Why You Should Visit the Best Veneers Dentist in Denver

Visiting a veneers dentist in Denver is a great idea if you have unsightly imperfections on your front teeth. However, you should never visit just any dentist for teeth improvements. Many patients make the mistake of visiting a dentist with little experience for cosmetic improvements. When you visit our veneers dentist in Denver instead of a less qualified office, you will be pleased with the long-term, functional results you receive. We do not make the mistakes that are common among other dentistry offices.

Common Mistakes Other Veneers Dentists Make
Dentists with little experience in placing veneers may not know what to look for when approaching placement. There are many things that they should take into consideration, such as:
Gum symmetry
Teeth thickness
Teeth protrusion
Dark-colored stains that may show through
Full communication with the patient

When you do not consider if gums are symmetrical or not, placing veneers on front teeth will end up in a lop-sided appearance. Instead of improving someone's smile, it will draw attention to imperfections. If teeth are too thick or protrude and the necessary alterations are not made to properly prepare the teeth, veneers will make teeth look larger and more noticeable.

In some cases, the enamel will have to be etched and buffed down a bit to produce a realistic-looking veneers finish. If you go with the thinnest of veneers, a dentist should take into consideration how darkly stained or mottled your teeth are. With very thin, translucent veneers, the darkest stains can show through and make your veneers appear to be an unusual color. In most cases, these common mistakes can be addressed beforehand by making sure the dentist you choose is engaging in conversation and communication with you about every step of the process.

Placing veneers is a complicated process in some cases and takes an experienced veneers dentist in Denver to get the best results possible. Before you get veneers, make sure your dentist is fully educated on the aesthetic, functional, and bonding properties of placing veneers. Visit a dentist who has shadowed another experienced dentist and who has performed many veneers placements or taken a course. A veneers dentist in Denver at our office has all the necessary experience and confidence it takes to give you the beautiful smile makeover you want and need.

When you visit our office for veneers, we know you will love the results you receive. Your new veneers will look realistic and feel natural. You will no longer feel self-conscious about your smile. You will never have to worry about your veneers coming unglued, and the veneers we place will be strong and durable against wear.

If you are ready to receive beautifully crafted, thin shells of porcelain veneers to whiten and straighten the appearance of your flawed front teeth, make an appointment with a veneers dentist in Denver today to get the highest quality of veneers. We personalize your experience in every way so you will be comfortable with the process and the outcome.

Teeth Whitening  >  Cosmetic Dentist

Signs You Need to Visit a Periodontics Office

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that understands, diagnoses, and treats the diseases that affect the supporting structures of your teeth. These supporting structures include your gums, periodontal membranes, alveolar bone, and other areas of your jawbone. You may need to visit a periodontics office if you have developed gum disease, are at high risk of gum disease, or have suffered complications due to gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, the most serious form of which is called periodontal disease, is an infection that affects your supporting dental structure. Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults, and it occurs in most adults. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), periodontal disease occurs in nearly 50 percent of adults. Once adults reach age 65, that percentage increases to 70 percent.

Gum disease occurs due to the buildup of bacteria and plaque along the edge of your gum line. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar and cannot be removed without the help of a dentist or periodontics office. If gum disease is not treated or stopped in its early stages, it develops into the more severe periodontal disease, characterized by the chronic inflammatory response of the gum tissues and supporting bone structure of your teeth. Symptoms of gum disease include periodontal pockets (gum pulls away from teeth, creating pockets), gum recession, loose teeth, exposed roots, gum inflammation and bleeding, and discomfort. If this sounds familiar to you, you should visit a periodontics office immediately to reduce your risk of losing teeth and needing oral surgery.

Signs You Need to Visit a Periodontics Office

• Gum disease runs in your family.
• You are pregnant (women who are pregnant are more susceptible to gum disease due to an increase in natural bacteria).
• Gums are swollen, red, and bleed when you brush or floss.
• You notice your breath is constantly foul-smelling, even after brushing.
• You notice a metallic taste in your mouth.
• Your gums are receding, showing more of your tooth, or you have pockets between your teeth and gums.
• Your teeth feel loose or like they are shifting in alignment.
• You notice weakness when you chew.
• It is uncomfortable to eat.
• Your teeth are extra-sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
• You smoke or chew tobacco.
• You have night grinding habits.
• You have diabetes, which results in higher levels of sugar in saliva.
• You have receding gums due to genetics (receding gums make you more at risk for gum disease).

These signs you need to visit a periodontics office should be taken seriously. Even if you do not have gum disease, you may have another dental structure issue that needs to be repaired. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends patients receive an all-inclusive periodontal evaluation from a dentist or periodontics office once a year to ensure a periodontal disease doesn't develop because it was unnoticed in its beginning stages. If you develop gum disease, we can help you fight it by providing you with the necessary periodontics treatment options.

Orthodontics  >  Dental Implants

Orthodontics: Are They For Everyone?

