I am 35 years old and I have been living with a complicated situation on the upper right section of my smile for almost 20 years now. I have a decaying infant canine which never came out because of the adult canine growing in. The adult grew in the wrong place and never displaced the babyone.
My adult canine #11 grew in over the top of bicuspids #12. Also, I’m told that #13 is too far away from where it belongs and is too complicated in its root structure to be moved with traditional braces. # 11 is partially obscuring the two bicuspids behind it and creating a triangular inner area which is difficult to keep clean. It also happens to be very unattractive. My general dentist isn’t even sure what kind of decay might be going on up in there, but so far it doesn’t hurt or have an odor so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
The whole area needs some serious work, but I’m not sure what the best option is. Do I extract the canines and get braces to widen the space where the baby was, so that a full-sized canine implant can be put in? Or do I extract the canines and get a bridge? Or… can something else be done with a smaller implant + veneers, or something to create the illusion of normal teeth ? Please send me some input…I want to start figuring out which road I need to go down to try and fix this finally.
– Rhonda in Pebble Beach
Rhonda,
#12 (your first bicuspid) can be made to look like a canine from the front, so if your canine can’t be moved, I’d consider that option, too, after having the permanent and baby canines extracted. Or one dental implant could work – replacing the baby canine with a permanent canine implant. I wouldn’t do the bridge to replace the canine because your bone will shrink in that position over time if you do that and it will be hard to keep it looking natural. But it’s really tough for me to say without seeing you, seeing the x-rays, and doing a clinical examination. You sound like you have a very interesting case–I’d love to have had you come in my door and be given the opportunity to solve it.
But if you don’t choose my services, keep in mind that I recommend that you not ask a general dentist to do this. My recommendation – find an excellent cosmetic dentist and trust his or her judgment.
Dr. Lavacca
I suffered from bulimia for almost ten years. Through counseling and treatment, I finally overcame the illness, but my teeth have been damaged severely. They are half of their original size, and in the front they no longer touch. Also, where my teeth do still touch, they don’t fit well.
And now, the left side of my jaw sticks out nearly an inch every time I open my mouth to bite or chew, which causes headaches.
Is there any hope for me and these issues with my teeth ? I’d like to see a cosmetic dentist to improve my smile and the functionality of my bite.
– Mary in Pittsburgh
Mary,
It’s a wise decision to think of a cosmetic dentist to help you with these problems. Bulimia is an appearance issue as far as your teeth are concerned. When there is little tooth structure left, you need to have bonding technology used to restore your smile because conventional cementation techniques may not be strong enough to hold crowns on your teeth.
And yes, your headaches are most likely caused by a TMJ disorder, which comes from your bite discrepancy. One other piece of good news is that most expert cosmetic dentists are also fairly well trained in treating TMJ disorders, which requires restoring your bite to it’s normal state. Brace yourself – you are probably facing the need for porcelain crowns on most if not all of your teeth. But the end result, if you go to the right dentist, will be a beautiful, radiant smile.
Congratulations on overcoming your disease! You have made great strides. The worst is behind you, and I anticipate things will just get better for you from this point on.
– Dr. Lavacca
My 10-year-old son fell off his bike yesterday and broke his upper front tooth and cracked another one horizontally. Thankfully, we managed to get him in to see the dentist. However, the dentist said he was unable to fix his teeth until next month. He also said that we should wait a few weeks to allow the root to desensitize. Is this waiting period standard procedure, or should I find another dentist?
-Jennifer from Texas
Jennifer,
You shouldn’t have to wait to fix your son’s teeth.
If you happened to find the piece of tooth that was broken off, it can still be reattached. Find a good cosmetic dentist to do this procedure though. You’ll want someone who knows how to match the other front tooth, and this requires someone who has excellent aesthetic dental skills.
If you don’t have the broken piece of tooth to reattach, then direct dental bonding can be used to repair the tooth. In time, the pulp will become smaller as your son ages, so depending on the extent of damage to both teeth, he may need a single crown or more.
