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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. Mladen Kralj of Chicago


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Minimally Invasive Approach


At ORA Dental Studio we are on the leading edge of modern dentistry by practicing “minimally invasive” dentistry, a progressive philosophy and technique used by our forward thinking dental professionals. Utilizing advanced technology and materials allows us to deliver more conservative, less invasive treatment compared to traditional methods. The end result is preservation of healthy tooth structure and oral tissue, and natural-looking, longer-lasting results.
  • digital x-rays that emit 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays
  • early detection of decay with the DIAGNOdent laser
  • air abrasion rather than drilling to remove decay
  • early detection of oral cancer with VELscope fluoresence
  • non-surgical laser periodontal therapy
  • Invisalign clear braces to correct bite problems and improve oral health
  • ”no-prep” and “minimal prep” porcelain veneers
  • dental implants preferred over traditional bridges
  • i-Cat 3D imaging for accurate oral surgery and implant diagnosis and treatment
  • ridge preservation (bone grafting) immediately upon tooth extraction



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Porcelain Veneers


One of the quickest and easiest ways to instantly improve your smile and overall appearance is with a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. Veneers are ultra-thin shells of enamel-like porcelain that are handcrafted by master dental ceramists and permanently bonded to the front of the teeth. They are just as strong, if not stronger than your natural enamel and will never stain or discolor.

At ORA Dental Studio we offer several types of porcelain veneers depending on your specific needs - PEARLS ultra-thin veneers and EMPRESS pressed veneers. We are proud to partner with only the highest quality labs in the country, so rest assured that you will have a naturally beautiful smile. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last at least 20 years, if not longer, and we offer a lifetime guarantee against defect.

Porcelain veneers can correct a variety of aesthetic concerns - click on the items below to view before and after pictures. We also encourage you to take a tour of the Gallery to see how porcelain veneers not only create stunning smiles but change lives - the results are amazing!


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PEARLS ultra-thin veneers


In keeping with our minimally invasive treatment philosophy we are proud to offer PEARLS veneers, exclusively at ORA Dental Studio. PEARLS, like Lumineers, are contact lens-thin porcelain veneers that are custom-made to adhere directly to the front of teeth without grinding or shaving! This means that for some people, we can transform their smile without even drilling on their natural teeth - eliminating some of the concerns you may have about removing healthy tooth enamel. However, unlike Lumineers which appear opaque, bulky, and noticeable, PEARLS are a higher quality restoration that can create a beautiful, confident smile that looks real and natural, as if they were your own teeth.

PEARLS are not for everyone however, rather they are indicated for people who need only minor enhancements and whose teeth are straight, uniform in color, slightly worn or chipped, or have small gaps. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if PEARLS ultra-thin veneers are the right aesthetic option for you.


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EMPRESS pressed veneers


EMPRESS has made millions of people's smiles possible. From whiter, brighter and healthier looking teeth, to a total change in their smiles that completely changed their appearances and their lives, EMPRESS is a metal-free ceramic restorative material that has been used in dentistry for almost 20 years. And, it's long-term beauty and clinical successes are backed by hundreds of scientific studies. In fact, clinical research since its creation proves that EMPRESS veneers are strong, durable and long-lasting - it is the material of choice at ORA Dental Studio for the majority of our smile makeovers.
EMPRESS veneers are indicated for patients who need major improvement to their smile and bite, such as replacing old restorations, protecting worn teeth, permanently whitening discolored teeth, and straightening crooked teeth. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about transforming your smile with EMPRESS. Take tour of the Gallery to see the many transformations with EMPRESS veneers, the results are not only beautiful, but life-changing.