In our office, we use orthodontics to straighten teeth and are regularly asked if this is a solution that everyone can get or if you have to be a good candidate for it.  The answer is fairly complex because it depends on several factors that include your health, the current position of your teeth, your goals, lifestyle, and how much you are willing to commit to improving your smile.  In essence, everyone can straighten their teeth but the right way to do so will be based on the answers to these questions.  This makes it important to call and schedule a consultation so that we can go over your options and present you with a treatment plan that is customized to your needs.   In the meantime here is what you should know –

Commitment.

When you decide to get an orthodontics treatment, you should know that there is a level of commitment that will be required from you.  This is not a quick fix but can take anywhere from six months to two years.  You need to be certain that you are selecting the procedure or treatment option that will work for you and your lifestyle.  If you have limited time to dedicate, we suggest that you consider wearing clear aligners or getting a cosmetic procedure since traditional braces require the most amount of appointments and place the most restrictions on what and how you can eat.

Lifestyle.

Your lifestyle plays an important role in the type of orthodontics treatment that you should get.  For example, if you tend to forget things or have a hard time getting into a routine, you should probably wear traditional braces.  Since they are affixed to your teeth, they will keep moving them regardless of what you do.  With clear aligners, you need to remember to put them in your mouth after eating and brushing your teeth.  This means that if you forget to wear them, your teeth will not move according to the plan.  On the flip side, aligners provide you with the flexibility that you will never get from braces.  How these solutions fit within your lifestyle is really based on  your routine and your personality.

Appearance.

As a provider of orthodontics, we are asked a lot of questions about how a patient's appearance will be impacted.  The good news is that even metal braces are smaller and more convenient than they used to be. This makes it possible to straighten teeth without a major impact to how a person looks.  However, if you want no impact, you should consider clear aligners since they are virtually invisible and you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.  As an added benefit, you can actually see your smile looking better throughout the process.  Just remember that if neither of these options seems right to you, you can also consider cosmetic dentistry.

If you want to learn more about orthodontics and how effectively they can straighten your teeth, we encourage you to call our office and schedule a consultation.

Sedation Dentist  >  Invisalign Dentist Denver

Invisalign® Dentist in Denver and the Invisalign® Revolution

As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we get to work with the most advanced technological breakthrough there is in teeth straightening. Since the advent of Invisalign®, people everywhere have been able to get their teeth straightened without having to worry about the embarrassment of having a mouth full of metal. It is possibly because of this that 1 in 5 patients that come in for orthodontics treatments in clinics like your Invisalign® dentist in Denver, are adults. This is good news, because as a nation we have an incredible need for straighter teeth. Recent data shows that just over 1 in 3 Americans have teeth that would be naturally considered straight. With 35% of the population accounted for, that leaves 65% of the nation that suffers from some degree of malocclusion. Malocclusion is what dentists, including your Invisalign® dentist in Denver, call crooked teeth. Of this 65%, an entire 15% have such bad malocclusion that it affects their lives directly by causing them challenges with their social skills, eating, and speaking clearly. But these are not the only patients who could benefit from the revolutionary technology called Invisalign®.

Across the country 20% of people suffer from a misaligned bite, commonly broken into two categories, over-bite and under-bite. Your bite is the coming together of your top and bottom teeth when you bite down on something. Typically the teeth are supposed to be perfectly aligned when biting down, however for 1 in 5 people, the upper and lower teeth miss each other because one of them protrudes  further out than the other. While this may not seem like a serious issue, it can lead to an irregular wearing down of teeth, cavities, and the face not being perfectly symmetrical. With an over 97% customer satisfaction rate, Invisalign® is the best way to treat people who are suffering from either malocclusion or misaligned bite. We know, however, that the biggest challenge for any Invisalign® dentist, including your own Invisalign® dentist in Denver, is to spread the word so that more people realize the transformative power of Invisalign®.

Many times when folks walk into our offices they have never heard of Invisalign®, or have been sent to us by their dentist and have many questions. The most important question people ask is: how does this treatment work? The answer to that question is relatively simple, since, like most game-changing technology, Invisalign® works on a fundamental concept. In fact, Invisalign® works using the same basic principle as braces. Both use pressure to gradually move the teeth out of the misaligned place that they are in, and realign them into where they should have been. This is where, however, the two technologies diverge. While braces use metal bands and posts to move the teeth, Invisalign® used a series of invisible aligners to move your teeth. These aligners are specially created for you in the laboratory at 2-week intervals. Each aligner gradually moves your teeth between .25mm and .30mm toward their correct positioning, all while being practically invisible to everyone around you.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Family Dentist

Learn More About a Full Mouth Rehabilitation in Denver

We can complete a full mouth rehabilitation in Denver, and do so when our patients have been in an accident or suffered a major oral trauma.  This tends to happen when someone is hurt at work while playing sports, or in a car wreck.  This level of trauma is not simply fixing a chipped tooth but addressing multiple problems at the same time.  Occasionally, a full mouth rehabilitation even involves jaw surgery.  If you or a family member is in this situation, we recommend that you visit our office right away so that we can begin to correct the damage to your teeth and help you to feel comfortable again.

