Gary E. Alhadef, DDS

What Makes LVI Certified Dentists More Qualified?

2008-05-09T15:00:00.002-05:00

An LVI cosmetic dentist is someone who was trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Innovative Techniques
An LVI graduate has one of the highest levels of cosmetic dental training, including areas of practice such as full mouth reconstruction and neuromuscular dentistry.
When it began in 1995, LVI was one of the first post graduate programs where dentists could bring their own patients to perform progressive, cosmetic techniques under direct supervision.

Hands-On Learning
Today, the LVI curriculum is very comprehensive and hands-on, covering a range of courses from clinical aspects to managerial skills. The courses involve visiting doctors and their office teams, integrating comprehensive treatment plans into the learning process.

More than 3,000 dentists from across the globe have received their post-graduate training at LVI. Each dentist walks away with the skills necessary to enrich your smile and give you the confidence to take your life to a new level of success and fulfillment.

The LVI Smile
For over a decade, LVI has been one of the world's premier post-graduate dental teaching centers. The institute is known for its striking "LVI Smile," drawing dentists from across the world seeking to perfect their smile finessing skills.

The graduates of LVI are some of the finest, most progressive dentists out there. LVI dentists - their business is excellence and beauty, and the LVI difference is training, experience, and talent that lead to a better result for you.

If you're looking for a qualified LVI graduate in the Dallas area, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today for a free initial consultation.

The Health Benefits of Replacing Your Old Metal Fillings

2008-05-01T14:34:00.001-05:00

Over the years, many people have had amalgam (silver) fillings placed into their teeth to fill areas affected by tooth decay.

Prevent Breakage
However, amalgam shrinks and expands with temperature at a different rate than your enamel. Over time, the pushing and pulling action of expansion and contraction can cause your tooth to fracture and break, leading to more tooth decay and other problems.

By replacing your old amalgam fillings with a composite material, you can help restore your tooth’s natural structure. Composite fillings also bond to your tooth, similar to porcelain veneers, creating a tighter seal that strengthens your tooth and protects it from cracking.

Mercury-Free
Amalgam fillings may release mercury vapor when you chew. Some people believe that this mercury vapor can cause health problems, such as neurological disorders, to individuals who are sensitive to it.

Since the 1990s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been examining a relationship between amalgam fillings and health concerns. Presently, there has been no scientific evidence that these fillings have directly caused harm to children or adults.

However, these concerns are still valid, and these health organizations are continuing to examine this relationship. Composite fillings are mercury-free, so you would never be exposed to this potentially dangerous vapor.

If you are interested in changing your old amalgam fillings, please contact the office of Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today for a free initial consultation.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

2008-04-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

A number of TMJ sufferers are unable to pinpoint the root of their condition. Many people have symptoms that do not interfere with their lives, because they have grown accustomed to them or do not know they exist.

For example, patients with TMJ typically suffer from headaches and neck pain. If you work in an office, maybe you believe these symptoms are the result of staring at a computer screen all day.

Teeth Grinding
Or perhaps you grind your jaw while you’re sleeping, but don’t know it. The pressure of constant jaw-grinding can actually kill your tooth roots and lead to muscle spasms that can limit your jaw’s ability to open. Grinding can also leave your teeth very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

Speech Irregularities
Some TMJ sufferers develop speech irregularities and an abnormal lip posture due to a chewing imbalance. The corners of your mouth can also become red, painful and swollen. Certain areas of your face, like your lower jaw, can also become puffy.

Bad Posture
TMJ patients can also develop a forward head posture, which stretches your neck muscles and pulls your lower jaw backward towards your ears. The imbalance of your chewing and neck muscles can also make it difficult to swallow.

Lockjaw
Another common symptom of TMJ is clicking or popping in your jaw bone. This can lead to lockjaw.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, please contact Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef. He can help you determine whether neuromuscular dentistry is right for you. Contact our offices today for a free initial consultation.

Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist’s Chair

2008-04-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

If you’ve had a bad experience at the dentist, or suffer from extreme dental phobia for any reason, even a noninvasive procedure like dental bonding can cause extreme anxiety and something as dramatic as dental implants can be impossible. If this describes your situation, sedation dentistry can help.

When the Smell is Terrifying Enough

Sedation or sleep dentistry is designed especially for patients who dread the dentist—the mere smell of the dentist’s office is enough for them to prolong treatment until they are in excruciating pain.

Dream through Your Visit

Through the use of common sedative medications, you can undergo your dental treatment in a dream-like state, unaware of the actions being performed on you.
Sedation dentistry offers you a pain-free, anxiety-free visit to the dentist.

The medications also make it difficult for you to remember the procedure. In fact, many patients awake from their groggy state with no recollection of the dental treatment.

Safe for All Ages

Sleep dentistry is ideal for people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Dr. Alhadef and his assistants will monitor you throughout the procedure to make sure the process goes smoothly.

Reduce Dental Anxiety

Sedation dentistry can help you get over your fear of the dentist’s chair by providing a safe, worry-free experience at a place you do not normally feel comfortable. By helping reduce your fears about visiting the dentist, this procedure can help you fight nervous tension associated with these sessions.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, or find yourself scheduling and canceling appointments frequently, contact the office of Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today to see if sleep dentistry is right for you. Call today for a free initial consultation.

How Does Invisalign Work?

2008-03-28T10:41:00.001-05:00

Invisalign uses a series of aligner trays rather than the metal brackets and wires of traditional orthodontics.

Custom-Made Aligners
After you and Dr. Alhadef develop your specific treatment, he will take impressions of your teeth. These will be used to custom-mold a series of clear or “invisible” removable aligners that will gradually move your teeth into their desired position. Your aligners will be created through precise 3-D computer mapping and design. Made of a clear, strong medical-grade plastic your aligners move your teeth incrementally. You will switch to a new aligner every two weeks as your teeth shift into place. You should wear each set day and night and remove them only to eat, floss and brush your teeth.

Not For Everyone
Invisalign straightens your teeth invisibly, without the look of brackets and wires. However, this treatment is not intended for children because there is a certain level of responsibility that accompanies Invisalign.

Because the aligners are clear and must be removed for eating and brushing, there is a high probability that children will misplace or accidentally discard them.

Invisalign is also not for every adult. If you have severe bite issues that require headgear, you cannot use this treatment because it is not compatible.

Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Alhadef can help you determine if Invisalign is right for you. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

Worth the Wait? — Instant Orthodontics vs. Traditional Braces

2008-03-19T17:34:00.001-05:00

Is your smile crooked, misaligned or unevenly spaced? Are you longing to fix these problems, but dread waiting years with metal wires on your teeth? Maybe you’ve had braces in your teenage years, but now your teeth have relapsed and you don’t want to deal with braces as an adult.

Instant orthodontics is a way to fix your teeth in as little as two dentist visits. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Alhadef can remove spaces, lengthen your teeth or fix their shape. The result is a balanced, attention-grabbing smile that you can feel good about.

Instant Orthodontics
Instant orthodontics change your smile almost instantly. In fact, instant orthodontics doesn’t involve any orthodontic work at all. Instead of moving your teeth to straighten them, this procedure alters the look of your natural teeth, leaving the roots in place.

This method is ideal for adults who don’t want the look, feel and drag of metal braces.

Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are cheaper than instant orthodontics, and are ideal for children and teenagers. While they are low maintenance, braces can take years to completely move your teeth. If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth can also relapse later in life.

If you want to correct your crooked smile instantly, contact the office of Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today for a free initial consultation.

Finance Your New Smile!

2008-03-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

Cost shouldn’t hold you back from achieving the smile of your dreams.

The cost of your cosmetic dental treatment will differ from person to person because each situation is unique, as is the intricacy.

Initial Consultation Reveals Cost

Until you meet with Dr. Alhadef for your initial consultation, you won’t know exactly how much your treatment will cost. Dr. Alhadef must analyze your smile and discuss your desired outcome before attaching a dollar figure to your smile.

