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What to know about cosmetic dentistry

(Pictured: Clear aligners gradually move existing teeth into their ideal position.)

By Michelle Jorgensen

For many adults in the boomer generation, the rise of cosmetic dentistry has offered what seems like a quick fix to aging smiles—porcelain veneers that promise straight, white teeth in just a few appointments. But beneath that perfect surface, there can be hidden costs to your long-term health.

Before you commit to veneers, it’s important to know the full picture—because beauty doesn’t have to come at the expense of your wellness.

Veneers may look stunning, but they require permanently reshaping the teeth underneath. This process often involves removing a layer of enamel, which can leave teeth more sensitive, prone to decay, and less structurally sound. Veneers also don’t last forever—they need replacement every 10 to 15 years, sometimes sooner, and repeated replacements can further weaken natural teeth.

But beyond the tooth itself, there’s a bigger concern, especially for aging adults. Many boomers had teeth removed for braces as teens to “make room.” But what we didn’t know back then was that pulling teeth and shrinking the dental arch can actually close off your airway. That may contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, or even sleep apnea later in life.

Sleep-disordered breathing isn’t just about a poor night’s rest—it’s a serious health risk. People who don’t get enough oxygen while sleeping are at significantly greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, cognitive decline, and more. In fact, research shows that sleep apnea can reduce life expectancy by up to 20 percent.

If veneers are placed on top of teeth that are already in a compromised position—too far back, too narrow, too crowded—the result might look nice in the mirror but could worsen breathing at night. That’s a price no one should have to pay for a prettier smile.

Safer path to a better smile

Here’s a better approach: Start with air. Then think aesthetics. Instead of filing down healthy teeth, we can use clear aligners like Invisalign to gradually move teeth into their ideal position—not just for looks, but for airflow, comfort, and long-term function.

If you’ve had teeth removed in the past, aligners can help reopen space. And if teeth are missing, they should be replaced—with ceramic implants preferably—to fully support the bite and facial structure. Once everything is in the right place, whitening treatments or cosmetic restorations (like conservative veneers or bonding) can brighten and perfect the smile without compromising health. Often, just straightening the teeth brings dramatic cosmetic improvements. Crowded, worn, or tilted teeth look more youthful and harmonious when aligned properly. And bonus: You can breathe better, sleep better, and feel better, too.

Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to be a choice between looking good and feeling well. When we prioritize function first—airway, alignment, and oral health—beauty naturally follows. So before you veneer, consider a plan that supports your total health. The best smile is one that doesn’t just look good, it helps you live longer and feel amazing, too.

Dr. Michelle Jorgensen is a dentist, author of “Living Well with Dr. Michelle” (livingwellwithdrmichelle.com), and founder of Total Care Dental and Wellness in Utah.

The Senior Scene by — June 10, 2025 in Health & Fitness

SAVYY SENIOR

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist.

Anxious Annie

Dear Annie,

Medicare actually covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health care services and programs to help beneficiaries with anxiety, depression and many other mental health needs. Here what you should know.

Outpatient Coverage

If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, your Part B coverage will pay 80 percent (after you’ve met your annual $257 Part B deductible) for a variety of counseling and mental health care services that are provided outside a hospital, such as in a doctor or therapist’s office, hospital outpatient department or community health center. These services can also be received via telehealth.

You, or your Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy, is responsible for the remaining 20 percent coinsurance. 

Medicare also gives you the expanded option of getting treatment through a variety of health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.

To get this coverage, you’ll need to choose a participating provider that accepts Medicare assignment, which means they accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment for a service.

If you choose a nonparticipating provider who accepts Medicare but does not agree to Medicare’s payment rate, you may have to pay more. And if you choose an opt-out provider that does not accept Medicare payments at all, you will be responsible for the entire cost.

To locate a mental health care professional in your area that accepts Medicare, go to Medicare.gov/care-compare, click on “doctors & clinicians” and type in your location, followed by “clinical psychologist” or “psychiatry” in the Name & Keyword box. You can also get this information by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227.

