Dental Implants. Whats all the Buzz?

Dental Implants have been around for a long time but only recently have they been so marketed to the public. Thats because research has shown us that a PROPERLY done dental implant is the best and most long lasting option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. An implant is the closest thing to nature we can do in dentistry. We replace the missing root with a new titanium root and then attach a post and crown to it. It mimics the natural tooth unlike a bridge or denture. Here is a diagram showing what an implant is. It mimics a natural tooth in every way. At Aesthetic Smiles in Boise Idaho an implant is the treatment of choice to replace a missing tooth.

An implant is not suseptable to things like cavities, root canals, and other things that harm natural teeth. If properly cared for an Implant has the potential to last a lifetime, which makes it much more economical then other treatment options. Implants help preserve the jaw bone which over time atrophies when a tooth is removed. Implants can be used to hold a denture in place, replace a whole mouth of missing or problematic teeth, or just replace 1 missing tooth. The possibilites are endless with dental implants. They can also look very natural if done with proper care and attention. This smile has one of their front teeth as an implant. Can u tell which one? Probably not.

Make sure that the Dentist preforming the procedure is highly qualified and has lots of experience. Ask to see examples of their work. Implants are a very technique sensitive procedure that can have devastating failures if not done correctly. Much of our practice is fixing problems from past treatment done elsewhere. At Aesthetic Smiles we use 3D technology and computer guided surgery to ensure accurate placement. Aesthetic Smiles is a leader in the dental implant industry is the Boise Idaho area. Dental Implants are a routine procedure in our office and we take the time to ensure successful outcomes. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation to see if you're a candidate for dental implants, call us at 208-888-0662 or visit us at http://www.LoveYoursmileidaho.com

The Truth About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry is a term thrown around a lot, especially in advertisement about dentists. Every dentist around claims on their ads to be a cosmetic dentist. The truth is that there is no recognized specialty in dentistry for Cosmetics, unlike medicine. Thus anyone can claim to do cosmetic dentistry or be a cosmetic dentist. I would argue that preforming cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, bonding, or any type of dentistry that has to do with the smile is some of the most technically challenging things we do in dentistry. The attention to detail and a meticulous eye are necessary to get great outcomes. The techniques for optimal cosmetic treatment are not taught in school. Extensive training post graduation are necessary to understand good cosmetic dentistry techniques. Many do not invest the time, money, and energy to get the proper training.

That is why it is so important to do your research when seeking someone to your smile makeover. It is important to research their education. It is important to see before and after pictures of their own work. Many dentist keep stock photography books in their office or pictures on their website that are not of work they did. Any great cosmetic dentist will have detailed photography of any smile makeover they have done. Make sure you see a dentist who does this type of work all the time, not just dabbles in it from time to time.

At Aesthetic Smiles we have dedicated our practice to preforming amazing cosmetic dentistry. Our training is second to none. We take the time to make sure your smile is healthy and beautiful and accurately done. We preform these cosmetic services every day in our office. Dr. Pilling is a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. One of only a few in the state of Idaho. He is President of the Idaho Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He mentors and trains other dentists who are learning to preform cosmetic dentistry. He is known as the doctor to see for your smile in the Boise, Meridian, and Eagle Idaho area. We have been serving the Treasure Valley for a long time and our signature smiles speak for themselves. Go to our website and see our patients or come to the office for a free consultation. www.loveyoursmileidaho.com

Are My Teeth From China

A common question we get lately is "Are my dental crowns and restorations made in China?" This is a valid concern. Things made in China have come under the microscope as reports of harmful substances are found in certain products made there. This trend of having things made in China has spilled over into the dental community. Many labs and dentists outsource their dental crowns and restorations to China. The main reason is cost. Labs in China can make things for a fraction of the cost. So what are the drawbacks? Some reports have found elevated amounts of lead in these restorations. More then the FDA recommends. Things made is China do not go under the same quality control measures used here in the USA. Most reports show poor quality both cosmetically and fit wise when it comes to these restorations. At Aesthetic Smiles we would never compromise quality just to save a few bucks. Chances are that you would need the work replaces sooner then usual resulting actually more cost. I would never use a dental lab from China to create work for me or my family, so we would never do it to a patient. We use some of the best dental labs available who create beautiful, natural, and healthy dental restorations. It doesn't matter whether you live in Beverly Hills or Boise Idaho, you deserve the best dentistry. So next time you get a dental crown you should ask where it's being made.

Here is a news clip discussing the issue.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Porcelain Veneers are the ultimate treatment option for people wanting a smile makeover. At Aesthetic Smiles in Boise, Idaho we are highly trained in the art and science of Smile enhancements. Porcelain Veneers and smile makeovers are our expertise. We have provided smile makeovers for many people in the Boise, Meridian, and Eagle, Idaho area. We have also had patients travel from around the world to seek out our services.

