Get the Facts About Dental Veneers and How They Are Used

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are some of the most versatile tools we have when it comes to correcting defects in your teeth. Dental veneers, also known as ceramic or porcelain veneers, are extremely thin pieces of porcelain that we use to replace the damaged enamel on your teeth. The reason dental veneers are so effective is their thinness. Being paper thin, these veneers take on many of the same qualities as naturally occurring enamel. They are extremely hard, which gives you a long-term solution when your enamel has become damaged. They are also extremely brittle, just like enamel, and so you will need to protect your teeth the same way you would protect natural teeth. Being extremely malleable, veneers can be molded to fix a variety of problems with the teeth.

Do dental veneers work for everyone?

Dental veneers are an extremely versatile solution, and in most cases can be used by anyone. For us to make sure that you are an excellent candidate for dental veneers, we will schedule an initial consultation and also a first examination. During your examination, we will make sure that your mouth is in excellent condition and primed to replace your enamel with the veneers. If we find any issues that might become a problem later on in the process, we will work on solutions so that your dental veneers placement is seamless. On rare occasions, during this initial examination, we will find that there are people who cannot get dental veneers and for them we will explore other potential solutions to damaged teeth.

How are dental veneers attached?

As soon as we know that you are an excellent candidate to receive dental veneers, we can proceed to the next step. This step involves selecting the color and shade that you want for your veneers. We will have your veneers custom made to fit your needs, including the shade that you choose from.  That information will along with an impression of your teeth will be sent to a dental lab for the final veneers to be created.  In the meantime, we will prepare your tooth by removing a portion of your enamel to make sure that the veneers fit flat against the rest of your tooth. Typically this is only a few millimeters but it allows the veneer to fit flush with the tooth.  We will then place a temporary veneer on top of it.

Once we have the permanent veneers, we will fit them to your tooth. After making sure that the color is right, we will make any slight adjustments so that the veneer fits the tooth perfectly. We will also check to make sure that your bite is not affected, and once all the elements are perfectly in sync we will cement the dental veneers to your teeth.

What problems do dental veneers fix?

Dental veneers can fix a whole range of challenges. They are an extremely durable and versatile solution. We use them extensively to fix minor breaks, cracks, and chips in teeth. It is often preferable to use veneers over other procedures like dental crowns because veneers only require a small portion of your enamel to be removed. Veneers are also used for cosmetic fixes like making your teeth whiter, straightening them, and correcting minor bite and placement issues.

Dental Implants

More people are getting dental implants than ever before. This is because people around the country have discovered that they do not have to live with the stigma of tooth loss. Tooth loss can be extremely traumatic for some people, especially when the tooth loss happens at a young age. Dealing with the embarrassment is compounded by the fact that tooth loss forces people to make lifestyle changes, including how they eat and speak. With dental implants, you do not have to deal with those kinds of changes.

There are numerous technologies and methods for dealing with tooth loss. However, none are as advanced as dental implants. While dentures and bridges address the fundamental problem, which is a missing tooth, they do nothing to brace the tooth or to address the root of the problem. This means that these solutions have to be adhered to the surface of the mouth somehow, typically with wires or dental cement. On the other hand, dental implants focus their attention on the root. In fact, a dental implant is a tiny titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone, taking the place of a natural tooth’s root. This provides a strong and stable platform under the gum line, which then allows us to place a dental crown, or tooth, on top of the abutment.

Getting dental implants is a lot simpler than it used to be a few years ago. Simultaneously, science continues to dispel some of the popular myths that surround dental implants. For the longest time people have been looking at dental implants, and elsewhere around the country, as a purely aesthetic endeavor. This is an understandable misconception. When you get a dental implant, you are going to be getting a perfect tooth that is almost an identical replica of your original one. There are no wires holding it in place, so all you have is a new tooth. In fact, we can give you a tooth, or teeth, that look far better than your original ones.  Naturally this perfection has led to the idea that all we care about is the aesthetics. Nothing could be further from the truth, and science is starting to show this. We know, for example, that when you use a dental implant to replace a lost tooth, the implants acts like a naturally occurring root. It creates a symbiotic relationship with the jawbone, which in turn allows the jawbone to receive stimulation from the prosthetic. This helps the jaw to avoid resorption and also keeps the facial structure from a potential collapse.

There are already 3 million people across the nation that have gotten dental implants. What we know is that the rate of dental implants is increasing annually, but that there are a lot of people still using antiquated technology. In our dentist office, we encourage every one of the 15 million Americans that are using bridges or dentures to consider switching to get the best looking, most effective, longest lasting tooth replacement available today.

