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Veneers for crooked teeth

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I have slightly crooked teeth. They’re also in need of whitening. I talked to my dentist about doing veneers, but he said it wouldn’t work in my case. I’m really disappointed about that, but he said the whitening would improve their appearance. Can you think of anything else I can do for the slight crookedness without veneers?

Sam K. – Staten Island, NY

Sam,

Did your dentist give any specific reason why he didn’t think you were a good candidate for porcelain veneers, because you sound like a great candidate to me. I’d get a second opinion. It’s possible that your dentist is just uncomfortable placing veneers and is using you not being a good candidate as an excuse.

Porcelain veneers can take care of the discoloration and the crookedness in one swoop. However, if there is a legitimate reason that you cannot get them. You could do invisalign and teeth whitening simultaneaously.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist  Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

What is an anterior repositioning splint?

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I’ve been having headaches. My dentist looked at my jaw and said he thinks I need an anterior repositioning splint. Right after that he had an emergency call and we didn’t get to discuss it. Can you tell me what it is?

Leslie Q. – Minnesota

Leslie,

An anterior repositioning splint is designed to reposition the hinge joint in your jaw. It’s likely your dentist thinks you have TMJ. That is a significant cause of headaches as well as more severe problems.

It’s generally made of acryllic. It looks a little like a mouth guard, but is adjustable and custom made to your mouth. It’s usually worn for three to four months.  Be sure not to wear it long term because it can change your bite and cause other issues.

It’s important that your dentist has training in TMJ.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

 

 

Can you use sedation dentistry just because your dentist is annoying?

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I don’t have the dental fear you normally associate with sedation dentistry. I wondered if it was OK to take it for other, non-medical, reasons. Let’s say you really hated your dentist. Like he’s a good dentist, but he talks and talks and talks the entire time.  I have often thought the appointment would go much faster if I was out cold.

Destiny R. – Alabama

Destiny,

I guess technically you could consider this an anxiety issue. Just instead of being afraid of what your dentist will do with your mouth, you’re anxious about him running his.

I just wouldn’t go for the strongest type of sedation dentistry.  Start with the lowest level and see if that makes things easier for you.

You know you don’t have to stay with a dentist that annoys you. There are other dentists. Just a thought.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

 

I have ugly teeth

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My boss called me in for an evaluation. He had wonderful things to say about my job performance and wanted to give me a promotion. The only problem he saw was it is quite a public position and he feels my teeth need some work. I would have to do TV interviews and things. I really want the promotion, but don’t know what I can do about my teeth quickly enough.  He said the job will open up on four months. Is that even a possibility? My teeth are chipped and stained. Would I need false teeth?

Amanda M. –  Missouri

Amanda,

Congratulations on the possible promotion. That is something to be proud of.  False teeth would be a bad idea, because it means you would have to remove your natural teeth. You want to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible.

You can do that and still get a gorgeous smile. I would look into porcelain veneers. These can not only repair chips, but change the shape, size, and color of your teeth.

The only caution I would give you is to make sure you go to a dentist who is qualified.  There is not a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, so any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist, regardless of the amount of training they have (or lack thereof).

Your best bet is to find someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. If you’re going to get a new smile, you’ll want it to be gorgeous. Be aware that there is a difference between membership with the AACD and accreditation. You can just join to be a member. To be accredited, you have to pass exams and demonstrate both your skill and artistry.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can Invisalign Cause TMJ?

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I’m on my sixth tray of Invisalign and have been having a lot of problems with pain and opening my jaw all the way. Is it possible that invisalign caused me to have TMJ?

Sarah Anne M.- Sarasota, FL

Sarah Anne,

Invisalign doesn’t cause TMJ on its own. In fact, the Invisalign company has strict guidelines in treating patients with TMJ disorders. However, it i possible that you had some underlying TMJ issues that weren’t caught previous to your treatment could have been exacerbated.

When there is tooth movement, an underlying condition could manifest itself more strongly. I suggest you discuss this with your dentist. It is likely, he will temporarily halt your invisalign treatment and determine what is the cause of your TMJ disorder, if that is the problem. He may need to send you to a TMJ dentist if he doesn’t have enough experience in its diagnosis and treatment. After that you can re-examine whether or not you are still a good candidate for Invisalign.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

My dentist gives me nightmares

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I have the nicest dentist in the world, but for some reason for the days before I have an appointment coming up, I get the most graphic nightmares about the appointment.  It makes going to the appointment a nightmare in itself. Is this common or am I a freak?

