All posts by AllSmiles

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening made blotchy spots on my teeth

I went to a teeth whitening kiosk in June just to check it out. I spoke with a lady there who told me about the costs, how long it would take, and how my teeth would look when I finished all of the treatments. There was a certificate posted on the kiosk, and the lady there said that all of the reps at the kiosk are certified teeth-whitening specialists. I was told that I needed 8 sessions and the first 2 would be free. I signed up for the whitening. Unfortunately, I was able to only go the first 2 times. Within 15 minutes my teeth and gums got really sensitive. My gums are white in spots from the burns. This happened both times I went to the kiosk. I guess I should have stopped the treatment after the first time. Now my teeth have white spots all over them too. I called the kiosk and was told that the color would even out in about a week. That was three weeks ago. Nothing has changed. I’m embarrassed to schedule an appointment with my regular dentist. She offered me teeth whitening but I declined because of the cost. Are my teeth ruined? Thanks. Bailey

Bailey – Your teeth aren’t ruined. Anyone who wants their teeth properly whitened should be cautious about offers of free teeth whitening, unless it is offered by a dentist. There are several things to consider:

  • The American Dental Association doesn’t accept, endorse, or regulate any role as a “certified teeth whitening specialist.” The term likely originated with the company that owns the teeth whitening kiosk. Only an official company representative can tell you what their certification process involves.
  • Before your teeth are whitened, a dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy.
  • A dentist will also determine if bleaching gel will be effective on your teeth or if it will make the stains worse.
  • During professional whitening, your gums should be protected to prevent them from burning.
  • A dentist monitors the effectiveness of whitening sessions and makes adjustments as needed.

The discoloration that resulted from your teeth whitening needs the attention of a dentist—particularly since the color hasn’t stabilized. Your dentist can determine the cause of the discoloration and how it should be remedied.

There are dentists who provide their patients with free teeth whitening, as long as appointments for regular exams and dental cleanings are kept. If this option isn’t offered by your dentist, you can consider finding a dentist who offers free or discounted whitening.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Need an affordable dentist to change the color of my denture teeth

I’ve been looking for an affordable dentist within 100 miles of my house to change the color of my denture teeth. I’ve been searching online but can’t find any websites that show a dentist who is doing this kind of work. I got my dentures from a denture center. They advertise for affordable dentures, but the nickeled and dimed me out of $900. After all of my appointments and their “pampering” I went in to get the dentures. They are the wrong color. It’s a weird color that almost looks like the teeth have a pink tone. I think I was in the dental office 2 hours talking about the color of the denture teeth. In the end they told me I signed off and approved everything so there wasn’t much that could be done. They could give me new denture teeth but I would have to pay for the new teeth. I don’t want new denture teeth. I just want the color changed. After spending $900 I don’t have much money to left to spend on new dentures or even to change the color of the teeth. That’s why I’m looking for an affordable dentist. How can I find one? – Ashton

Ashton – We’re sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with dentures. It’s understandable that you need the assistance of an affordable dentist. Unfortunately your denture teeth are colorfast, so the color cannot be changed in any way. So, what can you do now?

Options for Affordable Dentistry

  • The good news is that you can find a cosmetic dentist to provide you with quality dentures. He or she likely offers ways to make dental care affordable for you. Dentists frequently offer financing or payment plans to help you spread out the cost of care over time.
  • Although this is a huge disappointment, your smile can affect your confidence and your sense of well-being and happiness. Take some time to consider if you can accept the color of your current dentures, or if and when you want to receive new dentures.
  • Make an informed decision by visiting two or three experienced cosmetic dentists to discuss your options, the cost, and how they can provide you with affordable dental care.

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

Sedation Dentistry

After a sedation dentistry appointment, can I stay at the office until I can drive home?

