Your Celebrity Smiles dentists believe that preventative dentistry is key to great oral health.
Over the last 30 years we have witnessed an incredible shift in health care approaches … For generations, medical care was viewed in a standard chronological order: You get sick, you go to the doctor, the doctor gives you medicine, and you then take the medicine until you are healthy again. However, as our understanding of the human body has expanded, many doctors – across fields – are questioning the efficacy of this method.
This doubt has led to a mind-boggling amount of “alternative treatments” being developed and marketed to the public. Some of these treatments are, objectively, scams that are designed to play off of people’s fears and ignorance while offering no defined benefits. However, a select few of these new practices have been lauded by medical professionals and private consumers alike. These new methods, which actually deliver on their claims, are lifted from the realm of “alternative treatments” … Away from the quackery of homeopathy and “natural male enhancement” products; and are reborn as “preventative medicine”, sitting side by side with more conventional treatments.
According to Dr. E.A. Clark, Preventative Medicine “Includes all measures which limit progression of disease at any stage of its course.” The US National Library of Medicine, in their official statement, goes on to say that “The aim of preventive medicine is the absence of disease, either by preventing the occurrence of a disease or by halting a disease and averting resulting complications after its onset. Preventive medicine can be practiced by governmental agencies, primary care physicians and the individual.”
The idea of “prevention” being the front-line of defense in your fight against disease is gaining momentum quickly and has given rise to more specific movements within medical specialties. In dentistry, you will often hear doctors discussing the oral-systemic connection. The oral-systemic connection in dentistry is another form of the preventative medicine practiced in other health fields.
“Systemic” is defined by the dictionary as something “relating to a system as opposed to a particular part”. So, the oral-systemic connection basically means that in order to treat the mouth, you must treat the entire body. This translates to doctors advocating preventative measures that will stop common oral diseases before they can gain a foothold in your mouth.
Preventative medicine, or oral-systemic treatments, can take many forms. However the goal is always the same: strengthen the entire body so it can fight off disease naturally; limiting your exposure to the illness as well as its severity. For the patient, this can mean anything from taking medical-grade nutritional supplements (nutraceuticals) all the way to adjusting your diet, exercise, or hygiene habits.
This methodology does require more discipline on the part of the patient. You must follow the doctor’s orders to the letter, every day; because the power of preventative medical treatments lies in its repetition rather than the dosage of an individual pill. However, it has also been found to be very effective. Patients who use conventional medicine in conjunction with preventative dental treatments get sick less often, heal more quickly, and experience far less discomfort while battling their condition. Not only does this save the patient from a potentially agonizing healing process, but it also saves them a great deal of money further down the road.
Furthermore, let us not forget that we are currently seeing one of the largest drug epidemics in our countries history. Deaths due to an overdose of pain-killers are at an all-time high. Abuse of most opiate pain medication usually starts when they are prescribed by a physician to treat a very real condition. Due to their addictive nature and a reputation to eliminate pain quickly, it only stands to reason that many people get hooked. However, with a focus on prevention, patients can now reduce (or eliminate) the need to take pain medication, or at least limit its necessity.
Although preventative medicine and oral-systemic treatments are rapidly gaining advocates, these movements are still in their infancy. So doctors who subscribe to this new ideology can be hard to find. Dr. Ronald Schefdore DMD of Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistrys & General Dentistry, however, is one of the few practitioners in Illinois that actively encourages prevention and supports the oral-systemic approach to dentistry. Neither he nor his patients could be more pleased with the results they have experienced, and his novel approach has become one of the leading reasons why he is the most esteemed dentist in Westmont Illinois.
If you are interested in more information about oral health and preventative dentistry, or just need a regular general dentist in the Chicago area, we strongly urge you to contact Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry as soon as possible. We are the premier dental health provider in Westmont, Oakbrook, Chicago, and beyond!
With so many health care options available today, we often hear doctor’s discussing the “medical standard of care” … What is the standard level of care? Is our practice living up to the expectations of our field? These – incredibly common – questions are a hot-topic for debate with many medical professionals. Rarely will two doctors agree on an exact definition of the term; let alone agree on its practical applications in real-world scenarios. Given its subjective nature, we aim to shed some light on this idiosyncratic phrase so you – as a patient – can determine for yourself if your doctor shares your priorities.
