Author: AllSmiles

How long will a Snap-On Smile Last?

How long can I wear a snap on smile to protect my teeth before I get dental treatment? My dentist recommended the smile for me because the dental work I need is going to take 2 years. I need 5 dental implants with crowns and 4 other crowns. It’s not that she can’t do all the work faster, but I can’t afford it. I’m 3 years out of college and still paying off loans. I have to budget in my dental work along with paying off student loans. I wasn’t expecting to have to pay for a snap on smile too. I’m just wondering if it’s worth the money to get it or if I am going to have to replace it if the 2 years are up. My dentist seems to be honest but I am wondering if she is trying to get a little more money out of me because the work is being stretched out over years. Is it really worth it? Todd

Todd - The Snap-on Smile is for cosmetic purposes only. It won’t protect your teeth from decay, but it can improve the appearance of your smile. It’s not meant to be worn every day, so depending on how often you wear it and how to care for it, it might last two years.

Your dentist will prioritize your treatment over the next two years. If you need dental crowns, the crowned teeth might need root canal treatment, too.

If You Wear the Snap-on Smile, Don’t Delay Treatment

It’s important for all patients to remember that the Snap-on Smile should not be used to delay dental treatment. Be sure you stick with your dentist’s timeline for treatment. It will help keep costs down. If you prolong treatment, the condition of your teeth will worsen and treatment will become more costly.

If your appliance is provided by a cosmetic dentist, it can enhance your smile. Otherwise it can look bulky, because it fits directly over your teeth. It might not produce the results you want.

Additionally, in all cases of major dental work, we suggest that you receive a second opinion from an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your options. You can compare the second opinion with what your current dentist is recommending.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Will Zoom whitening work for marijuana stains?

I’m wondering if Zoom can help my teeth. For the past year I’ve been smoking medical marijuana and it’s really staining my teeth with a greenish yellow color. I know that I will have to keep using the marijuana indefinitely, but I still need to do something about my teeth. I’ve tried whitening toothpaste but it doesn’t do anything. I’ve been looking at different brands of whitening. I prefer having it done in the office so I don’t have to do anything at home. I looked on the Zoom website, but I don’t see anything specific about it treating marijuana stains. Will it work or are stains just something I have to deal with? - Kendall

Kendall - Marijuana stains are usually easy to remove from your teeth. When possible, it’s best to brush your teeth after smoking. Brushing can remove the stains before they settle into your teeth. Stains that stick to your teeth can be removed by your dental hygienist.

Some Things to Consider Before You Get Zoom

Before your teeth are whitened with Zoom® or any other type of treatment, there are some things to consider first.

  • You need to have your teeth professionally cleaned first. If your teeth aren’t clean, the bleaching gel can’t evenly coat and penetrate them. The results will be blotchy. This is good reason not to try take-home treatment without a recent dental cleaning.
  • Stains that penetrate below the surface of your teeth may respond to Zoom whitening or another brand of treatment from your dentist. It’s unlikely that you will see a major brand of teeth whitening advertise that it works for marijuana stains.
  • Marijuana and tobacco smokers have higher rates of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Smoking affects your gum health. You need healthy gums before your teeth are whitened. Otherwise the bleaching gel will irritate your gums.
  • Even with in-office whitening treatments, you might have to continue with a brief period of take-home whitening.
  • You still need to be periodic touch-ups at home to keep your teeth white.

We recommend that you first have a dental exam and cleaning. If your hygienist is unable to remove the stains from your teeth, and if your teeth and gums are healthy, you can ask your dentist about whitening your teeth.

If Zoom whitening isn’t the best option for your stains, your dentist will let you know which brands he or she recommends.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

Need a top dentist to do teeth whitening for my bridal party

I’m having a lavish wedding in October and I’m looking for a top dentist to do Zoom teeth whitening for the 5 ladies in my bridal party. I hope to make sort of a surprise teeth whitening party of it and get everyone’s teeth whitened in the same day. I’m paying for it all because I have gorgeous friends and I want them to have absolutely white teeth in every picture. I don’t want anyone looking at my wedding pictures and thinking that someone’s smile is anything less than gorgeous. I’m just wondering if this is something a top dentist would be willing to do even if we don’t normally go to that dentist. How long will it take person? And is there anything you can suggest? Thanks. Jenn

Jenn – Your gift idea is generous. You might be able to find a top dentist to do the teeth whitening for your bridal party, but your questions will need to be answered directly by the dentist. We have some suggestions and a few things to consider:

Teeth whitening isn’t for everyone

Depending on the health of a person’s teeth and gums, bleaching their teeth is not a good idea. Some people have stains in their teeth that Zoom whitening will only make more noticeable. Additionally, a top dentist knows cosmetic dentistry well, and another type of whitening might work better for an individual. And it might take longer than in-office treatments with Zoom.