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Invisalign Clear Braces


Having a confident smile can change everything, and Invisalign makes the decision easy, because you can get a stunning smile without most people even noticing you're going through treatment. Invisalign uses a series of clear, comfortable and removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth without metal braces. The aligners are made of a strong medical-grade plastic that can correct spacing, crowding, and bite problems with great precision.
Each aligner is worn for approximately 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little until they have straightened to the final position. An average case is takes about 10 to 11 months, and in some cases even less. Invisalign straightens teeth which leads to not only a more attractive smile, but a healthier one as well. Straight teeth means healthier gums, easier cleanings, improved chewing and speech, and decreased risk of tooth trauma and wear.


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ZOOM! Laser Whitening


Your smile is important. It's one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. Nothing freshens up your appearance like a whiter, brighter smile. It can also help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression. Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine or smoking.
ZOOM! laser whitening is the easiest way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile -nothing whitens better or faster. It is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. In only 45 minutes your teeth will be significantly whiter, as much as 6 to 8 shades. Unlike over the counter whitening products that produce unsatisfactory results, ZOOM! whitening is:
  • Fast and convenient
  • Long lasting
  • Low, or no sensitivity
  • Proven to be safe and effective
  • Now strengthens tooth enamel
  • Performed by a Dental Professional



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Aesthetic Contouring


Aesthetic tooth and gum contouring is a quick, simple and conservative way to enhance your smile in 30 minutes or less! The procedure can be performed on a single tooth or numerous teeth and is indicated for people who have slightly uneven edges, are unhappy with the shape of their teeth, or have asymmetrical gum levels.
Aesthetic contouring can be done as a stand alone procedure, during smile makeovers, or at the end of Invisalign treatment. In most cases aesthetic contouring involves redefining both the teeth and gums to more please shapes and levels . Tooth contouring is performed with ultra-fine diamond impregnated burs and discs, while a diode soft tissue laser is used to perform gum contouring. No anesthetic is needed for tooth contouring and typically only a strong topical for laser gum contouring. The end result is instantly even teeth, balanced gum lines, and a more attractive smile.

Visit the Gallery to view before and after pictures of aesthetic contouring by our talented and skilled clinicians.


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Complimentary Consultations


At ORA Dental Studio we believe that the first step in any new relationship is communication - it is important to get to know you as a person first, then as a patient. Creating a beautiful, lasting smile requires time, skill and effort. No two people are alike and no two smiles are alike. Our goal is to create a smile that is so suitable to you that it appears perfectly natural. As a new patient you may have questions regarding your restorative and aesthetic treatment options. With that in mind we offer a complimentary consultation at which time we will address your specific needs and desires. Your consultation will include:
  • a limited examination
  • digital photos of your teeth and smile
  • review of the photos and discussion of treatment options
  • a review of before and after pictures of similar cases
  • aesthetic imaging of your potential new smile
  • a written treatment plan and estimate



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Lifetime Guarantee


At the ORA Dental Studio we feel that our patients deserve only the very best. We offer the most advanced general, aesthetic and implant services available today, and use only the highest quality materials, equipment, and dental laboratories so that you can feel confident about your dental restorations and your smile.

To emphasize our commitment in providing our patients with the best dental care available, we offer a lifetime guarantee against defect for the following restorations services (certain conditions apply):
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns and Bridges
  • Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
  • Dental Implants



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Restore Your Smile


At the ORA Dental Studio our goal is to restore the natural look and feel of your teeth and smile. We are a metal-free practice and use only the highest quality pure porcelain and bonded composite resin restorations so that you can feel confident about the health of your teeth and look of your smile for years to come.

The practice of modern aesthetic and restorative dentistry is not confined just to the front teeth that you see in your smile, but the back teeth as well. By combining advanced technology and procedures with the most bio-compatible restorations available today, you can be assured of having the most natural looking and feeling teeth possible, with long-lasting results.

At ORA Dental Studio we offer a variety of restorative services that can help you strengthen your teeth, improve your bite, and enhance your smile. Take a moment to visit the Gallery to view before and after pictures of teeth restored by our skilled clinicians, you’ll be amazed at the natural-looking results!