Inpatient Coverage

If you happen to need mental health services in either a general or psychiatric hospital, original Medicare Part A covers this too, after you’ve met your $1,676 Part A deductible. Your doctor should determine which hospital setting you need. If you receive care in a psychiatric hospital, Medicare covers up to 190 days of inpatient care for your lifetime. And if you use your lifetime days but need additional care, Medicare may cover additional inpatient care at a general hospital.

Additional Coverage

In addition to the outpatient and inpatient mental health services, Medicare also covers yearly depression screenings that must be done in a primary care doctor’s office or clinic. Annual depression screenings are covered 100 percent.

And if you have a Medicare prescription drug plan, most medications used to treat mental health conditions are covered too.

Medicare Advantage Coverage

If you get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too provide the same coverage as original Medicare does, but may impose different rules and will likely require you to see an in-network provider. You’ll need to contact your plan directly for details.

For more information, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and request a copy of publication #10184 “Medicare & Your Mental Health Benefits,” or you can read it online at Medicare.gov.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The Senior Scene by — May 21, 2025 in Health & Fitness

Two advocacy organizations for Alzheimer’s patients and research have sounded alarms about what they claim are harmful cuts by the federal government of national health workforces.

Us Against Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association denounced the eliminations of 20,000 workers within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), saying the cutbacks inject instability, uncertainty, and delays into the system that provides disease prevention, cures, and safety monitoring.

 Alzheimer’s is the only top-10 cause of death that has no cure and impacts over 50 percent of U.S. families. Disorder in healthcare stemming from federal reductions could delay or prevent millions of people from receiving life-saving treatments, said George Vandenburg, head of Us Against Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association said programs such as the Healthy Brain Initiative and Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure, which had staff placed on administrative leave as part of the HHS reduction, affect Americans every day. BOLD was reauthorized by Congress last December.

HHS officials, while not addressing the Alzheimer’s concerns, said its “restructuring” will save $1.8 billion per year by reducing its full-time employees from 82,000 to 62,000. The agency also claimed its services will be streamlined by consolidating divisions and centralizing functions such as human resources and information technology.

The Senior Scene by — May 6, 2025 in Health & Fitness
50 or older? This vaccine is for you

(Pictured: To help keep them smiling, the national Centers for Disease Control recommends the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine for all adults 50 or older.)

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt a person’s life for weeks and even land them in the hospital. Medical experts say there are ways to reduce the risk of serious illness.

An important step is getting a pneumococcal vaccination if it’s recommended for you. This vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal pneumonia, bloodstream infection (bacteremia), and infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). In October 2024, the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention updated its adult immunization schedules and now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 50 or older, even if they are healthy, and maintains its recommendation of vaccination for adults 19 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, COPD, chronic heart disease, and diabetes.

“The immune system naturally weakens with age, so even if you’re healthy and active, being older puts you at greater risk of severe illness from pneumococcal pneumonia. The CDC’s updated guidelines are intended to keep more people healthy and safe,” said Dr. Albert A. Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association.

The American Lung Association maintains an ongoing educational program about pneumococcal pneumonia with Pfizer. The program includes these fast facts:

• Anyone can get pneumococcal pneumonia, and unfortunately, it is a disease you can have more than one time. Certain populations are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and death. You can use American Lung Association resources to help determine your risk.

• The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, and these symptoms can appear suddenly and without warning.

• Having the flu increases the likelihood of developing pneumonia, including pneumococcal pneumonia. Reduce this risk by getting a flu shot every year to help prevent seasonal influenza. In addition, those at risk for pneumococcal disease can get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Ask your healthcare provider about pneumococcal vaccinations.

For more information about risk factors, symptoms and prevention, visit lung.org/pneumococcal.

Source: StatePoint Media

The Senior Scene by — April 30, 2025 in Health & Fitness