Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs that we are asked routinely. Click on a question and you will taken to the question and answer below. We have also provided a glossary of denistry words the bottom of this page.
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What credentials should I look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist?
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Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver/mercury fillings?
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How can you use imaging software to show me what my smile will look like ahead of time?
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I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Can you help me?
I really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
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Crowns, Onlays, Inlays, Veneers & Partials can you tell me more about these procedures?
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How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Questions and Answers
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What is cosmetic dentistry?
Traditionally, the term "cosmetic" refers to a procedure that improves the appearance. For successful, long-lasting results, it is crucial to design and engineer the mouth's "function" as well as improve appearance. We refer to this combined approach as Aesthetic Dentistry.
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What credentials should I look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist?
Ask dentists what advanced courses they have taken and if they have received any special recognition within their field.
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Why is the bite important?
The bite must be stable and balanced so there are no points of excessive stress that could potentially cause ceramic restorations or teeth to break, or cause some type of joint dysfunction.
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What can be done about a "gummy" smile?
If you show too much gum when you smile, there is a minor surgical procedure called a "gum lift" that reduces the amount of gum that shows.
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Are tooth-colored fillings better than silver/mercury fillings?
Generally, yes. Aside from the unappealing appearance of silver fillings, they can cause teeth to fracture over time. However, the dentist needs to know where and how to use the tooth-colored material. As a simple rule, the smaller the filling, the better it is to use tooth-colored material. As fillings get bigger, ceramic restorations are needed.
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Why does the gum around crowns look purple?
This can occur for several reasons: the crown may not fit well, it may be too far under the gum, or it may have a metal base that blocks light. Teeth are like little fiber optic units. When light hits them, it illuminates the teeth and the surrounding gum tissue to give it that healthy pink glow. Metal blocks the light, causing the tissue to look dark. Crowns that are all ceramic are best for a natural appearance.
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What are the differences between bonding and veneers?
"Bonding" is an older term that refers to applying a composite resin as a "veneer" directly to the teeth. Veneers are usually thought of as being made from a ceramic material that is "bonded" to the teeth. Less durable than ceramic, resin will stain more readily and will need replacing more frequently. Ceramic veneers are generally more expensive than resin due to additional laboratory fees.
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How can I get straighter teeth without braces?
This can often be accomplished with the use of ceramic veneers to give the appearance of straighter teeth.
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How can I close the gaps between my teeth?
Depending on the situation, gaps can be closed either with orthodontic treatment or by bonding or ceramic veneers. This requires analysis to make sure the teeth are properly proportioned and fit within the frame of the lips and the size of the face.
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How can missing teeth be replaced?
Generally, there are two ways to replace missing teeth: either by a removable denture of some kind or by a bridge or implants that stay in place in the mouth. Treatment depends on the number of teeth missing; the condition of the teeth adjacent to the space; the quality and quantity of bone where the teeth are missing; whether or not there is periodontal disease; and the overall health of the mouth.
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Why are night-time appliances (mouthguards) necessary?
If designed correctly, night-time appliances (mouthguards) help keep teeth from moving, protect ceramic restorations, and protect teeth from wear damage caused by grinding or clenching.
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How long will aesthetic dental treatment last?
Longevity varies from person to person depending on oral habits, home care, and compliance with utilizing the precision bite stabilizer. We do our best to deliver high-quality treatment that will last many years.
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Are any of the procedures covered by insurance?
Except for cases involving fractures or other pathological conditions, there is rarely insurance coverage.
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How do you choose an aesthetic/cosmetic dentist?
We like to think that a strong commitment to the four E's is essential in your decision.
- Excellent clinical dentistry
- Experience in the Art of Aesthetic Dentistry
- Environment that is relaxing, comfortable, appealing, and modern
- Education that focuses on Aesthetic Dentistry
How can you use imaging software to show me what my smile will look like ahead of time?
We routinely use digital imaging to help our patients visualize the end results of cosmetic and restorative work. By simply asking the right questions, taking various digital photos of your current smile, and keying in the correct input into our computer, we'll generate a number of graphic images that accurately demonstrate how your procedure will affect your smile. It's a fun process, and usually produces excited smiles all around.
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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Tooth whitening is one of the simplest, safest, and most dramatic kinds of cosmetic dentistry available today. At our office, we offer a variety of methods, which we can either conduct right here in our office, or you can do at your convenience in daily sessions at home or during your commute. Depending upon your own particular dental health and causes of discoloration, we'll help you determine which system would benefit you most.
Remember, it's important that we have a brief consultation prior to your choosing a whitening system, since some people are better candidates than others for the treatment. For example, if your teeth are darkened to a yellow, brown or orange tinge due to age, coffee, tea, or smoking, chances are very good that teeth whitening will bring lasting, satisfactory results. If your teeth are a dark gray tone from fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline use, whitening results may be a bit less dramatic; further, whitening does not lighten resins, silicants, porcelains or other synthetic materials.
I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. Can you help me?
Dentists a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. In more pronounced cases, it may be necessary to fit you with 'invisible braces'. We'd be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation.
