If you’re unhappy with your smile because of decay or dark fillings in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins, or tooth colored fillings.
Tooth-colored fillings are made of a blend, or “composite,” of plastic resins and silica fillers. These substances mimic many of the qualities of natural tooth structure, Composite resins represent several advantages over traditional silver, or amalgam, fillings.
Because composite resins are not the old metal fillings, we can blend and mix shades to find the perfect color to match your natural teeth. Another advantage is that the tooth/composite bond supports the remaining tooth structure, deterring breakage. Medium and small composites can last 7 to 10 years – just as long as metal amalgams. Best of all, composite resins allow us to keep more of your natural tooth structure intact than amalgams. We believe in taking a conservative approach to your dental care – the more natural tooth structure you keep, the better teeth you’ll likely have in the future.
The best way to determine whether tooth-colored fillings are right for you is to schedule a dental consultation. Call us today for an appointment.
Veneers help give your patients the smile they’ve always dreamed of having. Our dental lab provides custom-made veneers that can transform the shape and color of your patient’s teeth, exuding the look of vitality and confidence. Just two appointments can change the way your patients experience life – all thanks to a thin, translucent exterior shell place atop the surface of the teeth.
Dental veneers have long been used for cosmetic purposes among people who are displeased with the natural appearance of their smiles. Our veneers can provide greater symmetry to the face, reshape a chipped tooth, and help your patients achieve a brighter, whiter smile than is possible with traditional tooth whitening.
Our veneers are unlikely to stain and are resistant to fracture. When well cared for, they tend to last for many years, and even decades before needing to be replaced.
Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable and must be cemented in place by a licensed dentist. Patients who get crown or bridges to restore their smiles achieve both the function and appearance of natural, healthy teeth.
If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an office consultation to determine whether you could benefit from crowns or bridges.
If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your crown or bridge, you may be fitted with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.
Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown and bridge placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.
We have a menu of options for missing teeth to help restore your young and beautiful smile. Along with traditional dentures, our permanent dentures provide a solution you will never have to take out. Enjoy the foods you want, and smile with confidence again!
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
Dentures can be made as complete or partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, but also prevents other teeth from shifting.
We have option type for dentures, the conventional which is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed usually taking 4 to 6 weeks, and immediate dentures which are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
At the Smiles at San Tan Ranch dental office, we provide the opportunity for relaxation and sedation dentistry.
Most people fear the anxiety or pain that they may experience while they are having their dental work done. Sedation Dentistry allows you the opportunity to be in a pain free environment while we do all your dental work.
One of the major reasons people avoid going to the dentist is because they are afraid. Sedation dentistry can change all of that for you by providing a relaxing environment to ensure your safety.
Smiles at San Tan Ranch holds a state permit for sedation that offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation to give you the sedation choice that works best for you.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll need a numbing medication, at the site where our dentist is working in your mouth to relieve any possible pain from the procedure.
It is important to have a responsible caregiver accompany you to the dental office for the procedure, and drive you home. Pick someone you like and trust because we prefer they stay with you for an additional two to four hours at home.
In most cases we are able to handle all your dental concerns in one single visit so all you have to do is keep up your regular preventative maintenance schedule.
More and more adults are having their teeth straightened to reap the benefits of health gums and teeth. Current research shows straight teeth are easier to clean and have fewer problems due to dental diseases, like gum disease and dental decay.
The Invisalign® system is virtually invisible, and straightens your teeth to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign® designs your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. All this is based on your specific needs. Then a series of clear aligners, also called invisible braces, are custom-made for your teeth – to gradually move them.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Invisalign treatment typically works best for adults and teenagers who have mild to moderate teeth crowding issues. This will reviewed and determined during your initial consultation at our office.
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.
Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation at our Gilbert dental office with our Invisalign-trained doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile.
