Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

A Quick New Smile for a Lifetime! – Jim’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start and what did Jim want?

Jim has been a loyal patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for over 15 years. She has placed multiple posterior crowns for Jim over the years, but there came a time when Jim’s front teeth, which had previously been treated with PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crowns, were decaying and needed to be replaced. Jim was interested in getting his crowns all done in one day and he wanted them to look natural. We were able to address his front four teeth in one 3-hour appointment and his two upper canine (eye-teeth) at a subsequent 2-hour appointment.

What was involved?

We were able to complete CEREC crowns for Jim’s front teeth. This means we were able to make the crowns right in our office!

How CEREC Works

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) is a method of creating dental restorations right at Eggert Family Dentistry in one appointment! These restorations are typically used to repair damaged teeth due to decay or injury.

Specifically, restorations are designed and created using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing). This process means designs are made after scanning with a highly advanced scanning unit and then computer software helps Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth design your crown! The design is sent to the milling unit and your crown is ready in minutes.

C – Chair-Side: The CAD/CAM technology is in the office and can be used while you are the dental chair.
E – Economical: The procedure allows our office to keep our costs as low as possible for patients.
R –Restorations: The CEREC procedure restores your tooth to its natural beauty, function, and strength.
E – Esthetic: CEREC restorations are metal-free and tooth-colored.
C – Ceramic: The ceramics we are able to use in-office are similar in strength to enamel, your natural tooth structure.

What does Jim think?

Jim loves his new smile and was so happy to be able to get all his crowns done without multiple visits and without the risks that comes with wearing temporary crowns (like them accidentally coming loose). Jim’s story is just one of many others who have experienced magnificent results with Dr. Eggert. Crowns can yield beautiful and predictable results for accomplishing an improved smile. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we love providing Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles – thanks Jim for trusting us to help you continue to smile big and confidently!

Are There Any Restrictions After I Get a Crown?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In the immediate hours after getting a dental crown, you may wonder, “What did Dr. Eggert say again? Are there supposed to be any restrictions for me today?” Well, wonder no more. Here we will share several post-operative care measures that can contribute to a smoother recovery and enhance the longevity of your crown as well as improve your healing.

You maybe didn’t know, but our website has helpful post-operative instructions for most of the dental procedures done in our office including Crowns.

After the Preparation Appointment

After the preparation appointment, if you did not have a CEREC crown done, you are wearing a temporary crown or bridge. This is held on with temporary cement. Be sure to avoid sticky foods and gum so as to not pull the temporary off. Also avoid hard or crunchy foods. It is best to chew on the opposite side as much as possible.

Expect your gum tissues to be sore for a few days. It helps to rinse with warm salt water (8 oz warm water and 1 teaspoon salt) 2-3 times daily for 3-5 days. It also helps to take some over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol for both gum soreness, tooth soreness, and jaw soreness. Take that as directed in our office, for most patients that are able to take ibuprofen, we will recommend 600 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours for the first 1-5 days.

It is important to brush and floss the temporary. This will help the gum tissues heal faster. Brush with small, circular, massaging strokes along the gumline. While flossing, pull the floss out to the side if you experience a lot of resistance through the contact point of the tooth. Occasionally temporary crowns will be splinted together, or in the case of a temporary bridge, use the floss threader as directed in our office.

Temporary crowns rarely come loose, but if yours happens to do so:

Don’t panic and try to save the temporary (i.e. don’t swallow it)
Attempt to re-fit the temporary on your tooth using toothpaste to hold it in place
Call our office right away to find a time for us to recement your temporary for you

What Are Some Symptoms I Should be Concerned About?

Occasionally teeth undergoing the preparation procedure will experience inflammation in the nerve. This can happen with any tooth, but more commonly occurs in a tooth that has had a large filling or deep decay, cracking, fracture, or pain before the preparation procedure. The inflammation in the nerve tissue can become irreversible, necessitating additional procedures for the tooth. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, call our office right away:

Prolonged pain after cold, hot, or chewing that gets worse over time
A dull ache that won’t go away
The need to take over-the-counter pain medicine for 5 days or more “around the clock”
Pain that wakes you up at night
Pain that gets worse over time instead of better
Swelling getting worse in the gums or tissues surrounding the tooth

After the Cementation Appointment

After the cementation appointment, the gum tissues and tooth may be sensitive and sore for a couple of days. Use warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain medicine during this time if needed. Brush and floss the new crown or bridge as you would any tooth. If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above describing inflammation in the nerve, please call our office right away. If you had a CEREC crown done, your preparation and cementation occurred all in one day. The same instructions apply although there is no need to avoid sticky or crunchy foods.

