Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs

Sleep Apnea Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

monteagudo — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:29:12 +0000

Sleep Apnea and You
You sit in your meeting at work and begin to yawn. “Oh wow. I am so tired. What is going on?” you mumble to yourself as another powerpoint presentation drones on.

When you arrive home from the day at the office, you feel like you could fall face first into your mashed potatoes at dinner. “This has been happening more and more lately,” you mention to your wife. “I just feel so exhausted all of the time.”

Your wife looks over to you as she takes a bite of her chicken, “Well it is no surprise that you are so tired!” she says. “You have been waking up like a hundred times during the night!”

You might be suffering from the sleep disorder: sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing becomes interrupted during periods of sleep. These interruptions can occur hundreds of times over the course of a night!

So what can you do to treat sleep apnea? The answers lie in Dr. Roberto Monteagudo’s blog, so keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and you!

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect all areas of your life, especially when exhaustion sets in to interrupt your days. Some other symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

Waking with a sore throat
Loud snoring
Waking with a choking or gasping feeling
Sleepiness when driving
Headaches in the mornings
Mood changes
Less interest in sex
Forgetfulness
Insomnia or recurrent awakenings
Restless sleep

As you can see, these symptoms are aggravating, at the very least. They can affect all of your day to day functioning. So what can you do to alleviate the symptoms if you are suffering from sleep apnea? Keep reading!

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Believe it or not, but many people do not know that they are suffering from sleep apnea. It is usually a partner who identifies the sleeping issues and then reports them.

To diagnosis sleep apnea, a variety of sleeping tests are conducted to evaluate your sleeping patterns, nasal air flow, and snoring. These tests give doctors such as Dr. Roberto Monteagudo the tools to develop a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan that is right for you.

Treatment protocol can be as basic as: losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, shifting sleeping positions, ceasing to smoke, or even avoiding sleeping on your back. All of those can be easy fixes that can help your overall health!

In addition, Dr. Monteagudo might recommend a dental device that can help keep your airways open during sleep. All of these treatments will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Roberto Monteagudo.

If you think that you or someone that you know is suffering from sleep apnea, don’t wait, call Dr. Monteagudo today! We will make sure that you are on the path to restful sleep and active days!

References:
Dr. Roberto Monteagudo. Sleep Apnea. http://www.wisconsinsmiles.com/sleep_apnea.html
WebMD. Sleep Apnea. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep_apnea_treatments

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

monteagudo — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:19:37 +0000

Porcelain Veneers and Your Smile
Time to take down the lights, get rid of the tree, and throw away that eggnog. The holidays are over, and as you move away from carols to Valentine’s cards, there is still one thing that should not be left in holiday’s past—your New Year’s Resolutions.

While most people stop lifting weights or crashing dieting a few days into the New Year, there is no reason why you should not strive to reach your goals. And maybe one of your goals is less than traditional. Maybe you have been hoping and wishing to improve your smile so you can feel confident every time you have to show your pearly whites. Maybe it is the time to consider porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front of your existing teeth to give you the look and feel of that “Hollywood Smile” that you have always wanted. To learn more about porcelain veneers and the short procedure process, keep reading Dr. Roberto Monteagudo’s Center for Smile Designs blog.

The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
You might already be thinking to yourself, “What does the porcelain veneers procedure entail? I know that a lot of procedures take a lot of time—is this one of those procedures?”

The porcelain veneers procedure is relatively simple, and usually can be completed in a total of three visits. During the first visit, Dr. Monteagudo will consult with you about the procedure and see if it is the right fit to meet your cosmetic dentistry goals. He can evaluate your dental x-rays, and listen to any questions or concerns that you have about the procedure. If it looks like porcelain veneers are the way to go, then you will proceed onwards to your next visit.

During the second visit, Dr. Monteagudo will take molds of your teeth so he can send the models to a laboratory to make the veneers. After about a week, the veneers will arrive and you will return for a third visit.

During your final visit, Dr. Monteagudo will remove some of the enamel from your teeth so that the veneers can be attached. He will trim and form the veneer so that he can achieve the perfect fit. Dr. Monteagudo will also match the porcelain veneer with the color of your natural teeth. And then it is the moment that you have been waiting for! Your smile will be revealed and you can see the impact of the porcelain veneers!

Interested in Porcelain Veneers?
If you think that porcelain veneers are right for you, then give Dr. Monteagudo a call at our West Allis office. Dr. Monteagudo will gladly meet with you to discuss any and all questions that you have about porcelain veneers, and explain your cosmetic dentistry options.

Do not wait to get a jump-start on your 2012 resolutions! Make a change that will start of the year with a smile!

