FAQ
Is professional teeth whitening more effective than over-the-counter teeth whitening?
Typically, yes. Professional teeth whitening products contain a higher concentration of the whitening agent than over-the-counter whitening treatments, which allows for better whitening in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, professional kits are customized and use trays that are created to fit your mouth exactly. This means you get better coverage on your teeth while avoiding whitening product coming into contact with sensitive tissues like your lips and gums. Many professional whitening products also contain a desensitizing agent so that even patients with sensitive teeth can leave the product on for the recommended amount of time without pain. For more information on teeth whitening, please don't hesitate to contact us at Elk Grove Smile Center today at (847) 437-3250!
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
The best way to find out if teeth whitening is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Elk Grove Village dentist Dr. Vishal Advani at Elk Grove Smile Center He will examine your teeth and discuss your goals and then make a recommendation as to whether professional teeth whitening can help you meet those goals. In general, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy and you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your smile, professional teeth whitening is a good choice.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by my insurance?
It depends a great deal on your insurance and the exact procedure. Procedures that are purely cosmetic, such as teeth whitening or dental veneers, are typically not covered by dental insurance while procedures designed to restore functionality, such as crowns and dental bridges, are usually covered. The best way to find out if a particular procedure is covered by your insurance – and how much they will cover – is to call your insurance provider and ask. If you need assistance navigating your insurance, please let us know. We know that it can be challenging, and we are always happy to help you.
Are dental veneers safe?
Dental veneers are a safe option for fixing teeth that have a variety of cosmetic flaws including discoloration, chips, and abnormalities such as bumps and ridges, or teeth that are chipped, too small, widely spaced, or mildly crooked. The process does involve removal of enamel from the teeth so the veneers look natural, and once the veneers are placed, the procedure cannot be reversed. However, the improvement in your appearance is typically worth it. Call our office today to talk to Dr. Vishal Advani about what dental veneers can do for you.
What is a cosmetic dentist?
While many dentists refer to themselves as “cosmetic dentists,” cosmetic dentistry is not a dental specialty in the way that pediatric dentistry or endodontics is. If you are seeking a cosmetic dental procedure, your best bet is to look for a dentist with skill, experience, and results. In Elk Grove Village, you can trust Dr. Vishal Advani to perform a range of aesthetic dental techniques with precision and an eye for artistry. Many factors go into making your smile look beautiful and natural. When consulting with you and discussing the improvements you’d like to make to your smile, Dr. Advani will take these into account, carefully considering the size of your mouth, the natural shape of your teeth, the shape of your face, and your coloration and skin tone. Dr. Advani takes many hours of continuing education every year to stay up to date on the latest techniques of both general and cosmetic dentistry. He knows how to combine techniques to improve both your appearance and your overall health. Do you think of cosmetic dentistry as something that’s just for “vain people”? This is a common misconception. Everyone deserves to have a smile that looks nice. Think about it – what’s one of the very first things you notice when you meet someone? Probably their smile! What’s yours saying about you?
How can I keep up with my oral health in between visits?
Most people know that they should visit their Elmhurst, IL dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings, but maintaining their oral health in between visits might not be as obvious. In addition to brushing twice each day and flossing once, there are a number of things people can do to maintain their oral health between trips to the dentist: ## Eat nutritious, healthy foods Many crunchy foods are full of fiber, and these stimulate saliva in the mouth, helping to wash away bacteria. Other foods, such as carrots, celery, and broccoli, actually act as natural abrasives, helping to keep teeth clean. ## Avoid soda and other sweetened beverages and drink plenty of water Since most municipalities add fluoride to the water, it’s a good idea to drink tap water. ## Be self-aware of any changes in your mouth If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, this could be an early sign of gum disease. If a tooth is extra sensitive, this could mean you have a cavity that needs to be filled. And if you are in any kind of oral pain, always call your dentist: Pain in the mouth is never normal! Call Mint Smile Studio today to schedule your regular checkups today!