Generally, you may want to avoid eating or drinking for a couple of hours after the procedure so you don’t accidentally bite your cheeks, lips, or tongue due to the local anesthetic used for your procedure. It is also helpful to stick with easy to chew foods to minimize the stress for your tooth.

Once you have your final crown, practicing good oral hygiene remains essential. It still is possible to get decay and gum disease even if your tooth has a crown.

After the placement of a dental crown, certain restrictions and considerations should be observed to ensure the optimal success and longevity of the restoration. While dental crowns are designed to restore the function and esthetics of a damaged tooth, it’s important to be mindful of so your crown can last for many years!

Eggert Family Dentistry, Your Dental Crown Experts

We’re here for you if you still have questions about what to do after your dental crown procedure. Call our office today at 651-482-8412! We look forward to working with you again soon!

Preparing for Crown Success: A Guide to Your Dental Procedure at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Are you scheduled for a dental crown procedure at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN? Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are renowned for their commitment to delivering top-notch dental care and preparing adequately for your crown procedure can contribute significantly to your success and your overall comfort during recovery.

Understanding the Crown Procedure

Before delving into the preparation, it’s beneficial to have a brief understanding of the dental crown procedure. Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-designed to fit over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, functionality, and appearance. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we often complete crowns in one visit using our CEREC procedure.

Preparing for Your Crown Procedure

Consultation and Treatment Planning: Before the actual procedure, Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth will have completed an exam to diagnose the condition of your tooth and will have talked with you about the reasons why a crown is recommended for you.
Ask Questions: Feel free to ask any questions or express concerns during your exam or before scheduling for your procedure. Any one of our magnificent team members will be able to help you understand your condition. Understanding the procedure, potential discomfort, and aftercare instructions will help alleviate anxiety and ensure you are well-informed.
Oral Hygiene Routine: Maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine leading up to the procedure.

Day of the Procedure

Eat Before Your Appointment: Have a nutritious meal before your appointment as you will likely want to avoid eating until the local anesthetic needed for the appointment wears off.
Comfortable Clothing: Consider wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, as this can enhance your overall comfort during the procedure.
Consider an Anti-inflammatory: We will definitely recommend an anti-inflammatory if it is appropriate for you after your dental crown procedure, but if you take your first dose about one hour prior to your appointment time, the medicine has time to kick in and your muscles and tooth can be that much happier!

What’s Next?

Preparing for a dental crown procedure at Eggert Family Dentistry involves a combination of proactive steps and open communication with your experienced dental team. By taking these measures, you set the stage for a successful procedure and a speedy, comfortable recovery, ensuring your smile remains healthy and vibrant for years to come. Call us at 651-482-8412 to schedule your dental crown procedure today!

Do I Need a Dental Crown? [Answered]

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A beautiful smile is a key indicator of youth and good health. Over time, however, our teeth begin to weaken due to physical stressors, acidic foods, and other factors. This makes our teeth more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, and discoloration.

That’s where dental crowns come in. This common dental restoration can solve a number of problems and bring your smile back to its former glory.

Are you wondering whether or not a dental crown can help restore your smile? Then you’ve come to the right place! Let’s take a deeper look at dental crowns to help you determine when this restorative treatment is right for you.

What are Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that restores a decayed, broken, weak or worn-down tooth. Crowns are about 1.5 mm thick and cover the entire tooth like a little hat. This cap replaces the structure, support, and look of the original tooth.

These days, crowns are typically made from the strongest all-porcelain materials. However, in the past crowns have also been made from porcelain fused to metal, or even full gold. For the most natural look and feel, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert recommend all-porcelain crowns as the strength of these materials can’t be beat and they can best match the shade of your natural teeth.

When Do You Need a Crown?