The Convenience of Visiting a Family Dentist

The idea of a family dentist is one that closely mimics the idea of a family general practitioner or doctor. Its success is also very similar because it relies on the same trust and relationship that family doctors and a family dentist have in common. We understand that nobody ever really wants to go in to see either a doctor or a family dentist. Humans have an intrinsic discomfort with medical procedures, especially when it involves you. On the other hand, the families who come in on a regular basis to visit the family dentist find that the procedures they need are routine, with the maintenance helping to prevent emergency dental needs. At the same time, families who come in together often hold each other more accountable to keeping their oral hygiene routines, which means they have better cared for teeth overall. There are numerous benefits to having a family dentist.

From our perspective, the trust and relationship we have with families, often generations of families, plays a tremendous role in the work we are able to do for them. Think about it from the perspective of a child. When a child goes in to see the dentist or the doctor, they are in an uncomfortable and unfamiliar environment most of the time. There are strange sounds and smells, equipment that needs to be put in their mouth, and the dreaded dentist chair. All of this can cause a child and most adults to have a level of anxiety. On the other hand, when a child is coming in to see the family dentist, it is typically someone they are familiar with, having been to the office with a family member before. The friendly face of the family dentist can help to ease some of those fears, and people instinctively trust a doctor who has already treated other family members. This easing of fears goes a long way in helping with diagnoses and getting procedures done with as little fuss as possible.

From a purely convenience standpoint, there is nothing convenient about having to take multiple members of a family to different appointments. Juggling the timing, along with work and school schedules, as well as finding the right providers can be a hassle. At the family dentist clinic, we know how hard this can be, and so have two simple ways to make your life easier. First, we can have all the major family dentist procedures done right here at our family dentist clinic. Whether you need an x-ray or an extraction, braces or dentures, whatever the needs of your family, we can do them in one place. The only exception is extremely specialized work, in which case, we will help you find the best provider. The second thing we have done is to help streamline our scheduling so we can accommodate families. If we can get the entire family in and maximize your time by combining appointments, we know that we will not only save you time and effort, but that you are far more likely to come in together.

Teeth Whitening  >  Alexandria Dentist

Your Holiday Pictures Will Sparkle With Help From Our Teeth Whitening Procedure

As the holidays are approaching, call our office to schedule a teeth whitening procedure. This is one of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your smile. It can turn your dull teeth into spectacular ones, restore your youthful appearance, and get you ready to smile for hours of family photos. If you are like most families, there's always that one family member capturing every moment. Each of these pictures and moments will be special, so it is important to look and feel your very best. After all, these are the images that will grace your hallway and photo albums for decades to come.

For most people, preparing for the holidays involves finding the right sweater or dress, finding that old family recipe, getting their hair done, and preparing for all of those interesting holiday moments. Taking care of your teeth should also be at the top of your list because your teeth make a major impact in your appearance. We suggest that you visit us for a teeth cleaning and dental exam so we can remove the plaque making your teeth appear dirty or stained. We can also ensure that you do not have any cavities or infections and treat them if you do. Afterward, we can whiten your teeth so the stains are removed, and they are transformed from a dull shade of yellow to brilliant white.

Our teeth whitening procedure is better than what you can buy in the store.

Once you decide to whiten your teeth, you should take steps to ensure the procedure is successful. While it is easy to walk down the drugstore aisle and select a whitening kit, there are risks involved with this. To start, this portion of the industry is unregulated. That means there is no set consistency among the products you can buy. You could try a whitening kit that barely brightens your teeth, one that works decently, or one that works well. The problem is, you may not know how it will work before you buy it. As a dentist, we are trained medical professionals, and all of our teeth whitening procedures produce dramatic results. There is no guesswork involved when visiting our office, and with limited time to prepare for the holidays, you can rest assured that your smile will be beautiful.

Another reason our procedure works better is because our solution is professional-grade. It is designed to penetrate the enamel so the process of oxidization begins. This is where the molecules inside of your teeth change to reflect less light and appear colorless. As a result, your smile will look bright and white. What you buy in the store will not work as well, because it is typically designed to remove surface stains only. This can help, but your teeth may still look yellow.

We can help you look amazing in time for the holidays, so call and schedule your teeth whitening today.

Implant Dentist  >  Best Dentist

Call Us if You Need an Emergency Dentist

As an emergency dentist, we understand that it is impossible to control when you will have a dental emergency.  Even those who are fastidious about oral health can still end up in a car wreck, hurt while playing sports, slip and fall down, etc., all of which can lead to a damaged tooth and dental emergency.  In fact, according to the National Fall Safety Institute slip and falls account for 9 million trips to the emergency room every year.  With that in mind, you truly never know when you may need emergency dentist care.  Fortunately, we are here when you do.  Regardless of how you hurt yourself or how damaged your teeth are, give us a call.  If we do not answer, we will get back to you right away so that you can receive the dental care that you need.

