Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers are typically used when wanting to cosmetically enhance one’s appearance. Porcelain Veneers can be used to straighten crooked teeth, close spaces, repair worn or broken teeth and brighten your smile. Porcelain Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded directly to the tooth. In most cases, only a small amount of tooth reduction is required. Since each patient’s situation is different, the amount of tooth preparation for porcelain veneers can vary. The final result will look beautiful and natural.

Porcelain Crowns are also used to enhance a smile’s appearance. Porcelain crowns are made of all porcelain and can sometimes contain a metal frame for reinforcement. Most porcelain crowns typically cover the entire tooth. Porcelain crowns are usually necessary when replacing large fillings and there is not adequate tooth structure to support a new filling; a large amount of tooth structure has broken off, cracked or decayed; or, the tooth has had a root canal.

Cosmetic Bonding is a tooth-colored, composite resin material that is placed on front teeth to fill a small cavity or for cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic bonding can also be used as an alternative to porcelain veneers; however, the life expectancy of cosmetic bonding is less than porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns due to its brittle properties and tendency to stain.

Bridges are an option for replacing missing teeth. Similar to a porcelain crown, a bridge is made of porcelain and can sometimes contain a metal frame for reinforcement. Bridges differ from single porcelain crowns in that they include adjoining teeth. The adjoining teeth require tooth reduction, as well.

Gum Contouring is a cosmetic procedure that eliminates a “gummy” smile and can give a more symmetrical appearance. It is also used to remove unhealthy tissue.

Tooth Whitening, or Bleaching, is the most conservative cosmetic procedure one can do and a great starting point for anyone interested in improving their smile. Tooth Whitening is safe and simple and used to remove any staining caused from drinking coffee, tea, sodas, red wine and any other dark liquids that come in contact with the teeth. There are two ways to whiten your smile: 1) Take-home whitening system or 2) In-office whitening. With the take-home bleaching method, we will fit you for custom-designed trays and you will place a peroxide-based whitening gel in the trays at home. Most people choose to sleep in the trays; however, there is also a more rapid method requiring 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. The in-office bleaching method is usually about a 2-hour visit and our skilled assistants will place the whitening gel on the teeth and with the use of a UV arc light, the teeth absorb the whitening gel and quickly remove staining. Sensitivity can be common for up to 24 hours after completing in-office tooth whitening. We recommend that you have a professional cleaning within 4-6 months prior to beginning any tooth whitening procedure to maximize results.

General Dentistry

Professional Hygiene Cleanings are performed by our gentle, caring team of hygienists. They will assist you in obtaining and keeping a routine cleaning maintenance program to help ensure a lifetime of great dental health. Our hygienists attend more than their recommended hours of continuing education and are constantly researching new and advanced ways to help our guests feel comfortable and stay healthy.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays are recommended when the tooth requires more reinforcement than a composite resin filling can give, usually due to deep decay or when teeth are broken down. Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-designed like a porcelain veneer and porcelain crown.

Composite (Resin) Fillings are used to fill in a tooth once the decay has been removed. This material is tooth colored and can be made to match the color of the tooth versus an amalgam (silver) filling. We prefer composite fillings over silver fillings, because silver can contract and expand, which can lead to the tooth cracking or voids around the margins of the filling, which can lead to bacteria infecting the tooth.

Root Canal Therapy is when an infected or damaged nerve is removed and replaced with a filling material. Root canal therapy can be necessary when a tooth has extensive decay or a large filling/crown is being replaced, there is a crack in the tooth, or a tooth has experienced recent or past trauma. Many times we can perform the treatment in our office; however, there may be occasions when we refer someone to an endodontist who specializes in this type of therapy.

Relaxation Dentistry

We have created an environment that allows our guests to get the treatment that they need and deserve without feeling like going to the dentist is such a chore. This is what we call “Relaxation Dentistry.” We have a welcoming reception area with large flat screen TVs that allow you to view the latest dental procedures and techniques or request your favorite television program. Do you have children? Bring them with you and they will enjoy playing in our custom-designed children’s play area or watching their favorite (parent-approved) program, as well. In each of our hygiene and cosmetic suites, you will have access to your own flat screen TV throughout your entire visit. For longer appointments, feel free to bring your own personal DVD and you can watch it while lying back and escaping from stresses of daily life.

You may also choose to enjoy a relaxing eye mask throughout your visit or a warm neck pillow. We have also eliminated that dental office “smell” by using an array of fragrances that appeal to the senses. For longer cosmetic procedures, we will provide you with frequent breaks and should you need any nourishment, we will gladly provide that for you, too.