Used most commonly in malpractice law, the “medical standard of care” is regularly defined as “The level and type of care that a reasonably competent and skilled health care professional, with a similar background and in the same medical community, would have provided under the circumstances that led to the alleged malpractice.” It’s hard to read that explanation without being reminded of the words of Supreme Court Justice, Potter Stewart, when he said “[I don’t know what it is], but I know it when I see it.”
Given, when Justice Stewart expressed this thought it was in regards to obscenity in motion pictures, but the meaning is easily transferrable to the medical term. Basically, we don’t agree on what the medical standard of care is, but we know when it isn’t being met. So, it is up to the patient (you) to determine if your doctor/dentist is meeting – or exceeding – this not so lofty goal.
For instance, in the dental field, we are seeing a great surge in the development of “conveyor belt” dental offices. These practices pride themselves on the volume of patients that they see every day and their low cost; while sacrificing their quality of care and expertise of their staff. They found a niche in the medical field by exploiting PPO and HMO plans, making them the most affordable options for many Americans. Oddly enough, these facilities do meet the legal definition of the standard of care. However, many independent dentists view these “cavity, drill and fill” practices as the lowest-common-denominator in their field, and subtly hint that they do not fulfill the standard of care that they believe their patients deserve.
With a conveyor belt dentist office, you can still receive a good cleaning with the possibility of a somewhat thorough health exam. However, with the amount of patients that visit the office every day, the chances of your health-care needs being “lost in the crowd” are quite high.
One the other side of the spectrum, are independent (or “family”) dentist offices, such as Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry in Westmont. Since these practices are typically not run by a major corporation or trust, the lead doctor is allowed to set their own standards of care. Usually, their patients benefit as a result. In fact, a great example of this happening in real life just occurred at our practice…
Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad (lead dentists at Celebrity Smiles) are known for two things: Skilled dentistry and impulsive buying habits. So, when they came into our office the other day saying that they had bought a laser, we shrugged it off as just some new toy. However, when they began to educate us about its applications as a non-surgical, non-scarring, gentler alternative to major gum/soft-palette surgical tools, we truly saw how our practice stands above the others.
There is no way that in the “mega-dentist” facilities that such a seemingly absurd – yet highly beneficial – piece of equipment would have ever been approved by the corporate accountants. Yet here, it is a normal fixture in the examination room and is helping dozens of our patients to receive essential dental procedures. This is only possible due to Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad opinion’s of what the medical standard of care is. If they feel that your mouth deserves the superior care of modern technology, then that is what you shall receive. Yet it isn’t just the fancy new equipment that will set one practice apart from the other, it’s the little details.
Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry has made the comfort of its patients a priority since its founding over 30 years ago. By visiting our office in person you can have your own HD television for you to watch during your exam, take advantage of our messaging dentist chairs to ease your stress, all while lounging in a clean and recently renovated office. Yet if you go to other practices, you might only get a crowded lobby, flooded in fluorescent light, with Kenny G blaring from a blown-out speaker as a surly hygienist barks orders at you. Although Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad and their staff do have a reputation of going above and beyond expectations, it is the little niceties that show you how much your doctor values your comfort; and what their definition for the standard of care really is.
We wrote this comprehensive guide on how you should book a dental consultation.
Maintaining your oral health is an important part of managing your overall wellness. While regular brushing and flossing is an integral part of this process, the best way to ward off most oral disease is by visiting a licensed dentist licensed dentist every six months.
Fortunately with advances in online scheduling and patient management resources’, making an appointment with a dentist is easier than ever. However, for those of you who prefer to know the process “step by step”, we here at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry offer this helpful guide to make sure your first visit goes smoothly.
Steps to Book a Dental Consultation
Step 1: How to find a local dentist?
There is a big difference between having a dentist and have the RIGHT dentist. Having the right dentist for you will set the tone for the duration of your treatment and will save you from many headaches.
First contact your insurance company and ask if you are REQUIRED to see a doctor in their network. If you are, they can provide you with a list of professionals in your area. If you are not required to see a doctor in your network, and want to find the best doctor for you, you can begin to branch your search out.
Ask family and friends if they can recommend a dentist to you.
Use online search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) to locate a doctor in your general location. For instance, we would search: “General Dentist in Westmont Illinois” or “Dentist near me”.
