the right smile

Educating Patients on their Oral Health Options

Tag Archives: Cosmetic dentistry


by Leave a comment

Dentist Sandy Springs – Dr. Novy Scheinfeld, Prosthodontic Training by Emory University

ada picIt seems to be prevalent these days that most dentists are calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’, but there is no such specialty recognized by the ADA in dentistry.   And quite frankly, all dentistry is cosmetic.   I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school.  Regardless of the ethics involved, the fact remains that the majority of dentists are general dentist, but portray themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’.   They all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD as the result.  But not one of them has a ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry.  Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on cosmetics in their general practices.

The American Dental Association (ADA) only has nine recognized post dental degree specialties and cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advance training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate degree, these dentists receive additional certifications in their respective specialties, thus becoming what should be considered experts within their fields of dentistry.  These ADA specialties are:

Dental Public Heath, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and the least known, Prosthodontics.

According to a recent Forbes article, a Prosthodontist is the second rarest job in the United States. Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a dental specialty license pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Most dentists who make the claim of being cosmetic dentists take short continuing education courses and utilize trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontist is trained to do in their 3 years of post-graduate work.   The prosthodontist is trained at a university to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and the increasingly more common procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved, both functionally and aesthetically beautiful.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry, it would be the prosthodontist.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Emory Trained Prosthodontist
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 Related articles


by Leave a comment

Dentist Sandy Springs: Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty!

Prosthodontics weekCosmetic dentistry is not an ADA-recognized specialty.  In order to be a recognized specialty a discipline must demonstrate 6 requirements, of which in pertinent part,

[t]he specialty must document scientifically, by valid and reliable statistical evidence/studies, that it: (a) actively contributes to new knowledge in the field; (b) actively contributes to professional education; (c) actively contributes to research needs of the profession; and (d) provides oral health services for the public; all of which are currently not being met by general practitioners or dental specialists.[1]

These requirements as they relate to a post-graduate dental degree are fulfilled by the specialty in prosthodontics.  So the next time you read about a dentist claiming to be a ‘cosmetic dentist’, you need question by ‘who’s’ authority or recognition does he or she make that claim, because it doesn’t exist[2].

Prosthodontists make up less than 2% of all the dentists in the United States.  Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University trained prosthodontist and has practiced in metro Atlanta since 1988.  Go with a “PRO”.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] ADA News November 5, 2012, Pg. 27.

[2] This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetic_dentistry

Related articles


by 2 Comments

Dentist East Cobb: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be

Angelina-Jolie-pregnantExpecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you’re already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you’ll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.

If you’re planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren’t harmful, it’s recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it’s best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby’s development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.

If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.

Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It’s extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.

The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning.  If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles


by Leave a comment

Dentist Dunwoody: How Do You Find a Good Dentist?

mature-female-smilingThat’s really a tough question.  And for our practice (in Sandy Springs, GA) it’s even more difficult because we don’t advertise using conventional methods.  Ninety-five (95%) percent or more of our patients are referral based, either from an existing patient or another referring dentist.

Given our history and experience, we recommend asking for referrals from a co-worker or a neighbor.

If you have relocated from out of state to another city or state and want to find a good dentist, get a referral from your previous dentist or at least their second opinion.[1]  This is probably the best option as your previous dentist probably knows someone he went to school with or has a professional affiliation with.  It is unlikely that he would give you wrong advice.  If you simply are not happy with the services given by your current dentist, you can ask for recommendations from your co-workers, friends, family members, and other trusted individuals in your life.  We have found that once someone makes a referral, the referred patient will go to our web site or reviews to validate the referral.  A combination of a trusted referral borne out by independent research will usually lead you to the right dentist.

How to Find a Good Dentist?

If you are planning to undergo any kind of dental treatment, you need to make sure that you get the services suited to your needs.   Choosing a quality dentist with the right skills and experience is the deciding factor in the success of the treatment.  While price is a factor, a well-respected dentist with long standing roots in the community is not going to be overpriced.  You certainly would not want to base your decision on an inexpensive root canal and crown treatment which could turn out to be ineffective in just a few months.  Dental issues are no small matter. You should in no way compromise on the quality of the dental treatment based on price.

If it’s cosmetic dentistry you are seeking, then look for a prosthodontist.  Prosthodontic dentists are with the passage of time gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in dentistry and how they can enhance their everyday lives. They are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree from a dental school centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function and aesthetics are combined in the final result.

Location of the Dentist

Again this is a tough one.  You should not necessarily choose a dentist whose office is pretty close to where you work or live.  This will surely help you in case of a dental emergency, but with a quality dentist as a general rule you shouldn’t have emergencies.  Obviously, if you can find a quality dentist close to where you work or live in Atlanta, you will reduce hassle for you in driving many miles just for treatment which requires frequent visits.  But for twice a year cleanings and examinations a few more miles shouldn’t create any issues.

