Invisalign - Not just for teenagers

Did you know that 75% of the adult population could benefit from having their teeth straightened? So many adults have crowding of their teeth which makes flossing difficult if not impossible, or large spaces between their teeth which makes for a great food trap.

We use to think that "braces" were only for kids. That is no longer the case. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Beri helps patients correct years of crowding, spacing, and mis-alignment with Invisalign invisible braces.

The patient pictured here is a grandmother and has always wanted straighter teeth. The adult crowding of her lower teeth were becoming troublesome to floss, and Invisalign is proving a solution to her problems.

Teens, young adults, older adults and seniors - Invisalign could be an answer to your dental problems. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry we help you achieve your goals for your mouth, your teeth, your gums and your smile.

Patients That Give

This is an unusual posting for a dental office since it does not have to do with dentistry, but I was so impressed with the story one of our patients told me on Tuesday, I wanted to share it with everyone. They say it is better to give than to receive, and Sharon Bell and PepsiAmericas Corporation know how to give unconditionally.

Sharon came into Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry on Tuesday glowing. I wanted to know what she was so happy about and she told us about the day she spent with a group of seniors in their shared home provided by Senior Home Sharing, Inc. She had breakfast and lunch with these wonderfully active seniors, and enjoyed her time with them. They seemed to have more energy than Sharon had imagined.

Sharon told us about the 100 days of giving and the African American Employee Resource Group Community Outreach Committee that sponsored this volunteer event. It is wonderful that a corporation like Pepsi and their employees give back to America at least 100 days per year. I am sure there are other corporations that give back to communities, but to see the glow on Sharon's face, THAT was priceless. Thank you Sharon for donating your time through PepsiAmericas. Your smile said it all on Tuesday.

Jaw pain (TMJ) relief and Botox

Many people suffer from jaw pain today. If you are one of the millions that continually suffer from the muscle tension and headaches associated with TMJ, you understand the frustrations with trying new procedures that may or may not alleviate the pain.

TMJ or temporalmandibular joint pain is a medical condition involving the jaw muscles and joints that move the lower jaw. The condition can cause head and neck pain, a locked jaw, problems biting, and popping sounds when you bite. This can be caused by trauma, disease, wear of teeth, aging or habits.

There are several alternatives available to help with the discomfort of this disorder and your dentist will go through a system of treatment options starting with tylenol and going through medical treatment. One of the options that we use in our office as a final alternative or in conjunction with TMJ splints, after going through several of the less invasive procedures is using Botox injections into the facial muscles. Dr. Beri is now able to perform this procedure in our office as a later choice of options.

If you have jaw pain, do not hesitate to contact your dentist for treatment options. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry we have several options available to our patients to help with this condition.

Total Facial Esthetics and Dentistry

Last week Dr. Beri and I attended a class in downtown Chicago on Dermal Fillers and Botox Treatments for Healthcare Professionals. As a 57 year young single mom, I was concerned about having any type of work done on my face or my smile. Needless to say, I was apprehensive and scared.

I am sold on the beauty that botox and fillers can provide us to enhance our beauty, not make us look like plastic faced, non-expressionistic models. Dr. Beri did such a wonderful job on my face, getting rid of the deep wrinkles between my eyes, and forehead, along with my crows feet around the eyes. I can still move my muscles, my eyebrows still move, but I look relaxed. The one deep parenthesis I have on each side of my gorgeous smile are decreased, but I still have my radient smile.

What does this mean to Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry? Dr. Beri was able to fill my facial lines with Juvederm after numbing my mouth. Did I feel anything? NO!!!!! That is the beauty of having a highly trained dentist doing these facial aesthetic procedures. Who works in the mouth and face more than a dentist?

The next step - Dr. Beri will be adding a little Botox around my nose so that my smile is not as gummy. My smile will be enhanced and I will not see the gums around my upper teeth. If I get TMJ or severe headaches, Botox can relieve those problems also.

It is exciting to see where this will lead Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry in the future. Providing our patients with the best dental care is one avenue, but providing full facial esthetics and enhancing the smile - that is a totally exciting avenue to travel down.

