Question: “Dr. Arnold, I have a lot of friends having cosmetic dentistry done to improve their smiles. I’ve always put my children’s needs first, but I feel like it’s time for me to do something for myself. What is the most popular cosmetic dental service?”

Answer: It does seem like many people are focused on smile enhancement procedures. I have several patients ask me what their options are every day. That trend is indicative of the importance our society has placed on having an attractive, healthy smile. Over 90% of people in some national polls agree that having a nice smile can impact professional success and personal relationships.

Which cosmetic dental option is most appropriate for you depends completely upon the condition of your teeth and your objectives because there are many options. The first step in determining what your specific options are is to see a dentist for a consultation and comprehensive examination.

Ideally, the goal should be to achieve the desired results in the most conservative manner possible. Sometimes whitening or recontouring the teeth is all that is needed to improve one’s smile. Sometimes straightening the teeth with braces or Invisalign orthodontic treatment is a great option. These options are very conservative and can yield excellent results when used appropriately.

For people who show a lot of gum tissue when they smile, laser recontouring of the excess tissue can often give them a dramatic result. Sometimes recontouring the gums a bit can improve the gingival symmetry and give the teeth a longer appearance. Cosmetic bonding is a conservative solution to chipped or stained front teeth.

Porcelain veneers may be the most popular cosmetic enhancement modality because the improvement is often quite dramatic. They commonly help to correct stained, chipped, crooked, gapped, and cracked teeth, along with many other issues associated with unattractive smiles. It’s certainly not a “one size fits all” solution, but veneers are an excellent option for many people.

Sometimes porcelain veneers can be completed without having to reshape the teeth (with DURAthin veneers), but the majority of cases require some removal of tooth structure in order to create space for the porcelain.

Sometimes veneers are insufficient to do the job, and porcelain crowns are necessary, but the amount of tooth reshaping needed completely depends upon the case, position of the teeth, and the amount of decay or previous restorative material in the teeth in question.

It is very important that you discuss your objectives with your dental team in order to ensure an excellent result. With thorough planning, good communication, and reasonable expectations, you should be very happy with your new smile.

Dr.  Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Chesterton and Valparaiso.  He is also a clinical mentor with the Hornbrook Group and serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics as the Fellowship Chairman.  You may send questions to his office at:  1830 South 11th Street, Chesterton, IN 46304 or email them to:  drarnold@SmilesByArnold.com.  More information on this or many other dental topics can be found at www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Question: “Dr. Arnold, I’m looking for a new dentist, and I’m not sure what questions to ask. What should my first appointment be like?”

Answer: I feel that the new patient examination is an extremely important dental appointment that you will ever have. It helps to establish your relationship, allows the dental team to gather all necessary information, and sets the tone for future appointments.

The dental team should spend some time asking you questions and listening carefully to your answers. Discussing past dental experiences, current concerns, and your goals for your oral health is essential. This allows us to find out what kind of care you want or need.

After we get to know you, we will discuss your dental and medical histories, and let you know what to expect from us during your visits. Then dental x-rays and digital photos are likely to be taken. Some dentists will even make models of your teeth for further evaluation.

A thorough examination will include an oral cancer screening, periodontal and TMJ evaluations, and a close inspection of all of your teeth. Throughout this process, the dentist, hygienist, or assistant will carefully explain what they see and spend time educating you as to how to better care for your teeth and gums.

After the periodontal (gums and the bone that support your teeth) examination, a determination will be made as to what type of “cleaning” you will need. If the gums are fairly healthy, the teeth are often cleaned at this first visit. Some patients will require much more time than has been allotted, and will need to schedule another appointment or appointments.

If it has been quite a while since your last thorough examination and cleaning, you are more likely to have some level of periodontal disease. Depending upon the severity of the disease, patients may need multiple appointments and anesthetic to get the job done properly. Some patients may even require a referral to a specialist called a periodontist.

