FREE SMILE MAKEOVER!

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A FREE SMILE MAKEOVER!

Dr. Cherukuri and her Team at Smile Artistry Chino Valley will change the life of one very lucky Chino resident. We are searching for a Chino resident deserving of a complimentary smile makeover (up to $2,000).The nominee can be a friend, family member, or even yourself.To nominate someone please submit a photo of the person showing their teeth and full smile. You will also need to provide a brief (100 words or less) explanation on why your nominee deserves a new smile.

 You may submit your nomination to lovemydentist@gmail.com

Nominations will be accepted until June 3, 2016.

For additional details call Samantha at (909) 627-6699

Why does my filling need to be replaced?

A tooth that has decay or fractures will need either a filling or other restoration depending on the extent of decay.  Poor oral hygiene, a poor diet, gum recession or a lack of saliva can contribute to tooth decay. Para functional habits like clenching and grinding and traumatic occlusion are usually the cause of teeth fractures.

Choices of restorations

Composite filling: Is a tooth colored plasticed material that is bonded to the tooth when a small area of tooth that is decayed needs to be restored.  This is a popular option considering the capability of matching shades to the tooth, conservative prep design preserving natural tooth and affordability.

Amalgam filling: This option has fallen out of vogue because of potential mercury toxicity, silver color compromising aesthetics and the technique requiring removal of a lot of tooth structure to achieve mechanical retention. Many dental offices no longer offer this procedure.

Onlay/Inlay: Is a lab processed restoration usually chosen when a small area of the tooth needs to be restored with better seal and marginal integrity for long term success. It is a two visit procedure that entails a higher cost for lab fabrication. These can be processed in tooth colored porcelain or gold based on patient preference.

Full coverage crown: restores the entire coronal portion of the tooth and is usually indicated on endodontically treated teeth (root canal), extensive breakdown of tooth from fractures and/or decay. They are lab fabricated and also entail two visits.  Crowns can be fabricated in gold, non precious metal or various porcelains depending on patient preference, cost considerations and aesthetic demands.

 A dental filling usually lasts many years before it needs replacing. However, teeth are subject to constant stress from chewing, clenching and grinding. All of these can cause a filling to gradually wear away, chip, crack or fall out.

Reasons for replacement

Recurrent decay
Fracture of filling
Fracture of tooth
Material upgrade

Regular dental examinations are important to maintain soft tissue health, assess existing restorations and maintain bite and functionality of the mouth.  Detecting a failing filling early can reduce damage to tooth and eliminate the need for more invasive and complicated procedures.

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com or call 909 627 6699  for more information. Feel free to stop by our office on 10th street in Chino, California.

Dental Veneers- Ceramic or Composite- What are the Considerations?

For a discolored tooth, chipped tooth, misshaped tooth or a tooth slightly out of alignment, a dental veneer may be an option.

 An explosion of dental materials and techniques have provided ample solutions to correct the condition and there are several considerations to assess to arrive at the best choice for you..

Age, cost and  durability are usually at the top of the consideration list. Location of the defect, is defect natural or acquired, oral habits, smile line, personality, occupation are other important considerations.

Veneer is a thin covering that is placed over the front of the tooth. Any stain or decay present on any additional surfaces will more likely be better served with a crown or other full coverage restorations making a veneer an inadequate choice.

The age of the patient is another important consideration. A conservative composite veneer is an excellent choice for a tooth is the developing stage. A developing smile which is constantly evolving is best fitted with a composite veneer that is economical and  can be easily modified with changes in shape, shade and configuration, unlike a lab fabricated ceramic veneer.

Ceramic veneers are thin shells made of a strong, stain resistant and durable dental ceramic. A very small amount of tooth structure is removed  to make room for a natural and ideal looking tooth form.This restoration involves more than one visit and is fabricated in the dental lab. Ceramic veneers are the most natural looking with customizable,  polychromatic shades to exactly match and compliment the adjacent teeth- an ideal option for highly visible smiles requiring a confidence boost. These are  the veneers that are highlighted in the much publicized smile make overs. A thorough understanding of the underlying design principles and identifying dental labs and technicians that are detail oriented and take pride in their creations is the key to achieving these results.

Teeth must be healthy and free of decay and active periodontal disease prior to veneer preparation. The process is irreversible once the enamel is removed.

Patients who clench and grind their teeth are not good candidates for veneers, because the thin veneers may chip or break. A plastic dental nightguard is usually recommended to help minimize the stress on the teeth.

No special maintenance is needed other than good oral hygiene each day. Avoid biting fingernails and chewing on hard objects such as pencils or ice to keep veneers well maintained.

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com or call our office at 909 627 6699 to schedule a cosmetic consultation. 

First Aid for Dental Emergencies-Part -2

Lost filling. As a temporary measure, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity or use an over-the-counter dental cement. See the dentist as soon as possible.

 Lost crown. If the crown falls off, make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you.  If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive, to help hold the crown in place. Do not use super glue!


 Broken braces and wires. If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If you can't reposition the wire, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or piece of gauze until you can get to your orthodontist's office. Never cut the wire, as you could end up swallowing it or breathing it into your lungs. 


Loose brackets and bands. Temporarily reattach loose braces with a small piece of orthodontic wax. Alternatively, place the wax over the braces to provide a cushion. See your orthodontist as soon as possible. If the problem is a loose band, save it and call your orthodontist for an appointment to have it re cemented or replaced. 


"Having the dental emergency remedied  immediately makes for less pain in the mouth and the wallet" Dr. Cherukuri says from her Chino, California practice.