May 2012 - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

I had two consultations with cosmetic dentists for Lumineers and I don’t like the pictures that they showed me. I thought that most of the patients teeth in the pictures looked bulky. How can I find a cosmetic dentist who will do a beautiful job with Lumineers. Marianne R. from New Orleans

Marianne – Lumineers are popular, partially because there a lot of advertisements for them. There are other brands of porcelain veneers that are also ultra-thin and strong, but won’t produce the bulky look that you mentioned.

You can find an artistic cosmetic dentist through the website mynewsmile.com.

Some cosmetic dentists criticize the lab that makes Lumineers because the end result is often bulky, and it doesn’t look natural. Although a skilled cosmetic dentist might use a different brand of porcelain veneers, he or she will use a private master ceramist who will customize the veneers to fit your facial features and personality. Many cosmetic dentists have a beautiful smile guarantee, which means that your veneers will be adjusted or completely re-done until you love your smile makeover.

Because Lumineers are known for potentially looking bulky and having a pasty color, if you insist on having on them, you might be disappointed with the results.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

At my last dental appointment, I got a coupon for $10 off a sonic toothbrush. I’m thinking about trying it as an alternative to the $300 that it would cost to get my teeth whitened by my dentist. I know that the toothbrush isn’t cheap either but I might save $150 or so because I’m hoping that with time the toothbrush will get my teeth whiter. Will it help? – Rinaldo P. from New Orleans

Rinaldo,

The toothbrush will get your teeth cleaner, but if you want to whiten them, the best way to do so is with teeth whitening from your dentist.

Your dentist will be able to offer you in-office teeth whitening, or a take-home kit. In office treatment is more expensive, but it also is a faster way to a brighter smile—usually within an hour. You’ll receive take-home treatment with customized trays for your teeth, along with bleaching gel for touch-ups to maintain your bright smile.

Take-home teeth whitening is less expensive than the in-office treatment. You’ll still received customized trays and bleaching gel. You’ll put gel in the trays and wear them for a specified period every day, or overnight as your dentists directs. In two to three weeks, you’ll have a dazzling smile.

There are advantages of getting this treatment from your dentist. You’ll receive customized trays that will help you avoid wasting the gel or irritating your gums. Depending on the cause of the stains on your teeth, the bleaching gel makes the stains on them more noticeable. Or, you might have had dental work in the past, with which the bleaching gel is not compatible. And there are some stains, such as tetracycline stains, that require KöR deep bleaching, which you can only receive from your dentist.

Your dentist will be able to tell you if teeth whitening is right for you, and which method and brand will work best.

This blog post is sponsored by the office of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Looking for cosmetic dentist to do Lumineers

Is a sonic toothbrush good for teeth whitening?

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