The most important thing is that your new patient examination is very thorough and that the dental team takes the time necessary to establish a positive relationship. Any attempt to rush through the new patient experience is detrimental to everyone. While “shopping for dentists”, I would ask about the new patient process. This will often tell you a lot about the practice and your level of comfort with it.

 

Dr.  Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and is involved with many other local, state, national, and international dental organizations. Questions for Dr. Arnold can be emailed to: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or sent to: 1830 South 11th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304. More information on this and a variety of other dental topics can be found at:  www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Question: “Dr. Arnold, my dentist says that I need a “special cleaning” with anesthetic because I have gum disease. Is this really necessary?”

Answer: Dentists and hygienists are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Unfortunately, approximately seventy-five percent of American adults have some level of gum disease. This chronic problem is the number one reason for tooth loss in the United States, and bleeding of the gums is one of the most common indicators of some level of gum disease.

It can range from a low-level, chronic infection to severe periodontitis, which shows destruction of the bone that supports teeth. Additionally, an increasing number of studies show a significant correlation between the bacteria in gum disease and health problems that can affect the entire body.

Another disturbing revelation is that these bacteria can be transferred from one person to another through kissing, sharing toothbrushes, etc. Parents can even transmit bacteria from their own mouths to their children by drinking from the same glass.

The disease-causing bacteria from one’s mouth can enter the bloodstream, circulate throughout the body, and create or exacerbate health problems. Disorders such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, respiratory diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and low birth-weight babies are just a few that have been linked to gum disease. This list seems to be growing as research continues in this area.

Obviously, the first step in avoiding this pervasive condition is to diligently brush and floss your teeth every day. This decreases the likelihood of bacterial proliferation in your mouth. Make sure that your spouse or “significant other” is doing the same. Regular, professional cleaning in a dental office is also essential.

If you suffer from symptoms including bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, or red, swollen gums, you need to contact a dentist or periodontist who can help you overcome this problem. The help of a dental hygienist or dentist is necessary because we cannot remove hard deposits (tartar) on our own. The longer these conditions persist, the more likely you are to develop one of the aforementioned health conditions.

Dr.  Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and is involved with many other local, state, national, and international dental organizations. Questions for Dr. Arnold can be emailed to: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or sent to: 1830 South 11th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304. More information on this and a variety of other dental topics can be found at:  www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Question: “Dr. Arnold, the new year is approaching, and I plan to finally take better care of my teeth. What are your specific recommendations?”

Answer: That’s certainly an excellent (and timely) question. It seems as if everyone makes some sort of new year’s resolution, and it’s a terrific idea to think of improving your oral health in 2009. What you need to do specifically depends entirely upon the current status of your oral health. I will, however, speak generally of a good game plan for the year.

If it has been a while since your last “check-up and cleaning,” beginning the year with a comprehensive exam would be a great idea. Completing the appropriate professional teeth cleaning can then help you to establish a healthy foundation.

Undergoing any recommended dental treatment is the next step to ensuring a healthy mouth for the new year and beyond. The longer you postpone necessary treatment, the more likely it is to develop into a more serious problem that can cause pain and the need for further treatment.

You can maintain the results by practicing good oral hygiene. Caring for your teeth and gums should be easy. Brushing twice and flossing once a day are the most important elements of a good home care regimen. Changing your toothbrush regularly is important, and many people are more effective with an electric toothbrush.

Decrease your intake of sugary, acidic beverages. Remember that even diet pop can cause a lot of damage to teeth. A reduction in other sugary treats is also a necessity for many people, especially after the holidays.

If you are a smoker, breaking this harmful habit is essential to attain and maintain good oral health. If you grind your teeth, this can be very destructive, and a bite guard might be beneficial.

A continuing good relationship with your team of dental professionals is critical so that they can provide the support that you need in the years ahead. If you are already practicing all of these healthy habits, encourage your friends and family to do the same. This new year’s resolution is well worth the effort.

