How can we help you?
We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.
These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.
Clear Aligners
While metal braces have come a long way in comfort and appearance, adults and older teens have more aesthetic options that better suit their lifestyles. Clear aligners can fix many cosmetic dental problems and are virtually undetectable. Since the trays are removable, you can clean your teeth thoroughly and eat the foods you enjoy.
Your orthodontist specialist can tell you if you’d benefit from clear aligners. In general, you’re a good candidate for clear aligners if:
- Your oral issues are not severe. For example, an excessive open bite or underbite requires shifting the jaw using a more intensive treatment.
- Your jaw has stopped growing, and you have all your permanent teeth.
- You have the discipline to wear clear aligner trays for about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and clean teeth.
If you do have a severe misalignment issue, your dentist may be able to develop a treatment plan for you that includes both braces and clear aligners.
That doesn’t mean that less severe problems aren’t important enough to fix, however. Even slightly misaligned or overcrowded teeth can cause more serious problems if not treated. If you have any of these oral health issues, clear aligners might be perfect for you:
- Mildly misaligned teeth
- Minor bite problems
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Overcrowding
- Malocclusion
- Overbite
Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, porcelain crowns, bonding using tooth-colored composite, and even orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. All our dentistry is done with an eye toward aesthetics. We know that it's important that your teeth are both healthy and attractive. If you'd like to find out which of our services can help you meet your goals, call our office to schedule your consultation.
Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns are designed to be very durable and to function much like your own teeth. You need to use common sense, however, and avoid biting down directly on foods like hard candy or nuts. A broken crown is not just costly to replace, but you may also damage underlying healthy tooth structure.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
- The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
- Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Emergency Dentistry
The goal of an emergency dental appointment is to address the immediate need, resolve your problem, and relieve your pain. If we believe further care is needed, we will schedule you a regular appointment to follow up and set up an appropriate treatment plan to prevent future problems.
Family Dentistry
We know that convenience is important for today’s busy families. That is why we offer dentistry for the whole family including your children. We begin seeing kids at a young age to make sure they have a healthy dental foundation.
General Dentistry
You probably see the words general dentist on local signs and online, but may wonder what that means.
Just like your primary care physician, your general dentist is your main point of contact for your oral health. General dentists provide most non-specialty services that patients of all ages need to stay healthy.
This includes preventive dentistry such as:
- Dental exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Mouthguards for sports
- Nightguards
General dentists also repair teeth that suffer from decay, fractures, or trauma. Restorative dentistry refers to:
- Fillings
- Bonding
- Dental crowns
Teeth replacement is a big part of general dentistry and is designed to keep your smile looking good and to make sure you can eat a healthy diet.
- Bridges
- Partial dentures
- Dentures
Since cosmetic dentistry is not a dental specialty, most general dentists are the ones who will be designing a beautiful smile and offering enhancements such as:
- Teeth whitening
- Cosmetic bonding
- Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
- Porcelain veneers
If you have a dental question, need help or advice, your general or family dentist will be able to make treatment recommendations for you. If you require a trip to a specialist, general dentists usually have specialists in their professional network that they know and trust.
Smile Makeovers
If you are looking for solutions that address the health and wholeness of your smile, the answer is yes! Treatments like crowns, bridges, and dental implants enhance your appearance while protecting your oral health. Certain dental health problems can also affect your overall wellness, so it is important to work with your dentist to decide the best way to maintain a smile that is both healthy and beautiful.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth staining can have several different causes. Some of the most common culprits we see include:
- Smoking
- Drinking staining beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine
- Eating staining foods like berries and curry
- Inadequate dental hygiene
- Certain health conditions
- Genetics
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are considered to be a permanent restoration since they are bonded to the surface of your teeth. They are made of porcelain, a very strong material, so it is rare for them to chip or fall off. In the unlikely event that this does happen, however, the veneer can be repaired and bonded back in place.