Crowns can serve several different purposes. Dental crowns can be used to:

Strengthen a weak tooth: If your tooth is experiencing extensive decay or has a large filling, a crown can fortify your tooth to prevent it from breaking.
Protect and support a cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can be quite painful, especially when chewing. If the crack is too deep, a crown can be used to prevent the crack from deepening.
Restore a worn-down or broken tooth: Whether your worn-down tooth is bothering you cosmetically or functionally, a crown can restore your tooth and allow you to feel and look like yourself again.
Hold a dental bridge in place: Crowns can serve as supporting structures for dental bridges. They are placed on the natural teeth on either side of a gap, providing support for the artificial tooth or teeth that bridge the gap.
Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth: If your tooth is too stained for traditional whitening, you may consider getting a crown that’s made to match the color of your smile.
Protect a root canal-treated tooth: After a root canal procedure, a crown is often placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection. Crowns also seal the treated tooth preventing re-infection.
Cover a dental implant: When dental implants are used to replace a tooth, a crown is attached to the implant in order to make sure the solution appears natural.

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Elizebeth Eggert will evaluate your teeth and be able to determine if any of your teeth are experiencing any of the above problems and if a dental crown is the appropriate solution for you.

Benefits of a Crown

When compared to other restorative treatments, dental crowns have many benefits, including:

Natural look: Porcelain crowns are very discreet, blending in and appearing just like one of your natural teeth.
Protective solution: Because the entire tooth is covered, the tooth is less likely to fully fracture or split than with other restorations like veneers or fillings.
Comfortable: Crowns feel very much like your own teeth, so it won’t take long to get used to.
Quick process: Crowns can be fitted in just 1-2 visits.

Process of Getting a Crown

As we said above, the process of installing a crown is relatively quick. It typically takes 1-2 visits to Eggert Family Dentistry, and then you’ll be enjoying your new smile for years to come.

One Visit: When you come in for your CEREC crown, you will first be given local anesthetic so that you do not experience any discomfort. Then your tooth will be reshaped so that the crown can be placed over it. Once the tooth has been reshaped, we can often take a CEREC scan of your tooth and make your crown right in our office, allowing us to place it that same day. That means you can leave with your final crown after just one visit!

Two Visits: Occasionally, we are not able to take a CEREC scan, and instead we will have your crown made by a dental lab. In that case, the process will require two visits. On your first visit, a mold will be taken of your affected tooth and your surrounding teeth. We will still reshape your tooth and fit you with a temporary crown to protect it until your porcelain crown is ready. If your crown is being made at the dental lab, it takes about 2 weeks to be returned.

After your final crown has been made, you’ll come in for your second appointment to have it placed. At this appointment, the crown will be fixed to your tooth using cement to ensure it remains in place, and voila, you can enjoy your new smile! Crowns are very durable, and with proper hygiene, your new crown can last 10-15 years or longer!

Think You Need a Dental Crown? Call Eggert Family Dentistry Today

If you’re still wondering whether or not you need a dental crown, call Eggert Family Dentistry today at 651-482-8412 or simply book a recare appointment online. We would be happy to answer any questions you still have about how dental crowns can help restore the appearance and function of your natural teeth. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!

Power of Sour: The Candy That Has Us Spooked

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Halloween is fast approaching, and while children rejoice at the prospect of consuming as much candy as possible, parents know that copious amounts of sugar can have monstrous effects on their teeth.

But not all Halloween candy is created equal! There is a certain kind of candy that, for dental professionals, is the stuff of nightmares. We’re talking of course, about sour candies.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we don’t want to take the fun out of Halloween, but we do want to arm you with the right information so you can make the best decisions for your family’s dental health! So, from sour gummy worms to WarHeads, let’s take a look at why sour candies are so harmful, and how you can protect your children’s dental health this Halloween.

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar

Sour candies are particularly damaging to your teeth. But in order to understand why, we need to first talk about how sugar affects your dental health.

Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in the mouth that make up plaque. When these bacteria eat sugar, they produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, allowing these harmful bacteria strains to affect deeper layers of the tooth. This results in cavities and tooth decay, and can ultimately contribute to tooth loss.

Foods and candies containing high amounts of white processed sugar are particularly damaging because these foods leave a sticky residue on your teeth that is too strong for your saliva to wash away on its own. (That’s why it’s so important to brush your teeth after consuming sugary food and drink!)

