Tag Archives: porcelain veneers

Affordable Dentist

Why Doesn’t My Crown Match?

Hello there,

I had a discolored front tooth, so my dentist made me a porcelain crown. It’s well made, but it’s an unnatural color.  I’m not happy with it, but it’s already cemented into my mouth. My dentist is willing to redo the crown, but should I go see my same dentist? Or try to find someone who specializes in crowns? I went to my family dentist because I thought it was most affordable, but I’m worried I should have gone to a cosmetic dentist in the first place.

Larry, from Rome, NY

Hello Larry,

If cost is that much of a factor, and you are willing to give your dentist another chance, stay with your current dentist. He sounds like he is willing to work with you so you can get a crown that matches your teeth. However, if you want a perfect-looking crown, you should look into starting over with a cosmetic dentist.

Your dentist sounds like he realizes he made a mistake with your crown, and is trying to make it right. Matching a crown to the front teeth takes a lot of skill. After each try-in, it must be sent back to the lab before a successful color match can be made. Even a skilled dentist or ceramist will take several tries before they can make a natural-looking match.

Your dentist was likely inexperienced in making natural-looking crowns. He may not have known how much time or effort it would take to make a crown for a front tooth.

A sign of an inexperienced dentist is when they ask to crown both front teeth, in order to ensure a color match. While this is one way to make sure the shades match, it does add an expense to the crown procedure .

One suggestion you can make to your dentist is to ask him to take photos of your smile using a high-tech intra-oral camera. This can help him get the most natural looking colors to match your future crown. Make sure the  pictures of your smile are taken under natural lighting can help your dentist match your crown to your natural tooth’s color. If he lacks the skill, the technology, or is unwilling to try, your best bet would be to go to a different cosmetic dentist and start over.

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

 

 

 

 

Affordable Dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry

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.

 

Lumineers

Should I Get Lumineers?

Hi,

I’m writing to you because I have several chipped teeth I’d like to take care of.  They were covered with bonding material, but over the years it has worn down. I’m interested in a more permanent solution, such as  porcelain veneers to cover my teeth. I’m not sure about what type of porcelain veneer to get, and am interested in Lumineers because of their convenience. How should I go about finding a dentist to do my veneers? Do I need to go to a dentist especially for Lumineers?

Thank you,
Emi, Boston, Massachusetts

Hi Emi,

Thank you for your question. Lumineers are made from cerinate porcelain and are thinner than regular veneers. They can be bonded with no tooth preparation (roughing the tooth’s surface) so there is less discomfort and fewer visits required.

However, not every dentist is skilled at placing Lumineers. You should look for someone who has experience and education directly related to Lumineers. Pushing a dentist outside their comfort zone will not give you a good result.

Secondly, check the smile gallery of your prospective dentist. Make sure they have samples of Lumineers for you to see. Since Lumineers are placed over your existing tooth, they can appear bulky or thicker than natural teeth.

Still, finding a cosmetic dentist comfortable with placing Lumineers is the key to getting the best result with Lumineers. For example, at Dr. Hillary Peck’s Phoenix office, she will consult with patients to see if they are a good candidate for Lumineers. If Lumineers are not the best fit for you esthetically, a different brand of porcelain veneer will be suggested. A good cosmetic dentist will consider the patient’s smile design goals and esthetic concerns and not shoehorn in a one-size-fits-all solution. A cosmetic dentist will know whether Lumineers are the best solution for you.

I hope this helps. Good luck in your search. In your area, you should be able to find a good cosmetic dentist to help you.

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

Lumineers

Difference between lumineers and veneers

My two front teeth are badly messed up. One is too thin and misshapen, and the other is badly chipped. I know I have to do something.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are both options I am considering. I visited a cosmetic dentist who suggested veneers, since my teeth are so badly damaged. However, I’m wondering which is the most durable option.

The procedure will take almost every penny I have to my name, so I want to be very confident in the choice I go with.

Can you advise me on the two options, and let me know which is the best route to go?

Thank you,
Emily

Emily,
It’s important to understand the relationship between Lumineers and porcelain veneers. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers, just like Ford and Honda are brands of cars.

The brand of veneers used by a dentist varies, as does the skill level of dentists who are veneer providers. There are dentists who are incredibly talented when it comes to procedures like this and attract a clientele including models, actors and actresses, and patients will fly across the country for their artistry. While there are other dentists who pay no attention to the appearance or beauty of a new smile, and focus only on the technicality of the procedures.