Read reviews of dentists online. Yelp has been widely regarded as a fairly accurate “customer review portal” and many people use that to get the inside scoop on dentist. Also, most dental practices are on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.); you can find a lot of good information by viewing their pages.
Step 2: How to decide which local dentist(s) are right for you
Sometimes, people have very specific reasons for why they want to visit a dentist. It is important for you to identify your unique reason before deciding on an oral health care professional.
Limit the dental offices down to being a manageable driving distance from you. If your dentist office is convenient to locate and get to, it will make it more likely that you keep your appointments, thereby keeping you healthier!
Go to the doctors (or dental office’s) web page or social media accounts; determine if they treat the condition you are looking to address if you are going in for something specific. If you are going to just to get a regular check-up or cleaning, you can check the same sources to see if the office looks clean, the staff looks friendly, patients seem happy (in testimonials), etc. These will all be good indicators of how satisfied you will be with their care.
Develop a list of three “finalists” that match your criteria. Make sure to write down their contact information. Number one should be your favorite, the other two are there only if you decide to not go with your first pick for some reason, but the chances are very good that you will go with your initial choice.
Step 3: How to schedule a dentist appointment – Part One
Although it is now becoming common to submit a request for an appointment through a dental practices website, we recommend calling the office in person. You will receive information quicker and your appointment will be scheduled properly, with less confusion for you or the dental staff.
Call the top favorite dentist on the list you compiled in the previous step.
When the receptionist answers, ask if they are accepting new patients at the moment. If they are, continue to number 3. If they aren’t, then move to your second favorite dentist on the list and begin again.
Give the receptionist your basic information, including anything pertaining to your insurance. If at any point during the conversation you get the feeling that they cannot help you: thank them, hang up, and call the next office. You should not have to “settle” when it comes to your health care.
Inform the staff member of any concerns you have, or existing dental issues that you are currently experiencing. Also, let them know if you have a fear of the dentist. I know, it may be embarrassing to admit, but it is actually very common and that information will assist the dentist with treating you.
Step 3: How to schedule a dentist appointment – Part Two
Now that you have had some of your questions answered by the receptionist, you can make the decision if you want to be a patient of theirs or not. There is no problem choosing another doctor if you are still unsure if they can treat you properly.
Once you are satisfied with your decision of dental practice, you can begin to set your appointment . First, decide on a day and time that work best for you. Our personal recommendation is to choose something in the morning since those times are typically the least busy. This will help to limit the amount of time you wait for the doctor to be free.
After you let the staff member know what approximate day and time works for you, they will let you know if the doctor’s schedule can accommodate you. After a little back and forth, you should come to a date and time that is suitable for everyone involved.
Reminder: Be calm and courteous. There is a good chance that you will not be able to get the precise day/time you want. That is due to the fact that the doctor already booked patients in the other available timeslots before you even called. It’s nothing personal.
Make sure the receptionist is aware of the reason for your visit. This will aid them in reserving an appropriate amount of time you have with the doctor making sure your visit is relaxed and unrushed.
Keep your appointment, and show up early for initial consultations. There may be a questionnaire that you have to fill out before seeing the doctor, make sure you allow yourself enough time to complete it before your appointment is scheduled to happen.
Step 4 (Bonus): What to do if you can’t make a dental appointment
In the off-chance that you contact every dentist on your list, and still cannot find someone willing and/or able to treat you, you still have options.
Call a dental practice that was on your list of “favorites” and ask for a referral to another dentist they partner with. Most practices are happy to help you even if you aren’t being seen by them personally.
Broaden your search radius. Unfortunately, you may have no other option other than expanding the amount of travel you are willing to work with. Check communities that are a little further from you in order to find the best medical care for you.
Consult with (even more) family and friends to find a referral. Ask around and rely on the advice from the people you care about.
Go further into the search engine results. If it takes you scrolling through 5 pages of search results to find the appropriate doctor, then do it, you will be grateful.
We’ve put together this simple guide on managing dental anxiety for our patients who will go through a cosmetic procedure.
So, you have made the decision to get the cosmetic dental treatment that will finally give you the smile of your dreams. You should feel great, but instead, you – like many patients – can’t help but notice that sinking feeling in your stomach. Suddenly, questions start swirling around your brain:
Will it hurt?