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are expected to last for decades. However, while crowns are made to be strong and durable, just like your own natural teeth, they can break if put under unexpected pressure. A broken crown is considered to be a dental emergency. If one of your crowns should break or come loose, call us immediately for a same-day emergency dental appointment. When you come in for your twice yearly examinations, one of the things Dr. Advani will check is the condition of your restorative dental work, including your crowns. If your crown is found to be in need of repair or replacement, Dr. Advani will let you know and discuss your options with you
Are dental bridges permanent?
Once fixed in place, dental bridges are a permanent dental restoration that fills in the gaps left by missing teeth. A bridge may be held in place by crowns on the abutting teeth or by dental implants. Dental bridges do not require any special care other than the brushing and flossing routine recommended by Dr. Vishal Advani. For this reason, many people prefer bridges to partials or dentures.
Do I need a dental crown?
We use dental crowns to solve a range of problems. Crowns are a versatile and aesthetic way to cover, conceal, and protect teeth in many situations. For instance, we may use a crown to conceal and protect a tooth that has been severely damaged by trauma or decay. This is a good option if the tooth has broken above the gumline and the root is still intact. Whenever possible, we’d prefer to save the tooth and the root because this keeps your periodontal bone healthier and prevents further restorative work in the future. Crowns can also be used to conceal teeth that grew in an unusual way or are significantly discolored to the point where whitening treatments are ineffective. We also frequently recommend crowns following root canal treatment. Because we must remove a great deal of the interior of your tooth during a root canal, the tooth can become brittle and more prone to breakage. A crown helps to protect your tooth and restore it to full function so that you can chew without worry. Today’s crowns are attractive and can be created to look exactly like one of your own natural teeth. This allows them to blend in beautifully with the rest of your teeth so that people won’t know your secret.
How long do dental bridges last?
A dental bridge fills in the gap left behind by missing teeth and prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting. With proper care, your dental bridge can last for up to a decade—or even longer. It’s difficult to answer the question precisely since every patient who has a dental bridge is different. There are many things our patients in Elmhurst, IL can do to ensure their dental bridges last as long as possible. One of the main things patients can do is to avoid foods that might put any stress on their dental bridge. For example, hard or chewy candy can put a lot of pressure on dental bridges. A healthy diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, and fiber is good for oral and overall health. Avoiding sugary and starchy foods can help keep dental decay at bay. Taking good care of your dental bridge by brushing and flossing regularly will also help protect your bridge and your remaining healthy teeth. Many dentists recommend a floss threader, which can get floss under the bridge to remove food that might be trapped there. Visiting your dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings is another important part of making sure your bridge lasts as long as possible. For more information on dental bridges, or to schedule an appointment, call our Elmhurst, IL dental office today at (630)834-1698.
Can I fix cosmetic issues with dental bridges?
Dental bridges have been used for decades to complete the smiles of those who have lost a tooth. Dr. Advani and Dr. Desai and the team at our Elmhurst, IL dental office have helped many of our patients enjoy a full smile by using dental bridges. Nothing can ruin a beautiful smile more than a missing tooth. The loss of a tooth is a serious dental issue that can lead to serious oral health problems, but that's not the worst of it. It doesn’t matter how or why you lost the tooth. You still feel self-conscious and embarrassed wherever you go, as if that space in your mouth speaks for you! A dental bridge is a single unit that is usually made up of three parts and includes an artificial tooth, or pontic, suspended by two crowns. The crowns are made to fit the teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth, providing strong support for the artificial tooth that sits in the center. Dental bridges not only restore your appearance but they also enable you to eat and speak comfortably. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of dental bridges, please call our ELmhurst, IL dental office. We will be happy to arrange a Free Smile Consultation with Dr. Vishal Advani or Dr. Shivani Desai so they can answer your questions and go over all your options.
Will I need to see another professional to have my dental implants placed?
Dr. Vishal Advani is skilled in both the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants. This means you can get all your dental implant work from the same dentist you already trust, saving you time and hassle. Dr. Advani has placed over 1000 implants and has extensive surgical experience. Along with the surgical placement of implants, he performs bone grafts and sinus lifts for patients who have lost bone. For more information on dental implants, give us a call at Elk Grove Village Smile Center today at (847) 437-3250.
What's the difference between dental implants and dentures?