References:
• Dr. Roberto Monteagudo. Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs. http://www.wisconsinsmiles.com/
• WebMD. Porcelain Veneers. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry

monteagudo — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:59:16 +0000

A Change to Your Smile
Every day, you wake up with the same intention—to make a difference. You volunteer in the community, help others at work, and always try to be a positive role model. And you have just been notified by the mayor, that you are being recognized for everything that you do!

In two months, you have to make a speech in front of community members about the work that you do and why you aim to make a difference in others’ lives. And there will be tons of pictures capturing the event. Pictures, where you should be smiling.

But you know that your smile isn’t where you want it to be, and you know that you have two months to get it at its brightest. But what procedures should you have done and who is the person to help?

With Dr. Roberto Monteagudo in your West Allis neighborhood, you can have all of your cosmetic dentistry needs solved. Dr. Monteagudo has the skills and the technology to get your smile at its best, and fast! To see what cosmetic dentistry procedures Dr. Monteagudo offers, keep reading!

Cosmetic Dentistry and You
Dr. Monteagudo offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can completely transform your smile.
These procedures are as follows:

1. Tooth-Colored Fillings- our fillings are mercury-free and made of composite resin. These fillings blend in with your teeth, and are a safe-option for fillings.

2. CEREC One-Visit Customized Crowns- imagine have a crown made in a single visit to the dentist! That’s right, only one trip to the dentist to have a custom made crown and installed. These crowns are durable and strong, and are custom made to fit your mouth. No extra trips to the dentist, and more time can be spent smiling.

3. Extreme Smile Makeover- you look in the mirror and think that you need a complete tooth overhaul. Luckily, Dr. Monteagudo has the skills and the technology to completely transform your smile. No longer will you have to hide your teeth and hesitate to smile. You can live the life that you want to with a beautiful and functional smile.

4. Porcelain Veneers- porcelain veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front of your teeth. These veneers can reshape teeth and make severe stains disappear.

5. Zoom! Teeth Whitening- your teeth can be 10 shades lighter in one hour at Dr. Monteagudo’s office with the latest in Zoom! Teeth Whitening system. Also, you have the option to simulate professional results at home with a home-kit. With the home system you can see professional results within two weeks.

If you are considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure, feel free to contact Dr. Roberto Monteagudo at 414-383-5833. Dr. Monteagudo will answer any of your questions and help you make the best decision when it comes to your smile.

Don’t wait! Have the smile that you always dreamed of, in less time than you could imagine!

References:
• About Cosmetic Dentistry. Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures. http://www.aboutcosmeticdentistry.com/procedures/index.html
• Dr. Roberto Monteagudo. Cosmetic Dentistry and Smile Designs. http://www.wisconsinsmiles.com/cosmetic.html

Invisalign- Before and After

monteagudo — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:44:06 +0000

Your Smile
You work hard. Every day you set out with the intention of making a difference, and at the end of the day, you feel like you have made a small step forward. And now, you are being recognized for your efforts by the city.

Everyone is going to be at the event, and when the invitation comes in the mail for you, all you want to do is smile. But something holds you back! “I can’t smile with these crooked teeth,” you say to yourself. “And I definitely can’t smile the way I want to at this big event.”

Maybe you have felt the same way. Hesitant to show your smile because you aren’t satisfied by the image that greets you in the mirror. But, you are not alone. And as an added bonus, you are not too old to make a significant difference to your smile.

With Invisalign and Dr. Robert Monteagudo, you can have the smile that you always wanted in no time flat. Sound too good to be possible? Keep reading Dr. Monteagudo’s blog to learn about how Invisalign has worked for people of all ages, with a price tag comparable to that of braces.

Invisalign Results
Invisalign uses the latest dental technology to deliver the best results possible. A new aligner is given to you every two to three weeks, and you simply just wear the aligner 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only time that you remove the aligner is to eat, drink, and brush those pearly whites. So not only can you eat and maintain normal oral hygiene, but no one can tell that you are straightening your teeth! That’s right, the aligners are invisible!

Now you might be thinking that there has to be a catch to Invisalign. Something like that the aligners make your teeth green or that no one actually has good results. But the truth of the matter is that Invisalign’s technology works and has helped countless individuals gain the smiles that they have always wanted.

For example, check out these Invisalign before and after cases!

This 27-year old woman was concerned about her jaw being misaligned. Her Invisalign treatment lasted only 9 months, and she walked away with beautiful results!

Another case is from a 56-year old man who believed that his teeth were abnormally spaced apart. His dentist was also concerned about the risk of periodontal disease, so they decided to move forward with an Invisalign treatment. The total treatment lasted 10 months, and he now has a smile he can be proud of!

