For Immediate Release:

Heading off Oral Cancer – Local Dentist Offers New Pain-free Exam to Help Detect Oral Cancer

(Elmhurst, IL) One American dies every hour from oral cancer. It is one of the deadliest cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 21%, much higher than prostate or cervical cancer, yet Americans are routinely receiving annual PSA and pap smear tests for these two cancers. Until recently, routine tests were not available.

“Early Detection is the key,” says Dr. Ivan Valcarenghi, a world renowned cosmetic dentist who completed a fellowship in oral cancer while in dental school and additional certification for Vizilite (www.vizilite.com) testing. “Most dentists will act when we see oral lesions. This is already too late.” Dentists with additional training are capable of recognizing unusual tissue changes in the mouth or manually checking for growths or unusual lumps and inflamed lymph nodes. “There was never an early cancer detection test, however, and by the time we felt or saw something, it was considered a late diagnosis,” Dr. Valcarenghi explains.

Today we now have new tests that can detect oral cancer before they are clinically detectable. From special lights such as the Vizilite or Velscope, to special chemical solutions or even a simple mouth swab can detect cancer cells at much earlier stages.
Mortality rates decrease significantly. The 5-year survival rate increases to 81%!

Another troubling statistic is that oral cancer is on the rise in sexually active young people from 18-25 years old, even without the usual smoking and alcohol risk factors. There is growing evidence that HPV (human papillomavirus), which is found commonly in the population, is a sexually transmitted virus long associated with cervical cancer that is also associated with oral cancer cases in men and women. This may be the reason for increased oral cancer in young people.

Annual testing is recommended for high risk patients, and baseline testing for every at- risk patient. “The bottom line,” says Dr. “Ivan” “get these tests done. See a dentist that administers these tests. It may save your life!”

For more information, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org, and www.drivansmiles.com.

Oral Cancer: The Forgotton Disease

Dr. Ivan Valcarenghi is pleased to offer our patients the latest in oral cancer screening technology. ViziLite Plus is a rapid and painless test, which is performed at the time of your dental exam.


One American dies every hour from oral cancer. Adults have Pap Smear and PSA tests annually.You have the same percentage chance of developing Oral Cancer as Cervical and Prostate Cancer. Oral Cancer has a higher mortality rate. Late detection of oral cancer causes both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer to increase. Tobacco and alcohol use are other major predisposing risk factors but more than 25% of oral cancer victims have no such lifestyle risk factors and there is an alarming increase in young adults. Oral cancer risk by patient profile is as follows:

Increased risk: patients ages 18-39
-sexually active patients (HPV 16/18)
High risk: patients age 40 and older; tobacco users any
type within 10 years)
Highest risk: patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors
(tobacco and/or alcohol use); previous history of
oral cancer

We have recently incorporated ViziLite Plus into our oral screening standard of care. We find that using ViziLite Plus along with standard oral cancer examination improves the ability to identify suspicious areas at their earliest stages. ViziLite Plus is similar to proven early detection procedures for other cancers such as mammography, Pap smear, and PSA. ViziLite Plus is a simple and painless examination that gives the best chance to find any oral abnormalities at the earliest possible stage. Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. The ViziLite Plus examine will be offered to you annually.


Save $25

Schedule an appointment for an Oral Cancer Screening in June or July and pay only $50 for your screening. (Will be $75 starting August 1st, 2008)
Offer Expires: July 31, 2008

Sex Appeal?

Here’s a question for you: what can improve confidence and esteem, social status or success, health, youthfulness, and yes, sex appeal?

The answer may surprise you: having a great smile!

A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the nation’s predominant organization representing Cosmetic Dentistry, found that at least 75% of people surveyed believe a great smile is important for these areas, and 95% believe it improves sex appeal!

So how is it possible that having a great smile can improve these areas?

It is probably no surprise crooked or worn teeth can make a smile look aged and even unhealthy. One such demonstration involved photos of two people smiling side by side, one with an attractive smile having straight, white teeth and one with crooked, worn teeth. Respondents stated that the crooked smile looked like someone older, of lower socio-economic level, not successful, and unhealthy, all because of how the teeth looked!

“Confidence” is the number one request patients want when they come to me,” says Dr. Ivan Valcarenghi, a leading expert who often speaks to dentists and the public regarding Cosmetic Dentistry and operates one of the few “niche” cosmetic practices nationally. “Subsequently, confidence is also what patients most feel when we complete their smile makeover.”

Confidence alone can make you look and feel better. Having a great smile can tremendously boost esteem, which has proven to have a positive effect upon career potential and success.

