Tag Archives: smile gallery

Lumineers

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.

 

 

Phoenix Dentist

What Kind of Dentist Does Teeth Whitening?

I keep hearing you need a cosmetic dentist for that type of work. Does that include teeth whitening? I have a family dentist and he says he does whitening. Is it safe to use him?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

A woman and her dentist smiling
Do You Need a Cosmetic Dentist for Teeth Whitening?

First, I want to make sure you know there isn’t a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry by the American Dental Association. Dentists who call themselves cosmetic dentists, are really just general dentists who do cosmetic procedures in their practice in addition to their general dentistry.

That being said, some dentists have invested much more time and energy in developing expertise in the field of cosmetics. So, for some procedures, like porcelain veneers, you will want a dentist who’s invested in training and has experience placing them. Also look at their smile gallery to see if you like the type of results they get.

Does Teeth Whitening Require a Cosmetic Dentist?

Teeth Whitening is a completely different story. Any general dentist can do it. It doesn’t take artistry, but rather general dental skills. When it comes to whitening your teeth, the role of the dentist is to provide custom fit trays for you to use the whitening gel, as well as monitor the patient’s oral health during the process.

There are always things which can go wrong, such as gum sensitivity, issues with decay, etc. That’s where his skills as a dentist, much more than a cosmetic dentist, are what you need.

I hope this helps answer your question. Most patients love teeth whitening and the results they get from it. One word or warning. If you have dental work, such as fillings or porcelain crowns, the whitening gel only works on natural tooth structure. That doesn’t mean you still can’t get your teeth whitened. It just means that (if they’re in a visible part of your smile) you’ll want to replace them after your whitening procedure so your smile will match.

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

Affordable Dentist

Finding an Affordable Way to Repair My Porcelain Veneers

I’m trying to find an affordable dentist to redo my veneers. I always wanted to make my smile better. Both of my front teeth have been chipped since I was a kid and I probably should have had ortho, but I was one of seven kids, so that never happened. I have one tooth near the front that’s twisted quite a bit. I did quite a bit of research to find an affordable dentist the first time around, but I’m just not happy with the results. I don’t know how to describe it. They don’t look natural at all. It really looks like I have fake teeth glued over the tops of my real teeth and the one that’s twisted still looks twisted. How can I find an affordable dentist who is skilled enough to correct this?

Thanks,

Kyle

Dear Kyle,

I’m sorry. I know it is disheartening to look forward to a beautiful smile only to be disappointed with the results. I know you’ve likely already spent a pretty penny. Unfortunately, cosmetic work is the last thing you want to seek out an affordable dentist for.

Yes, the costs will vary quite a bit based on the office, and you can find lower rates for sure. Just don’t focus specifically on the cost as your deciding factor.

Ask what kind of training he or she has had in cosmetic procedures. Ask to see before and after images of smile makeovers he’s done. Anyone who does cosmetic work should have a smile gallery of sorts.

Also, you could try financing it through a medical source, such as Care Credit. They’ll let you pick the terms of the financing (unlike regular credit cards). This can allow you to have your smile re-done and pay in out in little bits.

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

 

Lumineers

Can I get Lumineers if I have two crowns?

I was thinking of getting lumineers. Is that possible to do if I have two dental crowns?

Monica C. – Alabama

Monica,

Yes and No.  You can get Lumineers on the teeth that don’t have crowns, but not on the teeth that do.  That won’t negatively impact your smile makeover if you have the crowns re-done at the same time.

When you have the dental crowns re-done, make sure your dentist gives you all-porcelain crowns. These are much more natural looking.

You’ll want to go to a dentist who has experience with Lumineers and has created beautiful smiles.  It is perfectly within your rights to ask to see photos of smiles he or she has done.

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