Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

March 2017

Mar 30
teeth-too-small-gummy-smile-blog

My teeth are too small and only my gums show when I smile

By Cosmetic Procedures

My teeth are too small. My smile is basically 75% gums and 25% teeth. When I was I school, kids called me Gumby. Now some cruel adults make jokes about it when we are kidding around. I don’t joke about anyone’s personal appearance so I am not sure why they go there. I am 36 years old so this is not an issue of growing into my smile. My teeth are just plain too small. I do not want anything artificial like porcelain veneers placed on my teeth. I am just wondering what other options are to help me smile freely and not hold back because people are looking at my gums. Thanks. Melina

Melina – When more gums than teeth show when you smile, it’s usually due to excess gum tissue, as opposed to your teeth being abnormally small. A prosthodontist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry will examine your teeth and let you know your options.

If you don’t want porcelain veneers, there are other options.

  • Gingivectomy – This procedure is performed after numbing your gum tissue. Either a laser or dental scalpel is used to remove the excess gum tissue and lengthen the appearance of your teeth. The procedure is completed in the dentist office and is usually completed in one visit. It is also referred to as gum contouring or a gum lift.
  • Crown lengthening – This procedure involves the removal and reshaping of excess gum, as well as bone tissue. It exposes more of your teeth so that they appear longer.
  • Composite bonding – Dental composite is mixed to match the color of your natural teeth. It is applied to your teeth, and then shaped and polished to lengthen your teeth.

Regardless of which treatment you receive, if you find an expert cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist to do the work, the results will be seamless. Other than noticing an improvement in your smile, people won’t be able to see the difference between the dental treatment and your natural teeth.

We suggest that you schedule one or two consultations with experienced dentists to discuss your options. Ask to see patient photos of cases similar to yours that were completed by each dentist. This will help you choose the right provider.

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

Mar 26

Will my duck lips from dentures be permanent?

By Dentures

I got new dentures 4 months ago and from day one they gave me duck lips. These dentures have totally changed my face, especially my profile. I have been back to the dentist 3 times because I hate the way the dentures look. The first 2 times she took them for adjustment, but I am not sure that anything at all was done because they look exactly the same to me. She even told me that some women pay for fuller lips. The problem is that these dentures don’t just give me fuller lips. They give me duck lips. My lips look abnormally large and are not proportioned. This is very emotional for me. I already wasn’t totally happy with my facial appearance but my previous dentures were pretty good. I got the former dentures when I lived in Elk Grove, CA by a fabulous dentist who really was concerned about her work. This new dentist pretends to be concerned or maybe she is concerned but just doesn’t know what she is doing. So now I am trying to figure out how long I can go with these dentures before I have permanent duck lips. I don’t want to make a hasty decision, but I am really skeptical about letting this dentist do the work. I don’t like to switch dentists but I think I will have to in order to resolve this issue. How much time do I have before the damage is done? – Dorcas

Dorcas – If your dentures are giving you duck lips, correcting the dentures will also correct your facial appearance. There should be no permanent damage, but for your comfort and confidence, you should get the issue taken care of quickly.

Depending on the skill of the dentist, dentures can change the shape of your face in a positive or in a negative way. If your dentures are giving you duck lips, there are a few possible causes:

  1. Denture teeth are too long or too thick – The denture teeth can be trimmed to compliment your facial appearance.
  2. Denture teeth are incorrectly angled – They can be removed from the base and repositioned.
  3. There is too much lining in the dentures – The lining can be replaced.

We recommend that you get a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will examine your dentures to determine what is causing the “duck lips” appearance. A prosthodontist with experience in cosmetic dentistry will restore your smile and facial appearance, and improve your confidence.

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

 

Mar 23

Is too late to see a prosthodontist for dental implants?

By Prosthodontist

Is it too late to see a prosthodontist for dental implants? I got dentures 27 years ago and I didn’t know anything about dental implants until a few years ago. I’m ready for a change now because I am getting tired of my dentures. My teeth look fake and my cheeks sag over the dentures. They don’t fit right and I’m really frustrated because these dentures are only 3 years old. I was hoping that the fit would last longer. I’m 60+ and am wondering if it’s too late age wise or too late because I’ve been wearing dentures too long. Thank you. Isabel

Isabel,

It’s not too late to see a prosthodontist for dentures. In fact, a prosthodontist can resolve all your concerns and the issues you are having with dentures.

The fit – After years of wearing dentures, your jawbone shrinks. In time, it becomes difficult to keep a denture in. Your jawbone can be built up with bone grafting. This procedure is completed before you receive dental implants. It takes a few months for the bone grafting to heal. Bone grafting will lift your jawbone to support your facial muscles and take years off of your facial appearance. Adequate jawbone is also needed to support dental implants.

The function – A prosthodontist can help stabilize your dentures with dental implants. The dentures are secured to the implants, so speaking and eating with dentures will feel more like your natural teeth. Your dentures will have maximum stability with four to six dental implants.

The look – You can receive custom dentures that are tailored to fit your facial features and your mouth. They will look like your own natural teeth.

We suggest that you schedule appointments with two or three prosthodontists. Ensure that each dentist has extensive training in cosmetic dentistry. Although any prosthodontist can place your dental implants, beautiful cosmetic dentures require training and skill. You’ll get natural-looking results. The consultations will help you understand your options and select the right provider.