Same day crowns at Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry

Here is a video of Dr. Beri working on a CEREC one day crown. Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry has been utilizing this technology for over 7 years. Dr. Beri has placed 1000's of all porcelain crowns that are warrantied for your lifetime.

We hope you enjoy the video.

Your smile is a great gift to give away

There are so many quotes about smiles:

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

A smile confuses an approaching frown. ~Author Unknown

People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile. ~Lee Mildon

Smile. Have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over. ~Walter Anderson, The Confidence Course, 1997

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. ~Author Unknown

A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. ~Charles Gordy

June is National Smile Month. Have you looked at your smile lately? Do you like what you see? Is there metal showing from old crowns? Are your gums puffy and red? Is there crowding or spaces between your teeth? Do you cover your mouth so people do not see your smile?

At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry - our patient's smiles are our greatest asset. There is nothing as rewarding in our practice as the patient that sees their new smile for the first time. Dr. Beri and our team love to capture the moment with pictures.

Smile - it is a great gift.

David Letterman at the Dentist

I just saw this video and had to share it with everyone. David Letterman broke a silver filling in the back of his mouth and he had to go to the dentist to have it taken care of. Being David Letterman, he decided to bring his cameras and crew with him. This was really funny. But what did we learn?



1. Silver fillings do crack. They have had a long and wonderful career in dentistry - but there are new options out there.
2. You should see your dentist as soon as your filling cracks. David was lucky that he did not need a root canal or extraction. Sometimes when a tooth cracks, it can be severe enough that it goes into the root of the tooth.
3. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, we do not begin work on you until we have explained the procedure to you and what is involved. Dr. Beri and our hygienists want you to understand everything that will be going on.
Now if you are one of those patients that does not want to see the needle or instruments, we will gladly keep them out of your site.
4. Prevention is the best policy. Be sure and see your dentist as a regular basis so that these types of problems may not become emergencies. A broken filling is something that should be taken care of immediately. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, our patients are seen on an emergency basis the same day they call because we always have an emergency time slop available.

The link between periodonatal disease and cardiovascular disease

I was sent a great article about the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry our patients whole body health is our concern. We have to educate our patients on the link between their mouth and their body. Well educated and trained dentists are able to see concerns in your mouth before your medical doctor diagnoses a problem.

This morning I was at a networking event with the Women in Business through the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. I asked the participants at my table if they have ever had bleeding from their gums. Most of them have. Their level of concern was minimal. Now, what if you had a swollen ankle and bleeding from the ankle. Would that be of concern to you?

Periodontal disease is NOT normal. Bleeding gums is not normal. More frequent visits to the hygienist and good oral health care at home can help you with the symptoms. Our hygienists help you understand your oral health and any concerns you may have.

Bleeding gums are NOT normal. Be sure to ask your hygienist for recommendations.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Acton

You may think of traditional dentistry as cosmetic dentistry. In fact, it is not. Cosmetic dentists are continuing to implement the latest and most technologically advanced procedures into their practice. Both traditional and cosmetic dentists have hygiene available for their patients. Cosmetic dental practices add laser procedures on the hygiene side and dental side. By using the laser in the practice, it usually means the patient does not need to be referred out to a specialist. The cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Beri at Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry can perform the procedures while the patient is having a procedure done for cosmetic or traditional reasons.

Dr. Beri has continually updated his knowledge of procedures by becoming an Invisalign dentist and taking several courses including an advanced Invisalign course. He also is continuing his education on Cerec technology, the one day crowns we make in our offices.

Cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile into your dream smile.

I have a dental emergency - What should I do?

There is never a good time to have an emergency, but why is it that most emergencies whether they are dental or medical happen in the evening or on weekends?

It was 1971 when I had my one and only dental emergency. I was at college and my mouth started to hurt. I called my dad and he told me to come home for the weekend and we would go to a dentist on Monday. ON MONDAY!!! What was I suppose to do all weekend.

