Ensure You Get the Best Advice on Smile Makeovers in St. Louis

March 17, 2013 admin Cosmetic Dentistry

A smile makeover is no small undertaking.  There are many options in St. Louis for smile makeovers and as the name suggests, your smile will be transformed into something dramatically different.  This isn’t the same as a new hair color and haircut, of course — it’s something quite serious that has the potential to impact your overall health and wellness.  Furthermore, a smile makeover can have a big impact on your pocket book, too.  The right advice is essential for ensuring you feel good about the direction the makeover is taking and so that you can be sure you are fully aware of costs involved.

Most dental insurance plans have limited coverage for cosmetic dentistry but there may be some elements of your smile makeover that are partly covered. It’s wise to bring the details of your insurance plan to the St. Louis cosmetic dentist you choose to work with so that you can leverage your plan wherever possible.

St. Louis Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many possible routes to take with a smile makeover.  You might be presented options that include porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, clear braces, dental implants, and more. A skilled St. Louis dentist and his or her team will work closely with you to help you understand what to expect in the form of before and after, timelines for treatment, costs, and recovery time.

Not all St. Louis cosmetic dentists offer all sorts of cosmetic dentistry services that fall under the umbrella of smile restoration or smile makeover so a bit of research on your part could help you create a short list of potential St. Louis dental clinics to talk to.  Reviewing websites, doing a Google search on the dentists named on the websites, and looking at online review sites (even Google reviews) can help you decide which practice might be a good place to start.

St. Louis Cosmetic Dentistry Financing

Smile restoration can be a bit of a financial undertaking and some cosmetic dentists offer financing to help you remove cost as a barrier to getting the smile you want. Research your options to find out about financial policies so that you are fully prepared for what’s ahead and so that, if needed, you can take advantage of financing options.

 

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Researching Denture Alternatives in St. Louis

January 30, 2013 admin Dentures, Featured Articles

dentures st. louisAre you in the St. Louis area and looking for something of an alternative to dentures? Before you totally discount dentures you should know that today’s modern dentistry professionals have the ability to offer you customized dentures that truly do improve your smile substantially.

21st Century Dentures

A skilled cosmetic dentist can create dentures for you that look extremely natural.  You can arrange for complete dentures or partial dentures that can help you dramatically improve your smile.  Dentures may be something you shudder at because you are under the average denture age and think that they’re only for older people and that they look fake. It’s worthwhile to take a look at today’s options before you discount them. Check out some before and after denture photos for local St. Louis dentists so you can see what sorts of results have been achieved.

But as good as dentures can be (and they are a whole lot better than they were a decade or two ago), if you are interested in denture alternatives in and around St. Louis there are other options for you to weigh. If you don’t want removable false teeth you might consider dental implants.  Instead of being removable like dentures, dental implants offer a way to replace a missing tooth or teeth and you won’t have to worry about removing them to clean them. Dental implants can be more of a financial investment than some alternatives but many people find them to be the next best thing to their natural teeth.

Can Your Tooth / Teeth be Saved?

If you are thinking you need to have some teeth pulled and that’s why you should look at dentures and denture alternatives, consider having a consultation or two first.  There may be the option to save your teeth through root canals, crowns, dental bridges, inlays and onlays, and other procedures. Smile makeovers can dramatically improve the look of your smile and there are many procedures today that didn’t exist not all that long ago.  Yes, there are times when the best course of action is tooth removal but before you pull teeth out, talk to a dentist about all of your options.

Denture and Alternatives Consultation

The best way forward in terms of determining the right solution for you is to meet with a cosmetic dentistry professional who can help you navigate your options. There are many things to consider such as the condition of your teeth, finances, treatment timeframes, and more. Digital smile imaging could help you envision yourself with other smile options and talking to a dentist with experience in dentures and denture alternatives could help you move forward, armed with the right info so that you are happy with the choice you make.

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Getting the Brightest Veneers St. Louis Has to Offer

November 28, 2012 admin Archives, Veneers

best veneers dentist St. LouisWhen it comes to veneers, St. Louis may have a dentist on every corner promising to deliver something big and beautiful for your smile. The reality however, is a much different picture. Not all dentists, or veneers for that matter, are created equal. It’s really important to take your time and find a straight shooting dentist who is going to tell you like it is and give you the real story about the veneers he or she has to offer. Here are a few things you might want to look for when considering veneers to help improve your smile so that you know you’re getting the best veneers for your dental health and beautiful smile needs.

What Problems do Veneers Address?

Not all dental procedures are good for all dental problems. Veneers, oddly enough, are effective at hiding a wide range of dental problems while making your smile appear whiter and brighter. Here are just a few of the problems veneers can help you solve.