Learn more about pediatric dentistry and about kid’s basic dental care.
Is it possible to use 3% hydrogen peroxide that you can buy over the counter to whiten teeth?
Wendy from Edmund, OK
Wendy,
It is possible to rinse with peroxide, but it won’t make that much of a difference. You can still use an at-home treatment, but you should use one that is supervised by a dentist. Trays and a whitening agent will give you nice results just as long as you allow the solution to penetrate your teeth for a minimum of fifteen minutes. And for quicker results, the trays and whitening agent can safely be worn for a couple hours per day or overnight. Keep in mind that tooth stains are typically deep, so you want to be sure to whiten the dentin, which is beneath the tooth enamel.
Another alternative is to wear the Crest Whitestrips thirty minutes per day for two weeks. They have roughly a 6% peroxide concentration. This method will provide mild whitening, and it outperforms rinsing with 3% peroxide. This should give you a good perspective of how long it would take to whiten your teeth when just rinsing with peroxide.
Learn about options to whiten discolored teeth, such as Zoom whitening and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
I’m in need of extensive dental work including a tooth that needs shortening and whitening, 7 root canals, and 3 cavities. I’m trying to avoid making several appointments with my dentist. Can you tell me how much work can be done in one visit?
Jake from Carson City
Jake,
Each dentist is different regarding how much work they’re willing to do in one sitting. You’ll need to ask your dentist what he or she is willing to do for you.
Dentists that provide sedation dentistry are often the ones willing to do more work in one sitting. Check with your dentist to see if sedation is available, and if not, then you’ll need to find another general dentist or cosmetic dentist that offers it.
If you want to remain with your current dentist, then the amount of work depends on how long you can withstand the visit. It is possible to sit through a four-hour appointment if you feel at ease with dentistry. A lot can be done in this amount of time if your dentist is capable of working fast.
Providing there are no complications with your front tooth, your dentist should be able to do the tooth whitening and shortening.
Your dentist should be able to complete your seven root canal treatments in one sitting as long as they are on your front teeth. If you require root canal treatments on your molars, and you prefer minimal appointments, then you could go to an endodontist. Endodontists are root canal specialists with the ability to perform a molar root canal in one hour, while a general dentist can take up to two hours per molar.
I should have had braces when I was a child, because my bottom teeth are terribly crooked. Also, my bottom left back molar, and two bicuspids that were still baby teeth, had to be removed.
I’ve been considering getting Invisalign, but I’m not sure if it will work if I have missing teeth. I really don’t want to have the traditional braces now that I’m older. Also, I’m concerned that I may need dental implants to fill the gaps where those teeth were pulled.
Another concern is my underbite and the lack of space between my top and bottom teeth. Can this be corrected with Invisalign too?
Jessica from St. Louis
Jessica,
There are a couple things that may prevent you from using Invisalign, excluding missing teeth. Invisalign works fine with missing teeth. In cases when there is an underbite and/or severe crowding, Invisalign may be difficult to use.
Some dentists are willing to use Invisalign on patients who have crowded teeth, while orthodontists may be more conservative. Orthodontists tend to shy away from new technology, because they have been trained to work with brackets and wire.
Before making any decisions, do your research by visiting a few Invisalign general dentists and see what they recommend to you. And if you do decide to go with a general dentist, all cases are required to be supervised by orthodontists who are on staff at Invisalign headquarters.
Depending on the difficulty of your case, and the positions of your teeth, Invisalign may close the spaces in your lower jaw, and it could help move your upper teeth out without the need for replacing those missing teeth.
I wish you the best!
My 4-year-old son fell and injured his top front teeth. After the fall, I noticed his teeth began to change color. Will it help if I change his diet?
Tammy in Ontario
Dear Tammy,
Since he is four, these will be your son’s baby teeth. There really isn’t much you can do to get them to return to their normal color. I would get the teeth checked, though. The discoloration to your son’s two front teeth may be from the tissue inside dying, and that will need to be treated. They may also be perfectly healthy, and the darkening may be from a natural buildup of dentin inside the teeth, which is provoked by the injury.
