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These are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients. Feel free to send us yours. We reserve the right to add your question to this section of our website. (Your name will, of course, not be used.) To send us your question or questions, just e-mail us at: talktothedoc@masterpiecesmilesbydesign.com.
Click on any topic listed for more information on:
1. What is the difference between having a procedure in your office vs. buying some of the kits or materials that are advertised on television and in magazines?
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The procedure performed in our office (ZOOM) results in an almost instant whiter and brighter appearance. The is the same process that you have seen on the "makeover" shows and, having our specially-trained staff administer it, ensures your health and safety throughout the procedure. The products purchased at retail stores are made with a weaker solution than those used by professionals. Applying these solutions at home does not produce the dramatic changes and results that most people are looking for when they want a new, whiter smile.
2. Is it painful to have my teeth whitened?
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The whitening process frequently results in increased cold sensitivity. We feel that properly managing the whitening process requires the help of a trained professional, so that minimal discomfort is experienced. If you have had problems or were unhappy with the results from previous whitening procedures, we can help you. We would be happy to discuss your situation with you – here in the office, on the telephone or via e-mail.
3. How long will it take?
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Our "in-office" whitening procedure can be done in a little over an hour. If you choose to use a "take-home" whitening kit, we will supply you with a whitening agent that will provide maximum whitening capability and minimum side effects. Please be aware that if you do choose the "take-home" kit option, even with daily use, it will take several weeks (a month or more) to see real results.
4. How much will it cost?
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The "in-office" procedure seen on the "makeover" shows can cost in excess of $500. We are, however, committed to helping as many people as possible achieve the smile of their dreams. For a limited time, we are offering this service for only $400. If you are not a candidate for "in-office" whitening, you may choose from two types of "take-home" procedures. The cost of these is $200 or $100. We will advise you on which option is best for you.
1. How do I find out about having you create my new, healthy smile?
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Since every person is an individual and every situation is different, creating your new smile begins only after a complete discussion of your goals and ideas. Using this as background, we proceed through a complete examination, which will include photographs and may include models. We manipulate the photographs we have taken using the latest in computer imaging technology. You can then actually see your new smile before we begin our work! If extensive changes are going to be made, models may also be required so that we have detailed impressions of your mouth structure, your teeth and your bite. Using one or both of these techniques allows us to make a comprehensive evaluation of what cosmetic and structural changes are needed in order to achieve the goals you have set for your new smile.
2. What are some of the options you will discuss with me?
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Some of the options include teeth whitening, as well as procedures such as reshaping or tooth movement. We may use a combination of techniques to achieve your goals. Many people are unfamiliar with the latest techniques and are surprised to learn what can be done to improve their smile.
3. I am not aware that my dental health is deteriorating. Should I have you check, just to see exactly what my condition is?
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Absolutely. If you have never had a thorough examination performed by a highly qualified aesthetic dentist, you may be surprised by what you learn. Many people are not even aware of damage or deterioration in their mouths. For example, by the age of 50, teeth may be worn down by approximately 25% to 50%. And this damage is often found in combination with worn out fillings or crowns and mild (painless) gum disease. If problems such as these are not addressed and treated quickly, by the age of 60 or 70, significant tooth loss and overall mouth health deterioration may occur.
4. How expensive will it be for you to create my new smile?
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We understand that expense is always a concern for anyone who is considering initiating restorative or complete dental care. It is important to keep this in mind – investing in your dental health today will minimize future dental care expenses. There are helpful options so that you can afford to obtain your new smile – and achieve long-term dental health. Due to reimbursement limitations of many dental insurance plans, most people find it helpful to pursue a combination of financial strategies. We are committed to helping you find the right options in order to achieve the smile you deserve.
At no charge, we offer complimentary consultations. If you have questions, want further information, or are just interested in getting a second opinion, we would be happy to meet with you. After we discuss your individual situation, and if you decide that you would like to proceed with us, we will discuss a fee structure, financial options and your payment plan.
1. What is a veneer?
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The term "veneer" refers to the type of restoration that covers the face of a tooth. Veneers can be made of three different materials: plastic; a specially-hardened ceramic; or porcelain. (These last two are more durable than plastic.) We discuss the risks and benefits of all three options with our patients. Veneers are used to sculpt and shape, and can be affixed to teeth of all different configurations. Veneer thickness can be adjusted and, of course, so can the color, depending on what is needed.
2. How are veneers put onto my teeth?
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After a tooth has been prepared, veneers are "bonded" onto the tooth surface. "Bonding" is the process involved in affixing the veneer to a tooth using advanced materials that allow adhesive attachment directly onto the tooth. This process yields excellent long-term results.