Will the office be hard to find?
Will I be able to afford it?
Will I like the dentist?
Will the dentist like me?
It’s common on the eve of any medical procedure to be nervous. However, if you are putting-off treatments that you desperately want or need because of anxiety, then you are putting your health at risk. Here at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, we think that the best way to calm your nerves is to tell you all of the reasons why everything’s going to be ok everything’s going to be ok.
Things to Consider When Managing Dental Anxiety
#1 – You have done your research:
We live in the golden age of information so; you have no doubt consulted with Google about this life-changing decision. It probably started simply, by you searching for a specialist near you. For instance, when we search for cosmetic dentistry in Downers Grove Illinois, our website YourCelebritySmile.com , appeared almost immediately.
During your search, I’m sure that a handful of other Downers dental offices flooded the “maps” portion of the computer screen as well. After familiarizing yourself with your options based on your location, you chose the office that was most convenient to you. In fact, you may have already programmed the dental practices address into your phone’s GPS for driving instructions.
#2 – You know what you want:
There is a reason why you began this adventure in the first place. One day, you were looking in the mirror and decided that your mouth could look better. You know what you want the doctor to help you with; you just need to be able to explain it.
Go back to that mirror with a pen and paper and write down exactly what you want to correct. We have even had patients print out a picture of themselves and then mark it with a red felt pen, so trust us when we say that this is a popular coping mechanism. There is nothing wrong with someone taking a personal interest in their health care. Furthermore, whatever you need to do in order to clearly express what results you want and/or expect, will only aid the doctor in delivering those results.
Fold up the note you have written (or the picture you have marked) and make sure you take it with you to your initial consultation. Which leads us to the next reason it will all turn out fine …
#3 – You have consulted with a professional:
Armed with your hand written statement of your goals and the office’s GPS coordinates, you then had an initial consultation with the Downers Grove Cosmetic Dentist that you chose. During this informal meeting you should have had a productive dialogue with your doctor.
In “starter consultations” with Dr. Omar Ali or Dr. Ahmad Ahmad DMD for instance, they will go out of their way to make sure that the talk is as low-pressure as possible. The only purpose of your first chat should be the easy exchange of information. Explain what you need, let the doctor examine you so they can share their thoughts, and together you will learn which procedure is right for you and why. Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad do not rest until you have a firm grasp of what his treatments entail.
By following these three simple steps before your cosmetic dental procedure, you should be able to satisfy anything that may trigger your anxiety. Now, when you go into your dentist’s office on the day of your treatment, you will know that you are prepared, relaxed and in good hands.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may want to consider getting permanent teeth implants.
As many of our patients enter their golden-years, it is common for them to explore their health-care options. The reasons for this sudden interest in more advanced procedures is due to having disposable cash, extra time, or because they have been putting off receiving permanent solutions in favor of lower cost (but temporary) “quick fixes” and are finally ready for an upgrade.
Permanent dental implants are one of the most popular treatments in dentistry; and for good reason. They require less maintenance, look better, and will last a lifetime with proper care. But, what are permanent implants for teeth and how do you know if they are right for you?
What are permanent teeth implants?
Dental implants, also known as endosseous implants or “fixtures”, are used to support all manner of dental prosthesis such as dentures, bridges, and crowns. Modern fixtures are made of materials such as Titanium which, over time, fuse with the bones of the patient; thereby becoming (in both form and functionality) a natural part of your body.
Implants are surgically embedded into your jaw bone so they retain a secure anchor. This will ensure that they do not wiggle in your mouth like poorly made dentures, or come lose like a crown may. The surgery involved in the procedure is described as relatively gentle (there are no nerves in the jaw bone) and quick (they can be crafted and rooted within one dentist visit in Westmont ). This aids the success rate of the treatment, which is quite high when compared to other procedures.
Thanks to a secure anchor point keeping them in place in your mouth, and the superior materials used in crafting, implants look and feel like your natural teeth and you can treat them as such! Clean them as you would your original teeth, keep your regular dentist appointments, and there is no reason why your fixtures can’t last over 15 years. If the time does come where your teeth are beginning to become discolored, you simply get the visible portions replaced. No follow up surgery required.