Changing your son’s diet won’t be of any help either.
It will only be a matter of two to three years more years until your son’s front teeth naturally fall out, and then his adult teeth will begin to come in.
Learn more about pediatric dentistry by clicking here.
Over the years my teeth have naturally turned yellow. I would really like to whiten them, but I’m not sure how I should go about this since I have several composite fillings. Should I have the composite fillings replaced with a lighter material before or after I whiten my teeth?
– Dana from Texas
Dana,
Everyone’s teeth have a natural tendency to darken over time, which can be a result of certain foods, beverages, or many other known causes. As you begin the teeth whitening process, be sure to whiten your teeth first, because it is impossible to predict the shade of whiteness your teeth will become. Once you are satisfied with your teeth’s level of color, you should then wait another two weeks for the new shade to stabilize. Then you can move forward with having your composite fillings removed to match your newly whitened teeth.
Dave McGee
17:12 01 Apr 20
On starting to experience a tooth pain in the last 24-36 hours I called NDS as a brand new patient today. With everything going on in terms of social distancing and stay-at-home, they were very efficient and quick in responding to my query. They prioritized it and began work to book an emergency appointment immediately. Very happy with Dr. Lavacci and the team. Highly recommended.
Freeman Smith
14:13 08 Feb 20
From the warm greeting to the warm neck wrap. Being respectful of my time and seeing me exactly at my appointment scheduled with a detailed and efficient exam and cleaning. I can’t say enjoy going to the dentist but I can say I don’t Hate anymore
Zachary Bowers
15:21 07 Feb 20
I had a fantastic first visit yesterday. My hygienist Kelley was very thorough and gentle. The office is quite nice- relaxing and inviting. I'm going to bring the whole family over.
Robert Stanley
12:13 27 Jan 20
Saturday visit was for a routine cleaning. What made it special was not so much the cleaning but the care in which Becky the hygienist did her job. Not only was she sensitive to my dislike of the “plaque removal tool” as she did the job with the upmost care but the friendly atmosphere she maintains during the visit. With a friendly approach, Dr. Dustin came in at the end to check things out. We chatted about the cleaning which revealed no issues. But what was most striking was his welcoming approach and genuine dialogue about his work as a dentist and the care for each patient. Together, they both have a unique way of making you almost feel like, you are not at the dentist! Overall, I rate this place as A#1 in the areas for dental care.
Denise Garcia
02:43 24 Jan 20
We have the best dentist and orthodontist! I have sung their praises many times on social media but today they went above and beyond!My 12 yr old son knocked one of his permanent teeth out this afternoon while playing with his younger brothers. The dentist’s office was closed but that didn’t stop Dr Anthony LaVacca . Dr Anthony LaVacca and his wonderful assistant Kelly met my husband and scared son after hours this evening to see what they could do to save the tooth. I cannot say enough about Dr LaVacca, Dr Ibrahim and their team at Naperville Dental Partners! They are truly the best!
Marna Haas
04:10 23 Jan 20
Had a follow up from getting the All on 4 dental implants in September. Brandy and Gina were awesome today. They were so kind, knowledgeable and efficient. If you are looking for a great dental experience Dr. LaVacca and staff are the best.
Tracie shelton
02:57 12 Jan 20
Dr. Irene is absolutely the best! Everyone hates going to the dentist, but she makes a point to connect with her patients and puts them at ease. Our entire family loves Dr. Irene!
Patricia Rosenmann
12:51 05 Dec 19
Excellent experience. Dentist hygienist are very thorough. This is the first time hygienist was running 15 minutes late. Typically they are on time. I will suggest improving check out since you have to wait over 10 minutes to pay and check out . Dentist hygienist are very courteous, gentle and attentive.