3. Can veneers close the spaces between my teeth?
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Absolutely. Veneer materials are flexible and provide more sculpting possibilities than having a full crown (or a "cap") put onto a tooth. When affixed by a skilled practitioner, veneers can be completely invisible. Veneers have come to be so effective that, in many cases, orthodontic treatment for tooth re-positioning is not needed. With veneers, the overall appearance of the teeth can be significantly improved – whiter color, smoother surface(s), better shape(s) and appropriate tooth size(s) – all of which are part of a fabulous new smile.
4. How long does it take to have veneers put on my teeth? Back to selections
It varies, depending on how much of a change we decide to make to your smile. Most veneers can be placed in one or two visits. A skilled dental ceramic technician must fabricate each veneer individually, so that each tooth color and shape is matched to your new smile requirements. This process takes about two weeks. If plastic veneer material is used, then only one visit may be needed. Plastic veneers are made in our office.
5. How long will my veneers last?
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This depends upon a number of variables, some of which are within your control, including how well you take care of your teeth. With the materials available today, your veneers may last up to ten years, or longer. Our goal is to achieve long-term restoration. That means we strive to make your restorations last for up to fifteen to twenty years. With excellent care, there is a chance that even this length of time may be exceeded!
1. What are lasers used for?
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There are different types of lasers, all used for different purposes. We have three types of lasers in our office: one involves using laser technology to help diagnose tooth decay; another is used for surgical procedures such as the removal of tooth structure or to sculpt gum tissue; and a third type is used just to treat gum disease. This involves weekly treatments. Healing occurs between visits. The goal is to completely remove all disease from the gum tissue, which is so important to long-term dental health and retention of teeth. Our office is on the absolute leading edge of laser technology. We have created our own protocol for treating gum disease with advanced laser technology – and we achieve a degree of success in treating gum disease that was impossible prior to the advent of laser technology. The clinical members of our staff are all members of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, recognized and credentialed in the use of the most advanced laser instruments. To learn more about the use of lasers in dentistry, visit www.laserdentistry.org.
2. Why haven't I heard about the use of lasers in dentistry before?
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Lasers have been used in medicine (especially for treating eye conditions) and dentistry for decades; however, advancements in laser instrument technology and techniques have improved significantly in only recent years. More importantly, only a few professionals have chosen to acquire the additional training and make the extra investment required to successfully integrate lasers into their practices. That is why most people are not aware of the benefits of being treated with lasers. As more practitioners become involved, you will hear more about this approach. Our philosophy is to provide only the very best care for our patients. We are, therefore, committed to learning about and integrating into our practice the latest and most advanced treatments and technologies available today.
1. How can you help me with my tremendous amount of fear and anxiety about going to the dentist?
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First, you should know that there are many people who share your same concerns. Second, please know that we have methods of helping you manage and deal with your fears and anxieties.
2. What methods do you use to deal with my anxieties?
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There are several methods available, including safe and effective medications if your anxiety is extremely high. We want you to be sure to tell us if this is the case! We are used to helping many of our patients who have various degrees of fear and anxiety, so be assured that we can work with you, too. If you have specific concerns, or just questions with regard to how we manage anxiety, please call us or schedule a "no-charge" consultation appointment so that we can discuss this with you in-person.
3. Do you practice "pain-free" dentistry?
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"Pain-free" is a condition we cannot promise, but it is what we strive for every day with each of our patients. We can substantially minimize your pain by discussing your threshold of discomfort before we start any procedures – and paying close attention to this while we work. Your comfort is always our concern. Every effort is made to ensure that each of our patients feels as relaxed and comfortable as possible while we are working.
4. How will your approach to "Neuromuscular Dentistry" help me?
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We professionally evaluate head, neck, back, shoulder and jaw pain. This pain can be reduced, or even eliminated. We may recommend that we replace defective dental restorations. We may suggest that we realign your bite through the use of appliances to help you achieve a comfortable jaw position. In addition, by administering hands-on treatment, we minimize and relieve pain and prevent further damage to muscles, joints and teeth. We may prescribe an appliance or an orthotic device. We may also use computer-aided instruments to measure your jaw joint and muscle activity. This allows us to improve and correct your bite or jaw position, which may be the cause of your pain.
