Is teeth whitening harmful to my teeth?

The short answer is that whitening is not harmful to the teeth. This treatment removes stains from the teeth that may be caused by coffee, tobacco, and certain food. A small number of patients can experience sensitivity after bleaching, but this usually goes away a couple of days after the treatment.

How long do veneers and crowns last?

On average, veneers last about ten years and crowns range anywhere from five to 15 years. This timeline is highly dependent on factors like at-home care, regular maintenance with a dentist, and the quality of the materials used for the devices. As with most treatments of this nature, careful care and regular dental exams will substantially increase the lifespan of crowns and veneers.

Why do people choose metal-free crowns and bridges?

In the past, crowns (caps) and bridges were more commonly made of porcelain bonded to metal. This resulted in very opaque, unnaturally white teeth with black margins, frequent gum irritation after a few years, and the occasional metal allergy. We now use metal-free, pure porcelain crowns, and bridges that create a more natural-looking smile. These non-metal restorations closely resemble the natural tooth color, which allows for better color matching. Due to its strength, porcelain can increase the structural integrity of your tooth.

What is my solution to crooked teeth?

Contouring your front teeth can produce incredible improvements to your smile. Using a specialized tool, we can painlessly reshape your teeth and give you the smile of your dreams.

How can I get rid of my “gummy” smile?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be a candidate for a procedure called gum contouring. This can be as simple as trimming the gum tissue or may be as advanced as contouring gum tissue and the bone around the teeth.

Is “Trimming Gums” painful?

We utilize dentistry’s latest technological advancement called Laser Periodontal Therapy. This treatment allows us to contour and trim gum tissue easily and comfortably with almost no discomfort. Unlike removing tissue with a scalpel, a laser doesn’t cause bleeding and swelling. Having a comfortable post-operative experience is now the norm.

Which is the best procedure to replace a missing tooth?

You have a few options to choose from:

  • Dental bridges fill in the space left by lost teeth and also help support the surrounding teeth.
  • Dental implants are inserted directly into your jawbone and will become a permanent fixture in your mouth.
  • If your tooth is gone, but the root is still intact, you can place a new crown on the root.
I don’t like to go to the dentist because I can’t stand the sound of that drill. What can you do for me?

We provide Bose® QuietComfort® Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones for your relaxed and pleasant dental experience.

Are there alternatives to needles?

“The Wand” is a computer-assisted method of delivering local anesthesia which produces more comfortable, and in many cases, pain-free injections. If you don’t like needles, ask any of our staff for more details about The Wand.

How does the doctor keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

Our doctors subscribe to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. They also regularly take time to pursue continuing education and encourage the staff to do the same. As a team and as individuals, our team takes it as a responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.

Are there alternatives to braces for straighter teeth?

We have several ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of traditional metal 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. Also, we provide Invisalign removable clear braces for your convenience.

How can a dentist help alleviate my snoring or sleep apnea?

Snoring can be caused by many factors. In some cases, a person may stop breathing for short periods during the night – a condition called sleep apnea. In other cases, snoring can be caused by enlarged anatomical structures within the mouth and throat. During sleep, the throat area relaxes, allowing these structures to collapse against one another and obstruct clear airflow. In many situations, we can prescribe and fit a special appliance called a ‘snore-guard’, which gently holds the mouth and throat in an open position to prevent snoring during relaxed sleep.

How can I get whiter teeth?

Tooth whitening removes stains from the teeth caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, food, and red wine. We’ve been using tooth whiteners for years and have never seen any adverse effects on teeth or gum tissue. With our tooth whitening procedure, we can help your teeth become up to nine shades lighter.

What is a Smile Makeover?

Esthetic dentistry is the art and science of designing beautiful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on individual teeth and their overall harmony and balance in your smile. In short, a smile makeover is a complete reconstruction of your smile using the principles of esthetic dentistry. We treat your teeth from the inside out with a comprehensive analysis and redesign of your gum tissue and teeth.

What types of problems does a Smile Makeover address?

Smile Makeover can help improve dental issues like:

  • Dark or worn teeth
  • Gaps and chips
  • Crooked or discolored teeth

Because every patient’s teeth are unique, some smile makeovers can be completed in a single appointment while others may take a few follow-ups. A Smile Makeover can redesign the shape of your gums and teeth and change the overall look of your smile. It’s not just about beautifying your smile, it’s also about maintaining the strength and health of the rest of your teeth.

How can I replace missing teeth?

We have several procedures to help replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges, and natural-looking partial or full dentures. Replacing missing teeth not only improves the appearance of your smile, but it can also stabilize and strengthen the remaining teeth while preventing bone loss in your jaw.

Do dental procedures hurt?

We’ve solved the mystery of comfortable dentistry. If you haven’t been to a dental office in a while, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised because today’s dentistry is faster than ever before. All of our staff members are highly trained to make each of your visits as pleasant and comfortable as possible. We have many options to help relieve anxiety including needle-neutralizing topical anesthetics. Patients have been so relaxed that they even have fallen asleep in our dental chairs!

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Our office welcomes most of the major insurance plans. We’re well versed in the latest coverage trends and are more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you before any treatments.

What do I do if I have a dental emergency when the office is closed?

In case of a dental emergency, our message center will provide you with the doctor’s emergency voice mail access number. We make it a point to always be accessible to our patients of record.

What are my payment options?

We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. We are also pleased to offer several financing plans, some of which are interest-free. For more information about payment options, click here.

What makes West Mill Smiles different?

We are dedicated to providing excellence in dental care. West Mill Smiles brings you sophisticated dental treatments using the latest technology in a caring environment of competence, enthusiasm, and a concern for your well-being. At each visit, we promise to explain everything thoroughly and to take the time to listen to your concerns about your dental experience.

Do you accept referrals?

We would be grateful and honored to receive your family and friends as part of our family. Most of our patients are referred to us by word-of-mouth, and we consider that to be one of the highest compliments from our patients.