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  • Lumineers for backs of teeth

    I was thinking of getting Lumineers, but wondered if they’d cover all of my teeth or just the visible part of my teeth. I have pretty stained stained teeth on the back from coffee.  Will Lumineers help with that?

    Andrew K. – Washington

    Andrew,

    Lumineers are simply a brand of porcelain veneers. So they can do anything that other brands can do.  Covering the back of your teeth is not part of that. It just covers the front of your teeth.

    If you wanted to cover the back of your teeth, you would need to get a dental crown. That is an extreme procedure to do to deal wtih the stains on the back of your teeth.  It takes off a lot of the structure of your teeth.

    If you’re looking for a smile makeoever, you can still get lumineers. The stains on your teeth can easily be dealt with by a good cleaning and some teeth whitening.

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

  • Losing money with dental insurance

    I got dental insurance, but feel like I’m losing money with it. I can’t figure out how to navigate all the loopholes and filing deadlines.  Is there a better way to save money with dental work?

    Terri B. – Kansas

    Terri,

    I’m sorry for your frustration. There’s nothing worse than paying for insurance in order to make your dentistry more affordable, but not knowing how to get full value for it.

    However, I must say that I don’t think your dentist is doing his job.  It is your dental office’s job to understand dental insurance in order to get you all the value you can.  They should be filing your insurance for you.

    If your dentist won’t help you with it, you’d be better served switching practices.

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

  • How can I get dental implants when poor?

    What do you do if you really want dental implants but don’t have the money?

    Stacey A. – Oklahoma

    Stacey,

    It’s one thing to want a pleasurable item you can’t afford. It’s fairly easy to live with that. But, when you can’t afford something that would be best for your health, that is very hard to take.

    You do have options. Many dentists find ways to give affordable dental care in situations like yours. One option, depending on the number of implants you need, would be phased treatment.

    You could get one or two implants, while using a temporary treatment for your other teeth until you can save up more.

    Many dentists have payment plans that would let you spread out the cost.  Some have zero interest.

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

     

  • Ignored loose tooth

    I was at a neighborhood play area where there are a lot of tubes. One of the boys got accidentally kicked in the mouth. He was crying pretty stoutly and there was an impressive amount of blood. The mom went over there, looked him over, said “Yay! A loose tooth.”, brushed him off, and sent him back into the tubes.  Is that OK or will there be permanent problems with his teeth? Should she have taken him to the emergency room?

    Emile P.- San Francisco

    Emile,

    It is always easy to look at a situation we’re not directly involved in and make judgments. It’s also easy for us to judge ourselves in hindsight.  However, answering your question will depend on how old the child was, or more specifically, what kind of tooth was affected.

    If it was a young child, there is less of a chance it was a true dental emergency. Likely, it was just a baby tooth. The blood is not uncommon either. The mouth does bleed easily.  That was more likely blood from his mouth being cut by his tooth, than it was blood from the tooth area itself.

    An older child could mean that an adult tooth was knocked loose. In that case they would need to be seen right away. The tooth will need to be stabalized so it doesn’t fall out.

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

  • Hit in the mouth

    My youngest was hit in the mouth at school. One of his teeth is loose as a result. Do I need to take him in to see the dentist or will this work itself out?

    DeAnne G. – Idaho

    DeAnne,

    That depends on a few things. First, if it is an adult tooth, then yes, you definitely need to take your child in. Call your pediatric dentist right away. The tooth needs to be stabalized and your dentist needs to make sure there is not damage to the root.

    If it is a baby tooth, you’re probably fine as long as you don’t see any trauma and as long as it isn’t a molar.

    If you see trauma or if it is a molar you’ll also need to get in.

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

  • Teeth like headlights

    My bff got some lumineers. There shape is good, which was a positive change. My only critisism is that they are too bright. It’s like looking at car headlights straight on. If I wanted to get Lumineers too, is there a way to keep that from happening?