Solutions Offered by an Emergency Dentist

As an emergency dentist, we offer extended hours that are far beyond what you can find with a traditional dentist.  Many local dentists restrict their hours of operation to Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm.  While this works for many people, it can make it difficult for those with busy work schedules or a dental emergency to get the care that they need.  As a result, many people seek dental care from the emergency room of a local hospital.  This is unwise because general physicians are not trained in how to diagnose or treat dental problems.  They can triage the problem and provide medication, but that's it.  This leads to repeat visits because the health issue is never actually addressed.  When you visit our dental office, your experience will be entirely different.  Even though we are available 24 hours a day, we still provide the same comprehensive dental care that you can receive during normal business hours.  This means that we can examine your teeth, take x-rays, diagnose the problem and provide you with immediate care.  If you have damaged your tooth, we may restore it with a bonding procedure, dental veneers, or dental crowns.  If you have lost a tooth, we can try to save it or provide you with a denture, dental bridge, or dental implant as a replacement solution.  Finally, if your tooth is infected, we can typically save it by performing a root canal.

When you visit our dental office, you can be confident knowing that you will receive the highest quality of dental care from a team of experts.  We are equipped to handle whatever your dental needs may be.

Tips for Staying Healthy

If you want to decrease the chance that you will ever need an emergency dentist, it is important to take care of your teeth and gums. While you cannot prevent most accidents, if you play sports you can decrease your risk for getting injured.  We recommend that you wear a mouthguard while playing or practicing sports so that your teeth will not be damaged if hit.  Simultaneously, if you receive ongoing dental care, the chance of you developing a sudden toothache will also be reduced.

Best Dentist  >  Family Dentist

Braces vs Going to an Invisalign Dentist

If you are considering whether to get braces vs going to an Invisalign dentist, you are already on the road to getting straight teeth and a beautiful smile. During a consultation in our office, we can examine your teeth and let you know what we feel will be the most effective treatment solution for moving your teeth and bite into alignment.  In the meantime, if you are comparing the pros and cons of each, here is what you need to know.

Effectiveness: Braces vs Invisalign®
If you are looking for a solution that is the most effective, braces and Invisalign® can both accomplish the goal of moving your teeth and bite into alignment.  As an Invisalign Dentist, we will say that if your bite is severely misaligned, for example, a major overbite, traditional metal braces might be your best option and we will recommend a course of action that may include seeing an orthodontist.  This is because a variety of oral appliances and solutions like rubber bands can be used to move the jaw into alignment during the course of the treatment.  If you are simply looking to straighten your teeth, both solutions should work quite well.

Convenience: Braces vs Invisalign®
As an Invisalign Dentist, we know that wearing clear aligners is typically far more convenient than wearing traditional metal braces.  This is one area where Invisalign® really shines.  When your teeth are being straightened using aligners, they are designed to come out when you eat, drink and brush your teeth.  That means that you will not need to worry about anything getting stuck in between your teeth or the embarrassment that is associated with that.  Since the Invisalign® aligners come out, you can even remove them to go on a date, make a presentation at work, attend a wedding, etc.  This makes it possible to look like a better version of yourself while going through the process of straightening your teeth.  The only time where this would be inconvenient is if you had a job that would make it difficult to remove the aligners when eating, in which case, traditional braces may be a preferred option.

Treatment Time: Braces vs Invisalign®
When comparing treatment times, they should be relatively the same.  As an Invisalign dentist, we know that the average treatment time is 12 to 18 months and the average treatment time for adult braces is also 18 months.  With that in mind, you should select the solution that you are the most comfortable wearing.  During your examination and consultation, we will provide you with specifics regarding your personalized treatment plan and timeline.

Children's Orthodontist: Braces vs Invisalign®
If you are looking for a solution to straighten your child's teeth, they need to wear traditional metal braces.  We understand that a lot of our young patients would like to straighten their teeth using aligners but this is not a viable solution for them. While they might not qualify for cosmetic braces, they can have fun with their braces treatment by letting them select their favorite color of rubber bands every time that their wires are adjusted.

Teeth Whitening  >  Cosmetic Dentist

The Cosmetic Dentist And Cosmetic Dentistry Health Benefits

The first cosmetic dentist trip you make will be an exciting time, almost as exciting as when you will leave with a much-improved smile. People come in to see the cosmetic dentist because they know we have the techniques and treatments that can help make your teeth absolutely spectacular, such as dental veneers. In the modern world, the cosmetic dentist has a great deal of latitude and tools like dental veneers to help you have the teeth you want, so there is really no reason why a person has to suffer with crooked, misaligned, or even stained teeth. Often, we get patients coming in who are worried about the overall condition of their mouth and concerned they will not be able to get some of the treatments we offer, like dental veneers. As a cosmetic dentist, we know there are a few issues that can cause you to be ineligible for cosmetic treatments; however, we also know that the vast majority of these issues can be treated and dealt with quickly, which will then allow you to proceed with getting your better-looking smile.