Invisalign and You
If you are considering Invisalign for you or someone that you know, just give Dr. Monteagudo a call to discuss the possibility of Invisalign to straighten your teeth. Multiple tooth problems can be helped with Invisalign, so don’t think that you are left out of the Invisalign solution! You could have the beautiful smile in the “after” photo like you saw earlier!

Call 414-383-5833 to talk about the smile that you deserve today!

References:
• Invisalign. Actual Results. http://www.invisalign.com/How-Invisalign-Works/Pages/braces-before-and-after.aspx
• Dr. Monteagudo. Invisalign. http://www.wisconsinsmiles.com/invisalign.html

The Benefits and Cost of Invisalign

monteagudo — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:02:28 +0000

Invisalign and Your Smile
You never liked your smile. You always looked in the mirror and saw your crooked teeth and wish that it all could be changed. But as a kid, you never had braces. It just never worked out that you could.

As an adult, you still are unsatisfied with your smile. Your teeth still are not straight, and you notice it every day before you head out the door. However, you think to yourself, “There is no way I am getting braces now! That would not fly at my work!” You are not alone in your sentiments. Many adults want to straighten their teeth, but do not want to be seen as the ‘adult with braces’ at their work.

But today, there is a solution. You do not have to have braces in order to enhance you smile. Today there is Invisalign, and it is changing smiles almost invisibly.

Sound too good to be possible? Keep reading more to discover how Invisalign could fit into your life, and give you the smile that you have always wanted!

What is Invisalign?
At an Invisalign consultation, Dr. Monteagudo will discuss Invisalign with you, and decide if the aligners can work for you. While it is rumored that Invisalign cannot be used for extreme dental issues, Invisalign has been able to help all sorts of different cases including: spaced teeth, overly crowded teeth, cross-bite, over-bite, and even under-bite cases.

If Invisalign can work for you, Dr. Monteagudo will chart a course of care that will detail the way that the teeth can shift into position. Every two to three weeks, you will receive a new aligner that you will wear 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. You can take out the invisible aligner to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and drink. In-turn, you can take your aligners out to eat anything that you want. You don’t have any food restrictions—caramel apples, carrot sticks, and pears are all up for holds!

By also being able to remove the aligners when you brush your teeth, you are able to maintain regular brushing and flossing habits. You do not need to learn a completely new system of oral hygiene like you need with braces. Because you can maintain your dental hygiene, you can keep your teeth healthier and unstained even while your teeth become straighter!

But How Much Does It Cost?
So Invisalign sounds appealing, but there has to be a catch, right? The price has to be expensive, right?

In fact, the price of Invisalign is comparable to the price of traditional braces. Insurance plans typically cover the same amount towards Invisalign as they would braces, so you can have the freedom to change your smile without anyone seeing it, at an affordable price. http://www.invisalign.com/Cost/Pages/dental-insurance-options.aspx
To see an estimate of how much Invisalign might cost for you, plug into the monthly payment calculator!

Come Consult with Dr. Monteagudo
If you are considering Invisalign, call Dr. Monteagudo at our Wisconsin office at 414-383-5833! Dr. Monteagudo can answer all of your questions about Invisalign and discuss if Invisalign is right for you. Call us today so you can have the smile you always wanted in no time!

References:
• Dr. Monteagudo. Invisalign. http://www.wisconsinsmiles.com/invisalign.html
• Invisalign. Invisalign versus Traditional Braces. http://www.invisalign.com/Why-Invisalign/Pages/The-Advantage-Over-Braces.aspx

Oral Cancer Prevention

monteagudo — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:57:56 +0000

Dr. Monteagudo is always telling you to brush your teeth twice a day, floss your pearly whites, and come into the office twice a year to get your checkups.

We all know that we should do these things for our dental health, but what is the reasoning behind it? Why do we have to perform those daily ‘teeth tasks?’

The motivation for checkups is so Dr. Monteagudo can find if a culprit is lurking in the hidden spaces of your mouth. That perpetrator can be Oral Cancer—a mouth cancer that can spread or could cause disfigurement of the face if not diagnosed and treated.

What is Oral Cancer?
No one wants cancer, especially when it looks like this. Oral Cancer is simply defined as cancer of the mouth. The mouth can include the lips, the gums, tongue, cheek lining, under the tongue (the mouth floor), and the salivary glands (the glands that make saliva). Any or all of these areas can be affected by Oral Cancer, and the places affected can be extremely small to start.

So, in order to make sure that Oral Cancer does not affect you or someone else that you care for, here are some simple and easy ways to not only yield good dental health, but also ensure good overall health for years to come!

Prevention Tips
Take note of some of these Oral Cancer prevention tips from the Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs. These pointers will help to keep your smile bright and healthy for a lifetime.