  • Excess space between teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Teeth that are crooked
  • Tooth discolorations
  • Cracked teeth
  • Alternative to braces (crooked teeth treatment)
  • Teeth that are shaped irregularly

As you can see there are many dental problems that can be addressed with quality veneers and a dentist who is qualified to properly apply them. However, it’s important to remember that in addition to all the cosmetic applications for veneers, there are still a few practical applications for them as well. The ultra-thin surface of the veneer serves as an added layer of protection for the tooth’s surface. This means that you can often apply a less expensive veneer to do the primary job of a root canal or some other, more invasive, treatment option.

Are Veneers the Right Call for You?

Most people don’t realize how economical veneers are—especially when compared to many other dental procedures. But, that doesn’t mean they are a one-size-fits-all solution for whatever dental problems seem to be plaguing you. It’s important to sit down and have a long conversation with your dentist about whether or not they are the right answer for your dental problems.

The fact that they are a possible solution doesn’t mean they are the best solution for the prolonged and overall health and beauty of your smile. Sometimes it’s better to bite the bullet and go ahead and get braces, bridges, dental implants, or tooth whitening treatments. Your dentist will be able to help you decide the best plan for your dental health, budgetary, and self-confidence needs.

Don’t just make an appointment with any dentist offering veneers. St. Louis has too many of those to count. Instead, find a dentist that makes you feel comfortable and confidence in his ability to help you make the most of your smile and then ask about veneers and whether they are the right treatment option for you.

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St. Louis Cosmetic Dentistry Options Available for a Better Smile

October 17, 2012 admin Archives, Featured Articles, Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Veneers

You may be familiar with traditional or general dentistry which deals with the overall health of your mouth from teeth cleanings to dental fillings to treatment of gum disease. However, if you want to improve on your smile but have some issues, cosmetic dentistry is available. It is the aesthetic art and science of creating a beautiful smile whether you need teeth whitening or something more serious like dental implants.

Smile Makeovers Not So Extreme

When your dentist has to contend with more than just surface teeth issues, a smile makeover may be in order. This might consist of not only whitening procedures but also veneers, crowns, bonding and even Invisalign clear braces. With smile makeovers, your dentist examines your facial features, lip lines and gum alignment in order to create a treatment plan that creates a balanced, aesthetic smile. Hair color, skin tone and other elements are also considered in the overall picture. Basically, whatever dental procedures, both restorative and cosmetic, are necessary for a beautiful smile is considered as part of a smile makeover.

Typical Cosmetic Procedures

Sometimes, you might just need one or two cosmetic dentistry procedures to create a nice smile without requiring a total smile makeover. Here are some of the most popular treatments:

  • Dental bonding – If you have a chipped tooth or one that is not quite perfectly aligned, your dentist can use a tooth-colored composite resin to reshape your tooth.
  • Veneers – Typically made of porcelain because of its anti-staining properties, veneers are thin laminate shells that are adhered to your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. These are great options if you have some teeth that appear crooked, misshapen or are crowded in your mouth.
  • Teeth whitening – When your teeth look dingy and discolored, chances are your smile is less than bright. With the various teeth whitening options available, you can get your teeth whitened at the dentist office or even at home with a kit.
  • Fillings – If you have a cavity that needs filling to prevent further decay or you have old amalgam metal-looking fillings that need replacing, you can get dental fillings that are tooth-colored to blend in with your other teeth.
  • Invisalign – An alternative to traditional metal braces, this clear, heavy duty plastic appliance subtly moves your teeth into alignment over time. You may require multiple aligners but they are unobtrusive and removable for eating and oral care.
  • Gum shaping and lifting – If your teeth are fine but your smile exhibits more gums than most, the dentist can reshape your gum line so that your teeth appear less squat and more natural.

For whatever reason that you are not pleased with your smile, consider the St. Louis Cosmetic Dentistry practice of City Smiles with dentist Dr. Christopher Hill. A formal consultation can help you on your way to a beautiful smile.

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New York City’s Ban On Sugary Beverages Applauded by the ADA

September 14, 2012 admin Archives, Dental Health, Featured Articles
NYC Ban on Large Drinks Applauded by the ADA

NYC Ban on Large Drinks Applauded by the ADA

In a somewhat controversial move the New York City Board of Health enacted a ban of large-sized sugary drinks. The American Dental Association’s (ADAs) President William Calnon made a statement thanking Mayor Bloomberg from bringing attention to the issue that “Frequent and excessive consumption of soda and other sugary beverages raises the risk of adverse health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.” While Calnon admits that a ban of the sale of large sodas and other sugary drink at restaurants, street carts and movie theaters may not be the most publicly favored method, he applauds that the attention on this matter is a step in the right direction.