What is involved in a full mouth rehabilitation in Denver?

This is completely dependent upon the extent of the damage, and each cause is unique.  While one patient may have broken the majority of their teeth, another may have had them knocked out. The only way to create a treatment plan is to conduct a physical examination and to take x-rays so that we can determine what all of the issues are.  Next, we will create a treatment plan that addresses issues in order of priority.  Urgent matters like restoring a damaged tooth will be first, even if we use a temporary solution to prevent any further injury or an infection.  Afterward, we can address more long-term problems like replacing missing teeth.  Keep in mind that after this level of damage, the procedures may take several months to complete.  It is important to do the work steadily but not rush through it because that can cause further damage to the teeth and gums.  If you are in this situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and make adjustments based on your input and goals.

What is the recovery process like after a full mouth rehabilitation in Denver?

That depends on the procedures that were performed.  We will typically complete them in stages, and each procedure has its own recovery process and timeframe.  For example, if you have a dental crown placed to restore a damaged tooth, it may be a couple of weeks from the time we start to when your tooth feels 100 percent. If we are replacing lost teeth with dental implants, it will take a week or so to recover after the implant surgery but the entire process can take a couple of months to complete since we are waiting for the process of osseointegration to take place. You will be entirely comfortable during this time but will not have the final tooth.  When creating your treatment plan, we will look for ways to minimize any discomfort or irritation so that you can feel better as quickly as possible.  We will also give you a detailed plan that includes information on the recovery process and timeframe after each procedure.  This will help you to plan ahead with work and your other obligations.  A full mouth rehabilitation in Denver is a major undertaking so feel free to ask us as many questions as you need during your consultation.

Dentist  >  Cosmetic Dentist

How a Clear Correct Dentist Can Improve Your Appearance

When you want to have your teeth straightened, a Clear Correct dentist can help. We can improve your appearance in simple, efficient ways that you never imagined were possible. Do not avoid having your teeth straightened because you don't want to go to the trouble of getting braces. A clear correct dentist can provide you with an easier solution that doesn't require hours of your time spent at the orthodontist for adjustments. Continue reading to learn more about how clear correct works and how we can help.

• Why You Should Consider Visiting a Clear Correct Dentist
• You have crooked or crowded teeth.
• You have glaring dental misalignments.
• You feel embarrassed to smile and interact with others because of your teeth.
• You are worried your crooked teeth will allow cavities to develop easier. 
• You find it frustrating to brush and floss properly due to the placement of your teeth. 
• You do not want to wear traditional metal braces. 
• You do not have time to visit an orthodontist every few weeks for adjustments to braces.
• You want to look professional in both your work and home environments. 
• You want to make a good impression.
• You want to improve your confidence.
• You want to look more attractive.
• You want an invisible solution for straightening.
• You are an adult with all or most of your permanent teeth. 

How Clear Correct Works

Our clear correct treatment involves the use of a series of aligners. These aligners are made of a transparent plastic. Each aligner you receive will help to further reposition teeth that are out of alignment. You will receive a new set of aligners every two to three weeks. These aligners should be worn daily for at least 20-22 hours. You should only remove your aligner to eat or drink and to clean your teeth and aligner. The treatment period can last up to a year and a half depending on how crooked or misaligned your teeth are, but in most cases it won't be that long.

Visit a Clear Correct Dentist to Get Started

When you want to take the next step to having a straighter, more attractive smile, you will need to come into our clear correct dentist office for a check up and evaluation. If we determine you are a viable candidate for the clear correct alignment system, we will proceed with your preparation. Using impressions and 3D imaging, we will create a clear correct straightening plan that is customized for your teeth and needs. You will receive new aligners every few weeks that will be the next step in your treatment plan. Wear these new aligners to progress your straightening treatment.

We will send off the information we collect during your appointment to have your clear correct aligners created. These aligners will be personalized for you. While you are on the clear correct straightening treatment plan, you will visit our office during different stages so that we can keep an eye on your progress. We will make sure you are wearing your aligners correctly and that you are not experiencing any problems. Soon you will have a straighter, improved smile that you will be proud to show off!

Veneers Dentist Denver  >  Orthodontics

As a Denver Dentist We Are Providing Information on Oral Health

At a Denver dentist, we believe in a holistic approach to dental medicine, which means a large amount of our focus is on preventing problems from every happening. Naturally when you come in with a specific issue, we will want to deal with that and make sure that you are taken care of. Much of the time we prefer if your visits are more routine because we have learned that it is easier for you if we can prevent problems rather than having to treat them. This requires a level of collaboration between us so that you can have a degree of knowledge about how some dental problems occur, how to prevent them, and how to best care for your teeth.

