Cosmetic Dentistry Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Two Brothers, Both Missing Teeth – the Stories of Anders and Lars

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Family is very important to us here at Eggert Family Dentistry and serving entire families is one of our biggest joys. We love following trends in families because we can often help stop dental disease in its tracks, especially for children of parents that have been patients for years. We truly appreciate the trust so many families put in the care of our doctors – Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert, as well as our dedicated team. A positive dentist-patient relationship is the cornerstone of good oral health for your whole family. Now, meet Anders and Lars, two brothers who came to us as new patients, joining their father who had been seeing Dr. Elizabeth for over a decade.

Lars and Anders both had congenitally missing teeth, meaning they weren’t born with certain teeth. Missing teeth, also known as hypodontia, is a hereditary condition and often runs in families. A congenitally missing tooth is one of the most common dental developmental anomalies. In fact, roughly 20% of adults have at least one tooth that never developed.

What did Lars and Anders want?

Lars and Anders both started orthodontics before they were patients at Eggert Family Dentistry. With their parents and their orthodontist, Lars and Anders chose to close the space where they were missing a lateral incisor (tooth #10). The hope was that when they were old enough, the canine tooth could be “converted” to look like a lateral incisor. This is not the easiest restorative conversion and it can lead to long-term bite issues, but Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth were ready to take on the challenge and help Lars and Anders address their esthetic concerns, meanwhile, hoping to help them stabilize their bites for long-term success.

What was involved?

In addition to the missing lateral incisors, both Lars and Anders had spacing and tooth size discrepancies for their other incisors. It was recommended to buildup their anterior teeth with composite resin, doing composite veneers, to address these spacing and tooth shape issues. Because Lars and Anders are still young adults, composite resin was chosen as the material of choice because it is a very conservative option and will allow for easy conversion to porcelain materials down the line for ultimate esthetics as these two move along into adulthood.

After preplanning appointments to gather impressions for models to use for a wax-up and an appointment to mock-up the teeth and view the proposal, both Lars and Anders had their tooth changes done in only one appointment!

What do they think?

Both brothers are typical, busy, college students, but we were able to flag them down regarding their treatment. They report that things have settled in nicely and they are getting used to the changes. Lars told us, “I feel good about the treatment. It’s different, but as I look at them every day, I really like it.” He told us he was a little nervous before the treatment because we were changing the look of his teeth, but he was confident in the doctors at Eggert Family Dentistry and knew the process would be worth it. He would tell someone else considering this procedure to “Trust the process. The doctors at Eggert Family Dentistry know what they are doing. It can be scary, but really there isn’t anything to worry about.”

We are so pleased to be able to give these brothers a new matching set to smile with. Thank you for the trust you place in our team at Eggert Family Dentistry. We look forward to many years caring for you and your family!

Can You Get Decay Under a Dental Crown?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you invest in a dental crown, you expect it to last for many years. Crowns are designed to restore both the look and function of your tooth, but did you know it’s still possible to get decay under a crown? Even though a crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth structure underneath it is still vulnerable. If decay develops under the crown, it can compromise the health of your tooth and eventually require crown replacement.

Decay under a crown often happens when bacteria find their way to the margin where the crown meets your natural tooth. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up along this edge and cause cavities just like it would on any other tooth. Excessive force from habits like grinding or clenching your teeth can also cause tiny openings or fractures in the crown or cause a breakdown in the marginal seal, creating space for bacteria to sneak in. Over time, these issues can lead to decay hidden beneath the crown.

On average, statistics suggest that dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, although with excellent care, many can last even longer. The exact lifespan depends on a variety of factors including your oral hygiene, dietary habits, bite force, and how well the crown was initially placed. Even the best crowns are not indestructible, and wear and tear over time is normal. Think of all the chewing cycles your teeth go through every year, like tires on your car, they are not immune to wearing out or breaking down.

