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 We have easy, comprehensive
answers to all of your questions, both when you're in the office as well
as in the comfort of your home. That's why we've provided this list of
commonly asked questions and our corresponding answers. If you have questions
not listed here, just call our office.
How do you choose an aesthetic/cosmetic dentist?
We like to think that a strong commitment to the four E’s is
essential in your decision.
- Excellent clinical dentistry
- Experience in the Art of Aesthetic Dentistry
- Environment that is relaxing, comfortable, appealing,
and modern
- Education that focuses on Aesthetic Dentistry
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I'm so used to my smile, I take it for granted. How can a "Smile Analysis" help
me determine what changes would be most beneficial?
A thorough smile analysis helps uncover hard-to-articulate aspects
of your smile, and your feelings about it. This allows us to determine
which
treatments
or procedures would be most appropriate for creating change. Typically,
analysis asks emotional questions, like determining how your smile affects
your self-image, your interactions with others, and your relationships,
and objective questions, like selecting what structural/physical aspects
of your smile concern you. Come in for a visit to obtain our professional
evaluation.
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After conducting a Smile Analysis, what is involved in Smile Design?
Smile Design involves several important steps. After an initial smile
analysis, we conduct a consultation using digital
imaging to preview
exactly what
your desired final smile can look like. After we all agree upon the final
objectives, we create a treatment plan to accommodate those goals-some
involving several lengthy appointments, some requiring much less time.
In any case, we strive to create a smile that accurately conveys your
unique personality, in keeping with your gender, age, and facial features.
When
we're finished, the new restorations will be undetectable…all that
you'll see is a healthy, happy new smile that won't quit.
This kind of Smile Design is simple to explain, but extremely technical
to perform. That's why it's so critical to choose dentists such as Drs.
Riley and Keuning, who have obtained advanced training in the
latest techniques and materials of restorative
and cosmetic dentistry.
In fact, Smile Design isn't taught in dental school, but requires post-graduate
training, extensive hands-on experience, and incredible dedication to
confidently apply both the artistic and scientific knowledge involved
in successful,
lasting smile work.
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How can you use imaging software to show me what my smile will look
like ahead of time?
We routinely use digital
imaging to help our patients visualize the
end results of cosmetic and restorative work. By simply asking the right
questions, taking various digital photos of your current smile, and keying
in the
correct input into our computer, we'll generate a number of graphic images
that accurately demonstrate how your procedure will affect your smile.
It's a fun process, and usually produces excited smiles all around.
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How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Tooth whitening is one of the simplest, safest, and most dramatic kinds
of cosmetic dentistry available today. At our office, we offer a
variety of methods, which we can either conduct right here in our office,
or
you can do at your convenience in daily sessions at home or during
your commute.
Depending upon your own particular dental health and causes of discoloration,
we'll help you determine which system would benefit you most.
Remember, it's important that we have a brief consultation prior to
your choosing a whitening system, since some people are better candidates
than others for the treatment. For example, if your teeth are darkened
to a
yellow, brown or orange tinge due to age, coffee, tea, or smoking, chances
are very good that teeth whitening will bring lasting, satisfactory results.
If your teeth are a dark gray tone from fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline
use, whitening results may be a bit less dramatic; further, whitening
does not lighten resins, silicants, porcelains or other synthetic materials.
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I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces.
Can you help me?
Drs. Riley and Keuning have a number of ways to improve the
look of your front teeth without the use of 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. In more
pronounced
cases, it may be necessary to fit you with 'invisible braces'. We'd be
happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your
individual situation.
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Crowns, Onlays, Inlays, Veneers & Partials…can you tell me
more about these procedures?
With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have
many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or
missing
teeth…bringing your smile back to its original shape and function.
For example, we can apply an all-porcelain
crown, somewhat like a "cap",
to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful
to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. Or, for smaller
areas of decay, we can apply all-porcelain onlays or inlays… similar
to crowns, but retaining more natural tooth structure. For unattractive
front teeth, we can create pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying
paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. For patients who are missing
a number of front/side teeth, we can create a removable partial denture,
designed for either the upper or lower jaw, made of all acrylic or all
metal. They're attached to existing teeth by means of precision acrylic
clasps, and must be removed for cleaning after eating, as well as for
sleeping. For more information on any of these procedures, please feel
free to talk
to Drs. Riley and Keuning during your visit.
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I really don't like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can
do to help me relax?
We understand that people have qualms about having their teeth worked
on, so we strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. First, our entire staff
is
trained to be alert and aware of your concerns, so that we can make your
visit as comfortable as possible. Second, we've included a number of
entertaining distractions to help you enjoy yourself during your treatment…including
watching your favorite DVD, listening to your favorite music, and relaxing
with professional spa services. For procedural concerns or anxiety, we
can also provide nitrous oxide as needed to help you undergo complex
or lengthy treatments. During your first appointment, we'll spend plenty
of time going over
such concerns with you, then plan your treatments accordingly!
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How does the doctor keep up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Our doctors have advanced credentials, training,
and experience in the fields of restorative and aesthetic dentistry that
far exceed most of their peers. They have trained with some of the most
world renown dental educators and clinicians in the area of restorative
and aesthetic dentistry and they are active members in the most respected
and prominent dental organizations, such as the Florida ACD and the AACD.
Drs. Riley and Keuning complete hundreds of hours of continuing
education each year and the continuous training emphasizes their commitment
to excellence in order to provide only the best care possible.
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Do you accept referrals?
We are happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as
from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. Your
referrals are our best compliments!
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What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium
cylinders that are surgically placed into the jawbone that act as an
artificial tooth root. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple
teeth or secure dentures. Whatever the need, dental implants are a modern
solution that allows you to eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence.
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