I finally decided to see a sedation dentist for 4 crowns that I need badly. I need 2 fillings also and am anticipating being in the office for a while. I am wondering if sedation dentists have provisions for patients to stay in the office until the medication wears off. If it can wear off in the office, I prefer to drive myself home. How long does it take for the medication to wear off? Jamison

Jamison – You first need to have a consultation with a sedation dentist to determine which level of sedation you will receive. If you receive oral conscious sedation, you will likely be drowsy for the rest of the day. You will still need a ride home.

What to Expect with Sedation Dentistry

Below is some helpful information on what’s involved in receiving sedation dentistry

  • Your first appointment is a consultation for diagnosis of the issues with your teeth, along with treatment options.
  • Your medical, prescription, and dental history will be reviewed to determine if you are a candidate for sedation and which medication should be used.
  • For the day of your appointment, the sedation dentist will advise you to have an adult drive you to the office, take you home, and stay with you for the rest of the day. This is a precaution for you, because if you’re at home and you need anything, your drowsiness can contribute to an accident.
  • After your procedure plan to stay at home, preferably in bed or on a sofa.

Sedation allows dentists to complete as much work as possible. But if any of your teeth require extensive work, you’ll probably have to return to the office until treatment is complete.

After your consultation, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan. Your sedation dentist will let you know if all of your dental work can be completed in one day, or if multiple appointments are required. Dental crowns usually require at least two appointments. Crowns are usually made in a lab, so you would return to the office to have them bonded to the natural teeth that the crowns are preserving.

Depending on your comfort level with the dentist, after your first treatment appointment, you might prefer to only receive local anesthetic and to waive medication that will make you drowsy. In that case, you would be able to drive home.

We suggest that you find a sedation dentist who is also a cosmetic dentist. A trained cosmetic dentist will produce natural-looking results that help you smile with confidence.

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

 

Teeth whitening

Why Isn’t My Free Teeth Whitening Kit Working?

I’m feeling really burned by a free tooth whitening offer I found online. The deal was that if I only paid shipping, this company would send me a free trial of their whitening pen. I figured they were able to give the free teeth whitening kits out because people would order the full-sized version when it worked, so I paid almost $20 for shipping. I followed the instructions, but nothing is happening. I e-mailed the company a week ago, but they aren’t responding back, and now I’m pretty sure I got scammed. I guess it’s not so much the money, but the fact that I trusted them. Is there something more I should be doing with the kit that might improve its effectiveness? Do I have any recourse with the company? Thanks, Marcus

Marcus,

It’s tough to say if you should be doing something different  with your free teeth-whitening kit, because you haven’t provided the name of the company or the product, nor have you said how you’re using it. Generally speaking, anything you can get over-the-counter is weak. Sometimes, it’s totally ineffective. If you aren’t getting it from a trusted supplier, you can’t tell if it is safe and effective.

Depending on where the company is based, you may have no real recourse. If it’s not in the United States, your money is probably gone. You can try to dispute the charge with your credit card company, but this company may still get away with it because you only paid for the shipping. The product was free, and the shipping wasn’t the problem, so they may have found a way against scam controls. The only way to find out if you can have the charge erased is to call your credit card company and ask to file a complaint.

How to Get Legit Free Tooth Whitening

Go Local: Only get free teeth-whitening products from a local and trusted source. You can follow up easily if there’s a problem.

Choose a Professional: Over-the-counter products tend to be weak. You have to use them a lot to see any difference. If you want rapid results, you need professional-strength products, only available through medical and dental professionals.

Talk to Your Dentist: Many dentists offer a free teeth-whitening program to new patients. Ask if your dentist’s office does something similar. While it’s designed to attract new patients, the office may consider giving you the package anyway, just to keep you happy. If that isn’t an option, they may have a low-cost solution that will give you the results you need in a safe and effective way.

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

 

Sedation Dentistry, Wisdom Teeth

Can I refuse sedation dentistry with wisdom teeth removal?

