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Monthly Archives

September 2013

Sep 30

Pediatric dentist for thumb sucking?

By Thumb Sucking

My 7 yr old is still sucking her thumb. I think it’s a nervous habit. I’m getting her help regarding her anxiety, but I want to help her stop the thumb sucking before it ruins her teeth. My sister told me I should mention it to my daughter’s pediatric dentist. Can the dentist help? Samantha

Samantha – Your daughter’s pediatric dentist can help.  An oral appliance, referred to as a habit breaker, can be used.  The appliance will prevent your daughter from putting her thumb in her mouth.

Initially the appliance can make the tongue sore, and your daughter will have to adjust to speaking while wearing it. The appliance is not removable, and it usually breaks the habit within 12 months.

If your daughter’s pediatric dentist doesn’t provide the appliance, you will be able to receive one from an orthodontist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 30

Clear Choice dental implants second opinion

By Second Opinion

I need 5 new teeth. I am looking into clear choice for dental implant but I don’t know much about them. I am looking at reviews and they seem pretty good. Is Clear Choice really that good or should I go to a regular dentist? – Pete

Pete – Clear Choice receives many positive reviews, but complaints are also received. Some patients are disappointed with the sales techniques and say that they feel pressured to make a decision. While some patients are very pleased with their implant dentist, other say the dentist is impersonal.

If you decide to visit Clear Choice, we recommend that you receive a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist. Even if you choose not to go to Clear Choice, a second opinion is recommended. You will be able to compare the cost, the recommended treatment from each dentist, and the customer service. Write down your questions regarding the implants and record the responses.

A comparison from at least two to three implant dentists will help you make an informed decision.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist and Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 28

Clear Choice Chicago disappointed with the service

By Blog

I can’t review the actual implant placement work that Clear Choice does. I never received the treatment. I was disappointed with the customer service. I had an appointment but had to wait almost an hour for the free x-ray. I felt rushed through the tour and the sales pitch. I thought the cost was way above average for 4 implants, but at that point I didn’t dispute it because I knew I would not return. When I finally saw the doctor, he seemed uninterested. I had a lot of questions and he seemed annoyed. I received a follow-up call but never returned it. I won’t go back. I just will go with a dentist in a traditional office who cares.  J.S.

J.S. – We are sorry to hear about your experience with Clear Choice. While some patients have good experiences, others report their disappointment with the impersonal service and the sales methods.

You will be able to find an experienced implant dentist who provides personalized cares and reasonable fees.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Sep 27

Process for getting teeth for All-on-4 implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

Hi. I just want to know a little more about the process for getting the teeth for All-on-4 implants. Do I get teeth the same day as the surgery or do I have to wait? – Marshall

Marshall – After the All-on-4 dental implants are placed, new teeth are attached to them. The teeth will be fitted and adjusted. Your teeth will be stable and functional. Although they won’t be the permanent teeth you will receive, you will be able to leave the dental office with a full smile.

Over the next several months, you will return to your implant dentist or prosthodontist for progress checks. When the implants and your jawbone have fused together, impressions of your mouth are taken to create stronger, beautiful, permanent teeth.

The waiting period for permanent teeth ensures proper healing of your mouth. The temporary, or provisional teeth, place less stress on the implants. The permanent teeth be beautiful, will provide maximum function, and will be made to precisely fit your bite and healed gum tissue.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 24

Do I need to see a dentist?

By Damaged Tooth

I rollerblade on Monday nights and last month I collided with another blader. The impact was on my face and although I was wearing a mouthguard it still jammed my mouth pretty good. I guess I’m lucky that I didn’t lose a tooth. Anyway I was just looking in the mirror and notice what looks like a hairline crack in my tooth. It doesn’t hurt consistently-only every now and then. Do I need to see a dentist? – Matthew

Matthew – We are sorry to hear about your accident. If you see a hairline crack in your tooth and are experiencing pain from time to time, you should get it checked by a dentist.

Treatment for a cracked tooth varies depending on the size and length of the crack. A simple crack may need to be concealed with dental bonding. If the pulp of the tooth is affected, a root canal treatment may be needed. If the root of the tooth is damaged, it may need to be removed.

An untreated crack may progressively get worse. Make an appointment with your dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Sep 12

Do I need dental implants before braces?

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I my molars are severely damaged due to an embarrassing habit that I had for 10 years but have now quit. I am now 38 year old. I also need braces but can I get them if my molars are extracted or do I need dental implants in before braces can be placed? – Scott R.

Scott – If you need braces, they should be placed, and your teeth should be straightened before you receive dental implants. Dental implants don’t move. So having implants in place before braces would have a negative effect on the alignment of your teeth. The implants may interfere with the correct positioning of your natural teeth.

But your molars may not need to be removed. Have your teeth examined by an experienced prosthodontist. It is possible that your molar teeth can be saved and protected with dental crowns. The prosthodontist’s goal is to preserve and restore your teeth. He or she will let you know your treatment options and the order in which each treatment should be done to give you a beautiful smile.

This blog post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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