 

Dr.  Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and is involved with many other local, state, national, and international dental organizations. Questions for Dr. Arnold can be emailed to: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or sent to: 1830 South 11th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304. More information on this and a variety of other dental topics can be found at:  www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Question: “Dr. Arnold, it seems like every time I see my dentist, they rush me in and rush me out. My cleaning appointments never last more than twenty to thirty minutes. Is that really enough time for them to do a good job for me?”

Answer: A lot of times, patients look at their periodic dental check-up as “just a cleaning” when in fact, that appointment is tremendously important and is critical to maintaining excellent oral health. The amount of time necessary to complete this process thoroughly can vary from patient to patient depending upon a variety of factors.

In my office, most adult cleanings take about one hour. Sometimes the time needed is a little bit less, and sometimes it’s a bit more. However, the time needed should always be customized for each patient.

It’s important that everything that needs to be done can be completed in a non-rushed manner to ensure excellent and thorough care. A typical appointment consists of radiographs (x-rays), an oral exam, scaling the teeth, polishing the teeth, a fluoride treatment, patient education, and time to answer any questions.

The oral exam consists of evaluating the condition of each tooth, the periodontal (gum and bone) health, checking for oral cancer, and a variety of other factors. This process is really the cornerstone of the appointment.

Our dental hygienists are very well-trained to thoroughly, but gently clean patients’ teeth. Scaling is the process of removing any tartar (hard deposits) from the teeth. Polishing the teeth removes any residual plaque and smoothes everything.

Dental hygienists should be well-versed in the new protocols necessary to help keep patients healthy, and they should spend time instructing patients on the importance of doing their part with excellent home care. If there are any problem areas, our hygienists spend additional time showing our patients what needs to be done.

Every dental practice is different, and various protocols may be employed at each. That having been said, it is very important that you feel comfortable with the care that you are receiving. If you feel like your dental team is rushing you through your appointment and that your questions aren?t being given the attention they deserve, you should address this with them.

Remember that this appointment is extremely important, and you deserve excellent dental care. It isn’t “just a cleaning.” It is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, explain your situation, answer your questions, and clean your teeth thoroughly. The importance of this appointment should never be underestimated – by you or your dental team.

 

Dr.  Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and is involved with many other local, state, national, and international dental organizations. Questions for Dr. Arnold can be emailed to: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or sent to: 1830 South 11th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304. More information on this and a variety of other dental topics can be found at:  www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Over the past decade, dentistry has undergone immense changes. Staying on top of all the new technology, techniques, materials, and services is a tremendous challenge for dental teams. However, it is more essential now that we stay up-to-date on these changes than it ever has been. 

Modern dentistry has the potential to improve lives in a variety of ways. Obviously, everyone has different wants and needs. Some dental teams have received the requisite training and have acquired the necessary technology to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages and are able to meet these diverse wants and needs. 

Everyone knows about the tremendous focus on cosmetic dentistry over the past several years. Less than 50% of people are happy with their smiles, but the majority of people agree that having a good smile can impact ones success in business and personal relationships. Fortunately, there are a variety of services available to help these people to feel more confident, smile more, and make a better first impression. 

Some people can see a significant improvement with straightening of their teeth with conventional orthodontic procedures or virtually invisible Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Others are happy with whitening their teeth with in-office one hour systems like Zoom! or take-home whitening systems like Night White. 

Others achieve excellent results with porcelain veneers. Veneers can often correct crooked, stained, chipped, or dark teeth. They can fill in gaps and improve smiles within a couple of weeks. DURAthin veneers can often achieve beautiful results without even having to reshape the teeth. 

Cosmetic dentistry is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg, however. Well-trained dental teams can help fearful patients overcome their anxiety to correct years of dental problems or enhance their smiles with oral conscious sedation. This is accomplished in the office with the use of one small, safe pill that allows patients to snooze through their treatment. These patients have such a good experience that they often don’t even need the sedation for subsequent visits. 

