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  • Lumineers for a tooth gap

    My boyfriend doesn’t like my tooth gap. He suggested I get something done about it. I talked to my dentist and he suggested lumineers. They’re awfully expensive. Is there another option?

    Dana B. – Rhode Island

    Dana,

    I hope you won’t be offended if I say you should do something about about your boyfriend before you do your tooth gap. It’s fine if you want to fix it, but only if you want to. You shouldn’t have to change your appearance for anyone else.

    There is another option if you don’t think you can afford lumineers. Dental bonding can close your tooth gap. There is a downside. It won’t last as long as lumineers.  Lumineers can last for a couple of decades or more. The dental bonding will only last a few years before it will have to be re-done. However, it can give you time to save up for something more permanent.

    You can also get braces or invisalign to close the gap.

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

  • Must I look like a hillbilly because I’m poor?

    I fell down a flight of stairs and knocked out one of my front teeth. My dentist said I needed a dental implant to replace it. When he told me the price my eyeballs popped out. Do I really have to choose between no food or shelter and having a front tooth?

    Marcus G. – Little Rock,

    Marcus,

    No. You will not have to choose between that at all. I have to say that I am a little annoyed at your dentist for not giving you all of  your options. In fact, it is unethical.

    There are plenty of other options available to you that are more affordable.  Did your dentist ever mention to you a dental bridge or a removable partial denture?

    Both of those options are more affordable than a dental implant. If your dentist will only give the most expensive option, you should find a different dentist.

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

  • I don’t get free dentistry with Obamacare

    I thought i’d get free dentistry when I got my obamacare, but I didn’t. Is there some kind of special application for that?

    Maurice I. – Benton, AR

    Maurice,

    Obamacare is designed for medical care, though not even that is free. Most people are having to pay a lot more than they did before Obamacare in order to subsidize the low income applicants. You need to understand that nothing is free, not even your medical care. Someone is paying for it.

    That being said, there are some ways to get more affordable dental care. You can get cleanings at a dental school for a lot less money than other clinics because students are doing the work. In many of them, however, if you need any dental work done, such as crowns or root canals, you will have to go to a licensed dentist.

    There are dentists who work hard to keep their prices affordable and even offer payment plans that are low and no interest. Call around. Let them know your financial situation and they’ll let you know if they’re able to work with you.

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

  • Dentists for autistic children

    My son is autistic and really struggles with new situations. Are there dentists who specialize in autistic children?

    Emily R. – Maine

    Emily,

    With the increase in autism, some dentists are educating themselves on how to help children in this situation.  There are pediatric dentists who are comfortable and experienced treating autistic children.

    Here are some ideas to help his appointment go smoother. Arrange for him to come in and meet the dentist and staff.  With his sensory issues, that I assume are a part of his difficulties,  you’ll want to help him with sitting in the chair and getting comfortable with the equipment before they have to be used on him.

    You may also consider sedation dentistry, which will relax him and make it easier for the dentist. Depending on what type of sedation you use, he may not  even remember the appointment.

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

  • $700 aspirin- fed up

    I was in a ton of pain and my dentist wouldn’t see me after hours. I went to the emergency room. They didn’t do anything with the tooth, gave me some aspirin, and charged me $700. I’m still in tremendous pain. What do I do?

    Drew- Baltimore

    Drew,

    I’m sorry for your experience. There are few things worse than tooth pain. Generally, hospitals won’t treat dental problems.  Though, they could have at least given you something a little stronger than an aspirin…and you’re right, the cost was ridiculous.

    Your dentist should have had some emergency protocol. Surely he could have recommended a colleague that he refers after hours cases to–at the least.

    You’re going to need to see an emergency dentist. If your dentist isn’t willing to recommend one, you can do a google search to find one.

    I’ll be honest. If your dentist isn’t willing to help in any fashion while you’re in so much pain, you’d be better served with a different denist.

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

  • Lumineers for halloween

    I want to go as a vampire for halloween and I want it to be REALLY realistic. Can I get lumineers that look like vampire teeth?

