Ideal Dentistry, the premier dental practice in Louisville that provides exceptional dentistry for both adults and children, has joined the invitation only dental lab – Gold Dust Dental. Together Ideal Dentistry and Gold Dust Dental are able to provide not only the most esthetic and beautiful smiles but also work closely with each patient and customize every restoration.

Ideal Dentistry, lead by Dr. Christian W. Hahn (a AACD accredited cosmetic dentist) has been the industry leader in Louisville for several years now and has redefined the standard of care by putting the patient and quality first.

“I believe there is a better way to practice dentistry…patients should not have to see their dentist every year only to watch their dental health deteriorate!” says Dr. Hahn.

The partnership between Ideal Dentistry and Gold Dust Dental will allow Dr. Hahn to deliver the consistent premium quality he demands.

“People just want good fitting dentistry that lasts. It really is that simple. Too many people contact me via my blog or come to my office with problems they should never have in the first place! The dental profession needs to focus more on the patient and upgrade their game – it really is not acceptable that so many patients have problems that can be traced right back to the fillings and restorations that were placed by our profession.” says Dr. Hahn.

Dr. Hahn values his relationship with his patients, “I put my patients and their health first. Every patient receives the same quality care that I provide for my own family, without compromise. My work is my signature – if something does not turn out quite right or breaks, I stand behind it 100% and my patients know that.”

When asked why he spends so much time selecting the dental laboratory that he works with, Dr. Hahn says “Dentistry is not just a service business – we deliver a product that our dental laboratory makes. If our lab is not top notch then there is no way that we can deliver a quality product. Good labs cost a lot of money – you truly get what you pay for in dentistry. Good labs also only work with good dentists, which is why Gold Dust Dental only works with a handful of dentists that are invited to join the lab through internal referral. My blog is inundated with patients have problems with the restorations that were made, and the simple truth is that many of these restorations are made in China and shipped back here at minimal cost to the dentist…what kind of quality do you think they will deliver? Your mouth is not a testing ground!”

Ideal Dentistry and Gold Dust Dental give patients a choice, an option, to have beautiful, world class dentistry that will not only last but also is placed by a meticulous German dentist that stands behind his work 100%.

To learn more about Ideal Dentistry and Gold Dust Dental please visit www.IdealDentistry.com and www.GoldDustDental.com.

We believe that dentistry is an art as much a science, and that every restoration we deliver, every filling we place needs to be as beautiful and functional as humanly possible.

We believe that a smile is a gift to you and everyone who you come in contact with.  A smile is as important to human interaction as words. We believe everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud of. At Ideal Dentistry we listen to you and help you gain a smile that is uniquely you, using the most conservative methods available.

The Dental Peace Program, created by Dr. Hahn to help you maximize your dental health and minimize your need for future dentistry, is one of the pillars of Ideal Dentistry.

Your smile is our reward.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Chris

What if we could straighten your front teeth, top or bottom, in about 6 weeks?

What if we could straighten your teeth with an appliance you can remove when you like?

What if we could straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost of braces?

Would you be interested in getting your teeth looking and feeling their best?

Welcome to the Inman Aligner

At Ideal Dentistry Dr. Christian Hahn always is on the cutting edge of dentistry, no pun intended. Above are two examples in which a Inman Aligner has been able to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time required by traditional braces. 

After we straighten teeth we usually whiten them, do some minor cosmetic contouring and voila, you have an incredibly beautiful smile.

As a matter of fact, if you began your Inman Aligner treatment in the next few weeks we could be done by the 4th of July! Wow, that is quick!

For a LIMITED TIME Dr. Christian Hahn is offering the Inman Aligner to all of his patients – and new patients – for 10% OFF. Contact Lori today at 502-228-4585 to get your teeth straightened for the summer.

Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty. Every dentist advertises that they are a cosmetic dentist, so how do you pick a dentist to give you a beautiful, lasting smile?

After all, your smile is essentially one of your most important features! You spend a lot of time researching shoes, clothing, purses, cars, you name it. All these “things” come and go, but a smile is forever. Why would you not do your due diligence when it comes to something so important?