We have also learned that for many people their source of information on oral health comes from the Internet. Googling something has become the way many of our patients find information. While this has definite advantages, like patients who understand aspects of what we do, there are also disadvantages. The information you get online may not be from a dentist and may be presented in a way that is convoluted and confusing. For that reason, we have this blog, to provide you with information so that you can get your knowledge directly from our Denver dentist office.  We hope that you will use what you learn here as a conversation starter in our clinic. At the end of the day, dentistry is a medical science, and there is no better way to learn about your dental issues than face to face with a dentist who knows your history.

As a Denver dentist we see our share of rare conditions, however, for the vast majority of the time, most people come in for pretty routine issues. Checkups, cleanings, and cavities make up the bulk of what we deal with on a day to day basis. Cavities, in fact, make up the second most common occurring medical problem that people have across the country. The only thing that causes people to miss more work or school is the common cold. A cavity is essentially a buildup of bacterial acids that bore a small hole in your tooth. Every mouth contains bacteria, typically several strains. This bacteria is natural and harmless. Unfortunately, it also tends to colonize on the teeth, which is where an accumulation of bacteria becomes plaque. Plaque is that thin yellowish film you see on your teeth when they are dirty The challenge is that bacteria, especially when it is built up in plaque form, tends to feed on sugary and starchy foods. When it does this, the bacteria release acid onto the tooth. For a while, this has no impact because the tooth can repair the damaged enamel, but after a while the minerals in the enamel starts to wear out, and a small white spot will appear. Eventually, the enamel will get soft, and then a tiny hole will appear which we call a cavity. We can treat the cavity and return you to excellent oral health in our dental office.

To learn more about this or other conditions, read our blog and visit our office today.

Visit a Restorative Dentist in Denver After Being in an Accident

As a restorative dentist in Denver, we treat a lot of people that have damaged their teeth in an accident. While we focus on preventative care in our dental office, we know that accidents do happen.  Even if you are focused on your oral health, brush and floss twice a day, and visit our dental office regularly, there is no real way to prevent something like a car wreck and when accidents happen, your teeth can be damaged.

If you think it won’t happen to you, consider this –

Over 5 million youths suffer sports-related injuries every year.  Many of these are dental injuries so wear a mouth guard if you want to protect you and your children.

Around 9 million people visit the emergency room on an annual basis due to slip and fall accidents.  Both men and women are impacted, and once you reach the age of 65, there is a one in three chance that you will fall every year.  That is an alarming statistic and a problem that frequently leads to the need for a restorative dentist in Denver.

Car accidents also claim a lot of victims every year with around 5.4 million people in car wrecks annually.  If you are in a car wreck and hit your face on the dash, you might suffer a dental injury.

Looking at these statistics, it is not particularly if you will ever be in an accident but when will you be in one and will your teeth be damaged in the process? Keeping that in mind, it is important to know who you can all if you damage a tooth.  It is important to note that visiting the emergency room is not a wise solution. ER doctors are fantastic for fixing your broken arm or any physical problems that you have.  However, they are not trained in dentistry which means that they can provide you with medication and help to triage the problem, but they cannot identify the root of the issue or provide you with a dental restoration. This means that you will need a secondary appointment anyway. You can save time by calling us first.

As a restoration dentist in Denver, there are several ways that we can correct a tooth that has been damaged, including:

• Dental crowns.  This is perhaps one of the most common solutions because a crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth entirely.  It is made of porcelain or ceramic and designed to be a tight fit so that your tooth looks natural and not overly large.  Simultaneously, since it caps the tooth, nothing can touch it directly, allowing you to bite down with force, without the fear of discomfort. A crown can restore a tooth that has been severely cracked or chipped. 
• Dental veneers.  A veneer is a thin shell that sits on top of your natural tooth.  It is often used to correct a slight crack or chip and will blend in with your surrounding teeth.

Given the number of solutions that we offer, if you have damaged a tooth, call our office to meet with a restoration dentist in Denver. 

Learn How a Veneers Dentist in Denver Can Transform Your Smile

As a veneers dentist in Denver, many patients ask us questions about how veneers can help them.  Dental veneers are what we use to repair a number of minor problems and challenges with your teeth. Sometimes teeth get cracked, chipped, or discolored to the point where they require repair. We complete the repair by using a tiny, ultra-thin piece of porcelain specially formulated for this purpose. Known as dental veneers, or porcelain veneers, these devices literally take on some of the qualities of the enamel they are replacing. Enamel is one of the body's hardest substances, making it extremely durable. As such the porcelain veneers are also extremely hard and can last a very long time. The best feature of these dental veneers is how closely they resemble enamel, which means that the teeth we repair with will look exactly like the teeth surrounding it. Naturally we can also use the veneers to make all of your teeth look a lot better esthetically.

