Tag Archives: Smile Makeover

Teeth Whitening

Is Luster White At Home Teeth Whitening Safe?

I received an advertisement for a tooth whitening at home kit called Luster White At Home Teeth Whitening with a special light. It’s got a decent price. Before I use it, though, I want to make sure it is safe before I use it. Have you heard about this product before? There are some good reviews for it.

Angie

Dear Angie,

Teeth whitening trays
Teeth Whitening Trays

While there are some over-the-counter whitening kits that work, this isn’t one of them. It’s an absolute phoney. The light they have does nothing. While that is disingenuous and unethical, if the whitening part worked most patients could live with that, though they shouldn’t have to.

Unfortunately, they are not even using a valid whitening ingredient. Instead, they are using what they call a “super whitener.” In truth, their whitener is just a pigment made of zinc oxide. It will stick to the teeth and make them look whiter but fade away. This is probably why they have some good reviews. Patients saw an improved whiteness and wrote the review before the fading kicked in. The best, most cost effective way to whiten your teeth is to have professional teeth whitening done.

Having your teeth whitened will take away the stains on your teeth. If you are looking for more than just whiter teeth, like a smile makeover, than I recommend you get porcelain veneers. They can change everything about your smile, including the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Just make sure you go to a dentist who has training and experience in placing porcelain veneers so that you can ensure you go to someone who can give you a beautiful smile.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.
Click here to learn how we keep our prices affordable.

Lumineers

Pricing Veneers

I’m planning on getting ultra-thin porcelain veneers and am trying to decide between DuraThin and Lumineers. Do you know which one is cheaper? I will say that I like the images on one of the sites better than the other, but will keep that to myself until I hear what you have to say on price.

Elliot

Dear Elliot,

A dental tool holding up a single Lumineer

While I am glad you are doing research, I think you’re looking into the wrong thing. The porcelain veneers themselves are not much money, including both DuraThin and Lumineers. Where the real cost comes in is from the ceramist and cosmetic dentist. These prices vary greatly depending on the skill and experience of the dentist along with what ceramist they use.

Doing cosmetic dentistry, especially smile makeovers, correctly you need a dentist with both post-doctoral training as well as an artistic eye. It will also be extremely important that they agree to do a temporary try-in before permanently bonding on your veneers. This way, you get to have a look at them and see if it is a smile you love. If it is not, then they should be willing to send them back to the lab. Only once you have something you’re thrilled with, should the dentist bond them on permanently.

You can get veneers priced exactly the same by two dentists, but the results will be vastly different depending on their skill. Smile makeovers are an art.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.
Click here to see how we keep our prices affordable.

Dental Crowns

Why Can’t I Get Really White Crowns

I had crowns done about ten years ago. I never liked their color but my dentist insisted that anything whiter would not look natural. Now, I am getting them replaced and I told my new dentist that I really wanted them white. He suggested a B1. I can already tell that I will want them whiter. He said that because I have a post in a couple of them, if we go any whiter people will be able to see the post. Is there any way I can have a really white looking smile without people seeing the posts?

Carla

Dear Carla,

A dental crown being placed

I am glad you wrote. It sounds like your dentist is confusing color with translucency. Just because the color of someone’s tooth is whiter does not make it more see through. This is true even if you wanted them to be a BL1. It sounds to me more like he is not comfortable with his cosmetic skills in placing them. He may not have the cosmetic skills you need to get the results that you want.

If you still want to give him a chance at trying it, here is my suggestion. Tell him you want the dental crowns very white. Be specific about the color. However, you need to insist that he places them with a temporary try-in paste and you get to approve them before they are permanently bonded on.

If you don’t like the way they look then he should be willing to redo them. If he is not willing to agree to that, then I would suggest that you find an expert cosmetic dentist to do these.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.
Click here to learn about affordable dental care.

Affordable Dentist

I Can’t Afford to Improve My Smile

I went to see my dentist about improving the look of my smile. My children are all grown and I want to enter back into the work force. My smile has yellowed over the years. Plus, my teeth are crooked in some places. My dentist suggested I get porcelain veneers and said that it would fix both problems. Unfortunately, this is way too expensive for me. Is there an affordable way to improve my smile?

Amy

Dear Amy,

Teeth whitening trays
Teeth Whitening Trays

I am glad you wrote. While porcelain veneers are a great way to get that Hollywood smile, it is certainly not the only way to improve your smile. No matter what your budget, it is always a good idea to get all of your options before making your decision.

A great option for you, that will save you thousands of dollars, is to use a combination of Invisalign and teeth whitening. If your dentist does not offer Invisalign, you can go to another dentist or to have that done. Just be sure to ask your dentist for some professional teeth whitening gel.

You can wear those in your aligners , which enables you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. That will save you additional money.

When it comes to porcelain veneers, you would only want an expert cosmetic dentist to do them, and would definitely NOT want to price shop. However, both teeth whitening and Invisalign can be done by any dentist that offers them. I would call around and find an affordable dentist that offers what you need.

