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July 2016

My experience with Clear Choice implants

By Uncategorized

I had no problems at all with Clear Choice. The receptionist, scheduler, every dentist I came in contact with, even the sales person all treated me with respect. I was very impressed with the service there. It was, I must add, very expensive though. For some people, I imagine the Center is prohibitively expensive. Clear Choice was actually the most expensive of the 4 estimates I received. I think it was worth it. I hope I never need dental implants again, but if I do, based on this experience, I would return to the same office. Arturo

Arturo – Thank you for submitting your experience to us.

We often receive negative reviews about Clear Choice regarding the high-pressure sales personnel, dentists, the cost of the implants compared to other implants dentists, or the reaction of Clear Choice personnel when a potential customer decides to pursue other options. So we are glad that you had a positive experience.

Take good care of your dental implants, and they can last a lifetime.

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

Is it okay to switch dentists to get dental implants I can afford?

By Affordable Dental Implants, Dental Implants

I have a really good dentist that I’ve been a patient of for about 8 years. I have no complaints about him at all. His prices are typically higher than other dentists and sometimes I have out of pocket costs. I have not minded this at all because I have lived in 6 different states and this is the best dentist out of all of them. He was referred to me by co-workers and people at my church so he has an excellent reputation. The issue is that I have 3 missing teeth. Dental implants are the only treatment I am willing to receive so anything else is not an option. The cost for dental implants from my dentist is $1682 more than the highest estimate I received from 3 other dentists. That is a lot of money. Usually I would not let another dentist do the work, but $1682 is a huge difference. Now I am at a crossroads of thinking about switching dentist go get implants I can afford. I know his fees are higher like I said, but I wasn’t expecting such a huge difference. I just need some advice. Would there be any harm in switching to another dentist just for the implants? I want to keep my dentist but I just cannot afford to get implants from him. Thanks. J.E.

J.E. – Before you make the switch, be sure that you understand why the cost of dental implants from the other dentists seems to be more affordable.

Have you been able to make a line-by-line comparison of what each dentist’s fees include? Implant fixtures, surgery, bone grafting, dental crowns, local anesthesia, and more, factor into the cost of dental implants. Also the quality of materials used will determine the cost. Dental implants that seem to be affordable may actually be lower in quality.

Ensure you know what each dentist is including, and is not including, in the estimate for dental implants. Also consider the skill of the other dentists. Do they have as much experience as your dentist? What are the patient outcomes for the other dentists?

Be certain to make a well-informed decision about affordable dental implants before you switch providers.

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

Do pediatric dentists provide dental flippers?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 4 yr old likes to ride very fast on his tricycle. Even after having an accident in June he is still riding fast. He rides on the sidewalk in our neighborhood. The tricycle hit an uneven part of the sidewalk and since he wasn’t holding on tightly, the bump sent him flying over the handlebars. 2 of his teeth were damaged. One of them was so bad that the dentist just took it out. My son gets teased in daycare because of his red hair and freckles and I don’t want him to get teased any more about his tooth. I am wondering if he can get a dental flipper until the tooth grows back in. I know it’s a baby tooth and will be replaced soon but our family has enough stress without having to console a 4 year old about a tooth. That’s must not how we want to spend our time and emotions. I spoke with my husband about it and he agrees. I just want to know if the flipper is possible before we ask our pediatric dentist. She is pretty much resistant to doing anything cosmetic for kids’ teeth. Thanks. Romia

 

Romia – We understand your concern about your son’s missing tooth, and your concern about him being teased about it. Pediatric dentists can provide flippers for children and toddlers, but it isn’t advisable for children to wear them for long-term use. Active children are not likely to cooperate with the process of getting fitted for a flipper. Additionally, the appliance can easily come out of the mouth or become a choking hazard.

Although you may anticipate teasing, your son is at the age where will likely be multiple children in the class who have teeth missing for one reason or another. Other children may see him as just another child in the class with a missing tooth.

You can be proactive, though. Consider doing role play at home as to how your son can respond if he is teased about the missing tooth. Some parents find that if the teasing is taken lightly and the child jokes along, it is easier to get through those awkward moments. If the teasing get out of hand, encourage your child to inform a responsible adult.

If you choose to get a dental flipper for your son, ask your pediatric dentist to explain the risks. Also, ensure your son understands what he must do to avoid injury or choking due to wearing the appliance.

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

Getting implants for front teeth and need some advice

By Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I have four front teeth that need to be replaced. Actually, I’ve been wearing a removable partial denture, and I have a bridge, but I’m not satisfied with the way it looks. I’m 53 yrs old, single, and still very much concerned about my appearance. I want the four teeth to look beautiful and feel natural, so I’m going with four implants with crowns, but I have a few issues that need to be addressed so that the work looks natural. My gums show a lot when I smile, so I don’t want gums to overtake my crowns. I don’t want the crowns to have a metal foundation, because my gums are already too noticeable. I think some preparation of my gums is needed, although we haven’t discussed that. I don’t want a black line developing from the metal. On top of this, the dentist plans to put crowns on the teeth on either side of the front four, so that the color and size of the teeth will look their best. I’m not clear on the kind of crowns he plans to use, so I’ll have to discuss that with him before the work is done. Also, the dentist hasn’t mentioned it, but I know that my teeth need to be whitened before the work is done, so that the color of the crowns will match my whitened teeth. Have I left out any considerations? Thanks! – Eva T. South Bend, IN

Eva – It’s uncertain why the dentist would recommend two crowns on either side of the four implants, but if it’s for appearance, porcelain veneers may the best choice. An artistic prosthodontist can make them look like your natural teeth, and will discuss the veneers as the preference to crowns.

