All posts by AllSmiles

Teeth whitening

Will my free teeth whitening match the fillings on my front teeth?

I got free teeth whitening, but now I’m getting concerned about the fillings in my front teeth. The fillings are 4 years old and although they still look white with my current tooth color, what will happen after I use the gel. Is it okay to use the gel even though I have the white fillings? Thanks. Raven

Before and after photos for information on free teeth whitening, from Plano TX dentist Miranday Lacy DDS.
Ensure your teeth are healthy before using free teeth whitening

Raven – There are a few things to keep in mind when using bleaching gel on teeth that have fillings.

  • White fillings won’t prevent you from being a candidate for teeth whitening. Of course, the bleaching gel will whiten your teeth, but not your fillings.
  • After your whitening treatment is complete and your teeth are as white as you want them, if the fillings are noticeable, they can be replaced. If the fillings are too dark, a cosmetic dentist can use dental composite to replace them. Composite will be mixed to match the shade of your bright smile.
  • It’s best to wait a few weeks until the color of your teeth has stabilized to ensure the dentist makes a good match.

If you anticipate needing cosmetic dentistry (e.g, porcelain crowns, dental bonding), it should be completed after your teeth are whitened. The restorations can be made to match the color of your teeth. Otherwise, the restorations will be darker than your bleached teeth.

Caution before Using Free Teeth Whitening

Before whitening of any kind is used, it’s best to consider the following factors:

  • Ensure you’ve had a recent dental cleaning and exam.
  • Your teeth and gums should be healthy and free of decay.
  • Bleaching gel can irritate unhealthy teeth or gums and cause inflammation.
  • Depending on the cause of stains in your teeth, bleaching gel can make them more noticeable.
  • Follow the instructions to avoid overbleaching your teeth. Too many whitening sessions, or sessions that are too long, can make your teeth brittle and discolored.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Will sedation dentistry legislation require insurance companies to provide more benefits?

My sister lives in California and has been raving because she says there’s a law there requiring insurance companies to cover sedation dentistry. She and I both had terrible experiences as children and don’t do well for any kind of dental procedure unless we have some kind of medication to get us through. This is big news because we’ve always had to pay out-of-pocket for it, and we don’t have the best teeth. I’ve looked and looked, but I don’t see anything that discusses this law- either as something in place or upcoming. Any news?

Thanks, Emilia

Dear Emilia,

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.California has some incredibly progressive laws in many respects. Many regulations originate in California before they are adopted in other states. California Assembly Bill 2643 amends Section 1367.1 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 10119.9. SB 2643. It outlines a number of regulations that have to do with “the use of general anesthesia, conscious sedation, and oral conscious sedation (OCS) for pediatric and adult patients.”

  • The current language of the laws stipulates that dental anesthesia only has mandatory coverage in a hospital setting. As you probably know, there are many people who genuinely require anesthesia, but don’t need to go to a hospital for treatment.
  • The proposed legislation would force new insurance plans to cover it effective January 2019.
  • The proposed law is being sponsored by the California Dental Association and California Society of Pediatric Dentistry. It is not yet approved. If passed, it could make a major difference for people like your sister who lives in California.

Sedation Dentistry and Insurance

Throughout the rest of the country, coverage for any form of anesthesia or OCS varies based on the insurance policy. While most insurance companies recognize that OCS makes it possible for many people to receive treatment,  manage their oral health better, and possibly reduce expenses for insurance companies overall,  most insurance companies are reluctant to add sedation dentistry as a necessary and valuable benefit.

It sounds as if you’ve personally made your oral health a priority and have found a way to budget for it, which is commendable. Patients who are still trying to find a way to manage dental anxiety and get necessary treatment may be able to find a plan that specifically covers OCS. It is worth noting that very few offer coverage and when they do, it can be costly.

As an alternative, it’s helpful to speak with your dentist about what your anxiety and finding affordable dental treatment. Most dentists will work with you to overcome the issues, perhaps by doing as much work as possible in a single appointment or doing the work in phases. Your dentist may have additional solutions.

