Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry

In our current society of extreme makeover shows making the evening news and a dental industry that spends millions of advertising dollars a year, it can be overwhelming to understand and to differentiate between all the services and products that are offered on the dental market and by the dental professionals. Education is key to making sound decisions and purchases in any market, and I hope to expound on some of the issues regarding modern cosmetic dentistry, analyzing the pros and cons from a consumer viewpoint.

1) Replacing silver fillings- Many adults still have the same silver fillings from when they were a child. At the time when these amalgams were the most common option for filling cavities, they served their purpose as to being strong and durable material to work with. Fortunately, with advanced dental technology, a better option is available to improve your smile in looks and health. Today's resin fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns are tooth colored so they match your other teeth perfectly, and you can look cavity free. Furthermore, they do not have the dull, darkening effect of the silver fillings. Over time, old silver fillings can often fail, causing decay and leading to tooth fractures.

2) Porcelain Crowns- Many people may notice and be dissatisfied with old crowns that show dark lines at the gum margins, crowns that do not match the color of the surrounding teeth, and crowns that are poorly shaped to the other teeth. It is especially noticeable with the front, top teeth, and it can be devastating to a person's overall smile. For the absolute best cosmetic results, I will generally recommend all porcelain crowns in the frontal areas, versus porcelain to metal crowns. It is the fused metal in these porcelain to metal crowns that brings on the dark, black appearance at the top gumline of the crowns. The metal does not allow light to pass through the crowns, instead it gets blocked and transfers up through the tooth, to the top. The results are a grayed effect that will not match the other teeth well. All porcelain crowns, and veneers can be closely matched and shaped so naturally that no one will even know they are not your original teeth.

3) Whitening- Many over the counter products can have an effect on whitening up your smile to a degree. The pros being the obvious lower cost and convenience of doing it at any time. The disadvantages would be the exact reasons why I would recommend assessing your smile professionally in my office. The first disadvantage being there is not as much control as when done in a professional setting, where more effective whitening agents can be used. It is safer when applied by a trained dental professional and the proper precautions are taken to protect the gums and lips from the highly concentrated whitening agents. Whitening products can be applied specifically and evenly to the exact teeth desired. And surprisingly, costs of office whitening are very affordable. At The Meyer Dental Group, we have a unique whitening process in which custom made trays are fabricated and used 3-4 days prior to coming in for the one hour in-office whitening appointment. Seeing is believing, and from digital before and after photos we take in the office, you will be able to see the results that will have you smiling!

4) Electric-powered Dental Brushes- Some think that any electric brush will lead to better results on your teeth and gums. Yes, an advantage to an over-the-counter electric brush might be an individual may actually brush for longer periods of time than he would with just a regular, old tooth- brush. However, there are actually some electric products sold at retail that can be harmful to the gums due to the harshness of the rotary action of the hard bristles. At my practice, I recommend the RotaDent, which is an electric-powered toothbrush only sold by dental professionals. Your brushing will be closely monitored and detailed home instruction is given from my office. The brush is excellent for all types of gum treatment, especially periodontal disease, which affects approximately 75% of the adult population. It is also great for orthodontic patients, implants, and all crown, bridge and veneer work. In my opinion, and that of many clinical studies, the rotary action of the bristles is the softest, gentlest and most effective brush on the market. For all cosmetic considerations, I recommend and welcome you to schedule a complimentary first visit. A general smile assessment can be given, possible treatment options discussed, and complimentary digitally enhanced after pictures are given so that you can visualize what the smile of your dreams will look like on you! Please call (847) 827-6290 to set up a visit.

Dr Thomas Meyer of The Meyer Dental Group in Des Plaines, has earned his Fellowship Membership in the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Chicago Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Cosmetic Dental Studies. He has been involved with and successfully practicing Neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry for 12 years.

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Dr. Thomas L. Meyer - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, orthodontics, smile makeovers and neuromuscular dentistry to the areas of Chicago and Des Plaines, Illinois.