How Sour Candy Affects Your Teeth

Sour candies are a double whammy – they’re sweet with sugar, allowing them to stick to your teeth, but they’re also more acidic, meaning they have a pH balance of less than 7.0.

This acid is what makes the candy sour, and unfortunately, it also weakens and wears away at your enamel. In fact, some sour candies are so acidic that they can actually burn the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Yikes!

To get an idea of the seriousness of the problem, here’s a chart that lists some popular candies along with their acidity. The lower the number, the more acidic the candy. And, keep in mind, this chart and research was done in 2007, the number of sour candies has exploded in the last 15 years so there are many, many more!

You’ll notice that one of the worst offenders, WarHeads Sour Spray^Ⓡ, has an acidity of 1.6 — very close to battery acid. Talk about spooky!

This predicament is made worse when you consider that kids will often challenge each other to see who can hold a sour candy in their mouth for the longest time (looking at you, WarHeads!). This keeps the acidity high in the mouth for long periods of time and saliva doesn’t have the chance to neutralize the environment back to a healthy pH.

The Worst Types of Halloween Candy

Certain types of candy are especially bad for your teeth. Along with the chart we mentioned earlier, you should refer back to this list so that you’re ready when your child brings home their Halloween candy haul.

Hard Sugar Candy

(Examples: Lollipops, JollyRanchers, JawBreakers)

When it comes to dental health, the length of sugar exposure is directly related to the likelihood of tooth decay. Hard candies require you to suck on them until they dissolve, meaning the candy is in your mouth for much longer. This increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar, thereby increasing the chance of tooth decay. And, if the hard candy is sour, then your teeth are also exposed to a prolonged acid attack. As if that weren’t enough, hard candies can also break or chip your teeth!

Chewy or Sticky Candy

(Examples: Gummy worms, LaffyTaffy, caramels)

The stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth. That’s because sticky candy can easily get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your teeth, and is difficult to remove. As we’ve already mentioned, the longer a candy is in your mouth, the higher the likelihood of tooth decay. So even when you’re finished eating your gummy worms, the gummy worms are likely still in your mouth for hours afterward!

Sour Candy

(Examples: Sour Punch Straws, Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Sour Skittles)

As we’ve mentioned, sour candies are highly acidic. Acid attacks the teeth by weakening and wearing away tooth enamel, and teeth without protective enamel are more likely to suffer from tooth decay. Each time you put a sour candy in your mouth, your teeth experience an acid attack that lasts about 20 minutes!

Tips To Protect Your Family’s Teeth

Luckily, there are a few ways you can protect your children’s teeth this Halloween.

Dental health education: Teach your children about the importance of dental hygiene. Explain what happens when acid wears away at a tooth’s enamel, and they might think twice about sucking on that WarHead!
Prevention: Consider making an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry to have a dental sealant applied to your child’s teeth before Halloween rolls around. Sealants are a thin coating that protects the enamel of each tooth and prevents decay.
Sweet alternatives: If your child is reaching for their Halloween candy haul too often, encourage them to grab some of their favorite fresh fruits and vegetables instead. These won’t stick to their teeth and contain less sugar, but still taste great!
Good habits: Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day, and maybe more if they are eating a lot of sugary candy. Be careful though of brushing too soon after eating sour things. Brushing will abrade away enamel under acid attack. It is best to allow your saliva to neutralize for awhile before brushing if you’ve eaten sour things.
Non-food alternatives: Consider offering your child a trade — extra screen time for 3 pieces of Halloween candy, a sleepover with friends for 5 pieces, a movie ticket for 10 pieces, etc.

At the end of the day, brushing, flossing, and recare appointments throughout the year will help protect your child’s teeth, especially during the spookiest time of year! Call us at 651.482.8412 to schedule your family members’ recare appointments today. We look forward to giving your family a healthier, happier smile!

The Fizz Dilemma: How Carbonated Water Affects Your Tooth Enamel

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Carbonated water, with its effervescent charm, has gained immense popularity among health-conscious individuals and soda lovers alike. It offers a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas. But have you ever wondered if those satisfying bubbles could be harming your pearly whites? In this article, we delve into the science behind the effects of carbonated water on tooth enamel, explore alternatives, and discuss how Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, Dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, can help you maintain a radiant and healthy smile.

