Q: What are Porcelain Veneers?                                                     

A:  Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of porcelain, about the thickness of a fingernail that are bonded onto teeth (usually the upper front teeth) to create a smile makeover. Since porcelain mimics the tooth structure better than any other restorative material, they create a beautiful result. The porcelain is harder than enamel, so it resists wear and can last for many years. Dr.Shlafer can manipulate the color and translucency to re-create the look of any tooth. Porcelain will resist staining better than tooth enamel and rarely discolors unless the surface of the tooth has been damaged.

Some patients are concerned that their teeth will have to be “ground down” to place veneers, it would be more accurate to say that the teeth are shaved down a little. The amount of reduction is minimal and doesn’t damage the teeth.

Many problems with your teeth can be solved with porcelain veneers. They are great for restoring worn or chipped teeth and can also be used to cover stained teeth. For patients with tetracycline teeth staining, this is your only option to whiten your teeth. Dr.Shlafer has the ability to alter the shade to your liking, and in many instances reshape teeth as well. Porcelain veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth and lengthen them as well. In some cases, veneers can be an alternative to braces, you can have your teeth straightened and reshaped in two or three appointments rather than years of orthodontics. If you would like to discuss veneers, let us know at your next visit and Dr.Shlafer can evaluate your options with you.

Q: What questions should I consider before choosing a dental plan?

A: Dental insurance can be an effective way to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. When determining what dental insurance plan would fit you best, it is important not to just look for the least expensive plan, but think about what individual needs you have, such as medical conditions that may compromise your oral health, nutritional challenges, complicated dental issues and will the dentist or hygienist have enough time to address my concerns?  Besides cost, these issues could make the difference in a patients oral care, so it is worth thinking about before choosing a plan. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Can I choose my own dentist?  Just like health insurance, some dental insurance plans will restrict you to certain dentist or clinics, you may not be able to see your regular provider. If you are happy and well cared for by the dentist you see, it is often worth it to pay a little extra for the insurance option that allows you freedom of choice.
• Will my dentist and I get to choose the best treatment for me?  Some dental insurance plans allow only the least expensive treatment option to restore your teeth. Although other treatment options may be available–you may never be made aware them.
• What will be covered?  Most dental plans will cover two preventive visits per year with little or no co-pay to the patient. Many policies also recognize the need for additional visits for patients being treated for periodontal conditions and patients with chronic health issues.  Other services can be covered anywhere from 50%- 80% up to the plan’s maximum, depending on the type of restoration you need. You’ll want to be careful when looking at individual dental plans, often their are many restrictions that may not be apparent initially. The most common is a 6-12 month waiting period for payment on many of the most common services that drive patients to enroll in a plan. There is also a difference between a true dental insurance plan and a reduced fee for service program.
• Will I be limited to when I can schedule an appointment? Sometimes in-network dentists limit scheduling times for certain dental insurance participants due to the reduced fee for service they have agreed to take. This means that the patient may be restricted to certain days and times during the week for appointments.
• What will I pay? Dental plans are usually worth the premium you pay. Most often it would cost much more for you to pay all services out of pocket than it would for the co-payment. In addition, the premiums may be tax deductible or if you have opted for a  flex spending plan you will save about 30% in taxes.

There are many things to consider and each patients situation is different, which is why we are here to help you review your treatment and help plan for the best benefit choices for you.

Q: Is the mercury in amalgam fillings toxic?

A: There is a controversy over the potential adverse health effects of silver fillings, which are close to 50% mercury and generally have about 40% silver in them. Although mercury is toxic, it has been thought that it was not released into the body when used as filling material. Recent research, seems to show that these fillings release a very small amount of mercury vapor when chewing. Whether the amount of  mercury is harmful to the body is a subject of ongoing controversy. Most people have some old amalgam fillings in their teeth with no apparent adverse effects. No harm from the mercury in amalgam fillings has been absolutely proven however, it has never been proved that it is notharmful either. Many patients prefer the mercury-free fillings because of health issues. Dr.Shlafer has recommended tooth colored fillings for many, many years now. If you have a concern over your old amalgam fillings give us a call, Dr.Shlafer can evaluate your situation.

Q: Are Composite (tooth colored ) fillings weaker than amalgam fillings?

A: This is another question that is loaded and highly controversial. One material may be stronger (amalgam over composite) than the other, however if you look at the total result–the filling  plus the tooth—a composite filling is stronger because it bonds to the tooth making the tooth more resistant to fracture.