The best way to extend the life of your crown is to take care of it just like you would your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing are essential, especially around the gumline where bacteria like to gather. Using a night guard if you grind your teeth can protect your crowns from unnecessary force. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are equally important because they give your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN a chance to detect early signs of wear or decay before problems become serious.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are committed to helping you maintain your crowns for as long as possible. During your recare exams, we carefully evaluate your crowns to make sure they are functioning properly and to look for any signs of decay. If a crown does need to be replaced, we work with you to ensure the process is smooth and your smile stays healthy and strong. By partnering with us and staying proactive about your dental care, you can enjoy the longest possible lifespan from your crowns.

Is it time for your recare exam or do you need to establish care with a caring dental office? Don’t delay! Call us at 651-482-8412 for an appointment today!

The Evolution of Veneers: What’s Happened in the Last 20 Years?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve ever dreamed of achieving a stunning, confident smile, porcelain veneers may be the perfect solution—and they’ve come a long way in the past two decades. Veneers, which are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth, were once limited in both material and appearance. But thanks to advances in dental technology and materials, veneers today look more natural, last longer, and require less alteration to your natural tooth structure than they did 20 years ago.

In the early 2000s, veneers were typically made from composite resin or early-generation porcelain. While these materials offered cosmetic improvements, they were often thicker, more opaque, and not as durable. Today, modern veneers are typically crafted from advanced porcelain materials like lithium disilicate (often branded as emax). This material provides superior strength, lifelike translucency, and longevity—meaning your smile looks more natural and can last well over a decade with proper care.

Choosing veneers can offer you many benefits beyond just esthetics. Veneers can correct a variety of dental issues, including discoloration, chips, gaps, misalignment, and worn teeth. They’re custom-made to match your ideal tooth shape and shade, allowing you to design the smile you’ve always wanted. Plus, modern techniques allow for minimal tooth reduction, preserving more of your natural tooth structure than ever before.

It’s no surprise that many celebrities have turned to veneers to perfect their smiles. Stars like Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, and Zac Efron are known to have undergone smile makeovers that included at least some veneers. These transformations have made veneers a popular option not just for the rich and famous, but for anyone looking to boost their confidence and improve their appearance. Whether you’re prepping for a wedding, an important presentation, or just want to love your smile more, veneers offer a dramatic yet natural-looking upgrade.

How Eggert Family Dentistry Can Help

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert specialize in transforming lives with cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers. They take a comprehensive, personalized approach to ensure your new smile complements your facial features, personality, and oral health goals. Their expertise and attention to detail have helped countless patients achieve beautiful, functional results they can be proud of.

If you’re considering a smile transformation, now is the perfect time to explore what veneers can do for you. Many patients who come in hoping for a Tom Cruise–level transformation leave with a boost in confidence, better function, and lasting esthetic results. With advancements in materials and techniques, and the skilled hands of the team at Eggert Family Dentistry, you can experience the life-changing confidence of a flawless smile with minimal reduction to your natural teeth. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself—starting with your smile.

If you’re inspired by what Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus, and Zac Efron achieved, imagine what the personalized expertise and attention at Eggert Family Dentistry can do for you. Whether you’re dealing with slight misalignment, discoloration, spacing, or simply want to enhance your smile, veneers combined with a tailored treatment plan—just like theirs—could be your path to a transformation. Call us today at 651-482-8412 so we can help YOU shine too!

“My Teeth are Chipping, What Can We Do?” – Tim’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Tim has been a patient with Eggert Family Dentistry since the early 2000’s. Up until recently he had only been in for his recare appointments and a few restorations, but then he started noticing that his front teeth were chipping. He wanted to know what he could do to address it. As we age, our teeth naturally undergo changes that can affect our appearance and health. These changes include enamel thinning, increased risk of cavities and gum disease, tooth discoloration, and of course chipping. Proactive oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help mitigate these effects and maintain a healthy smile throughout life, but sometimes intervention is needed.

Tim discussed the issue with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN and she invited Tim to undergo the Records Process. She noticed things about Tim’s smile and jaw that would be contributing to his chipping. His current tooth positions and a history of acid erosion on his teeth were especially to blame. She let him know that over time he would continue to have wear and chipping on his front teeth and as they got smaller, he would in turn have excessive forces on his back teeth. Tim wanted to learn more so he took her advice and started the Records Process.