This blog is sponsored by Plano sedation dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Pain and sensitivity after sedation dentist filled 2 teeth

Last week I saw a sedation dentist and got 2 teeth filled. It was so hard for me to keep a dental appointment because of my anxiety. After learning about sedation dentistry, it gave me the courage to do something about my teeth. My understanding from the Internet is that sedation helps you relax and it makes the pain less intense. I received the fillings because I thought they would fix the pain and sensitivity in my teeth, not cause more of it. The pain and sensitivity haven’t gone away and this is a huge disappointment. What’s going on? Am I going to need to have the fillings redone? Bahja

Bahja – Sedation dentistry does relax you and decrease the pain during a dental procedure. Sensitivity and pain after a tooth filling are normal. For the first 24 hours after having cavities filled, you should avoid hard or sticky foods that can irritate your teeth or cause the filling to dislodge.

Sedation dentistry can make getting cavities filled easier

As the nerves in your teeth calm down, sensitivity should gradually diminish. You will find that foods or drinks that are hot or cold will increase sensitivity in your teeth. If you had deep tooth decay that might have been close to a nerve, it is not unusual to feel pain and increased sensitivity, and it can take up to four weeks for the sensitivity to go away.

If you notice that you have pain only while you are chewing, it is possible that the fillings in your teeth are too high. Another indication that a filling is too high is that it will prevent the biting surfaces of your teeth from closing together. If you are experiencing either of these issues contact your sedation dentist’s office.

This post is sponsored by Plano female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

I need an affordable dentist for porcelain veneers

My question is about being able to get an affordable dentist for porcelain veneers at my age. My parents are not together, but I am on my dad’s dental plan and he has really good insurance. He says I can get veneers and since I have a job, I can pay for what insurance doesn’t cover. I live with my mom and she says I am too young for them and I need to wait a few years. I asked her if she meant that a dentist won’t do them at my age or if she just thinks I am too young for them. I am 17 yrs old. She keeps saying I am just too young. Will a dentist do veneers for a teenager? Thanks. Kyla

Kyla – A conscientious affordable dentist  who is also a cosmetic

Photo of a single porcelain veneers, from affordable Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Porcelain veneers

dentist will let you know that the best time to receive porcelain veneers is when your jawbone growth is complete, which can be around age 17 or 18. Here’s why:

  • If your veneers are placed while you are still growing, the movement of your teeth and jawbone may create space between your gumline and your veneers.
  • Your veneers will no longer look natural.
  • Either you will have to replace the veneers as jaw and teeth develop, or you will have to wait until you are able to receive new veneers.

A review of your family history, an examination, and x-rays from a cosmetic dentist can help determine if your jawbone growth is complete or not. Your parents—particularly your father—will want to consider if he wants to make the investment of porcelain veneers before your jawbone growth is complete.

An Exam and Consultation Are Needed

If you have permission from your parents to proceed with an examination, it will give you more information on the best time to receive porcelain veneers. If your parents approve of your getting veneers, ask for their help in finding a few skilled cosmetic dentists. Here’s why: It will be easy to find an affordable dentist to provide you with porcelain veneers, but only a skilled cosmetic dentist can provide you with veneers that look natural and will last.

Compared to other forms of cosmetic dentistry, veneers are relatively expensive. If you receive them, you want to ensure they are quality veneers and look like your natural teeth. Also, porcelain veneers often require the preparation of your natural teeth. This involves shaving a microscopic amount of tooth enamel from the front of your teeth so the veneers won’t look bulky. We just want to ensure you understand what is involved in receiving veneers, and why it’s so important to find a highly qualified cosmetic dentist to do the work.

Schedule consultations with two or three cosmetic dentists and each dentist what can be done to make veneers affordable for you. Don’t expect a discount, but payment plans and financing can help you meet your budget.

