All posts by AllSmiles

Teeth whitening

I think free teeth whitening is making my teeth brittle

I got 6 tubes of free teeth whitening from a friend and I think it’s making my teeth brittle. I had some pistachios over the weekend and while I was eating them a tiny piece of my tooth cracked. Pistachios aren’t that hard to chip a tooth. Also I’m noticing that my teeth seem to be more sensitive than normal. I’m afraid that I got cheap whitening from my friend. She got it online and her teeth seem to be okay, but maybe my teeth are more sensitive than hers. I’ve been using the whitening 5 days a week for the past 3 ½ months and my teeth are weaker but not much whiter. Is there something I can do to strengthen my teeth? I don’t want to go to my dentist because she offered me teeth whitening, but hers cost $400. I’m embarrassed to go into the office and tell her that I got the gel free and it’s messing up my teeth. Thanks. Kelsey

Kelsey – We strongly urge you to stop using the free teeth whitening right away. Although you might not want to go to your dentist, you do need to see a dentist.

Without examining the tubes of the gel, it’s hard to say what you received. But if it is professional-strength bleaching gel, using it five times a week for a three and a half months is excessive and can definitely damage your teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Excessive Teeth Whitening

If you whiten your teeth too much, your teeth will tell the story. What are the signs that the free teeth whitening—or any other type of whitening—has damaged your teeth?

  • Increased sensitivity – Your teeth can become increasingly sensitive to hot and cold drinks or foods. Some people already have sensitive teeth, and over-bleaching them can make it worse.
  • Changes in tooth color – Your teeth can lose their whiteness and become transparent or blotchy.
  • Irritated gums – Gums can bleed easily and become sensitive or inflamed.
  • Brittle teeth – Excessive bleaching can dehydrate your teeth and make them brittle.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination and treatment recommendations. If you are completely hesitant about returning to your current dentist, find an experienced cosmetic dentist, and schedule an appointment for an exam. Don’t delay.

Although it’s not safe to whiten your teeth at all for now, there are dentists who offer free teeth whitening for patients who keep their regularly schedule appointments for dental cleanings and exams. You’ll get positive, predictable results.

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

Sedation Dentistry

After every sedation dentistry appointment I’m so sick

Sedation dentistry has been the best thing for me as far as the dental appointment is concerned. As long as I can see a dentist and get through the appointment without having a panic attack I’m good. The problem is not what happens at the dentist but what happens when I get home. Last week was my 3rd sedation dentistry appointment and when I got home, I started vomiting and I got dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. The next day I’m just fine but after this last episode I started wondering what if this happens every time and I choke or something and I can’t get to the phone to call 911. I try to remember to keep my phone in a pocket at all times, but what if I can’t talk or something that? What do patients do to prevent sedation dentistry from making them so sick that they might not be able to call for help? Shem

Shem,

It’s good to know that sedation dentistry is helping you maintain good oral health. But we are concerned that it’s making you so sick afterward. What you are experiencing isn’t normal, so don’t continue to endure the results afterward just because you can make it through your dental appointments.

Is Sedation Dentistry Making You Sick?

Tell your dentist

Have you told your dentist about your episodes? Your nausea and vomiting might be the result of the anti-anxiety medication. Be sure to let your dentist know the effect the medication is having on you. Your dentist can try a different type of medication, or perhaps you just need a lower lose.

Don’t stay home alone

Another concern is that you’re alone after your appointment. Although you might get a ride home after your dental appointment, an adult should remain with you for the rest of the day, if not overnight.

If you need assistance, or if you get sick as you have described, an adult who is present can help you or call 911 for you. Never stay alone after a sedation dentistry appointment.

Don’t get discouraged

Side effects can occur with just about any medication. Don’t get discouraged. You’re not the first patient to experience side effects from medication. If necessary, your dentist will work with your medical doctor or a pharmacist to find the right anti-anxiety medication for you.

Be certain to contact your dentist about this issue before your next procedure.

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, Gum Disease

Is this affordable dentist the reason I still have gum disease?