What did he want?

Tim had not really given much thought to his teeth beyond the functionality of them such as eating and speaking, but it was important to him to keep his teeth long term. He only became aware of the chipping a few years ago, even though the process started long ago. Through the Records Process, Dr. Elizabeth helped him better understand what is happening with his muscles, jaws, and teeth and how they all relate to each other. He wanted to understand why the chipping was occurring and he wanted to be able to keep his teeth healthy for the long-haul.

What was involved?

The Records Process helped us gather information about how Tim uses his teeth and we found that the narrowness of his upper and lower jaws put his teeth in a position that put the edges at risk for chipping. Many times, people with a narrow arch produce more acid, which also thins the enamel, making it more prone to wear, tear, and chipping.

Tim’s teeth needed to change position before the chipping could adequately be addressed. Invisalign was recommended as a conservative and convenient way to move his teeth. After completing splint therapy with an anterior deprogrammer to verify his muscle and joint positions, Tim started Invisalign. It took 14 months for Tim’s teeth to move into positions where the edges wouldn’t chip.

Getting the teeth in a better position to stop the chipping meant that more spaces would open up between Tim’s teeth. This was an anticipated side effect and was discussed with Tim during the Records Process. Tim agreed that porcelain veneers should be used to both close down his spacing and protect his enamel. 12 veneers were needed – 6 for Tim’s upper front teeth and 6 for his lower front teeth.

Dr. Elizabeth used emax veneers for Tim’s restorations. Emax is a type of dental porcelain made from lithium disilicate, a glass ceramic, and is known for strength, durability, and a natural appearance. Veneers made from emax are thin, translucent, and closely mimic the look of natural tooth enamel, which makes them a popular choice for cosmetic dental work, or in Tim’s case to also help with improved function and durability!

What does he think?

Tim mentioned that he was concerned with how long the process would take, but he felt informed along the way. He spends a majority of his time in Florida during the winter to get away from the Minnesota cold, but even having to work around that didn’t slow things down. He was able to take his Invisalign aligners with him to Florida and he updated Dr. Elizabeth with photos of his progress. Even through it did take awhile from start to finish, he is very happy with the results and likes that he can eat and speak like normal. When asked what he would say to anyone about his treatment, he said he would recommend it and tell them what the whole process was like for him. Congratulations on your commitment and great result Tim! We love working with you and we thank you for putting your trust in us! Call Eggert Family Dentistry today at 651-482-8412 to talk about your dental issues and to find out if veneers are the right way to improve your smile!

Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Orthodontic Option is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When it comes to straightening your teeth and achieving a healthier, more functional smile, today’s orthodontic options offer more choices than ever. Two of the most common treatments are traditional braces with wires and brackets and Invisalign clear aligners. Each method has its advantages and is suited to different types of orthodontic cases. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about your treatment—and at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are here to guide you every step of the way.

Traditional Brackets and Wires

Traditional braces have been used for decades and remain an excellent option for more complex cases. If you have significant bite issues, severe crowding, or complex tooth movements that need to occur, your orthodontist may recommend metal or ceramic braces. These systems are extremely effective and allow for precise control over tooth movement. However, they are more visible and can sometimes be more difficult to clean around, which requires extra attention to oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

Invisalign

Invisalign, on the other hand, offers a more discreet and flexible option. This system uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues, or minor bite adjustments. Because the aligners are removable, they allow you to eat and clean your teeth with ease. However, their success depends on your commitment—you need to wear them at least 20-22 hours per day to get the best results.

How to Choose?

Orthodontists often choose between these treatments based on your specific case, your age, your lifestyle, and the complexity of tooth movement required. Traditional braces can treat a wider range of issues, while Invisalign offers a more convenient and esthetically pleasing alternative for those who qualify. At Eggert Family Dentistry, while Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth don’t take on every orthodontic case, they do provide Invisalign treatment for many patients and have the expertise to guide you into which path is right for you.