When we do a procedure that involves any level of permanence – like dental veneers, which require us to shave away a portion of your tooth enamel in order to properly place them – we will always start the process with a comprehensive examination. This examination is to detect underlying problems that could cause unnecessary complications unless we address them before starting you down the road with cosmetic treatments. More often than not, patients who have some kind of challenge find that the solutions are not complicated, but must be done with the overall health and oral well-being of your teeth in mind. Once we have cleared up whatever this underlying problem is, we can start doing what we as a cosmetic dentist love to do, which is improving your teeth. Since we are determined to not only give you a smile you will love but also give you a smile that will stand the test of time, we want to start out with a clean bill of health and a mouth free of any additional challenges.

The most common reasons why your cosmetic dentist may call a pause when treating your mouth are decay and infections. With decay, there is the element of aggressive bacteria that has already caused your teeth to lose some of its enamel. We do not want to place a cosmetic solution into a situation where the bacteria might spread and damage your new tooth. As such, we will remove the cavity, clean out the bacteria, and then fill it with a tooth-colored filling. In the case of an infection, it almost speaks for itself. We cannot do any procedure that may require exposing any part of the tooth or gums if there is an active infection in the mouth. This could lead to the infection spreading, which is what we do not want. So we need to treat the infection with antibiotics or other remedies before proceeding.

Family Dentist  >  Emergency Dentist

The Dental Implant Procedure: How an Implant Dentist Can Replace Your Dentures

As an implant dentist, we speak with many patients who are frustrated over loose or ill-fitting dentures. Medical technology has improved greatly over the past couple of decades. Dentures are fitting better and looking more natural than ever before, but they are still a removable prosthetic. Since they are designed to come out, there is no way for them to provide the same degree of stability a natural tooth would, and as a result, they can become loose more easily, leading to unwanted frustration and inconvenience during mealtime or when engaged in high-impact activities. For some people, this is not an issue, but for others, this can seriously impact their quality of life. This is where we can help.

As an implant dentist, we can replace your teeth in a way that is entirely durable and secure. An implant is the only solution for tooth loss that replaces both your root and the visible tooth. As a result, it functions like a natural tooth would, providing you with the security you require in order to eat all of your favorite foods, run a marathon, or sing in the choir without worrying about your teeth.

Here is how it works:

When you visit us for an examination, we will inspect your gums and take x-rays to determine if you have enough bone density to begin the procedure. If not, we may recommend alternatives, like performing a bone graft first or using a different type of implant procedure. Once we are certain you are healthy enough to get started, we will schedule an appointment for implant surgery. We are skilled at completing this procedure in a way that is as comfortable as possible. You will receive anesthesia and be relaxed during the procedure. We will implant a titanium post under your gums and secure it to the jawbone in each spot you lost a tooth. The procedure can take a couple of hours though it depends on how many teeth are being replaced. We can give you an exact time frame when you visit our implant dentist office for a consultation.

After the procedure, you will feel sore and experience some swelling. This can be managed by using an ice pack and taking ibuprofen. For a few days, you will need to be careful to only eat soft foods and not irritate the surgical site. Afterward, your gums will begin to heal, and you should feel better. It will take a couple of months for the process of osseointegration to take place. You will not feel it happening, but inside your mouth, your jawbone, and the titanium post will be fusing together. This is what makes an implant so secure. The bone provides the same level of stability to the implant that it would to a natural root. The new tooth will then stimulate the jawbone, so it is a symbiotic relationship. Once complete, we will attach the new tooth (dental crown), and you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits that come with a secure, full set of natural-looking teeth. To learn more about this process, call our implant dentist office and schedule a consultation.

Invisalign Dentist  >  Dentist

Picking The Best Dentist for Me in Alexandria

We are a local Alexandria dentist that is available to help if you damage a tooth or suffer from a severe toothache after hours.  In this situation we are the best dentist to call because we can treat the current discomfort you are feeling and provide you with any necessary restorations so that the form and function of your tooth will be restored quickly.  When you are trying to select the right dentist for you and your family, this is an important point to consider.  While most dentists will provide you with preventative care, you should visit someone that can help when something goes wrong.  When it comes to your oral health, you need a provider that you can trust to help you in an emergency situation.

When should you start looking for an emergency dentist?

This is a very interesting question with a very simple answer. You should start looking for an emergency dentist now. This is because we know that most people will never look for an emergency dentist or provider until they have a dire need. Most of the time, people assume they will never need the services of someone like an emergency dentist. Even if it does cross one's mind, there is the assumption that, like a medical emergency, a dental emergency can be dealt with in the emergency room. An emergency room is not the place to go if you have a dental emergency unless you are bleeding profusely because an emergency room is not equipped to deal with an oral health emergency situation. Instead, you need to see an emergency dentist. You should start your search for this provider with your own general dentist. Some dentists do provide emergency dental services, so it is a good idea to discuss this with them first. If they do not provide you with emergency treatment options, chances are that your dentist will have a provider they can refer you to. If they do not have this either, you may want to consider changing your dentist. In any case, many people prefer to know they can come to their dentist whether it is for something regular or in an emergency situation, and see the same people, which means many will find a dentist who also does emergency treatments to be their primary provider.