Does your entire bridal party want teeth whitening?

We understand your concern for picture-perfect smiles for your wedding, but it’s best to take your bridal party into consideration. A surprise will not work for teeth whitening. The top dentist who completes Zoom whitening will have to examine each person’s teeth first to determine if teeth whitening is recommended. Your bridal party will also need to content to that and follow-up care.

A recent dental cleaning will be required

Dentists require a recent dental cleaning before Zoom whitening is used. Clean teeth and gums yield better results.

You need a top dentist’s agreement

You will need to first find several top dentists. We recommend accredited cosmetic dentists. Check each dentist’s patient reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. You might also find verified patient reviews on a dentist’s website. Call several cosmetic dental offices and make your request to find out if any dentists are willing to do it.

Consider the dentist’s schedule and the time it will take

Most dentists complete in-office whitening in three to four 15-minute sessions. Even if you find a top dentist who is willing to do it all in one day, it will require several hours for you and your bridal party to be in the dentist’s office. Special attention must be given to each person. For safety and sanitary reasons, don’t expect all of your teeth to be whitened in the same room at the same time.

What to expect after in-office whitening is complete

Follow-up visits are needed to ensure whitening meets the patient’s desired results. At-home treatment might also be recommended by the dentist. If anyone in your bridal party wants to keep her smile bright, periodic at-home touch-ups are required.

If you find a top dentist to honor your request, ask questions to ensure you and your bridal party know everything that’s involved and what the dentist requires from each of you.

Your gift is generous. There is a lot involved to satisfy your request. Be flexible and willing to listen to the wishes of each person in your bridal party and the recommendations of your cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Will porcelain veneers from a dentist on Groupon be any good?

I’ve been considering porcelain veneers for 5 teeth that are slightly twisted and have fluorosis stains. I went to 2 cosmetic dentists for estimates on correcting my teeth. The prices are higher than I expected. If the rates they quoted are common, I won’t be able to afford veneers until 2019. It doesn’t sound like a long time from now, but it is when your teeth are affected. I subscribe to Groupon e-mails and a few days ago I received notification about a dentist who is offering porcelain veneers at a discount. I called the office and found out I would save 40% of what I was quoted at my consultations for the other 2 dentists. One of my best friends told me it’s probably I scam, but it is a real dental office. Maybe the dentist is just advertising so people know about her services. I want to buy the offer before it expires or reaches the max for buyers. Do you know anything about Dr. (name withheld) that would raise a red flag for why I shouldn’t get porcelain veneers from her? Thanks. Gina.

Gina - We are neither familiar with the dentist you named, nor her services. Whether you purchase a Groupon or not, caution is always needed when choosing a dentist for porcelain veneers.

Before You Choose a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an investment. Before you choose a dentist for them, there are several factors to consider.

  • Any dentist can provide porcelain veneers, but few dentists do them well.
  • Cosmetic dentistry is an art. A true dental artist has:
    • Post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry
    • On-going training in the art
    • An artistic eye to produce beautiful results
    • The right tools, technique, and technology to transform your smile
  • Concealing fluorosis stains with porcelain veneers requires the talent of a highly skilled cosmetic dentist.

What to Expect and What to Ask

Like any beautiful artwork, porcelain veneers are in investment. An artistic cosmetic dentist uses the finest porcelain and the best labs. Your smile will be designed to match your requests, and to fit your personality and facial features.

You will receive mock-up veneers and try-in veneers to ensure you love the way your smile looks. It takes time to produce beautiful results. And you have to be willing to pay for them.

Before you purchase a Groupon for veneers, learn about the dentist’s experience and training.

  • How much post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry has been received?
  • Does the dentist participate in ongoing training?
  • How many porcelain veneers cases has the dentist completed?
  • How many cases of fluorosis stains with veneers has the dentist completed?
  • Does she have actual patient photos to show you?

The best results come from an accredited cosmetic dentist—particularly with fluorosis stains. Although you have to invest more in your smile with an accredited cosmetic dentist, the results will be beautiful and long lasting.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

Looking for a cosmetic pediatric dentist for my son’s modeling career

My 7 year old son is model and I’m looking for a cosmetic pediatric dentist for him. He has 4 discolored teeth and some companies are rejecting him for auditions because of the 4 teeth. I don’t understand why they can’t just touch up the video or photos, but this is creating a problem. Our pediatric dentist won’t touch my son’s teeth in terms of trying to whiten the stains. She says they are primary teeth and she is really against altering young children’s teeth unless it’s absolutely necessary. She doesn’t see this as a necessity but this is my son’s career choice. He is a bright boy who knows he wants to model and act as an adult. How can I find a cosmetic pediatric dentist? Jael

Jael - Like your son’s current pediatric dentist, most pediatric dentists are not also cosmetic dentists. Bleaching or applying cosmetic treatment to primary teeth is not without its risks.

