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Arguing with my dentist about Lumineers?

June 27, 2014

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 8:45 pm

I want to get porcelain veneers, but my dentist said because I grind my teeth I should get Lumineers. He said they’re stronger than other veneers and would be safer with the grinding. I’ve heard bad things about Lumineers and I would rather not use that brand. Is he right?

Denise- Florida

Denise,

I hope you won’t think me impolite, but I am going to have to say your dentist is an idiot.  While Lumineers are very strong, which is why they are a little thinner than some brands of porcelain veneers. However, Lumineers are equally susceptible to your teeth grinding as any other brand. Lumineers are marketed to dentists as easy to place, which I suspect is why your dentist was pushing those. I’m guessing he’s been taking their course.

Don’t despair about getting your smile makeover though. If you just got a mouth guard, it would protect whatever brand of porcelain veneers your chose from your teeth grinding.

I strongly suggest you get another dentist to do your veneers.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Can I go to the ER for a dental problem?

June 14, 2014

I’m in tons of pain. I don’t have a regular dentist, but there is something wrong with my tooth. I can’t bite down. Even breathing hurts. Will an ER see me for a dental emergency?

Sammie M. – New Jersey

Sammie,

I’m sorry for the pain you’re in. There are few things as painful as dental pain. I’m not sure going to the ER will be as useful as you think. Most of them will not treat detnal problems. They might give you some ibuprofen (and then charge you $400 for it.)

My suggestion would be that you see an emergency dentist. Many family dentists will treat dental emergencies for people who aren’t their patients. Most will even see you the same day, if not right away.  They’ll be able to get you out of pain right away. It’s possible they’ll have to schedule a second appointment to repair the root problem, but that will mostly depend on how busy their schedule is when you call.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.