Answers to Common Questions from Patients
At Willow Bend Dental, we strive to provide useful information about dentistry, including preventive, cosmetic and restorative procedures. We've provided this list of frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience. Of course, if your questions are not listed here, please email or call our office. We are delighted to be of assistance!
Q What is a "Smile Analysis" and how does it determine which cosmetic procedures are most beneficial to my appearance?
A The type of smile analysis offered by Willow Bend Dental is very thorough and aimed at the difficult-to-articulate aspects of your smile, including any emotional impact this may have on the quality of your life. Our goal it to determine which cosmetic procedures would most appropriately create the desired change. The analysis involves questions aimed at determining how your smile affects your self-image, your interactions with others, and your relationships, both personal and professional. Then, we address physical objectives - what structural aspects of your smile are of concern. We promise to tell you exactly what can and cannot be accomplished - and we think you'll be delighted with what you hear. To find out more, we invite you in for a truly world-class smile evaluation. You'll be glad you did!
Q What is a "Smile Design", and how is that accomplished?
A Willow Bend Dental's "Smile Design" involves a unique series of steps toward achieving your perfect smile. After your initial Smile Analysis, we utilize computer-generated digital imaging to preview your cosmetic procedure to see what the results may actually look like. Various photos will be taken of your current smile, then we input your specific requirements into the software. Images will be produced that demonstrate how the cosmetic procedure will affect your smile. It's a fun process that usually produces excitement all around. After the final objective is agreed upon, your dentist will create a treatment plan to accommodate those goals. Depending on the cosmetic procedure involved, it may require several lengthy appointments or it may be accomplished rather quickly. The chosen cosmetic procedure will be designed around creating a smile that accurately conveys your unique personality in keeping with your gender, age, and facial features. Your cosmetic dentistry results will have a completely natural appearance. People will only notice a healthy, genuine smile that supports a positive lifestyle.
Q Does it matter which dentist I choose for "Smile Design" cosmetic dentistry?
A While Willow Bend Dental's "Smile Design" is simple to explain here, it is actually extremely technical to perform and requires a high-level of expertise. It's critical to choose a dentist with the experience and background required to deliver the desired quality. Smile Design isn't taught in dental school. It requires post-graduate training, extensive hands-on experience, and an incredible amount of dedication. Smile Design demands a dentist who can confidently apply both the artistic and scientific knowledge in the latest techniques and materials of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, to successfully achieve world class results. Dr. Beougher has not only achieved this level of advanced training, he is currently one of the most sought after clinical instructors in the field.
Q How can I safely whiten my teeth?
A Teeth whitening, as performed at Willow Bend Dental, is one of the safest, quickest, and most immediately rewarding cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Our dentists offer a variety of methods, some of which we conduct in our office, others that you can do at at home. It's vital to request a brief consultation with your dentist prior to choosing a whitening system. Depending upon your dental health and particular cause of discoloration, your dentist will assist in determining which system would be most beneficial to you. Some treatments are better for various situations than others. For example, if your teeth are darkened to a yellow, brown, or orange tinge due to age, coffee, tea, or smoking, chances are excellent that teeth whitening will bring lasting satisfactory results. However, if your teeth are a dark gray tone from flourosis or tetracycline use, whitening results may be a bit less dramatic. Whitening products will not lighten resins, silicants, porcelains or other synthetic materials.
Q Is it possible to straighten my front teeth without wearing braces?
A At Willow Bend Dental, we offer 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 removable "invisible braces". We invite you to arrange an appointment to learn about the options that best suits your individual situation.
Q What's the difference between crowns, onlays, inlays, veneers and partials?
A 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, while retaining more of the natural tooth structure. For unattractive front teeth, we can create attractive, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to just 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 acrylic or metal. These are 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, we invite you to call or email us for an appointment.
Q I am uncomfortable visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
A 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, or plan to use oral sedation or "sleep dentistry" 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!
Q Should I be concerned if my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
A Bleeding gums are never a good sign! However, the condition may or may not require professional attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by improper, rough, "scrubbing" instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If bleeding persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, it's likely to be the result of some level of gum disease. We highly recommend that you set up an evaluation appointment with us. We specialize in helping patients arrest and successfully treat all stages of gum disease through the use of excellent non-surgical gum care procedures.
Q Why do you offer "Spa Services" at Willow Bend Dental?
A One of the many things that makes our practice unique is the relaxing spa environment provided to our patients. Along with complimentary aroma therapy, we are pleased to make available a full range of professional massage services. Our in-office massage services are designed to promote your overall sense of well-being from head to toe, as well as to relieve any anxiety that may be emotionally connected to a visit with a dentist. Ask our friendly staff about how you too can escape the hectic swirl of the outside world and make time for a luxurious, relaxing experience - and leave with a beautiful smile on your face!
Willow Bend Dental
972-964-5686
Willow Bend Dental's innovative and sophisticated technology, beautiful world-class facility, and compassionate and caring staff, combine to deliver state-of-the-art dentistry to the fine residents of North Texas, including Dallas and Plano.