You can find a cosmetic dentist who also treats children. Whether or not he or she will be willing to provide cosmetic dentistry for your son is another matter. The dentist will listen to your request and explain options for brightening your son’s teeth. There are less invasive ways to handle certain issues with developing teeth.

It’s important to keep primary teeth intact because they guide permanent teeth into the correct position. You can schedule two or three consultations with cosmetic dentists who also accept young children as patients. Explain your goals for your son’s smile, and you’ll learn whether or not a dentist is willing to provide certain services or if alternatives are recommended.

Try not to get overly upset if you can’t find a dentist who will do exactly as you ask for your son’s teeth. His long-term oral health is the primary concern for a dentist.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

Does Zoom get marijuana stains off of teeth?

I’m wondering if Zoom will help me. I smoke marijuana for medical purposes but I don’t want it showing up on my teeth. I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life so I didn’t even think about the marijuana to change my tooth color. I need to get my teeth cleaned up fast. I’m in a traveling choir for the Northeast chapter of my church and I don’t want to distract people with my teeth and become known as the weed-smoking choir member. We have a pretty heavy schedule for the summer and I’m looking for a quick way to get my teeth white and keep them white. I read that Zoom will help tobacco stains, but what about marijuana? - LM

LM - Before requesting Zoom from a dentist, we recommend that you schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning. Marijuana increases your risk of calculus buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. So your dentist will be concerned about how it has affected your oral health.

Your dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for Zoom whitening. If you are a candidate for it, your teeth will need to be cleaned first. Cleaning removes surface stains and improves the effectiveness of teeth bleaching.

We recommend that you regularly get into the habit of rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after you smoke. This can help you limit the stains, or avoid them altogether. Flossing daily is critical to maintaining healthy gums. Your diligent oral hygiene, along with regular cleaning appointments will help control the stains. Most of the stains will probably be removed with dental cleaning and polishing your teeth.

Deeply embedded stains can be improved or removed with Zoom whitening. Your dentist will let you know the results you can expect. There is limited research on the effects of teeth whitening for marijuana stains, but bleaching is an effective way to remove stubborn stains.

 

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

My teeth are too short with porcelain veneers

I got porcelain veneers on my upper 6 front teeth. Although I had 4 or 5 discussions with my dentist before I got the veneers, they are too short. My smile looks gummy. I was hoping that the veneers would lengthen the look of my teeth, but they don’t. My dentist says they look fine and he did the best he could with my little teeth. Isn’t that rude? I’m beginning to think that porcelain veneers weren’t the right choice and maybe something else would have looked better. Did I agree to the wrong thing? Kasside

Kasside - Your dentist’s comments weren’t appropriate. It sounds like the real issue is not your agreement to receive porcelain veneers, as much as it is the dentist who placed them. It seems that your dentist has little or no training in cosmetic dentistry.

Porcelain veneers can change the shape of your natural teeth and lengthen them. There are other ways to lengthen the appearance of your teeth, but it’s not clear if you were presented with your options.

  • Gum recontouring – A laser is used to remove excess gum tissue, which lengthens your teeth.
  • Dental bonding – An expert cosmetic dentists knows how to mix dental bonding to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. Teeth can be lengthened and made to look completely natural.

Before you received porcelain veneers, an expert cosmetic dentist would have ensured that your teeth were symmetrical. Unfortunately, to achieve the smile you want, your current veneers will need to be removed and replaced.

Speak with your dentist and ask if he is willing to correct his work and give you a smile that you’re happy with. It might be in your best interests to get a second opinion from an accredited cosmetic dentist who will have the education and talent to produce great results. Your current dentist might be willing to compensate you in some way if you want the work done elsewhere.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

My snap on smile lost its shape

I boiled my snap on smile too long and it lost its shape. I put it in denture cleaner first but I didn’t like the way it smelled afterward so it boiled it. I got distracted and forgot how long the smile was in boiling water. Thank goodness I had a timer on anyway but even that was set for too long. The snap on smile is totally out of shape. I tried putting hot water on it and resetting it, but it just flops out of shape. When I put it on my teeth it’s loose and crooked. That’s the problem I was trying to conceal anyway, crooked teeth, so this is no good. I have searched online for ways to put it back into shape but nothing is working. Have I ruined it or is there something I can do to put it back into shape. Any suggestions on what I can do to make it fit again? Thanks. Amna

Amna - The appliance is made of acrylic, so it is possible to bend, twist, or boil a Snap-On Smile out of shape. It sounds like your appliance has been distorted by boiling water. If you’ve tried softening it and reshaping it already, there probably isn’t anything you can do to get it back to its original condition.