Understanding Carbonated Water

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water or seltzer, is water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, creating delightful bubbles and fizz. While it’s often considered a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, it’s not without its concerns when it comes to your dental health.

The Science Behind It

When you enjoy a bubbly sip of carbonated water, the carbon dioxide dissolves in the water to form carbonic acid. It’s this mild acid that raises concerns for your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. It’s primarily composed of minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite, which can be vulnerable to acid erosion.

Carbonated water is mildly acidic, with a pH around 4.5, making it more acidic than tap water (pH 7). Regularly exposing your teeth to acidic substances can weaken and erode the enamel over time, leaving your teeth more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity.

Carbonated Water vs. Soda Pop

Surprisingly, carbonated water may be just as bad for your teeth as soda pop, albeit in a slightly less severe way. The carbonic acid in sparkling water can erode enamel gradually, while soda contains not only acid but also sugars that bacteria feed on, producing harmful acids. This can lead to more immediate and severe tooth decay.

Alternatives to Carbonated Water

If you’re concerned about your dental health but still want a refreshing beverage, there are alternative choices. Plain water is, of course, the best option for your teeth, as it is pH-neutral and doesn’t pose any risks to your tooth enamel. Herbal teas and unsweetened iced tea are also great alternatives. If you prefer carbonation, you can limit your consumption of carbonated water to meal time and consider switching to unflavored options or those with added minerals like calcium, which can help counteract the acidity.

Eggert Family Dentistry: Your Dental Health Allies

Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, our dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, are dedicated to helping you maintain excellent oral health. They provide expert dental care, including preventive services, dental hygiene, and advice on maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Regular dental recare visits with check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial to addressing any enamel erosion concerns and maintaining your radiant smile.

Recently, Dr. Elizabeth completed an exam for a patient we hadn’t seen in over a year. This patient had 3 fillings recommended in January, 2022 due to decay between her teeth. Unfortunately, now, not even two years later, she has 8 fillings recommended and 2 crowns because her decay rate is rampant. When Dr. Elizabeth suspected something in the diet or a health change, she questioned this patient and together they determined the patient often drinks over 4 carbonated waters each day, sipping them throughout the day.

While carbonated water may have a milder impact on your tooth enamel compared to soda pop, it’s essential to be mindful of its acidic nature. You can enjoy sparkling water in moderation and opt for alternatives that are more tooth-friendly.

And when it comes to safeguarding your dental health, trust Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, to guide you on your journey to healthy, vibrant teeth. Your smile is worth preserving, and they’re here to help you do just that. Call us today to schedule your next recare visit! 651.482.8412!

Comprehensive Dental Care for All Ages: Why Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert Should Be Your Family Dentists in North Oaks, MN

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Are you searching for a family dentist who can cater to the dental needs of your entire family, from kids to teenagers, adults and even seniors? Look no further than Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, leading dentists in North Oaks, MN. We offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of transitioning all of your family members to our practice and highlight the value we bring in ensuring your family’s proper dental development.

The All-Inclusive Approach

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have earned a stellar reputation for our family-friendly dental practice. Our commitment to providing top-notch care for patients of all ages sets us apart as your go-to family dentists. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to oral health, including not only detection of decay and periodontal disease, but of growth and development issues, airway issues, sleep issues, and a whole lot more.

Transitioning Children and Teenagers

It’s common for kids to start their dental journey with a pediatric dentist, and this can be appropriate up to a certain age. However, as children grow and develop adult teeth, it becomes essential to transition them to a family-friendly dentist. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have the expertise to handle the unique dental needs of kids, teenagers, and young adults, ensuring that their oral health is carefully monitored during crucial stages of development.

Detecting Decay and Ensuring Proper Development

One of the most critical reasons to transition your child or teenager to Eggert Family Dentistry is our ability to detect dental issues early. Untreated cavities can lead to more significant problems in the future. By having your child seen regularly, you can address any decay or orthodontic concerns before they worsen.

Furthermore, ensuring proper dental development during adolescence is crucial. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we pay close attention to tooth alignment, bite issues, and orthodontic needs. Detecting and addressing these concerns early can lead to a smoother and more effective treatment plan, potentially saving you time, money, and discomfort down the road.