After practicing dentistry for over 15 years in both Orange County California and Louisville Kentucky, here is my opinion:

1. Experience does matter. Find a dentist that has proven he/she has a passion for cosmetic dentistry. The easiest way to do this is to select a accredited cosmetic dentist. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers a program where a dentist can become accredited in the art of cosmetic dentistry. This is a rigorous program that few pass, but once they do they truly are expert smile designers. Currently there are under 300 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world!

2. Walk the talk. The old saying: “Watch one, do one, teach one” really does apply. You cannot be a cosmetic dentist if you have not watched and learned how to do it, then practiced how to do it, and finally at the pinnacle of knowledge taught how to do it. If your dentist is teaching other dentists how to do it, then they probably know how to do it pretty well themselves. There are only a few dentists in the nation that are speakers on cosmetic dentistry. These dentists would be my first choice as a patient.

3. Passion Passion Passion. So, we all know that if you love what you do you do a better job. Does your dentist love what he/she does? Are they passionate? Are they excited to show you all the before and after photos of their work? Do they write blogs about what they do? Do they have a smile on their own faces? Do not, under any circumstance, ever, pick a dentist that does not like what they do.

4. Team. A dental office that provides quality cosmetic dentistry requires a top of the line team. I could not do what I do without my team, they are the best. Everybody from the front office to the assistant need to love what they do. If the team is not top notch, how can the dentistry be top notch?

5. Laboratory. Top notch cosmetic dentistry is not made in China, but that does not stop many dentists from sending their dentistry to China to be made. If you want a beautiful smile you need a top notch dental laboratory technician. There are several great lab technicians in the USA that can give you the smile of your dreams, but I guarantee you that any dentist that subscribes to in-network insurance here in Kentucky will never use them for one simple reason, and that is cost. You get what you pay for in dentistry. Like it or not, quality dentistry costs more money. Quality dental technicians are expensive. Quality materials cost more. Quality training for the dentist to become a top notch cosmetic dentistry takes time and money, quality team players cost money, and so forth. There is no way around this, you truly get what you pay for in dentistry.

6. Do it right the first time. Too often I see patients that come to me for a second opinion AFTER they had poor dentistry done. This only results in more discomfort, cost and time issues…Pick the best dentist you can afford now. Find someone that teaches you how to FIX your mouth, not just patch what is causing it to break down. There are ways today to prevent the need for dentistry for a long time!!!

So, when you are looking for a dentist, especially a cosmetic dentist, consider the facts above. Pick wisely…Dentistry is not a commodity, it is an art.  Do it right the first time and save not only on time and money, but frustration and discomfort as well.

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

Your mouth is a window to your overall health... you probably heard it before, but, how serious is the link?

The connection between your overal health and your oral health is deadly serious.

The age of the “tooth mechanic” is over. Dentists must be aware of the severity of oral disease and how debilitating it actually is. Science has proven a close link to infections in your mouth and your overall health. Treating this infection should be the number one priority! A dentist can dramatically improve a patients health by educating the patient on the links between their oral health and their body’s health.

Many health conditions are tied to your oral health. People often do just about anything to stay healthy – they exercise, eat well, see their medical doctor, etc., but often ignore their oral health.

Well, here is a short list of conditions related to the mouth, directly from the Mayo Clinic website:

• Endocarditis – An infection of the inner lining of your heart. Bacteria enter through your infected, puffy gums and travel directly to this vulnerable area and begin destroying the engine that keeps you alive.
• Cardiovascular Disease – Gum disease, periodontitis, has been closely linked to this killer. Clogged arteries and stroke are just one part of this disease that once again is linked to the bacteria in your mouth entering through infected and inflamed oral tissue.
• Diabetes –  This disease is a double edged sword. People with diabetes have more frequent and severe infections of the gums, which in turn allow bad bacteria to enter and increase the severity of diabetes.
• Pregnancy and Birth – Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. The bacteria in your gums that enters through inflammation and infection can actually cross the placenta! We do anything for our kids – seek out the best schools, best food, etc., but how about giving them a good start by preventing the dangerous bacteria in gum disease to pass through to them when they are in the womb?
• Alzheimer’s Disease – Tooth loss before the age of 35, probably related to gum disease, has been related to this debilitating disease.