Lasers are becoming more common in dental offices, as well. We have been using a laser for six years that allows us to treat many dental conditions without a shot or a drill.  We use our laser on a daily basis to remove cavities, recontour gum tissue, perform frenectomies, desensitize teeth, as well as a variety of other procedures. This is particularly helpful for treating children.

Migraine headache prevention with an NTI oral appliance has helped dozens of our patients over the past five years. For people who have suffered from debilitating migraines for years, this simple device can change their lives. Often they are able to cut back on or completely eliminate medication that they have taken for years to control their headaches. 

More dental teams are also becoming educated in the realm of sleep disorders. It is estimated that 20% of Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. This can range from snoring all the way to severe sleep apnea. Our dental team is beginning to screen patients for sleep problems because lack of sleep can lead to problems like low energy, depression, inability to focus, or even death while sleeping due to airway obstruction. 

Many people need CPAP machines to help them breathe, but others can benefit from something as simple as an oral appliance or snore guard made in a dental office. Screening patients helps identify people with problems who might need to visit a sleep clinic or have an appliance fabricated. Helping to diagnose and solve this potentially life-threatening condition has the potential to help change or even save lives. 

The diversity of problems that dentists can help solve has never been so great. Modern advances make dental care more comprehensive, compassionate, gentle, and life-changing than ever. Ask your dental team for more information about these topics. If you don’t currently have a dental family, please call our office for a free consultation. 

You may find more information about this or a variety of other dental topics at: www.SmilesByArnold.com, and we may be reached at either: 926-5445 or 531-8914.

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Question: “Dr. Arnold, I have several teeth that are causing pain, but it has been more than fifteen years since I?ve seen a dentist due to my anxiety. What can you do for me?”

Answer: Unfortunately, this problem is all too common. Dental anxiety is very real, and it affects millions of Americans. It has been estimated that almost half of adults don?t even see a dentist regularly. Many of these people have let fear keep them from maintaining good oral health.

Fortunately, dental techniques have taken this fear into account, and many patients feel that it is easier and more comfortable than ever to have dental work completed. Relaxation amenities like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), movies, headphones, massage pads, and aromatherapy are often enough to ?take the edge off.? Having a dental team that is good at listening to your concerns and prior dental history helps alleviate anxiety, as well.

For patients who need extensive dental treatment, oral conscious sedation is often an excellent option. My team routinely sees patients with severe dental phobia, and we have had great success in helping them improve their oral health utilizing this approach. Some of these patients have postponed dental care for many years, even though they have been in pain.

For patients with severe anxiety who are in good health, oral conscious sedation is as simple as taking a small, safe pill that allows them to relax comfortably throughout their appointment. Well-trained clinical team members monitor the patient closely to make sure that they are comfortable throughout the appointment.

Often years of dental neglect are corrected in just one very relaxed, comfortable visit. Many of these fearful patients begin smiling with confidence and chewing without pain for the first time in years after their sedation appointment. These benefits can have positive, life-changing consequences for people who have postponed enhancing their smile or improving their oral health due to fear.

 

Most sedation patients feel no discomfort and have little or no memory of their dental visit. It would be wise for you to seek care as soon as possible from an office that is well-trained to minimize your dental anxiety. Oral conscious sedation might be exactly what you need to overcome your fear and get healthy again.

Dr. Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and is involved with many other local, state, national, and international dental organizations. Questions for Dr. Arnold can be emailed to: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or sent to: 1830 South 11th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304. More information on this and a variety of other dental topics can be found at: www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Spring and summer bring sunshine and warm weather (hopefully) to our area. Many people begin thinking about brightening their smiles this time of year. Teeth whitening procedures help many people to achieve this goal. 

Whitening systems are usually very effective for people with surface staining and very few anterior restorations. There are many options available, and making a decision as to which system to use can seem overwhelming. There are whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter products, daytime or nighttime whitening systems, and in-office whitening technology, all of which have varying degrees of effectiveness. 