Considerations When Looking for a Lumineer Provider

Many dentists selected this profession because of their interest in fixing things, improving things, operating. Not all dentists further their education beyond these aspects. Therefore, not all dentists who perform cosmetic dentistry are cosmetic dentists.

One of the first steps is selecting an experienced cosmetic dentist. Because cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a specialty endorsed by the American Dental Association, any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. Expert cosmetic dentists have education which extends beyond that taught in a dental program. They participate in continuing education hours which provide further training, and they have in-depth experience in many cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Also pay attention to the reviews left by other dental patients, as well as the dentist’s smile gallery. A dentist’s gallery displays photos of before and after shots. Pay particular attention to those which have Lumineers or porcelain veneers. Look for traits in the smiles that you are hopeful to eventually see in yourself.

Also consider talking with the dentist. Many dentists offer a complimentary consultation, during which the patient is given a brief amount of time to ask questions. This will give you an opportunity to determine the dentist’s opinion on Lumineers, and porcelain veneers in general.

It’s important to put more emphasis on selecting the right dentist. Then, he or she will help you determine what the right fit is for your veneers.

Good luck!

This article was brought to you by the office of Phoenix Lumineer provider, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Lumineers

Are lumineers a good option for your teeth?

Many dental professionals have differing opinions regarding Lumineers. Below is a breakdown of information to aid you in determining if they are the best dental option for you.

How do Lumineers work?

Just like Nike is a brand of shoes and Pepsi is a brand of soda, Lumineers is a brand of veneers. And, just like Pepsi and Nike, there are other brands of incredibly thin veneers, as well as unbranded options.

Ultra-thin veneers improve smiles in many ways

  • More vivid and uniform tooth coloring
  • Repair chips
  • Close gaps
  • Creates a celebrity-like smile

No-prep or low-prep option
Porcelain veneers are traditionally used to create a celebrity-like smile. In these veneers, a porcelain layer is applied to the front of the tooth, and around the sides and biting surface. A small portion of the tooth’s structure will need to be removed anywhere where the porcelain is, in order for the shell to fit naturally and create a uniform look. If a tooth is unstraight, or sticks out further than its neighbor teeth, more of the tooth’s structure may be taken off, in order for it to look straight once the veneer is on. Not all patients need such changes though, and for these cases, the ultrathin option is ideal. The are approximately as thick as a fingernail, and some of the brands claim that no prepping or removing of the tooth’s structure is necessary with the veneer be placed on top. However, this is rarely the case, as additional bulk is created, as well as an unnatural look, resulting in unhappy patients. Therefore, dentists tend to use the ultra-thin veneers as a low-prep alternative.

Do Lumineers harm your teeth?

Whether it be traditional, low-prep, or no-prep option, placing veneers will permanently alter the structure of a tooth. Even the no-prep alternative roughens the surface of the tooth to allow the veneer shell to adhere. Because the change to the tooth is permanent with any of these options, there will always need to be a covering on that tooth.

Ultra-thin veneers are a safe option

The ultra-thin veneers are an approach that is minimally invasive, yet can yield significant results. They are the effective choice when a smile makeover is desired, but teeth are not in need of extensive alterations. However, they are not always the most appropriate option for every scenario. For some people that are not a candidate for the ultra-thin option, the traditional porcelain veneers are a good alternative. A small amount of enamel is removed in both situations.

This article is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineer dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Lumineers

Lumineers with Dental Problems?

I wondered if it’s still possible for me to get Lumineers if I have dental problems? I’ve got some mild gum disease as well as a tooth grinding habit. Am I still able to get my smile makeover?

Dana

Dear Dana,

Lumineers Advertisement

You’ve asked some great questions. Let’s start with your gum disease. While this won’t keep you from getting a smile makeover, it does absolutely need to be treated. If it progresses, you will eventually lose your teeth. Often people don’t realize how serious periodontal disease is. I would make this treatment a priority.

I’d love to know what type of protection your dentist has provided for you with your tooth grinding. As you grind your teeth, it wears them down. This leads to decay, cracked teeth, and even wearing them down to nubs, requiring a full-mouth reconstruction.

This will be a problem with Lumineers. Grinders tend to break off and chip their veneers. There is a simple solution. A custom-fitted night guard will protect both your teeth and your veneers, giving you a gorgeous smile for many years.

Are Lumineers the Right Choice?

We’ve noticed that many patients who want to remake their smile ask for Lumineers specifically. This is because they’re highly marketed. However, they are just one brand of porcelain veneers. Many cosmetic dentists don’t feel they are the best brand. A lot of that has to do with their lab, which tends not to have the best results.