After a lengthy 2 month search, I finally found an affordable dentist. After 3 years of going to this dentist I expected better results. She has been treating me for gum disease for more than a year and a half and I really don’t think my teeth or gums look better. Would I have seen improvement faster if I had chosen a dentist with higher fees? I get a deep teeth cleaning every 3 months and my teeth are almost as loose as they were a year and a half ago. Does getting an affordable dentist mean that I won’t get quality care, or am I being impatient? How long does it take to get gum disease under control? Thanks. Liz

Liz – Your frequent visits to the dentist for scaling and root planing to treat your periodontal disease means that you have a severe case that is beyond the expertise of your affordable dentist.

Bleeding, sore, and inflamed gums, along with infections are signs of gum disease. If gum tissue and teeth continue to separate, your teeth can completely loosen and fall out. After almost two years, if your periodontal disease is about the same, it might be time for you to see a specialist—a periodontist—with two years of post-graduate training in diagnosing and treating issues with your gums.

Do All Affordable Dentists Provide Sub-Standard Care?

The length of time that you’ve been treated isn’t necessarily because you have found an affordable dentist. A dentist with higher fees might also assume that he or she knows how to successfully treat a particular case of periodontal disease when a specialist is really needed. It’s your oral health, so you can ask to be referred to a specialist for a second opinion, or if your insurance allows it, schedule the appointment yourself.

The appearance of your teeth at this point is probably related to the health of your gums. After your gum disease is under control, a cosmetic dentist can work with you to improve the appearance of your smile. It’s crucial to get a specialist to accurately determine why your periodontal disease isn’t improving. He or she will establish a treatment plan that will help you keep as many natural teeth as possible and get back on the path of good oral health.

In the future, you can find an affordable dentist who has good experience and training in general and cosmetic dentistry, and who recognizes when you should be referred to a specialist.

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

 

 

Porcelain Veneers, Teeth whitening

Is it okay to use free teeth whitening on my porcelain veneers?

Is it okay to use free teeth whitening on my porcelain veneers? I don’t want to put anything on them that could mess up the veneers. I smoke a lot and thought I would be able to stop smoking by now. This is the 3rd year I’ve had veneers and they are starting to pick up stains. Instead of paying to have my dentist whiten them I wonder if I can do it myself. I found a promotion for a free teeth whitening kit as a starter and I plan on cancelling the subscription before my credit card gets charged for an ongoing supply. Brooke

Brooke,

Your porcelain veneers can neither be whitened with free teeth whitening nor any other type of teeth whitening.

An Alternative to Teeth Whitening for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are colorfast and bleaching them won’t remove the stains. They are also virtually stain resistant, but if they are getting stained by smoking, there are some things you should and should not do:

  • Avoid brushing your veneers with abrasive, whitening toothpaste. The toothpaste can crack the glaze on your veneers and cause them to stain more easily.
  • Only have your teeth cleaned by a dentist and dental hygienist who are specifically trained in caring for and cleaning porcelain veneers. There are dental tools specifically designed to be gentle on veneers and keep the glaze intact.
  • Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams.
  • Ask your cosmetic dentist to polish surface stains off your veneers.

Even on natural teeth, free teeth whitening might not be effective. The contents of the bleaching gel determine if it will clean your teeth. Carbamide peroxide is the whitening agent in professional-strength bleaching gel. In order to get predictable results, teeth whitening should be supervised by a dentist.

Only ask a trained cosmetic dentist for help removing stains from your porcelain veneers. Don’t use your free teeth whitening on them.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns

Need an affordable dentist for new crowns for my front teeth

Normally I wouldn’t be asking for an affordable dentist to get crowns on my front teeth. The problem is that my crowns are fairly new. I got them in 2015. I went to a cosmetic dentist who showed me lots of pictures and really seemed to know what he was doing. The problems started when I tried in the temporary crowns and they looked too big. Maybe too thick is the correct word. They clearly sit too far forward from my natural teeth. My natural teeth aren’t that thick at all. The dentist bonded on the crowns without me knowing that it was permanent. This makes the crowns almost look like buck teeth. They uncomfortably touch the back of my lips and my profile in pictures is different than it used to be. My lips poke out slightly. People who didn’t know me before I got the crowns probably can’t tell unless they really look at my smile. My friends who knew my smile before notice that something is different. I don’t get into the subject of getting new crowns and they ended up thicker than the dentist and I agreed on. It goes without saying that this dentist isn’t going to replace my crowns. I don’t trust him. I want to replace the crowns. My dental insurance isn’t going to provide benefits for them because they crowns are barely 2 yrs old. So that brings be to the question of how can I find an affordable dentist to replace the crowns on my front teeth? Thanks for your help. Camila

Camila – We sympathize with your disappointment in your crowns. It’s clear that the dentist you visited was a cosmetic dentist in name only. We also understand your desire to find an affordable dentist to restore your smile since you won’t receive insurance benefits. Still, insist on an experienced cosmetic dentist to replace your crowns. There are several reasons why.