Teeth whitening works well for many people, but not everyone. Some people have intrinsic (within the teeth) stain that isn’t likely to whiten very much. For patients with multiple restorations in the front teeth, they will probably get very little benefit from whitening. These patients are often better candidates for porcelain veneers. 

Whitening toothpastes and other over-the-counter whiteners are effective for some people, are milder and less expensive than those used by dentists. They can also be used without the supervision of a dental team. However, the results are often less dramatic and often don’t last as long. I tell many of my patients that these products are relatively inexpensive and are worth a try. We can always help them achieve more substantial results if they are dissatisfied. 

The most popular professional whitening systems generally involve stronger whitening agents and either take-home bleaching trays or faster in-office whitening technology. The take-home products usually take about two weeks to get the desired effect. 

In-office whitening systems have become extremely popular due to the “instant gratification” aspect. At a time when people seem to be busier than ever, many people prefer one-hour solutions like Zoom! whitening. These in-office systems are generally more expensive because of the cost of the technology, the whitening materials, and the additional time and expertise required by the dental team. 

The efficacy of these products is generally determined by the strength of the whitening agents, patient compliance, beginning tooth color, how many restorations are present, and the patient’s diet. People who drink a lot of coffee, red wine, colas, or who smoke regularly, will most likely need to “touch-up” their whitening more frequently with any of these methods. 

Teeth whitening is more popular than ever because many people want to have whiter, brighter teeth. Remember that teeth whitening can be effective for most people, but not everyone. Consult with your dental team for more specific advice to make sure that you get the results that you want. 

If you don’t have a dental family, please call us at: 926-5445 or 531-8914 to schedule a free consultation. For more information on teeth whitening and a variety of dental topics, please visit: www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Question: “Dr. Arnold, it seems like there’s a wide range of fees associated with dental care. Why is there such a difference from one office to the next?”

Answer: This is a common question posed by consumers of dental services. Many people consider dental care to be a commodity, when it should be considered in terms of the actual service provided.

For example, I would consider products like televisions and cars to be commodities. There are certainly many different makes, models, and options available, but you can at least compare the same make and model offered by two different stores or dealers. Some stores and dealers might provide superior customer service or financing options, but the product itself is the same.

The same can not be said of dentistry or any other healthcare service. There are huge variations in terms of technical skill, training, experience, technology, materials, philosophy, and laboratory work. There are a tremendous number of details that go into making a crown or providing any other dental service, and these details (and the results) are never going to be identical from one dentist to another.

That makes comparing crowns and the associated fees just about impossible. Fees are generally based upon the costs associated with rendering treatment and the care, skill, and judgment of the particular dentist. That having been said, it is very difficult for patients to assess the quality of care they are receiving.

There are several basic guidelines that can be considered when evaluating a dental team, however. It is important that they ask questions about your medical and dental histories and spend time listening to and recording your responses. They should thoroughly examine your entire mouth and come up with a personalized treatment plan.

Most importantly, you should feel that your dentist and team are your dental advocates and that they really listen to you and want to help you to stay healthy. Your objective should be to receive services at a good value (quality at a fair fee) than it is to receive an inexpensive service that might not stand the test of time.

 

Dr.  Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso and Chesterton. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and is involved with many other local, state, national, and international dental organizations. Questions for Dr. Arnold can be emailed to: drarnold@smilesbyarnold.com or sent to: 1830 South 11th St., Chesterton, IN, 46304. More information on this and a variety of other dental topics can be found at:  www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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Stellar patient care, volunteer work, and cutting edge technology are three things that make Dr. Jim Arnold’s dental practice so successful. The practice caters to patients ages 1-100, but specializes in smile makeovers using the most advanced techniques and technology. These include DURAthin no- prep veneers, Invisalign, ZOOM!, cosmetic bonding, tooth colored fillings, and laser dentistry. Dr. Arnold and team effectively minimize anxiety in a spa-like environment using sedation dentistry. They also facilitate migraine headache treatment with NTI fabrication.