Minimal Insurance Coverage

Most cosmetic dental procedures are considered elective, meaning they are not necessary to your health. Therefore, insurance companies probably won’t cover the cost of your treatment: if they do, it will be minimal. You will be responsible for paying for your cosmetic dentistry on your own.

Financing Options

But Dr. Alhadef offers financing options, and affordable payment plans for his patients. How it works is you pay a percentage of the initial cost, and the remaining balance in monthly increments. You can discuss these options with Dr. Alhadef during your consultation.

Don’t let money stop you from obtaining your picture-perfect smile. The increased confidence and oral health benefits are worth it. Please contact the office of Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today to discuss your financing options during your free initial consultation.

Do You Need to Schedule a Consultation First?

2008-02-28T17:58:00.001-06:00

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile, you should first schedule a consultation. At the office of Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef, we offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose.

Discuss Dental Goals

During your initial consultation, you will meet Dr. Alhadef and discuss your dental goals. We will carefully listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Our educated staff will give you all the facts that you need to make an informed decision about the appearance of your smile and your dental health, and what cosmetic dentistry procedures might best help you.

Oral Examination

We will conduct an oral examination with our state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained staff. When necessary, we will take x-rays of your mouth and discuss the treatment that can best meet your needs.

Medications

At this stage, you should tell us if there are any medications you are taking, as different medicines can interact and create complications. This includes any vitamins, herbal supplements, nicotine, and caffeine.

Financing Options

After closely examining your smile, Dr. Alhadef will discuss what treatments would be best for you. We will also discuss your budget considerations and talk about financing options.

If you're not completely satisfied with your smile, you wouldn’t be reading this. Please contact us today - you have only a perfect smile to gain!

Dental Implants vs. Conventional Dentures

2008-02-28T17:54:00.000-06:00

Are you embarrassed by the clicking sound your dentures randomly make during a meal?

Are you no longer able to enjoy your favorite foods because they can cause your dentures to slip or become loose?

If this sounds like you, you should consider dental implants to increase your quality of life.

Losing Teeth is Common
Statistics reveal that nearly 70 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. This can be the result of a failed root canal, tooth decay, trauma or gum disease. By the time they reach 74 years old, more than 25 percent of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

A Choice of Options
Years ago, patients had no choice but to wear dentures - that or a fixed bridge. Today, dental implants are surgically attached to your jawbone and will never slip out of place.

How a Dental Implant Works
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is set into the jawbone gap, where your tooth root once was. When the bone grows and heals around that titanium, it becomes part of your jaw. A tiny extension is attached to the implant, and a porcelain crown is bonded to it. You now have a new tooth, which you can use just as you did your real tooth.

Normal Care
You should care for your dental implant the same way as your natural teeth-flossing and brushing regularly, and visiting Dr. Alhadef for routine check-ups. When properly cared for, your dental implant could last your entire lifetime.

If you're considering a dental implant, please contact Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today for a free initial consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Professional Relationships

2008-01-31T14:37:00.000-06:00

There’s no arguing that an enhanced, radiant smile will make you look and feel more attractive. But now, studies show that a smile makeover will also make you appear more intelligent and successful to others. This can lead to improvements and advances among your professional relationships.

The Study
The independent research was conducted by Beall Research & Training of Chicago, on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

Photographs of eight people were shown to more than 500 Americans, who were asked to rate the people on their:

Attractiveness
Intelligence
Happiness
Career success
Kindness
Friendliness
Wealth
Popularity with the opposite sex
Sensitivity to others

Two sets of photos were created, with each set showing four individuals before undergoing cosmetic dentistry, and four after treatment.

While none of the subjects had visibly rotten or missing teeth, two had mild cosmetic improvements and two underwent moderate enhancements, mostly involving tooth whitening and instant orthodontics.

The results revealed that an attractive smile had the greatest impact on attractiveness, popularity with the opposite sex, and surprisingly, career success and wealth.

