Uncategorized Archives - Drake & Wallace Dentistry

What Happened to Smile Direct Club?

Posted on January 9, 2024 by writeradmin.

I’ve been using Smile Direct for a couple of months. When it was time to get my next aligners, I instead received a message saying they are no longer in business. I contacted them again asking about their lifetime guarantee but have not heard back. I’m not sure what to do. I was so excited to get my teeth straightened finally.

Phoebe

Dear Phoebe,

An image of Invisalign and teeth whitening used together

One month ago, Smile Direct Club announced it was closing up shop and have filed for bankruptcy. Here are the problems you are going to be facing with that.
1. They have said that their lifetime guarantee is now null and void.
2. They will not help anyone continue their treatments, nor will they advise you in any way.
3. Even though they are not honoring their guarantee or continuing treatments, they have the absolute gall to tell the poor patients they duped that they are still required to send in their payments if they were on a payment plan.
4. Because they filed for bankruptcy, anyone who wants a refund is going to have to get in line with all their other creditors. It will be very unlikely anyone will see their money.

While Smile Direct Club always had problems, they got away with it for a long time because they would squelch negative reviews. The only way an unsatisfied patient could get their money back was by signing a non-disclosure agreement and removing any negative reviews they may have left.

In June of 2023, a court ordered them to stop requiring the non-disclosure agreements. It only took three months before they ended up filing for bankruptcy. They tried to sell the business, but when there were no buyers the only option left was closing its doors.

Now you are left hanging. While there are other mail order orthodontic companies, I strongly recommend against them. They are going to have the same problems that Smile Direct did. There is no dentist overseeing your treatment. The problem with the human body (as well any human in general) is that it does not always follow directions. While the treatment plan is computer generated, the teeth don’t always cooperate. Being under the care of a dentist will catch that early and they will be able to get your treatment back on track before things go too far awry.

I would speak to a dentist and ask them about payment plans so you can finish out your treatment using Invisalign. I’m guessing you will find someone willing to help you.

One additional benefit you’ll find in using a true dentist is that the Invisalgn aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. You can ask your dentist to provide you with some professional teeth whitening gel. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time, for less money than doing them separately.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Lemons for DIY Teeth Whitening

Posted on November 24, 2023 by writeradmin.

I keep reading about the effects of lemon on whitening teeth. Could I use lemons from the grocery store or even lemon essential oils to whiten my teeth at home?

Fran

Dear Fran,

Some years ago, there was a dangerous teeth whitening product that would have the patient rinse with a citric acid solution. This would have the effect of etching the teeth. The initial etching would do some minor whitening. Then they would place titanium dioxide on their teeth which was a pigment. It would allow the teeth to look significantly whiter for the length of time that the pigment lasted.

The problem comes with the etching of the teeth that was done using the citrus acid. That enamel will not come back, which means those teeth are permanently damaged and will always be more susceptible to stains. If you were to use lemons, it would have the same effect, without the pigment. The citrus is acidic and it will damage the enamel on your teeth. I even recommend that you rinse your mouth out after drinking citrusy drinks before brushing your teeth in order to neutralize the acid before you scrub it onto your teeth.

If you really want to safely whiten your teeth, the best way to do that is through a dentist. They can provide you with custom-fitted teeth whitening trays. Not only will that whiten your teeth more effectively, but it will do it safely protecting both your tooth enamel as well as your gums.

If finances are the only thing keeping you from going to the dentist for your teeth whitening, then I would simply look for a dentist who advertises as an affordable dentist. Not only do they work hard to keep their prices as low as possible, they are often willing to work with you on payment plans.

Teeth whitening is pretty basic. Because of that you do not need to go to an expert cosmetic dentist. You can shop around and find the most affordable dentist to do your teeth whitening. Just make sure you do it right after having your teeth professionally cleaned. Otherwise, you will have splotchy results.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Problem with My Dentures

Posted on September 14, 2021 by writeradmin.

I’ve had dentures for close to 30 years and my smile has always been ugly. Now my mouth has shrunk and I can barely even keep them in. Is there a way I can get all of this fixed and get a pretty smile or is it too late for me?

Brenda

Dear Brenda,

What you are dealing with is a bit of a two-fold issue. Let’s start with why your denture won’t stay in and why your mouth seems shrunk. It is actually your jawbone that is shrunk. When your dentist removed your teeth, it signaled to your body that there were no more teeth roots to support. Our bodies are remarkably efficient. It then takes the minerals in your jawbone and resorbs them in order to use them in different places in your body where they would be more useful. While great for the rest of your body, it has the unfortunate effect of shrinking your jawbone. The result is pictured above. Not only does it make it impossible to keep your denture, which rests on the ridge of the jawbone, in place, but it also ages your appearance by a couple of decades. Something no one wants. This whole process is known as facial collapse.

The solution to this is to have bone grafting done. This will build up the missing bone. From there you will have two choices. First, you can just get dentures again. However, the whole cycle of facial collapse will start again. Your second option is to get implant supported dentures. This uses between four to eight dental implants and then your dentures will be anchored to them. It gives you complete security, improves your quality of life, and prevents facial collapse.

The second part of your issue was having a beautiful smile. That is possible whether you have dentures or dental implants. What it is dependent on, however, is the cosmetic skills and artistry of your dentist. So, my suggestion is to have some bone grafting done, find an excellent implant dentist, then make sure his or her quality of cosmetic work is up to snuff as well. You will then have a smile you can be proud of.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Should I Save Two Upper Teeth?

Posted on September 19, 2020 by writeradmin.