    Steve C. – Portland

    Steve,

    Yes, you can get lumineers to look like vampire teeth. However, you’ll spend a lot of money to do so and it’s permanent.  Some dentists are willing to do this, but some aren’t. Now, if you want to spend the next 20 years or so looking like a vampire, then this is a great solution for you. If not, I’d look for a different solution.

    You could get dental bonding, which is less expensive. You’ll have to pay twice. Once to get them and once to get them removed.  Many dentists will make you sign something that promises you will come back to have them removed.  Mosts dentists aren’t comfortable creating permanent “vampires”.

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

  • Dentist threatened to restrain my child

    I took my daughter in for her first dental appointment. She’d been to see my appointments and was very excited about going for her own appointment. She was thrilled when  she saw they have baby dolls in the waiting room.  She was playing with them when they called her name to go back. She didn’t want to give up the baby doll and threw a little bit of a fit, but did eventually give up the doll.  However, when we went back to the room they told me that because of her temperment they would have to either sedate or restrain her. They didn’t even try to work with her and she had calmed down by then. We left immediately. I’m wondering if this is common practice with pediatric dentists?

    Hannah I. – Portland, OR

    Hannah,

    It is a fairly common practice for pediatric dentists to have restraints, however, they are generally used as a last resort and for treatments other than just general check up appointments.

    Your hygienist and/or dentist should have at least attempted to see how your daughter would do on her appointment. They should also have done some fun things to give her a chance to adjust.

    I’m glad you left. You always want your child’s first appointment to be a pleasant one and what they had planned would have been traumatic.  My suggestion is for you to find a different pediatric dentist.  There are also family dentists who treat children than can serve as a pediatric dentist as well.

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

  • Boyfriend got vampire teeth…I hate it!

    My boyfriend did something super sweet and unbelievable stupid. He knows I am a twilight fan. For our anniversary he got vampire teeth put in. He said they’re lumineers. Is there any way to get rid of them? I like twilight, but I wasn’t really interested in dating a vampire. I just thought Robert Pattinson was hot.  Now, if he could get Pattinson’s hair…that’d be awesome.

    Denae- Maine

    Denae,

    I don’t believe I have ever laughed so much from a blog question in my life. I hope you don’t mind, but I showed my wife…and my neighbor.

    Here is what I suggest for your fella. He’ll need to have his Lumineers re-done. Now, I don’t know how wealthy your boyfriend is, but he did something pricey for your anniversary. It won’t be cheap to change them either. I recommend his dentist only change the “pointy” teeth, That will at least limit his expense on the fix.

    Sorry I can’t help in regard to Mr. Pattinson’s hair.

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

  • I want a free dentist

    Is there free dentists for poor people? I can’t afford to go and I have a tooth ache.

    Devon O. – Baltimore

    Devon,

    Each city generally has free dental service clinics, but they’re not permanent, instead they are once a year or so.  However, if you are having tooth pain now, it needs to be dealt with. That pain probably indicates a tooth infection. When left untreated, they can become quite serious.

    Plus, it is more affordable to deal with things early. If not, you could end up having to replace a tooth, which can cost a great deal.  I understand you’re in a difficult financial situation. In that case, I would do an internet search for an affordable dentist in your area.

    When you talk to them, be up front about your financial circumstances. They’ll likely work with you.

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

  • Do I have to get my teeth ground for lumineers?

    I want to get a new smile with Lumineers, but I don’t want my teeth to be ground down. Is that really necessary?

    Ginny D. – Virginia

    Ginny,

    I think you may be confusing Lumineers with dental crowns. Your teeth do have to be ground down with dental crowns. It’s different with Lumineers. You may not even need any tooth preparation at all. Sometimes, however, there is a need for moderate tooth preparation.

    It isn’t anything like grinding your teeth down though. Instead it is maybe the depth of a fingernail or less. Most people can’t tell the difference in size between a prepped or unprepped tooth.

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

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