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

Lumineers

Are Lumineers Reversible?

I want to get a smile makeover and went to see my dentist. He suggested that I use Lumineers because that means I won’t have to take off any tooth structure. I like that idea but he hasn’t done many of these cases. I know that because I asked. If I don’t like the way it ends up, is it reversible?

Abigail

Dear Abigail,

Image of a Lumineers advertisement

I am glad you wrote before going through with this procedure. I am always leery when a dentist recommends Lumineers. This particular brand of Lumineers is highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. Unfortunately, that is not true. While they are considered no-prep veneers, very few smiles look good without some type of tooth preparation. Instead, they look bulky.

However, let’s address your actual question. Are they reversible? If by reversible you mean the Lumineers can be removed and your teeth will go back to normal and you can get your money back, the answer is no.

If by reversible you mean that you can redo them with a different dentist and pay for it twice, then sure!

Your best bet, in a situation like this, is to find an experienced cosmetic dentist who can do the job well. Most of them will not recommend Lumineers, but a different brand of porcelain veneers. However, if you want to give your dentist a chance, there is a way you can give him some experience without risking your smile makeover turning out badly.

If your dentist is willing to only permanently bond the Lumineers or other brand of porcelain veneers on AFTER you approve them and are thrilled with them, then you should be okay. Here’s how that can work.

Your veneers come back from the lab. Then, your dentist places them with a temporary try in paste and you get to look at them in a variety of different lightings. If you don’t love it, then he sends it back to the lab to make changes. He should be willing to do this as many times as it takes. The upside for him is that it gives him a LOT of practice.

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

Lumineers

How Do I Find a Lumineers Expert?

I am planning to get a smile makeover and have seen a lot of advertisements for Lumineers. The cost is pretty high. I’m assuming there is some kind of way to tell if there is expertise. I saw there are certified Lumineers dentists. I just wanted to make sure before I dropped thousands of dollars.

Emily

Dear Emily,

Image of a Lumineers advertisement

I am glad you wrote. You show a good sense of critical thinking, which is a rapidly depleting resource these days. Being Lumineers certified does not necessarily equate to being an expert. It means the dentist completed a seminar with the Lumineers company. It says nothing about their technical knowledge or expertise.

You should also be aware that Lumineers is just one brand of porcelain veneers. This particular brand is highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. While they may be easy to place, that says nothing about them being easy to make both natural looking and beautiful.

Whatever dentist you go to, make certain that they are willing to place your porcelain veneers with a temporary try in paste first. If you’re not happy with them, they should send them back to the lab to make changes before permanently bonding them on.

If they are serious about cosmetic dentistry, they should also have a brag book of sorts with before and after images of patients who they have done work for.

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

Lumineers

Lumineers for Discolored Fillings?

I had a couple of dental fillings on my upper teeth that just do not match my teeth. I’ve tried bleach, which had no affect of them, Additionally, brushing makes no difference, though I will do it anyway for hygienic reasons. I really like my smile, except for that one issue. My dentist is suggesting Lumineers. While they are expensive, if that is what will make my smile the same color I am willing to pay it.

Cassie

Dear Cassie,

Image of a Lumineers advertisement

I would not allow your dentist to place Lumineers. These should be reserved for a complete smile makeover. Additionally, they are just one brand of porcelain veneers.

While Lumineers can be done well, most cosmetic dentists prefer a different brand of porcelain veneers. This is because the Lumineers lab is not always known for their artistic results.

Also, you mentioned you loved your smile with the exception of the difference in color. Therefore, porcelain veneers, no matter which brand, would be a massive overtreatment.

Plus, your dentist struggled to match the fillings. This tells me he does not have much expertise in cosmetic work. You would likely be disappointed in his results.

The solution for discolored dental fillings is to replace the fillings. The truth is the composite bonding used for fillings can be made to match any color if the dentist knows what they are doing and has the materials.

You will save yourself a lot of money and grief just going to a dentist who can match your dental fillings to your natural teeth.

If you want your teeth any whiter than they currently are, just make sure you whiten your teeth before having the dental fillings replaced. As you learned in your efforts to match the current ones to your teeth, teeth whitening does not have any impact on dental work. It will only whiten natural tooth structure.

I hope this helps.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.
See why Dr. Peck is considered an affordable dentist.

Affordable Dentist

I Hate My Smile but Have No Money to Fix It

I never got to go to the dentist growing up. My teeth are mostly healthy, though there is one cavity I haven’t taken care of yet. My bigger problem is how my smile looks. These days, everyone is expected to have a celebrity smile and I feel like some kind of imp that needs to hide in a cave.