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I really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We understand that people have qualms about having their teeth worked on, so we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. First, our entire staff is trained to be alert and aware of your concerns, so that we can make your visit as comfortable as possible. Second, we've included a number of entertaining distractions to help you enjoy yourself during your treatment, including watching your favorite DVD, listening to your favorite music, and relaxing with professional spa services. For procedural concerns or anxiety, we can also provide nitrous oxide as needed to help you undergo complex or lengthy treatments. During your first appointment, we'll spend plenty of time going over such concerns with you, then plan your treatments accordingly!
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Crowns, Onlays, Inlays, Veneers & Partials, can you tell me more about these procedures?
With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or missing teeth, bringing your smile back to its original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a "cap", to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. Or, for smaller areas of decay, we can apply all-porcelain onlays or inlays, similar to crowns, but retaining more natural tooth structure. For unattractive front teeth, we can create pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. For patients who are missing a number of front/side teeth, we can create a removable partial denture, designed for either the upper or lower jaw, made of all acrylic or all metal. They're attached to existing teeth by means of precision acrylic clasps, and must be removed for cleaning after eating, as well as for sleeping.
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How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Our doctors have advanced credentials, training, and experience in the fields of restorative and aesthetic dentistry that far exceed most of their peers. They have trained with some of the most world renown dental educators and clinicians in the area of restorative and aesthetic dentistry and they are active members in the most respected and prominent dental organizations
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Do you accept referrals?
We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. Your referrals are our best compliments!
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What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium cylinders that are surgically placed into the jawbone that act as an artificial tooth root. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple teeth or secure dentures. Whatever the need, dental implants are a modern solution that allows you to eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence.
A Glossary of Words in the World of Dentistry
Bonding
This term has two different meanings. Traditionally, it has meant the application of a composite resin to teeth to improve their appearance. It also means the process by which composite resin and ceramic restorations are secured to the teeth.
Braces
An orthodontic treatment using brackets and wires to move teeth into a more favorable position. "Invisible" braces that use a series of clear plastic aligners to move teeth have recently been developed. There are some limitations to the use of aligners.
Bridge
A restorative appliance that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge has crowns on each end with the replacement tooth attached between them. This appliance is cemented in place and requires the supporting teeth to be ground down to receive the crowns.
Build Up
This procedure involves removing the old filling material and decay from a broken-down tooth, then bonding in tooth-colored composite resin to create a solid core which is then covered by a ceramic restoration.
Complete Dentistry
Based on the concept of finding and treating the causes rather than the effects of problems, this approach to dental treatment analyzes, diagnoses, and treats all components of the chewing system. Once treatment has been completed, only maintenance is required. For example, if the cause of a broken tooth is not diagnosed and treated before the tooth is restored, it may break again or result in a related problem. Complete dentistry is rapidly becoming the standard of care as opposed to the old approach of repair dentistry.
Composite Resin
This tooth-colored filling material contains minute particles for added strength.
Crown
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory that covers the entire tooth. Crowns can be ceramic, part ceramic and part metal, or all metal. They are used when the tooth is severely broken down and a more conservative alternative will not be sufficient for lasting protection.
Diagnostic Workup
This starting point for complete dentistry begins with a comprehensive oral exam, testing, information gathering, obtaining records, and taking photographs. After a thorough analysis of all findings, a five-phase master plan is established -- Design and Engineering Phase, Stabilization Phase, Referral Phase (to specialists if necessary), Restorative Phase, and Protective Phase.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
This is an extensive process that involves every tooth in the mouth. Establishing optimum oral health requires strict attention to design and engineering principles, artistic ability, exquisite teamwork, and lots of patience.
Gum Lift
This minor surgical procedure recontours the gum tissue to improve balance and harmony.
Implants
Small titanium cylinders resembling tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Titanium is bio-compatible to allow the bone to actually grow and attach itself to the implant. Compared to bridges, implants help preserve bone and allow for better hygiene.
Laboratory
A dental facility, separate from the dental office, that fabricates dental restorations according to specifications provided by the dentist. Fees charged by the laboratory are separate from fees charged by the dental office.
Mouthguard
An appliance worn to protect the teeth. There are generally two types: one that is softer and usually worn as a sports mouthguard, and one that is fabricated and customized to stabilize the teeth and protect against further damage. This latter type is known as a precision bite stabilizer.
Onlay
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory to cover some of the side surfaces and all of the chewing surface of back teeth. It is used in conjunction with a build up as the most conservative way to give the tooth maximum strength and protection.
Periodontal Disease
This bacterial disease attacks the supporting structures between the teeth and bone. Several factors can initiate the disease -- systemic conditions, lack of proper oral hygiene, and excessive stress from a misaligned bite. Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable, but can lead to tooth loss if ignored.
Phases
The five important parts of the diagnostic workup that leads to complete dentistry:
Repair Dentistry
An outdated approach to dental treatment where individual teeth are repaired one by one over time without diagnosing the cause of the problems. This approach always leaves the mouth in some state of disrepair.
Restoration
A term that refers to any filling, crown, onlay, or veneer which is used to restore a tooth to health.
Veneer
A thin layer of material, either composite resin or ceramic, that is applied to the surface of the tooth to improve appearance and function.
Tooth Whitening
Commonly referred to as "bleaching", this process brightens and whitens stained, discolored, or dull teeth using an in-office power bleaching method or a dentist-supervised, at-home whitening method. Both methods utilize a form of peroxide -- either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide -- which is harmless when used under supervision.