1. What is the difference between silver and tooth-colored fillings?
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There are three important factors with regard to filling materials. First, there is a striking cosmetic difference. Tooth-colored fillings are actually bonded or glued to the surrounding tooth, which minimizes stress on the tooth and often results in less risk of fracture or decay. Second, traditional silver fillings conversely can place stress or tension on a tooth - and this can substantially weaken the tooth itself. Many times, with silver fillings, a weakened tooth will fracture. Undetectable tooth decay may be present, which is not apparent until after a fracture occurs. Extensive damage to the tooth can result. This damage, in many cases, may require root canal treatment and/or full crown placement. Third, there is significant controversy with regard to the mercury content in silver fillings and the impact the presence of this substance has in the body.
2. Do tooth-colored fillings last as long as silver fillings?
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Several types of tooth-colored restorations are available today. It is our opinion that silver would not be an option for filling material in our own mouths; therefore, we do not use it in our practice. The primary reason, aside from the unknown effects of silver in the body, is that when properly designed and placed, a tooth-colored restoration is a longer-term restoration than a silver filling. We plan on our fillings and restorations lasting a lifetime; however, many different variables exist that could result in damage, or the need to replace a restoration. A good, preventative dental care regimen is essential for minimizing these variables. We have an excellent record with placing restorations that routinely last for decades.
3. What types of tooth-colored restorations are there?
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Each of the four different types of restoration options that we use on a daily basis are used to accomplish a different objective. We always discuss the reasoning behind the restoration options we select for our patients prior to beginning treatment. Whenever our patients have questions about their treatment, we are always happy to answer them!
- Direct bonded composite resin fillings are used for the repair of teeth that have small and less involved damage to the tooth. The key determinant in selecting this material is that the tooth being restored does not need additional reinforcement or strengthening in order to remain intact. This procedure takes less time, and is therefore less costly, than the other options.
- Indirect bonded ceramic restorations (3/4 crowns) are placed when damage to a tooth is at a point when additional strength is needed for support. In addition, damaged areas of the remaining tooth may need to be covered. Preparing these restorations requires the services of a dental laboratory technician. He or she creates correctly shaped and colored ceramic material, matching it to the existing, damaged tooth. When this new restoration is bonded or glued onto the tooth, that tooth is returned to a condition that closely resembles, in appearance and strength, the original, undamaged tooth.
- Bonded ceramic full crowns are placed when extensive damage or decay has resulted in large defects and/or when loss the original tooth structure has occurred. Frequently, root canal treatment has taken place prior to our restoration. Dental laboratory services are required in order to fabricate this type of restoration.
- Veneers are another tooth-colored restoration option. Veneers are discussed in the third FAQ section.
1. How can you help me if I have periodontal (gum) disease?
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Periodontal, or gum, disease is a condition that affects your gums and bone, both of which anchor and support your teeth. This disease is very common in adults and affects approximately 75% of the adult US population. It is not painful and, therefore, those who have it may not be aware of their condition. It can be difficult to treat, particularly if it becomes advanced. You need a professional examination in order to ascertain whether or not you have gum disease. We will help you treat the causative agent, bacteria, which cause dental plaque and tartar. The build-up of plaque and tartar around the teeth adversely affects the gums. The later, and more destructive, stages of the disease process affect the bone and, therefore, the attachment to the tooth. When this is severe, the tooth will be lost. If the process is detected early enough, we can help to eliminate the problem – or at least slow it down. There is no cure for the advanced stages of the disease.
2. Aside from surgery, are there other options for treating gum disease?
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Yes there are. You may have heard about some of the new and successful methods for treating gum disease with lasers. There are also new medications that include germ-killing agents. For example, there is a new antibiotic that, when placed between the gum and tooth, has the ability to kill bacteria for an extended period of time (up to 30 days). We are even seeing some success when dietary supplements are added to therapy with medication and good home care. Surgical treatment has advanced significantly with the use of laser technology. This is only needed in a limited number of cases. Lasers can be used for surgical, as well as non-surgical treatments. When lasers are used for surgery, vs. conventional surgical techniques, much less pain and more rapid healing is the result. Lasers also allow us to successfully treat cases that were considered hopeless just a few years ago. Whether you are concerned about the possibility of having gum disease or if you would like to discuss new surgical techniques that can help the disease you already know you have, we would be happy to schedule a consultation with you at no charge.
1. Do you practice general dentistry?
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Absolutely! I was a general dentist prior to receiving extensive advanced training to become a cosmetic and aesthetic dentist. Many of our patients come to use for their general dental needs and problems and then later decide to move forward with cosmetic procedures. And some of our patients choose to see us just for their regular check-ups and treatments to maintain their dental health. We welcome all adult patients to our practice, whatever their dental requirements may be.
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