There are MANY more diseases and conditions related to the mouth. We simply need to find the common denominator – INFECTIONS of the GUMS! Too many terrible things happen if we ignore gum disease. It is called the silent killer for a reason…

So, take a step towards better health, today. Focus on quality dentistry, healthy gums, which will help you manage all the other diseases we face as we get older. Give your immune system the strength to focus on other parts of your body, not just your mouth. Find a mouth doctor, not a tooth mechanic. Get a dentist with a plan to treat the underlying cause of all the problems, infections in your mouth.

I have developed a specific plan called the Dental Peace Program which focuses on getting you healthy, not just placing fillings. Read it over, implement parts in your life, and begin a road to a healthier you.

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

Dr. Christian W. Hahn, a AACD Accredited Cosmetic Dentist from Louisville, KY, is traveling this week to Quebec City, Canada to present a lecture and workshop on on of the most exciting revolutions in cosmetic dentistry – Componeers.

Dr. Hahn has given multiple hands-on workshops to dentists around the country over the last two years, teaching the art of direct composite veneers and the beauty of componeers.

To view Dr. Hahn’s current lecture schedule, visit this link: Dr. Hahn Bio

I would like to discuss how dentures can change your life today…why you ask, well, simple , I have had several wonderful patients come to my office recently who had to put their life on hold because of their bad dentures.

When I speak to a group of dentists my goal is not only to teach them about cosmetic dentistry, but much more importantly, teach them that we as dentists can change lives…we  can make or break patients confidence, success, and most importantly, happiness.

The two patients I am referring to are beautiful young ladies that won’t smile, or hardly talk anymore. They are blessed with a beautiful body but feel that life is miserable due to their teeth. That is how powerful your smile is. I am honored to be able to be the dentist that re-ignites their zest for life by giving them back a smile that represents who they are.

So, how do we do it? It all has to do with customization…meaning, taking a few extra steps when making a denture to ensure they are unique and natural looking. I set all the front teeth by hand, in wax, until the patient likes the way they look. Then when the denture has been turned into hard acrylic I shape and polish the teeth until they look real and match the patients personality. Lastly, I place dental implants whenever possible to secure the denture, giving you the confidence that your teeth won’t become loose at the wrong moment.

If you want “real” and “beautiful” looking dentures, or you have a friend that suffers from bad dentures, give me a call and let’s make you smile again!

Keep smiling,

Dr. Chris

I have spent my entire life looking at aspects of my daily routine and improved them. That is why I have created the Dental Peace Program - rather than see the dentist with new problems every year, slowly getting worse every year, I found a solution that actually solves the problem of continuous dental breakdown. This dental peace program was created out of my necessity to not just be a dental mechanic, but actually help people.

So, this brings me to my hobby, inventing new products. Tomorrow I am attending a product launch competition that I am a top 10 contender in. I was selected out of over 145 submission on www.DailyGrommet.com – you can read the story here: Daily Grommet Product Launch Competition. #grommetpitch You can view the contest online through facebook – simply “like” the Daily Grommet facebook page and watch the action.

My product, Frogglez Goggles – www.froggglezgoggles.com -  is a simple product that solves a problem I have had in my life – Frogglez are comfortable swim goggles for kids Who would have guessed that there would be so much interest over this product:

Frogglez Goggles in Business First

Frogglez Goggles in eWallstreeter

Frogglez Goggles in NewsBlaze

and on and on….

So, why am I posting this? I want you to know that my passion lies in solving problems, and in the case of dentistry this results in you needing less dentistry for the future! When a patient sees me with a toothache I don’t simply fix the problem, I need to find out why it happened in the first place and SOLVE the problem so this does not happen again. That is a big difference…

I also help other dental companies review new products and create products for their specific fields.

On that note, I wish you all a great week!

Keep smiling,

Dr. Chris

Porcelain Veneers are the pinnacle of cosmetic dentistry. When you decide you want that beautiful white smile, select a dentist that lives and breathes veneers, not someone that has dabbled in the art…this is not the time to practice!

Dr. Hahn is one of under 300 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For the last 15 years Dr. Hahn has lectured and been published on this subject. Currently Dr. Hahn is a top national speaker on the subject of veneers.

At Dr. Hahn’s office, Ideal Dentistry, you are guaranteed to love your teeth. There is no “this is as good as it gets”…Dr. Hahn will work with you until you are happy!

As you look at the lifespan of porcelain veneers, remember, half the battle is proper design and cementation. None of Dr. Hahn’s veneers have fallen off and at Ideal Dentistry Dr. Hahn teaches his “Dental Peace Program” which allows patients to become dental problem free!