Your Invisalign treatment begins with 3D digital scanning using our Itero scanner. This is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure that’s much more comfortable than the traditional impressions of your teeth (no more yucky goop!), which can be especially unpleasant for anyone with a strong gag reaction or other oral concerns. You’ll be able to see first hand the entire treatment without even wearing the first aligner. By using our 3D scanner, we’re able to more accurately create your aligners, and more do it more comfortably. That means fewer impressions.
Digital imaging is also less intrusive than conventional X-rays, and provides an open environment that helps to eliminate feelings of claustrophobia.
Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.
One of the many advantages to having your Invisalign ® done in your dentist office, is you can combine your regular check up and cleaning appointments with your orthodontic visit.
We have many different financing options available to help make payments for orthodontic treatment very comfortable. We happily provide FREE orthodontic consultations with one of our Invisalign ® certified dentists and we can do it right here in our Gilbert dental office.
Tooth extractions as an adult are sometimes necessary. Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why tooth extractions may be needed. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay and cannot be repaired. Other reasons include:
Before pulling the tooth, we will administer enough local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. If you are having more than one tooth pulled or if a tooth is impacted, we may use a strong general anesthetic or even suggest sedation for the procedure to assure you are comfortable.
Your dentist will use instruments designed to remove your tooth carefully and as gently as possible. At times, the dentist might have to section the tooth and remove it in a couple of sections.
After you have had a tooth extracted you will likely be prescribed pain medication, ant-inflammatory medication and possibly antibiotics. Application of an ice pack for 10 minute intervals can help reduce any swelling after the procedure. You should take it easy for the next 24-48 hours to allow your body to create a protective clot in the socket. You should avoid rinsing your mouth with anything for 24 hours and NO vigorous rinsing or spitting for 48 hours. Please do not drink from a straw or suck on anything, including cigarette, cigars and electronic cigarettes.
Your diet will need to consist of soft foods the day after extraction. When lying down, prop your head with pillows. Continue to brush and floss your teeth but avoid extraction site.
Everybody wants a bright white smile they can be confident in. While there are a variety of products and procedures available to help improve the look of yours, we provide you with a solution that is easy, permanent and safe. If you desire to make your smile pearly white, then learn more about the procedure we offer below.
Smiles at San Tan Ranch use the KöR Whitening system. Widely recognized as the most effective teeth whitening system, KöR delivers astonishing results.
First, our dental professionals will make molds of your teeth so you can have your own unique, ultra-comfortable whitening tray. Then, you will have one simple visit in our dental office where we will apply a whitening gel in several stages over the course of about an hour. This in-office procedure is best followed by wearing the whitening trays at home for two hours a day for two days following the in-office procedure.
Whitening products have been clinically studied and safely used on millions of patients without harm to teeth or gums. Teeth whitening is considered entirely safe.
In most cases, the unfortunate toothache or infection can be easily treated in our office. We use proven technique and modern materials. Patients say there is little to no discomfort, and most of all, they are happy to be free of dental pain and are glad they did not have to lose a valuable tooth.
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.
A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the diseased internal portion of the tooth located in the canals of the roots of the teeth are removed. The canals are then cleaned and sealed. You may or may not be prescribed antibiotics following the treatment. Your dentist will make a recommendation that makes sense for your specific treatment.
No one likes to be in pain. We promise to do our very best to make sure your dental care is pain-free. We offer various options to keep you comfortable during your visits. Sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) oral sedation are just a few options available to you. Minimizing any discomfort or anxiety you might have is your priority therefore it is ours.
Newer technology allows our office to provide crowns that are perfectly life like, look as original as your natural tooth and are 4 times stronger than traditional looking white crowns.
Crowns are the ideal treatment for a tooth that needs a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are a metal-free dental restoration. They are highly durable and will last many years. Like all dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced because your natural tooth is still under the crown and needs to be kept healthy by you doing your part at home. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing and repairing your damaged tooth. The dentist continues by shaping the tooth surface so your new porcelain crown will fit properly. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment, you can expect your temporary crown to be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully tried in to ensure the fit and bite are accurate. Only if the porcelain crown is perfect, will your dentist seat the crown using durable cement.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