The banned products include sweetened rinks in containers larger than 16 ounces and may consist of:

  • Energy drinks
  • Presweetened iced teas
  • Non-diet soda

Drinks not affected:

  • Fruit juices
  • Dairy based drinks (ex. Milkshakes)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • No-calorie diet sodas

Dentists and other health professionals have long stressed the importance of a healthy diet, particularly one that was void of health-damaging products such as soft drinks. A study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that people aged 20 to 44 had the highest rate of untreated cavities, at 25 percent. It is estimated that pain from untreated dental disease results in millions of missed school and work hours.

The ADA has long awaited an opportunity to educate the public on the effects of nutrition on oral health. New York City’s ban on large soft drinks has opened the doors for the ADA to gain widespread exposure so that they may warn the public on the harms of tooth decay and cavities.

If you have damage to teeth such as weakened tooth enamel or cavities the cause may be from sugary food and drinks. To remedy these maladies your dentist may be able to help fill your cavity with a tooth-colored filling or improve the appearance and condition of your damaged tooth with various restorative or cosmetic treatments.

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Women’s Hormonal Changes Linked to Gum Disease

July 27, 2012 admin Archives, Gum Disease
Hormonal Changes & Gum Disease

Women's Hormonal Changes Linked to Gum Disease

A recent review of women’s health studies has shown a link between women’s health issues and gum disease. Hormonal changes that women naturally go through such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause have been shown to fluctuate women’s hormones so much so that they can change conditions in the mouth and allow bacteria to grow, enter the bloodstream, and intensify certain health issues such as bone loss, fetal death and pre-term birth.

The data from the study reviewed 61 journal articles with nearly 100 studies that helped the scientists determine that women’s hormonal changes do in fact have a relationship to gum disease and the other health issues named above. The message the researchers wanted to get across to women is that they need to be even more vigilant about maintaining good oral health to prevent or lessen the impact of these health-related issues.

Of particular interest in this research are women’s hormones during pregnancy. There is existing research that states that hormones can cause gum problems during pregnancy and women who are attempting to get pregnant or are pregnant need to be extra cautious about the state of their dental health. There was a time when women were discouraged from visiting the dentist while pregnant but this study shows evidence that a dental cleaning and examination before or during pregnancy is now recommended.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and under the gums. Left untreated for extended periods of time, it can cause inflammation which can release harmful and toxic byproducts into the bloodstream. These toxins can result in tooth loss, bad breath, bloody gums, bone erosion in addition to the multitude of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and pregnancy problems.

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St. Louis Veteran in Need of Dental Care Sought by Dentist Chris Hill for Charity

July 9, 2012 admin A Soldier's Smile, Archives

Restorative dentist Chris Hill of City Smiles is actively seeking a U.S. veteran who is in need of advanced dental treatments as part of his affiliation with the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) “A Soldier’s Smile” charity. The charity is being presented by ACE with the help of marketing agency Results, Production & Marketing (RPM) and celebrity Montel Williams. Together the dentists, marketing agency and campaign spokesperson (Williams) will be doing their part to find and help veterans who are in need of life-changing dental care treatments.

Once a veteran in the St. Louis-area is found they will be placed under the care of Dr. Hill and his highly trained restorative and cosmetic dentistry team. They will then coordinate a treatment plan for the veteran that will help them restore both their oral health and smile. The procedures used may include but are not limited to orthodontics, dental bonding, crowns or implants, periodontal therapy, or TMJ treatments. The A Soldier’s Smile charity is seeking veterans who are in dire need of dental care services and whose lives are affected by their poor dental condition. Dr. Hill notes “We are excited to help a veteran improve their quality of life beginning with a new smile. Our practice has always given back to the community but the charity gives us a chance to give back to the men and women who give so much but ask for so little in return.”

The VA is also working closely with ACE and RPM to find troops who may be ineligible for dental care through the hospital or who are limited by financial restraints. The A Soldier’s Smile charity will be providing the dental services completely free of cost and their story may be shared with America on national television. Montel Williams and RPM are working to get the events televised and to bring attention to the cause so that others businesses and individuals will give back to our veterans the way the ACE dentists are exemplifying.

To learn more about Dr. Hill and his St. Louis practice visit his at http://www.citysmilesstlouis.com/contact his office directly at 314-272-3046. To learn more about the A Soldier’s Smile charity visit www.acedentalresource.com/soldiers-smile/ or submit your story regarding a veteran in need to RPM owner Rustin Savarese at russ@soldierssmile.com.

