An Interview with Dr. Kristine Marshall, DDS

Q: Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A: I graduated from Northwestern University's dental school in Chicago, Illinois as part of the class of 1993. My first inspiration came from my grandfather, who was a dentist in Seoul, Korea. He practiced dentistry until his late 70's, and I really admired him. All of my relatives became doctors and lawyers, but I was the only one to follow in my grandfather's footsteps and become a dentist. I love what I do and feel as though I have a knack for doing it well thanks to my small hands and keen eyes. Over the years, my practice has evolved to not just a function of patients' needs but to enhance their overall features. In this society, we are pushing the envelope to look our best to gain self-confidence. Your smile is just a small portion of it, and I'm happy to play a part in helping those who appreciate the power of a beautiful smile.

Q: Please explain the basic services you offer.
A: We offer general cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. We don't just fulfill basic needs, but we can give you a whole cosmetic makeover in just two visits. General services includes general cleaning, digital x-rays, laser tissue contour, laser perio therapy, Zoom2 1-hour teeth whitening, take-home teeth whitening, metal-free white porcelain fillings, crowns and bridge, implant restoration, simple extraction, partial and full denture, root canals, and night guard for bruxism. Advanced services include TMJ analysis, electrosonograph, electromyograph, ICAT, Tens, orthosis, full-mouth reconstruction, veneers, and porcelain crowns. We also do consultation of smile designs.

Q: What types of insurance do you accept?
A: We accept all PPO insurances, Met Life, Cigna, Humana, etc. We file all insurances and accept assignment of benefits.

Q: What are your office hours?
A: We have flexible hours to accommodate any busy schedule by appointment. Normal hours are:
• Monday: 8-4
• Tuesday: 9-6
• Wednesday: 7-3
• Thursday: 8-4
• Friday: by appointment only

Q: What payment options do you offer?
A: Payments are due at the time of service or at appointment. We offer financing through:
• www.springstoneplan.com
• www.carecredit.com
• www.surgeryloans.com
We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, check or cash.

Q: What are porcelain veneers?
A: Porcelain veneers are made up of a composition of porcelain, glass, and resin. The veneers are specially made in a lab by highly trained professionals. A veneer covers part of a tooth to rebuild the loss of tooth structure. A veneer is like a bionically strong enamel structure of a tooth, which can enhance the look and shape of tooth structure. People with chipped, crooked, or stained teeth are good candidates for veneers. Many television personalities and movie stars have veneers. The degree of the white color and shape can be customized by Dr. Kristine Marshall, DDS to look your best, and it only takes two visits. The first visit involves reshaping the defective enamel, taking the impressions, and placing temporary veneers. You will already look better at this point. During your second visit (two weeks later), the permanent veneers are bonded.

Q: How long to dental veneers last?
A: Veneers last a very long time. They are stronger than your natural enamel, but they are not bullet-proof. You will have to take care of them just like your natural teeth. We do offer a lifetime warranty.

Q: Do dental veneers require special care?
A: Just brush and floss. You will still need regular cleaning two to three times a year. It's best to use a gel-type toothpaste.

Q: Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A: An alternative to veneers are crowns/caps, which have metal inside (whether whole or part gold or silver or another metal) and porcelain outside. Crowns/caps require more removal of tooth structure to make room for the metal and porcelain and look unnatural. Lumineers are another alternative. They are thin and can only work if you have nearly straight and perfect teeth. It may end up being too bulky and fragile because there will be little to no removal of enamel. It has a very limited application for most people.

Q: Do veneers look natural?
A: Yes, veneers look very natural because they mimic natural enamel. There is no metal; therefore, light will pass through. Dr. Kristine Marshall will put her own artistic touch into every veneer, customizable to each individual.

Q: Does the veneer protect one’s tooth from decay?
A: Veneers cannot decay. Your natural teeth are sealed and bonded with the veneers permanently. Crowns/caps, on the other hand, are cemented, which washes out over time. That means that crowns/caps leave teeth vulnerable to decay.

Q: How much does veneer cost?
A: Our veneer prices range between $1250-$1650. We offer 5-year financing so that anyone can afford a beautiful smile in only two weeks.