Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – Answered by Dr. David Frey, DDS

Dr. David S. Frey is asked many questions about the cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and sleep dentistry procedures he offers at his Beverly Hills practice. Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

Q: Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

A: If you are interested in a straighter or whiter smile, then yes, you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you are self conscious about your smile because of chipped, crooked, crowded, or stained teeth, your smile can be transformed with the cosmetic dentistry procedures offered at our Beverly Hills practice.

Q: I suffer from dental phobia. Can you help me?

A: Yes. Dr. Frey offers sleep dentistry at his Beverly Hills practice to patients who are afraid to have dental work performed. The sedation methods he uses allow patients to have dental work performed with little recollection of the event.

Q: I have heard the term "instant orthodontics." What is it? Is it painful?

A: Instant orthodontics is a term used to describe a modern dental procedure that straightens teeth, closes gaps, and corrects overcrowding with the use of porcelain veneers instead of braces. This procedure also strengthens teeth and helps keep the gum line healthy. Dr. Frey uses this cosmetic dentistry treatment at his Beverly Hills practice when performing full mouth restorations.

There is very little, if any, pain associated with instant orthodontics.

Q: How long do porcelain veneers last?

A: Porcelain veneers were designed as long lasting dental restorations. This cosmetic dentistry procedure gained popularity in the 1980s. Many of those original veneers are still in place today.

During the last 15 years, both the technique and the adhesive bonding process used in the placement of porcelain veneers have improved. Due to the advancement in this cosmetic dentistry procedure, Beverly Hills patients who have Dr. Frey place porcelain dental veneers on their teeth should see even longer lasting results.

Q: What are porcelain onlays and inlays? Are they a good alternative to dental crowns/caps?

A: Similar to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, porcelain onlays and inlays fit into the tooth to restore its original and natural structure.

Porcelain onlays and inlays are a good alternative to dental crowns (or caps). When placing a dental crown, the tooth has to be drilled down and much of the original tooth is lost. The porcelain restorations, however, build on the tooth's structure, strengthening the existing tooth.

Q: I need a lot of dental work completed. Will I need to schedule several appointments?

A: Not necessarily. Since Dr. Frey offers sleep dentistry to the patients at his Beverly Hills practice, many times extensive dental procedures can be completed in one to two visits.

Q: What is neuromuscular dentistry?

A: Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the treatment of the jaw and how it relates to dental problems, headaches, and other discomforts caused by TMJ disorders (TMD).

Q: Does Dr. Frey treat TMJ/TMD?

A: Yes. Dr. Frey offers neuromuscular dentistry at his Beverly Hills practice to treat the dental complications, pain, and other symptoms associated with TMJ disorders (TMD).

Q: Can tooth whitening gels harm my teeth? Will my teeth develop a sensitivity to hot and cold if I have the treatment?

A: When properly administered the gels used during teeth whitening treatments will not harm your teeth.

Your teeth may have heightened sensitivity to hot and cold for 24 hours after the cosmetic dentistry whitening treatment, but the sensitivity usually disappears after the first post-treatment day.

Q: Why does Dr. Frey use lasers instead of conventional light systems when bonding porcelain veneers to teeth?

A: The Argon laser that Dr. Frey uses only takes five seconds per tooth to bond the porcelain veneers. Because conventional and halogen lights produce a less intense light source, they can take up to forty seconds per tooth. The laser also causes less resin shrinkage in the bonding process, creating a stronger bond.

Q: Is there a procedure that can correct my uneven gums?

A: Applying the techniques of laser dentistry, Dr. Frey uses a diode laser to painlessly even the gum line. Dr. Frey refers to the laser as his "magic wand" because he can create a symmetrical and beautiful smile with the simple use of this laser.

Q: What if I need additional work on my gums or my mouth?

A: While Dr. Frey does not administer periodontal or endodontic treatments, he routinely refers patients who need these services to specialists in these areas. Because Dr. Frey works with a group of trusted specialists, he can help coordinate a complete treatment plan for those who need further care before completing restorative or cosmetic dentistry work. This kind of coordinated effort can be especially important when dealing with traumatic injury or inherited defects. Please feel free to contact our Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistry practice if you have additional questions in this area.

Q: What about financing?

A: Dr. Frey's practice accepts most dental insurance. In the event that you do not have insurance or if your insurance company does not cover the cost of your cosmetic or neuromuscular dentistry procedure, his Beverly Hills practice offers several low interest financing options.

 

If you are interested in a consultation or have more questions regarding neuromuscular, cosmetic, or sleep dentistry, contact Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist David S. Frey, DDS today.