  • Care must be taken to remove the existing crowns. If your crowns were bonded to your natural teeth, they must be carefully removed. A cosmetic dentist will use diamond burs to carefully grind the crowns away from your natural teeth without damaging your teeth. Aggressive removal can cause serious damage your natural teeth.
  • Precision is required to match your natural teeth. The dentist who originally placed your crowns either isn’t interested in precision or doesn’t know how to achieve it. A trained cosmetic dentist is an artist who is usually more concerned about symmetry and aesthetics than his or her patients. Your crowns can perfectly match your natural teeth.
  • A great cosmetic dentist is also a great communicator. You have the right to be told when a restoration is bonded to your teeth. Your new dentist will ensure that the crowns are exactly what you want before they are bonded. You should insist on approving the look and feel of your smile before crowns are bonded to your teeth.

How to Find an Affordable Dentist

  • Make quality—not cost—your priority. Find several experienced cosmetic dentists in your area. Ask friends or family members for recommendations.
  • Check each dentist’s website for his or her training and credentials.  A dentist should be serious about continuing education to stay current with the latest tools and techniques that will give you a winning smile.
  • On each cosmetic dentist’s website, look for before-and-after photos of actual patients who have received crowns from the dentist. Otherwise, ask to see photos during a consultation.
  • Schedule consultations with at least two dentists to discuss your options and the cost.
  • Ask each affordable dentist how he or she can work with your budget to replace your crowns. Don’t insist on a bargain. “Affordable” can mean that you will be able to pay for services through a payment plan or financing.

If you are uneasy about any dentist’s ability or chairside manner, move on to the next affordable dentist. Best wishes!

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

Oral Health, Sedation Dentistry

How long should a dental cleaning take and why aren’t they sedating me?

I want to know why my dentist isn’t sedating me. My past 2 dental cleanings took almost 2 hours. The first time it took so long that my underarms were soaked and my shirt was wet. It was the craziest experience. My gums were bleeding and when the hygienist rinsed my mouth and told me to suck on that straw thing to dry my mouth, I almost gagged. So did she! I heard her make a gagging sound. At the end of the appointment she and the dentist told me I have gum disease so I have to floss more often and I need to go back more often to get my teeth cleaned. I’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of gum disease but what is taking so long with these cleanings? I only have 23 teeth, so what is the problem people? Last week I went back again and this 2nd appointment took almost 2 hours again. This time neither of us gagged. Maybe that’s improvement… Is the time involved normal? And with all of this bloody mess and my soaked underarms after the appointment why are they not sedating me? How long should a dental cleaning take? Thanks. Geoff

Geoff – Your concern about the length of your dental cleanings and your level of anxiety without sedation are understandable. And your dentist should provide you with the answers.

Average Time for a Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning for a patient who has good oral health and maintains excellent oral hygiene at home takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The time can vary, depending on the condition of your teeth and the hygienist’s speed. Keep in mind that when you receive a dental cleaning, more is involved than just cleaning and polishing your teeth:

  • X-rays are taken.
  • Your hygienist will check the space between your teeth and gums for signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
  • Your dentist will also need to examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral cavities to ensure they are healthy and disease free.

The “extras” are necessary to help you maintain good oral hygiene. And they naturally add more time to your dental visit. But let’s discuss what might be taking your appointment so long and why you aren’t being sedated.

What’s Taking So Long?