We Don’t Want to Scare You, But Check These Out!

This month being Halloween, we want to share a couple patient stories. These are SCARY situations where we wish we could have been introduced to the patients earlier and caught things before they became so serious. Luckily Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth know what to do to help these patients, but prevention is always our goal!

Here is an example of a teenage patient undergoing orthodontics and who was working with a pediatric dentist. Unfortunately, this patient had a cavity that got so deep before Dr. Elizabeth found it that she had to build up a serious amount of the tooth to bring it back to health.

Here is another example of excessive decay. This is a senior citizen who was going regularly to another general dental office, but her decay got so deep, she has to lose an anchorage tooth of her front tooth bridge. The patient has to invest in a new bridge in order to keep her front teeth from going missing.

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have seen countless families benefit from their all-encompassing approach to dentistry. It is also so rewarding to see trends in families and to be able to stop disease on the early side by paying attention. Schedule an appointment today for all your family members and experience the difference that dedicated, all-ages dental care can make. We can’t wait to bring your family to ours! 651.482.8412.

The Journey to My Fully Functional Smile – Gary’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Gary was a long-time Dr. Furey patient who transitioned care to Dr. Elizabeth in 2017. At that time, Gary had been talking to Dr. Furey about the need to restore many of his teeth. With Dr. Furey, Gary completed orthodontics as the first phase of his treatment plan.

Gary wanted a better smile and wanted to repair a lot of the worn edges that had occurred because his teeth had been in a non-ideal position for so long. Dr. Elizabeth wanted to help Gary improve his esthetics, but she was also concerned about how his teeth functioned. With the worn edges, teeth still weren’t hitting ideally.

Dr. Elizabeth brought Gary through the Records Process in order to determine how his bite was currently functioning. She used models, photos, and x-rays of Gary’s teeth along with our thorough muscle and joint evaluation results to present Gary with the current status of his teeth, gums, and the function of his jaw and muscles. The details of the records process revealed that Gary still didn’t have a consistent bite after his orthodontics due to muscle involvement and worn teeth. It was recommended to undergo full-time Splint Therapy with an anterior deprogrammer because if we restored his teeth and his bite wasn’t consistent, we would be setting Gary up for failure.

What was recommended?

Gary agreed to the Splint Therapy. We also explored Gary’s sleep pattern during this phase and found that he should consider working with a doctor because testing we did in our office indicated he may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be a major cause of tooth wear. The Splint Therapy helped Gary’s muscles relax so we could build a bite to a consistent position. Gary no longer had neck aches after using his anterior deprogrammer. The next step was to plan which teeth we needed to restore to build his bite back and which teeth needed to only be adjusted with equilibration.

Gary had 17 teeth where restorations were recommended due to decay, fracture, wear, or in order to put his bite back together.

What did he want?

Gary’s goals were to have straight, white, and fully functional teeth while mitigating future issues. He also really didn’t want his teeth to look fake. Gary wanted to try to phase his treatment as much as possible because he wasn’t sure he could commit to 17 teeth all at the same time.

What was involved?

Even though Gary was phasing his treatment, Dr. Elizabeth completed a wax-up of all restorations recommended for Gary so that we had a “blue print” of the final outcome. Gary wanted whiter teeth and because not all teeth were going to be restored, he also underwent the Zoom bleaching treatment. After bleaching, Gary completed restorations for his front upper and lower teeth, but it wasn’t until over 2 years later that he finished the back teeth. He noticed that his bite felt much better after all teeth were restored.

What does Gary think?

Once the restorations and bleaching were all completed, we asked Gary what he thought about the procedures. “It would be nice to feel my bite from before in order to compare, but it feels really good and I am very pleased. I love that nothing looks worn down anymore.” Gary noted that if he had a friend needing the same type of treatment, he would tell them to “definitely do it!! It is a journey, but well worth it!”

Congratulations on your amazing results Gary and thank you for putting your trust in us! We were delighted to help you through this journey and look forward to working with you and your family for many years to come!

