Over the past decade there has been a dramatic appearance of ‘cosmetic dentists’ to the degree that almost every dentist is now a cosmetic dentist. Why? Because there is no such thing as a cosmetic dentist and therefore it is unregulated. Because the term ‘cosmetic’ is unregulated there is no shortage of dentists pressing the envelope of ethics. So how do choose the right dentist?
Make sure your ‘cosmetic’ dentist is accredited by the American Dental Association and not just a member. This would be a prosthodontic trained dentist, which is a 3 year post-doctoral dental degree specializing in aesthetic and functional dentistry.
Don’t be fooled by all of the organizations that provide unaccredited certifications. The only accredited specialties are those approved by the American Dental Association and cosmetic dentistry is not an approved credential.
Select a prosthodontist who performs cosmetic dentistry every day. Creating the right smile is more of an art than a science.
Look for real reviews and a history of longevity within the field of prosthodontics.
Request a consult and ask to see before and after results.
Finally, trust your instincts.
A prosthodontist will have a significant amount of experience in complex cases. According to Forbes Magazine the prosthodontist is the rarest dental specialty in the United States, making up less than 2% of the dentists.
So for the right smile make sure you have the right cosmetic dentist, a prosthodontist.
Aging patients need special care for their oral health.
Two important oral health care concerns emerging in the United States:
Disparities in the oral disease burden, and
The inability of certain segments of the population to access oral health care.[1]
Older Americans are becoming a larger segment of our population and suffer disproportionately from oral diseases, with the problem being particularly acute for individuals in long term care facilities.
Not only do we see elderly patients in our Sandy Springs who are usually brought here by assisted living and nursing home facilities, but Dr. Orland visits numerous assisted living facilities outside of our immediate area. By 2030, 1 of every 5 members in the US will be 65 years of age or older. This large segment of our population is further compounded by the elderly population continuing to become increasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, financial resources, and living conditions.[2]
The challenges faced by both the dental profession and the nation as a whole regarding provision of oral health care services to older adults needs a specialized and experienced team of dentists to address the issues.[3]Medicare does not provide any coverage for dental services, and only 1 of 5 Americans aged 75 years or older has any type of private dental insurance and it will be highly unlikely that our government resources will be adequate to gear up for the impending problem of oral health for the elderly.
The elderly suffer from chronic disorders that can directly or indirectly affect oral health, including autoimmune disorders such as pemphigus and pemphigoid.[4] They generally require multiple medications, and common side effects of the more than 500 medications used to treat their overall health issues usually reduce salivary flow.[5] And the reduction in saliva can adversely affect their quality of life, the ability to chew, and lead to significant problems of the teeth and their supporting structures.
In addition, particularly for geriatric patients, oral infection is now recognized as a risk factor for a number of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, mellitus, and respiratory disorders. Also, it is important to note that once people have lost their teeth and are using complete dentures, their oral health needs do not decrease. Our jaws are not static and may continue to resorb over time. Besides the continued resorption of bone, improperly fitted dentures can adversely affect chewing, leading to poor nutrition. In addition, those without teeth remain susceptible to oral cancer, mucosal diseases, and alterations in salivary gland function.
While effective preventive measures exist for younger populations (water fluoridation, dental sealants and parents), no preventive measures have been devised to address the expected increase in oral health needs of the aging population. We have developed the expertise to take a leadership role in the delivery of health care services to the seniors who have contributed so vitally to our society’s well-being and who deserve to be treated with the best oral health care wehave to offer.
The trend these days is dentists calling themselves cosmetic dentists, regardless of the fact there is no such specialty in dentistry. To the contrary of this trend, all dentistry is cosmetic. I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school. Regardless, the fact remains that the majority of dentist are general dentist, and marketing themselves as ‘cosmetic dentists’ is an ethics violation of the ADA[1]. Their undergraduate degrees are either a DDS or DMD as result.
Not one of them has a ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry because it doesn’t exist. The ADA only has recognized nine (9) 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 that results in additional certifications 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, but the closest to what would be considered a cosmetic dentist, 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. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school – rather they take short continuing education and utilize trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontists is trained in their post graduate work. On the other hand, 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.
If you are in need of a cosmetic dentist[2], we are here to serve you.