Dr. Arnold and his team are volunteers for the Give Back a Smile program through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It is specifically designed to help victims of domestic abuse. Case in point:

Case in point: A young woman wass severely beaten in 1999 by her boyfriend — her mouth is full of broken teeth. Little did she know that when she entered the office of Dr. Jim Arnold that miracles could happen. Not only would she receive the best dental care, but it would all be on the house. It is no small wonder that he received the Partners in Peace award from the Give Back a Smile program, and his case report was presented in the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry.

“She cried when I told her we could help, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity.”Over a three month period, they treated her gum disease and performed full-mouth rehabilitation. It was a life changing event for her and gave her hope for the future. “Being able to help someone in such a significant way was humbling for all of us. We all felt that we received far more from this experience than we gave,” Dr. Arnold says.

The practice also participates in “Give Kids a Smile” and did $8K worth of free work for it the program last year. And with that Dr. Arnold adds what could very well be his mission statement in life: “I believe it is our responsibility to give back with our gifts and talents. The more we have, the more we can give. I have tried to surround myself with people who feel the same way.”

The Pursuit of Excellence
His appreciation for dentistry was sparked at an early age. After a 5 year childhood stint in braces, he was thrilled with his straight teeth and nice smile. He realized what a profound impact a dentist could have on someone’s life. Dr. Arnold’s close relationship with his family’s dentist also made a lasting impression. “He has always been such a perfectionist,” Dr. Arnold says of Dr. Scott Polizotto of Valparaiso. “He obviously loved what he did. That inspired me to become a dentist, too.”

And so Upon graduating from Valparaiso High School, he pursued a Biology Degree at Indiana University in Bloomington. The next logical step was dental school. He received his Doctor of Dental Sciences from Indiana University in 1996.

But as he tells it, learning and education have never stopped. Dr. Arnold feels that graduation from dental school was only the beginning. “I have a passion to do the best work that I can, and that has taken me all around the country taking courses. In the past seven years, I have attended 200 to 400 hours of continuing education per year trying to stay on the cutting edge,” he says. Dr. Arnold has attended courses with his team at some of the most respected dental institutes in the world including the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies, the Hornbrook Group, the Las Vegas Institute, PAC – Live, and the Nash Institute.

Despite obtaining far more than the required CEUs, he likes to be on the other side of the classroom as a teacher and mentor. In 2004, he began working for the internationally renowned Hornbrook Group. This group accepts very few dentists into its program as mentors. He devoted three years to serving as a clinical mentor in their live-patient programs for dentists all over the country.

Dr. Arnold likes to give back to the dental community through volunteering his time with various groups. He has been a board member for the Northwest Indiana Dental Society for ten years. He has served on Northwest Indiana’s Peer Review Committee since 2002, with three years as chairman.

Dr. Arnold serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics. He earned a fellowship in ACE in 2004 and then served as Chairman for the Fellowship Committee from 2006 to 2008. He has written an “Ask the Dentist” column in an area newspaper since 2005 in his continuing efforts to educate the general public about oral health. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Crown Council and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Going Global
Despite constantly honing his skills, two busy practices, and involvement in several dental groups, Dr. Arnold launched the World Institute for Dental Education with two colleagues in 2006. Their focus was to bring the most current information and awareness about new techniques in dentistry to other dentists around the world.

They traveled to India in 2006 and again in 2007 and had the privilege of sharing their knowledge with more than 1500 dentists in seven cities. During one seminar, Dr. Arnold and his colleagues reconstructed a full upper arch for an impoverished female patient while thirty Indian dentists observed the procedure. In the United States, the price tag for such a complex procedure would have been about $20,000. Dr. Arnold and the World Institute for Dental Education donated the treatment for the patient and the education for the dentists. It was an extraordinary experience for Dr. Arnold and his colleagues, and they look forward to returning to India and accepting invitations to speak in several other countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Dubai and Spain.