So what’s affecting the time it takes to clean your teeth? Several factors might be involved:

  • The condition of your teeth – A professional dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. The amount of plaque and tartar buildup is related to how often you brush and floss your teeth. The more you floss between your teeth, the less plaque and tartar there will be. Stains can develop from everyday eating and drinking, but if you smoke, or if you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker, your teeth will have more stains.
  • Periodontal (gum) disease – When the pocket, or space between each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, is infected, the gum tissue pulls away from your teeth. Deep periodontal pockets need to be thoroughly cleaned to get rid of gum disease. This process, scaling and root planing, is a deeper cleaning than normal and takes more time. In cases of severe periodontal disease, a specialist (periodontist) might be needed.
  • Your anxiety level – It takes a little more time and patience to provide dental care for anxious patients. If your dentist and hygienist know you’re anxious, they will work at a slower pace to ensure your comfort and to take time to explain what’s being done throughout the dental procedure. Some dental professionals do this regardless of a patient’s anxiety level. Sedation can help make dental cleanings easier for you.

Why Aren’t You Being Sedated for Your Dental Cleanings?

Perhaps your dentist and hygienist haven’t noticed your sweaty armpits. Maybe it’s not that noticeable to them, or maybe they need to be more observant. Have you explained how nervous you’re getting with the lengthy dental cleaning appointments?

Your periodontal disease needs to be well controlled, so it’s time to let your hygienist and dentist know just how much the cleaning appointments are affecting you. Ask for sedation so you won’t start to dread your appointments—and possibly start skipping a few.

Your dentist should work with you to provide a level of sedation that matches your anxiety and the length of your dental appointments. If he or she isn’t responsive enough to your anxiety, it might be time to look for another sedation dentist.

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

Sedation Dentistry

I’m too anxious even for a sedation dentist

I’ve spent the last 3 years with so many medical issues that I can’t manage to even see a sedation dentist about the problems that I have with my teeth due to my illnesses and medication. The countless hospital stays and doctors’ appointments have tapped out my emotions. Thankfully I am much better physically but I’m just exhausted from seeing healthcare providers. I know that my teeth need extensive work and I will have to see a dentist, but I’m just afraid. I understand that sedation dentistry is my best option, but I’m anxious about going to the dentist. I just want to get my anxiety under control before I take that step. There isn’t a lot of time for me to do this because my teeth are in poor shape and it is starting to affect my confidence. What can I do to get over this hump? Ava

Ava,

Sedation dentists don’t just give you medication so you can get through your dental appointment. They thoroughly understand dental anxiety, and they are compassionate about it. Part of their training involves seeking to understand why a patient is anxious, and that comes through communication with you.

Your experience with a sedation dentist will evolve from conversation, to education and understanding, to dental treatment. A sedation dentist makes the effort to provide a calming office environment, to hire patient staff members, and to ensure your comfort throughout the dental visit.

We suggest that you schedule appointments to speak with at least two sedation dentists—not for dental treatment—but to get to know the dentist and how he or she can help you address your anxiety. Medication is part of the solution, but so is your relationship with the dentist. When you call to schedule the appointment, explain your concerns and that your request is only for a consultation—no exam or x-rays.

You can get to know the dentist and experience the office environment before you commit to dental treatment.

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.

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening made my teeth way too white

I got free teeth whitening from my sister and now my teeth are too white. I got custom trays from eBay and used the bleaching gel. I did it for 2 months straight because my teeth were so dingy. I didn’t notice how white my teeth were getting and now when I look in the mirror my smile looks ridiculous. Now I want to darken my teeth. I’m wondering if there is something I can buy to darken them up. I’m embarrassed to go to my dentist any time soon because she will notice right away that I did something with my teeth. What are my options for making them darker? Thanks. Jilian

Jilian – It sounds like the free teeth whitening you received from your sister was professional-strength bleaching gel that really worked well.

There are a few things everyone should consider before teeth whitening:

  • If you want whiter teeth with at-home treatment, a dentist will recommend that you bleach them two weeks at a time.
  • After you finish each whitening session, the bleaching gel continues to break down stains in your teeth.
  • After each session you will be instructed to wait at least a week in between for your tooth color to stabilize. If your teeth aren’t bright enough at that point, whitening sessions can continue.

Based on your results, you probably whitened your teeth without waiting for the color to stabilize. That’s likely the reason that you didn’t notice how white your teeth were getting.

What can you do about it now? Give it time. Your teeth will pick up stains and their brightness will be a little less noticeable. Bleaching gel lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. So you’ll still have a super bright smile, but in time, it won’t be so stark white. Don’t do touch-up whitening treatments until you’re absolutely sure you need it.