1. Put down the Cigarettes- not only will your body thank you for tossing the cigarettes down the drain, but your teeth will too. In fact, the oral cancer foundation reports tobacco as the greatest risk factor for developing oral cancer. For ways to quit using tobacco, including cigarettes and chew tobacco, visit this link.

2. Watch the Drinking- like smoking, alcohol abuse is one of the top factors for developing oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use. The dehydrating effect of alcohol on the mouth’s cell walls boosts the capability of tobacco carcinogens to attack tissues of the mouth. When you throw in heavy alcohol use, which lowers the body’s natural ability to use antioxidants to stop cancer formation, then you have a full blown war happening in the tiny space of your mouth. To keep it simple, don’t drink excessively, and don’t smoke.

3. Be Wary of the Sun- while it is important to go outside and absorb some Vitamin D from the warm sun rays, it is also equally important to be careful of the amount of time you are sun bathing. Since your lips are exposed to the sun continuously, they are also at risk for developing oral cancer. Make sure that your lips get sunscreen lip balm applied to them, and be smart when you are out in the sun. Wear a hat, throw on that sunscreen, and keep your lips healthy and part of your gorgeous smile.

4. Eat Fruits and Vegetables Everyday- some studies suggest that not eating enough of the essentials, fruits and vegetables, can actually elevate your risk of developing oral cancer. Start throwing colorful, natural ingredients into every meal. Avoid eating processed foods and boost the amounts of antioxidants and vitamins that you are reaching for. You know that eating right keeps you trim and feeling good, but now you know that what eat can possible affect your risk of developing cancer. That is a statistic to munch on.

5. Don’t Smoke- this might have already been stated earlier, but it is that important. If you have a history of Oral Cancer, then you are at greater risk for developing another Oral Cancer, especially if you continue to use tobacco. Make sure that you are coming in regularly for checkups, and stop smoking or chewing tobacco.

6. Use That Toothbrush- find a timer, grab your toothbrush, and get brushing. Making sure that you practice good dental habits is one of the simplest things that you can do to ensure your overall health. Your mouth is the entry way to the rest of the body—the first impression that is given to the entire world, so you want to make it a good one. Maintaining good flossing, brushing, and checkup practices will keep that entry way pristine. What’s not to smile about?

7. Stop In and Visit Dr. Monteagudo- at the Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs, Dr. Monteagudo knows how to analyze all 32 permanent adult teeth that you have, and make sure that everything looks healthy and beautiful. Your job is to schedule your appointments and make sure that you come in to our office, to ensure that you are always smiling your brightest possible smile.

Research
• Pubmed Health. Oral Cancer. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002030/
• Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral Cancer. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/tobacco/types_of_tobacco.htm
• Healthy Teeth. Healthy Teeth- Oral Education Database.
http://www.healthyteeth.org/
• National Cancer Center. What You Need to Know about Oral Cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page4

A Cure for Dental Fears

monteagudo — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:52:59 +0000

Fear and the Dentist
You look at the calendar and flip the page to a new month. “Another month gone, and no visit to the dentist,” you think to yourself as you cringe. Flashbacks of dentist visits from when you were a child come rushing back to you, and you can hear the drill, feel your teeth being aggressively inspected with latex gloves, and smell the scent of fluoride mixed with mint-flavored floss.

For many people, a negative experience with a dentist can cause them not to schedule appointments, allowing for their dental health to remain unattended. This might be your experience. You might feel butterflies when the very word ‘dentist’ is mentioned, and you cannot recall the last time you made a dentist check-up a regular part of your year.

But, you are not alone. Dental phobias keep an estimated 50 percent of Americans away from the dental chair, and away from dental treatment. However, someone who understands dental fears is here for you, right here in the West Allis, Wisconsin area.

Dr. Monteagudo knows how you feel. He knows about your fears, but he also knows how to handle those fears so that your dental care can be maintained. And Dr. Monteagudo has the tools to make you more comfortable during your visit. What tools are those? You have to keep reading to find out how your fears can be reduced, and you can have the smile that you always wanted!

Comfort and the Dentist? Tell Me More.
You might not think that ‘comfort’ and ‘dentist’ are two words that belong in the same category. But if you come in and see Dr. Monteagudo, you will understand the pairing.

Dr. Monteagudo specializes in sedation dentistry. This dentistry allows for an oral sedative and nitrous oxide to be administered to you. While you take a nap, Dr. Monteagudo can clean and repair your teeth. You can relax completely and wake up at ease, with few to no memories about the office visit.

Sedation dentistry allows for you to be comfortable the entire time you are in the dentist’s chair. You also know that you are getting the very best care, and can walk out of the office with a beautiful smile. No more butterflies, no more missed appointments, no more toothaches that never go away. You have the opportunity to make your smile healthy in the calm environment of Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs. Make it happen today!