There are a variety of TMJ symptoms and the severity and affects tend to vary from one patient to the next. The American Dental Association (ADA) cites the tempromandibular joint (TMJ) as one of the most complex joints in the body. Involved in it’s function are several muscles, ligaments and bones. The joint itself is comprised of a disc between a ball and socket, and that disc cushions the forces on the joint, enabling the jaw to move and function normally. Any conditions that prevent these components from working properly may cause a TMJ disorder.

CAUSES OF  TMJ DISORDER:

There are several TMJ disorders which can result from multiple causes. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, trauma to the jaw or jaw joint-such as a jolting injury to the head, face, or neck—sometimes play a role in TMD (temporomandibular disorder) and in most instances the cause is unknown.

The most common factor contributing to TMD is a bite problem affecting the joint itself. Interferences in the structure of individual teeth may force displacement of the lower jaw, leading muscles to reposition the joints out of their sockets to force the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Also, wear and tear on the teeth caused by aging, teeth grinding and clenching, or activities outside of normal function—called para function—which may cause uneven surfaces on the teeth, leading to interferences in the bite and improper jaw closure.

Anatomical factors within the joint or surrounding muscles also may interfere with the bite and cause TMD. Some TMJ disorders may be caused by arthtitis and dislocation, while other instances result from disease. For example, low-level infections and auto-immune disease are among the possible causes of TMD. In addition, some people may be genetically predisposed to TMD.

If you are having pain in your joint area, which can be triggered by stress, resulting in overuse of the jaw muscles (such as clenching or grinding of teeth) have Dr.Shlafer evaluate you.

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Q: Why do I first need to see the dentist if I only want my teeth cleaned?

A: Comprehensive is a term used to describe Dr.Shlafer for a very good reason! He always wants to ensure everyone receives the very best care for their unique situation. Just as you would never let someone work on your car without first looking under the hood and running tests,  Dr. Shlafer would never want to diagnose a treatment plan for you without a complete understanding of your overall situation. An exam with Dr. Shlafer ensures he has all the necessary information to address your concerns and determine the proper steps in which to proceed.

There are at least 4 different types of dental cleanings. Your hygienist will be prepared for which type of cleaning you need once Dr.Shlafer has  diagnosed the presence of or absence of periodontal disease.  All too often, periodontal disease symptoms can be overlooked by patients, therefore not mentioning it when scheduling for a hygiene appointment. This leaves everyone unprepared to complete the proper treatment  you need.

Dr.Shlafer assures that you will leave feeling well cared for and confident in your upcoming appointment. All because he spent that special time with you!

Q: Beyond simply changing the color of my teeth, what options are available to change the shape of them or how my smile looks?

A: Several different options are available to change the shape of your teeth. They can be made to look longer, any spaces between them can be closed  and chipped or cracked teeth can be repaired. Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers and re-contouring.

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth surface. It is hardened with a special light which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth. A dental crown is frequently made of porcelain and fits over your natural tooth. After your  crown is returned from the lab, it is then permanently cemented into place. Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth colored materials that are designed to cover the front surface of  teeth. Re-contouring or reshaping of the teeth is a procedure in which small amount of tooth enamel is removed to change the tooth’s length, shape or surface.

Each of these options differ with regard to cost, durability, stain resistant qualities and appointment time necessary to complete yourprocedure. Why not schedule a complimentary visit with Dr.Shlafer today? Together you can discuss what cosmetic approach is best for resolving your individual concerns.

Q: I have a terrible fear of going to the dentist yet I recognize the importance of seeing the dentist to maintain good oral health. What should I do?

A: If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9 and15% of Americans state they avoid going to the dentist due to fear and anxiety. Because it is so important to address your oral health, the first step is to talk to Dr.Shlafer and discuss your fears. This is the best way to cope with your dental anxiety. Dr.Shlafer and his team will work with you to determine the best way to make you more comfortable.

The good news is, there are a number of strategies that can be tailored to your individual needs to reduce fear and anxiety. This may include the use of oral medications to help you relax along with numbing the treatment area and/or nitrous; more commonly know as “laughing gas.”

If fear is keeping you away from the dentist, consider making that call to come in for a complimentary visit and we’ll talk about how we can help you comfortably get the care you need.

Q:  What are dental sealants? Who should get them and how long do they last?

A: Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth—usually the back teeth–to prevent tooth decay. This painted on, liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and pre- molars as soon as these teeth come in. This way the dental sealant can protect teeth through the cavity prone years of 6-14. Adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years and as part of your regular dental check up, Dr. Shlafer will check your sealants for any chipping or wear.