If your case requires more advanced intervention, the Eggert’s work closely with trusted orthodontic specialists in the area. Even if you’re referred out, they stay actively involved in your care—monitoring your progress and helping guide the orthodontist to ensure your final results are as favorable as possible. And once your orthodontic treatment is complete, Eggert Family Dentistry can help you finish your smile with any necessary restorative work such as bonding, whitening, or veneers.

Whether you’re just beginning to think about straightening your teeth or you’re looking for expert guidance on your current treatment, Eggert Family Dentistry is here to help you navigate your options. Call us today at 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that supports your oral health, confidence, and long-term success!

My Lifetime of Dentistry for an Amazing Smile – W’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

W (patient name and face photos withheld at patient’s request) has been working with Dr. Elizabeth since she took the practice over from Dr. Jensen in 2005. Prior to that, W had been working with Dr. Jensen since the early 1990’s! In the 20 years Dr. Elizabeth has been working with W, he has undergone various dental treatments, including multiple implants, a bridge, and crowns. W has also undergone some periodontal therapy to help maintain his bone and gum tissues in their healthiest state. While working with Dr. Jensen, W did have anterior veneers placed. Unfortunately, W’s veneers were starting to decay and he was opening up space between his teeth due to heavy forces his bite was putting on his teeth. Dr. Elizabeth talked to W about replacing the veneers, but because of the heavy forces, she recommended the records process first.

What was recommended?

Back in 2011, W went through the records process with Dr. Elizabeth because his teeth were moving and because he started losing posterior teeth from root cracks. At that time, she recommended orthodontic treatment for W along with a plan to replace the veneers on his front teeth. At that time, W chose not to proceed with treatment. Fast forward to 2023 and W had decay that was causing the need to replace his veneers so W went through the records process again.

W has always had a “deep bite.” This means that his front and back teeth, especially for his lower arch are not at the same and even level (it is like there is a “step-down” from the anterior teeth to the posterior teeth). This deep bite causes excessive forces on his teeth, putting them at risk for breaking. Since 2011, W has lost more posterior teeth due to root cracks so again Dr. Elizabeth discussed the benefits of orthodontics to help even out W’s bite forces. However, we now have the option to do this for W with Invisalign. It was recommended that W undergo Invisalign with Dr. Elizabeth before replacing his upper and lower veneers.

What did he want?

W understood the benefits of moving his teeth to improve the forces. He wasn’t excited about the prospect of orthodontics, but agreed that he wanted his new veneers to last as long as possible and he understood that moving his teeth with Invisalign was a good way to help make that happen. He also noted he wanted to maintain his natural teeth for a lifetime and did not want any more missing teeth. He also was very sure that he did not want dentures, ever! After deep consideration and after putting his trust in Dr. Elizabeth, W agreed to move forward with Invisalign before replacing his veneers for his anterior teeth.

What was involved?

W’s Invisalign treatment required 30 aligners and was expected to take up to 15 months. However, W was so compliant with using his aligners as directed and keeping them in for 22 hours per day, that Dr. Elizabeth was able to recommend more frequent aligner changes and he was able to finish his Invisalign treatment in only seven months! Invisalign works wonders with motivated and compliant patients. The goals of Invisalign for W were to improve his deep bite, even out the spacing for his upper anterior teeth, and create symmetry for his gum tissue levels.

The photos show W’s smile after Invisalign. It is possible to see more of W’s lower anterior teeth now because his deep bite was addressed. Due to the wear on W’s teeth and their original positioning, there is still a “step” in his bite until the restorations are done.

After Invisalign was completed, W and Dr. Elizabeth went through the planning stages for his new veneers. She was able to plan for veneers for W’s lower anterior teeth, but the upper teeth would now be porcelain crowns to help fill in the spaces between W’s upper teeth. Twelve all porcelain restorations were planned for W.

W elected to sit through a full day with Dr. Elizabeth to prepare all twelve teeth for his new restorations. It was a tiring day, but he was a trooper! Two days later, Dr. Elizabeth had him back to finalize his temporaries and zero-in on his bite. Since W was fatigued and numb on the prep day, it was nice to be able to address the bite at the later time. At that time, W reported he was doing very well and was happy with how everything looked in the temporary phase.