I need to have all of my wisdom teeth pulled and I don’t want sedation. I haven’t seen a dentist recently, but I know it’s my wisdom teeth that are hurting and the pain is getting worse. Before I go in I want to know if sedation is necessary or just something the dentist will try to convince me to get. I don’t like people doing anything to me medically or otherwise without me being fully aware of what’s going on. I am not afraid of the procedure. I just want to be full aware and awake. Can you tell me if sedation is standard for wisdom teeth removal or can I go without it? Thanks Brooklynn

Brooklynn – It’s good that you recognize that dental care is needed for your wisdom teeth. Whether or not you need sedation dentistry depends on the condition of the teeth and their roots. Wisdom teeth are especially painful when they are impacted.

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including those listed below:

  • Damage neighboring teeth
  • Become infected, and in some cases form a cyst that affects nerves, other teeth, your jaw, and facial muscles
  • Become difficult to clean and promote bacteria and gum disease
  • Bacteria can enter your bloodstream and affect your organs, including your heart and kidneys

You will receive an anesthesia evaluation. Local anesthesia will definitely be administered. Your dentist or oral surgeon is concerned about your comfort during wisdom teeth removal. If the removal of the teeth is anticipated to be complex or time consuming, sedation dentistry might be recommended.

There are various levels of sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide
  • Oral conscious sedation
  • IV sedation dentistry

Before you decline sedation, ensure you understand what to expect during the procedure. Ask the dentist about what you will be able to hear, see, and feel more intensely than you would without sedation. It’s your right as a patient to accept or decline care, but sedation dentistry can make the removal of impacted wisdom teeth a much more pleasant experience.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

How can I find an affordable dentist to replace 8 porcelain veneers?

How can I find an affordable dentist to replace 8 porcelain veneers I receive May of last year? Within 3 months of getting the veneers, one of them fell off. My dentist bonded it back on. Since that time 2 more veneers fell off. When I was brushing my teeth last Wednesday, I noticed that one of the veneers that my dentist bonded back on is now loose. This is ridiculous and I want to switch to another dentist to get my veneers completely redone. If I could go back to my natural teeth I would do so. I feel stuck and ripped off by my dentist. Of course I didn’t budget for porcelain veneer mistakes, so now I need to find an affordable dentist to get new veneers. Of course I’m concerned about quality. I already paid a lot of money for these veneers and the quality is poor. Hopefully you can guide me in finding quality affordable veneers. – Sabrina

Sabrina – We’re sorry to hear about your bad experience with porcelain veneers. Quality cosmetic dentistry is a rare art, and when patients request affordable dentistry for cosmetic purposes, it concerns us.

A skilled cosmetic dentist can make it more affordable for you to get your veneers replaced, but it won’t mean that the restorations will be inexpensive. We caution patients who focus on cost alone. Affordability is best met through payment plans or financing to make new porcelain veneers easier on your budget. If you insist on the lowest cost, even if you get new veneers, there could be a sacrifice in quality, and they too can fall off or be easily damaged.

A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools required to properly bond your porcelain veneers. He or she also knows the bonding techniques required to secure your veneers. They should never fall off.

Select two or three experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations. Have your veneers examined. It’s possible that you don’t need new veneers. Sometimes poorly bonded veneers can be removed, cleaned, and correctly bonded to your teeth.

  • Compare the options and costs for each consulting dentist.
  • Ask to see before-and-after pictures of porcelain veneers each dentist has placed.
  • Ask about options for payment plans or financing.
  • Don’t automatically select the dentist with the lowest cost. Verify his or her training and qualifications.

