Q.
Could I wear an aligner at night for the rest of my life? I had a molar out 9 months ago and I am worried about my teeth moving because of the gap. Because of bone loss I can not have an implant without significant bone grafting which frankly I do not like the sound of. Dentures also do not really attract me. At the moment I am wearing a retainer at night, could I just continue doing this? Would it cause any problems? It seems like the simplest, cheapest and least painful solution.
A.
It is difficult to give you advice without full understanding of your situation. If you are missing a tooth you could wear a retainer at night as long as it is not allowing any of your teeth to shift out of position. This is a simple solution to maintaining tooth position. However, I understand the idea of a bone graft and implant sounds difficult and painful but it is a realtively simple procedure. I would reconsider the bone graft and implant as a bestter long term solution. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
i have a gap between my front top teeth the size of a missing tooth. i had been told in the distant past that my only option was to either put a tooth smack in the middle of my mouth or wear braces for two years to still have some sort of gap once that was done. is there anything that i can do to close that gap or to make it minute. i was also told that i could have the front row of my teeth taken out and have implants put in. that would be extremely costly and the thought makes me leery. please give your opinion
A.
VEry difficult to comment without seeing. However if you are in the UK I would suggest seeing a qualified cosmetic restorative dentist. I would reccommend Dr. Komal Suri, Wendover, Buckinghamshire.
Q.
When getting comsetic dentstry work do you recommend just going to one dentist and trusting in teir jusgements or visting a few, feeling them out and getting different quotes etc?
A.
My advise is to do your research first. One of the best resources is to ask dental specialists in your area such as a Periodontist who they recommend as the best cosmetic dentist in your area. Talk to your friends who have had treatment done. Also, visit their website. They should have many examples of what is possible but also the cases should look good and be photographed well illustrating a beautiful result. Compare websites. Meet with your top choices. Evaluate how you are treated on the phone and at your appointment. Have the doctor do an an examination and take some photographs to discuss what is possible. Ask to see other cases similar to yours. You do not need multiple opinions if the doctor you meet is qualified and you like what you see. Do not shop on price. As in all aspects of life you get what you pay for. Remember you are paying for time, talent and expertice. If you want the best it will cost more. Feel free to visit our website www.lernerlemongello.com for an example. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
hiya
I have a narrow maxillar which effects my breathing, particularly when I try to breathe through my nose.
it also effects my speeach and pushes my tongue forward. I have been to see a couple of dentist about this and they seemed pretty clueless, one of them set that it was impossible to widen an adults jaw.
What are my options doc? this is really getting me down.
A.
I recommend you see an orthodontist. You may need to consult with more than one depending on where you live. There are solutions to widening your arch. It will most likely involve braces and could involve jaw surgery depending on the severity of your situation. If this issue is bothers you enough treatment will benefit you. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Would you advise cosmetic bonding or braces as a way to close a gap inbetween front teeth?
A.
It depends. Both can work. However, always approach treatment with the most conservative but yetpredictable result long term
Q.
I had the ‘all on 4′ implant 10 weeks ago and it STILL hurts like crazy. I have been back to the dentist a couple of times but he keeps saying I just need to give it time. Surely this can’t be right?
A.
10 weeks seems to be a longer time than usual but your situation may be different. Perhaps you should consult with a another specialist such as a Periodontist or Oral surgeon for a second opinion on you healing so far. Dr.Lemongello
Q.
does having gum disease mean i will lose my teeth? it has been going on for a while now and is only getting worsd.
A.
If left untreated….yes.
Q.
what is your opinion of these one hour smiles or stick on smiles, or something along those lines (i cant exactly remember the name). in other words the temporary solution. is it not just really a waste of money if the results dont last?
A.
The product and procedure is very limited. It depends what your goal and use for it is. It was initially designed to preview a smile prior to having a proper smile makeover. It is a devise that snaps on over your teeth stickly to give the appearance of straighter, whiter teeth. It is temporary. You cannot eat with them. If done under idea circumstances they may appear like normal teeth but most look fake as if you are wearing something over your teeth. You have to decide if your money is better spent on something that will last. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
what is the next big thing in dentistry? from what i can see invisalign was the big one but are things changing? being a dentist yourself i was hoping you could enlighten me.
A.
The next big thing in dentistry I believe is scanned impression taking.
Q.
I am toying with the ideas of Veneers, but I am unsure whether to proceed, it is a big (and expensive!) step.
I have heard about ‘trial smiles,’ what do these involve, how much idea do you get of what the full veneer treatment would be like and roughly how much do they cost?
thanks
A.
A Trial Smile is a simple procedure that involves taking a mold of your teeth and fabricating a plastic overlay for the teeth. The cost is approxaimately $1000-$1200 and may not be worth it. The other option is to consult with a dentist and have a computer simulation image made of your smile to illustrate what you may look like with veneers. A consult and image is not very expensive. My advise is to consult with a well known cosmetic dentist and view their before and after photos. This will give you a good perspective of what can be accomplished. Visit our website www.lernerlemongello.com Dr. Lemongello
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