My father told me to garggle with scotch, so I did. My jaw was swelling bigger and bigger, but the specialist was not available until Monday.

Finally Monday comes around and I had my father drive me to the doctor since I was so drunk from the scotch. I got into the specialist and had a root canal. I was finally out of pain.

That was 1971. Things have not changed much as far as dental emergencies and getting in to see a specialist. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, we see patients for dental emergencies on the day they call. If you are a patient of record and you have an emergency, Dr. Beri will prescribe medication and schedule you for an appointment. If it is really bad, we will see you anytime 24/7.

Our patients are our greatest asset, and providing outstanding customer service when YOU need it is our goal. Dental emergency or not, talk to your dentist about emergency care and know your options.

What makes a dentist a cosmetic dentist?

I just did a search for cosmetic dentistry on google and was amazed that there are 3,430,000 results. Cosmetic dentistry + Illinois came up with 289,000 and cosmetic dentistry + Wheaton came up with 21,200 results. Granted, there is some duplication of listings but in the small town of Wheaton, there cannot be even 1000 dentists. Probably not even 100 dentists.

So my question is - what makes a dentist a cosmetic dentist?

My understanding of the true definition of a cosmetic dentist is one that does procedures that are NOT paid for by the insurance. A cosmetic procedure is done because YOU want the procedure completed and are willing to pay for it out of pocket. Veneers are a good example of a cosmetic procedure. Most insurance companies do not pay for them because they assume they are placed for cosmetic purposes only. A white filling can be used to replace a decayed tooth, but the insurance will not pay for a veneer.

Veneers are usually placed on front teeth, so you definately want them to look good. Are you going to trust your dentist to prepare your teeth properly and place veneers that everyone will see if you have not seen the cosmetic work he has done on others? Just like any attorney can call themselves a real estate attorney today, and an estate attorney tomorrow without any further education, a dentist can go from being a general dentist to being a cosmetic dentist without further education. Does that make it right?

I like my estate attorney. I like my corporate attorney. I like my personal attorney. They are all different. They have specialized training.

Ask your dentist what type of specialized training they have for cosmetic dentistry. Look at their work on THEIR patients, not a stock book of photos.

At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Beri has 100's of continuing education hours in Cerec technology, Invisalign, treatment planning, management and cosmetic procedures. Ask questions before beginning your smile change.

I am amazed every day at the technology that is coming out each year for dentists. I am also amazed at how many dentists do not keep up with the new technology to make patients more comfortable in the dental chair or to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently and thoroughly.

Dr. Beri of Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry is one of those dentists that gets it. He keeps up to date with the technology and implements it into his practice.

I love watching him do a Cerec crown. Watching him take the computer images on the Cad/Cam, and then manipulating the image to get the perfect fit. It is truely amazing - and then he warranties the crown for their lifetime - THAT is amazing.

How long can I wait to have this filling taken care of?

At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry we hear this a lot. Every day a patient will ask our hygienist, or assistant, or guest services director - "How long can I go without having this work done?" I don't think I have ever asked my personal physician that question nor any of the specialists I have chosen: whether it is for my car or my insurance. If a specialist tells me I need something, I trust them enough to know I need the work done - and therefore I want it done.

In dentistry, cavities do not go away. Bacteria eat away at the tooth and continue to eat the tooth until the decay is removed. Cavities do not miraculously go away. Broken teeth do not mend themselves. Old fillings that are opening on teeth do not close up. When your dentist recommends work, if you have a trusting relationship with him/her, get it done.

My goal for my mouth, my teeth, my gums and my smile is to keep my teeth in my mouth and my smile beautiful for the rest of my life. I DO NOT want to sleep with my teeth next to my bed. So when Dr. Beri recommends work to be done, I will be the first in line to get it done. I trust him and I know he is not recommending work that does not need to be done.
How long can you wait? I don't want to test time.

Hair and oil change insurance

OK - I know there is no insurance for getting my hair cut - but wouldn't it be nice? Even though I do not have insurance to get my hair cut, I still get it done every 6 weeks. I still have my hair colored every 3 months. There really are no health issues involved with not getting my hair cut or colored. I could let it grow and never cut it.