Other Ways to Kick the Dental Phobia
You can now see how sedation dentistry can be useful if you are apprehensive towards dental office visits, but there are other ways to make your visit more enjoyable as well.

1. Think positively- the second you start associating every aspect of the dentist with something bad, then the more butterflies you are going to have fluttering all around you. So try this quick tip out. Think of all of the fears that you have about the dentist, and try to categorize them in a more positive light. For example, if you hate the sound of a drill, then try to think of the positive uses of the tool and how it is helping eradicate tooth decay. By spinning everything from more scary into happier, you’ll be amazed how much better a tooth-cleaning can look.

2. What’s happening? – some poor associations of the dentist can be related to having no idea what is going on during a visit or procedure. Dr. Monteagudo makes sure that you understand each step of every cleaning or procedure. He can use the ‘tell-show-do’ technique, to illustrate every step of the process in multiple ways. First, Dr. Monteagudo will tell you what he is about to do. Then he can show you what the procedure will entail, using models or drawings. Finally, and only when you are ready, Dr. Monteagudo will complete the procedure. And that’s it! You have a beautiful smile in no time!

3. Ask and ask and ask…- if you are anxious about any aspect of your dental care, then you should not feel embarrassed or limited to asking any of your questions. We are here for you, to make sure that you get the best dental care, period. Even if you have not been in to see a dentist for years, we will make certain that you feel at home and can have those pearly whites too. So call us at 414.383.5833 or stop by! Because dental fears shouldn’t last a lifetime, but your smile should!

References
• Dental Fear Central. Common Dental Fears.
http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/
• Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs. Sedation Dentistry.
http://www.wisconsinsmiles.com/sedation.html
• Save Your Smile. Conquer Your Fear of the Dentist. http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/dzdentalanxiety.html
• Your Family’s Health. Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist. http://www.yourfamilyshealth.com/articles/fear_of_dentistry.html

How to Choose a Family Dentist for Life

monteagudo — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:48:26 +0000

Finding a quality dental provider is one of the top decisions that families soon make when moving into a new area, or if circumstances such as job changes and insurance policies require switching health providers. It can be difficult to choose an oral health professional from a list of providers whom you have never seen before.

Ask Around
The first thing to do when choosing a family dentistry provider is to ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and doctors to see if they have a preference as to what oral health specialist they choose to see.

Reputation of oral health providers in their community plays one of the largest rolls in attracting potential patients to dental offices. Word of mouth referrals are one of the top reasons that patients choose their family dentistry providers. Because Dr Roberto Monteagudo’s office in West Allis, WI is one a world-class dental facility, our reputation speaks for itself, as well as from our patients. We offer state of the art dental procedures and specialties to our patients in our own office, allowing our patients to receive advanced dental care without the need to see other oral health providers.

Determine What Type of Dentist You Want
While general dentists are qualified to offer almost every aspect of dental care, there are dental professionals that specialize in certain types of oral health therapies. The ADA specialties offered in dentistry are:

- Pediatric Dentistry – specializing in dental care for children and adolescents.
- Oral Surgery – performing surgical removal of teeth and tissues in the mouth.
- Orthodontics – specializing in braces and the movement of teeth.
- Endodontics – specialists who perform root canals.
- Prosthodontics – dentures, partials and mouth rehabilitation specialists.
- Periodontics – Advanced care of gum disease and the supporting structures.

Family Dentistry practices are a wonderful option for individuals and families alike, because most dental procedures can be completed in one location. Roberto Monteagudo, DDS’s family practice in West Allis, WI is able to meet the oral health needs of his patients, who come to him at every age. Because family dentistry practices offer a wide variety of dental procedures to their patients, it makes it easier to achieve the oral health treatment needs for every member of the family. That means fewer referrals to other practices for dental treatment, because Dr Monteagudo offers so many specialties right in his own West Allis, WI office.

Insurance Coverage
Check with your insurance company to determine what family dentistry providers are available in your area, which are covered under your policy. This will help to narrow down the final choices when it comes to deciding what office to visit for your first oral health appointment.

While factors such as dental insurance plans have a role in deciding whom to choose as your family dentistry provider, they may not restrict your choice entirely. Some types of dental insurance plans will allow a little flex room when it comes to finding a local provider for your family to see. Certain types of dental insurance plans may simply reimburse dental fees on a different fee schedule to oral health providers that are not in your network.

