All posts by AllSmiles

Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Can I find a female cosmetic dentist to lengthen my too short teeth?

My teeth are too short and look like a child’s teeth. This is very embarrassing to me. Even people that I’ve known for a long time look at my teeth when they are talking to me. I think it is affecting the way people treat me and it’s making it hard for me to find dates. I think women take a man less seriously if his teeth are smaller than normal for an adult. So that’s why I want a female cosmetic dentist. I want a woman’s opinion on how my smile looks to women. Maybe I am just self conscious about this. I am 39 yrs old and I want a new image. What can a cosmetic dentist do to change the length of my teeth? – Stephan

Stephan– A cosmetic dentist can change the length of your teeth.  The way it’s accomplished depends on what is causing your teeth to look small. It shouldn’t be difficult for you to find a nearby female cosmetic dentist either.

When patients have excessive gum tissue, a gum lift, also referred to as gum contouring or a gingivectomy can be performed. Excessive gum tissue can be removed to lengthen your teeth.

If excessive gum tissue is not the problem, porcelain veneers can be used to cover the front of your teeth and give them a longer appearance. Porcelain veneers beautifully design a smile. Porcelain is manipulated to match the color, characteristics, and translucence of natural teeth. People will think the veneers are your natural teeth.

In either case, be certain to select an experienced cosmetic dentist, so that you will get natural-looking results. We suggest that you schedule appointments for a consultation with two or three cosmetic dentists in your area to discuss your options. Ask to see actual patient photos of cases similar to yours or cases of the treatment that is being recommended to lengthen your teeth.

Take notes during each consultation. Notes will help you compare options, costs, and dentists. It will help you make a decision about which provider you want for your smile makeover.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Find out how Dr. Lacy makes it affordable for you to get a beautiful smile.

Sedation Dentistry

Any problems with taking Xanax before a dental appointment?

I’m sure that my question about taking Xanax before a dental appointment pretty much tells you how much I hate dental appointments. I already have a prescription that I use as needed. So I am thinking that taking the medication before my appointment is probably a good way for me to chill and get the work done. Two of my crowns need to be replaced and although I don’t anticipate having a whole lot of pain I am still nervous. Is there any problem with taking a Xanax before my appointment? I haven’t found a new dentist. My last dentist was a woman so I am again looking for a female dentist who also does sedation. Interestingly I have found that two of my previous male dentists were not sympathetic to my anxiety. Maybe it’s because I am a guy. Who knows.  If Plano wasn’t so far I would try your dentist. I don’t think it will be too hard to find one, though. I am rattling on. Thanks for answering my question about Xanax. – Gene

Gene – Before any patient is given sedation dentistry, his or her dentist will carefully review prescription and medical history. Be sure to let your dentist know that you already have a prescription for anti-anxiety medication and let him or know the type of medication. Since your medication that works well for you, it won’t hurt to take it in advance of your dental appointment.

Dental anxiety is common among millions of Americans. It’s good that you are willing to make an adjustment so that your anxiety won’t prevent you from maintaining good oral health.

Many dentists focus on catering to anxious patients. The dentist and staff ensure that you have a good dental experience. Remember that you will need to arrange for transportation to and from your dental appointment.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy is a female dentist who provides sedation dentistry to help patients relax.

Teeth whitening

I think I over-bleached my teeth

I have been bleaching my teeth myself for the past 2 years, at least every 2 weeks, sometimes every week. I leave the bleach on my teeth for 1 to 2 hours at a time. At first they looked beautiful but now I am getting scared that I have totally messed up. I guess I overdid it. Within the past 3 or 4 months my teeth have started looking very dull, somewhat gray. I have avoided my usual dentist because I didn’t go through him to get the bleaching gel. Could I have overdone it bleaching my teeth? Is there a way to reverse what I have done or have I messed up my teeth for good? Zoelle

Zoelle – Many people want an exceptionally white smile. Teeth bleaching gel contains carbamide peroxide, which if overused, can cause teeth to become brittle and discolored.