Also, you should be informed of what the dentist’s intentions are for shaping your gums and whitening your teeth.

Keep in mind that the dental implant is made of metal, so the key to getting natural-looking teeth is to have a cosmetic dentist who is proficient at permanently hiding the border between the implant and the crown, and at giving each crown—whether all-porcelain or all-ceramic—the correct color and translucency, so that it looks natural and beautiful.

Be cautious about asking your dentist for specific techniques that he might not be comfortable with. If a dentist has artistic inclination, he or she will be concerned about giving you a beautiful smile. He or she will readily address the issues of your adjusting your gumline, whitening your teeth and recommending porcelain veneers for your canine teeth.

Prosthodontists are specialists who have been trained to replace and restore teeth. Find a skilled prosthodontist  who has an artistic eye for smile makeovers. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers that he or she has completed. You’ve mentioned that you want a beautiful, natural looking smile, and you’ll be delighted with it, if you find an artistic prosthodontist who can do it.

 

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

 

5 of the Smartest Ways to Help Your Child Enjoy a Pediatric Dental Appointment

By Pediatric Dentist

Millions of adults get nervous about dental appointments and regularly cancel or delay appointments altogether. But is dental anxiety unavoidable? What can you do to help your child relax and have a good dental appointment? His or her dental experiences in childhood can determine how dental appointments are viewed as an adult.

1. Be positive about your own dental appointment

Find ways to speak and act positively about your own dental appointments. If your child senses that you are afraid of going to the dentist, he or she may begin to think there is a valid reason for fear. Your child can develop anxiety over dental appointments without even having a negative experience at the appointment.

2. Build excitement for your child’s pediatric dentist’s appointment

Talk about the benefits of going to the dentist. Clean teeth, a pretty smile, a good report, and no cavities are just some of the reasons to go to the dentist regularly. Let your child know how proud you are of him or her for good behavior at the dentist’s office.

3. Let your child know what to expect

Tell your child what happens at a dental appointment. Let him or her know the different people that you both will meet and what will be done to take care of your child’s teeth. If possible take your child with you to your own dental appointment. It’s a good chance to observe you and see the positive results of going to the dentist.

4. Get acquainted with the dentist first

Don’t just randomly choose a dentist and bring your child to appointment at an office he or she has never seen. Think of what it’s like to be a child and allow a complete stranger to put his or her hands in your mouth and start cleaning your teeth. In advance of a dental cleaning appointment, schedule an appointment for your child to see the dentist’s office, meet the staff, and meet the dentist.

If you sense that your child is not comfortable with any of the staff members or the staff environment, it may be best to keep searching for another dentist.

5. Practice good oral hygiene at home

Floss and brush your child’s teeth to help him or her maintain good oral hygiene. Let your child know that the dentist will make sure that his or her teeth are extra clean and healthy.

Relax. Let your child see that you are relaxed and excited about the dental appointment. Pay close attention to how your child responds to the office environment and staff. Do what you can to ensure your child has a positive dental experience.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca’s office has a team of skilled general dentists, pediatric dentists, and an orthodontist.

dentures-same-day-teeth-extracted-blog

Can I get dentures the same day my teeth are extracted?

By Dentures, Prosthodontist

So many of my teeth are either missing or badly decayed that I’ve decided to get dentures before the year is over. This has not been an easy decision for me, but I think dentures are better than walking around with corroded teeth. I am nervous about the whole thing and I am a punk when it comes to going to the dentist. The more information I have, the more it will help me to make the transition. So I have some questions for any one of your dentists who can help. Will I be conscious or unconscious when my teeth are pulled for dentures? Does the dentist pull them all the same day? Can I get dentures the same day or do I have to wait? Thank you. Braxton

Braxton – When teeth are extracted for dentures, a prosthodontist can provide you with conscious oral sedation, which will make you very relaxed, but you will still be awake and able to respond to the dentist’s questions and commands. Or, you can receive the next level of sedation—IV sedation, which will causes many patients to sleep through the procedure.

It is possible to extract all of your teeth in the same day. Your prosthodontist will make the determination based on your case.

One option for dentures is an immediate denture, which you receive the same day your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures minimize the swelling and bleeding that occur when all of your teeth are extracted. Immediate dentures require more follow-up visits and adjustments than conventional dentures, so they are more expensive.

If you receive conventional dentures, your prosthodontist will place them after your gums heal from the extraction. Your dentures will fit better than they would with immediate dentures.

Dentures can be secured with standard implants or mini implants to stabilize them and prevent them from slipping around in your mouth. Standard implants provide more stability, and the more implants you receive, the more secure your dentures will be.

Schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist to discuss your options for dentures, as well as which form of sedation is best for the extraction of your teeth. A skilled prosthodontist can provide you with natural-looking dentures that are comfortable and stable.

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

 

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