Karen Treverton
22:32 21 Nov 19
Poor. I Had a cap reglued. Took five minutes. Was billed over $200. I thought they were in my network, but it wasn’t covered. I sent two letters showing them why I thought they were in network and received no response. All I get is past due notices. I expect I’ll have to pay but was hoping I’d get the courtesy of a response. Bad customer service.
rich cremona
12:00 12 Oct 19
Great experience...Dental Hygienist Celina and Dr. Dustin were both fantastic...THANK YOU....Rich Cremona
Carrie Siddens
15:59 25 Sep 19
I had my cleaning yesterday and have never had such a good hygienist! Her name was Julie and I feel cleaner, whiter, and not a spot of plaque. Thank you, NDS!
DERA
21:10 22 Sep 19
I had my first appointment last week. There was a new dental hygienist that tried to do x rays and after about 30 min she had to call a more experienced worker to do that. She seemed really with no much of experience.The doctor was very careful and helpful, explained to me all treatment plan - how it will work and what should be done.
Judy Hughes
08:32 20 Sep 19
Went in today to have my teeth cleaned. My hygienist was Taryn. She always does an excellent job. The entire staff is professional and friendly. I have recommended many people to the office.
Xiao Yin
17:28 19 Sep 19
Only if I could, I would give -5 start to this place. I went to dental group had my x-ray done, and I have one fillings need to be done. On the way home, I saw this Naperville dental specialist, so make an appointment to get second opinion. One of the doctor there said I have 5 fillings need to be done, since they called themselves specialist, I trust them. Had my first fillings done on June 12, went back 2 weeks later to treat pain from fillings, and went to back 3 later again to treat pain from fillings again, then went to back 2 weeks later to treat pain from fillings again. Finally one of the doctor said I need to redone my fillings. I made an appointment went back redone my fillings 3 weeks later. And told I may have pain for awhile. I waited for a month the pain still didn’t go away. Now, after 4 months, I pain worsened. Called again to speak to a manager, only heard that managers are busy, nobody call back. I went to different doctor office, whi
Todd Walker
16:22 15 Aug 19
Innovative Dental Specialists have performed a wonderful job with our three kids since moving from St. Louis a year ago. Especially with our teenager who had to have four teeth extracted for over-crowding issues. He said he felt fine during the whole procedure (lasted about 45 mins and used laughing gas) and really felt no pain afterwards. Way to go Innovative!
Jesse McDonald
13:43 12 Aug 19
Overall a very good experience with my first appointment here. The hygienist did a fantastic job. I had to wait quite a while for the dentist to attend to me, so hopefully that is not typical here. But he was friendly and attentive to my needs. I also had to wait several minutes for the receptionist to schedule my follow up appointment. Not sure what else she was working on, but this length of wait should never happen at reception. Again, hopefully these things are not going to happen regularly. But overall, the most important part of the experience was my checkup from the hygienist, which was great.
Rizz Mo
02:19 27 Jun 19
Five-Shining Stars! I am amazed by this facility. The ambience feels like home. Well decorated, neat and welcoming. The staff are very friendly amd professional. They are highly equipped with contemporary technology. They treat their patients very special and with respect. I would highly recommend this dentistry!
Josh Lauer
21:52 10 Jun 19
I couldn't be more pleased with the service I've received from Naperville Dental Specialists! I've had the honor of being a patient of Dr. Anthony LaVacca. When he hasn't been available, I have had other doctors on staff instead. I have found that there is a cohesiveness is their recommendations and that they all know a lot. During my last visit, I had the best assistant ever during my 4-hour procedure - Becca! I highly recommend going to NDS for your dental needs (they even have pediatric dentistry!).
Katie Root
17:45 10 Jun 19
I waited 20 minutes in the waiting room. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes before. Also, as nice as she was, there was a new dental hygienist that poked and prodded my mouth with the piece to hold it open for x rays. She had to call a more experienced worker in to retake three of the photos. It took over 30 minutes just for the x rays. The lavender pillow was not as nice as I remember it. I don't know what happened. It seems like someone new is running the office / establishment. On the positive side, all of the staff was friendly, but I seriously am thinking of changing dentist's if my next visit is as unpleasant as this one.
