Dental Q&A: Learn from the Professionals
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7 percent of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset. Procedures to whiten, brighten, and straighten teeth are increasingly being requested in dental offices across America. With continuously evolving technology and advancements in cosmetic dentistry, most of us would like to be educated about the current trends and procedures available. So we asked some of Minnesota’s top dentists and providers our most pressing questions, and they offered advice on everything from bleaching options to insurance coverage.
Dr. Thomas Hanson
Hanson Dental
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone who is unhappy with their smile. With the latest advancements in dental technology and treatment, patients no longer need to live with a smile that they do not feel comfortable with. For some, a simple, subtle change is all that is needed to dramatically improve their smile.
Producing a perfect smile is an art, as unique and individual as a person’s features. The components that produce a beautiful smile require great attention to detail on a tooth-by-tooth basis. With proper design measurements, the exact proportions of a new smile can be achieved. Meticulous records, measurements and photographs are used to evaluate your smile needs and determine what it will take to produce the perfect smile for you.
Dr. Steven A. Gorman
Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry
What are "instant orthodontics"?
This is a term that’s used when you can do something exciting aesthetically without having full braces first. Veneers and all-ceramic crowns are used to make teeth appear straight. It’s for those with minor to moderate crowding who either will not go through orthodontics or need to have cosmetic dentistry, whether they do orthodontics or not.
Patients are typically adults whose ultimate goal is to have a much better looking smile. The ability to do this with bonded ceramics has been around for about 20 years now and I’ve been doing cases since the early 1980’s. It takes an excellent dental ceramist to do this well. Essentially, the aesthetic dentist and ceramist must employ both art and science into the process.
Dr. Stephen P. Boger
Boger Dental
What are the differences between in-office and take-home whitening procedures versus over-the-counter treatments?
The obvious advantage to the in-office technique is that it is a one-time approach. The patient comes in and spends approximately two hours in the office and the protocol involves using whitening agents with an extremely bright light. You can expect anywhere from five to 12 changes of shade. The take-home whitening involves taking an impression of your teeth and making custom trays that fit over your teeth into which the whitening gel is placed over an approximately two-week period of time. The advantages that both of these have over the over-the-counter treatments are 1) they are professionally controlled and monitored, 2) both involve a much more intimate contact of the whitening material with the tooth resulting in a better result, and 3) the results are much more predictable than the take-home.
Dr. Nancy A. Norling
Nancy A. Norling, DDS
If I'm not a candidate for bleaching, what other whitening treatments are available?
If your teeth are dark as a result of intrinsic staining (staining from within the teeth often times caused by injury to the tooth or the use of certain antibiotics taken when the teeth were forming), you may need to consider alternative options such as porcelain veneers or composite bonding. With bonding, a composite resin is sculpted directly onto a tooth surface or surfaces. It is most commonly used to repair a chipped tooth or to close a space between teeth, but it can also be used in more extensive cases to change the shape or shade of teeth. It is a great option for children and teens because it requires very little or oftentimes no tooth reduction. Porcelain veneers offer more of a long-term solution because, in addition to their strength, they do not stain or discolor.
Dr. Ned W. Windmiller
Ned W. Windmiller, DDS, PA
What exactly are porcelain veneers?
Restoring a person’s teeth to the natural shape and a brighter color is an excellent way to create a more youthful look. Porcelain veneers, if done correctly, should mimic nature. They should improve a person’s appearance and should not be too obvious. On younger patients, veneers can restore teeth that are naturally misshapen, discolored, or unattractive. As we age, our teeth become worn and darker. Veneers are an excellent way to restore that youthful appearance. Prior to any type of cosmetic dentistry, a thorough exam is always necessary to determine if the teeth are free of decay and the surrounding gums and tissue (periodontal health) are very healthy. Also, the person’s occlusion, or the way the teeth fit together, needs to be examined and corrected if there is a problem. Studies show that once porcelain is bonded to enamel, it is as strong as a natural tooth.
Dr. Elizabeth J. Cooper
Elizabeth J. Cooper, DDS, PA
What are some common concerns about tooth whitening and porcelain veneers?