One of the greater realizations from being in practice for a long while, unlike our competitors who offer ‘deals’ to build their patient base, we have the ability to choose cases and families that can really benefit and appreciate our added focus and attention. We are a multi-specialty practice with the ability to treat the majority of your cosmetic, implant and general dentistry needs in-house.
(Prosthodontist = ADA accredited cosmetic dentist)
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 centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function and beautification of teeth are combined in the final result.
There are a lot of people in this world who just weren’t born with beautiful smiles or for other circumstances ended up with damaged teeth. Some inherited stains from medicines their parents took prior to child birth, while others developed discolorations through the years that make their appearance unattractive whenever they open to either to talk or smile. These people can be helped by dentists who specialize in the cosmetic restorations that provide methods, procedures and plans which ultimately improve their personality as much as they improve their smile.
The first advantage of a prosthodontist is their training and experience with difficult cases and modern techniques take much less time in the beautification of the teeth as compared to older ordinary dentistry.
Another major change related to teeth are implants. In the past there had been an extensive time period involved in replacing missing teeth. In some cases, there are alternatives that with significant preparation allow for teeth to be implanted in a day and utilized by the patient shortly thereafter.
Finally, technology often comes into play with veneers which are made up of a special material and again while technique sensitive are very easy to incorporate into quick and favorable results. The combination of all of these techniques rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise. A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted and your personality improved. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Whenever a tooth is lost, if bone structure allows, it should be replaced with a dental implant. Failure to replace the tooth with an implant will ultimately contribute to the loss of facial bone structure. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which represent an alternative to dentures or bridgework. The advantages in addition to retained bone structure include improved chewing ability, better speech, more secure fit of the restoration, greater comfort, and improved self-esteem.
The implant itself is made from Titanium and is surgically implanted in the jawbone to function in the same way as a natural tooth root. Once placed, it may be necessary for the implant to heal in the jawbone for a period of 3 to 6 months, which allows your bone to grow onto the implant in a process called osseo-integration.
Once integrated, the implant is then exposed from the gum tissue, and a restoration consisting of one or more replacement teeth, is fabricated by our prosthodontist to fit on top of the implants.
The restoration can be attached in several ways:
Removable structure, using special bars and clips.
Fixed or screw retained, using special screws and cement so that only your dentist can remove it, if necessary.
In the case of dentures, an implant-supported overdenture fits more securely than a conventional denture which rests on the gum tissue and offers no form of mechanical attachment. The difference is the implants participate integrally in retaining bone structure in the jaw line.
Where a single tooth is lost adjacent healthy teeth can often remain intact and unaffected by an implant-supported restoration. This is unlike conventional bridgework where healthy teeth are structurally altered to support the bridge.
Implants are usually placed under local anesthesia in our office. The procedure involved in placing the implants is generally not painful and usually requires minimal recovery time and post-operative medication.
With our complimentary consultation we can tell whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. Certain health conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes) or risk factors (like smoking) may preclude your ability to undergo implant therapy. In addition, appropriate hygiene must be established prior to implant therapy and must be maintained to ensure the long-term success of the implant. If we can be of assistance or answer any of your concerns or questions please feel free to contact our office.
It seems to be prevalent these days that most dentists are touting themselves “cosmetic dentists”. But in reality, there is no such thing. If there was a cosmetic specialty it would be an ADA sanctioned prosthodontist. With the passage of time prosthodontic dentists are gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in modern dentistry. Of the 170 thousand dentists in the country only about two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists. They are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function as well as beautification of teeth are combined in the final result.
There are a lot of people in this world who just weren’t born with beautiful smiles or for other circumstances ended up with damaged teeth. Some inherited stains from medicines their parents took prior to child birth, while others developed discolorations through the years that make their appearance unattractive whenever they open to either talk or smile. These people can be helped by prosthodontic dentists who specialize in the cosmetic restorations that provide methods, procedures and plans which ultimately improve their personality as much as improves their mouth.
The first advantage of a prosthodontist is time related. As a result of their extensive post graduate training and experience with difficult cases, modern techniques take much less time in the beautification of the teeth as compared to older ordinary dentistry. Techniques and procedures as common as in-house whitening which takes only couple of hours as opposed to otherwise days of the repeated home bleaching have become fairly common place and routine in the restoration of a smile.
Another major change related to teeth are dental implants. In the past there had been an extensive time period involved in replacing missing teeth. Now, while still a complex procedure there are alternatives that with significant preparation allow for teeth to be implanted in a day and utilized by the patient shortly thereafter.