Three weeks later, W’s restorations were ready and Dr. Elizabeth cemented them in and final scans were taken to fabricate W’s Invisalign retainers.

What does he think?

W was very open and honest about how he felt about the plan and process throughout the course of treatment. He admitted that he was very reluctant to do it all but glad that he did move forward. He especially was hesitant to do Invisalign treatment, but admitted, “It actually was not as bad as I thought it would be. Once I got used to the aligners it was ok. I was dreading the treatment time for Invisalign, but it went really well.”

We asked W what he would tell a friend or family member that was considering the same or similar treatment he said, “You need to trust your dentist and if you believe that it’s a good thing, then do it. You are not the professional! Have faith and trust your dentist.”

After W’s final bite and reevaluation appointment, he sent a very kind letter to Dr. Elizabeth. It really meant a lot to her to hear what W had to say. He noted “You had suggested this several years ago and I declined. What changed my mind was your professional opinion that this was necessary for my oral health. I have faith and trust in you as a professional and I realized not to follow your advice would be foolish on my part…As it turned out, the experience was not as dreadful as I expected it to be. Through this process, you and your team were wonderful. You were careful and made sure every step of the process was done exactly right, checking and rechecking as necessary. That made me feel very confident and ensured the success of the process. Thank you for the excellent work you did and please thank your team. They too should be proud of the excellent work they do for the patients of Eggert Family Dentistry.”

Thank you, W for trusting us with your smile! Also, thank you for your kind words. We treasure when patients are happy and it feels good to be recognized for the help we can provide! We look forward to working with you for many more years to come.

The Role of Dental Crowns in Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Believe it or not, dental crowns have been around since ancient times. Thought to have originated in Italy in the 700s BC, these first crowns were made of gold and communicated status among the aristocratic population. Fast forward two millennia to 1903, when Dr. Charles Land developed the first crown with hints of porcelain material as a way to repair a broken tooth.

Today, the role of crowns is two-fold. Crowns are both structural and aesthetic. Let’s take a closer look!

What Are Dental Crowns?

If you’ve heard people talk about crowns but you’re not entirely sure what they are, think of a crown like a hat or helmet for your tooth. This “helmet” fits snugly over your natural tooth, protecting it from splitting or breaking. Then it’s bonded into place. Before placing a crown, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert removes a small amount of enamel from your tooth to ensure a proper fit.

Crowns are available in porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two. With the steadily improving porcelains over the years, porcelain remains the most popular choice among today’s dentists. It is highly durable, looks natural, and can be matched closely to the color of your existing teeth. Porcelain is both functional and aesthetic.

How Are Dental Crowns Created?

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert begins by examining your tooth and taking any necessary imagery to check its health and structure. If they determine that a crown is the best choice for your tooth, they will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it to ready it for the crown. Then, they will take an impression or scan of your tooth either electronically or with putty.

In many cases, our amazing dentists can create your crown the same day with our CEREC method. If they need to order your crown from an outside dental lab, they will fit you with a temporary acrylic crown, and you will schedule an appointment for your permanent crown two weeks later. Any crown you receive at Eggert Family Dentistry will match the color, shape, and size of your natural tooth for a flawless appearance!

When Are Dental Crowns The Best Choice?

By nature, teeth are subjected to significant wear and tear. Over time, they can develop cracks, fractures and even start to decay. In these instances, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert generally recommend dental crowns to strengthen these weak teeth and extend the life of the natural teeth as long as possible. Restoring the integrity of a tooth or teeth is a crown’s primary function.

A Crown’s Many Jobs

Indeed, crowns are champs when it comes to protecting compromised teeth. But crowns have other important jobs as well!

Crowns can be placed on the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth to anchor a dental bridge securely.
Crowns can cover discolored teeth, creating a brighter smile.
Read Mary’s story!
Crowns should always be placed over a tooth after a root canal treatment to keep the tooth from cracking.
Crowns are placed on top of dental implants to restore function and appearance.

Extend Crown Life With Proper Maintenance

Crowns are durable, but they’re not indestructible. With proper care, crowns should last 5-15 years. In some cases, crowns must be prematurely replaced on account of poor dental hygiene or fractures to the crown itself. In most cases, however, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert replace crowns because acidic and sugary foods or dry mouth cause the underlying tooth to decay.