What can dental veneers be used to fix?
There are very few tools that we have in our tool belt that is as versatile as dental veneers. These are so handy that they have actually managed to bridge the age-old gap in the two schools of thought between the importance of appearance and functional dentistry. As a veneers dentist in Denver, we can fix problems on both sides of the equation at the same time. Their malleability makes dental veneers ideal for fixing problems without having to remove large amounts of enamel or having to remove the entire tooth. This has led to them being used to repair minor cracks, breaks, and chips in teeth. The challenge with damaged teeth, usually caused by some kind of trauma, is that the damage typically spreads. The tooth will get more broken or even worse will become infected. To avoid such an eventuality, a dental veneer can be used. The veneer would not only repair the damaged tooth, but would also make it look great. On the purely cosmetic side, dental veneers are used when traditional methods of whitening have not worked. Since porcelain veneers do not stain, this is a semi-permanent solution for obtaining white teeth. Veneers are also used to help a patient achieve a better bite, to straighten some degrees of malocclusion (also known as crooked teeth), and to ensure that you have the right amount of space between your teeth.

Can everyone get veneers?
In a word, yes. Most people make excellent candidates for dental veneers. There are a few minor conditions, in a very small segment of the population, which could exclude someone from getting them. The vast majority of people can while a small percentage of people do require that we correct minor issues before proceeding with placing the dental veneer. To make sure that you are an excellent candidate for dental veneers we will have you come in for a complete evaluation and examination. As a veneers dentist in Denver, we will discuss your options, the process, and what results you can expect when you visit our office.

Teeth Whitening  >  Cosmetic Dentist

Here is What You Can Expect from an Invisalign® Dentist in Denver

As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we know that it is important to know what to expect during your treatment. We have all the answers to your important questions. Visit us to approach your Invisalign® treatment with confidence, and embrace the possibility of more beautiful and straighter teeth. Follow along as we discuss what you should expect during your Invisalign® treatment.
How does Invisalign® work?

Your custom-made aligners are created with a smooth, virtually invisible plastic. You will receive a series of aligners during your treatment, normally every two weeks. Each aligner is the next step of the process and they will make slight adjustments to your misaligned teeth, gradually creating an overall straight smile. One of the most popular aspects of Invisalign® is that no one will know you are wearing your aligners so you will look completely natural. You should strive to wear your aligner for at least 20 hours a day for the best results.

Will the aligners affect my speech?
As expected, you may notice a slight lisp when you put in your first aligner. Your mouth will get used to its presence, and your lisp will disappear in a short period of time— normally a day or two. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we receive very few complaints regarding this.

Are there restrictions that I should be aware of during treatment?
Your aligners will be removable. This is convenient and necessary. You should always remove your aligner to eat and to brush your teeth. Not removing your aligner during these times could cause bacteria growth and tooth decay. You should also remove your aligner to clean it. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we suggest cleaning your aligner with warm water and a toothbrush. Never use an abrasive substance like toothpaste.
You should also remove your aligner to chew gum. You should avoid smoking while wearing your aligner as well. Smoking while wearing your aligner can cause discoloration and warping.

Is Invisalign® affordable?
The cost of Invisalign® is comparable to getting wire braces; however, the cost will depend largely on how extensive your treatment will need to be. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we can help you to determine the exact costs and a payment plan as needed. Your insurance company may also help you pay for your Invisalign® treatment.

Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
In most cases, we recommend that you wear a retainer after treatment. This will ensure the longevity of your straightened teeth. In some cases, you may not need a retainer, depending on whether or not we think your teeth will be inclined to gradually move back to their original position.

As you consider receiving an Invisalign® treatment, visit our dentist office for the most all-inclusive information regarding the process. We know you will be pleased with your straightening plan, your aligners, and your amazing results. Straighter teeth are just right around the corner with Invisalign®. You never have to feel self-conscious again with your newly aligned teeth.

Teeth Whitening  >  Cosmetic Dentist

An Emergency Dentist Provides Inclusive Care, Beyond What the ER Can Do

If having an emergency dentist has never crossed your mind, you would be in very good company. Most people do not believe, or consciously think about, the fact that they might someday find themselves in need of urgent medical care. This is not unique to dentistry, as most people do not consider themselves vulnerable to situations where they would need any kind of emergency medical attention. Even fewer people think that they will ever have the need of emergency dental care. This is because we live in a fast-paced world, where worrying about potential problems takes away from a busy schedule and so we ignore what might be. In the case of your teeth, chances are you do not think about them very much. The vast majority of people only think about their teeth when they are brushing, if they have need of a dentist, or if they cannot get a piece of steak out from a gap. Over 40% of American’s do not even visit the dentist on a regular basis. So when an emergency happens, typically sometime in the wee hours of the morning, most people have no idea who to call. Adding our office line to your emergency contact list is a good place to start. Otherwise, you could find yourself having to go to the emergency room within a tremendous amount of pain.

Emergency rooms and emergency dentist serve an entirely separate set of patients. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend to visit the emergency room when people need urgent dental care. Fundamentally needing a dentist, but not having access to one in off hours, patients are migrating to emergency rooms in record numbers. A study, which took the data from 24 states over 3 years, conducted by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, found that over that three year period, the number of patients seeking dental care in an emergency room increased by 16%. The challenge with this is that the physicians in emergency rooms are not trained to provide the same services as an emergency dentist. They are able to treat you for the symptoms of whatever is causing you discomfort. They will, for example, be able to give you pain medication if you are in pain, but will not be able to diagnose or treat the underlying cause. The study also found that of the people waiting for services in emergency rooms, 20% were returning to treat the same dental issues they had before. Getting treatment is important, but it is also important to get the right kind of care from a trained dentist.