I priced porcelain veneers, which is what everyone says is the procedure for smile makeovers. The cost is astronomical. If I owned a house, I’d have to sell it. Is there any affordable way to get a pretty smile?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

Teeth whitening trays
Teeth Whitening Trays

While porcelain veneers are a fantastic way to improve the appearance of your smile. One of the best and most affordable things you can do to improve your smile is with teeth whitening. It can make you look decades younger (though I do not know your age). It generally only costs a few hundred dollars as opposed to the thousands of dollars needed for porcelain veneers.

It is also one of those procedures that does not require any special post-doctoral training. Pretty much any dentist can do it. That also means you can shop around and find the most affordable dentist in your area to do it. Just be sure to do it right after having a check up and cleaning. Otherwise the results will be splotchy. Most dentists require a cleaning for that reason.

I want to also address the cavity you mentioned. If you are trying to save money, taking care of this cavity right away with a dental filling is the best way to do that. Filling a cavity costs significantly less than letting it grow and need a dental crown. If it gets beyond the need for a crown, then you have to extract the tooth and pay for a tooth replacement. The most affordable dentistry is preventive dentistry.

The last thing you want is for this to turn into a dental emergency.

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

Lumineers

The Best Way to Fix My Nephews Smile?

I am gifting my nephew some braces for his graduation. However, his dentist told him that would take three years and if he just got Lumineers he could have a a smile makeover in two appointments. However, for eighteen teeth, it will cost about $18,000. He told him it would last for 20 years. I’m worried my nephew is being used for his dentist’s profit. What should I tell him?

Meghan

Dear Meghan,

I share your concern. Even if he did get Lumineers, and we’ll talk about why that makes me leery in a moment, his dentist is talking about doing both arches. Generally, that is overkill. The general procedure is teeth whitening and then to put Lumineers on the upper eight to ten teeth. The remainder of your teeth aren’t as visible, even when you smile so teeth whitening blends them to the designed teeth.

My other concern is the Lumineers. This is a brand of porcelain veneers that are typically marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place. That does not mean they are easy to make attractive. I would want to see what type of results he gets on cases he’s actually done. There are many brands of porcelain veneers experienced cosmetic dentists prefer.

The twenty years longevity on them completely depends on how well they are cared for and whether adequate upkeep is done. If it isn’t, they can lose their attractiveness in as few as 5-7 years.

My suggestion, especially as you had only planned on doing orthodontics is for you to look at Invisalign. They can straighten his teeth in 6 to 12 months and he can whiten his teeth at the same time as Invisalign is being done.

If you decide to go with porcelain veneers, please check that the dentist knows how to do them beautifully.

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

Lumineers

Don’t Be Fooled By 360 Veneers

I asked my dentist to provide me with Lumineers for my smile makeover. I’d been saving up for it for quite some time. At the appointment, he told me I would be a better candidate for 360 wrap veneers and not only would I really like the results, but they’d be more secure because they wrap around the whole tooth. My one concern (other than that they look good) is the amount of tooth structure that would have to be removed. It’s one of the reasons I wanted Lumineers. I asked about how much structure they’d need to remove and they said, “Hardly any.” Fast forward and while the smile looks okay, the veneers keep falling off. I was shocked to see my teeth were little nubs underneath them the first time it happened. My problem is it is happening too frequently. I wasn’t aware this would be an issue. While my dentist always puts them back on free of charge, I always get a lecture about what I’m eating. I assure you that I have tried to be very careful with them. Sometimes they just fall off while I’m doing nothing. I’m too nervous to go anywhere. Is there anything that can be done to keep these in? Is there a special extra hardy cement out there?

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

I’m going to tell you right up front that your dentist has misled you on two fronts. Not only that, he appears to be incompetent in his job. Before getting into why these are falling off, I want to begin with the lies you were told. To say that he or she is ethically challenged would be a bit generous.

Let’s start with the obvious one. You asked how much tooth structure would need to be removed and they said hardly any. You discovered their lie the first time one fell off. If your teeth are now little nubs, that is not “hardly any.”

This feeds us right into another deception. He told you that you were a better candidate for 360 wrap veneers. I hate telling you this, but that does not exist. ANY brand of porcelain veneers, including the Lumineers you originally asked for, will just cover the front and hug the sides just a bit.

I believe what he gave you are dental crowns. These do wrap completely around the tooth. Above, I have an image of the type of teeth preparation needed for dental crowns versus porcelain veneers. I bet yours look a lot like the crown tooth preparation.

Unfortunately, now that he has removed the tooth structure, there is no getting it back and you will have to have dental crowns for the remainder of your life.

Can This Be Fixed?

The short answer is yes. However, you are not going to be able to do this through your dentist. Besides, how could you trust him? One of the first things dentists learn to do in dental school is a dental crown.

It sounds like your dentist struggles with even basic dentistry. Most dentists will go their entire careers without having a dental crown fall out. Yours cannot seem to keep them in.

My recommendation is you ask him for a complete refund on the procedure. If he complains or argues about that, tell him that you will be suing him for malpractice and taking the issue to the dental board as well, if he prefers. That should sober him up.

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