Leslie R. – Unity, WI

Leslie,

Having dental anxiety doesn’t make you a freak. In fact, it is fairly common. I’m guessing that you have some subconscious fear of dental work and that is playing itself out in your dreams.

I don’t know if you’ve had any difficult dental experiences, but there can be any number of reasons for dental anxiety.  I suggest you try sedation dentistry.  This will enable you to have a completly pain free dental experience.

It will also relieve any anxiety you may feel.  There are generally three levels of sedation and each dentist is different as to how many levels they perform. If you want, you could start at the lowest and see if that helps. If you’d rather, you could just go for the second level, oral conscious sedation, which will put you out, though you’ll still be conscious.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Porcelain Veneers constantly fall off

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I’ve been recovering from bulimia and doing very well.  I was proud of that, but couldn’t say the same about my smile.  The damage from my bulimia left me with a smile I was too embarassed to show. When I spoke with my dentist, she suggested porcelain veneers. I was happy with the results, but the veneers keep falling off. I’ve been to the dentist at least eleven times to have them put back on. Do you know what is going on, because I’m beginning to think my dentist doesn’t.

Elana H. – Chicago

Elana,

First, I wanted to say job well done on your bulimia recovery. You should be proud of that.

Generally, when porcelain veneers don’t stay on, it is because their dentist doesn’t understand the bonding procedure. The exception would be if you are a teeth grinder.  Sometimes, you can grind your teeth in your sleep and not even realize it, which will loosen your veneers.  However, there would be some evidence on your teeth.  If that is the problem, there is a simple solution. You simply wear a night guard while you sleep and your porcelain veneers will be well protected.

However, your past bulimia is an added complication. The acid from your purging erodes the enamel on your teeth. Usually, that only affects the back of your teeth, but if it damaged the sides or front of your teeth, bonding will be quite difficult. If that is the case, you were not a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Instead, your dentist should have given you porcelain crowns. You can get an equally beautiful smile with either procedure. It’s just a matter of which one is a better fit for you.

What it boils down to is either, your dentist doesn’t understand how to bond the veneers on or she didn’t carefully examine your teeth for ideal candidacy.  My suggestion is to speak with her about the issue and see what she recommends.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Numb fingers and TMJ

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Can you tell me whether or notTMJ can cause numbness in fingers. I’d been having a lot of problems, such as muscle spasms and debilihtating headaches. My dentist diagnosed me with TMJ. I have an appointment in a few days to begin treatment. However, today my figers started going numb. Is this related to TMJ or do I have an additional problem that needs to be investigated?

Helen D. – Missouri

Helen,

It would be impossible to tell for certain without an examination and tests, but I will tell you it is possible. It’s a little more likely, since you’ve been having muscle spasms.

All your msucles are connected, so when TMJ is causing muscle spasms, then it can affect your other muscles, including down to your extremities.

I suggest you mention this additional symptom to your dentist when you go in a couple of days from now. I would make sure that your dentist has a good degree of expertise in diagnosing and treating TMJ, because it can be fairly tricky to take care of.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Worried oral conscious sedation won’t be enough

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I’m supposed to get my wisdom teeth pulled, but I’m terrified of the pain. My dentist said he’d give me oral conscious sedation.  I’m a little afraid because I’ll still be conscious. I do not do well with pain.  Will it be adequate?

Helen H. – Michigan

Helen,

Though you’ll have all your reflexes and things, you’ll be in such a calm, dreamy state that you won’t even care your conscious.  Most people don’t even remember the appointment and it is pain free.

However, if you’re still concerned, some sedation dentists do an even deeper level called IV sedation. This requires some special training, so not all sedation dentists do it.

Whichever you decide on, you’ll be comfortable.  Just remember, you’ll need a ride to and from the dental office. You’ll be in no fit state to do any driving.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can I get porcelain veneers instead of crowns?

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I was going to get some dental crowns for some teeth, but then read about porcelain veneers. They seem like a better option for pretty teeth. Can I get them instead of crowns?

Beverly C. – Iowa

Beverly,

The answer is it depends on a couple of things. First, have your teeth already been filed down for crowns? If so, there will be no way to get porcelain veneers. You’re stuck with the crowns.  If not, then it depends on why your dentist suggested crowns. There are some causes, like large cavities, that require a crown instead of a veneer. Those cases would still require crowns.

It is possible to mix crowns and porcelain veneers. You could get a crown on the teeth that have too much damage for a veneer, while getting veneers for the other teeth.

The key is having an advanced cosmetic dentist. Preferably a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. They are the top cosmetic dentists in their field, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a gorgeous smile.

This blog is brought to you Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.