A crown is a lasting investment in your dental health. Use these tips to help extend its lifespan:

1. Maintain a consistent daily dental care routine.

When you brush and floss regularly, you remove harmful bacteria and sticky plaque from the surface of your teeth and between your crown and your gum line, decreasing the likelihood of tooth decay.

2. Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth.

Limit excessive bite force with a custom night guard. This is especially important if you’ve been diagnosed with bruxism. Learn more about the custom night guards we create for our Eggert Family Dentistry patients!

3. Limit your intake of sugary or acidic foods.

You might not think that sugary and acidic foods can affect a crown, but these substances can hang out around the gum line and cause the underlying natural tooth to deteriorate. They can also eat enamel on surrounding teeth, creating a visible contrast between the color of your natural teeth and your crown.

4. Steer clear of sticky or hard, crunchy foods.

Biting on hard candies, popcorn kernels, and other crunchy foods can weaken crowns or cause them to crack, just like your natural teeth can. Sticky foods like taffy and gooey candies can actually dislodge crowns while increasing your risk of tooth decay. Foods in these categories are best avoided.

If it’s been awhile since your last recare visit, schedule an appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN. In addition to a thorough cleaning and careful inspection of your jaws, teeth, and gums, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will closely inspect any existing dental work to make sure it’s structurally sound and doing its job and recommend dental crowns and other interventions when needed. Call us at 651.482.8412!

“All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” – Connor’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Connor started seeing Dr. Elizabeth in the fall of 2020. Connor was born without two lower teeth. The teeth were congenitally missing, a condition often known as hypodontia. To mask this, Connor had been wearing a metal wire retainer (Hawley retainer) with two teeth attached to it since his braces were removed many years prior. Why some people are born without certain teeth is unknown. While there are often genetic or heredity links, it isn’t always that parents pass this condition on to their children, in fact, it is often found to skip a generation. Treatments for congenitally missing teeth usually include bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Often orthodontic treatment is also necessary to make sure the spacing available is adequate.

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth talked with Connor about treatment options for the future, should he ever decide that wearing a retainer full time wasn’t for him. In an ideal world, implants can replace congenitally missing teeth without altering any other teeth in the area. Connor did go for a consult with the oral surgeon, hoping to hear that he could undergo implant treatment whenever he was tired of wearing his retainer. Unfortunately, Connor doesn’t have enough space for implants.

What this means is that Connor will have to undergo orthodontic treatment (again) before any implant surgery can be done. Connor and his mom and dad weren’t excited about that option and wanted to know what alternative treatment options he has. Connor goes to college and does not feel that orthodontic treatment at this point in his life is what he wants.

Connor could choose traditional bridges, but Dr. Elizabeth was not in favor of this option because the bridges would be built on small anchor teeth. Initially, Connor planned to keep wearing his wire retainer, but then last summer, his retainer finally broke. Connor was tired of wearing a retainer so Dr. Elizabeth Eggert suggested Connor consider having bonded composite “bridges” completed. She talked with Connor about how conservative the preparation could be for the anchor teeth and was confident that the results could look good. Another advantage of the composite bonded “bridges” was that if Connor does decide to move forward with orthodontics and implants later in life, his neighboring teeth will still be in good shape.

What did he want?

After discussing the pros and cons with Dr. Elizabeth, Connor and his parents decided on composite bonded “bridges,” which is a type of fixed dental prosthesis for the replacement of a single missing tooth. The design of the bonded bridge consists of an artificial tooth made out of plastic filling material with a wing-like extension, which is bonded to the neighboring tooth or teeth. The tooth which supports the resin bonded bridge is called an abutment. The tooth which is replaced by the bonded bridge is called a pontic. Usually only minimal preparation is done to the abutment tooth and this treatment is considered minimally invasive.

What was involved?