I only have two upper teeth left and most of my bottom teeth. I can eat most things unless it is meat. If I have that or I am going out with friends to socialize, I wear my upper partial dentures. I don’t really like them and I find it difficult to talk when they are in. Plus, they are quite bulky. I’ve had one dentist tell me I would be happier in complete dentures. I decided to get a second opinion because I have always heard it is better to save as many teeth as possible. The other dentist said it won’t matter either way. So, is there a reason not to do this?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Bear in mind that I haven’t examined you. I’m going strictly off of the information given above. It would be much better if I had x-rays to look at. But, here is some general information.

In most cases, it is better to retain as many teeth as possible. However, your situation is a bit unique. You are relying on those two remaining teeth for most of your chewing. That is going to put additional stress on those remaining teeth.

Most of the time when dentists are concerned with removable dentures, it is the lower dentures that are the most concerning. This is because of the dangers of facial collapse. When you lose your teeth, your body begins resorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. It does this in an effort to be as efficient as possible with your body’s resources.

On your lower jaw, this will eventually make it impossible for you to keep your dentures in because they are retained by resting on that jawbone. Once it is gone, there is nothing for them to rest on. Your upper dentures are held in by suction, which makes it less of an issue.

I think you would be better served with an upper denture. The appliance will look more attractive, be more comfortable, and you’ll find it easier to chew than what you’re experiencing with the partial.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentist Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Are There Any Cheap Dentists who are Good?

Posted on April 29, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve run into a problem. I finally went to a dentist after several years. The dentist quoted me close to $8,000 for the work. I don’t have that kind of money so I started priced shopping. I’m running into a bit of a snag. The cheap dentists have bad reviews. Is there any way to get cheap, quality dentists?

May

Dear May,

A dollar sign hatched from an egg — There’s a difference between affordable and cheap dentistry.

I believe we’ll be able to find a way to get all your work done within your budget, but you may have to adjust your mindset a bit. There is a huge difference between cheap dentists and affordable dentists.

The Problem with Cheap Dental Care

When you are just looking for the dentist with the cheapest prices, you normally end up disappointed. If a dentist has prices which are significantly lower than the other dentists in their area, it is usually for one of two reasons.

First, they are terrible dentists. They can’t retain patients by the quality of their work so they lower their prices significantly to draw people in.

A second reason is they have low prices to increase their patients, but they want to keep their profit margin up so they use cheaper materials to cut their costs.

In both of these cases, it is the patient who suffers by having failed procedures, infections from faulty work, and a fortune in repairs.

Get a Great Affordable Dentist

Instead of looking for cheap, find a good dentist who is willing to work with you on affording your dental care. Two things usually help. First, staged procedures. Ask your dentist to list the procedures you need from most urgent to least.

Then, you can have each thing done as your able. If there turns out to be an urgent repair you need but can’t necessarily afford, the second help is payment plans. Some dentists will allow you to get the work done and then pay them out. If they don’t have in-house payment plans, you can try Care Credit which is a medical loan service.

Be careful not to avoid getting urgent work done. If you do, you could end up with a serious dental emergency on your hands.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Dentist Humiliated Me Over Desire for Dentures

Posted on May 15, 2018 by writeradmin.

I’ve always have had problems with my teeth, but two pregnancies with hyperemesis gravidarum put me in the hospital. They pretty much destroyed my teeth. It’s been non-stop trying to keep them and it’s consuming my life. I have two toddlers to take care of now. I don’t have time to deal with this. I went to a dentist and asked him to pull all of my teeth and give me dentures. His response shocked me and I left in tears. He said he’d never heard a request so moronic in his entire career and if I’d taken care of my teeth I wouldn’t be in this position. He also said I’d ruin my life with dentures. Is he right? Will it ruin my life?

Erica

Dear Erica,

You’ve been through so much. I’m appalled at how your dentist treated you. It was insensitive and irresponsible. He should know better. You’re a mom of two toddlers who faced hyperemesis gravidarum twice. Not only does that play havoc on your teeth, but you’re likely exhausted just from your everyday life. If there was ever a time to show compassion, now was it.

I know you’re tired of dealing with your teeth. Dentures, however, will make your life even harder. I wish your dentist would have explained that instead of just calling your suggestion moronic. The two biggest reasons you don’t want dentures are quality of life and facial collapse.

Quality of Life with Dentures

The first thing you need to know is that no matter how well fit your dentist makes your dentures they will still reduce your chewing capacity to around 50% of what it normally is. In addition to that, food gets under the denture, which is uncomfortable. It changes your relationship with food. Some people learn to live with it without too much bother. For others, it’s a constant source of distress.

Facial Collapse

However, the most important reason to avoid dentures is the loss of your jawbone. When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes that you no longer have roots to your teeth there. Without the roots, your body reabsorbs the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where it perceives it is more needed.

After about ten years or so, there isn’t enough jawbone left to even hold your dentures in any longer. I’m sure you’ve seen older people with faces that looked squished. That’s because of facial collapse. It’s also why their dentures fall out.

A Better Plan

First, I would find a new dentist. This one isn’t even nice. Why spend your hard earned money on someone who behaves like a jerk? Ideally, you’ll want to save as many teeth as possible. Have a decent and kind dentist list everything your teeth need from most urgent to least. Then, you can work out a treatment plan which you can live with. Let he or she know that you’re an exhausted mom with toddlers so the timetable is reasonable and gives you breaks between treatments.

Let’s say the worst case scenario happens and your teeth can’t be saved. In that case, I’d suggest implant overdentures. It combines dental implants and dentures in a way that not only saves your jawbone, it also significantly improves your quality of life.

Hopefully, you can find a dentist you can have a great working relationship with. Be sure to check their reviews before scheduling a new patient appointment. No point in wasting your time.

This blog is brought to you by Drs. Drake and Wallace.