Archive for February, 2010

How can I tell a girl she has bad breath without hurting her?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Q. Are there any discreet ways that I can help to let a girl I know with bad breath to help get rid of it or maybe help to get rid of it for the mean time? There is only so many times I can offer te girl mints without the problem becoming obvious. I don’t want to hurt her feelings. She is a friend so we are closre but not to close. The bad breath is one cause of this…

A. Just tell her!  There are reasons that may be easily treatable if she seeks it herself.  As her friend, you need to just let her know.  It may be keeping her from other opportunites in her life.  She would appreciate the honesty.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley
Smiles By George
www.smilesbygeorge.com
Tel: 317-841-1111
7465 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46256

Can you recommend alternative treatment to implants?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Q. My teeth are in a bad condition. Gradually each one of my front teeth is falling out and I am hating it. Whatever dentist i see tells me that i should get implants but i don’t have the money to spare! what other otions if any are there?

A. You may need to consider a bridge depending on the health of the remaining teeth. If this isn’t possible you may need to consider some form of removable denture to replace the teeth. Removable dentures are an economical way to replace teeth.  Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello
Lerner & Lemongello
www.lernerlemongello.com
Tel: (561) 627 9000
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418

Which dentist teeth whitening system should I opt for?

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Q. Hi Doc, I’m choosing between 2 dental clinics to get my teeth whitened. But both recommended me different methods. Can anyone advise on which I should choose? Many thanks! Clinic1: LED whitening or Laser whitening (LaserSmileTM system) website http://www.patongsmile-dental.com/teethwhitening.html Clinic2: Laser whitening (latest “DUAL” power for laser whitening, as this is the combination between the diode laser light at 470 nM wavelength, and a second source of light, an infrared Laser wavelength 784 nM. With this latest system, it’s faster and more effective than ordinary laser machines) website http://www.thaidentalcenter.com/

A. Their are basically two types of whitening, at home method and in office method.  The in office method is usually marketed as “laser or LED whitening”.  In office bleaching or whiteniing is accomplished in about 1-2 hours.  At home will take a couple of weeks.  Most of the marketing by companies is just that.  The light systems are all very similar and in the hands of a qualified doctor the results will be very similar.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley
Smiles By George
www.smilesbygeorge.com
Tel: 317-841-1111
7465 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46256

How can dentist tell if tooth is cracked?

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Q. How is the dentist able to tell if a tooth has been cracked. I fell flat on my face (ouch) and my front tooth is in quite a bit of pain but looks okay. I fear it may be cracked. I think I may go see the dentist but can you please answer me first?

A. A cracked tooth will generally respond by sensitivity to pressure or temperature.  Your dentist can run tests to determine this along with taking an x-ray.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley
Smiles By George
www.smilesbygeorge.com
Tel: 317-841-1111
7465 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46256

Are veneers used to improve the colour of teeth?

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Q. Is veneers only for teeth that are discoloured or can it help with teeth that are crooked. It is mainly my front teeth but I dnot want to go with braces especially metal braces. Braces are quite expensie and I don’t want the effot of having to wear them for months and months,

A. Veneers are ultra thin porcelain coverings for your teeth that can be used to change the shape and position of your teeth to correct them if they are crooked. Veneers can be as expensive as braces so if you are happy with the color and shape of your teeth you can straighten them.  Also, you don’t necessarily have to have conventional braces.  Perhaps Invisalign is an option.  Consult with your dentist.  Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello
Lerner & Lemongello
www.lernerlemongello.com
Tel: (561) 627 9000
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418

How obvious are invisalign attachments?

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Q. How obvious are the attachments that dentists put with Invisalign? Are attachments attached to teeth or part of the device? Best wishes.

A. The attachments are on the appliance.  Usually they are very obscure in their design and therefore minimally noticable.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley
Smiles By George
www.smilesbygeorge.com
Tel: 317-841-1111
7465 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46256

What treatment can I get for receding gums?

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Q. My gums have receded due to poor oral hygiene and this makes my smile look really horrible. But this is also becuase of other trouble I have had with ailments. Would you tell me what kind of treatment I can have to help me please?

A. It is difficult to determine what treatment you need based on your information.  I would recommend you see a dentist and let them examine your situation.  I am sure they can provide you with all the information and options you need.  Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello
Lerner & Lemongello
www.lernerlemongello.com
Tel: (561) 627 9000
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418

Should I go with implants or crowns?

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Q. My dentist has told me I can have a dental crown or implants, but i dont know which one to go for. obivously money is a bit of a factor so which one is more expensive and the better option?

A. The question is unclear….crowns usually go on top of an implant…..do you mean you can have implants or a bridge?   If that is the case definitely choose the implant option.

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley
Smiles By George
www.smilesbygeorge.com
Tel: 317-841-1111
7465 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46256

What is this so called new all in 4 implant system?

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Q. i have just read something about all in 4 i think it was called to do with a new kind of implant sysatem for attaching dentures. do you know anything about this and how good it is? supposedly it requires fewer implants which is onyl good in my opinion as it is cheaper but can you say anything more about it?

A. I am not familiar with this system but the benefits of using traditional implants to secure dentures are proven.  If 4 implants are beyond your budget than use 2 now.  You can always add more later to gain better denture security in the future.  Make sure you only use traditional implants.  The mini implants do not have the same benefits.  Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello
Lerner & Lemongello
www.lernerlemongello.com
Tel: (561) 627 9000
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418

Is it okay to get teeth whitenened during pregnancy?

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Q. Hi Dr Kirtlley I am pregnant but can you tell meif getting teeth whitened is okay for me to do or will this cause problems? I am three months pregnant.

A. Always best to get through the first tri-mester before any type of dental treatment and usually best to do only those things that are neccessary….although there is not current literature on anything of a harmful nature in regards t bleaching while pregnant I feel it is always best to get through the pregnancy

dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley
Smiles By George
www.smilesbygeorge.com
Tel: 317-841-1111
7465 East 82nd Street
Indianapolis IN 46256