Whichever dentist you choose in your locality, always make sure that he/she is a certified member of the American Dental Association (ADA).  When you are comfortable with your referral, compare the services, charges, dental insurance formalities, and other determining factors, before choosing a suitable one.  After you find all the above conditions satisfactory, simply call for a consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

Dentist serving Roswell named ‘America’s Top Dentist’ in 2011 (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

[1] Or you can make an appointment with us – 404-256-3620.


by Leave a comment

ADA Accredited Prosthodontist is Your Cosmetic Dentist: Buckhead Atlanta

mature-woman-smilingProsthodontists are dental specialists certified in tooth restorations such as implants, bridges, crowns, dentures and veneers to give you the best smile possible, more important they provide the right smile. They are ADA accredited specialists in esthetic and cosmetic dentistry.  After graduating from dental school with a D.D.S. or equivalent degree, prosthodontists receive three additional years of rigorous specialty training in a university or hospital ADA accredited graduate education program.

If you are seeking cosmetic, implant or reconstructive dental work, you should see a prosthodontist, because prosthodontics is the only specialty recognized by the ADA that is involved with esthetic and cosmetic dental restorations and implant restorations.   None of the other specialties are taught both the form and the function of restorative dentistry.  Patients should understand that terms like ‘Cosmetic Dentist’, ‘Implantologist’ or ‘Implant Specialist’, are not designated specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.  While these terms may be very descriptive, they are also terms that attempt to get around ADA designated specialties.

Prosthodontists are experts in the dynamics and esthetics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the science of tooth replacement.  With the passage of time prosthodontic dentists are gaining popular recognition with respect to their qualifications to offer state-of-the-art procedures and techniques as patients become more familiar with the advances in modern dentistry.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the country less than two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So, when your dentist refers you to a prosthodontist you should know you are in well trained hands.

Many of those referring specialists think of the prosthodontist as the “conductor” of a dental treatment plan, the professional in the process with the big picture in mind.  They usually lead a team of specialists to develop ideal solutions to your dental needs because they are responsible for the final restoration.   They provide the highest level of dental care being expertly trained in many different clinical disciplines with the anticipation that a working knowledge of various disciplines is necessary to produce optimal results for the patient.

The combination of all these various disciplines rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise.  A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist as the conductor is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted, your personality improved and the right smile.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                                                                                            

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles


by Leave a comment

Top East Cobb Prosthodontist – Novy Scheinfeld, DDS

Mature woman smilingIf you have seen the show Extreme Makeover or even heard about it – you have probably come to understand that “Cosmetic Dentistry” (or Aesthetic Dentistry) has the power to change people’s lives.  The reality though, is that the term can be confusing because many “cosmetic” dentists are not trained by any program recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).  Prosthodontics is the only discipline of cosmetic dentistry that is recognized by the ADA. And a Prosthodontist is not just trained in one simple discipline – it is a post graduate degree in dentistry where by a skilled, artistically and technically trained dentist creates an anatomically correct smile- the right smile- that is uniquely crafted to fit each person’s individual attributes. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school – rather they take short continuing education courses in conjunction with trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontist is trained in during their post graduate work. It may appear as simple as a little contouring or as extensive as a full mouth reconstruction using veneers, crowns and implants; it’s the training that makes it appear effortless. The prosthodontist is trained to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants to ensure that the right smile is as perfect a fit both functionally and aesthetically as your individual characteristics will allow.

The program is so rigorous, that of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, less than 2% are trained prosthodontists.  Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his passing in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor and this year’s GDA President has been in the practice for over 20 years.

Schedule dental visits for you and your family today by calling The Right Smile Center in Sandy Springs at 404-256-3620. Our dental office is conveniently located on Carpenter Drive off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, and we serve patients from Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Dunwoody, East Cobb and surrounding communities. We welcome new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions in person. Our dentists and team look forward to making you, and your loved ones, smile!

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                       

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles


by Leave a comment

Dentist East Cobb: So what exactly are dental veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin laminates or shells of tooth-colored material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material).  They are bonded (cemented) to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance.   It’s really not that much different from brick on the front of one’s home.  Many Imagedentists use the alternative analogy that dental veneers are for your teeth what false fingernails are for your hands.  

What treatments or problems are veneers used for?

There are a wide variety of reasons why patients opt for treatment with dental veneers:

Stained teeth – badly stained or discolored that cannot be improved by teeth whitening or prophyflex treatments can be greatly improved by dental veneers, which function to cover any existing stains on your teeth.

Damaged teeth – teeth that have become badly worn through excessive grinding or by carbonated drinks, as well as those that have been chipped or broken, can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite bonding, also known as “composite veneers”.   A single damaged tooth can easily be repaired with a porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and color as you natural teeth.

Gaps – spaces or gaps (technically termed as a diastimas) between your teeth can easily be closed using dental veneers, giving you a more uniform-looking smile.

Crooked teeth – Veneers are not the ideal treatment for crooked teeth, and from the point of view of preserving your natural teeth structure, orthodontics or Invisalign braces would probably a better solution.   However, this type of treatment can take up to a year or longer and be significantly more in cost to accomplish.   For teeth that are not severely crooked, veneers placed over their front surface will give a straight and perfectly aligned-looking smile.   For this type of treatment, many people refer to veneers as “instant orthodontics”, as you get a similar end result in a fraction of the time.