As an Alexandria dentist, we warn patients not to wait to add our number to their contact list.  The challenge with looking for an emergency dentist when you are already hurt, in pain, or suffering terrible discomfort is that you are liable to select the first and closest provider without doing the research necessary to know if they are the right fit for you. One of the most important things to do when you research a dentist online is to look at their testimonials, references, and reviews. In addition to this, you will want to talk to your insurance company about things like an “in-network” dentist who can provide you with emergency dentist services when you need them. While you have your insurance on the phone, it never hurts to check what exactly they pay for when you do have an emergency situation. None of this can be done when all you care about is getting rid of the toothache, and so should be done beforehand. As the best dentist in town, we can help you to prepare for an emergency so that you can receive the care you need right away.

One of the most important things we check for when you call in about needing an emergency dentist is if you are bleeding. Bleeding can be dangerous, so if you are bleeding profusely or if you cannot get the bleeding from a broken, dislodged, or knocked out tooth to stop, you need to go in to the emergency room and get them to stop the bleeding for you. If the bleeding is mild, place gauze on it and apply pressure for about 10 minutes. This should make the bleeding completely stop and allow you to drive to our Alexandria dentist office for help.  As the best dentist for treating emergencies, we can also provide you with care instructions over the phone that can help to minimize any discomfort while you are driving to our office.

Best Dentist  >  Old Town dentist

What are my options if I have missing teeth?

A cosmetic dentist and implant dentist, we have one of the most sophisticated and advanced ways of replacing your teeth when lost. After you lose a tooth, you may be considering your options and consulting with your dentist. If you come in to see us, a cosmetic dentist and a trained implant dentist, we can work with you to give you the most beautiful replacement to the lost tooth, one that looks and acts exactly like your natural tooth. By using a dental implant to anchor your new dental crown, which is made of ceramic and fabricated to perfectly replicate the teeth around it, we can ensure that the tooth has the stability and security of a natural tooth. This is a revolutionary ability for a cosmetic dentist, where beauty and form meld perfectly with function and strength. In a sense, this is exactly what your teeth do. They are an intrinsic part of your everyday existence but are rarely considered outside of oral hygiene or when they are lost. Consider this. Your teeth are the instruments you use to start an effective digestive process. They are the catalyst that allows you to properly place your tongue and learn to enunciate words, even providing babies with the ability to say more complicated words. When you think of socializing, a cosmetic dentist and an implant dentist know the power of the human smile and how much less impactful it can be without teeth. The silent workhorses of the human body, the teeth are essential, but we rarely consider them until we need to treat them.

For years, the myth has persisted that tooth loss, hence the need for a cosmetic dentist or an implant dentist, is something nobody has to worry about until they were older. It may be true that older folks need teeth replacement more often, but recent data shows we are losing our teeth younger than ever. In fact, in people aged between 35 and 45, there is a 69 percent ratio of tooth loss. While 35 may have been considered old in ancient times, it is barely into middle age now, making tooth replacement a key priority for this demographic. Speaking of ancient cultures, most people do not realize that the dental implants placed by your cosmetic dentist or implant dentist actually have their historical roots in an ancient Mayan tradition. The Mayans would hammer pieces of bone or shell into their gums to replace lost teeth, becoming the first civilization to successful carry out a dental implant.

Luckily today, we have moved on from the hammer. We no longer ever use shell or bone, preferring to make the new fake tooth out of porcelain so it looks exactly like its neighbors. For the implant itself, we use titanium, a material so durable and strong that NASA uses it for the manufacture of space-capable vehicles and parts. Dental implants have come a long way, as has the idea of tooth replacement, under the careful guidance of your implant dentist and in collaboration with your cosmetic dentist.

Implant Dentist  >  Best Dentist

Why Visit an Alexandria Family Dentist

As a local Alexandria dentist, we treat patients of all ages, and our goal is to help our patients maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime. When you visit our family dentist office, we will discuss your health history, what you do and do not like about your smile, conduct a physical examination, and take x-rays. All this helps us to get to know you so we can create a customized treatment plan for your dental care.

Benefits to Visiting a Local Dentist

In our family dentist office, we build relationships. We do not treat patients like a number in a long line of appointments. Instead, we value the relationships we build with our patients and believe these relationships allow us to identify potential health problems before they arise, leading to fast treatment times and successful preventative care. These benefits are also clear:

Continuity of care. When you bring the entire family to our dentist office, we can provide a continuity of care you would not receive by visiting multiple practices. Continuity is essential when it comes to properly diagnosing conditions and preventing new ones from developing. We do not need to ask for records because we already have them. We do not need to ask what happened to your tooth three years ago because we would have been the one who fixed it. When you expand this throughout the entire family, the level of care you receive will go up significantly, as will the convenience.