Dr Roberto Monteagudo’s office is happy to work with you and your dental insurance provider to utilize your dental insurance benefits to meet your individual oral health care needs. Dental insurance coverage should never be the determining factor for patients that require dental treatment. Because finances can sometimes restrict what types of services patients may be able to have completed, Dr Monteagudo’s office offer 3rd party payment plans at his West Allis, WI practice. These payment plans allow Dr Roberto Monteagudo’s patients to achieve their optimum oral health and a flexible way to pay for any extra expenses that insurance does not cover.

Make An Appointment
Nothing helps choosing an oral health provider easier than visiting their office. Are the hours and location convenient to West Allis, WI residents? Is the staff courteous and the office clean? Does the dentist seem genuinely concerned with your oral health?

By having all of your dental treatment completed at the office of Roberto Monteagudo, DDS, he is able to establish a relationship with you and understand your individual dental needs as they relate to your oral health. Because each person has different goals and expectations of their dental treatment and oral health, seeing Dr Monteagudo for all of your dental visits can help you attain your specific dental health desires.

It helps to have an oral health professional with whom you have established a relationship with, should any dental emergency arise. No one enjoys having an emergency, dental or otherwise, where you must visit a health professional that you’ve never met before. At Dr. Roberto Monteagudo’s family dentistry practice, you can rest assured that we are here to meet the individual needs and concerns of each one of his patients. As Dr. Monteagudo gets to know you over time through routine preventative care, he can understand your goals and ideals toward your own personal oral health needs. Dental treatment will be tailored to your own personal ideals and expectations for the smile that you want to achieve. Because his practice performs so many dental specialties in-house, such as sedation dentistry, implants, and in-house generated crowns, all of your records will be in Dr Roberto Monteagudo’s West Allis, WI practice and you won’t need them sent anywhere else.

At the family dentistry practice of Dr. Roberto Monteagudo, DDS in West Allis, WI, we are committed to partnering with each of our patients to offer them quality, compassionate dental care that meets every individuals needs, young and old alike. We look forward to meeting you and having you join Dr. Monteagudo’s family dentistry practice.

References

Metropolitan Denver Dental Society – “How to be a wise dental consumer” published by the ADA. http://www.mddsdentist.com/find/choose.asp

4 Tips on How-To Choose A Cosmetic Dentist

monteagudo — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:20:35 +0000

Are you interested in professionally enhancing your smile? Then you’ll need a cosmetic dentist. But, searching for a great cosmetic dentist can be difficult! Cosmetic dentistry is not one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. There isn’t a specific degree to become a cosmetic dentist like there is for orthodontists, for example. There is no insurance involvement or referral system, unlike finding a dentist for necessary procedures. As the patient demand for cosmetic dentistry increases, many dentists have claimed the title of cosmetic dentist. “Cosmetic dentistry” is one of the most searched terms on Google in the dental industry.Dentists are competing for cosmetic dentistry procedures, many of who might not be qualified. So how do you differentiate between a good and bad cosmetic dentist? In this article Dr. Roberto Monteagudo of Monteagudo Center for Smile Design in Milwaukee WI provides 4 tips for choosing a cosmetic dentist.

What makes a great cosmetic dentist is a combination of characteristics including: education, experience, advanced training, and attention-to-detail. Patients whom have found a great cosmetic dentist have been known to fly cross-country to put their smile in the hands of a true professional. A beautiful smile isn’t just about appearances, but your oral health as well. Remember dentistry in not a commodity. The doctor you choose will determine your final results.

Cosmetic Dentistry Tip #1 – Research training & experience.

As with any healthcare provider, when choosing a cosmetic dentist take into consideration their education and training. Education and training are two of the most important criteria when determining the right cosmetic dentist for you. Look at their undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and continuing education. To find this information every dentist will have their biography listed on their website with a list of their degrees and accomplishments. For a cosmetic dentist advanced training and continuing education are a must. There are many organizations that offer such training, but the most well respected in the industry are the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). There are only 331 dental professionals worldwide who have achieved the AACD’s prestigious honor of Accredited member status. Compare doctors side by side and do your research. In addition to biographies on practice websites you can search third party sites for more information about the dentist. A simple Google search for the doctor by name can reveal a lot. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask the doctor questions; such as how many years have they been practicing? Where did they get their training? What organizations do they belong to? A qualified dentist will appreciate you asking these questions, it lets them know you’re an educated patient and not basing your decision solely on cost or convenience.

Dr. Roberto Monteagudo is a world-class advanced aesthetic dentist and one of the best cosmetic dentists in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Monteagudo has been featured in the media for his experience. Dr. Monteagudo graduated Marquette University School of Dentistry one of the top dental programs in the country. Afterwards he continued his education at the Internationally Renowned Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies; where he graduated and attained academic excellence and clinical expertise in the fields of advanced dentistry, advanced aesthetics, full mouth reconstruction, neuromuscular (TMJ), and sedation dentistry. His Extreme Smile Makeovers have been featured on television and print magazines. These are the type of credentials you want to look for in a cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry Tip #2 – Know the cosmetic procedures.