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Laser Microdentistry


One of the greatest recent advances in dentistry is the shift towards microdentistry - the practice of treating tooth decay through early, accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive technique, thus preserving healthy tooth structure. This shift in philosophy is moving clinicians away from the practice of “watch-wait-and-treat” dentistry to a significantly more proactive form of “diagnose-and-prevent” approach.

With traditional diagnostic techniques, such as x-rays and a hand explorer, detection of cavities did not usually occur until the lesion was fairly large to the eye or obvious to the touch. The DIAGNOdent is a revolutionary new laser that detects cavities in the earliest possible stages with great accuracy (>90%). The benefits include:
  • No anesthesia necessary in most cases
  • No discomfort or pain during treatment
  • Maintain natural tooth aesthetics
  • Preservation of healthy tooth structure with air abrasion
  • Smaller fillings last considerably longer than larger ones
  • Less patient chair time, lower costs to restore the tooth
  • Visit the Gallery to view before and after pictures of teeth restored with “micro” fillings by our talented and skilled clinicians.



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Composite Resin Fillings


Silver amalgam fillings have long been the standard in restorative dentistry, however, in recent years they have been replaced by more aesthetic and biocompatible tooth colored composite resin fillings.

Bonding is the process by which a strong dental adhesive is used to “bond” a composite resin filling to a tooth's surface, sculpted to the ideal anatomical shape, hardened with a high intensity halogen curing light, and polished to an enamel-like finish. Bonding is completed in only one appointment and is indicated for both back and front teeth to:
  • restore small cavities
  • replace small, defective silver fillings
  • correct small chips or fractures
  • change the shape of a tooth, or improve its appearance
Visit the Gallery to view before and after pictures of teeth restored with composite resin fillings by our talented and skilled clinicians.


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Porcelain Inlays & Onlays


Inlays and onlays are tooth colored enamel-like porcelain restorations fabricated by a highly skilled dental technician and permanently bonded in place. Porcelain inlays and onlays are much stronger and last longer than composite resin fillings, they are highly aesthetic, and are the ideal restoration for both strength and longevity.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are completed in two appointments and are indicated for the back (posterior) teeth to:
  • restore medium to large cavities
  • replace medium to large defective silver fillings
  • restore the natural anatomy of worn down back teeth
  • strengthen fractured back teeth

Visit the Gallery to view before and after pictures of teeth restored with inlays and onlays by our talented and skilled clinicians.


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Dental Implants


Dental implants are the single most important advancement in dentistry, offering a modern day solution for missing teeth. They are small cylindrical titanium fixtures that replace missing tooth roots and they provide a stable base for replacement teeth that feel, function, and look like naturally beautiful teeth. Dental implants are the most predictable tooth replacement option available with over a 95% success rate and almost 50 years of practical clinical research. They are designed for a lifetime and the only dental treatment that:
  • prevents soft tissue and bone loss
  • provides natural tooth hygiene
  • eliminates the need to reduce and compromise adjacent teeth
Implants can replace single or multiple teeth, stabilize dentures, or even replace dentures completely. Please tour our gallery and see why dental implants should be your preferred choice for modern day tooth replacement. Traditional options such as dent ures and bridges often have problems with comfort, aesthetics, stability, and longevity, all of which can negatively impact your confidence, nutrition, and overall wellness. Tour our Gallery to see why dental implants solve many of the problems with traditional dentistry and to see why they are the best option for restoring your missing teeth.


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Optimal Oral Health


At ORA Dental Studio we take a comprehensive approach to not only your oral health, but overall wellness. Recent medical studies have shown that there is a definite “systemic” link between the health of your mouth and teeth and the health of the rest your body. The mouth often shows early signs and symptoms of other health related issues, so we do a thorough examination at not only your initial comprehensive examination, but also your 6 month recare appointments.
At your new patient visit and subsequent 6 month recare appointments we will do a thorough examination of not only your teeth (cavities, bruxism), but also soft tissue (oral cavity), hard tissue (bone supporting your teeth), and temporomandibular joint (tmj).