After deciding to move forward with the composite bonded “bridge,” Dr. Elizabeth took impressions to get a model of Connor’s teeth so she could design the new restorations. Connor also wanted his teeth to be whiter so he did over-the-counter Crest White Strips to bleach his teeth. Connor then had an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth and in one day, he left the office with two new teeth as part of his composite bonded “bridges.”

What does he think?

Once the treatment was completed Connor was very happy with the esthetics and his bite. When we asked him some questions following treatment he said that he did not think much about having the procedure done, but just that it may take a while. He was surprised at how quick and easy the procedure appointment was and notes “I actually fell asleep for awhile I think!” Connor says “I love them! They’re super easy and they feel pretty normal already! It’s been great.” He would tell anyone that needed the same procedure to definitely do it! “It’s totally worth it.”

Thank you, Connor, for trusting us with your smile, we look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Thankful For My New Partials – Bob’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Bob initially was a long-time patient of Dr. Furey before Dr. Elizabeth came on the scene. Bob has autism and requires special care at his visits as he is often non-verbal, making it tricky to communicate or understand his needs. Bob comes to appointments with his mom, Marlene, who does what she can to help communicate Bob’s needs.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. Autistic disorders include Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. The number of children with autism is on the rise according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Patients with ASD often have difficulties with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behavior. They process sensation atypically and may be overly sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, touch, strong odors, or taste which can make dental visits a challenge for all involved.

Bob also has a severe gag reflex, which makes it difficult for restorations to be done on his teeth without being sedated for the procedures.

What did Bob and his mom want?

Initially, Bob wanted his severe toothache addressed. It had been awhile since Bob had seen a dentist before Dr. Elizabeth saw him at Eggert Family Dentistry. Bob wore a flipper partial for his upper teeth that was breaking down. Bob also had evidence of the start of periodontal disease, as well as some teeth with severe cavities that needed attention. Bob was having intense pain with these teeth and it seemed like extractions were Bob’s best option, partially because he was unable to take good care of teeth so far back in his mouth due to his autistic disease, as well as his gag reflex.

Bob and his mom wanted Bob to be healthy and set up well since he was planning to move to a group home in the near future, as his mom was finding it more difficult to fully care for him as she gets older too.

It was decided to try to save as many teeth as possible for Bob, without extensive dental heroics and to make him partial dentures that would help him chew and “feel more complete.”

What is involved?

After extensive gathering of information and research, Dr. Elizabeth had a plan in place for Bob that was approved by Bob and his mom. Bob had his teeth extracted with an oral surgeon and after some healing time, they began working through the partials. Since Bob had such a severe gag reflex, Dr. Elizabeth was able to use the intraoral scanner to send images of Bob’s teeth to the dental lab to design his partial dentures.

Dr. Elizabeth worked with the lab and over the course of a few weeks, Bob was able to see his partials come to life. First, there was a try-in of the plastic frame for the partial denture. Then, Bob got to see what the teeth would look like before they were set in hard plastic. The dental lab sends denture teeth set-up in wax so changes can easily be made if desired. Bob and his mom liked the process and couldn’t wait to get Bob’s final partial dentures!

Unlike conventional metal based partial dentures which rely on metal clasps to provide stability on the teeth, flexible dentures are thinner and more lightweight and rest comfortably in the mouth secured with clasps that blend in better with natural teeth. Flexible partial dentures are designed to be comfortable and functional and should not restrict the ability to eat or speak. Bob’s partial dentures were made from a special, very strong plastic, called acetal. The dental lab suggested that acetal be used for Bob since it can be made very thin (to help with his gag reflex) and it is very strong (to help with Bob’s habit of grinding his teeth).

What do they think?

Bob was excited to get his partials and Marlene reports that he eats better with his new partials and he even is able to communicate verbally with her. When Dr. Elizabeth saw Bob for his follow-up denture adjustment appointments, he actually answered direct questions. He was so excited about his partials that he was more open to communicating with others! Bob hates to be without his partials and keeps a close eye on them during his teeth cleanings when he has to take them out. It was exciting to see such a transformation for him. Bob also started a job in a school cafeteria, we like to think at least partially because of increased confidence! Congratulations on your new partials Bob. It was our pleasure to be able to work closely with you on this project.