If you haven’t done so already, give your teeth a break from the bleaching gel. Use toothpaste that re-mineralizes your teeth, such as ProEnamel. If you are not comfortable returning to your current dentist, find an experienced cosmetic dentist to have your teeth examined. After examining your teeth, the dentist can tell you how extensive the damage is and whether or not your natural teeth can be recover from the over-bleaching, or if cosmetic dentistry is needed.

Cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding—depending on a patient’s case—can be used to beautifully restore teeth.

For our readers: Getting your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist helps ensure that teeth bleaching is right for you. Bleaching gel is available in different strengths, and a cosmetic dentist can determine which solution is best for your case. Also, your dentist is able to monitor the progress of the whitening and determine if adjustments need to me made.

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

 

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Looking for affordable female cosmetic dentist that does excellent work

I love my dentist. He is great for cleanings, fillings, etc., but I am not sure that I can trust him to do my cosmetic dentistry work. I asked him about his continuing ed in cosmetic dentistry, but he said although he really doesn’t have much he does a good job. I don’t think he has any extra training all. He referred me to a colleague, but that dentist’s cost were much higher than average. I think part of it is to pay for his swank office. I need too much work done to pay that much for my smile and the office. I know I can do a Google search to find one, but do you have any suggestions on how I find a good affordable dentist in my area? If the cosmetic dentist is female that’s a bonus, too. – Sarai

Sarai – Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations for an affordable female cosmetic dentist. You can also search for an experienced cosmetic dentist on the internet. Visit each dentist’s website to find out if he or she has any post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. The website should also indicate how much ongoing continuing education the dentist participates in each year.

The dentist may have membership, fellowship, or diplomate status in cosmetic, or aesthetic, dentistry organizations. The website should also show before-and-after pictures of patient cases the dentist has completed.

Affordable services are often made possible through payment plans or financing. No-interest financing is often available. Additionally, many dentists are willing to provide treatment in phases. This allows you to progressively pay for dental services, based on your budget. Call the dentist’s office for details.

After you have selected a few dentists with cosmetic dentistry qualifications, schedule a consultation with each of them. Consultations allow you to get a feel for the office environment and staff, and determine if you like the dentist’s chairside manner and communication style. Those are important factors in establishing a long-term relationship with your dentist.

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

General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

Missing Teeth and Your Heart

Research published in a December 2015 article of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology shows that the risk of death in patients with coronary heart disease (plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries) who are missing all of their teeth. The 3.7-year study included more than 15,000 patients from 39 countries. About 16 percent of patients in the study had no teeth at all, and another 40 percent were missing half their teeth.

Compared with patients who had all of their teeth, those in the study who were completely endentulous (all teeth are missing) had a series of increased risks that included: 27 percent for a major cardiovascular event, 85 percent for cardiovascular death, 81 percent of all-cause death, and 67 percent for stroke.

During the study, 746 patients had heart attacks. During follow up, 1,543 of the patients surveyed had major cardiovascular events; 705 experienced cardiovascular death; 1,120 died from other causes; and 301 patients had a stroke. In the follow-up events, an increase in tooth loss was associated with an increase in the risk a cardiovascular event, death by other causes, and stroke. Results were not as conclusive with patients who had heart attacks during the study.

Who were the most at-risk patients?

  • Women, who were also:
  • smokers;
  • less active;
  • and more likely to have diabetes;
  • higher blood pressure;
  • higher body-mass index;
  • and lower education

Why Are Coronary Heart Disease and Missing Teeth Related?

The most common cause of missing teeth is gum disease. Inflammation from gum disease affects the heart, and it increases the risk of heart trauma in people who have heart disease, or who are at risk for it. Poor dental hygiene contributes to gum disease.

The study emphasizes the importance of daily brushing your teeth and flossing between them. Brushing alone isn’t enough. Flossing removes bacteria-producing debris that causes inflammation and gum disease. Regularl dental exams and cleanings remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and greatly reduce the risk of gum disease. Examinations from your dental hygienist and dentist provide early detection of gum disease.

The conclusion? Good oral hygiene habits keep your teeth clean and can contribute to a healthier heart.