A toothache is the most frequent cause for someone to seek out urgent medical care for their teeth. A toothache is one of the world’s most serious discomforts since it can be extremely debilitating. It is also, potentially, a symptom of a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.  As a local emergency dentist, this is an example of an issue that we can address and do so more effectively than an ER doctor.  We can get to the bottom of what your issue is so that you can feel better quickly.

How a Clear Correct® Dentist Can Straighten Your Teeth

A Clear Correct® dentist can be a boon to thousands of adults who have misaligned or crooked teeth, but have not had them straightened because they do not wish to wear traditional metal braces. Clear Correct® aligners are a transparent tray that is custom molded to fit snugly over your upper or lower set of teeth. These aligners gradually and incrementally move your teeth to their ideal position.

Clear Correct® Vs Traditional Metal Braces

While it is true that braces are a lot less cumbersome than they used to be, they are still quite unsightly and uncomfortable. As a Clear Correct® dentist, we will fit the aligners to your teeth. Transparent thermoplastic aligners, which gradually and gently move your teeth, have several distinct advantages. Made of clear stain resistant material, they are barely visible, take less time to achieve the desired result, and are usually quite comfortable.

However, one of the most important advantages of Clear Correct® aligners is that the three-dimensional computer imaging technology used enables you to see an image of the planned result... even before you begin treatment.

Being Fitted For Clear Correct®

At your first appointment, as a Correct Dentist, we will first determine if this type of straightening is right for you. Unfortunately, there are a few situations when traditional braces are called for. If you are determined to be a good candidate, we will take impressions of your teeth and x-rays, from which a digital 3-D image is made. Once we map out an exact treatment plan, this image will be sent to the Clear Correct® manufacturing center in Texas, where your first aligners will be made.

When you return for your first fitting, you will probably notice that the aligners do not seem to quite fit your teeth. This is both true and perfectly normal. Because your teeth will be shifted in a series of gradual movements, every set of aligners is designed to fit a new position, that is one step closer to the final desired result. Once your teeth have moved into this position, which will happen very gradually, the aligner will feel loose. After a short period, during which the teeth stabilize, you will be given a new retainer, and the process will be repeated.

How Long Will It Take

The precise length of time, it will take to straighten your teeth will, obviously, depend on how far the tooth (or teeth) have to be moved. Although every situation is unique, most adults have to use Clear Correct® for about six months to a year. However, you will find that this time goes by fairly quickly for several reasons. As wearers of traditional braces often have to do, you will not have to restrict your diet and eliminate foods that get could get stuck in the wires and bands. Should you, for instance, decide to tuck into corn on the cob, you simply have to pop your Clear Correct® aligners out first. You can also remove your aligners before brushing and flossing, which ensures that you do a better job cleaning your teeth. Additionally, plaque, which causes tooth decay, will not build up behind the aligner. Just remember that since you can take them out, they must be put back in quickly to avoid a treatment delay.

As a professional and experienced Clear Correct® dentist, we can set you on the very short path to having the smile you have always wanted.

Your Jawbone Needs Dental Implants to Remain Strong

Dental implants are the safest and most permanent way for you to replace teeth that you have lost. Implants have between a 92% and 98% success ratio, and that is just the first in a long list of reasons why they are preferable to other methods of tooth replacement. For example, if you have lost a tooth and are using dentures you are familiar with the adhesives and chemical glues that you need to use to keep them in place. These can be messy and are never quite comfortable. With an implant, you can wave goodbye to this mess since the implant is a permanent fixture which is surgically installed into your mouth. Since the implant is a permanent fixture, you never have to worry about forgetting to put it as you are leaving or, worse, losing the denture during dinner. Maintaining a dental implant is as easy as maintaining your natural teeth and exactly the same process.
Dental implants save their most impressive feature for under the surface. While there is nothing quite like the feeling of having a replacement tooth that doesn't look or feel like it is a fake tooth, dental implants have taken syncing with the body to an entirely new level. The implants you are going to have installed are all made of titanium. This is because a few decades ago, scientists and dentists discovered that titanium has an amazing quality. Through a process known as osseointegration, titanium can achieve a complete melding with the organic bone matter in your jaw. This convinces the body, through the jawbone itself, that the tiny metal implants are actually part of the body and, therefore, need to be given the support of a normal tooth. This bodes very well for your implant, hence the high success rate, but it also does wonders for the actual jawbone itself.
Your jawbone is an amazing device that is designed for two purposes. First, and foremost from a survival standpoint, the jaw is designed to support the teeth. By giving the teeth a secure anchor, the jaw provides security, strength, and stability to the teeth. Since the teeth are the first step in the digestive process, the body supports the jawbone as long as it continues to fulfill this part of its mission. The teeth have a symbiotic relationship with the jaw, providing it with stimulation for growth and sustainability in exchange for the stability. Tooth loss, however, leads to the jaw no longer needing to provide this stability and no longer receiving the stimulation. When this happens, the body gets a signal that the jawbone is no longer required for survival and starts to dissolve it as a way to resorb the vital minerals, like calcium, in the bone. This, unfortunately, creates a conflict with the second function that the jawbone performs. Maintaining the structural integrity and bite alignment of the face and mouth.
As the jawbone starts to dissolve, you will start to experience a change in your face. The chin will start to shrivel, often giving people the appearance of “witches chin” while thick wrinkles can also appear making a person look years older than they are. The good news is that with dental implants, the body is convinced to continue supporting the jawbone and more often than not will restore the lost bone density.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Restorative Dentist Denver