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

 

 

Teeth whitening

I got free teeth whitening online but my dentist won’t help me with it

After I found out how much my dentist charges for teeth whitening, I started looking around to see what I could find that was much cheaper. I found a website where you can complete surveys and after survey #20 you could pick a gift. Free teeth whitening was one of the gifts so I chose that. The whitening kit came about 6 weeks ago. The instructions have a disclaimer about not whitening your teeth without a dentist’s supervision. What’s the point of that? Anyway I’ve had a dental cleaning appointment since then and told my dentist about the free teeth whitening. She said she doesn’t recommend it and she will not supervise it for me because she doesn’t know the source. I think it’s unfair. If I can’t afford whitening from her, what’s wrong with getting free teeth whitening? It seems like she isn’t interested in helping me improve my smile unless I’m getting the work done from her. Is it worth it to find another dentist who can work with me on this? – Shauna

Shauna,

Before you receive teeth whitening of any kind, there are several things you should know:

  • Are your teeth healthy enough? Your teeth should be clean and free of decay before they are whitened.
  • Is whitening the right option? Depending on the cause of the stains in your teeth, whitening them can make the stains more noticeable. In these cases, a dentist wouldn’t recommend it.
  • What bleaching gel is best for your teeth? The cause of your stains, the extent of them, and any sensitivity issues with your teeth help a dentist determine the type and the strength of bleaching gel you need.
  • You need bleaching trays. The teeth whitening gel should not be applied directly to your teeth. A minimal amount of gel should be placed in custom bleaching trays to keep the gel in contact with your teeth, but away from your gums. Excess gel can irritate your teeth and gums.
  • How long should you use the bleaching gel? It is possible to over-bleach your teeth. During the treatment period, bleaching gel should be used for a limited amount of time each day. With professional-strength bleaching gel, the length is usually about 30 minutes. After a two-week period, your dentist will check the progress of your treatment.
  • You need periodic touch-ups. Periodic touch-ups are needed to keep your teeth white. Usually, once or twice a year is enough. You will need to obtain additional bleaching gel for touch-ups.

Your dentist’s concerns are valid. Without being able to verify the source and the contents of the free teeth whitening gel, how can she predict the results? Of course, she would feel responsible for the outcome. Seriously consider your dentist’s concerns before you use the whitening gel. Any dentist would have the same concerns about bleaching gel from a questionable source.

The safest way to get your teeth whitened is with a dentist’s supervision. If whitening isn’t affordable through your dentist, you can consider switching to a dentist who offers free whitening for patients who stay current with dental cleaning and exam appointments.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Affordable dentist gave me bad implants

I’ve been looking for an affordable dentist but didn’t just want to pick a dentist without knowing anything about him/her.  So I scheduled consultations with 5 different dentists. The issue is replacing 2 teeth. I received recommendations for a partial denture, a bridge, and dental implants. I thought it interesting that the dentist who offered dental implants quoted a price that was the same price as a dental bridge from another dentist. I couldn’t figure out of the implants were no good or if the dental bridge was over-priced. After researching online I found that the affordable dentist who offered implants has been in practice 11 years. That made me feel comfortable. I accepted a payment plan for 2 implants and I regret the day I did. One implant fell out and the other is loose. This issue with the implants happened in May. It’s over a month later and my dentist is still trying to figure out if I need bone grafting. This is starting to scare me. So know I don’t know if I should just try to get a bridge and forget the whole thing or start all over and get consultations with 5 new dentists. The other issue is that I still need an affordable dentist. So please don’t advise me to go to a top dentist with a fancy office because I can’t afford that. Thank you. Shawna

Shawna – Although the affordable dentist you chose has been practicing dentistry for 11 years, it doesn’t mean that he has been placing dental implants for 11 years. And given the results of your implants, his training and credentials are questionable.

It’s rare for dental implants to fall out. It’s not clear if your dentist thinks you needed bone grafting before the implants were placed, or if he thinks you now need grafting to support a new implant. Osseointegration, the process of the jawbone fusing to the implant takes about six to nine months, so be patient with having your implants replaced.

Despite a dentist’s careful planning and placement of an implant, a patient’s body can still reject it. It’s impossible to predict how your body will react to the implants.

Without an examination and diagnostic studies, we can’t say if and how your dentist was at fault. If you feel comfortable returning to one of the four dentists with whom you had consultations, you should do so. Otherwise find an experienced implant dentist to examine the implants, discuss your options, and help resolve this issue.  You should be able to find a skilled, affordable dentist to help.