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

Oral Health, Sedation Dentistry

Marijuana before my dental appointment

Marijuana makes me feel easy and calm like I’m hand gliding over the beach on a warm day. I use it on weekends to help me relax. Every once in a while I will use it during the week depending on my stress level. I have been on anti-depressants before and they made me get thoughts of hurting myself, but I’ve never had those thoughts with MJ. So I don’t need it as often as I took the prescription meds. I’m going to schedule a root canal for one tooth, another one needs to be pulled, and later I’ll get a dental bridge for the one that will be pulled. After the dentist described everything he had to do, I thought to myself that a little MJ before my appointment would be in order. Instead my dentist talked to me for 10 minutes about sedation and a little pill I would take before the appointment. I am not feeling the anti-anxiety meds idea, not at all. So here’s my question: if MJ is my relaxation method of choice can I refuse sedation and maybe sign off on something to say that I realize what I am doing. Thank you very kindly. Mitch

Mitch – Although you use marijuana to help you relax, it shouldn’t be used before or after your dental appointments. Here’s why:

  • Smoking of any sort interferes with the oral healing process. An abstract from February 2008 Journal of the American Medical Association noted that in one study, it was found that periodontal (gum) disease is linked to regular marijuana use—and it increases the risk.
  • When a tooth is extracted or when a root canal is performed, your gums are at risk of infection. It’s best to avoid anything that can prevent proper healing. Keep in mind that the things you need to avoid after your dental procedures aren’t limited to smoking. You will be given instruction for proper after care. The goal is to help you have successful, infection-free treatment.
  • The action of sucking or drawing from tobacco or marijuana cigarettes can dislodge blood clots. The smoke itself is harmful to the teeth and gums.

Sedation dentistry provides a low dose of anti-anxiety medication. It is not for daily, long-term use, but instead is taken before your dental appointment. Speak with your dentist about your concerns for the medication used to help you relax. He will answer your questions and discuss your options.

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

Teeth whitening

Can I wear teeth whitening strips all night?

I got 6 boxes of free teeth whitening with an online purchase. It sounded exciting because I’ve always wanted to whiten my teeth, but I wasn’t sure if it was worth it to spend $30 to $40 dollars on strips. I started using the free ones 6 weeks ago. For the first 2 weeks, I started wearing them every night for 30 minutes just as the instructions said I should but I didn’t see any results. So I bumped up the time to an hour for and I am still not seeing anything different. I want to stretch out the time that I wear them and I am wondering if it’s okay to wear them for the whole night. Thx Kip

Kip – You should only wear the whitening strips for the instructed time. If you wear them overnight, unless they are made to stay secure, they will probably come off of your teeth. Even if you receive teeth bleaching gel from a dentist, it should only we kept in contact with your teeth for the amount of time instructed.

Keeping whitening strips or bleaching gel in contact with your teeth for too long can burn your gums or cause your teeth to become very sensitive. It is possible to over-whiten your teeth, which can cause discoloring.

If you have been using whitening strips for six weeks and have seen no results at all, they probably aren’t any good at all. Although whitening strips will brighten your teeth more slowly than whitening from the dentist, you should see some improvement.

It is not unusual for free teeth bleaching kits not to work at all, unless you receive free whitening from a dentist. If you want whitening strips that work, it’s best to buy some that contain carbamide peroxide. This is the whitening ingredient in professional gel, but the strips will contain less of it.

Have you asked your dentist about teeth whitening? Some dentists provide it to customers who keep their regularly scheduled appointments for cleanings and exams. If your dentist doesn’t provide it you may be surprised at how he or she can make it affordable for you.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Messed up my teeth and can’t afford to fix them

Since I was 14 I’ve had a bad habit that has really messed up my teeth. I am over the habit now, but my teeth are a wreck. When I was a teenager I didn’t think it was a big deal, but now that I am 37 it is really concerning me. I know that my teeth are a distraction because I can see people’s eyes looking at them. Despite my Bachelors degree, which I got in 2013, I’ve had limited job offers and none in the field that I studied. My appearance is influencing everything. I feel trapped because I can’t get a job with decent dental coverage and the out of pocket cost for correcting my teeth is way too expensive. I am wondering if there is some temporary way to make my teeth look better so that I can at least get a job. After I have dental coverage I will work on really correcting my smile. Thanks. L.T.