What procedure(s) do you need? Cosmetic dentistry is not only about improving the aesthetics of your smile but your oral health as well. For example, if you have a cavity you can have it filled with traditional fillings or a cosmetic dentist can provide tooth-colored fillings that match your teeth perfectly. Here is a list of some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedures. Professional teeth whitening is a combination of whitening and bleaching. Whitening is the process of cleaning and removing plaque and stains from the teeth, whereas bleaching is dyeing or staining the teeth white. Laser teeth whitening is the most recent advance in technology that can bleach your teeth perfectly white in less than an hour.

Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are bonded to the surface of a tooth to repair chips, cracks, a worn appearance or tooth discoloration. Porcelain veneers are custom shaped and fitted to each patient. In as few as two short visits you can drastically improve your smile with porcelain veneers.

Dental Implants – Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Missing teeth clearly affects your smiles appearance and has serious health risk implications. Dental implants are permanent solutions to missing teeth. They look and function just like your natural teeth.

Dental Bonding – Dental bonding uses a composite resin that matches the appearance of our teeth perfectly. Dental bonding is used to fix cracks, chipped, stained or broken teeth.

Dental Bridges – Bridges replace missing teeth. Learn about the procedures involved, costs and when dental bridges will give you a perfect smile.

Dentures – Dentures are the ultimate cosmetic procedure. Well-designed dentures can provide patients with a smile that have lost many teeth. Dentures also improve speech and ability to consume food.

Smile makeover – Just as it sounds, a smile makeover typically involves more than one cosmetic dentistry procedure, such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and laser gum contouring to achieve the look you want. A smile makeover is an all-encompassing redesign of someone’s smile.

There are many procedures that are preformed by a cosmetic dentist. In one of Dr. Monteagudo’s upcoming blog posts we are going to provide a comprehensive consumer’s guide to cosmetic dentistry procedures. Stay tuned.

Cosmetic Dentistry Tip #3 – Schedule a consultation.

Once you feel confident with your research, Dr. Monteagudo strongly recommends scheduling a consultation to meet the cosmetic dentist in person. A dental consultation may only take a few minutes but it will give you an opportunity to determine if you feel comfortable with the doctor, staff and office. During your consultation you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions that you may not have discovered during your research. Most importantly the cosmetic dentist will consult you on your oral health and cosmetic needs.

Cosmetic Dentistry Tip #4 – Ask about cosmetic dentistry costs.

Never choose a dentist based solely on cost. The adage ‘you get what you pay for’ has never been so true. Plus you don’t want to put your health at stake in order to save a few bucks. With that said, we all have our financial limitations. Choosing to have a cosmetic dentistry procedure done like any services, cost in an important criteria. Cosmetic dentistry may not be included with dental insurance. Ask about financing and payment options that the dentist’s office offer to make cosmetic dental treatments affordable. In many cases the dental office will have a staff member to review costs with you. The will be able to answer all your questions and provide different payment options. Care Credit is one of the largest financers for health care costs. You have options.

Here is a great video about how-to find a cosmetic dentist.

As your trusted, lifelong dental partner, Dr. Roberto Monteagudo in West Allis, WI wants to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have any other questions about your cosmetic dentistry. Share this information with someone you know by clicking on one of the links below. Staying informed helps us all stay healthier. Contact Dr. Roberto Monteagudo at www.wisconsinsmiles.com or give us a call 414.383.5833.

References

- Marquette University School of Dentistry. Become A Patient. http://www.marquette.edu/dentistry/patients/BecomingaPatient.shtml

- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. About Accreditation. http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=140

- WebMd. Finding a Dentist. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/finding-dentist

How-To Prevent Gum Disease

monteagudo — Fri, 20 May 2011 17:09:40 +0000

In our first blog post Dr. Roberto Monteagudo of Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs wrote about the “Link Between your Mouth and your Heart.” Dr. Monteagudo defined periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, as an inflammatory condition caused by plaque, bacteria and tartar buildup around the teeth and gums. The blog discussed the conclusive link between oral health and cardiovascular health. Knowing that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes it makes it extremely important to know how to prevent gum disease. Of course, there are also the obvious effects of periodontal disease including tooth loss, receding gums and bone loss. In this blog post Dr. Roberto Monteagudo outlines tips to prevent gum disease with the aid of educational images and video. We want to encourage you to post comments and ask questions. The Team at Monteagudo Center for Smile Design is here to help answer any of your oral health questions.