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Oral Cancer Screening


Every hour of every day in America someone dies of oral cancer. Oral cancer is the sixth most common diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Presently 30,000 patients are diagnosed annually with oral cancer. The 5-year survival rate is only 50%, accounting for 8,000 deaths each year. Oral cancer risk factors include tobacco use, frequent and/or excessive alcohol consumption, a compromised immune system, past history of cancer, and the presence of the HPV virus.
Recently however 25% of all newly diagnosed cases have been in patients under the age of forty with none of the known risk factors. Oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved in the past 50 years. This is due primarily to the fact that during this time we have not changed the way we screen for this disease (a visual and manual examination of the oral cavity, head, and neck). The cancers which have seen a major decline in the mortality rate have included colon, cervical, and prostate cancer and the primary reason is early detection and screening.

In response to the limitations of traditional oral mucosa examinations, ORA Dental Studio was one of the first dental practices in Chicago to implement the VELscope oral cancer early detection system. We use the VELscope not only at your new patient visit but also at every 6 month re-care visit as part of your comprehensive oral examination. This gives both doctor and patient the piece of mind that potential areas of concern are diagnosed early and treated in a minimally invasive way.


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TMJ Disorders


The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. It permits the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function. TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches, headaches, migraines, and limited ability to open their mouth. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth.
Determining the cause of a TMJ problem is important, because it is the cause that guides the treatment. When symptoms of TMJ trouble appear, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted. A specialist in the areas of the mouth, teeth and jaws, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is in a good position to correctly diagnose the problem. Special imaging studies of the joints may be ordered and appropriate referral to other dental or medical specialists or a physical therapist may be made.

TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include short-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and muscle relaxation, bite plate or splint therapy, and even stress management counseling. Generally, if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful or if there is clear joint damage, surgery may be indicated.


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Bone Augmentation


Following tooth extraction there is often resorption of the surrounding bone, resulting in loss of both bone height and width. As bone resorbs the overlying gum tissue also tends to lose both volume and its normal anatomic form. This loss of bone and gum tissue following tooth extraction often results in both functional and cosmetic defects, leaving an unsightly collapsed appearance.
At ORA we take a proactive stance on bone preservation, and because of advances in grafting procedures and bioengineering, bone and gum tissue loss following tooth removal can either be greatly reduced or completely eliminated. Following the removal of a tooth, a specially bioengineered graft material is placed within the extraction socket. The bone graft material not only supports new bone growth, but also has been shown to preserve bone and overlying soft tissue following tooth removal.

For those patients that have had teeth missing for some time with typical resultant bone loss, Dr. Koos employs several bone grafting techniques to restore deficient areas, thereby creating implant placement possibilities which would otherwise be absent.


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Wisdom Teeth


Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth, generally between the ages of 17 and 25. A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and its growth and eruption are prevented by overlying gum, bone or another tooth. Impacted and partially impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection. They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots. More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst.
Despite the considerable concern regarding impacted third molars, several recent studies found that third molars which have broken through the tissue and erupted into the mouth in a normal, upright position may be just as prone to disease as those third molars that remain impacted. Not all problems related to third molars are painful or visible. Damage can occur without your being aware of it. No one can predict when third molar complications will occur, but when they do, the circumstances can be much more painful and the teeth more difficult to treat. This is why a focused consultation with Dr. Koos, who specializes in the removal of wisdom teeth, is crucial and of great oral health benefit. It is estimated that greater than 85% of third molars will eventually need to be removed.

At Ora Oral Surgery & Implant Studio, Dr. Koos utilizes recent advances in medicine and state-of-the-art technology to allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner that promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. At Ora Studios your wisdom tooth removal will be safely and pleasantly carried out under the maximal comforts of sedation.