 

This post is sponsored by affordable Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening didn’t help spots on my teeth

I have been trying some cheap and free teeth whitening techniques  to try to even out my smile some. For the past six months or so, I’ve noticed my teeth have developed some white spots on them. I wanted to get rid of the spots or make them blend in more. I tried special toothpastes and strips, but none of those were working, so I finally went and saw a dentist who was offering free teeth whitening treatments to all new patients. We went through the whole thing and I followed their instructions exactly. Well, my teeth seem a little brighter, but the spots look brighter too. I called the office and the woman told me that spots like I have won’t respond to bleaching and that I should have known that before I started. How could I have possibly known if they didn’t tell me? I have to wonder if it’s possible that they were just using a fake gimmick to get people in the dental office. If, however, they are being truthful and the spots can’t be fixed this way, where exactly does that leave me in terms of fixing the problem? Thanks. Kris

Kris,

Before and after photos for information on free teeth whitening, from Plano TX dentist Miranday Lacy DDS.
Free teeth whitening should be dentist supervised

Sorry to hear you’re having so much trouble with spots on your teeth. It sounds like decalcification might be the problem. The dental office should have let you know the results you could expect before your free teeth whitening treatment started, but all is not lost. Let’s discuss what’s happening.

A Balanced Mouth Is a Healthy Mouth

Ideally, natural teeth are in a pH-balanced environment, bathing in mineral-laden saliva. In everyday life, intake acid food and drink that disturb the pH balance. Health conditions like acid reflux or bulimia introduce even more acid, and certain medications reduce the amount of saliva in our mouths. We get plaque buildup and feed bacteria in our mouths with sugary foods, which also upsets the pH balance.

Decalcification Occurs When Minerals Leave Your Teeth

The enamel on your teeth is incredibly tough when it’s healthy, but when your mouth isn’t balanced, the minerals start to leak. They’re in a constant state of flux; losing minerals and then gaining minerals from your saliva and diet. If you’re really good about brushing and flossing and don’t have health concerns, yet eat a lot of sugar or consume a lot of acidic things, your teeth will naturally remineralize on their own. But when your teeth have significant mineral loss, white spots, also known as decalcification, will develop.

Decalcification Is Often Called Pre-Cavity

The white spots on a tooth are not as strong as the rest of the tooth structure. Many dentists refer to them as pre-cavities, though precarious lesion is the more clinical term for it. Some people do believe you can heal those spots by correcting the imbalance and making sure you’re getting the minerals you need. There are specialty products on the market that claim to remineralize teeth. Unfortunately, there’s little evidence to support this. Those spots typically become cavities. If you’re really diligent and follow a good care regimen (your dentist may have specific suggestions to help you), then you may be able to delay decay for an extended period of time- perhaps even years.

Your Dentist Will Need to Repair the Spots

Often, dentists will want to repair the spots before they become cavities.

  • Depending on the severity of yours, there may be minimally-invasive options, such as abrasion. Teeth are usually repaired just like cavities.
  • Sometimes, people receive dental veneers to cover up white spots and protect the teeth.

You’ll need an evaluation from your dentist to find out which options are best. As for the free teeth whitening you received, it was probably legit, but it won’t get rid of the white spots or even tooth color. However, dentists usually recommend that you have whitening done before any restorative work, because bleaching gel won’t brighten filling materials or veneers. If you did want a brighter smile overall, the whitening helped, but you need alternate treatment to correct the white spots.

 

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s Plano free teeth whitening for life program includes free whitening gel for patients of the practice who keep their regular cleaning and exam appointments.

Affordable Dentistry

Porcelain veneers from affordable dentist are affecting my speech!

Porcelain veneers shouldn’t look or feel bulky

After spending 2 weeks looking for an affordable dentist for porcelain veneers, I am so disappointed. I am not sure why my speech is affected by the veneers. My dentist allowed me to wear the temporary veneers for over a week. They didn’t give me any problems at all. Now that I have my permanent veneers, my speech is slurred. It’s not every word. Any word that begins with ‘tr’ is a problem. Probably more accurate that slurred is this weird whistling sound and I feel like the veneers hit my upper lip. My confidence in this dentist has gone way down. Am I going to need new veneers? Zayana

Zayana,

We’re sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with porcelain veneers.

Caution When Seeking an Affordable Dentist

When we hear from patients about their bad experiences with an affordable dentist, we often learn that “affordable” for them often meant the cheapest option. While you want dental care that fits your budget, avoid looking for the cheapest cost of any dental treatment. Cheap dental work usually doesn’t last.

When Porcelain Veneers Affect Your Speech

  • Although you lack confidence in your current dentist, you can speak with him or her about the problem you are having with the veneers. Your dentist may immediately know what is causing the problem and offer to have your veneers remade.
  • Not every dentist has the extensive training required to provide porcelain veneers that fit look natural and fit well.
  • Another option is to find an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers and try to identify the source of the problem. If you decide to switch dentists, your current dentist may be willing to assist with the cost of receiving veneers from a new dentist. Your dental records will be transferred accordingly.