When it comes to tooth whitening, patients often ask if their teeth will be harmed or become sensitive. The active ingredient in the whitening gel has been used in dentistry for many years and has not been known to harm the enamel. Some teeth are sensitive to the procedure, and in that case an individual approach can be advised, often with the use of fluoride and less concentrated whitening gels.
If patients are considering porcelain veneers, they often ask: “Will my teeth look natural, will they look too big, and will the color be right?” These questions are valid concerns and require careful planning with diagnostic records, laboratory wax ups, maybe “mock ups” in the mouth using filling material first. When the veneers are started, the provisional veneers worn while the porcelain is being fabricated are made to look as close to the finished product as possible. That way, corrections can be made during the process.
Dr. Ned A. Nippoldt
Centre for Distinctive Dentistry - Ned A. Nippoldt, DDS, PA
What are the differences between conventional and aesthetic dentures?
There are two main differences between conventional and aesthetic dentures: improved function and better aesthetics. With aesthetic dentures, beautiful porcelain or premium acrylic denture teeth are used. These teeth reflect light more naturally than generic denture teeth and can be individually characterized as to shape and color. Each tooth is carefully placed to compliment the patient’s facial structure, as well as the shape and size of the mouth. If the patient wishes to replicate family tooth characteristics, they can do this with dentures.
Function is always a major concern for the denture wearer, and with aesthetic dentures, great care is taken to evaluate the bone structure in the mouth, surrounding tissues, and the patient’s neuromuscular bite so that the denture can be designed for the optimum stability and function. For the best stability, the dentures may be created to attach to dental implants. For those who choose not to have dental implants placed, specially designed back denture teeth are used to limit the rocking that is common in traditional dentures.
Dr. Steven H. Lorentzen
Lorentzen, DDS
How do I choose a cosmetic dentist and how do I know what cosmetic procedures are right for me?
First schedule a cosmetic consultation to discover what procedure is right for you. Ask to see before and after photos of cases that illustrate the possibilities of results in situations similar to your own. Viewing testimonies from current cosmetic patients and talking directly with those who have had cosmetic procedures can also be beneficial.
Since there is no specialty degree by the American Dental Association in cosmetic dentistry, it is important for patients to do their homework. New patients should take the opportunity to meet the entire dental team, as it is very important that a patient feels comfortable with the doctor and staff. Make sure all of your questions are answered. Five star customer service would be expected in offices doing cosmetics routinely. And above all, keep looking until you feel “connected” to your future dental team.
Delta Dental
Dental Benefits Provider
Is dental coverage available for Minnesotans who are retired, seniors, or otherwise not covered by group dental insurance?
Yes. Delta Dental of Minnesota’s Individual Dental plan is designed specifically to provide dental benefits to Minnesotans who do not have coverage through an employer. This coverage is available to any Minnesota resident age 25 and above, along with the resident’s family members. Retirees, who generally do not have coverage under employer group plans, will be pleased to know that premium rates are lower for members age 50+ than for members age 25-49. Coverage includes routine exams and cleanings, plus fillings, oral surgery and more complex dental procedures. Thousands of Minnesotans are covered under this plan, which was created by Delta Dental of Minnesota through its mission to make affordable dental care available to all Minnesota residents.
Dr. Paul S. Petrungaro
Contemporary Periodontics & Implantology
I need a replacement tooth. What is the most noninvasive surgical option for implants?
The conventional approach to implant reconstruction often includes incisions, multiple surgical procedures, and flap elevations, which oftentimes lead to discrepancies in the esthetics of the final implant-supported restoration and the adjacent tooth.
Whenever possible I use a conservative, flapless surgical approach for the replacement of the natural tooth with an implant, maintaining necessary contours, in conjunction with the immediate provisionalization of the dental implant, meaning that the temporary attachment or crown is inserted that same day. The non-incision approach and same-day bone replacement and grafting aids in sculpting and creating appropriate gum tissue contours that lay the foundation for my referring clinicians to create the esthetic implant restorations, whether single tooth replacement, or full mouth reconstruction. Everything is done in one visit, it’s less traumatic, the area heals faster, bleeding is minimal and patients can get out and get on with their lives more quickly.
