Your Questions
The color of my teeth is not attractive. What can I do?
This problem has become one of the leading concerns of our patients. Fortunately, there are various solutions which work wonders. For most people, the Britesmile ™ teeth whitening system offers a very effective and quick way to brighten your smile. This light-activated whitening gel system brightens the teeth by seven to nine shades on our Vita shade guide. And, it accomplishes this color change in about one and one-half hours while you comfortably rest or watch a movie. Certain tooth color problems require more involved procedures. You may discuss your individual color concerns with any of our team members.
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I have a missing tooth (or teeth). What are my options?
 There are three ways to replace missing teeth: removable dentures, permanent bridges, and dental implants. Removable dentures are the most cost-effective way to replace teeth, but also the least comfortable and least attractive. Permanent bridges use the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth to support prosthetic (fake) ones. These bridges can be very comfortable and very life-like, and they are not removable. In the last few years, newer materials have become available which permit these bridges to be metal-free and, thus, very aesthetic. Dental implants offer the most elegant way to replace teeth. The dental implant serves as a replacement root on which a porcelain tooth can be supported. This is the closest-to-natural means that we have to replace missing teeth.
Implants have been like miracles for some patients who have suffered because of their inability to comfortably wear dentures. We will be happy to discuss which option makes the most sense for you.
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Why does my tooth look so dark? How can I fix it?
Most of our patients have had amalgam (silver) fillings at one time or another. These fillings produce corrosion products which darken the tooth over time, or which are so big that they show through the tooth enamel. Dr. Nadler has not used this material for many years not only because they are unsightly, but also because they contain elements which are arguably unhealthy. In addition, amalgam fillings may actually damage teeth over time by their temperature expansion and contraction leading to tooth weakening and fracture. Fortunately, we have several materials which are wonderful for repairing decayed or fractured teeth. Smaller cavities can be restored with tooth –colored composite fillings. These fillings are cost effective, life-like, dependable, and completed in one visit. Larger problems can be restored with porcelain fillings, which are very attractive, strong, and preserve the natural tooth to which they are bonded. Feel free to ask us about your options.
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I am tired of taking Advil or Tylenol for my headaches. What is the problem?
 You may have Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). Simply put, patients with this problem have some imbalance in the system involving their teeth, bite, muscles and jaw joints. Such problems are not rare, and are often mis-diagnosed as migraines, sinus problems or other health problems. Please refer to the section of this website referring to neuromuscular dentistry and the various symptoms which TMD patients experience (including head and neck pain, ear symptoms, jaw clicking, and uncomfortable bites). Through neuromuscular dentistry, we are able to determine if a patient has this condition, and, if so, harmony can usually be reestablished and the problems resolved.
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What appearance problems can cosmetic dentistry solve?
Many of our patients have been self-conscious about their smiles. Fortunately, excellent cosmetic dental procedures are available to eliminate many of the problems which concern our patients. These include visible cavities, missing teeth, discolored teeth, worn teeth, gaps, chipped and broken teeth, crooked or misaligned teeth, misshapen teeth, and jaw problems including head and neck pain. Our patients report that their new, beautiful smiles actually change their lives with increased self-confidence and a more cheerful and out-going disposition. You may view the smile gallery on this website to see examples of how some of our patients’ problems were solved. Request a cosmetic consultation to find out how cosmetic dentistry can help you.
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How long will it take to complete my treatment?
 Most cosmetic procedures can be completed in one to three visits. Simple bonded fillings are completed in one visit. More complex cases may take three visits. During the first visit, your examination and records are completed; and, you and the doctor discuss your desires and determine the best course of action for you. During the second appointment, your teeth are prepared and temporary restorations are placed. We spend considerable time on these temporaries, as they serve as the blueprint for the laboratory to follow in fabricating your final porcelain restorations. When these temporaries are revealed to our patients, we usually see a broad smile grow on their faces. But, we refine these temporaries until both you and Dr. Nadler are satisfied with their appearance. During the final appointment, the final restorations are bonded and polished. These procedures are usually completed in one month.
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What questions should I ask when looking for a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic Dentistry is both a science and an art. It is a science because there are many proven techniques which can be utilized to provide a healthy and reasonable result. It is an art because each patient has his or her own individual characteristics and make-up which must be considered to arrive at a truly life-like and functional result. These characteristics include coloration, age, gender, anatomy and even personality. Dr. Nadler’s background as an architect provided a natural impetus for his deciding to focus his continuing dental training on the artistic side of dentistry. He has spent years studying cosmetic dentistry, and recently became a graduate of the world renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
When deciding on which cosmetic dentist to choose, it is important to evaluate his or her credentials, specialized training, and commitment to continuing education. The science of dentistry is evolving at a rapid pace, and you must be sure that your dentist is up to date with the most current concepts and techniques available. Make sure that you see actual examples of the dentist’s completed work, and ask to see cases of patients who had concerns similar to yours. Ask for references from the dentist’s patients, and discuss their personal experience and how they feel about their new smiles.
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How will a new smile change my life?
Most patients who have had their smiles restored have experienced both health and emotional benefits. Certainly, healthy teeth and gums are essential to achieving an overall state of well being. But additionally, many patients have described feeling better about themselves and experiencing more self-confidence. They feel more outgoing and certainly smile much more. As a result, they have improved interactions with friends, business contacts and even their romantic partners. Since a person’s smile is one of the first things that others notice about you, a new smile helps to create a great fist impression. And those who had dark worn teeth look years younger after their smiles are rejuvenated.
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Will my insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
 Most dental insurance programs have an annual maximum benefit of between $1,000 and $2,000. These policy maximums have not changed in over twenty years!
And, since insurance companies are in business to make money, they often only approve the least expensive alternative treatment, and usually not the best treatment plan for improving your dental health. Therefore, insurance companies consider most cosmetic treatment to be “elective”. We will do everything possible to maximize your insurance benefits, but most patients use alternative methods for financing this investment. Many options are available, so ask us which ones are best suited for you.
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