These days, you have several options available to replace missing teeth. Two of the most popular options are dental implants and dentures. These two systems work in very different ways. Dentures are a removable option that can replace all of your teeth (complete dentures) or some of your teeth (partial dentures). Dental implants can replace as many teeth as you like and are a permanent option that you care for just like you would your own teeth. Patients are often concerned about the cost of replacing missing teeth and may find themselves gravitating toward the cheaper cost of dentures without really considering all the benefits of dental implants. While this is understandable, we do urge you to think of dental implants as an investment in your future dental health. Unlike dentures, dental implants actually become a part of your mouth. The metal part of the implant is surgically placed directly into your jaw bone, where it eventually integrates with the bone. This process is important because it provides implants with their key advantage over all other types of tooth replacement options; namely, that dental implants help to preserve precious dental bone. If cost is still an issue, we can discuss a combination of these two options called implant-retained dentures, in which the dentures are securely held in place using strategically placed dental implants.
How long will it take to have a dental implant placed?
The procedure to have a dental implant surgically placed by Dr. Advani usually takes an hour or less. This includes the time to review what the procedure will entail and the post-op instructions after the procedure. You'll be eating a soft diet for the first 3 days and will be able to drive yourself home right after the procedure. For more information on dental implants, or to schedule an appointment, call our Elk Grove Village dental office today at (847) 437-3250.
Do dental implants hurt?
Many patients wonder if the surgical placement of a dental implant hurts. Dr. Advani will give you local anethetic and make sure the area is very numb before starting the procedure. Once the area is numb, no pain or sharpness will be felt. There is only slight pressure that's felt during the procedure. Most patients don't feel anything and don't even realize the implant has been placed when the procedure is over. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and that includes the post-op instructions. A prescription may be given after the procedure, but most patients typically only need over-the-counter Tylenol or Advil for the first 1-2 days after the procedure. For more information on dental implants, or to schedule an appointment, call our Elk Grove Village dental office today at (847) 437-3250
What can I eat after having dental implants placed?
After the placement of the dental implant by Dr. Vishal Advani, post-op instructions will be reviewed. A soft diet will be recommended for at least 3 days, which includes: yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies and bananas. You'll be able to eat a couple hours after the procedure, when the anesthetic has fully worn off. For more information on dental implants, or to schedule an appointment, call our Elk Grove Village dental office today at (847) 437-3250
How can you get teeth the same day with the All-on-4 technique?
The All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-Day procedure is a very precise surgical technique where broken and loose teeth are removed in one day and the surgical placement of 4-6 dental implants is performed. After the removal of the teeth and the placement of the implants, a denture or bridge is attached to the implants and screwed into the implants the same day. Dr. Vishal Advani is very skilled at this surgical procedure and has performed this procedure for many patients. The procedure can be carried out due to precise planning by Dr. Advani, which is done at the consultation visit. Dr. Advani will take a CT scan and review the procedure with you in detail before scheduling the procedure. For more information on All-On-4, or to schedule a Free Consultation and 3D X-ray (CT scan), call our Elk Grove Village dental office today at (847) 437-3250 or schedule an appointment online
Will dental insurance pay for my implants?
Most dental insurances will pay for a portion of dental implants and the crown or bridge that attaches to the implants. Typically, insurances cover 50% of the cost of dental implants. If you have questions regarding if your dental insurance covers implants, please contact our office and we can call your insurance company and let you know the exact cost and how much your dental insurance will cover the procedure.
Will a root canal save my tooth?
If the root canal of your tooth is infected or injured, root canal therapy may be the only way to save your tooth and prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth. Despite the bad reputation of the root canal, the actual procedure is not painful. If you are worried about discomfort, talk to Dr. Advani. We have options available to make you more comfortable, including nitrous oxide.
Does a Root Canal hurt?
Many patients are worried about getting a root canal because they assume it will hurt. In most cases, patients that need a root canal are already having sensitivity or pain and the root canal will help to make the pain go away. Once dental anesthesia is given, you won't feel any kind of pain during the root canal procedure. Dr. Vishal Advani and Dr. Shivani Desai are trained in performing painless root canals and making sure your visit goes smoothly.