A true cosmetic dentist will make dental treatment affordable by working with your budget, completing the work in phases, or offering payment plans or financing. Quality will not be sacrificed.

Getting a second opinion may help you make a final decision on which dentist you want to provide you with veneers that fit correctly.

This post is sponsored by affordable Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Why can’t I get sedation dentistry for a root canal?

I’m wondering why I can’t get sedation dentistry for a root canal. 2 of my bottom left molars have really been hurting me. Unfortunately, I put off the dental appointment so long that I can’t chew on that side of my mouth without intense pain. Last Thursday, I had a dental appointment and the dentist told me that I now need root canals and crowns for both teeth. If I had gone to the dentist earlier, the situation wouldn’t be so bad. I was expecting the dentist to say that I only need fillings. I asked to be sedated for the procedure, but this dentist told me that he doesn’t do sedation because he is gentle and none of his patients need sedation, especially for something as simple as a root canal. My level of fear is so high that the thought of going to a dentist for a root canal is making me nauseous. Am I asking for too much? Why can’t I get sedation dentistry for a root canal? Daniel

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.Daniel – A gentle dentist is able to give you root canal treatment that is painless. But if your anxiety level is high, sedation dentistry can help keep you calm. Even dental fillings or cleanings can be performed with sedation.

The important thing is not to skip the root canal treatment. When the pulp, or soft tissue, inside your tooth is infected, the infection must be removed. Otherwise, the damaged pulp will cause nerve irritation and pain. At some point, the pulp in the tooth will die, and you won’t feel pain anymore. But your tooth will still be infected, and the infection can spread to the bone and to other teeth.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

  • Your dentist will make an opening on the biting surface of the tooth. Dental tools will be used to clean out the tooth, down to the roots.
  • The pulp will be replaced with a dental filler material. The roots of the tooth will be sealed with a dental adhesive.
  • A temporary filling or a temporary crown will be placed over your tooth.
  • Your tooth will be shaved to allow the permanent crown to fit over it. Usually, permanent crowns are custom made in a dental lab.

Sedation Dentistry Will Help During Root Canal Treatment

Sedation dentistry is helpful during root canal treatment. In addition to helping you stay calm, it will decrease your sensitivity to pain. If your dentist is unwilling to provide some form of sedation, you can schedule consultations with at least two other dentists who will provide it.

Depending on the dentist, you will learn about three different levels of sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide – This colorless, odorless gas is often referred to as laughing gas. You’ll breathe it in during the appointment. When the procedure is complete, you’ll be given pure oxygen to reverse the effects.
  • Oral conscious sedation – In advance of your appointment, you will take commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication. You’ll come to the office relaxed and ready for your root canal treatment.
  • IV sedation – Anti-anxiety medication is given to you intravenously.

For each consultation, ask the dentist what types of sedation he or she offers. Ask about safety precautions while you are sedated. You can find a sedation dentist by asking friends, family members, or coworkers for recommendations. Also, you can search online for a dentist near you. Be sure to check patient reviews.

Act promptly to prevent your infected molars from causing more problems in your bone or adjacent teeth.

This post is provided by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

Dental Bonding

Will my free teeth whitening work on spots my braces left?

Before I use it, I’m wondering if my free teeth whitening gel will work on the spots left from braces. I received the gel from a friend who got a bunch of gel tubes from her dentist. I wore braces for 2 years because I had severe overjet. Even though I tried hard to keep my teeth clean while I wore the braces, after my orthodontist took the braces off , I had noticeable white spots on my teeth. She explained decalcification to me. I talked to my dentist about the white spots, so she did an in-office bleaching treatment. I had three sessions in the first appointment and it made my teeth super white, but the white spots from the braces were more noticeable. We waited a month and my dentist did a second treatment and the results didn’t change. Her response is that we need to give it more time. That’s why I want to try the new gel I received to see if I get better results. Is it okay to give it a try? Thanks. Kelli

Kelli – The problem you are experiencing isn’t unique to any particular brand of bleaching gel. It can occur with any type of teeth whitening gel—including the free teeth whitening gel you received.