A Professional Investment
This study shows that a beautiful smile is not only a personal investment, but a professional one as well.

Attractive smiles can increase you self-assurance and give you more confidence in social situations—resulting a more successful career.

Contact Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today for a free initial consultation, and be on your way to the smile of your dreams.

Dental Bonding or Porcelain Veneers?

2008-01-20T14:42:00.000-06:00

Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers can be used to fix unattractive gaps in your teeth. You’ll have to consider your personal needs and decide which option is best for you:

Dental Bonding
Best For: Gaps, teeth that are crooked, chipped, crammed, discolored, too large and too small

Advantages: Considerably cheaper than veneers
More durable than veneers
Can be completed in one visit
Can be repaired

Disadvantages: Opaque in appearance, looks less natural than veneers

Porcelain Veneers
Best For: Gaps, teeth that are crooked, chipped, crammed, discolored, too large and too small

Advantages: Translucent in appearance, look more natural
Porcelain is more stain-resistant

Disadvantages: Considerably more expensive than bonding
Porcelain material is more brittle, not for teeth-grinders
Minimum of two dentist visits to complete
Cannot be repaired, only replaced

Of course, if your teeth are simply discolored, you may get great results from tooth whitening rather than bonding or veneers. If you’re interested in porcelain veneers or dental bonding, please contact Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today for a free initial consultation.

Finding the Perfect Cosmetic Dentist

2007-12-30T17:56:00.000-06:00

For starters, you’ll want to find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. Not every dentist is trained as a cosmetic dentist. It is also good to find a dentist whose training allows him or her to do a wide range of dental procedures, from dental bonding to dental crowns, and even dental implants. This makes them capable of addressing whatever cosmetic dentistry issues you may face.

You can start by searching online for a cosmetic dentist in your area. The following are good Web sites to visit:

You can also try asking friends, family or your regular dentist for recommendations.

Once you’ve narrowed your search, you should look at that cosmetic dentist’s before and after photos to make sure he or she does the type of work you’re looking for.

Check with your state’s Dental Licensing Board to ensure that person is legitimately certified.

When possible, talk to current and former patients to get an idea of the care that your prospective cosmetic dentist provides. Talk with them outside of the office and ask them for their honest opinions.

Finally, schedule an initial consultation with your chosen cosmetic dentist to discuss your dental needs, treatment options and prices. Ask the dentist about his or her background, training and years in practice. Also inquire about any organizations that cosmetic dentist belongs to.

If you are in the Dallas, Texas area, contact the office of Dr. Gary Alhadef to begin looking for a cosmetic dentist who can take care of all your needs.

Braces vs. Invisalign — What’s Right For Me?

2007-12-22T17:43:00.000-06:00

Your smile leaves a lasting impression. If you have crooked, misaligned or unevenly spaced teeth, it can significantly hinder your self-esteem. Dental alignment is one of the easiest, most effective and most dramatic dental procedures you can do to enhance your smile.

There are two main procedures used for alignment—traditional Orthodontics and Invisalign braces. Here are the details of each:

Metal Braces
Best For: Children and young teens

Advantages: Can eat, drink and brush teeth like normal
Less expensive
Little maintenance (replace rubber bands)
Can be designed for anyone

Disadvantages: Metal appearance
Some mild to moderate soreness after adjustments

Invisalign
Best For: Older teens and adults

Advantages: Clear appearance
More comfortable

Disadvantages: Require more responsibility—must remove to eat, drink and brush
More expensive
More maintenance (remove often, keep clean)
Not everyone can be fitted for Invisalign braces

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, not everyone can be fitted for Invisalign braces. Patients with severe bite problems and require headgear can only use traditional braces. Invisalign braces are not compatible with headgear.

If you are in the Dallas, Texas, area and want to fix a crooked smile and want to learn more about your options, contact the office of cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Alhadef today to learn more.

Welcome

2007-11-06T10:45:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the dental office of Dr. Gary Ahadef and our team of experienced and friendly professionals.