The need at home and abroad sometimes seems endless, but the end results are so gratifying when a patient flashes their gorgeous new smile. “It is definitely well worth the extra effort when you can change a patient’s life or help another dentist increase his or her career satisfaction and ability to help people,” he says.

The team approach
He is very proud to have two exceptional associates in Dr. Lisa Shideler and Dr. Natalie Wargo. They both share Dr. Arnold’s passion for constant personal and professional growth.

Dr. Shideler serves with Dr. Arnold on the Peer Review Committee, and she is a member of Northwest Indiana’s Seattle Study Club. Dr. Arnold purchased Dr. Shideler’s 17 year old practice in 2005. She says, “It’s all worked out just great- I get to do what I love which is treating patients and not being bogged down with the day to day tasks of running a business. Dr. Arnold does that so well and he’s just been great to work with.”

Shideler sees patients four days a week and says what sets this practice apart from so many others is the quality of care they give to each patient. Dr. Shideler is one of 8 dentists in her family, so you could say dentistry is definitely in her blood. She has attended dental courses taught by some of the best dentists in the world and believes this commitment to learning has made her a better dentist.

Dr. Wargo is also a member of the Study Club, and she is on the Board of Directors with the Northwest Indiana Dental Society. She joined the team in 2005 to help relieve the heavy work load Drs. Arnold and Shideler had with two growing practices. Dr. Wargo was raised in Hebron, Indiana, attended Boone Grove High School and then went on to Purdue University earning a BS in Biology. She graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2003. Patients will tell you that she provides gentle, excellent dental care and they walk out feeling
like she did not even work on their teeth.

With an office in Chesterton and another in Valparaiso, Dr. Arnold proudly states that a mix of compassionate team members with excellent professional skills, a dedication to dentistry, and a service mentality makes his team successful. Building trusting relationships with patients of all ages is essential to ensure continued success.

“I love helping anxious patients overcome their fear of dental procedures. My team and I pride ourselves on providing the most relaxing experience and best care possible,” he says. How do they do this? By listening attentively to the concerns and needs of each patient. When other amenities and relaxation techniques aren’t enough, oral conscious sedation is used to put a patient’s fear to rest.

Dr. Arnold and his team believe that oral health and attractive smiles work together to change patient lives. “Enhancing smiles is a huge passion of mine. My team has similar experience and training and is involved in all aspects of my professional activities. They are exquisitely trained, and they perform patient care and service with compassion and professionalism at all times,” he says.

In his spare time, Dr. Arnold enjoys spending time with his wife and four small children. “They are everything to me. I love dentistry, but I really enjoy my time away from the office. Our kids keep us pretty busy, and I’m very fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with them. Finding a balance between a busy professional life and my family life is always challenging, but we have a lot of fun together.”

For much more information about Smiles By Arnold & Associates, please visit www.SmilesByArnold.com.

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These same Times and Shore readers voted for the Smiles By Arnold & Associates as the “Best Dentist/Dental Center” in Northwest Indiana. This honor was especially appreciated because it reflects positively upon the entire team.

Dr. Arnold, Dr. Shideler, and Dr. Wargo are all committed to developing great relationships based upon trust and mutual respect, and this recognition is affirmation that they are doing a great job. Our team prides itself on making every single interaction with patients positive and to exceeding the expectations of everyone who walks through our door. That’s why everyone on our team is so genuinely helpful and committed to being the best that they can be.

To read more about the Smiles By Arnold Doctors, please click here.

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Readers of The Times newspaper and Shore Magazine recently voted for Dr. Jim Arnold as the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Arnold is honored to have received such praise from the people of Northwest Indiana.

He credits this distinction to his commitment to continuing to learn new techniques and approaches to providing the highest level of cosmetic dental care possible. Additionally, he and his team strive to provide this care gently and compassionately. Dr. Arnold has also enjoyed teaching other dentists from around the world to perform exceptional cosmetic dentistry for several years.

To read more about Dr. Arnold, please click here.

To see examples of Dr. Arnold dramatic smile makeovers, please click here.

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