Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you perform general dentistry or only cosmetic dentistry?
A: Our primary focus is on cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneer laminates, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and whitening. We also perform general dental procedures including hygienic cleanings, fillings, etc. The difference is that we practice dentistry with the aesthetics of the final result in mind, so we place a special emphasis on making you look great.

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Q: I would like my smile improved, but I am simply fearful of going to the dentist. Can you do anything to make me feel better?
A: Fortunately, many dental procedures do not have to be uncomfortable anymore, or certainly not as uncomfortable as when you were a child. A great deal has changed in the past 10 years. Our office uses new, more effective types of anesthetic to numb the teeth than in earlier years, and we have many amenities and alternatives designed to distract you from the procedure and to help you with the psychological discomfort you may associate with visiting a dentist. Our office offers nitrous oxide gas, DVD movies, music CDs, anti-anxiety medication (when appropriate).

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Q: Are you more expensive than other dentists?
A: Our fees are comparable to those at premier cosmetic dental boutiques nationally. If you are price shopping for cosmetic dental care, bear this in mind -- just like all restaurants, cars, or hotel rooms are not the same and you would never purchase one because it was the cheapest one you could find -- all dental offices are not alike. With such a high level of artistry, technology, and science needed for optimal results, there are at least two healthcare professionals you should not skimp on-- your brain surgeon and your cosmetic dentist. This is not to say that our office is necessarily higher on the specific treatment you may need. In fact, depending on the procedure, our fees may be lower than other dental practices. We encourage you to experience what separates us from other dental practices, before making a life-altering decision based on price alone. We are confident you will agree that our services are value-priced.

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Q: How long do your procedures take?
A: In most cases, bonding can be completed in one visit. Accelerated whitening can be completed in one visit. At-home whitening requires an initial visit to be fitted for the splint. You need to return in a few days to pick-up your splint and for us to make sure it's fitted properly. Then depending on how often you wear the splint, you should see results from the first wearing to a few weeks or more. Porcelain veneers require two visits, about 10 days apart for fitting and application. Since each person's dental needs are unique, the above time guidelines are only an estimate. When we develop your customized treatment plan, we can give you a more precise schedule based on your dental needs.

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Q: Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dental treatment?
A: Like plastic surgery, insurance does not usually cover treatment done for purely cosmetic reasons. However, treatment that is needed to repair broken or decayed teeth, or to replace existing restorations that are defective may qualify for some insurance reimbursement.

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Q: How Do I Choose A Cosmetic Dentist?
A: A very important question. For the best results, it isimportant to know the qualifications and experience of the treating dentist.The term "cosmetic dentistry" has become trendy and many dentists arepromoting themselves as cosmetic dentists. At this time, cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty (like orthodontics, for example). However, it is a discipline of dentistry that requires a thorough knowledge of science and an artistic eye. Ask your dentist about his or her training, credentials, and experience in this area. A very effective way to understand your dentist's skills is asking to see their portfolio of before and after photographs. Dentists who are dedicated to the art of cosmetic dentistry always take photographs of their cases.

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Q: Is there a standard beautiful smile for all people?
A: No. Each person is different and each case is different, and has to be planned very carefully. There are many differences between male and female teeth and between all people. The design of the teeth has to be in proportion with the gum line, the lips, and the construction of the face of each individual to achieve a beautiful and natural smile.

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Q: How can I get an idea of how I would look with an improved smile?
A: The first thing we do is listen to your desires for your smile. We then can perform the computerized cosmetic imaging. We simply take a number of photos showing different views of your face with a digital camera. We then use graphic artist software to generate a computerized image showing you with various smile enhancements. We work with you to determine things like how white you would like your smile, the shape of your teeth, and other aspects of your smile. Cosmetic imaging, although an artificial rendering, can assist in giving you a better idea of what you can look like after cosmetic dental improvements. We also may want to have our lab perform a "wax-up" of your new smile, which would show in life-like, tangible form the proposed treatment.

