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  • Fixing mis-shapen teeth

    My teeth are shaped kind of funny. If I got dental crowns on them, would it fix them?

    Andrew- Kentucky

    Andrew,

    Have you considered getting Lumineers? They are able to change the shape color and size of your teeth. The reason I am suggesting those instead of dental crowns is because of the amount of tooth structure that is required to be removed for crowns.

    When you get dental crowns, your teeth have to be ground down quite a bit to make room for the crowns. With Lumineers, you only have to shave just a minimal amount of tooth structure.

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

  • Change My Tooth Shape

    Can you tell me what whether dental bonding can change the size of my teeth? I feel like my teeth are too small.

    Becky W.- Benton, AR

    Becky,

    It is possible for for dental bonding to change the size of your teeth. However, bonding is better for things like small gaps and chips. For a cosmetic procedure like you are wanting, you’d really want something that will last significantly longer than bonding.

    I would suggest you get Lumineers. They are an ultra thin brand of porcelain veneers. These can not only change the size of your teeth, but the color and shape as well. In some cases you won’t even need any tooth preparation.

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

  • Can’t afford implants

    I don’t know what to do. I need to have six teeth replaced, but I can’t afford dental implants. My dentist says it is really the only option because they’re all next to each other and I’d lose too much bone. Do you have any advice?

    Sam J.- Alaska

    Sam,

    I don’t like it when dentists say something is your only option. While it is true that dental implants are the ideal treatment, they’re certainly not the only option.  First, I would look for an affordable dentist. Don’t confuse affordable with cheap.  Sometimes the cheapest option is the worst, becaust their skills and quality of materials aren’t very good. An affordable dentist will work with you in several of these ways:

    1.  They will give you ALL your options. Not just the ideal one.

    2. They will generally have payment plans including low and no -interest options.

    3. They will let you do phased treatment. For instance, you can’t afford six dental implants, but what if you can afford one dental implant. Then your dentist could place temporary fake teeth on the other teeth until you could save up for more implants.

    I hope this helps.

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

     

  • Teeth extraction in babies

    My 17 month old needs two front teeth extracted. Is this normal?

    A concerned mom

    I can understand your concern. It is not unknown for toddlers to have tooth decay. However, generally there are some common factors involved. One is a family history of decay and two is being allowed to feed throughout the night.

    A seventeen month old is able to sleep through the night without bottle or breastfeeding. Though, if they are not used to that it will take some training. In the meantime, whenever you feed your baby at night, make sure you don’t let him or her sleep with a bottle or sleep while breastfeeding.

    When that happens, the liquid stays on their teeth. Our saliva production is down at night, so there isn’t as much protection for their teeth.

    Also, make sure as soon as that first tooth is erupted you need to begin formal dental hygiene, both at home and in a year or so with a dentist. When they’re young it is best to see a pediatric dentist who enjoys treating children so they’ll have a positive first experience.

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

  • Why a night guard with lumineers?

    I just spent a fortune on Lumineers and now my dentist thinks I need to buy a night guard. He said if I don’t they won’t stay bonded on. Is there anything else I’m going to have to get? I’m beginning to feel like I’m being set up for some kind of smile money pit.

    Eric C.- Nashville, TN

    Eric,

    If your Lumineers are bonded on correctly they will stay bonded on. I don’t like scare tactics and that sounds like what your dentist is using.There are reasons to get a night guard, but it depends on whether or not you are a tooth grinder or not.

    Did you and your dentist discuss a tooth grinding habit or has he seen evidence of grinding and/or clenching on  your teeth? If not, I wouldn’t really take his warning too seriously. Now if you do have a griding or clenching habit then a night guard will be a very important accessory. Without it you will end up chipping your Lumineers. When you spend that much money on a smile makeover, you want to protect your investment.

    Other than that, the only other thing I’d recommend for you to get for your Lumineers is Supersmile Toothpaste. It is a specialty toothpaste that is specifically designed for cosmetic work.  You can of course brush your teeth with any over the counter brand of toothpaste, but I highly recommend Supersmile for removing any stains from your Lumineers that you pick up from your food or drink.