Improving one’s smile or performing a “smile makeover” can also take years off an aging or worn smile. The dramatic improvement in appearance can make you look much younger (see the photo imaging below). What a difference a great smile makes!

A “smile makeover” is typically done using “veneers.” Veneers are the thin porcelain layers which are responsible for this dramatic improvement. They can be used to straighten, whiten, lengthen, and overall improve, enhance and even freshen up a crooked, aging, distracting and disfigured smile.

Hurricane Katrina Initiative

Dr. Ivan Valcarenghi, an Elmhurst dentist who focuses his practice solely on cosmetic dentistry has volunteered his services for the Hurricane Katrina initiative. In association with the American Red Cross, Dr Valcarenghi has agreed to help an evacuee from Mississippi, whom has relocated to the Chicago area.
A situation the Red Cross has encountered many times, is that of flood victims who lost or damaged their teeth during the evacuation. Dr. Valcarenghi will help restore smiles and confidence with Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Valcarenghi and the American Red Cross will continue to work together to help hurricane evacuees relocated to the Chicago area look and feel their best.
Dr. Ivan Valcarenghi is located at 127 W. Vallette in Elmhurst and can be reached at (630) 834-8088.


Hinsdale Hospital’s Woman’s Symposium

Dr Valcarenghi, an Elmhurst dentist spoke to attendees at Hinsdale Hospital’s seventh annual Health & Spirit Symposium entitled “Empowering Women.” He spoke on the benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry. Once believed to be only for Hollywood stars, Dr Valcarenghi showed pictures of patients of all ages whom have benefited by Cosmetic Dentistry. Through Cosmetic Dentistry, patients may gain the confidence to achieve their life’s goals by having a more attractive smile. By patients feeling and looking their best, Cosmetic Dentistry can help improve one’s life. Dr Valcarenghi’s practice is one of only 1% of practices nationally, that is focused solely on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Valcarenghi is a frequent contributor to dental journals on Cosmetic Dentistry. He can be reached at
(630) 834-8088.

Hi neighbor,

I realized that my neighbors might not know just what I do during the day (other than golf!), so I compiled some articles and such that might provide a peek into who I am.

Most people don’t know I am an author and speaker and do seminars to the public (often with Dr. Wafik Hanna, our facial cosmetic surgeon) as well as to dentists.

I also operate two separate businesses, one that teaches dentists to institute some of what I do in their own practices, and a Mastermind group. We are a board of non-competing (successful) small business owners whom are employed to help small businesses grow.

I’m still very passionate about Cosmetic Dentistry too! With the (over) use of the word “cosmetic,” some might not realize there are expert dentists like me who are skilled in the proper design, function, and esthetics of a smile makeover. This also means you are also very highly trained to do some major rehabilitation cases as well. I don’t see a lot of patients, but I have a lot to do!

Anyway, read this stuff if you wish. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.
Kind Regards,

Dr Ivan

INSURANCE-FREE?

As I travel the country speaking to dentists regarding a variety of subjects, from Cosmetic Dentistry to developing aspects of, or establishing a “Niche” cosmetic practice, the predominant issue dentists remark to me is that they are concerned with insurance. Specifically, how to become “insurance-free.”

According to the NADP (National Association Of Dental Plans), 160 million patients enjoy dental benefits amounting to over 64% of all dental dollars, and according to Roger Levin, a practice management consultant for over 900 medical and dental professionals, this figure is growing. Insurance is not going away, and is of great importance to dental professionals and patients.

Having been “free” of insurance since 1999, and the poster child for Dental Practice Report’s Mar/Apr 2000 “Insurance Free” issue, insurance has been a non-issue in my practice. So I sometimes forget the great consternation we experienced when planning this monstrous task. Assuming the risk, we embarked on our journey and began executing our plan to become “insurance-free.” As I am writing this story, I am conjuring up the same somatic feelings I had when we began to experience the pain and fallout resulting from our decision, before eventual freedom was won. I have alluded to this being a battle, and it is. Traditional dental practices are waging a constant battle with insurers and patients over benefits and allowances, with the dental practice absorbing much of the fallout.

Allow me to emphasize that freedom is what we all seek throughout life in one way or another.

In just about anything we do, we are seeking freedom. Freedom from illness, freedom from repression and government, freedom to enjoy our liberties. It is no different for dentists. At that point in our lives when we came to that “eureka” moment to become dentists, we decided to achieve the “freedom” awarded to that identity known as “dentist.” We wanted the freedom to have the education, income, skills, values, and lifestyle of that identity we suspected dentists enjoyed. Being “insurance-free,” is one professional freedom many desire, few achieve.

