1. What do you mean by comprehensive (holistic) dentistry?
We’re interested in people as a whole. We take the time to understand how other things in your life relate to what is going on in your mouth. Additionally, rather than zeroing in on a single tooth or cavity issue, we focus on soft tissue, muscles, nerves, joints and the overall functionality and aesthetic goals of our patients.

2. How is what Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry provides different than orthodontics?
Orthodontics is primarily about straightening the teeth. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry enables adults to address the deterioration, color, shape, and size of their teeth, as well as muscle comfort, by using state-of-the art equipment, Empress porcelain and advanced adhesives. Through what some refer to as "instant orthodonics" we can help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles in a few weeks (typically 3 to 5 visits)--and without requiring the use of a retainer afterward.

3. How do you make such dramatic changes in the appearance of people’s teeth?
We have the ability to bond Empress porcelain directly to natural tooth structure. We contour the porcelain to match each individual’s facial features and match the shade to skin tone, all the while accepting feedback from our patients to ensure they are completely satisfied with the smile being created. By combining our understanding of occlusion, porcelain, advanced adhesives and advanced aesthetics most factors affecting appearance and function can be addressed in unprecedented ways.

4. What’s the difference between a smile makeover and a full mouth rejuvenation?
A smile makeover is done for aesthetic purposes only and typically involves only those teeth that are visible. A full mouth rejuvenation addresses all issues related to functionality and health, as well as appearance. The restoration process involves making sure that the mandible is in the right spot so that chewing can happen in a non-pathological way and that any compromised tooth structure is cleared or rebuilt. This reconstructive process also ensures that the muscles function in an unrestrained way and that teeth are protected from fracture, wear, and bacterial attack. Rejuvenations support people in keeping their teeth for a lifetime.

5. How does the use of porcelain affect future dental care and oral health?
Porcelain is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Regular 6-month check-ups, the standard for good oral health, are all that’s generally required. We recommend the use of dentists who are familiar with porcelain, and providing this ongoing service to our patients is important to us. Too, it’s worthwhile to note that our smile make-over and full mouth rejuvenation patients are our most motivated patients and independently choose to enhance their personal dental care in ways that further the benefits provided by the dental work. Taking care of great looking teeth is just a lot easier to do!

6. If I’ve been treated elsewhere for TMJ dysfunction without much success, what do you have to offer that might benefit me?
The first very important step for us is to listen to you and conduct a manual assessment of pain sources. If necessary, we utilize sonograms and the most advanced computerized diagnostics available to dentistry to accurately diagnose the problem. Successful treatment may involve TENS, orthopedic repositioning, coronoplasty (recontouring tooth structure), and referrals within our network of health care professionals. Individuals who require long-term treatment may be candidates for reconstructive dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, or some combination of these interventions.

7. How do computerized diagnostics help in treating TMJ dysfunction or aid with smile enhancements and mouth rejuvenations?
Traditional methodologies often offer little more than educated guesses--and once a person’s bite is skewed, each successive dental visit can draw the patient further from optimal functionality. Computerized diagnostics, on the other hand, allow us to accurately study jaw movements and to correlate jaw position to muscle activity with electromyography (a process similar to the use of an EKG to monitor the activity of the heart.) This is the objective information we need to make treatment decisions.

8. Is there a reason to convert my silver fillings if they aren’t bothering me?
Maybe. Because these fillings are not bonded directly to the tooth there is greater tooth loss involved and ample opportunity for bacteria to develop (a leading cause of periodontal disease and bad breath). If the tooth is compromised by the filling in anyway, a restoration that is "tooth supporting" is desirable. Though we choose not to enter the sensitive argument around the health risks associated with silver fillings, some doctors encourage their removal simply because of the mercury they contain.

9. What can be done in areas where I’m missing teeth?
Metal-free bridges or implants allow us to close the gaps left by missing teeth. We work especially hard to evaluate your aesthetic concerns and design a treatment plan that meets your interests and needs.

10. What can be done if I have stained or discolored teeth?
If you’re satisfied with the shape and size of your teeth, an in office or take home bleaching process offers the simplest intervention. When bleaching isn’t sufficient to meet your needs, porcelain veneers, as well as direct and indirect resins, can be used to address multiple issues.

11. How do you address gum concerns?
We evaluate periodontal health with probing and then work with nonsurgical techniques to treat any problems identified. Laser therapy is a relatively painless and effective intervention for many gum related health issues. We are also excited to now offer a nonsurgical method to reverse the effects of periodontal disease, using a cutting-edge pharmacological compound that has been found to rebuild periodontal tissue and stimulate the body to heal itself.

12. Are smile makeovers and full mouth rejuvenations expensive?
Isn’t everything? Things that are life changing typically require some sort of investment, but that doesn't mean they can't be affordable. As dental professionals it’s sometimes hard to watch people willing to buy "toys," cars or other short-lived items, yet fail to make an investment in themselves that can benefit them for a lifetime. When needed, we work with our patients to coordinate insurance, create payment plans, or arrange financing that will allow them to be pain-free and looking their best in ways that fit their budget needs.

13. Do you offer price quotes over the telephone?
That’s almost impossible to do. It’s a lot like asking how much a car costs without having any idea about make, model or desired options. Because a full conversation and dental analysis is needed, we ask that those who are interested enough to ask the question, please come in for a consultation. We know you’ll be glad you did!

14. Can Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry provide my family’s basic dental care?
We welcome families and enjoy providing basic care. We specialize in life-enhancing dentistry and the subsequent maintenance of these adult patients.