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Anesthesia Services


As the surgical specialists of the dental profession, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are extensively trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. The ability to provide patients with safe and effective anesthesia has distinguished the specialty since its inception. Today's technology makes it possible to perform both simple and complex procedures in an office setting while maintaining maximum patient comfort and safety.
At ORA Oral Surgery and Implant Studio Dr. Koos offers a full range of comfort levels with all office-based procedures for adults as well as children. At your consultation Dr. Koos will discuss the best anesthesia options for you depending on the complexity of your procedure and level of comfort required. Utilizing gentle medications that are well tolerated and quickly metabolized, allows for safe and comfortable procedures, with a quick and smooth recovery.

During your procedure, one or more of the following may be used to control and eliminate your pain and anxiety: pre-appointment sedative medication, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas),intravenous light sedation, and general anesthesia. Commonly, patients describe their feelings during procedures as comfortable and surprisingly pleasant.


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Oral Pathology


Dr. Koos manages a wide variety of pathology associated with the oral cavity. Patients are often referred by their dentist or physician for the management of soft or hard tissue abnormalities. Soft tissue lesions generally involve ulcers, patches, bumps, and discoloration on the gums, lips, cheek, tongue or salivary glands. Hard tissue pathology encompasses alterations in teeth or bone. Abnormal changes in the mouth typically are detected early as the oral cavity is readily accessible.
Tissue changes do not always mean cancer, but certainly need to evaluated promptly to determine the cause. Since oral cancer kills one person every hour, twenty-four hours a day, in North America, Dr. Koos strongly encourages performing self-examinations monthly to aid in early recognition as well as routine annual office screening utilizing the VELscope. The things to evaluate when performing self-examinations are.
  • red or white patches of the oral tissues
  • a sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
  • an abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
  • chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • difficulty in chewing or swallowing
  • a mass or lump in the neck
Hard tissue lesions are often unrecognized by patients until a radiographic image sheds light on their existence. At ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio patients can rest assured that they will have the best imaging available for pathology via the iCat 3-D cone beam CT scanner.


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Facial Trauma


Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating dental and facial trauma, including fractures of the upper and lower jaws, nose, and orbits, and cosmetic management of facial lacerations. Their knowledge of how jaws come together is critical when repairing complex facial fractures.
Trauma does not only result from major events like physical confrontations or automobile accidents. Childhood injuries caused by skateboards, sports, or bicycle accidents frequently involve dental or maxillofacial trauma. Younger children often sustain damage to teeth or supporting structures from falls. Such injuries can usually be effectively treated in the office, avoiding costly emergency room visits. At ORA we will employ various safe and effective sedation techniques to deliver prompt, comfortable and successful treatment.

We understand that at times of injury people are often quite vulnerable, so our team at ORA Studios is here for you to offer support and to guide you through the process of recovery. At ORA, we not only have superior imaging for dento-facial injuries with our iCat 3-D CT scanner, but as a dual-degree surgeon, Dr. Koos has the training and extensive experience to expertly manage your injuries.


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Pediatric Services


At ORA Studios we strongly believe that the experience children have with their dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon should provide the positive framework for a life-long desire for great oral health. At ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio we pride ourselves on delivering safe and gentle care to all our young patients.
Some of the services we provide for children include:
  • Extraction of non-exfoliating primary teeth
  • Extraction of impacted adult teeth
  • Exposure and orthodontic bracketing of impacted adult teeth
  • Treatment of pediatric oral pathology
  • Treatment of pediatric dental infections
  • Treatment of pediatric dento facial injuries
At ORA Studios you can have the conIidence that your child will receive the very best care available. Doctor Koos is one of only a few dual degree (D.D.S. and M.D.) oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the Chicago‐land area and has over ten years of experience safely treating children of all ages. His extensive training in anesthesia affords his pediatric patients the ability to undergo sedation for a pain free, comfortable, and overall positive experience. He is a member of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology, ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified.


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Mladen Kralj, DMD
ORA Dental Studio

Office Address:

Office on West Randolph
937 West Randolph
Chicago, Illinois 60607

Office on South Michigan
1827 South Michigan
Chicago, Illinois 60616
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