Easy appointments. As a family dentist, we understand how busy our patients are. Parents running from work to soccer practice and driving kids to SAT prep may find that there is very little time left over for taking care of things like dental care. This is why we make it a priority to make dental appointments fast and easy. In our dentist office, we can set an appointment for all of your children, or just you, around the same time. This way, you only need to make one trip to our office and receiving dental care will become significantly more convenient.

Preventative care saves time. When you visit our dentist office for preventative care, you are saving yourself time and a headache in the future. By cleaning your and your children's teeth twice a year, we can prevent many of the common oral health problems from ever developing. Cavities and gum disease, for example, will be less likely to occur. As a result, you will not need to worry about receiving intensive treatments in the future. This is beneficial because these routine visits take less time to complete, are more affordable, and more comfortable than it would be to remove an infection or complete a restoration. We can provide you with all these services in our family dentist office, but our goal is to keep you healthy so you do not need them.

Call us to schedule an appointment with our dentist office so you can learn how important preventative care can be.

Dentist  >  Old Town dentist

Does Invisalign® Work? Answers From a Cosmetic Dentist

As a cosmetic dentist, we want to help answer a few questions about Invisalign®. The most important thing any patient wants to know before they get involved with any treatment is the effectiveness of the treatment. In other words, does Invisalign® actually work? With so much hype and advertising, it is often easy to lose focus, but the real point of any treatment is to achieve the desired results. In the case of visiting a cosmetic dentist for an Invisalign® treatment, the point is to get straighter teeth. So let's look at whether or not Invisalign® actually works, why or why not, and what can affect the reliability of a treatment like this.

When a cosmetic dentist uses Invisalign®, does it actually work?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Invisalign® is a revolutionary new product designed with the sole purpose of moving your teeth out of their misaligned position and into one far more attractive and functional. While there are additional benefits with Invisalign®, like being able to remove them for oral hygiene and not having to see the orthodontist every four weeks like you would need to do with braces, Invisalign® has never forgotten its key purpose of straightening teeth.

How does Invisalign® work?

Invisalign® is actually designed to do very much the same kind of work braces do. It is an age-old and proven way of straightening teeth; the only difference is the method. With braces, you will have wires and metal brackets attached to your teeth. Every four weeks, your orthodontist will need to adjust your braces, tightening them to gradually move the teeth. With Invisalign®, your cosmetic dentist works out an entire plan with you. Every two weeks, the laboratory sends you a custom set of clear aligners that fit over your teeth. The aligners are .25mm (up to .35mm) misaligned from the current position of your teeth. As you wear the aligners for 22 hours per day, they force the teeth to move, eventually making it so your teeth are in perfect alignment with the aligners. At that point, a new set arrives.

Is there anything that would prevent Invisalign® from working?

Like with any product or treatment, it is important to note that failure is a potential if you do certain things. First and foremost, it is critical that you wear the aligners for 22 hours a day or more. This allows the aligners to work on your teeth the entire time. Taking off the aligners constantly or leaving them off could result in the teeth not moving the correct amount, which will offset the entire treatment. Before you ever get to the aligners, however, there is an important need to have a realistic expectation of time. With your cosmetic dentist, you will draw out an exact timeline for treatment and need to be patient. Straightening teeth, even with the most revolutionary product, takes time, but is worth every second.

Invisalign Dentist  >  Best Dentist

We Are the Best Dentist for Keeping Your Family in Lifelong Oral Health

As the best dentist in town for treating families, we are focused on keeping our patients in excellent oral health regardless of how old they are.  It is essential that you and your children have your teeth cleaned once or twice a year so that we can remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.  Regardless of how old you are, this step is consistent and important. However, we know that the stage of life you are in does influence the oral health risks that you have and some of the conditions that you are susceptible to.

For example –

Adults are more prone to enamel erosion.  There is a limited amount of enamel on your teeth and age, eating foods that are highly acidic, a lack of oral health care and brushing too aggressively, can increase the risk of erosion.  As enamel wears away, the dentin is exposed, and teeth become sensitive.  In order to protect the teeth, we can perform a bonding procedure or place dental crowns around them. This addresses the sensitivity problem and makes it possible to eat without feeling discomfort.

As people age, they also are more likely to suffer from gum disease.  As plaque builds up underneath the gum tissue, the gums can become irritated, start to swell, bleed, and eventually recede.  The pockets created by the receding gum tissue can pose a risk since bacteria can gather here and begin to attack the exposed tooth structure and roots.  This is what often leads to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.  As the best dentist in town, we can watch for signs of gum disease and treat it before it reaches this point.

While children are not at as high of a risk for gum disease, they can suffer from it.  Typically, however, children are more likely to suffer from cavities.  They are so prevalent in children that cavities are the number one infectious disease in children, according to the CDC.  This is perhaps due to a diet that tends to be high in sugar and starch in combination with the fact that most children do not enjoy brushing or flossing their teeth.  We recommend that you bring your child to our dental office twice a year for a thorough teeth cleaning so that we can remove plaque and prevent cavities.  During this appointment, we can also give them a fluoride treatment and use sealant if necessary for preventing food particles and plaque from becoming stuck on the chewing surfaces of their teeth.  Understanding the risks that come with childhood allows us to help your child to remain in excellent oral health now and as they age.