For a great many dentists, it seems insurance has been The largest obstacle to profitability, treatment acceptance, and professional satisfaction. Liberating ourselves from the “shackles of bondage” insurance appears to have on dentistry is a daunting, seemingly insurmountable task. Yet, many benefits await the practice willing to make this difficult decision and wage the battle. The goal of more freedom awaits the practitioner who can withstand the trials to become “insurance-free.”

What is Insurance-Free? What Freedoms?

I’ve discovered that “insurance-free” can mean different things to different dentists. I was recently reminded just how “free” our practice is when visiting a podiatrist for our daughter. We signed in on the clipboard behind the glass windows and

Find a Cosmetic Dentist

You’ve dreamed about how it would feel to have that fabulous smile! If only you had that drop-dead gorgeous smile, how much more confident would you feel? But, with other demands on your time and funds, you put yourself second to others. Now you are ready to invest in yourself and give yourself a gift. You deserve it!

Precious few things in life are as valuable as your smile. It is perhaps your greatest asset! And not many things look better as we get older, or last longer! A “smile makeover” is a great value. Dr Ivan believes that If “the eyes are the windows to the soul, then your smile is a reflection of it”

Where do you go? Who do you go to?

The popularity of Cosmetic Dentistry demonstrates that people value a great smile. Some patients have experienced disappointing results, or worse, problems resulting from their treatment. Cosmetic Dentistry can be irreversible, and making sure you have the right place and doctor is essential.

This is why it is crucial to find a highly trained cosmetic dentist to protect your greatest asset, your smile. Achieving a professional, esthetic, strong, healthy, and natural appearance to your veneers takes much training and commitment by a dentist. There are very few dentists whom have made this commitment. When it comes to entrusting your smile, the Yellow Pages is not where to look. With many dentists claiming to be “cosmetic,” and patients not knowing the difference, patients might go to a nice doctor who charges a “fair” fee. This can be a cosmetic disaster and the disappointment that can result is an expensive and painful lesson. When it comes to your front teeth, find the most competent dentist you can trust and feel comfortable with.

In our office, we might even suggest you visit other offices before coming to ours. A cosmetic practice is different and you will know instantly when entering our office you will feel confident is competent and will protect your investment.

Look at the AACD (The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) web site, www.aacd.org for a starting point to look for.

These recommendations are a guideline but may not tell you how much training or if the pictures are of the doctor’s own patients. Here are additional things to consider:

Membership in cosmetic organizations/Continuing Education

Membership in the AACD is a minimal requirement. With only 7600 members, however, this represents less than 5% of all dentists. The 500 graduates from LVI (Las Vegas Institute, the world’s premier training facility), represent dentists that have made the time, financial, and educational commitment to perform at a high level of competency. While membership in the AACD or training at LVI is not a guarantee, it is an indicator of further training needed to ensure veneers are done properly. These dentists are at the top of their profession and would be very proud of this distinction and communicate this via diploma, certificates and plaques, on web sites and in marketing.

Veneers

Take caution when only six veneers or “No-drill” veneers, sometimes called Lumineers are recommended. We greatly advise against these two techniques, as they create aesthetic and gum problems. While patients may not like the drill, only a minimum is needed for most veneers.

Photography
One of the best methods to distinguish a cosmetic dentist is demonstrating his/her own beautiful work with photographs. Most cosmetic dentists are proficient photographers with professional cameras. You will most likely see photographs of patients proudly displayed in the office. These photos will be of actual patients with photo releases for them. The artist’s talent must translate into fabulous smiles in pictures!

Advanced Technology
Does the office look esthetic, have a web site, and have the feeling of being advanced? Cosmetic Dentists are technologically advanced. To manage photo imaging, printing, storage, and to adequately beautify a smile, treatment lasers, and advanced computer functions are required.

The Consultation
Perhaps nothing is more important than to meet the doctor. Choosing the right doctor for you is essential. Patients are rightly concerned with fees, though obtaining the right skill level and personality match is of greatest importance. Dr. Ivan receives and restores at least one patient per month who was disappointed with their cosmetic dentistry. As a consultant, Dr. Ivan teaches other dentists and speaks to the public regarding aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Get educated about your doctor.

The consultation is a great way to see the office, the staff, to see if the office is clean, advanced, and friendly. You must feel this office and doctor is competent and the place you want to go for cosmetic treatment. You must feel you were listened to and that your concerns were addressed. This appointment may be complimentary with staff or doctor. Doctors whom are in demand and value their skills would likely charge a fee for the consultation.