Now, Getting Ready for College – Elena’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Elena came to Eggert Family Dentistry at the age of 15 as a referral from our orthodontic colleague, Dr. DeVoe. Dr. DeVoe wanted Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to evaluate restorative options for Elena because she is congenitally missing (was born without) one of her lateral front teeth and her lateral incisor on the other size is undersized. Dr. DeVoe anticipated that Elena would want a solution for her smile after her braces were removed.

A congenitally missing tooth is one of the most common dental developmental abnormalities. In fact, roughly 20% of adults have at least one tooth that never developed. Why is that number so high? Well, we’ve all heard of that person who didn’t develop all, if any, wisdom teeth. If you take wisdom teeth out of the picture, the percentage of adults with congenitally missing teeth drops to only 5%. Other permanent teeth we often see missing are second premolars, upper lateral incisors, and lower central incisors.

A wisdom tooth that never develops would typically be thought of as a good thing – one less tooth to remove! However, being a person with a missing front tooth can be quite a different story. Teenage years are difficult enough without having to worry about your smile. With the emotional roller coaster of being a teen, we need to give our children any excuse to smile and no reason not to!

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth had some options for Elena for replacing her missing tooth. One option was to use a “flipper,” which is a removable partial denture that contains one or more artificial teeth. A flipper is often made from denture acrylic and can blend in well with your smile. The flipper is custom made using an impression or digital scan of your mouth. Flippers can be uncomfortable to wear and they do come in and out of the mouth, which can be inconvenient.

To replace missing teeth, you can also consider a bridge. A traditional bridge uses the neighboring teeth as anchors to “fill in the gap.” Since Elena was still growing and developing, a traditional bridge wasn’t Dr. Elizabeth’s first choice. A more conservative option for Elena’s age was to consider a composite bonded bridge, which still stays fixed in the mouth like a traditional bridge, but is much more conservative for neighboring teeth and can more easily be altered with growth, if needed.

Another common method to replace missing teeth is to use a dental implant. With a dental implant, a small post, usually made of titanium, is placed into the jaw bone and serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth. Then, through a series of attachments, a tooth is added to the implant. Again, because of Elena’s age, a dental implant wasn’t indicated…yet, anyway.

Dr. Elizabeth discussed pros and cons with Elena and her mom of these options and emphasized that something would have to be done to last through Elena’s teenage and early adulthood, even though a dental implant may be the best long-term approach.

What did Elena want?

For the undersized lateral on her right side, composite bonding was done to change the shape and size of the tooth. A porcelain veneer could have been done, but with Elena’s age, the composite material can more easily be changed, if needed, for future growth and development. As an adult, Elena could choose to convert her composite bonding to a porcelain veneer for ideal color match. After much discussion, Elena and her mom decided that for her missing tooth on her left side, Elena would use a flipper during the day and an orthodontic retainer at night.

Then what happened?

Throughout Elena’s high school career, she found it was inconvenient for her to wear her flipper and she also didn’t wear her retainer much so her teeth moved somewhat. In thinking of her life after high school, Elena wanted to review her options. Elena and her dad came to consult with Dr. Elizabeth she told Dr. Elizabeth, “I am interested in a bridge now.” Once again, Dr. Elizabeth reviewed Elena’s options in regards to how the most conservative approach would still be preferred. Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Elena complete a composite bonded bridge. Dr. Elizabeth would be able to artistically create a “fake” tooth and attach it her surrounding teeth. This choice is good for the esthetics and will buy Elena some time until she is older and can make some alternate decisions, if needed.

What does she think?

When asked how Elena felt about getting the procedures done, she said “I was looking forward to my tooth looking like a normal sized tooth.” She also said that her mom had a bridge done and so she was not worried about it. “I like it a lot and it looks good. It doesn’t feel weird to my bite. It does not feel weird when I chew or eat.” She is really happy to have her palate free! She would recommend that anyone needing the same or similar treatment done go for it. She says, “I like it! It’s nice to have a normal smile where all my teeth are a normal size.”

Congratulations on your amazing results Elena and thank you for putting your trust in us! We are delighted to help you move into your college years!