In the future, keep in mind that it’s not safe to whiten your teeth for two months straight without the supervision of a dentist. It’s possible to over-bleach your teeth and damage your tooth enamel or cause your teeth to become discolored.

It’s best for whitening to be supervised by a dentist who can monitor the progress.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Tooth Trauma

Will Save a Tooth work until we can get to an affordable dentist?

My 20 yr old son has a loose permanent tooth from a sports accident. I need to save it until we can get to an affordable dentist. He was on our dental insurance but my husband just took an early retirement package because he is getting laid off and we are shopping for dental insurance. I’m expecting the tooth to go any day but it has hung on longer than I thought. We’re trying to be proactive and look for products that can keep the tooth in good condition if it comes out completely. Our dental insurance should be effective the first of next month and then I can schedule an appointment. I found several products online including Save a Tooth. The description looks like this might do the job for a few days if I keep changing out the solution. I’m pretty good with playing nurse around the house and I think it might work. Does this product work if my son loses the tooth completely, and will it help until we can find an affordable dentist? – Kasydee

Kasydee – If the Save-a-Tooth product description indicates that it will keep a tooth alive after it’s been knocked out. It consists of a salt solution that is gentle on tooth ligament and will help keep it alive. The ligament must bekept in good condition to reattach the tooth to the jawbone.

Photo of Save-a-Tooth for knocked out teeth, from affordable Plano TX dentist Miranda Lacy.When a tooth is knocked out, the roots shouldn’t be touched. The tooth must be kept moist. It’s important to get dental help the same day. Waiting a few days puts your son at risk for completely using the tooth. The Save-a-Tooth solution and tooth container are designed to preserve and protect the tooth for a limited period—probably two or three hours. Ideally, your son would need to have the kit handy at all times.

If your son loses his tooth days before your dental coverage takes effect, find an emergency dentist right away. If you don’t, the cost of replacing the tooth later will be more expensive than getting prompt treatment.

Even better—get dental help now. If the tooth is loose, it’s possible to secure it with a stint until the roots heal. You will be able to find an affordable dentist who will work with your budget and arrange a payment plan or financing.

 

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

Affordable Dentistry, Orthodontics, Porcelain Veneers

How can I find an affordable dentist to give me a smile makeover?

How can I find an affordable dentist who can give me a smile makeover? I don’t like my teeth. There are so many gaps between them and my front teeth are too big. I also want whitening and a small chip fixed. My dentist gave me a quote of $23500 for the work. He won’t budge on the cost either. He was insulted that I asked about more affordable options. I don’t understand this. I’ve been going to this dentist for 15 years and he has always been kind. This showed me another side of him and he isn’t willing to give me a break. I just need some advice on where to turn for affordable help with my teeth. I know not all the dentists are the same, so I really need a good cosmetic dentist who will respect my budget but won’t give me teeth that look fake. What do you suggest? Ken

Ken – We’re sorry about the reaction you received from your dentist. When you’re looking for an affordable dentist for cosmetic dentistry, be certain to find a dentist who has specialized training. Review the dentist’s training and credentials first. Ensure that he or she participates in ongoing training for cosmetic dentistry to stay current with the latest techniques and technology. You should be aware that dentists with more training and experience often have higher fees for their quality services. The rates also vary based on where you live in the country.

Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your smile to let you know your options, there are several possibilities for correcting the issues you mentioned:

  • Orthodontics – Orthodontic treatment is more affordable than porcelain veneers for closing spaces between teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers – Thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the front of your teeth to make them appear straight and ultra-white.
  • Tooth contouring – Uneven teeth or teeth that are too long can be contoured to shape them and give them a more uniform appearance.
  • Dental bonding – An experienced cosmetic dentist can beautifully restore chipped teeth with chairside dental bonding.

A combination of dental treatments can be used to help you achieve the smile you want. We suggest that you find two or three cosmetic dentists with verifiable training in the art. Schedule a consultation with each dentist to discuss your treatment options and how your dental care can be made affordable for you. It’s possible that their fees will be similar to those of your own dentist. At least you’ll be given options and can compare them.

Some affordable dentists offer payment plans or financing to provide you with treatment that fits your budget.

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