As the best dentist in town, we also understand that tooth loss is something that can impact our patients, regardless of how old they are.  While young, teeth are typically lost due to an accident.  As you age, this is often due to gum disease.  Understanding the differences between the health struggles that various age groups face, allows us to make treatment recommendations that can prevent issues from arising. For more information, call and schedule an appointment with our caring family dentist office.

We Are Here if You Need an Emergency Dentist This Summer

An emergency dentist and the summer - what could those two things possibly have in common? Much more than you might think. Summer is a time of fun, family, and frolicking in the great weather. All over the country people are planning their vacations, packing, and finding their way to their favorite holiday spots. 88% of the country will go on vacation this summer. For those that are still home, there is a ton of activities happening that do not happen during the other seasons. Pool parties, barbecues, and outdoor sporting activities for the whole family.

Why would anyone need an emergency dentist in this scenario? Accidents mostly.  Summer is a time when we see a large uptick in the number of people who come in to see us. In fact, 1 in every 6 people enjoying the perfect vacation weather will have an accident that requires them to see an emergency dentist.

If you think about all of the potentials for damaging your teeth that are exacerbated during summer, it makes sense. Pools have slippery edges that people walk around on while tracking water to other locations. This increases the risk for slip and fall accidents. All the barbecuing can lead to biting down on a bone too hard, or even misadventures with a volleyball can lead you to an emergency dentist visit. The good news is that we are here, and your accident does not have to spell the end of a good season.

For us, as an emergency dentist, the first rule, and pretty much the only rule we have for you is to be able to contact us immediately in the event of an emergency. If you do not know who your emergency dentist is you will spend precious minutes looking for a solution. Even if you have a dentist, and this provider does not work nights and weekends, you will need a different doctor. When dealing with a dental emergency, the key word is 'emergency'. If you knock out a tooth, for example, you have a limited time in which to bring the tooth into our office so that we can reattach it. To help keep the tooth alive you can do one of two things. First, you can place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there with some pressure. This is the best option, and if you can do this within the first 5 minutes of the tooth coming out, you have a good chances of saving the tooth. If you are too uncomfortable to replace the tooth in the socket, you can place it into a container with cold milk. Since milk has the same osmotic pressure as what the tooth is used to, it helps to preserve the tooth for longer.

Ultimately you need to remember that immediate medical attention is the best way to save your tooth. In many cases, we can reattach the tooth, make sure that you do not get an infection and give you the proper care you need so that you can go back to your summer fun.

Straighten Your Teeth with a Visit to our Invisalign® Dentist Office

Visiting our Invisalign® dentist office will help to answer the questions you have about this state of the art treatment. If you are considering Invisalign®, you may have several questions about the product and what it can do for you. Our frequently asked questions and answers will help you determine if Invisalign® is the best treatment for you. As an Invisalign® dentist, we can walk you through the treatment steps and everything else you need to know about Invisalign®.
Who is the best candidate for Invisalign®?

If you are an adult seeking a more attractive and convenient way to treat your dental flaws without the discomfort and aesthetic distraction of braces, Invisalign® may be right for you. A disciplined adult is the best candidate for Invisalign® because you must be diligent to wear your aligners. As an Invisalign® dentist, we will take a mold of your teeth and build an alignment plan for you to follow. Every two weeks you will switch your aligners out to keep the process going. Aligners are conveniently removable for special occasions, meals, and brushing your teeth, but you should try to wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day. Adults tend to be more responsible with the discipline of keeping their aligner in for the allotted time. For older teens looking for a better alternative to braces, we can also offer Invisalign®Teen.
Will Invisalign® affect my speech?
When you put in your first aligner, you may notice a small lisp. As your mouth grows accustomed to your aligner, the lisp will dissipate. It normally won't take more than a day or two and as an Invisalign® dentist, we find that most of our patients don't have any issues.

What does aligner care involve?
In order to keep your aligner clear and invisible, you should clean it daily. Use a toothbrush and warm water to rinse out the aligner and gently scrub the food particles out. Never use an abrasive substance or toothpaste to clean your aligner— this could cause scratches or pits that could harbor bacteria.
Do I leave my aligner in while I eat?
As an Invisalign® dentist, we encourage you to remove your aligner for every meal and snack. Removing your aligner will prevent bacteria from getting wedged in your aligner and promoting tooth decay. It will also keep your aligner from getting warped or broken.
Is Invisalign® really invisible?
Invisalign® is virtually invisible. As an Invisalign® dentist, we will provide you with a clear, smooth plastic aligner that will barely be visible when placed over your teeth. Most people will never notice you are going through the treatment.
How long does the treatment last?
Treatment times vary depending on the person. Most commonly, as an adult, your treatment won't last more than 12 months. Of course, this treatment length does depend heavily on how misaligned your teeth were to begin with.
Will I need to wear a retainer when I'm done?
Whether or not you will need a retainer will depend on how out of line your teeth were originally. As an Invisalign® dentist, we encourage you to wear a retainer following your treatment just to help preserve the longevity of your results.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening

Why You Should Visit Our Family Dentist Office

As a local family dentist, we are committed to the overall health and wellbeing of our patients. To us, keeping teeth healthy is incredibly important, and our reward is seeing our patients with a healthy smile that they love.  As a dentist, we naturally understand how important teeth are to the enjoyment of life.  You use your teeth all throughout the day.  They are an important aspect of your glowing smile, they are the tool that allows you to speak clearly and greet your friends or neighbors, they give you the ability to taste the delicious new entrée at your favorite restaurant.  Your teeth are critical to your enjoyment of life and as long as they are healthy, they function seamlessly and without the need for you to give them much thought.
If they suddenly become infected or damaged, your teeth will stop functioning as they should and be prompt in their demand for attention.  This is why preventative dental care is so important.  We make it possible for you to live life without dental emergencies by cleaning your teeth on a regular basis and treating any signs of infection or decay when they first develop.  This way you can focus on enjoying life and all that it has to offer without a toothache.
What to Expect From Our Family Dentist Office
When you visit our family dentist office, you can expect to receive the highest level of patient care.  Our goal is to keep your teeth healthy and intact.  We do this by cleaning them and treating health issues immediately.  Simultaneously, we are also focused on the overall appearance of your smile.  We know that a gorgeous smile is a confidence booster that can influence how people perceive you.  As a skilled cosmetic dentist, we offer various solutions that can be used to keep your teeth healthy while also transforming their appearance so that you can love your smile again.
A perfect example of this is a dental crown.  The crown has developed a reputation for saving teeth that have become infected.  Most people associate a crown with the silver amalgam that has been popular for decades.  Now, however, we can place crowns that blend in with the surrounding teeth because they are made of a tooth-colored material.  This enables crowns to accomplish far more than they used to.  For example, it can be placed around a tooth that is suffering from sensitivity and at the same time, it can cover dark stains or change the overall shape and size of the tooth.  There are multiple ways that we can use solutions like this to correct anything you dislike about the way that your teeth appear.
Selecting a New Family Dentist
If you do not currently have a family dentist, we welcome you to call our office and schedule a consultation and examination.  We are conveniently located, and our patients are delighted with the care that they receive.  Give us a call, read our patient reviews, and come in for a healthy and beautiful smile.

Implant Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening

Why You Should Call an Emergency Dentist Instead of Visiting the ER

If an emergency dentist is not one of the first people on your contact sheet, you are not alone. Simultaneously if you have had a toothache that will not go away and have had to rush in and see a dentist, either for you or for a loved one, you know that some of the worst pain a person can experience can stem from the teeth. We know, that as an emergency dentist, we know that it is a good idea for you to add our phone number to your contact list so that if an emergency situation happens, you have someone that you can call. The sad fact is that many people do not plan for emergency situations, even less so when it comes to teeth. Since teeth are so good at performing their work, without causing major angst, people tend to ignore them. Over 40% of American’s will not even visit the dentist regularly to keep their teeth in good health. What this does is it leaves you in a spot where you may not know where to turn if you do find yourself in incredible tooth pain. Taking the precaution of having the contact number for our office is a small but important step in reducing your potential for discomfort.

Skip the ER -

You won’t find an emergency dentist in the emergency room of your local hospital. Emergency dentists are trained as dentist, and we have simply decided that the needs of our patients extend beyond regular business hours. Unfortunately, there are a growing number of people who do not have an emergency dentist, since their regular dentist does not provide these services, are finding their way to the emergency room to get treatment for their oral and dental issues. A recent study of the data from 24 states, and encompassing 3 years, found that there has been a steady increase in the number of people visiting the emergency room for dental needs. The total increase over these three years was found to be 16%. There is nothing wrong with seeking aid from an emergency room physician if you are in dire condition and have no other options. However, we are trained and equipped to deal with dental issues, whereas the skilled physicians at the emergency room are not. As such, the physicians in the emergency room can treat the symptoms you are experiencing but cannot address the root cause, which means that you will need to see a dentist after your ER visit anyway.

The most common, and often the most complex, reasons why people seek out the care of an emergency dentist is a toothache. Among the most debilitating of pains, a toothache is one of the fastest reasons to send you scurrying off for medical attention. It can also be a symptom of a much larger and deeper problem. Toothaches can occur because of infections, gum diseases, or damage to the teeth.  As an emergency dentist, we can treat you immediately and ensure that you do not continue to experience discomfort.  With that in mind, you should visit us immediately instead of heading to the ER.