Inverness Real Estate Summer-2005 THE FOUNDATION OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY

In health and beauty circles, Cosmetic Dentistry is one of today's hot BUZZ words. Consumers seek professionals in health clubs and in operating rooms to enhance their "natural" beauty. The discriminating dental patient is selecting a "cosmetic dentist" based on the years of experience in cosmetic restorations and an evaluation of post-doctoral training to ensure quality work that is accomplished with the most technologically advanced materials, procedures and equipment. Patients should demand to see a portfolio, be given patient testimonials, and be provided endorsements from leading dental specialists.

However, cosmetics are only "skin" deep. Asolid foundation on which the cosmetic work is completed proves to be the most important requirement to ensure long-term success of all dental restorations.
Cosmetic restoration can be likened to building a home. Although the home may appear beautiful, without a solid foundation, the plaster will crack and walls will crumble. Similarly, dental esthetics will not last unless built on a solid structural foundation. Many patients (as well as dentists) do not recognize the signs and symptoms of an unstable foundation. Typical examples include chipping, cracking or wearing teeth, moving or migrating teeth, clicking or popping joints, sore joints, teeth, or muscles, gum recession, periodontal disease, phonetic or esthetic concerns to name a few.

Many patients are unaware that they may have "issues". They may have adapted to discomfort or may have never known a healthy mouth. Quality dentists and dental specialists will first address the above symptoms, with or without the consideration of cosmetic work. One thing is for sure, cosmetic dentistry built on a poor foundation will fail. When choosing a dental health
care professional, look for the following...

Comprehensive initial exam that includes a personal interview, oral cancer screening, tooth mobility evaluation, gum
tissue health exam, muscle palpation, TMJ (joint) examination, occlusal (bite) analysis, exterior and intra oral photographic analysis, an evaluation of decay, chipped and worn teeth, loose crowns and fillings.
Annual post-doctoral training to ensure knowledge of the latest materials, treatment procedures and technology. Adoctor willing to invest time at the onset to understand the patients expectations and needs as well as diagnose and treat appropriately.

For the past twenty years, the professionals at Hamilton Lakes Dentistry have
worked hand in hand with many of Chicago's leading plastic surgeons at the private practice and university levels. Hamilton Lakes Dentistry patients are referred from patients within the practice as well as health care professionals, other dentists and dental specialists that demand premium long-term results for their patients.

Dr. French has practiced dentistry for 20 years and is a 15 year resident of Inverness. She has a BAfrom the University of Michigan, where she also received her DDS from the University's Dental School. She's also a graduate of the prestigious Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, which is devoted to continuing education for dental professionals. Dr. French has completed over five times the required number of courses
annually, concentrating on restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She is also an instructor at the Pankey Institute. Dr. French comments, "Teaching at The Pankey Institute is very rewarding ... I'm giving something back to the organization that helped me define and distinguish my dental career."
Dr. French simply loves what she does. As she puts it, "The best thing is seeing the pleasure on a patient's face after renewing their smile. My goal is to restore a patient's oral health to a point where regular maintenance will keep their smile beautiful for many years to come. Getting people to that point is very exciting."

Dr. French is also very active within the dental community as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy, American Equilibration Society, The Dawson Pankey Study Club, Pankey Institute
Alumni Association, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society and the American Dental Association.

Inverness Real Estate, Luxury Chicago Northwest Suburbs Homes for Sale

in this Edition...