OK, I also know there is no oil change insurance, but wouldn't THAT be nice? Even though I do not have insurance to get an oil change, I still get it done very 3 months. Again, there are no real health issues involved with not getting an oil change every 3 months. I could let my car go for a year or two without it, but I do go in every 3 months.

Why is it that people that have bleeding gums, periodontal disease (gum issues), or cavities assume that they do not have to have anything done to correct the situation? Unlike our hair and our cars, if there is a problem in our mouths, this CAN lead to serious health problems. Unfortunately, many patients say: "If my insurance ONLY pays for twice a year that is all I want to get." or "I have no dental coverage right now, so I cannot have a hygiene visit until I do."

The strong link between your mouth and your whole body's health has been proven through medical and dental research time and time again. Many times a dentist can find symptoms for disease before it is evident to a doctor.

So why do so many people let insurance determine their frequency of visits? I wish I knew - since in all my 56 years of living I have never had dental insurance and I still have all my teeth and my gums are in great shape. Maybe because I listened to my dentist and my hygienist and increased the frequency of my visits as my oral health dictated to these professionals.

At Wheaton Cosmetic Denstistry, we work on educating our patients on their whole body health. Our highly trained hygienists take the time to educate - but ultimately it is up to the patient to decide what they will do.

Bleeding Gums - Is this normal?

At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, I love to hear patients say, "My gums always seem to bleed a little." My question to them is: "If any other part of your body bleeds, is that normal?" BLEEDING OF ANYTHING IS NOT NORMAL!!!!!!

We are lucky to live in an age where the advancement of perio disease is preventible. I remember when I was pregnant with my children my gums bled. My dentist at the time wanted me coming in every 3-4 months which I was happy to do (even though I did NOT have dental insurance.) I did want to keep my teeth for my entire lifetime. My dentist told me something was good for me, and I did it. HE was the expert - not me.

Today so many patients argue with their hygienist and/or dentist about their perio (gum) condition. It is not the providers "fault" that the patients gums are bleeding or are in bad condition. It is up to the hygienist and doctor to educate the patient on the condition and what can be done about it.

Seriously folks, listen to your provider. Only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep. If you don't want to sleep with your teeth in the glass next to your bed, follow your dental providers recommendations. YOU are the only one that can take care of those teeth outside the dental office. Do you want to keep them for your lifetime.

All Dentists Are NOT Created Equal

Hi everyone. Sharan Tash here from Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry. Some of you know me as "The Professional Networker" and some of you know me as "The Professional Connector". This blog was started today from a situation I went through yesterday at Dr. Beri's office in Wheaton.

I am 56 years old and have been getting my preventive care (hygiene) appointments every 3 to 4 months for the past 10 years. So according to my estimation, that would equal about 30 - 40 exams and "cleanings". My lastest exam was 4 months ago.

Yesterday I had a hygienist who was fresh out of college take care of my preventive care appointment. Not only did she do a great job, and she was gentle and thorough, but I had my exam by Dr. Beri (who wears surgical loupes and an LED lamp to focus in the mouth). The hygienist noticed some failing white fillings (composites), and Dr. Beri followed up with some intra-oral pictures.

Needless to say, I was VERY depressed when I went home. It was obvious to me that the white fillings that were placed had deteriorated. Many of my teeth were cracking and had stress fractures. Dr. Beri educated me by showing me HUGE pictures of my teeth. I totally agreed that my mouth could not have deteriorated that much in 4 months.

Not all dentists are created equal. I never had the pictures taken at another office. I never had the Doctor show me each tooth and outline the problem area. I never had a Doctor that educated me on the consequences of not having the problems taken care of. Not all dentists are created equal.

At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry we show you, the patient what is going on in your mouth and educate you on the possibilities. I know I learned a lot yesterday and I hope everyone questions their dentist to understand all the possibilities there are to having a healthy mouth.