Cosmetic dentistry, also known as aesthetic dentistry, is the area in our field that is focused on the appearance of the smile. In today’s society, a bright, beautiful smile goes a long way in creating personal and professional success.

There are a variety of treatments and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry, ranging from dental veneers to cover certain imperfections to re-shaping gum tissue. A lot of dentists claim to be cosmetic dentists, but this form of practice takes years of additional training to be truly exceptional. Optimal results come from the application of specific techniques, a precise skill set, high quality materials, and state-of-the-art equipment. Based on the healthy enhancement or restoration of, and ongoing maintenance of your best smile, cosmetic dentistry can be highly beneficial.

Some people are concerned with the safety of x-rays, and wonder why they might be needed in cosmetic dentistry at all. Although traditional x-rays do expose patients to a minute amount of radiation and can thus seem scary, the fact is, it is possible that most people are exposed to more radiation from their television set than dental x-rays. At Smile More Today, however, we have further reduced the amount of radiation exposure by equipping our office with digital x-rays. This form of technology reduces exposure by about 90 percent, and gives us better visualization of a patient’s oral state. 

While x-rays are being taken, our patients wear a lead apron draped over their shoulders, adding protection to the torso area. We are also very careful to protect reproductive organs that are sensitive to radiation exposure. 

If you are pregnant or think you may be, please notify your technician before x-rays are taken. Embryonic tissues are sensitive to the radiation of x-rays, and we do what we can to avoid taking x-rays of a pregnant patient. The exception to this rule is in the case of a dental emergency. Should x-rays be warranted in a pregnant patient past her first trimester, we will take great care to protect both mother and baby from exposure to radiation.

Dental x-rays are a necessary part of diagnosing and treating patients for a variety of conditions. Maintaining periodical images allows us to compare from one visit to the next, and thus detect any changes quickly, before they become more complicated. The frequency with which x-rays are needed is dependent on a patient’s general oral health and regularity of routine dental care. Some patients need x-rays only every year or two.

We are always happy to answer your questions. Contact us if you have any further questions about dental x-rays or our office procedures.

much attention as this. Our clients benefit not only from the advanced equipment used in our practice, but also from the use of proper medications and our overall commitment to TLC. 

As we discuss possible cosmetic treatment, we will be sure to answer all of your questions regarding pain control. We want to make sure that our patients receive the care they need, both restorative and cosmetic. Don’t put off treatment because you feel anxious. Talk with us and discover a whole new way to attain your optimal oral health and aesthetic goals. 

Our staff makes every effort to ensure your comfort during any form of treatment, because we believe you deserve a positive dental experience. At Smile More Today, our patients can watch movies, listen to music, and enjoy a variety of relaxing amenities.

Every patient is different, with his or her own set of needs. This makes it difficult to determine an exact time frame in which results will be achieved. Certain forms of treatment have an average time frame, such as in-office teeth whitening, which takes about 90 minutes. When teeth are bonded, the visit may take a few hours. Other treatments, like porcelain veneers or tooth restoration with a crown or dental bridge, may take two visits to our office – one to prepare the teeth and take impressions for the restoration, and one to place the new appliance.

Many patients want to know how much cosmetic dentistry costs. The answer is varied, based on a number of factors. These may include the types of materials used, the technology applied to a procedure, the training and credentials of the treating dentist and staff, and even the dental laboratory employed to create prosthetic devices such as veneers, crowns, or bridges. Smile More Today has an in-house dental lab staffed with master ceramists who expertly craft our porcelain restorations, and uses innovative forms of treatment and materials so that every patient receives exactly what he or she needs.

When you are considering cosmetic dentistry, it is very important to investigate these factors in addition to how much cosmetic treatment will cost, because you are paying for the lifelong enhancement of your smile. Some treatments are irreversible so you want to make sure they are done right the first time. We use the highest quality materials, our extensive skills, and our artistic talents to make sure you are well rewarded for your investment into your smile.

We care about your peace of mind as well as your general health, and operate under great standards of sanitation so that our patients never have to worry about germs or contamination at Smile More Today.

One of the primary areas where contamination can occur is in water. The water we use in our treatment sessions comes from our self-contained water system featuring a filter that results in 99.9% pure water. 

We further promote a contaminant-free environment by heat sterilizing all instruments that contact the water system and patients. These instruments are sterilized by autoclaving after each patient use. Other tools that are used on patients are disposable and eliminated after each treatment session.

Our patients’ safety and peace of mind is very important to us. We are sure to consistently meet or exceed the American Dental Association’s guidelines for sterilization, as well as those set forth by the Illinois Dental Board and OSHA. Our infection control techniques are regularly evaluated and discussed with office staff.

Some of the techniques used at Smile More Today include:

• Gloves, masks, and protective eyewear are worn by technicians during patient care
• All oral instruments are autoclave-sterilized or placed in an ultrasonic cleaner after use
• Each exam room and all fixtures are cleaned and sanitized regularly for the elimination of bacteria
• Employment of a sterilization monitoring service, which ensures the proficiency of our equipment
• Prevention of cross-contamination through the disposal of all non-sterilized products
• All dental hand-pieces are sterilized regularly
• Hand-pieces and air/water syringes are supplied with filtered water