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City Smiles Dental Team Visits Clayton Sleep Institute, Discusses Partnership

June 20, 2012 admin Archives, Sleep Apnea

Recent Press Release:

sleep apnea treatment

Sleep Apnea Partnership with CSI

City Smiles of St. Louis dental staff recently visited the Clayton Sleep Institute (CSI) to learn how they can better deliver the highest quality sleep health care for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. The Clayton Sleep Institute consists of a team of Board Certified sleep specialists and scientists; Registered Sleep Technologists and Registered Respiratory Therapists with years of experience in the field of sleep disorders. By partnering with CSI, City Smiles hopes to help their patients by providing a full range of treatments for sleep disorders to patients of all ages.

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is the most common form of sleep apnea and affects nearly 18 million Americans. In OSA a sleeper’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted for 10 seconds or more. These interruptions can occur as many as 30 times per hour, severely affecting restful sleep as well as resulting in additional health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and the worsening of diabetes. Additional symptoms include difficulty concentrating, daytime sleepiness, learning and memory problems and depression.

Dr. Chris Hill of City Smiles has dedicated a large portion of his practice to helping patients with their sleeping disorders. “Sleep apnea is a life-threatening disorder and is often misdiagnosed. Our partnership with CSI helps us to improve the lives of our patients and reverse the effects of the symptoms of sleep apnea.”

To learn more about the sleep apnea treatments available at City Smiles visit them online at http://citysmilesstlouis.com/ or contact them at 314-272-3046.

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Emergency Dental Care St. Louis

May 2, 2012 admin Archives, Dental Emergency

314-272-3046

Contact Us Today to Schedule your Appointment

You can feel confident that in the event of an accident, or dental emergency, you can rely upon our practice to act quickly to address your problem. Our dentist has the experience to treat a broken tooth, or severe pain from trauma and injury and we make ourselves available for patients to reach us after hours for these emergencies.

What To Do In the Meantime

In the event you have experienced a dental emergency take the following steps:

  1. Rinse the area with warm salt water to flush it out and make sure there is no debris causing discomfort.
  2. An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever such as aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen may also help alleviate some pain.
  3. Get to the dentist as soon as possible.

If you have lost a dental filling:

  1. Keep the lost piece to show to Dr. Hill.
  2. Keep the tooth clean by brushing gently with toothpaste and lukewarm water. Avoid eating in this area.
  3. Temporary products that contain zinc oxide are sold OTC that can be used to plug up the hole until you get to our office. Look for Temparin or Dentemp OS.

Gum Pain

OTC products like Anbesol or Orajel can sometimes help with the pain as can over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have a more severe gum infection you may require antibiotics. If you are experiencing swelling and bleeding contact us as soon as possible. You may have an abscess that needs to be drained.

If you suspect that a damaged tissue near the tooth’s root is the issue, keep cold and sweets away from the area. If you have sensitivity to heats it may indicate that you have a nerve problem or the tooth is traumatized.

If you can’t reach us and your pain is too great to withstand or you feel you have a real emergency, go to the hospital or call 911.

Contact City Smiles

314-272-3046

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Traditional Dentures VS Facelift Dentures

April 6, 2012 admin Archives, Dentures
Facelift Dentures

Facelift Dentures VS Economy Dentures

City Smiles of St. Louis offers patients who have suffered from tooth loss one of the more recent breakthroughs in modern dentistry- Facelift Dentures. These dentures differ from traditional dentures in that they are designed for optimal neuromuscular stimulation meaning that they offer aesthetic and health benefits over traditional dentures. Facelift dentures cost more than traditional dentures but the difference in their function, appearance, and support greatly outweigh that of economy dentures.

What Traditional Dentures are Lacking

Traditional, or economy dentures are basically generic for everyone. They are designed to fit in your mouth but do not offer the customized fit that the Facelift Dentures do. You have probably heard of or experienced dentures that are constantly falling out of place or that have to be readjusted every couple of months. The reason this happens is because traditional dentures do not compensate for a natural phenomenon tooth loss patients experience in the form of jawbone resorption. When you lose your teeth, your jawbone that was once stimulated by now missing tooth roots, begins to deteriorate. When this happens the structure of your jawbone changes and the support that your traditional dentures once had has dwindled. This results in dentures that require constant repair, additional adhesive, or full on replacement.

The superior fit that Facelift Dentures offer combats jawbone resorption completely. They are designed to allow your jaw muscles to completely relax and function the way they were intended. Traditional dentures cannot boast the same privileges.

If you are interested in speaking normally, laughing without worry and eating whatever you want, Facelift Dentures are for you. Dr. Hill of City Smiles is one of the few Facelift Dentures dentists in the entire nation and can help you on your way to all the benefits Facelift Dentures have to offer. Contact us today for more information.

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