If you are ready to get the smile of your dreams, see Dr. Hahn – experience really does matter!

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

As a dentist I see problems on a daily basis. At first I focused on solving tooth problems, like most dentists. What is the best filling for the tooth? How do I design the best crown? What is the best material to use? On and on like that. But, for the lack of a better analogy, I was missing the forest for the trees (I actually now understand this saying…took a while). I have solved most of the “tooth centered” problems, being able to deliver consistently excellent fitting and looking restorations, but, how was that solving “your” problem? It was really like working behind the eight ball.

So, over the last few months I put together all the knowledge I have acquired as a problem solving dentist and came up with THE DENTAL PEACE PROGRAM. The real goal as a dentist should be to keep our patients from pain and suffering. It is really that simple. It solves a huge problem for my patients, the number one reason patients see me – prevention of pain. I am pretty amazed on how this came together. Only after trying to teach this system to my associates did I realize that it is not common sense. To execute this program correctly you really need to understand all facets of dentistry and be a true problem solving dentist. This is my goal for both of my practices! To give my patients peace from dentistry!

It took literally years for me to develop this program that not only fixes teeth, but fixes the root cause of the problems, and as it goes with anything in life, it had to be “dummied down” to make it feasible. Here is a synopsis of what the program:

Satisfy these 5 aspects of your oral health and you are safe:

1. INFECTIONS
2. DECAY
3. FUNCTION
4. NUTRITION
5. HYGIENE

Read the above referenced Dental Peace Program link to get the details.

Finally I truly feel I am able to help patients…I have a roadmap to dental health. If a patient wants a dentist/dental practice that actually tries to solve their problems and give them peace from the continuous need of dentistry in the future, then IDEAL DENTISTRY and our DENTAL PEACE PROGRAM is for them. What a blessing to be able to not only fix a tooth, but to be able to fix a patient entire mouth!

I invite all of you to read up on the Dental Peace Program and visit one of our offices to experience the difference.

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

Got results that were “so so”….

Well, there is a new system available that get your teeth as white as they possibly could get, and it is called KoR Deep Bleaching.

At Ideal Dentistry we customize dentistry to exceed your expectations. This means we don’t provide one size fits all porcelain veneers, and we are able to give those people who want crazy white teeth exactly what they ask for!

So, before you waste your money on one of many over-the-counter methods, consider trying something that actually works!

KoR Deep Bleaching – Crazy White Teeth! Only available at select dental practices, and of course at your Louisville leader in Cosmetic Dentistry, Ideal Dentistry.

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

• The thickness of a porcelain veneer can be around 0.3 mm!
• The edge of a filling may require as little as a 0.5 mm bevel around the whole tooth
• The edges of porcelain crowns come to sharp point and are thinner than the thickness of your fingernail
• Even with 20/20 vision you still are blind compared to magnficiation

There are many more examples such as finding decay, fractures, etc. that require the use of dental loupes. Simply put, without dental loupes you are seeing only a fraction of what really is going on!

At Ideal Dentistry Dr. Hahn uses the maximum level of magnification with a halogen light to ensure that the quality of all restorations, as well as your exams, are world class.

How can you ensure a perfect fit of a crown if you can’t even see the edge?

How can you diagnose a fractured tooth below a silver mercury filling if you can even see the crack?

Remember, quality dentistry is lasting dentistry. Get it done right the first time. Get it done under magnification!

Keep smiling,

Dr. Chris

Dr. Chris

Dear Dr. Chris,

Running across your website is truly inspirational!  It is a relief to know that I am not not the only one going through the oral health misery I am experiencing.  While I would never wish anything bad on anyone, I am so thankful to have found a physician who cares so much about his patients.  I too am a healthcare provider, finishing up my doctorate this year.  I have had terrible oral health for as long as I can remember.  I have had procedure after procedure, always needing more work.  My mouth has hit a low point, and I now find it difficult to smile at my patients.  I know I am partially responsible for my condition, but at 24 years old I know there must be a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing solution.  I am from Southern Illinois, and would very much enjoy a consultation with you in the future.  I feel that traveling a short distance is just fine for quality care.

