    The good news is, the dental field is full of dentists with integrity and empathy. Many dentists volunteer or work with charities to help others access care they may not otherwise get. Affordable dental offices understand that many people need extensive dental work, but lack the savings or insurance to get it.

    Fortunately, many dentists offer payment plans or Care Credit to help patients afford the care they need. However, offering these options to a patient with bad credit or who couldn’t afford it in the first place can ruin the relationship between doctors and patients, so have an open and honest conversation with your dentist.

    Avoid going to a “cheap” dentist for cosmetic work, as it can cost more in the long run. Luckily, many offices will let you make payments on your treatment, as long as it is fully paid for prior to your first appointment. You can also talk to you dentist to see which parts of your smile to prioritize. In your case, you probably want a treatment plan for lateral incisors.  Doing a little bit at a time is the most affordable way to access cosmetic dentistry.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck, of Peck Family Dentistry. Please note Dr. Peck is a licensed general dentist with years of experience in treating cosmetic dentistry cases.

     

  • Can I Place New Lumineers Over My Old Ones?

    Hi,

    I got Lumineers placed on my teeth years ago, and they are not as white as I’d like them to be. I know that porcelain crowns can’t be whitened with tooth whitening or bleaching, but I was wondering about something else I could do. Is it possible to place new, whiter Lumineers over my old ones? Is it recommended? I just want my smile to be brighter.

    Thank you,

    Julia, from Accident, Maryland.

     

    Hi Julia,

    Lumineers are an ultra-thin type of porcelain veneer marketed as a no-prep procedure, meaning they are bonded directly to your tooth without any surface preparation. Your dentist should have taken your smile concerns into consideration while making your Lumineers. Not getting the color you wanted is probably a result of your dentist lacking experience in cosmetic dentistry. A true cosmetic dentist would take your aesthetic concerns as seriously as your practical ones.

    Fortunately, you can get a brighter smile if you re-do your old Lumineers. Putting new ones over your current ones will not save you any time or money, and may also feel too thick when placed in your mouth. Bonding Lumineers on top of existing ones or porcelain veneer increases the risk of failure. Also, the thin margin between where the Lumineers meet would be more prone to staining than if it were placed over a natural tooth.

    So to improve the whiteness and look of your smile, you should seek out a cosmetic dentist to replace your Lumineers. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a specialty recognized by the ADA, but some dentists have received extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and have the experience to help your case.

    Also, be open minded when seeking a new dentist for your Lumineers – not all dentists are comfortable using them, and you may find that a different type of porcelain veneer is best for you.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineers provider, Dr. Hillary Peck. Dr. Peck is a general dentist who has considerable experience with cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

  • What Can I Do About My Son’s Broken Baby Teeth?

    Hi,

    Our family dentist is recommending an extraction for two of my son’s back teeth. She found that some of his back teeth have broken from decay and have cavities. However, he is only 7 and still has his baby teeth. Isn’t he too young for extractions? What should I do?

    Thank you,

    Noel, from Charleston, South Carolina

     

    Hi Noel,

    Yes, your family dentist is correct – your son does need these teeth extracted. If these teeth are not removed, the decay can spread down to your son’s jaw and cause more problems down the line. If your son had his adult teeth, a root canal would be an option, but it’s not available for baby teeth.

    When certain baby teeth are extracted, a space maintainer can be placed in your child’s mouth. Space maintainers are placeholders, and will prevent your son’s molars from growing in sideways.

    If you dentist did not recommend these to you, you should seek a second opinion from a pediatric dentist. Dentists with additional training and experience in treating children would be your best option.

    For more information on how to prepare your son for his upcoming appointment, you can check Dr. Peck’s dental tips for parents page.

    This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck, of Peck Family Dentistry. Please note that pediatric dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but Dr. Peck is comfortable and experienced in treating the needs of children.

     

  • The Filling Over my Root Canal Fell Out!

    Hi,

    I had a root canal done back when I had dental insurance. Now, I don’t have insurance anymore and the filling covering the gap the root canal left behind has fallen out. Since I lack the funds to see a dentist, I’d usually let it slide, but I’m worried. There’s a metal rod that’s been exposed, and what’s worse, it’s loose – I can wiggle it with my tongue. Is there anything I can do on my own, or is seeing a dentist my only solution? I need an affordable solution.

    Barney, Poughkeepsie, NY

     

    Hi Barney,

    I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Root canal treatments can fail if they are not protected from saliva in the mouth. Loosening the protective filling can cause another infection, which means another root canal is needed, or else you will lose the tooth.

    I’d recommend you go see a dentist that caters to your needs. If you explain your situation, they should be able to fix this for low cost (or if you’re lucky, no cost.) There are two different solutions I would recommend: The first is quick and easy, and can be done using Cavit (a paste that comes in a tube, and hardens when exposed to moisture – such as in the mouth).

    A more permanent but still affordable solution would be to create a filling around a metal post using a bonded core material. In your case, if you can not afford to come back for a crown, this filling would last for several years. Once you have dental insurance again, or are in a more-secure financial state, you can complete the next step of treatment – a new root canal topped with the porcelain crown you need.

    This blog is brought to you by Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

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