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

Mar 18

Can I sleep off some of my sedation at the dentist’s office before I drive home?

By Sedation Dentistry

I need sedation dentistry but I don’t want to ask anyone to drive me to my dental appointment. I really don’t want anyone to know about the appointment and there really isn’t anyone I would feel comfortable asking anyway. If I get sedation, will I be able to stay at the office until it wears off? How long will it take to get out of my system? Thanks. Kyle.

Kyle,

After sedation dentistry, most people are drowsy for the rest of the day. You will be barred from driving for the rest on the same day that you receive sedation.

Exactly how long you will be drowsy depends on the medication used and how your body reacts to it. In advance of your dental procedure, a sedation dentist will discuss your dental procedure and the level of your anxiety. Those factors, along with the types of sedation that your dentist offers, will determine which medication is used.

A sedation dentist is responsible for your safety. Although you can briefly rest after your appointment, you won’t be allowed to rest or sleep in the office with the goal of driving yourself home. It’s simply not safe, and it’s definitely not worth the risk. Your dentist will recommend that you go home and rest. If there is no one that you want to ask to drive you to and from your appointment, consider getting private transportation.

It’s best to have a consultation with a sedation dentist first to find out what is involved in your treatment and how many appointments are required. It will help you determine the best way to travel to and from your dental appointments. Your dentist will require that you have transportation before you receive sedation, so be prepared to make appropriate arrangements.

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

Mar 14

Are All on 4 implants from Greece safe?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

It looks like Greece is the new travel dentistry hotspot, including All on 4 implants. That’s what I read online. I know South America and Mexico are suspect but is Greece different? If the cost of implants will drop 70% by going to Greece, I think even with the plane ticket and lodging I will still come out ahead. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece anyway. This sounds like a no brainer. Has your office received any reports, good or bad for dental implants there? Thanks. Mildred

Mildred,

Although we haven’t received any reports for or against dental implants from Greece, the country is known for sub-standard medical care. Although the British frequent Greece for fast and low-cost dental care, it’s not risk free. Several years ago, British women over 41 were alerted that Greece was the most dangerous place in the world for them to visit. Personal safety is a serious concern.

There are some critical factors that make All-on-4 dental implants successful:

  • Diligent implant planning, surgery, and several follow-up visits are required.
  • A highly skilled dentist who is experienced in the procedure is needed.
  • High-quality implant fixtures must be used.

The plummeting economy in Greece has caused many of its residents to be conservative with medical and dental care. This is likely the reason that medical and dental professionals are promoting tourism and cheaper fees than other countries. It also means that dental professionals are performing fewer implant surgeries, which can increase the risk of implant failure.

Before you decide to receive dental implants abroad, there are a few things you should consider:

  • If you experience complications, where will you go for follow-up visits? It’s unlikely that you will return to Greece for treatment, because it no longer makes your All-on-4 implants more affordable.
  • How will you verify that the oral surgeon and his or her location are properly certified to provide implants?
  • Can you hold the implant dentist accountable if something goes wrong?

Traveling outside of the U.S. for All-on-4 dental implants, or any other type of implants, comes with great risk. We recommend that you compare options and costs with several implant dentists in the U.S. and choose high-quality implants that will last.

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

 

 

Mar 06

I don’t trust Clear Choice and I need a second opinion

By Blog

Can you give me some tips on getting a good Clear Choice second opinion? I was under the impression that they could help me get the most out of my money for dental implants. I scheduled an appointment and was surprised at the recommendation. I am not missing all of my teeth and I thought saving as many natural teeth was the preferred method. I even mentioned that to the sales rep and dentist, but I felt pressured to get my remaining teeth extracted and replaced with all on 4. They asked me for a deposit and were trying to schedule an appointment for the procedure. It made me uncomfortable and I let them know that. Also I mentioned that when I am making major investments in something, I take time to think about it. All on 4 wasn’t even on my radar so I needed to do some research and get a second opinion. They looked insulted when I mentioned getting a second opinion. I’m wondering if another dentist would recommend pulling my remaining teeth or if I would get different results from a second opinion. How do I find another dentist I can trust? Khalid

 

Khalid – Your experience with Clear Choice is common. Many people report feeling pressured to schedule an appointment for the procedure even if they are not comfortable with the recommendation. But this tactic increases the probability of patients getting the work done with Clear Choice. If you schedule an appointment and make a deposit, it can make you feel obligated to go through with it.

Whenever major dental work is recommended—from Clear Choice or otherwise—it’s wise to get a second opinion. You’ll get another perspective, additional information, and confirmation on your options. Dental implants should last a lifetime, so you shouldn’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you made the right decision.

A dental specialist might be able to preserve your remaining natural teeth. A prosthodontist specializes in preserving and restoring teeth, as well as in dental implant placement. Find one or two board-certified prosthodontists, and schedule a consultation with each of them. Take a copy of your dental records and digital x-rays with you. The data will be carefully examined before treatment options are recommended.

Don’t mention the recommendation you received from Clear Choice. Just allow each prosthodontist to provide his or her opinion. Compare your options and costs to make an informed decision that you’ll be comfortable with in years to come.

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

Close Menu