Porcelain Veneers can change the Shape, Size, and Color of your smile. Porcelain veneers are used to close spaces or gaps in your teeth, lengthen your teeth, or restore your teeth. You can pretty much get the smile of your dreams with porcelain veneers. Here is a funny video about how Porcelain Veneers can help your smile

If Porcelain Veneers are done correctly they can be as strong or stronger than your original teeth. The process is done by fusing custom fabricated porcelain to your existing teeth. They feel and look just like your natural teeth. They do not feel bulky or fake.

Why should I have my Porcelain Veneers done by Dr. Pilling? At Aesthetic Smiles we have dedicated our practice to providing excellent dentistry. Smile makeovers are some of the most difficult procedures done in dentistry. As president of the Idaho Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry our training is unique. We perform these smile makeover procedures on a regular basis. It's important to have someone with a great deal of experience work on your smile. We ensure that you get the best dentistry has to offer. Our work speaks for itself. Here is a smile makeover recently done on someone who wanted longer and more healthy teeth. Veneers were used to restore her smile back to ideal. She didn't like her old fake looking crowns in her smile.

One thing we pride ourselves on is our Minimally Invasive Technique. We can place veneers with minimal or no preparation of the existing teeth. This means less damage to what you already have. This is crucial in the longevity of Porcelain Veneers. Being conservative is important and for our patients it leads to a better result with little to no side effects. For a Complimentary Smile Analysis and Consultations contact our office. www.LoveYourSmileIdaho.com

Common Questions About Porcelain Veneers

How much does it cost?

-Smile Makeovers range significantly in cost depending on what procedures are chosen and how many teeth are treated. We can usually fit a smile makeover into any budget. We'll do our best to find what works best for you.

How Long does it take?

-Smile make overs using veneers can be done in as little as 1-2 comfortable visits. We can usually work within your schedule.

How Long do they last?

-This is difficult to answer. It all depends on the amount of wear and tear you put on your teeth. With good hygiene and proper care they should last a long time. We have seen these last decades in the right situations.

Does it Hurt?

-Our patients report little to no discomfort with the procedure. Because we use minimally invasive techniques we find little to no sensitivity or discomfort. This procedure, if done correctly, should not impact your life, other then make you smile more.

How do the feel?

-Our Porcelain Veneer technique creates teeth that look and feel natural. They feel like they are part of your mouth and like your real teeth. They do not feel bulky or fake.

6 (six) Month Speed Braces or Veneers?

BRACES OR VENEERS?

Dentistry now has more options then it used to when it comes to improving your smile. More and more people are becoming aware of this as television shows such as Extreme Makeover have educated the public about what dentists can do to improve your image.

Many of the complaints I often here about ones smile is, "I have crooked teeth", "I have spaces or gaps in my teeth", "I don't like my overbite", "I have bucky or beaver teeth" or "My smile is crooked." The list goes on.

Most of these cosmetic issues can be fixed with braces. Although veneers are a great option to fix most smile issues, orthodontics is always an alternative. In fact in many instances orthodontics or braces is the preferred method.

The benefits of braces are that treatment can be more conservative as well as less costly. The downside has always been the length of treatment. Typically comprehensive orthodontics can be 2 years or more. Because the goals of comprehensive orthodontics is to create an ideal bite and fix the back teeth, treatment can often be lengthy. If comprehensive orthodontics is the goal of treatment then we can also help. As a Licensed General Dentist we can often meet most of your dental needs.

At Aesthetic Smiles we are happy and excited to offer an alternative to those not wanting to go through lengthy orthodontic therapy. It's called our 6 (six) month speed braces. It is a way to create a beautiful smile in about 6 months without having to go through 2 years of braces or the expense of veneers. It consists of wearing tooth colored brackets on the teeth that show in your smile (THE SMILE ZONE). We use new wires with technology to quickly move the teeth in your smile. Before you know it you'll have straight teeth and a great smile.

Most of our patients choose this treatment because their goals are to have a better smile, in a short amount of time, at a reasonable cost, and with minimal intervention. Many of our patients comment on how most people did not even know they were wearing braces or that the 6 (six) months flew by so fast that it was over before they knew it.

Our 6 (six) month speed braces is a great alternative to veneers. Although veneers are the ultimate choice when it comes to making over a smile, 6 (six) month speed braces is quickly become a close second. People who have chipped, worn, discolored, or unhealthy teeth can benefit greatly from veneers. If you feel that you like your teeth but they just aren't in the right position then 6 (six) month speed braces may be right for you. Please contact us to see if you are a candidate for 6 (six) month speed braces.

Here is a short Video describing the technique.

visit the official site www.6monthsmiles.com

Here is an example of how our speed braces technique corrected a smile

Dr. Wade Pilling is a dentist in the Boise, Eagle, and Meridian Idaho area who focus's on General and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Teeth Whitening Boise - Laser Tooth Whitening , Bleaching

Teeth Whitening Boise - Laser whitening and bleaching options.