From Crowded to Confident – Matthew’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Matthew has been a patient of the practice for nearly 20 years, starting with Dr. Furey and then transitioning to Dr. Jeff. As a teenager he underwent traditional orthodontics and felt that his teeth were straight. Unfortunately, like so many, Matthew had periods of not wearing his retainers and his teeth moved over time, especially his lower front teeth. As Matthew entered his 30’s it was starting to bother him more and he asked Dr. Jeff if Invisalign would be right for him. Dr. Elizabeth met with Matthew and together, they determined that Invisalign would be able to help bring his smile back to where he was as a teenager.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth sent impressions, photos, and x-rays of Matthew’s teeth to Invisalign where they created a 3D simulation of how his teeth could move with Invisalign treatment. Matthew was very happy with the simulation, which showed a significant improvement to his crowding. He decided to move forward with Invisalign.

As part of Matthew’s Invisalign treatment, Dr. Elizabeth included “Bite Ramps” on his aligners because he clenches his teeth very heavily. Bite ramps prevent patients from being able to bite down completely and clench. It helps give the muscles a “stop” point and reminds the muscles to stay in a more relaxed position. Matthew liked his bite ramps as his muscles felt very good while wearing the aligners.

Matthew’s case was expected to consist of 20 aligners that he would wear for 10-14 days at a time. Matthew was very compliant and consistent in wearing his aligners as instructed and was able to complete his case after the 20 aligners as expected.

What does Matthew think?

Matthew thought it was something he wanted to do because he wanted to straighten his teeth and after looking into Invisalign he decided it was the best option for him. What he liked most about the process was that it did not take as much time and it wasn’t painful at all! When asked what he would tell a friend that was considering Invisalign treatment he said he would highly recommend it. It is definitely an investment in your time and money, but it is worth it!

From Chipped to Confident – Christine’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Christine has been a long-time patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, for nearly 15 years. She was bothered by chipping on her front teeth and had noticed it getting worse over the last few years. She wondered what could be done. She was hoping the teeth could be smoothed, but that would have made her front teeth look too short. She wondered if Dr. Elizabeth could add filling material to the chipped area, but unfortunately, Christine’s tooth positions caused her to bite too heavily on the front teeth and that kept them at risk of chipping, even with a repair.

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth explained that until the teeth were in better positions, the chipping would continue. She recommended Christine consider Invisalign to move her teeth, which would then keep them from chipping. Christine underwent the Invisalign Records Process. Through this process, we realized that Chrisine would develop spacing between her teeth as her teeth were moved into a position where they wouldn’t hit too hard against each other. Therefore, Dr. Elizabeth recommended 4 upper anterior veneers to help change the tooth shapes and sizes and also repair the chipping. These restorations would be completed after the teeth were moved with Invisalign. Christine also mentioned that she was unhappy with the color of her lower teeth and wanted to whiten so Dr. Elizabeth talked to her about all of her bleaching options.

What did Christine want?

Christine’s main objective was to fix the anterior front teeth that were chipped and straighten her lower front teeth as well. She understood how her current bite was causing the chipping and understood the need for tooth movement. She liked the idea of Invisalign since having metal in her mouth didn’t appeal to her. As for bleaching, Christine elected to try Crest over-the-counter white strips and those worked well for her, although they caused slight tooth sensitivity. Christine wasn’t too sure she wanted to commit to 4 upper anterior veneers, but understood that there were limitations to what Invisalign could do alone because she was able to view the ClinCheck simulation of her tooth movements. She was ready to talk about a more comprehensive treatment approach and agreed to treatment.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Christine start with Invisalign in order to improve her crowding as well as give her tongue and airway more space. Invisalign would be able to broaden and widen her smile so she wouldn’t have to do a full mouth of veneers or crowns to get the look she was hoping for. Christine’s tooth movements also evened out spacing for her eventual porcelain veneers.

Examples of Invisalign Aligners

After only 11 months of Invisalign, Christine was ready to plan for her restorations. Before starting the final planning stage, Dr. Elizabeth performed an equilibration for Christine to even out her biting contacts. In the end, Christine agreed that by doing 4 veneers, the spacing could be more evenly distributed, giving her the look she wanted.

What does Christine think?

Before the procedures Christine thought that Invisalign would be an easy alternative to metal braces. Christine wanted to preserve what her teeth looked like before and was unsure if this procedure would allow for that. She reports “I am very happy with how the veneers look!” and she notes she likes how natural her smile is.