Dr. Hahn.. It is so relieving to see your blog. I get terrible shaking to visit a dentist because of bad experience with my previous dentist. After reading your blog feel relaxed. I want to go for removable braces and I would like to know whether it possible to have braces with little bonding in my front teeth, and I am 34 yrs old. It would be great if you answer.
Thank you for your time.
Dolly

This blog is much more beneficial than a dental care plan. People are always looking for a dentist who is an expert in their work and provides full satisfaction to their patients.

What a wonderful post. The way you have explained about porcelain veneers is so catchy. Good work. Keep on posting.

Dr. I must applaud you for your dedication to removable prosthetics. I’m a CDT and wish I had more accounts like you that push for premium appliances for the oral health of your patients. Have a blessed day!

Wow, great blog. Sounds like u really care about your patients. I am impressed. I will be calling your office Wednesday and look forward to meeting u and your staff. Plz tell me u work on ” chickens” i.e. patients that have a bit of “nervousness”. Do u use any kind of sedation/pill/ ? ( I hope ). Thx, have a great evening!

Everybody understands that a good smile gives you an edge in society:

• People hire people with nice smiles
• People date people with nice smiles

So what can you do about your smile? Here is a case I just completed on someone that was told she could not have clear braces by another dentist.

Besides the improvements in esthetics, the case also significantly helped the patient functionally. She now is able to keep her teeth clean! It is much more difficult to manage crooked teeth than straight teeth. Invisalign Clear Braces gave this lady a beautiful smile!

Consider you smile…is it a healthy smile? Is it a beautiful smile? How would straight, healthy teeth improve your life?

Life is better with a beautiful smile!

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

I moved from Orange County, California to Kentucky about 8 years ago and was shocked at what I saw, with regards to dentistry.

Poor quality care seems to be “accepted as the norm” by most patients and dentists. If you have been reading my blogs then you know I am always pretty straight forward with my opinions. I tell it as it is – no beating around the bush.

So, when I received an extra large, beautiful, glossy mailer from a large local dental chain touting that they are “the area’s most trusted name in dentistry” (how do you determine that anyhow? Maybe we need to request their survey…), I had to bow my head and say a little prayer for all the patients I have seen coming form that chain to my office to fix botched dentistry…

Trust is earned through years of meticulously high standards and impeccable morals. Below are some some facts about Kentucky a well as a short story written recently about managed care here in Kentucky. You be the judge…the most trusted name in dentistry…

• In 2001, about half of Kentucky’s children had decay in their primary teeth.
• In 2004, Kentucky led the nation in missing teeth among people age 65 and older.
• Some 27 percent of Kentuckians of all ages had lost six or more teeth to decay or gum disease, compared to nearly 18 percent nationwide.
• 46.8 percent of children ages 2, 3 and 4 had untreated problems such as a cavity or a missing tooth. That’s more than twice the national average.
• Nearly 40 percent of these children had never seen a dentist.

http://www.mintpress.net/are-high-volume-dental-chains-exploiting-kids-on-medicaid/

PP: What are the market forces that have resulted in private equity-owned chains providing dentistry?

Heath: These days, when dentists get out of dental school, they often owe anywhere between $200,000 and $300,000 dollars. Dental school is actually more expensive than medical school. So they come out with these huge debts, in a lot of cases they can’t really afford to start their own practice.

These dental chains hire people, a lot of the time right out of dental school, and they pay fairly decent salaries and they have a bonus system where the more work you do on a patient the more you get paid. That’s true for a private dentist as well, but the difference is that these companies are owned by private equity firms, and they’re managed in a different way. You have people who are not dentists coming up with a business plan that’s based on metrics. They try to get new patients in who haven’t been to the dentist in a while, and they’ve already calculated how much revenue the average new patient should generate.

If you happen to go in and you don’t really have anything wrong with your mouth and you’re a new patient you’re not fitting the model. That creates pressure for the dentists to find things that are ‘wrong.’

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/dental-insurance.asp#axzz2H0WK748J

Parting Thoughts

If you can’t participate in a quality group plan – either a preferred provider plan (PPO) or a Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) – the best way for most people to come out ahead on dental expenses is to pay for everything out of pocket. Brushing and flossing regularly, switching to an inexpensive electric toothbrush, getting professional cleanings every six months and going to a dentist who does high quality work that lasts for years can be the most effective ways to save money in the long run.

Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/dental-insurance.asp#ixzz2H0Wbjb8h

There is unfortunately too much information on the web about the poor state of dentistry in Kentucky. I personally feel that any company that touts they are “the most trusted name in dentistry” here in Kentucky should take a closer look at what quality dentistry really is and how we can elevate the standards here in Kentucky.

Ideal Dentistry has taken a different approach, as actually recommended by the article above. We focus on you, the patient, and “fix” the mouth, not just breaking teeth. We get to the root cause of the decay and pain. Our approach fixes the gums, preventing gum disease, attacks bacteria that aid in decay, and treats functional issues of the mouth that result in wear in tear of your teeth. We stand behind our quality 100% – delivering the same quality care to you as we do to our own family. 

If Kentucky wants to keep being one of the worst dental health States in the USA, then keep it up: lower fees, lower quality, grow managed care offices that tout to be the “most trusted name” and ignore nutrition. BUT, if Kentucky wants to become healthier then I suggest we do exactly the opposite of what has been done! Let’s elevate quality, reduce the influence of managed care and put the focus back on the patient, not the insurance company.

For those patients looking for a better solution, Ideal Dentistry is here. When you are ready to upgrade to a healthier option, then come visit Ideal Dentistry and escape the dental cycle. We are serious about your smile.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Chris

Would you like to have a healthy, clean, functioning mouth?

Would you like to escape TheDentalCycle of ever increasing need of dentistry and cost over your lifetime?

To achieve this you need to follow what I call THE DENTAL PEACE PROGRAM, a plan developed by Ideal Dentistry to maximize your chances to stay out of the dental office, saving thousands of dollars and hours of time spent in the dental chair.

The gap between quality dentistry and patch dentistry is growing with this economy. Unfortunately only the patients loose, receiving worse and worse dentistry as the socialized medicine disease grabs hold of dentistry as well. Insurances are paying dentists less and less for their services, and contrary to medical practices, dental practices have a significant overhead associated with laboratories that actually fabricate all the indirect restorations. Cutting costs in dentistry directly translates to cutting quality.

The first question many patients ask their dentist after learning that their tooth is rotten and poisoning their system is :”does my insurance cover this?”. Well, no, they don’t, so let’s let the tooth completely break and cause a systemic infection that could land you in the hospital or worse. Maybe your medical plan will then cover it…

Sorry, I regress, but the problem of poor dentistry and poor dental insurance coverage of dental needs is an epidemic that has spun out of control. Learn more about this by reading past blogs I wrote.

At Ideal Dentistry we focus on you, the patient. If you have insurance benefits, that is great, we will try to maximize your benefits for you, but, we do not ever allow dental insurances to  dictate your treatment. Dental insurance is a benefit, not a true insurance. They cap their benefit around $1500 per year, a number that has not changed since the early 1970s!!! How is that fair to the patient and the dentist?

At Ideal Dentistry we serve you, not the insurance company. Nobody should dictate treatment other than your doctor. We create a plan to help you escape the dental cycle, fix your broken teeth and functional issues, address gum disease that is linked to many systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease, and finally keep your mouth healthy. Let us worry about your mouth, not you.

Follow the trifecta of Oral Health created by Ideal Dentistry and only available at Ideal Dentistry and become dental worry free.

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

Who loves to go to the dentist? I bet most of you would rather watch grass grow than visit your dentist for a check-up.

Why do people dread going to the dentist? My experience has allowed me to narrow it down to 2 main issues:

• Fear of pain
• Fear of cost

Many patients simply have had bad experiences in the past or have heard horror stories from their friends. We are, after all, a society that seems to focus on negative in our world – most people feel inclined to share and discuss how bad everything is…just watch the news!

So, realizing that these fears are real and won’t go away, how does a dentist address these fears?