Scheduling a Teeth Whitening Treatment Has Many Advantages

Our ancestors believed, teeth whitening was actually a way to get ahead in the world. Having discovered the unquantifiable power in beauty, and combining that with the radiance of a perfect smile, man set out on a quest to have gorgeous teeth he possibly could. That obsession has led to the birth and growth of a multibillion-dollar teeth whitening industry in America today as millions of people seek to have the perfect Hollywood smile. As dentists heavily involved in the teeth whitening industry, we were fascinated by how whitening your teeth can actually influence your life. We started looking at a few of the statistics from a number of different studies and quickly figured out that our ancestors had it right. People with whiter, and hence more beautiful, teeth tend to do better socially and in a professional environment. This alone makes the case for teeth whitening and stresses the importance of maintaining the teeth's condition after the treatment.
As we studied teeth whitening data, two things became abundantly clear to us. First, people who have had their teeth whitening done have a significant advantage over their competition in a variety of situations. To demonstrate this, studies have found that over 71% of women stated that their first impression of a man was formed, in a large part, based on his smile and hence his teeth. Men who had whiter teeth made a much better impression than their competition. The studies also revealed an edge for those with whiter teeth in the professional world. Of people competing for a dream job, the people who had had their teeth whitening done had the advantage and were more successful 58% of the time. Not surprisingly, people with whiter teeth tended to do better once they had gotten the job as well. Studies found that 53% of people with whiter teeth had a higher chance of getting offered a promotion or being given a raise over others in the same job, with the same qualifications - proving once and for all that whiter teeth matter. Secondly, we found that people who had their teeth whitening done tended to make better dietary choices which could lead to better overall health.
Maintaining Your White Smile 
Teeth whitening is not forever. People who get their teeth whitened understand this, just like they understand the need to change their dietary habits in order to protect their teeth. When you whiten your teeth, natural dyes and chemical additives for color become the natural enemy. They can stain the teeth and quickly return them to the pre teeth whitening stage. So people learn to avoid them and in so doing actually live a healthier lifestyle. For example, one product group that many patients cut out are caffeine based tea and coffee. Both of these, when consumed in large quantities, can be extremely harmful to the color of your teeth. Reducing them or cutting them out of your diet altogether, takes overstimulation out of your life along with removing the elements that could stain your teeth. Drinking water is much healthier, which many patients find themselves drawn to after having their teeth whitening procedure.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Invisalign Dentist Denver

Teeth Whitening Options for People With Sensitive Teeth

In our dental office, we provide teeth whitening services for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile.  The results are dramatic, as this simple procedure can whiten teeth by up to eight shades or more.  This makes it perfect for those wanting to have a more youthful appearance and for those looking to get rid of dark stains on their teeth.  With the popularity of the procedure, many people with sensitive teeth ask us if it is safe to have their teeth whitened, and as with many things, the answer is – it depends.

A professional teeth whitening in our office is entirely safe and the American Dental Association has even published a paper titled, “Tooth Whitening/Bleaching: Treatment Considerations for Dentists and Their Patients” providing further tips on how to prevent or reduce sensitivity. In their report, they suggest that patients with sensitivity concerns use a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for a week or two before having their teeth whitened and afterwards if necessary.  They also suggest having a dentist place potassium nitrate into teeth whitening trays and placing the trays on the teeth for thirty minutes prior to beginning the treatment.  This simple step, when performed by a dentist, can prevent any potential sensitivity according to their findings.

The reason that it is safe for those with sensitive teeth is that we complete a dental exam first.  In order to ensure that your teeth are ready for a treatment, we will check to see if there are any cavities or gum disease in the mouth prior to starting the bleaching or whitening process.  This is important because many people that use an over the counter teeth whitening solution find that they experience sensitivity, not because of the whitening but because their teeth were not healthy enough for the treatment in the first place.  This is a common risk that is entirely avoided when having the procedure done professionally.