Contemporary Periodontics & Implantology
Dr. Paul Petrungaro Specialty Implants12425 North 55th Street
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Phone: 651-351-2994
Fax: 651-351-3161
Email: drpaul@petrungaro.com
www.petrungaro.com
The best leaders in their respective fields are leaders with passion, perseverance and vision. Dr. Paul Petrungaro, founder of The Institute for Advanced Dental Education, Inc., is at the forefront of recent developments in the immediate restoration of dental implants, and is passionate about sharing this highly specialized knowledge.
“The techniques that I helped to pioneer, and practice daily, are rarely seen in dental surgical practices throughout the Midwest,” comments Petrungaro, who owns a local private practice, Contemporary Periodontics & Implantology, in Lake Elmo, as well as offices in Chicago, Ill. and Sao Paulo, Brazil. He stresses that more people need to be aware of this innovative approach.
The conventional approach to implant reconstruction often includes incisions, multiple surgical procedures, and flap elevations, which oftentimes lead to discrepancies in the esthetics of the final implant-supported restoration and the adjacent tooth.
Whenever possible, Petrungaro uses a conservative, flapless surgical approach for the replacement of the natural tooth with an implant, maintaining necessary contours, in conjunction with the immediate provisionalization of the dental implant, meaning that the temporary attachment or crown is inserted that same day. Widely respected as one of the top implant surgeons in his field, in addition to being considered one of the top dental educators by his peers both nationally and internationally, he offers an advanced level of expertise in periodontology and implantology.
He explains that the non-incision approach and same-day bone replacement and grafting “aids in sculpting and creating appropriate gum tissue contours that lay the foundation for my referring clinicians to create the esthetic implant restorations, whether single tooth replacement or full mouth resconstruction.”
There are numerous advantages to this state-of-the-art approach, he says.
“Everything is done in one visit, rather than in multiple stages,” he explains. “It’s less traumatic, the area heals faster, bleeding is minimal, and it’s less time consuming, so patients can get out and on with their lives more quickly.”
The Institute for Advanced Dental Education, Inc
12425 55th St N.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
651-351-9660
www.thedentalinstitute.com
Twin Cities Dental Center
1222 Main Street, Hopkins
952-836-1113
www.dentistmn.com
Dr. Joseph Gendler
For Dr. Joseph Gendler, one of the most passionate parts of dentistry is implant, cosmetic, and sedation dentistry.
“Doing implants is one of the most rewarding experiences in my career,” Dr. Gendler comments.
Changing people’s lives and enhancing their self image is his ultimate goal with every patient. Some people suffer from uncomfortable dentures which constantly produce painful spots and sores, impairing speech and chewing abilities. With the help of implants, all of this pain and discomfort can be eliminated.
Cosmetic dentistry is another passion of Dr. Gendler’s. People who are embarrassed of their smile can rest easy knowing they’ll soon be smiling with confidence after Dr.Gendler finds the best cosmetic solution for them. Often this involves very simple procedures.
The Twin Cities Dental Center offers a state-of-the-art facility where patients can feel comfortable and confident that they are in the hands of a highly skilled and trained dentist. Patients can be certain that when they leave the office, they will have a smile of which they can be proud.
Sedation dentistry is also a very rewarding part of Dr. Gendler’s career. People who have been avoiding necessary dental care due to dental phobias can now relax and sleep while getting much overdue and needed dental work done in as little as one to two visits.
Dentistry today is constantly evolving and becoming more innovative in the tools, techniques, materials and procedures that are being performed. Dr. Gendler is unique in the aspect that he has extensive training in the field of implant, cosmetic, and sedation dentistry. He is constantly learning and keeping up with the new strategies dentistry has to offer today. In Dr. Gendler’s office, a person can restore all of their missing teeth and enhance their smile while being relaxed under sedation.
Dr. Gendler is a Fellow Associate of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. Other memberships and affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Laser Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