Single implants can be installed to replace an individual tooth, or several can be rooted to support full mouth dentures. It is the versatility of the treatment that makes it a favorite for doctors as well. Fixing many of the visible effects of periodontists and other oral diseases, dental fixtures can provide incredible results within one day.
After receiving your implants, maintenance is fairly simple. Other than regular cleanings and check-ups, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics (just in case) and schedule a few additional appointments to check on the fixtures. Patients have reported some slight jaw pain while healing from the procedure, however that is not common and it typically fades quickly.
Are permanent dental implants right for me?
Do you have any missing teeth?
Are you tired of poorly-fitted denture wiggling in your mouth?
Do you want to spend less time worrying about your mouth and more time living life?
If your answer was ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then permanent dental implants may be right for you. However, only your dentist is truly qualified to give you a definitive answer. If you would like to learn about the long-lasting health options that are available to you, you must contact Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry.
Conveniently located in Westmont Illinois, Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry is the best choice for dental care in the Chicago area. Catering to patients from Westmont, Oakbrook, Chicago, and beyond, Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad and their staff of experts have been local industry leaders in health support for over thirty years when we first offered our trademark “1 Day Smile Makeovers”. No matter if your needs are cosmetic, or more general, dentistry … We will see you through the entire process.
Having a perfect celebrity smile gives you an immense confidence boost. Here’s how celebrities get their teeth in tip to shape.
Who is your style icon? Most people can rattle off the names of a few celebrities who’s “look” they like, and try to emulate. From clothes, to makeup, to hair-style, people use celebrities as their model for what is “attractive”. However, few people ever notice that the one thing most fashion mavens and ‘A’ list celeb’s have in common … A flawless smile. That is because our stars of stage and screen know that having pearly white teeth speaks volumes about your health and personality.
A glistening grin makes a person approachable and likeable from the moment they step onto the red carpet. You deserve to have the same ability in your everyday life, even if you don’t have the budget of a glitzy Hollywood star. The solution is a professional teeth whitening treatment at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry in Westmont.
Yes, in many cases making your teeth just a couple of shades cleaner makes a huge difference. That is the reason why you can now find hundreds of options for “at-home teeth whitening” kits at your local grocery store. Unfortunately, most home teeth whitening solutions are either temporary or completely ineffective. In order to achieve the proper look for your mouth, and maintain it, there is no other option than using a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad DMD.
Only Cosmetic Dentists Can Give You that Celebrity Smile
Here are the reasons why you need a cosmetic dentist for effective and long-lasting treatment.
Firstly, whitening sensitive teeth is extremely difficult. So, if you already cringe when you take that first sip of orange juice in the morning, the best way to freshen your smile is by a professional. Your doctor will take the extra steps to make sure that you are comfortable. For instance, at our dental office in Westmont Illinois, your pampering begins as soon as you sit in the examination chair. Your choice of music, HD television program, and chair massage setting, are the first order of the day. Dr. Omar Ali & Dr. Ahmad Ahmad will then administer the gentlest exam you have ever experienced.
Secondly, your dentist has access to newer and better medical-grade whitening compounds, so even the most stubborn oral blemishes will disappear. As many customer reviews will attest, the same cannot be said of the “at home” methods. Also, these compounds can be calibrated to your specific needs, because one size does not fit all when it comes to reinvigorating your teeth. This makes the final product sparkling white, but also natural-looking. Your smile should dazzle people, not blind them.
Thirdly, contrary to popular belief, it is usually quicker to get an in-office whitening due to “repeated treatments”. In many cases a full teeth whitening only takes Dr. Omar Ali or Dr. Ahmad Ahmad one hour to complete, and then you are set for months of having an award winning smile. On the other hand, a DIY method may only last a week. In fact, in many cases with store-bought kits, the results may only last a matter of days. This causes most people to continuously reapply the products over and over again. By the end of the first month, patients who chose a professional treatment are smiling a little wider than their at-home counterparts.
Of course, there are hundreds of ways that you can refresh your mouth that can achieve drastic results. However, teeth whitening is by far the most popular due to its: speed, affordability, and comfort. For more details of how to get a Celebrity Smile, contact a member of our staff by calling (630)453-0282 or by clicking here and scheduling a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
345 W Ogden Ave Westmont, IL 60559