    Andrea K. –  Alabama

    Andrea,

    Color, like shape, is the patient’s choice. If your friend’s teeth were extremely bright, it is because that is the color she chose.

    You’ll be free to choose something less bright, if you choose. I’d just be very clear with your dentist about what you’re looking for in your new smile when you go in for your Lumineers.

    Be sure to speak up and try them on with a temporary paste before they are bonded on permanently. That way if you aren’t happy with them, changes can be made before it is too late.

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

  • Can’t afford the treatment I want

    I lost a tooth due to an accident. I really want a dental implant to replace it, but became very depressed when I realized I couldn’t afford it.  I don’t want to be stuck with a removable denture for the rest of my life. I want something that stays in my mouth. I know this sounds like not a big deal, but to me it is everything. I’ve been crying for days.

    Annalisa M. – Portland, OR

    Annalisa,

    There are times in our life when our heart’s desires and our pocket books do not match.  I know it is disappointing. Fortunately, there is an affordable dental solution that I think you’ll like better than a removable partial denture.

    Under ethical standards, your dentist is supposed to give you all of your options. We aren’t always able to afford the ideal treatment. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have a suitable treatment anyway.

    Has your dentist mentioned getting a dental bridge. It will use a false tooth suspended between two crowns. It’s not as ideal as a dental implant, but it is not a removable applicance like a partial denture.

    You could use either of those two procedures as a permanent or temporary solution. Your heart is set on implants. You can have them, it just might take a little longer than you’d hoped. Get the solution you can afford now and save for the one you really want.

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

  • Is there affordable teeth whitening?

    I want to whiten my teeth because I need another job and my smile makes me look old. It’s kind of pricey. There are over the counter whitestrips that are A LOT cheaper. Do they really work?

    Yvette M. – Alabama

    Yvette,

    Over the counter whitestrips will work, but not the same way that professional teeth whitening will. First, the whitening gel is considerable weaker than what you’ll get at a dentist’s office.

    While they may seem more affordable, they will actually end up costing you more money. You’ll have to do many, many boxes in order to get the same results.

    Your best bet is to find a dentist who will let you pay out your teeth whitening.

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

  • Bully knocked out my son’s tooth

    A bully at school knocked out my son’s tooth. The school didn’t tell me until after school. My son said it happened at lunch. Is it too late to save his tooth? I can’t reach my dentist.

    Brenda D. – California

    Brenda,

    Generally, a tooth has to be reimplanted within 30 minutes to have the best chance of saving the tooth. You can call an emergency dentist if you still can’t reach your dentist and explain what happened. They’ll see what they can do, but I wouldn’t hold out too much hope.

    You didn’t mention how old your son was. Even if they cannot save your son’s tooth, you’ll have several options in tooth replacement, but it will depend on your son’s age and some other factors.

    This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Dr. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

     

  • Dated my pediatric dentist, plus bad breath

    I went out with my son’s pediatric dentist. It was nice while it lasted, especially the free dental care. But, now we’ve broken up and I’m uncomfortable going back. However, my son as the most horrid bad breath. I’m afraid there is something…dental going on. Do I have to go to a pedatric dentist? Will a general dentist do?

    Jeanette Marie K. – New Jersey

    Jeanette Marie,

    First let’s address  the bad breath. It could be a matter of oral hygiene issues, but it could also be an infection like strep throat or also diabetes.  I think your first  order of business would be to take him to a doctor and eleminate some medical reasons for the breath.

    Next, lets address your choice in dentists. To answer your question, no, your son doesn’t have to go to a pediatric dentist. For routine issue, any general dentist will do, as long as they enjoy treating children.

    If there are any serious issues that arise, you can always go to a different pediatric if necessary…. or you could temporarily get back together with your fella until this issue resolves itself.

    Just like there are more fish in the sea when it comes to men,  there are probably other pediatric dentists in your area.

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

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