The good news is that gum disease is completely preventable and if dealt with early the negative effects can be reversed. Once periodontal disease develops, intensive treatments from a professional dentist like Dr. Monteagudo is needed. The best form of treatment is prevention. Regular tooth brushing, flossing and mouth washing, however, are effective only above and slightly below the gum line. With the following three simple tips to prevent gum disease, we hope to help you combat this serious health issue or avoid it entirely. So, what exactly should you be doing for your daily oral health routine? Here are the answers provided to you from the experienced dental team at Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs in West Allis, WI.

Interesting Fact: 75% of the United States population suffers from some stage of periodontal gum disease.

Oral Health Tip #1: What is your daily dental routine?
Remember all the things you’re mother told you when you were growing up? Brush your teeth twice a day, floss and don’t drink soda. Well it turns out she was right! Here is a list of the daily oral health tasks you should be doing to keep your smile healthy and clean.

- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is probably the easiest thing that you can do to prevent gum disease. Brush your teeth once in the morning after breakfast, and once before bedtime. Brushing your teeth help to free up food particles and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day. Did you know the first toothbrush recorded in history was made in 3000 BC, a twig with a frayed end called a chewstick. Read more.

- Flossing is very important! Dr. Monteagudo recommends flossing at least once daily. Flossing helps to remove any food particles or plaque that may remain in between teeth and around the gum line after brushing.

- Use a tongue scraper. The tongue acts like a sponge and retains bacteria. That bacterium on the tongue causes bad breath and halitosis. In fact, there are even products available called tongue scrapers right next to the toothbrushes at your local drug store. They feel good too!

Not only will your body thank you for this needed maintenance but your loved ones will thank you for not having bad breath. Don’t you just love the feeling of a sparkling clean mouth?

Check out this video on, “How To Prevent Bad Breath”

Products to go above and beyond: Fluoride toothpaste, sugar-free gum with xylitol, and electronic toothbrush from Sonicare.

Oral Health Tip #2: Schedule regular dental cleanings.
There are limitations to how effectively you can clean your teeth and prevent gum disease. Your dentist, like Dr. Roberto Monteagudo has the training and technology that allow him/her to deeply clean and diagnose problems early. The Monteagudo Center for Smile Designs recommends scheduling a regular dental appointment and deep cleaning every 4-6 months. A dental cleaning consists of removing plaque that hardens into tartar and clean around the gums in those hard to reach areas. Regular dental cleanings will prevent plaque buildup, receding gum lines, cavities and tooth loss, all of which are the symptoms of gum disease. Most importantly if you have already developed gum disease your dentist will be able to develop a treatment plan.

Gum Disease is relatively painless, and people may not be aware of the problem. Ask yourself, how long has it been since you’ve been to the dentist? Do you floss regularly? You know the answers to these questions. It might just be time to make that appointment today. That is why a professional examination by your general dentist is very important. If you allow gum disease to become severe, it will lead to tooth loss and bone loss in the upper and lower jaw. So don’t let it get to that point, see your dentist. See images of gum disease here.

Oral Health Tip #3: Live a health life style.
You are what you eat. It is true! Okay so here is a good analogy. Trees get all their nutrition through their roots. The roots soak up all the minerals and water from the surrounding soil, right? Well imagine if the soil was polluted, then the tree probably would not be very healthy. The same is true for us. The food we eat is our soil. It’s our nutrition. So, if you eat healthy foods and have a well balanced diet you’re going to improve your overall health. The opposite is true as well. So make smart choices and choose foods that include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy boosts the body’s immune system, allowing it to fight bacteria formed in the mouth. Look for foods that are high in vitamins C, A and E, along with other key antioxidants like bioflavonoid and zinc, in your diet. Drinking plenty of water increases the production of saliva, reducing the chances for the bacteria that cause gum disease to thrive. Good nutrition is important for adult and is vital for children. For more information on making healthy food decisions ask Dr. Roberto Monteagudo during your oral health exam.

Tasty treats that are also healthy: Mozzarella and other cheeses, peanuts, yogurt, and milk are good for your teeth. They help clear the mouth of harmful sugars and protect against plaque.

Periodontal disease is a serious condition. Dr. Roberto Monteagudo is an expert in diagnosing and preventing gum disease. We hope these three easy oral health tips to preventing gum disease are helpful. In addition avoid smoking to help prevent gum disease. Smoking causes dryness in the mouth, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and do damage. Since more than one half of the cases of periodontal disease affecting American adults can be attributed to cigarette smoking, researchers now believe that smoking may be the major preventable risk factor for the disease.

As your trusted, lifelong dental partner, Dr. Roberto Monteagudo in West Allis, WI wants to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have any other questions about your oral health. And share this information with someone you know by clicking on one of the links below. Staying informed helps us all stay healthier.