Linda Holquist
14:15 26 Apr 19
I came to Naperville Dental Specialists due to my dentist and insurance company causing issues for me AND a tooth that needed immediate attention. Angie was so helpful and dealt with all of my financial needs-insurance and individual. Dr. John was very thorough in his examination and explanation of my needs. After my agreement and paper signing the procedure took very little time and very little pain. I am so happy with the full procedure that I have now moved all of my dental needs to this facility. After only one visit, the employees were so very friendly and helpful, that I highly recommend Naperville Dental Specialists.
Merrilyn Schultz
13:50 12 Apr 19
I have only good things to say about Naperville Dental Specialists. I’ve been going there for over 2 years and have never had a bad experience. Dr Lydia is the best! I’m especially impressed with how efficient everyone is including my hygienist, Lauren, and the processing of my dental insurance.
Nitin Arora
14:52 10 Apr 19
I loved the experience in my first visit. The ambience is great, the setup is more friendly rather than being treated in dark walled cubicles. The staff ia very friends and the place has one of the most advanced gadgets you can find.
Andy Pham
17:15 14 Mar 19
I thought that it was a pretty awesome experience. The office is beautiful! The service was great. I didn't get any work done; it was a consultation. But it was really nice.
Barbara Wong
01:53 07 Mar 19
Everyone is so helpful and professional. Dr. Irene is amazing! Becky, my hygienist, is super friendly & caring! Wish I would have started seeing this team sooner than I did.
Patrick Sheehy
19:45 04 Jun 18
The most thorough cleaning and check up I’ve ever had with the most advanced equipment. The staff was very friendly and let me decide on my terms what I wanted to have treated after they advised me as to what I needed and what the priorities should be. Highly recommend them!
jessica camerino
05:05 02 Jun 18
I finally found a dental office that I felt totally comfortable at with no anxiety! I was told exactly what was going to be done before it was preformed! The staff was so nice and welcoming! I'm so glad I've found a dentist near me that I can continue to go to!
Brittany McCloud
15:48 20 Apr 18
I've always gone to the same dentist office since I was a kid. I'm not in my late 20s and moved to a new state. I didn't want to have to find a new dentist since I was so comfortable with my previous one. I'm very happy that I found NDS. They have been very kind and friendly. When the decision to pull my wisdom teeth came up at my cleaning, the dentist assured me it would be an easy process and recommended the nitrous oxide option. I was so nervous, but I'm glad I went with that option as opposed to being put under. Saved me some money in the end.
DMR Virtual 630-479-8944 David
14:15 30 Mar 18
most pleasant and professional dental practice you will ever encounter
William Ross
22:15 21 Feb 18
Naperville Dental Specialists is a great facility! The staff is very friendly and professional. The waiting area is nice and comfortable, even my kids like going here because they have a lot of fun things to play with. The service is great and so is Dr. Irene. I can't speak for any of the other dentists but I'm sure they are all very good as well. I definitely recommend them to anyone!
Richard Ketchum
20:10 18 Jan 18
Naperville Dental Specialists had been recommended to me by several friends over the past 2 years. I finally got it together enough to make an appointment and go in. I was taken within 5 minutes of my appointed time. I spent some two hours in the chair receiving an array of diagnostics that I had never experienced in my very frequent previous trips to multiple dentists. In fact, the tools used were more advanced than any I have seen before. All of the results were immediately entered into their computer system. Despite being surrounded by the latest in dental technology, the people who operated it were extremely personable and open to explaining what they were doing. When my diagnostics were completed and the course of treatment was determined, I was sat down with one of their office staff who discussed the costs of the treatment and nature of my insurance coverage therefor. The lady I dealt with was very patient and precise in her explanations of what I was to expect. All in all, it could easily be described as the most impressive dental outing I have ever experienced.