Other brands of porcelain veneers allow the dentist to choose where they have the veneers made, but the Luminners brand is owned by DenMat and they insist their lab be used.

If you want a beautiful smile makeover, my suggestion is you allow the dentist to choose the brand and not insist on Lumineers. They’ll know what brand will best give you the look you’re trying to achieve.

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

Affordable Dentist

Poor Man’s Smile Makeover

I wanted to get a smile makeover because my teeth are so stained. Plus, I have a tiny gap between the two front teeth. I looked at porcelain veneers, but they were way out of my budget. Is there a way to get my smile more attractive without losing my home?

Lexie

Dear Lexie,

Dollar sign hatched from an egg
There are always affordable alternatives.

I’m a firm believer in the fact that there’s always an affordable dental alternative. You’re right that porcelain veneers are a tad on the expensive side. However, that doesn’t mean you are trapped with a smile you’re not proud of. Based on what you described, you’re a good candidate for two procedures which can repair both of those problems. These can make your smile look beautiful.

I’d start by getting your teeth whitened. This is probably the most affordable procedure you can do for your smile with amazing results. It will take years off your appearance in one fell swoop.

In addition to that, there’s an easy solution for your tooth gap. Dental bonding uses a composite resin to fill in the gap. A cosmetic dentist will hand sculpt the new inner edges of your teeth in a way that they meet perfectly.

It’s important you whiten your teeth first. Once the resin is molded and dried, the color cannot be changed. That’s why you’ll want your teeth the color you’ll want permanently so your dentist can match the resin to it.

What You Want in an Affordable Dentist

I don’t want you to confuse a cheap dentist with an affordable dentist. A cheap dentist will cut corners, which rarely works out well for the patient. An affordable dentist will still do quality work but find other ways to save you money.

Generally, they’ll try to keep their fees reasonable, but often they also offer payment plans. They can do that with either an in-house payment plan or through Care Credit.

You also want a dentist who tells you all of your alternative treatment plans. Just like there was a more affordable option for your smile makeover, your dentist should give you all your options. It’s the only ethical way to handle things.

One other suggestion. You should always check reviews of every medical practitioner before you see them. It’s always wise to learn from the experiences of others.

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

Lumineers

Dentist Stained My Lumineers

I’m a little upset but don’t know how to proceed. I asked my dentist for a cosmetic dentist recommendation. He said every dentist is a cosmetic dentist and he can do whatever I need. I told him I wanted a smile makeover. He told me about his certification in Lumineers. I was relieved to know he was certified so I agreed to let him do it. We discussed that I wanted my front teeth lengthened and to have all of them made as white as they can. He seemed fine with everything I’d mentioned. But, when he put the Lumineers on, I was so disappointed. First, they looked bulky. I’m not sure why because these were supposed to be ultra-thin. That’s one of the reasons he recommended them. But, the worst was the color. I told him I wanted it very white, but it wasn’t. I asked him why and he said for any smile makeover to look natural, he insisted their needs to be some natural staining. Is there any way to whiten these?

Jean M.

Dear Jean,

A dental tool holding up a single Lumineer

While there isn’t a cosmetic dentistry specialty, that doesn’t mean that every dentist is a cosmetic dentist. Every dentist is allowed to practice cosmetic dentistry. But, not every dentist is skilled in the art. And believe me, it is an art.

Certification in Lumineers sounds much more impressive than it is in reality. To receive certification they just have to attend a seminar. That’s it. There’s no examination of skill at all. None. Your dentist is what I’d call either a beginner cosmetic dentist or a dabbler. You asked about a smile makeover. He just got certified and decided this was a good chance to hone his skills and practice.

The problem is, he still has a general dentist’s mindset. In dental school, we’re taught we know better than the patient. We understand more about the science than you do. The problem is, if he’d studied cosmetic dentistry (which all has to be done post-graduate) he’d know that cosmetic dentistry is an art form. And art is in the beauty of the beholder. The beholder, in this case, is YOU. You decided what is a beautiful smile. If you want white teeth. You get them. If you want crooked teeth (and we’ve had requests like that) you get them.

He doesn’t understand that so he assumed he knew better than you and put a stain on them. If you’d wanted stained teeth, why get a smile makeover?

What do Do From Here About Your Lumineers

Unfortunately, teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure. It will not whiten your Lumineers. The only way to fix this is to have the case re-done. You have a decent case for a full refund because he didn’t create the Lumineers you’d paid for.