Finally, technology often comes into play with veneers which are made up of a special material and again while technique sensitive are very easy to incorporate into quick, favorable and long lasting natural results. The combination of all of these techniques rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise. A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted and your personality improved. 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.
You get what you pay for with Michelins and Implants
If you are trying to figure out the in’s and out’s of implants verses the older more conventional methods of tooth replacement, the cost of dental implants at first blush may appear high, and therefore, unaffordable to most people. But appearances can be deceiving if you examine the beneficial differences and the time involved by your specialist. I have written on those issues before here let’s explore the other aspects of price and how different dental implants may differ very significantly depending on different factors.
The real concern for the patient is where and how to find a low cost quality dental implant, and is most likely the drive adjective ‘low cost’ is a result of the perception by the patient that teeth are utilitarian to their daily life. That’s really not the case, but to put the cost into perspective all the while considering that your teeth aren’t really as appreciated as much as they should be, let’s examine what goes into the cost of a dental implant.
The Material:
The traditional materials – prices of cobalt-chromium alloy and titanium are not the same. Implants from cobalt-chromium (CC) alloy rods are cheaper than comparable titanium implants, but when it comes to zirconium dioxide, then cost of a dental implant may appear to be cost prohibitive to the patient. But, depending on where the implant is being placed, you may end up with a less than satisfactory result with the less expensive CC implant.
The Size:
This case is a significant factor. The bigger the implant, the more material, the more it costs, but also the more it may do. Also, special coatings applied to the surface of the implant, contribute to better oseo-integration with the bone, will affect the cost of the dental implant.
The Manufacturer:
Different manufacturers put different prices on similar rods made from the same material. Some manufacturers include some kind of an extra charge in the dental implants price for their brand. This is a lot more esoteric and therefore harder to explain. It’s like trying to explain the difference between Polo and Hanes T-shirts.
Finally, it may depend on where your dentist gets his implants from. And this factor may be a function of how motivated your provider is in providing you with the best implant material for the least amount of cost to you. Some of that may just end up being economies of scale by your provider. Does your provider have contacts directly with manufactures in China or Israel, where the dental implant cost can be significantly reduced, while the indirect purchase of dental implants from U.S dental suppliers may ratchet up the price.
If the price is too good to be true?
The cost of an dental implant starts from around $1,500 up to $5,000 . Anything less may be an indicator that you’re getting an inferior product or one not designed for a particular location in your mouth. Short term it may appear to be fully functional. But if we look at the cost and cost of other materials for dental implants compared to their operational life, the difference may be likened to the difference between Toyo’s and Michelin tires. Here again you may get what you pay for and the initial cost may appear affordable, but in the long run you are going to get a better result with respect to how it functions and how long it lasts if your provider installs Michelins.
A lot of your choice and cost may depend on the choice of your provider. It’s not to say the more you spend the better you will be. Rather, a reputable prosthodontist, who is truly trained in the placement and restoration (and this may be two providers), may be a significant factor in what you end up with and what it costs. Trust and reputation are the more difficult factors to define for the patient. If we can be of help please give us a call or email.
The trend these days is dentists calling themselves cosmetic dentists. Yet there is no such specialty in dentistry. And if there was one it would be the PROSTHODONTIST.
Not one of them has a ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry because it doesn’t exist. The ADA only has recognized nine (9) 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 that results in additional certifications 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, but the closest to what would be considered a cosmetic dentist, 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.
The prosthodontist is specially trained at a university to create the smile that perfects 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. They are the holy-grail of dentistry. So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look to the Right Smile Center.
If you are in need of a cosmetic dentist[1], we are here to serve you.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620 www.rightsmilecenter.com
If you have seen the show Extreme Makeover or even heard about it – you understand that “Cosmetic Dentistry” (or Aesthetic Dentistry) has the power to change people’s lives. But the reality 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.
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 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. 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!
Over the past decade there has been a dramatic appearance of ‘cosmetic dentists’ to the degree that almost every dentist is now a cosmetic dentist. Why? Because there is no such thing as a cosmetic dentist and therefore it is unregulated. Because the term ‘cosmetic’ is unregulated there is no shortage of dentists pressing the envelope of ethics. So how do choose the right dentist?
the right smile 