 

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

 

 

 

Oral Health, Sedation Dentistry

Will osteoporosis prevent me from getting sedation dentistry?

I have osteoporosis and I think sedation dentistry might help me get some issues with my teeth taken care of. I’m just concerned that sedation might make my condition worse. I have difficulty sitting for extended periods, so if sedation is going to keep me in the dental chair longer than I should be, that’s a concern too. The thought of falling from being drowsy also scares me. Do patients with osteoporosis get sedation dentistry? Is there anything I need to consider before I ask for it? Valeriya

Valeriya – As you know, osteoporosis decreases bone density and makes bones very fragile. It can affect your oral health.

Osteoporosis Affects Oral Health

The disease can affect any bone in your body, including your jawbone. It creates oral health risks including:

  • Decreased jawbone density and affecting the stability of your teeth.
  • Triggering periodontal (gum) disease
  • Increased risk of needing dentures

Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Your oral health needs more attention than usual. Sedation dentistry can help you get the dental care you need. Before you receive sedation, your dentist will determine if you’re a candidate for it.

Your medical and prescription history will be thoroughly reviewed. Your dentist may want to collaborate with your medical doctors to take necessary precautions and to determine which form of anti-anxiety medication is best for your needs. Most patients are candidates for sedation dentistry even if they have other medical conditions.

Speak with your dentist about your concerns with sitting in the chair too long. He or she will schedule multiple visits, if necessary, to ensure your comfort.

What can you expect after receiving sedation dentistry? It’s important to closely follow after care instructions to prevent injury.

  • You will still be drowsy.
  • The dental office should have a wheel chair ready to take you to the car. You won’t have to worry about falling and breaking fragile bones.
  • You will have arranged for transportation home, and that person or another responsible adult should stay with you for the rest of the day.
  • Rest in bed or on the sofa, and limit your activity around the house. Someone should assist you with necessary tasks to prevent you from falling.

Your dentist will work with your and your doctors to limit the effects of osteoporosis on your oral health. With proper screening and planning, sedation dentistry can help.

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

 

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Bonding, Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening kit discolored my dental bonding

I won a free teeth whitening kit. I thought it was a good prize for answering some survey questions because I’ve had whitening in the past, and it was pretty expensive.  I followed the directions and used the whitening for 2 weeks. I have bonding on 3 teeth and the whitening discolored the bonding. So now you can tell that there is bonding on those teeth. I’m wondering if it was the brand of whitening that caused this problem. Can a dentist lighten the bonding or will it have to be redone now? Thanks. Emily

Emily – Free teeth whitening is safe when it’s offered by your dentist. Supervision from your dentist allows him or her to do the following:

  • Examine your natural teeth and any restorative work on them to determine if bleaching gel will help or harm your teeth
  • Monitor the progress of teeth whitening treatment
  • Make adjustments in the strength of the bleaching gel, or in the treatment time needed

Why Teeth Whitening Won’t Brighten Bonding

Although bleaching your teeth can have dramatic results, it won’t whiten your bonding. Here’s why:

  • Unlike natural teeth, dental bonding is nonporous.
  • Bleaching gel is designed to penetrate pores, but that’s not possible with bonding.
  • As your natural teeth get whiter, your dental bonding won’t change. Whiter teeth make bonding look as if it’s getting darker.

As bonding ages, it attracts stains. A cosmetic dentist can replace the bonding with a color and translucence that matches your natural teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will:

  • Choose dental composite that matches your whitened teeth
  • Use dental tools to roughen the old bonding
  • Apply and shape the new composite
  • Cure the composite with a special light
  • Further shape and polish the bonding

It’s best to wait until you’ve finished your whitening treatment before having your dental bonding replaced. It ensures the bonding will match your whitened teeth. But rather than use free teeth whitening with questionable ingredients, only use whitening gel you receive from your dentist or that is approved by your dentist. If the free bleaching gel damages your teeth, the cost of restoring them will be greater than the cost of getting whitening treatments from your dentist.

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