Here is what I have decided to do with my practice, Ideal Dentistry:

• Dentistry should not hurt! We have amazing methods that allow us to do just about anything without pain. For example, new topical anesthetics used properly allow for painless injections.
• Taking your time as a dentist to discuss all aspects of the treatment sets patients at ease – no surprises! Listen to your patients concerns!
• Quality Quality Quality! All too often I see terrible dentistry…bad fitting crowns, decay that was left, and fillings that do more harm then good. This is simply not acceptable. I have created a system at Ideal Dentistry that specifically focuses on getting patients out of the Dental Cycle!
• Solve the cause first. Everything happens for a reason. Teeth decay for a reason. Teeth break for a reason, etc. At Ideal Dentistry we don’t just fix the resulting problem but we solve the reason for the problem, ensuring that it won’t happen again!
• Prevention. Yes, it applies to everything in life. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We intercept dental problem before they hurt or become costly.
• Stand behind your treatment.Everything we do is done to our best ability. Should you have any problems at all just talk to us, we will fix it. Nobody is perfect, but we certainly try.
• Minimize cost of future treatment. Fixing your teeth right the first time with quality restorations saves you ten fold what you spend in the future.At Ideal Dentistry we actually GUARANTEE that our restorations will last, as long as you follow a few normal maintenance protocols. There is nothing better than knowing you have the best possible type of dentistry in your mouth with the best chance of not needing it replaced or fixed for a very long time.

Ideal Dentistry is different because of the above qualities. We want you to get fixed and get out! I bet you would be much happier if I reduced the time you spent in my dental office and was able to minimize the time you would need with dentists in the future. That is our focus!

Keep smiling,

Dr. Chris

Please enjoy this interview with a patient from Ideal Dentistry that underwent Invisalign to straighten her teeth.

Tyra Redus Invisalign Interview

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with Invisaling, contact the Invisalign Expert of Louisville, Ideal Dentistry, today!

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris

Bad breath is a killer.

It kills dates, job interviews, friendships, and many other relationships.

We all know people that have bad breath and most of us would not dare tell that person about it. The truth is, we all have bad breath at times, but some people literally have bad breath all the time and don’t know it. How do you think that affects their life?

Bad breath has many origins, but quite frequently it is bad teeth, meaning decay, gum disease and misaligned teeth where plaque is hard to get off.

Bateria smell bad, and if your mouth is full of them it will “stink”. Decay and plaque are filled with millions and billions of odor producing bacteria that can make your mouth a cesspit. Getting plaque off your teeth is a challenge even if your teeth are perfectly straight. Most people brush about 1 minute twice a day. We, as dentists, recommend you brush 2 minutes twice a day, but what we don’t usually communicate well enough is that this recommendation is for people who have perfect, healthy teeth! IF you have crooked teeth, crowns, fillings, etc. then this 2 minute rule simply is not enough. It should be more like 4 minutes, plus flossing. Who do you know that brushes their teeth for 4 minutes?

So, how do you freshen your breath when you have crooked teeth? Well, we have a few great options that surely will dramatically change your breath and how you feel about your smile.

This is what I recommend at Ideal Dentistry:

1. Complete exam to discover the cause of the bad breath
2. Treat major gum disease first (infection) with Perio Protect trays
3. Clean teeth after perio protect trays as needed – deep cleaning may be necessary
4. Treat decay
5. Straighten teeth, rebuild function of mouth and smile
6. Replace bad dentistry that traps plaque and bacteria
7. Maintain function of smile with NG and new perio protect trays if teeth were moved
8. See dental hygienist at recommended interval and follow ideal home regimen

Case Report:

This young lady had this crown placed within the last year and has had constant pain since placement. Went back to see her dentist several times for “adjustments” without relief. Finally, after loosing confidence in her dentist she sought a second opinion.

After a thorough exam it was determined that the crown did not fit well – it did not seal around the tooth. Having not resolved the bad fitting crown in time it is very likely that she now will also need a root canal treatment as the tooth is dying because of the poor fitting crown.

The kicker is that when we requested the existing x-rays from the dentist who made this crown it was clear on those old x-rays that the crown did not fit. This is very disappointing to me as we, as a profession, need to strive for excellence at all time. This problem could have most likely been avoided had the x-ray been read properly and the bad fitting crown replaced sooner. Now the patient needs a new crown, with more cost, as well as probably a root canal treatment and a core buildup, both not the most comfortable procedures at times and expensive!

If you have a problem with recent dentistry that is not resolving, seek out a second opinion. Don’t just have a root canal treatment performed without discovering the actual cause of the problem. In this case, if the patient would have followed the recommendations of her old dentist she would have gotten the root canal treatment they prescribed and not redone the crown. This would have been a fatal mistake as the bad fitting crown would continue to decay and cause even more significant loss of tooth structure!

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Chris