Cosmetic Dentistry in Chicago - Questions and Answers

How do I get started?

Before anything is done, we insist on a thorough understanding of your situation, wants and goals. This consultation is free.

Will I be able to afford it?

Obviously there are many different options from which to choose so costs differ, but you may be surprised how affordable cosmetic dentistry can be. And we have a range of payment plans to make it easier on your budget.

Do you offer other services besides cosmetic dentistry?

Absolutely. Ours is a full-service dental practice. We offer cleanings, restorations, dental implants, root canals, TMJ treatments, periodonal gum disease prevention and treatment, and more.

Can I get my favorite movie star's smile?

We can certainly try! In all seriousness, each smile makeover we perform is customized to enhance the unique facial features of each patient. We want your smile to be yours and yours alone.

Are there certain foods to avoid to keep your teeth healthy and white?

No one likes to get a cavity, especially when you've taken good care of your teeth and gums. Sometimes the problem is not your oral care regimen, but the foods you consume on a daily basis. When you eat pasta, pretzels or potato chips, enzymes in your saliva break the food into simple sugars, feeding the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Hard candies, cough drops, soda and juices all containing sugar, put our teeth under constant attack by tooth decay-causing bacteria.

If you're still going to indulge in these foods, what do you recommend to combat the consequences?

Proper brushing and flossing will break up the bacteria and sugar so it will stop decay starting on the teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing, I recommend to my patients to add to their homecare routine, the use of an oral irrigating device, a Waterpik. A Waterpik uses a stream of water to remove food particles around the teeth. However, an oral irrigator is meant to enhance, not replace regular brushing and flossing.

What is the best way to combat bad breath?

The term “halitosis is commonly used when discussing bad breath. Ninety percent of bad breath is related to oral conditions and bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Also, it can be systemically related or caused by external sources such as food and medications. Bacteria collect on the back to the tongue and under the gums where odor-producing gases called volatile sulfur compounds are produced. Unless these bacteria are removed, bad breath will continue to be a problem. I recommend tongue scraping my patients. It is the most effective means for fresh breath assurance.

Flossing…People tend to hate to do it. Why do you think? Any tips or advice to get into the habit of flossing daily? Also, should you floss in the morning or night?

People may find it hard to floss if their teeth are crooked or close together. If you have trouble handling floss, a floss holder or another type of interdental cleaning aid can be used. Even if you brush daily, plaque and food particles still linger between the teeth. Flossing has been associated with the reduction of plaque, calculus, gingivitis and bleeding, which in return aids in the prevention of periodontal disease. Flossing should be implemented in your oral care regimen and should be done after you brush your teeth?

What whitening procedure do you recommend? How do you know if someone will be a good candidate?

The only whitening procedure I recommend is laser whitening. We use an Argon laser as opposed to plasma arc light or bonding light. An Argon laser is the most powerful way to whiten, since the wavelength of the laser is at one specific wavelength which has an affinity for organic stain which we all have in our teeth. We mix our own solution of whitening agent, which gives us a totally powerful and reliable solution each and every time, rather than a pre-packaged whitening gel, which loses its potency very quickly due to its short shelf life. The best way to determine if someone is a good candidate, we encourage them to come to our office for a complimentary consultation. If someone is not a candidate, we may suggest another cosmetic option to enhance their smile.

How often should someone visit the dentist?

Routine dental visits aid in the prevention, early detection and treatment of tooth decay. The frequency of dental visits recommended should be twice a year. More frequent visits should be based on individual needs, they may be necessary for persons at increased risk for oral diseases due to periodontal disease, oral hygiene and health conditions (diabetes, dry mouth, etc.)

Some people are still a bit nervous about going to the dentist. How do you advise them that dental care is important and that a good smile could possibly change their life?

The importance of regular dental check-ups cannot be overemphasized. Changing a patients smile, can impact their whole life and their well-being. A healthy, attractive smile is an important facet of life. It impacts your health, self-esteem and relationships, both personal and professional. Even subtle changes in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself.

Any new advancements in dental care that you'd recommend?

Lasers are the hottest technology in dentistry today. Lasers can be incorporated in all aspects of dentistry. It allows me to treat patients in a more comfortable fashion and allow an excellent post-op experience. Personally, I find it fascinating and beneficial in cosmetic dentistry. I often will use a diode laser to painlessly recontour gum tissue before completing a cosmetic makeover. It allows me to sculpt the ideal gum line making the difference between a nice result and a fabulous, winning smile.

In general, what's the best advice that you can give someone about improving their smile?

People have always appreciated a winning smile. Thanks to improvements in health, nutrition and dental practices, people are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever. They also want to keep them looking better. The baby boomer generation has declared war on the inevitable ravages of time. People want solutions to stained or discolored teeth, excessive or uneven gums, chipped, cracked or worn teeth, crooked or crowded teeth and unsightly fillings. Set up an initial appointment to discuss your options, needs and concerns and get to know your cosmetic dentist. Ask to see “before and after” photographs of your dentist's cosmetic work. Make sure that an evaluation of any uneven gum lines is addressed as this can greatly impact the final result. Once you agree upon a treatment plan with your dentist, you're well on your way to achieving your new smile. Look forward to it, and remember, your smile says it all!