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Q: How long will cosmetic dental treatment last?
A: There are too many factors to accurately predict how long any dental treatment will last. The longevity of cosmetic treatment varies from procedure to procedure and person to person. The condition of the teeth prior to treatment influences the longevity of the restorations. Home care (hygiene) and eating habits are part of the equation. Of course, the quality of the treatment itself influences the long-term outcome as well. And, we do our best to deliver high-quality treatment that will last many years. Regular visits to the dentist can help insure that your dental treatment is being maintained. While there is nothing we can do to render a tooth completely immune to future problems, preventive maintenance will prolong the life of your dental treatment for many years. For estimated time frames for specific procedures, look at the treatment sections on this website or come in for a consultation, a more personalized estimate.

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Q: What can be done to fix rotated, misshappen, or chipped teeth?
A: Chipped or misshapen teeth can ruin an otherwise pleasing smile. The long-term restoration of choice is porcelain veneers. A less expensive (but less durable) option may be a bonding, which can usually be performed in one visit. Done properly, both veneers and bonding can be applied, color-matched and shaped to make your teeth appear natural again.

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Q: What can I do about my uneven teeth?
A: Cosmetic contouring, porcelain veneers, orthodontics, bonding or crowns can be used to correct this. We usually recommend porcelain veneers to get the best aesthetic results. The best way to determine the best option for you is through a consultation, and we have a couple of ways to do them. One option is that we can do just a smile analysis, but this has its pros and cons. Essentially what we do is perform a "look see" to see what the general situation is with your smile and our first impressions of what may work for you (whether it be whitening, bonding, veneers, etc.). We necessarily cannot get very specific with thisapproach though because we have not performed a dental examination of you,determined if you have gum or bone loss, looked at x-rays, etc. -- one or more of which may reveal a number of material issues that could affect our preliminary cosmetic treatment thoughts for you. The second option, and our recommended approach, is our more detailed cosmetic consultation. This consult comes after you have had us perform a full exam, x-rays, cleaning, and a number of other diagnostic procedures. At that point, through computerized cosmetic imaging, etc. we can develop a customized smile makeover that is very detailed and specific for you. To get to that point, it takes 2 visits and an investment on your part of about $375 for the detailed initial exam, full series of x-rays, cleaning, etc.

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Q: I have a gap between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?
A: There are a number of options to correct this problem, which may include one or more of the following: porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding, and orthodontics.

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Q: What can I do to change my teeth that are too small to make them bigger?
A: There are a number of options including porcelain veneers, crowns, and bonding.

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Q: What can be done to correct cracked teeth?
A: Translumination or an intraoral camera can be used to help determine the extent of the cracks. Some of the possible choices to correct the problem would be porcelain veneers, crowns, or bonding.

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Q: What can I do about my "buckteeth" that stick out in front?
A: Many times other options can be suggested after a cosmetic consultation, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding, orthodontics or simply cosmetic contouring of the teeth.

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Q: My teeth have presented nothing but problems over the years. Should I just have one or more of them pulled?
A: Once your natural teeth are gone -they're gone. That's why we encourage patients to try and save their teeth for a number of reasons. If a tooth that can and should be saved is pulled, it will lead to overstressing the other teeth and can result in their loss as well. Tooth loss can cause ineffective chewing and this can result in the swallowing of large chunks of food. This overworks the digestive system and can even lead to digestive disorders. People who don't have their own teeth have a difficult time consuming a high fiber diet. (A high fiber diet is recommended by the American Cancer Society for the prevention of cancer). Dentures don't chew food efficiently. Tooth loss leads to bone loss in jaws. Many young denture patients appear prematurely aged due to the bone loss they experience after having their teeth pulled. With today's great emphasis on having a youthful appearance, regardless of one's age, saving your teeth is indeed a wise investment. Dentures are colonized by mouth bacteria and pick up odors and stains. They must be taken out at night or they can lead to a yeast infection of the gums. Dentures are a good choice for patients who have no hope of saving their teeth. Without natural teeth, a denture, implants or bridges are the most common options. To be able to wear a denture comfortably requires sufficient retention. Bone is invariably lost when teeth are pulled and then continues to reabsorb and shrink back, resulting in poor fitting loose dentures. These consistently require reapplication and never function as effectively as natural teeth. Today, dental implants used to anchor a tooth restoration add stability and provide a better choice for clients that have missing teeth. Most times, in partnership with our clients, we can establish good functioning, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting teeth.

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