Another concern with over the counter whitening kits is that if you buy the whitening trays, they are designed to fit everyone.  Technically, nothing can so it's like buying an XL t-shirt and expecting it to be the perfect fit when you are a medium – it won’t be.  Whitening trays are the same way, and since they won’t fit perfectly, when buying them at the store, the whitening solution may leak out and as it does, your gums can become irritated.  Gum tissue is fairly sensitive so anything abrasive touching it may cause unnecessary irritation, and this can be avoided by having the trays custom-made in our dental office.  With the perfect fitting tray, the solution will remain in place, and the treatment will be far more comfortable.

If you would like to learn more about the procedure, we recommend that you schedule a consultation.  While there are many commercials promoting products that will transform your smile, it is always wise to be under the care of a dentist.  After examining your teeth, we will make a recommendation for the best way to proceed. 

The Science Involved in Dental Implants and Replacing Teeth

Dental implants are certainly not a new method of replacing teeth. In fact, the technology has been developing for years, and for the first time in history we can provide tooth replacements that look, feel, and act like the natural tooth. It all starts with bio-integration. Bio-integration is the process by which the body, far from rejecting a foreign object, actually accepts the implant as a natural object and works together with it in symbiosis. We start with a titanium implant for a number of reasons. First, titanium is the only metal that we know of that is capable of osseointegration, which is essential for bio-integration. Additionally this is a metal that is incredibly strong, while also being incredibly light which is perfect for making an implant. Finally, titanium has the ability to create a thin film around itself, which prevents the metal from being influenced by corrosive elements.

Since dental implants are dependent on integration, we have developed a number of techniques that help with the process. For example, we now use a customized surface with most of our implants. Implant customizations can include implants that have been sprayed in plasma, have been blasted by grit, etched with acid, or coated with hydroxyapatite. All bones contain hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring substance. When we insert your implant into the bone, having coated it with hydroxyapatite, the body is tricked into believing that the dental implant is actually part of the bone. This greatly speeds up the process of bio-integration, as well as healing. In addition to using innovative technological advancements, we also have to place the right kind of dental implant for the situation. We make these decisions based, typically, on the amount of bone density and the ability of the jawbone to support the implant.

The most commonly installed dental implants are called a gum form implant. These implants, which are also known as endosteal implants, are installed directly underneath the gum in the site where we plan on installing a crown or some other false tooth device. The false tooth is then hooked to the implant using a small post that is left exposed. In order for use to perform this kind of an implant, the bone has to be in pretty good shape since the security and stability of the implant depends directly on the bone itself. Gum form implants are traditionally cone-shaped, most commonly a small nail or screw is inserted into the bone.

If however, we find that the bone cannot withstand a traditional implant we will use a device known as a Ramus Frame implant. These implants are designed for people whose jaw does not have the required density or, worse, may fracture so they are designed for stability and to help strengthen the jaw itself. These installed are done a distance away from the site, usually in the back corners of the mouth by the wisdom teeth and in the center of the mouth near the chin. A thin metal strip is left exposed so that we can attach the bridge or denture to the dental implant. We will discuss all of the options with you during an exam.

A Denver Dentist Explains Dental Information You Should Know About

As a Denver dentist, we seek to educate patients while also treating them. We understand that when our patients are informed they are better equipped to keep their teeth and gums healthy at home, in between dental appointments.  This is important for lifelong oral health and also makes getting dental work done just a little bit easier.  Still, there are many misconceptions about dentistry that we want to clear up.  

Here are some facts that you should know.

Restorations may need to be replaced.
Modern materials are stronger and more durable than they used to be, but restorations still don’t last forever.  Just like natural teeth can wear out, restorations can too.  While they typically last for a decade or longer at some point a crown, veneer or implant may need to be adjusted or replaced.  If you received a restoration over ten years ago, we recommend having it inspected to see if it needs to be adjusted or to determine what the projected lifespan of it will be.  If it does need to be replaced, we can do so quickly and in a way that looks natural.

Dental work can be comfortable.
One of the biggest misconceptions about dentistry is that it hurts.  This is not the case.  In fact, by offering sedation dentistry we can ensure that our patients remain comfortable the entire time.  For the millions of adults that suffer from dental anxiety, this is a welcome relief.  We can provide you with an oral sedation that will help you to relax before a procedure and medication to keep you comfortable during it.  As a Denver dentist, we can review your sedation options with you prior to starting treatment so that your dental experience will be a pleasant one. 

Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry go hand in hand.
If your tooth is damaged and you need to repair it, visit a dentist that can do so and is skilled in cosmetic dentistry.  This goes hand in hand because a cosmetic dentist can complete restorations in a way that looks beautiful and natural.  There is no need to choose between a functional restoration and a beautiful restoration when you can have both in one single procedure.  If you want to have the appearance of your teeth improved, you may be able to have procedures done at the same time as your restoration to make it even more convenient. 

Your gums are important.
Many patients are unaware of how important the health of gums is to their teeth.  Gum health is essential because gum disease can lead to infection, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.  People that suffer from gum disease can experience discomfort and may find that their teeth fall out if it is left untreated.  In our Denver dentist office, we offer a variety of procedures to keep gums in good health.

To learn more about dentistry and how we can help your smile to look and feel amazing, schedule a dental exam.