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

  • Brown Stains from Perioplus

    My dentist prescribe perioplex to me after a recent oral surgery. However, I’ve noticed my teeth are starting to stain brown. Is this from the perioplus?

    Sandy M.- Oklahoma

    Sandy,

    I did some quick research and I suspect the Perioplex is the cause of your staining. It is a good antibacterial agent, but contains chlorhexidine, which can stain your teeth. Another prescription that contains chlorhexidine is Peridex.  Don’t despair though (or stop using it) because there is a solution.

    I would order the toothpaste Supersmile. It contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein pellicle on your teeth. You’ll soon have your white smile back.

    Supersmile is also a great toothpaste to use on cosmetic dental work, such as porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers.

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

     

     

  • Oral Yeast Infections

    I recently have been diagnosed with asthma and have to use an inhaler. Since I’ve started there is this white stuff on my tongue and cheeks. The affected areas are sore. Do you have any understanding of what could be happening?

    Alethea B.- Mississippi

    Alethea,

    I suspect you have oral candidiasis, which is commonly known as an oral yeast infection. You can find the candida fungus in everyone’s body. Generally in their mouth, skin, and digestive tract. Sometimes, a medication that you are using can cause the microorganisms in your body to go out of balance. In this case your asthma medicine likely caused the candida fungus to grow more quickly, leading to a yeast infection.

    It is simple to treat. Either your doctor or your dentist can prescribe and anti-fungal medication for you. What kind and how long you will need to take the medication will depen d on the severity of your case. Don’t leave this untreated, because it will not heal itself and can lead to other problems.

    You may also be interested in learning about mercury-free dentistry.

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

  • Denture is too hard

    Is there a way to get a softer denture? Mine is too hard and is hurting the roof of my mouth.

    Eileen S.- Babylon, NY

    Eileen,

    There isn’t really a soft denture. You can get a soft lining for your dentures. They are more comfortable than other types of dentures. The downside is they are more expensive and do not hold up as well.

    You are not the only patient who finds dentures hard to deal with. The best solution is to switch to dental implants. They function and feel just like your natural teeth. You’ll be more comfortable, you’ll be able to eat the foods you love again.

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

  • Gray Tooth

    My dentist says I have a gray tooth and she wants to see me again. Do you know why?

    Bennie- Los Angeles

    Bennie,

    A gray tooth can mean your tooth is dying. Usually teeth die because of decay or trauma, though it is possible to die for other reasons or even no reason.

    You didn’t mention  if  your tooth hurt. If you don’t feel any pain it is possible the nerve for the tooth has already died. If that is the case, bacteria will feed on the dead tissue. Eventually that will lead to an infection.

    Depending on the situatioin, your dentist can treat this with a white filling or a root canal treatment.

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

  • Does marijuana cause tooth decay?

    I just found out my son is taking marijuana. I know it is a horrible thing for his brain and that he can get addicted to other drugs becuase of it. I’m trying to deal with all that. But, I was wondering if it affects his teeth as well? I’m trying to get everything taken care of at once.

    B.C.- Wisconsin

    B.C.,

    Your head must be spinning right now. I can’t imagine the worry you are going through. You didn’t mention how old he is. You’ll have a little more control if he is a minor. There are several things to factor in to his oral health knowing that he is smoking marijuana.

    All smoking, no matter what kind, contributes to tooth decay for several reasons. First, it hinders saliva production. Many people do not know that saliva production is an important factor in preventing tooth decay. There are minerals in our saliva that fight bacteria in our mouths. Smoking also decreases the oxygen in our bloodstream, which will lead to gum disease.

    Additionally, marijuana contributes some additional problems. Not only does marijuana lower our immune system, but the THC in marijuana interferes with the way calcium moves about it our bodies. Calcium is a key ingredient in healthy tooth structure.

    Because of the staining on the teeth, you may also be interested in looking into teeth whitening.

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

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