So which are better: composite veneers or porcelain veneers?

The most popular type of veneer is porcelain, which offers a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart.  Composite veneers are also more prone to staining and do not last as long as porcelain veneers.   Porcelain veneers also offer a more natural looking, translucent appearance. Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often, they could end up costing more in both time and money in the long run.  Composite work is ideal for small chips, as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

How long do dental veneers last?

Porcelain veneers will typically last between five and ten years, while composite veneers last a year or two at most. The bottom line is that your veneers will eventually need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place, there have been cases where they come loose and fall off. In such situations, it is important that you keep hold of your veneer and contact your dentist immediately. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.

Is it possible to have veneers fitted on the same day?

Usually, porcelain veneers are placed over a minimum of two visits as described above. A few cosmetic dentists have invested in CAM/CAD in-house ceramic studios such as E4D or CEREC, which can custom-produce high-quality ceramic veneers on-site in as little as six minutes. This technology enables the dental practice to offer single-visit, same-day ceramic veneers which are fitted within an hour.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary appointment to see if you’re a candidate for veneers, please contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Related articles


by Leave a comment

Dunwoody’s Top Implant Dentist – ADA Recognized Prosthodontist

dental-implants2These days everyone’s an ‘implantologist’ without there being an implant specialty in dentistry.   While there are multiple disciplines of dentistry involved in the placement of implants, the general dentist is at the bottom end of the scale for expertise, training and experience.   Yet in order to generate extra income general dentists press the envelope of ethics by calling themselves ‘implantologists’ or implant specialists.   Granted they all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD as the result and by law are allowed to place and/or restore implants, not one of them has an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized ‘implant specialty’ in dentistry.   Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on implants in their general practices.   The ADA only has nine recognized post dental degree specialties and implant dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advanced training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate dental degree, these dentists receive additional certifications in their respective specialties.   Of the ADA specialties only three truly have special post doctorate training in implants and they are:

Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, and the least known, Prosthodontists (who generally orchestrate the placement and final restoration of the implant).[1]

Prosthodontics: (derived from the word prosthesis) A Prosthodontist has a dental specialty degree pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.   Most general dentists take short continuing education courses combined with trial and error experience to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontist is trained to do in an ADA approved university setting.   Contrary to this hit or miss approach, the prosthodontist is trained to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and the increasingly more common procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved, both functionally and aesthetically.  If anyone has a specialty in implant dentistry or the right to call themselves an ‘implantologist’, it would be the ADA sanctioned prosthodontist.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the U.S., less than two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist to provide you with the best implant result, look for a prosthodontist.

Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor, Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his death in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor and this year’s GDA President, has been in the practice for over 20 years.  For in-house placement we use Dr. William Zinney, a periodontic graduate of Emory University.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

The future of Implant Dentistry is here now. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

[1] As of late, endodontists have started training in the area of implant placement.


by 1 Comment

Dunwoody Cosmetic Dentist

mature-woman-smilingIt seems to be prevalent in that most dentists these days are calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’, where in reality there is no cosmetic specialty in dentistry.   If the truth be known, all dentistry is cosmetic.  It’s just some are trained to do it better than others.  I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school, because obviously, tongue in cheek, it doesn’t exist.  Regardless, the fact remains that the majority of dentists are general dentists and call themselves self-ordained ‘cosmetic dentists’.   They all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD.  But not one of them has a ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry.   Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on cosmetics in their general practices.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes only nine post dental degree dental specialties and cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.  The closest post doctorate degree to a ‘cosmetic dentist’ specialty is prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a dental specialty license pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Of the 170,000 dentists in the U.S. only 3,200 are trained prosthodontists.  The so called ‘cosmetic dentists’ take short continuing education courses together with trial and error to create what a prosthodontist is trained to do in their ADA sanctioned post graduate work.   The prosthodontist is trained for 2 years at a university to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and now the standard of care procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved both functionally and aesthetically.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry, it would be the prosthodontist.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

 

Related articles


by Leave a comment

Sandy Springs Dentist: WELCOME TO THE RIGHT SMILE CENTER

mature-female-smilingYour smile is our top priority. Drs. Scheinfeld, Tourial and Lubell are committed to making your visit a comfortable and valued experience.  We know your smile is about more than just your teeth, so in delivering the right smile, we deliver state-of-the-art dental care with a gentle, concerned personal touch.

From general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry to in-house prosthodontics, endodontics and implant placements, we provide you and your family with comprehensive, affordable and high-quality care. Make an appointment now or give us a call for more information. Together we can help you achieve the right smile of your dreams.

For a greater understanding of our philosophy and what we can do for your oral health care and personal image please go to:

www.rightsmilecenter.com

and for reviews please visit:

www.rightsmilecenter.com/reviews.html

Call for a complementary consultation.  If we can be of service or answer any of your concerns please contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

 

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

be sure to consult your dentist.

 

Related articles

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 719 other followers