Monthly Archives: September 2016

Porcelain Veneers

Can My Crown Be Changed to Match the Veneers?

I got porcelain veneers. There was one tooth that already had  crown, so that one had to have a new crown placed. I was worried I wouldn’t get a good smile, because my underlying teeth, the inner layer is darker than most peoples. At least that’s what my dentist told me.  The veneers look fine. Much better than I expected, but the crown doesn’t match. It’s whiter than the veneers next to it. Is there a way to make them match?

Lillith B. – Ohio

Hi Lillith,

I’m glad you’re happy with your porcelain veneers. They can really remake a smile. When the underlying are darker, it can get a little trickier. But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It just has to be done by an expert cosmetic dentist. It sounds to me like you have a good family dentist who does cosmetic work, but maybe hasn’t studied the advanced aspects of it.

To be a great cosmetic dentist takes a lot of post-graduate training. Porcelain veneers are thing. Porcelain is naturally translucent, just like your natural tooth enamel, which makes it an excellent dental material. However, porcelain veneers are significantly thicker than veneers. If the underlying teeth are dark, as yours are, that dark color is going to shine through the porcelain veneers much more than it would with the crown.

One of the ways to get around this is for the dentist to add an opaquer to the teeth before sending your case off to the lab. It takes quite a bit of skill on the part of the dentist, so not many can do it. If I were in your place, I’d look for a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba.

Dentures

Can Dentures Be Attractive?

It’s the ten year mark where my insurance company allows me to get a new set of dentures. I really want to replace mine because they look so unnatural. I’m hoping in the last ten years there have been enough advances that they can be made to look attractive. However, I don’t want any false hope. What are my chances?

Samantha L. – Lawrence, KS

Samantha,

I almost hate to tell you this, but you could have had attractive dentures ten years ago. The problem wasn’t the advances in technology. The problem was your dentist.

A good cosmetic dentist can make well-fitting dentures that look just like your natural teeth, or even improve your smile.

See if you can find a dentist in your area who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). They’ll be highly skilled, both technically and artistically. You’ll be absolutely thrilled with the results.

A good tip is to get pre-authorization from your insurance company for the dentures. That way they won’t deny the payment after you’ve already have them done, sticking you with the bill.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba.

Dental Implants

Now That My Implants Are Secure, Can I Smoke?

I had implants placed over eight months ago. My dentist insisted I quit smoking before he’d do them, which I did. The healing time is all over and I’ve been doing just fine. I know it’s been a while, but I am still craving cigarettes. Is okay to start smoking now that everything’s stable?

Jason B. – Idaho

Jason,

You’ve done so well without smoking, I’d hate for you to go back now.  You might be thinking just one, but before you know it,  you’ll be back to a pack a day.

I know it seems like you’re in the clear now that the healing time is over, but patients who smoke are at a much higher risk of dental implant failure than other patients.

Smoking reduces the blood flow in your gums, which increases the chance for gum disease and infection. That will cause your implants to fail.

I know it’s hard, but you’ve made so much progress. Don’t give up now!

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba.

Best Dentist

How Can I Get My Dentist Nominated For Best Dentist?

I just had my first good experience with a dentist EVER. He was amazing. I have some dental anxiety and he was completely patient with me. Not once did I feel threatened. He was gentle. He explained everything he was going to do before he did it.  He spent time with me and answered my questions without making me feel like I was using up too much of his time. And to top it off, not only did he explain which procedures he was recommending, but he also told me alternative treatments that cost less. I really want him recognized for the incredible dentist he is. Is there a way to get him nominated for “best dentist”?

Cindy K. – VA

Cindy,

It’s great that you’ve found such a great dentist. There’s no better feeling of peace and well-being than having a care giver you feel you can trust.  There are several things you can do to give your new dentist the recognition he obviously deserves.

First, write him a note, telling him exactly what you told us. I can assure you it will make his day. You may also want to give him permission to use your testimony on his website.

Second, write him a great review online. There are Google Reviews, and Yelp Reviews, as well as Rate Your Medical Practitioner Reviews. Don’t just give him 5 stars. Take the extra time to type out what you just told us.  That will help potential patients understand what kind of quality care they’re in for if they visit him.

Lastly, many cities have a “Best of” issue of their local magazine. Call your local magazine’s office and ask them when the voting comes out for that issue. You can certainly nominate him for Best Dentist then.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Randall Burba.