Do you have a question about Cosmetic dentistry? Please submit your question with this form.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. •Can I see what my teeth will look like before I start any treatment?
2. •What is a smile makeover?
3. •What can I do to look 15 to 20 years younger?
4. •If I am missing some teeth, is it possible to replace them?
5. •I know I grind my teeth. Is there anything you can do to help?
6. •Can you help me reduce snoring or control sleep apnea?
7. •My teeth are sensitive, can you help me?
8. •How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
9. •What can be done to realign or straighten my teeth?
10. •I am nervous about dental treatment, how can you help me?
11. •What financial options do you have for my dental care?

Can I see what my teeth will look like before I start any treatment?
Absolutely. We can show you with both computer imaging as well as in your own mouth! We can actually “try-in” your new smile by simply slipping in an acrylic shell over your natural teeth so you can see your new smile design.

What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a “custom designed smile” for you. Your smile makeover can range from simple reshaping or realigning teeth to replacing missing teeth or repairing damaged teeth. Your smile makeover will be designed by Drs. Brown and Amos especially for you.

What can I do to look 10 to 20 years younger?
One of the easiest ways to take years off your smile is to whiten your teeth. We can whiten your teeth in one office visit or you can whiten your teeth at home with our professional system. We can show you options that are best for you. Ask us about our “Whitening for Life” program.

If I am missing some teeth, is it possible to replace them?
There are 3 ways to replace a missing tooth- a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable partial denture. The treatment that is usually the best option is a dental implant because it most closely acts and feels like the tooth or teeth you lost. A dental implant actually helps support the gum and bone and prevent it from deteriorating. A dental implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of your missing teeth. In addition, dental implants are not susceptible to cavities or gum disease like natural teeth can be, yet you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.

A second option is a fixed bridge which spans the missing tooth space and is supported by crowns on each end that are cemented in place. A fixed bridge feels natural and can be maintained for many years with proper homecare.

The third option is a removable partial denture, which typically is not the treatment of choice due to the extra hardware that is needed to keep it stable. Most patients prefer to have a tooth replacement option that does not come in and out. However, removable partial dentures can be fabricated in such a way that they are comfortable and long-lasting.

I know I grind my teeth. Is there anything you can do to help?
Yes. The treatment is dependent on the reason for grinding. There can be many reasons for grinding or clenching your teeth. One of the most common is excessive stress. When you are under excessive stress, you often clench your teeth sometimes without being aware of it. During sleep, you can exert 10 times as much force on your teeth as during your waking hours. This is why some people need a protective night guard while sleeping.

Some people clench or grind their teeth because their bite is out of alignment. You may not even be aware of this; however we can evaluate your bite (occlusion) and determine if realignment is needed.

There is a very small percentage of the population that grind or clench their teeth due to a central nervous system problem. These people typically have severe wear or attrition of their teeth and experience pain as well. Treatment for these patients is designed to minimize their symptoms.

While there are many treatment options available if you grind or clench your teeth, one thing that you should avoid is the over-the-counter “boil and bite” mouthpieces - as these can actually make your conditions worse. The first step is to come to our office so we can properly evaluate your condition.

Can you help me reduce snoring or control sleep apnea?
Yes, dentists can relieve or reduce snoring and minimize symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea. We can fabricate a comfortable mouthpiece that is custom made for you. The first step is to come to our office for a screening. Often a follow-up sleep study is necessary. Then we can work with your physician to discuss the best options for you.

My teeth are sensitive, can you help me?
There are many ways that sensitive teeth can be treated. The treatment for sensitive teeth depends on the cause of the sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be caused by many factors. Aggressive brushing and gum recession are the two most common causes. Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to gum sensitivity and bleeding. It can be as simple as changing your toothpaste, however it could be a sign of an underlying serious dental problem associated with the sensitivity. We can often treat sensitive teeth at your first visit.

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Two of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease are regular dental visits and good daily oral home care, including brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits could be every 2-6 months depending on your medical and dental history and needs. You should also be using toothpaste containing fluoride and preferably one that has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. If you have dry mouth due to medications, age, medical complications, head and neck cancer treatments, etc.; you need to keep your mouth moist. Avoid sugary selections (cough drops, lifesavers, etc) and opt for saliva substitutes like water or Biotene products, which are made specifically to treat dry mouth. Saliva provides protection for your teeth and gums, and if you lose or have a reduction in your saliva flow, you are more prone to decay, gum disease, and oral irritation. Remember prevention is always the best medicine!

What can be done to realign or straighten my teeth?
Now we can realign or straighten your teeth in as few as 2-3 months with clear retainers instead of braces and brackets. Most adults like being able to straighten their teeth without anyone being able to tell they are going through treatment.

I am nervous about dental treatment, how can you help me?
We understand that dental treatment can make you feel nervous or anxious. Many of our patients have felt that same way. They have found that our comfortable, relaxing environment helps them feel at ease. We can also provide you with Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas, happy air) to decrease your anxiety. We can custom design the best plan for you- we will be with you every step of the way. Our office specializes in apprehensive patients. It is our goal that after your first visit you will feel so relaxed that you will tell all your friends and relatives about us.

What financial options do you have for my dental care?
There are many ways to handle the financial responsibility of your dental care. We can offer you a 5% courtesy for pre-payment of your care. We can offer you 6-18 months interest-free financing through our financial partners, Care Credit or Wells Fargo. We accept cash, checks, debit cards, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Many offices require you to deal directly with your dental benefits plan, but as a service to you we will file your benefit plan for reimbursement. We can also help you with your flex spending account, health savings account, or medical savings account. There are a number of available options and we will work with you to find your best solutions. We want your financial arrangements to be as comfortable as your dental experience… from the first telephone call to your new healthy smile.