In your case, I’d ask for a full refund from your dentist explaining he didn’t give you what you’d agreed on. Then go to a different cosmetic dentist. Look at their “brag book” to make sure you like the results they get before committing.

You’ll probably find that better cosmetic dentists tend to avoid the Lumineers brand. Even though they’re ultra-thin, the results tend to be bulky without tooth preparation and their lab isn’t known to be artistic. They’ll likely suggest a different brand of porcelain veneers. This is one case where I wouldn’t argue. If they’ve studied the craft as they should, they’d know which brands will have the nuances you want for your new smile.

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

Affordable Dentist

Is Affordable Dentist Dragging Out Procedures for Money?

My teeth are in bad shape. I decided to finally take steps to improve them. I don’t have a ton of money because I’m a single mom. I did some research to find an affordable dentist who had good reviews. My only question is he’s been having me come in for almost two years at least once a month. Yet, the only improvement I’m seeing is my teeth are a bit whiter. Nothing else has been done. I still have crooked teeth. I still have two chipped teeth. He knows I want to improve those things but keeps telling me we have “other priorities”. Shouldn’t I be seeing more results by now? Is he dragging this out to just make money?

Lacey Q.

Dear Lacey,

A smiling blonde with a beautiful smile

Did your dentist mention to you why he has you coming in so often? The only thing I can think of which warrants that many appointments would be advanced periodontal disease. If that’s your situation then your dentist really can’t do anything else until that is cured. If that isn’t brought under control you can actually lose your teeth.

All that being said, two years is a very long time for that to take with as often as you’ve been coming in for treatments. I’m going to recommend you get a second opinion. I’m not saying your affordable dentist is dragging things out to make up profits, but it is an unusual amount of time.

Affordable Dental Makeovers

When people think of a smile makeover, usually it’s porcelain veneers they’re talking about. However, that is a pricey procedure and not for someone on a tight budget. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous smile. There are affordable cosmetic procedures you can have done.

But, first things first, make certain your gum disease is under control. If you get orthodontics done before that, you risk your teeth coming loose.

As an adult, you’ll want to use Invisalign for your “braces”. This will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Additionally, the aligners can double as teeth whitening trays which saves you even more money.

That brings us to the teeth whitening. It’s an affordable procedure which can single-handedly make you look years younger.

Once that’s completed, a good cosmetic dentist can give you dental bonding to repair your chipped teeth. You’ll have a stunning smile you can be proud of…all on a budget.

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

Lumineers

Dentist Hates Lumineers

I’ve been saving for Lumineers for ages. Now that I’ve finally got the money, my dentist doesn’t want to place them. He said Lumineers will make my smile look bulky. I picked those because he won’t have to grind my teeth down and now he wants to grind my teeth. Should I let him or go to a different dentist who’ll do what I want?

Marcy

Dear Marcy,

An advertisement for Lumineers

The thing Lumineers is best at is marketing. They’ve pushed their no-prep line so far that patients are afraid to have another brand of porcelain veneers. Truthfully, all Lumineers are is a brand. They’re not even the best brand.

While some patients look fine without any tooth preparation at all, most end up with a bulky looking smile. Some have described it as having horse teeth. That’s probably not the look you’re going for.

The type of tooth preparation needed for porcelain veneers doesn’t actually grind down your teeth. That’s only necessary for porcelain crowns. Because porcelain crowns cover your entire tooth, including the back and sides, a large amount of tooth structure has to be removed to make room for it.

Porcelain veneers are different. They are very thin and only go on the front of your tooth. For those who need tooth preparation, the dentist only needs to remove only about the depth of a fingernail. You can’t even tell that much has been removed.

Getting a Gorgeous Smile Makeover with Lumineers

Not many expert cosmetic dentists like the Lumineers brand. A lot of that has more to do with the company’s insistence that dentists use their lab. Their lab doesn’t have the best track record for creating gorgeous results.

You don’t want it to look like you’ve got veneers on. You want it to look like you have a naturally gorgeous smile. Because your dentist is warning you that you’ll end up with bulky results, I would say he’s trying to look out for you and give you the best smile possible.

You can insist he give you the Lumineers, sans tooth prep. He may relent and do it. But, I think you’ll regret that decision in the end.

Why don’t you try this? Tell him to go ahead with the brand of porcelain veneers he wants, but you want to see them on with a try-in paste before he permanently bonds them. If you don’t like them, then he has to do the brand you want.

He’ll probably be more willing to do that.

Also, remember, you don’t have to have them placed on your upper and lower arches. Make sure you just whiten the lower arch to match the color of the upper arch. That saves patients a ton of money.

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