A Snap-On Smile can last up to three years if you don’t wear it every day. Hopefully, your appliance wasn’t new before the boiling water got it out of shape, and you were able to wear it enough to get feel like the investment was worthwhile.

Although boiling dental appliances can be tempting, it’s best to use solution made specifically to clean them. There is a solution for the Snap-On Smile, but a denture cleanser could clean it too. Keep in mind that your dentist has ultrasonic equipment to thoroughly, but safely clean oral appliances. Whenever your efforts to clean an oral appliance fail, it’s best to let your dentist take care of it.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your Snap-On Smile examined. He or she will let you know if it’s been damaged beyond repair.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Can I get a smile like Meghan Markle’s from a top dentist?

I love Meghan Markle. I think she is gorgeous and I love her smile. I want a top dentist who can give me a smile exactly like hers. My teeth are in pretty bad shape and I’ve been dying for a smile makeover but I really wasn’t sure how I want my teeth to look. The more I see Meghan in celebrity news, the more I want her smile. I want my teeth the same shape, width, length and color as Meghan’s. What do I need to do to find a top dentist who can get my teeth just right? How will I know if what the dentist claims to be able to do will really happen? I wish I could find out who Meghan’s dentist is and then that would be a safe pick. Where do I start? - Alycia

Alycia - So you want a Meghan Markle smile. It’s popular for people to try to achieve a celebrity smile. Whether you want a smile makeover that makes you look like a celebrity, or just a gorgeous smile that fits you, a top dentist who is also a skilled cosmetic dentist can help. If the current condition of your teeth presents a lot of challenges, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist.

Do Your Homework First

  • Find two or three accredited cosmetic dentists.
  • Ask friends and family for recommendations, and check online patient reviews.
  • Check each dentist’s website for his or her credentials.
  • Look for a smile gallery on the website to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers on each dentist’s patients.
  • Schedule a consultation with each top dentist.

How Will a Top Dentist Handle Your Request for a Smile Like Meghan Markle’s?

There aren’t many accredited cosmetic dentists in the country, but they are certainly top dentists and highly skilled artists. Your dentist will let you know what to expect in several areas.

If an exact match is possible

A smile is a unique expression of a person. There are a lot of factors that will affect how the final results will look. A top dentist can give you a stunning smile, but whether or not it will look exactly like Meghan’s depends on a lot of things. Some of them include:

  • Your jawbone structure
  • Your face shape
  • Your gumline
  • The condition of your teeth
  • Your lips

The appearance of a smile is much more than the shape and color of your teeth.

What it will take

You mentioned that your teeth are in bad shape, but you didn’t provide any specifics.

  • Do you need orthodontic treatment?
  • Do you have any missing teeth that need to be replaced?
  • Are your teeth uneven?
  • Do any of your teeth need to be restored with porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns?

A top dentist will let you know what it will take to give you an amazing smile. A combination of different cosmetic dental treatments might be needed to get the look you want.

How you will look

A top dentist who has experience in cosmetic dentistry will be able to tell you and show you how your smile will look when it’s complete. If you need porcelain veneers to achieve the smile makeover, you’ll be able to try on temporary veneers so you know exactly what to expect.

Based on your personality and facial features, your accredited cosmetic dentist will let you know if the smile makeover you’re requesting will enhance your appearance or detract from it.

Be Specific and Realistic

Write down, or record in your mobile device, exactly what it is about Meghan’s smile that you love. Let your dentist know what you want people to see when you smile.

A top cosmetic dentist can give you celebrity smile, but do you really want it to look exactly like Meghan Markle’s smile? Your answer might still be Yes!, but listen closely to your dentist to understand how closely your smile makeover can mimic Meghan’s smile, and how Meghan’s smile will look on you. Understand what the limitations are based on your facial features, your natural teeth, and the cosmetic treatment you select.

Your Celebrity Smile Might Look Better Than Meghan’s

Keep in mind that you can have a beautiful smile that is uniquely yours. Who knows, if you find the right cosmetic dentist, it might even look better than Meghan’s.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist and NJ Monthly Magazine top dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Check out her smile gallery.