WHICH ONE SHOULD I DO? Laser or trays?



Teeth whitening is probably the most popular and conservative cosmetic procedure we do. Most people are a candidate for teeth whitening. People often want to know which way is better. Doing the in-office laser whitening or using trays at home? The answer depends on many factors.



First one must make sure they are a candidate for teeth whitening. Most people are. Things that would exclude a patient are previous dental work on teeth needing whitening. Dental work does not change color. So if you have any crowns or fillings on your front teeth they will not change color and you'll be left needing to replace dental work to match your new shade. This is why many over-the-counter products should be avoided because you may be in for a surprise when certain teeth don't bleach. This is easily detected by a dentist so that you are aware of this before hand. This is why anyone needing dental work should make sure they are happy with the color of their teeth and if not, they should whiten before the work is performed.



Also, certain types of staining will just not bleach. Tetracycline staining or other major internal staining will not bleach out and may require veneers to change the color of the tooth. Also teeth with very thin or no enamel will not bleach as well.



When it comes to whitening, concentration of bleach and time are the 2 most important factors. Over-the-counter concentrations are not strong enough to make much difference. Only a dentist can provide a concentration strong enough to significantly whiten teeth.



In office laser whitening uses the highest concentration. It's so high that we can't send it home with you for fear of damage to the gums and surrounding tissue. That is why we retract the lips and put barriers on all the tissue so no bleach comes in contact with anything other then the teeth. The procedure takes about an hour and definitely produces the quickest results. Sensitivity is minor or non-existent as desensitizer is placed on the teeth during the procedure.



Take home whitening uses custom made trays that are used to hold the bleach close to the teeth for a couple of hours. This method is also highly effective but requires much diligence as some people take a long time to bleach. I recommend patients put the trays in and go to bed with them in. The bleach will eventually neutralize and you won't over bleach. This process can take up to 6 months or more depending on how well your teeth bleach and your desired final outcome. On average 6-8 weeks is required. Sensitivity is minimal due to desensitizer mixed in with our bleach.



For someone serious about tooth whitening we recommend a combination of the two. An in-office treatment combined with a short time of home whitening usually delivers great results. The take home trays can then be used for maintenance every so often.



Whitening is very safe and a great way to begin improving your smile. We are usually running promotions with teeth whitening, so check our office for more details.

Mercury Fillings Removal Boise - White Fillings Meridian - Eagle

Information about mercury fillings and the dangers associated with them. Learn about mercury filling removal in Boise, Meridian and Eagle, Idaho and replace with white fillings ( composite fillings)



ARE METAL FILLINGS DANGEROUS? This is one of the most common questions we get in our dental office. It has been a controversial subject in dentistry and the public, as well as the FDA, have had changing views.

Here is a link offering more info.

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/oral-care/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100233307&GT1=31029

Mercury fillings have been used for over 150 years. Although mercury is a dangerous material it is combined with silver alloy to create amalgam fillings.

Amalgam today is still used by most dental offices. This is because it is a very strong and long-lasting material. It is also very easily placed which is why it is so commonly used.

Today dentistry has more choices for fillings, including gold, composites (tooth colored plastic), or porcelain. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of Amalgam are its strength and ease of placement. Its disadvantages are many. In order to place amalgam fillings quite often excess tooth structure must be removed. In order for amalgam to be strong is must be large, many times larger then the cavity dictates. This often results in a weakened tooth which is more prone to fracture. It often leaves thin walls of enamel that aren't strong enough to resist the forces in the mouth. Amalgam can also expand and contract with temperature and time, resulting in cracks and fractures of the remaining tooth. This can result in the need for crowns, root canals, or even worse, loss of tooth. With newer materials we can be more conservative in our treatment.



Amalgam is also an unsightly material. It darkens and tarnishes over time leaving the remaining tooth dark, blue, or grey. Perhaps you have seen someone with a tooth that looks grey or blue. This is usually an old metal filling shining through the tooth or leaking.

The FDA has been changing their position on Dental Amalgam. In most parts of the country it is illegal to dump mercury into the environment. So why is it safe to store it in your mouth? While I don't believe that amalgam fillings are dangerous I do not place them in my practice. I do not recommend replacing all your metal fillings unless there is reason to do so. Cracks, leakage, decay, fracture, weak tooth, and aesthetics are all good reasons to replace them.

At Aesthetic Smiles we use the best, most beautiful, and long lasting materials. A properly done composite filling can be beautiful, strong, and long lasting. It can also be a more conservative restoration leaving more of the tooth undamaged. If done improperly it can fail quickly. Composite (white fillings) are more time consuming to place and more technique sensitive. It is important that your dentist be trained and highly competent in bonding composite fillings.





In summary I believe amalgam to be safe from the research we have seen to date. I also believe it can be a great restoration in the right situation. We most likely get more mercury exposure from our environment then we do from our fillings. That being said it would not be the restoration of choice in my mouth.