Dear L.T. – We understand your concerns about your smile. A smile definitely makes a first impression. It’s also important to restore decayed or broken down teeth to prevent them from further weakening. It is possible for untreated teeth to be damaged beyond repair and eventually need to be replaced.

Photo of a blonde woman witth a pretty smile for Plano, TX affordable dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.Before recommending a cosmetic treatment for your teeth, Dr. Lacy would need to examine them. There are temporary dental appliances that fit over your natural teeth to give you a quick smile makeover. Find a few skilled cosmetic dentists with whom you can have consultations to determine if this treatment method is right for you.

Otherwise, it may be recommended that the work of restoring your teeth is given priority now. Dentists are concerned with preserving your teeth and helping you restore them. So they will work to make it affordable for you by means of financing or payment plans.

You will likely be encouraged by a few visits with cosmetic dentists to discuss your options. Many patients are surprised to learn the ways that restorative dental work can be done to fit your budget.

 

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

 

Porcelain Veneers

3 porcelain veneers have fallen off

I got porcelain veneers in April 2015 and since that time 3 of them have fallen off. The first one got loose before it fell off so I wasn’t really surprised by it, but I didn’t have any idea that the last 2 that fell off were even loose. The most recent one fell off in early November. I am writing in because 1 of the 3, the top left incisor feels loose again. Each time I got the veneers bonded back on again, my dentist asked me a series of questions that sounded like I am abusing the veneers. I never abused my natural teeth and I am certainly not abusing veneers that I paid thousands of dollars for. My sister hinted that maybe my dentist is trying to avoid the issue that he is the problem, not me. So she asked her friend who is a dental assistant about it and her friend also said that it may be that the dentist is applying the veneers incorrectly. If this is the case, what should he be doing to make sure that the veneers stay in place and is this something that I can expect to continue with all 8 veneers? Thanks. Audra

Audra – When porcelain veneers loosen or fall off, the most likely cause is improper bonding technique. When the same veneer repeatedly loosens or falls off, it is likely that the veneer wasn’t properly cleaned before reapplying it, and the bonding technique is faulty.

Without an examination of your teeth, veneers, and your dentist’s technique, Dr. Lacy can’t specifically say what needs to be done to ensure that your veneers are stable. We suggest that you seek a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. An examination will help determine the cause of the loose veneers and what needs to be done to prevent future episodes. Veneers should not fall off at all. For long-lasting results, you can consider having your veneers properly bonded by a more experienced cosmetic dentist.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist wants to sedate me but I am not nervous

Why would a dentist tell me that she wants to sedate me when I am not nervous? My tolerance for pain is high and I prefer to be aware of everything that is going on. This just doesn’t make sense to me. I am beginning to wonder if I need to get a second opinion because she may be trying to make more money from me. This has never been an issue nor have I ever presented myself with having problems in her office, so why now? Should I find another dentist or at least get a second opinion, or should I trust her and go ahead with the sedation? Thanks. Edis

Edis – The dental procedure that you are going to have may be the reason that your dentist is recommending sedation, but you didn’t mention what that procedure will be. If a root canal is needed, a tooth will be extracted, or if any procedure is being done that is known for causing a lot of pain or discomfort, your dentist will recommend sedation.

Although you may have a high tolerance for pain, you may not be able to anticipate the level of pain for the procedure you will have. But based on experience and patient reaction, your dentist makes a recommendation. It is best to speak with your dentist and ask why sedation is being recommended for your upcoming procedure. Her explanation may be all that is needed to give you confidence that you can trust her judgement.

If you speak with your dentist and still question the recommendation, then you can receive a second opinion. Although a patient may be able to withstand a procedure without sedation, a dentist is often able to accomplish more in one office visit with sedation than without it.

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