Why Decalcification Occurs

As your orthodontist probably explained to you, decalcification occurs because of lack of minerals in the teeth. People who wear braces are especially prone to having decalcification on their teeth. A buildup of plaque around the brackets can rob the teeth of minerals, and the issue displays itself as white spots on your teeth. Some patients benefit from prescription fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush.

Is Teeth Whitening Gel Effective on Decalcification?

Consider the facts:

  • Teeth whitening products in general make white spots from decalcification more noticeable.
  • The white spots should not be left on your teeth, because decalcification can lead to tooth decay.
  • It might be beneficial to have your teeth remineralized.
  • Don’t try to resolve the issue yourself.
  • We suggest that you get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist who has extensive training in teeth whitening and tooth restoration. He or she knows what tools, techniques, or materials are needed to get the best results for your teeth.
  • Dental bonding or a combination of techniques may be needed to even the color of your smile.

Schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to examine your teeth and explain  your options.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Have I done too many free teeth whitening treatments?

I got free teeth whitening from my dentist. I have been using it every night for 4 months. My dentist wanted me to give it a break but I can’t stop. Today and lunch, I felt this horrible electric shock through my bottom teeth. I thought immediately that it must be from the whitening. I am scared that I overdid it. Now every 15 minutes or so the shock comes back. It won’t stop. Could this really have come from the bleaching gel? I just took an Advil. Is this going to go away? I’m too embarrassed to call my dentist because she told me to stop whitening a long time ago. Thanks. Shellie

Shellie – It is likely that the sensation you are feeling in your teeth is from the free teeth-whitening gel. Hopefully, the Advil will give you some relief. We recommend that you stop using the bleaching gel. Give your teeth a break.

If the pain becomes more frequent, or if it increases over the next day or two, call your dentist to have your teeth examined. If you have time today, you can try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, to see if you get some relief.

Risks of Using Too Much Free Teeth-Whitening Gel

Many people over-bleach their teeth. It’s important to follow your dentist’s direction on the frequency for doing touch-ups.

  • Teeth can weaken
  • Nerve irritation that results in hypersensitivity
  • Teeth can darken

It’s good that you started your whitening process with your dentist. Some people choose to use professional-strength bleaching gel without the supervision of a dentist, and problems can result from it. Based on the characteristics of your teeth and your sensitivity, your dentist can recommend a bleaching gel of the appropriate strength for your case.

Don’t wait too long to contact your dentist if you don’t feel any relief, or if the situation gets worse.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

What could an affordable dentist do with my too small teeth if I can’t afford veneers?

I’m wondering what an affordable dentist would do for my small teeth if I can’t afford porcelain veneers. I know that porcelain veneers can work wonders for my teeth. They are too small and look like baby teeth. The thing is that there is no way that I can afford veneers even with a payment plan. I just have a gummy smile and my gums are dark so they just make my little teeth even more noticeable. Is there something other veneers a cosmetic dentist can do? Ismeralda

Ismeralda – An affordable dentist who is also a skilled cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your teeth without porcelain veneers.

Affordable Dentist Options for Small Teeth

  • Dental bonding – Dental bonding can be used to lengthen your teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools and shades of dental composite needed to provide seamless results. Your dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth, apply and shape the bonding, and harden and polish it. Bonding needs to be replaced about every five years.
  • Gum contouring – Since you have a gummy smile, your gumline can be trimmed to decrease the amount of gum tissue and lengthen the amount of tooth structure that shows when you smile. This is a painless, brief procedure that is done with a laser. After gum contouring, you can expect a little swelling as the gum tissue heals, but it’s a minor procedure that can be completed in a single visit.
  • Porcelain crowns– Crowns (often called “caps”) require reduction of your natural tooth structure because they are placed over your teeth. Crowns are customized to match the characteristics of your natural teeth, including shape and color. An artistic cosmetic dentist can design crowns that look completely natural.

Don’t insist on finding the most affordable dentist. Schedule consultations with two or three cosmetic dentists to ask questions and discuss your treatment options. Choose a trained cosmetic dentist who can produce good results and who provides payment options.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.