What can I do about discolored teeth?
There are many whitening procedures that will give you beautiful results. At home whitening systems are available from your dentist and have proven effective for most patients. However there is a certain degree of time commitment and patience involved with at home procedures. In office whitening techniques offer immediate results with superior lightening effects in only one dental visit. Certain discolorations will not be corrected with these systems, in which case patients will benefit from porcelain veneers. We recommend you speak with us to determine which process is best for you.

How long does whitening last?
Whitening can last several years before it needs to be touched up. However personal habits such as smoking, coffee, wine, and soda consumption can impact whitening longevity. Porcelain veneers however, are stain resistant.

How do you fix chipped or cracked teeth?
The treatment of choice for chipped, cracked or misshapen teeth is porcelain veneers. In only a couple of visits to your dentist, these beautiful and natural looking restorations will change your appearance and boost your self-confidence.

How long will my porcelain veneers last?
Due to advancements in technology many of the materials used today are actually stronger than natural teeth. With regular dental check ups your veneers will keep you smiling for many years to come.

Although I would like a smile makeover, I would still like natural looking teeth. Will people be able to tell that I have had work done?
Each staff member is carefully trained to create beautiful and natural looking smiles. Taking into account factors such as facial structure, age, and lifestyle, your smile could look as natural, or as bright as you desire you get to decide with advice from your dentist.

What can I do about my unattractive metal fillings?
Over time your old mercury fillings unavoidably fail. As they corrode the mercury expands cracking the tooth structure. You can replace your existing fillings with new plastic, enhanced plastic, or porcelain materials. These are superior to the standard plastic (white) fillings and last longer.

What will my insurance cover?
Your dentist will do what they can to maximize your insurance coverage. Please keep in mind that the prime mandate of insurance companies is cost containment, which does not necessarily equate to high quality dental care. Our office will provide a variety of payment options to make quality dental care affordable.

FAQ's About Braces . . . . . . For Kids ONLY

How long do braces have to be worn?
The total treatment times with braces usually lasts from 9 months to 5 years, but the average amount of time is 18 to 24 months.

Can I look cool in braces?
Oh yes.

Will I still be able to talk when I have braces?
Yes, standard braces should not affect how you talk or the sound of your voice.
In certain cases, the orthodontist may need to use an appliance that could get in the way of your tongue. You could experience trouble talking clearly for a day or two, but then your tongue will adjust and you'll be able to talk just fine.

Do Braces Hurt?
It depends on the type of braces you use. Old-fashioned braces will hurt many times. However, if you have modern braces, it is possible to have slight discomfort when they are first put on, and a day or two after adjustments.

What is it like to have braces?
Generally, braces are "okay" to teenagers. You can imagine how great the final results will be and you have friends and know other people who have really benefited from braces. When you get braces, your mouth can be sore for the first week.

Also, your mouth will be sore when the braces are tightened. However, with modern braces, you really shouldn't notice them, except when the braces are being tightened or if you get hit in the mouth.
Treatment can be more uncomfortable if you get braces when you are 18 or older; your teeth may also feel like they are loose in your mouth.

Will braces cause sores in my mouth?
When you get braces, your mouth can be sore for a few days. Also, your mouth could be sore when the braces are adjusted. However, with modern braces, you really shouldn't notice them, except when the braces are tightened.
When you first get braces, you could experience some sores in your mouth. If you rinse the sores in warm, salt water, they will heal within a week or two. If your mouth is sore during the first week, you can put wax on the braces to prevent the braces from rubbing and irritating your skin.

Can I do anything else to reduce the pain?
Dr. ElShafie suggests using over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, Advil, or Ibuprofen to reduce any pain.

Can I still play football, soccer and other sports if I have braces?
Absolutely. You can play football, baseball, basketball, soccer. You can still go bowling. You can still do everything (maybe not a pie-eating contest). Just wear a mouth guard for your sports, and try to not get hit in the mouth.
Avoid sports where you will get hit in the face (fighting, boxing, contact karate, snowball fights).

Can I eat with braces?
Yes! You can eat most of the good things that you can eat now. The only issue is that your mouth will be sore after you first get braces, so for the first week or so you may only want to eat softer foods. However, after that you should be able to eat normally.

How about chewing gum with braces?
Gum usually is not recommended. It can get caught on braces and pull them off. In addition, the sugar in the gum can get around behind the braces and cause cavities.

Is there anything else that I can't eat?
You probably should not eat hard sticky, gooey or crunchy foods. Caramel, taffy, peanut brittle can stick on your braces and pull the braces off your teeth. You also need to be careful with crunchy foods like carrots and apples and hard rolls so that you do not knock your braces off your teeth.