A bridge is a way to replace one or more missing teeth. The 2 adjacent teeth to the space (or missing tooth) are prepared for crowns and one or more replacement teeth are attached to the crown. It is fixed and cemented in; it is not meant to be removed.

A bridge can be made of metal, tooth-colored all-porcelain, or a combination of both. Leaving missing teeth un-replaced can let other teeth shift, leading to a poor bite and a higher risk of gum disease.

Veneers are a thin covering of porcelain bonded to the front surface of anterior teeth. Veneers are often used to correct chipped or worn teeth. They can also be used to lighten front teeth as well as reshape and close up spaces between the front teeth.

Even though veneers are very thin, they become very strong once bonded to the tooth. Because of their natural appearance, veneers can be an excellent complement to your smile.

Tooth whitening is a procedure that lightens the shade of teeth. It can also help to improve discoloration and teeth stains. To maintain the new brighter look of your teeth, bleaching may need to be repeated (with home bleaching trays) on occasion.

An oral cancer screening is a thorough examination of the mouth looking for any visible and/or palpable lesion of the oral cavity associated with the lips, tongue, and soft tissue of the mouth. These screenings are typically done at your routine 6-month cleaning appointments.

Dentures are prosthetic devices fabricated to replace a full complement of missing teeth. Partials are used to replace some missing teeth in a particular arch. Both dentures and partials are removable appliances. Clipping to strategically placed dental implants may stabilize loose fitting dentures and partials.

These guards are clear removable appliances worn to bed at night. Their purpose is to protect dental restorations and to help alleviate jaw pain associated with clenching and/or grinding your teeth. This is better known as bruxism. Bruxism or grinding of teeth can lead to jaw pain and worn/cracked teeth.

Digital intra-oral photography is a wonderful patient education tool. The camera can show detailed photos of dental hygiene concerns as well as soft tissue and specific teeth problems, showing the patient areas that need attention. This state-of-the-art technology also provides insurance companies with proof of needed treatment.

Routine dental cleanings by our professional, registered dental hygienists are recommended every 6 months. A thorough dental exam will then be performed by one of the dentists. All of this allows for tarter/plaque removal in order to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Cleanings include tooth scaling, polishing, and flossing. Fluoride application will be done if necessary.

Children should be taught to brush their own teeth around 2 to 3 years old. Parents can help their children establish daily tooth brushing routines by brushing at regular times each day. At age 3, your child is ready for his or her first visit to your family dental practice. Typically between ages 7 and 12 years, any necessary orthodontic treatment can be assessed. Timing is very important in this process. It will determine if orthodontic care is required and an orthodontist will be recommended.

Dental X-rays are recommended every 1 to 2 years, and are very important as they provide valuable information that your dentist could not detect otherwise from a routine dental exam. These X-rays show the dentist areas underneath the soft tissue and in between the teeth that would otherwise go undetected.

Similar to porcelain veneers, this procedure works to even out your smile and close unsightly gaps. Bonding can help to restore chipped, cracked, discolored, or mal-aligned teeth by artistically applying a tooth-colored resin bonding material directly to the needed areas. The material is then light cured and hardened to a strong bond.

A dental implant is very much like a natural tooth, which has a root in your jawbone, topped by a crown that you can see. When you and your dentist decide on an implant, an oral surgeon will place the implant or metal post beneath your gum and into the bone. It fuses to the bone in your jaw and acts like the root of a tooth. After healing, your dentist will make a replacement crown on the metal post, designed to blend in with the way your own teeth look and feel. Dental implants also can be used to anchor dentures securely.