Common Questions and Answers

What is aesthetic dentistry?

Aesthetic dentistry combines the art and science of modern dental care. It does not just focus on beauty. It combines function and health, and composes it with natural beauty to produce results that are truly amazing!

How do I know if my dentist is an aesthetic dentist?

Ask about your dentist’s credentials. What type of advanced education have they received? Ask them show you some of their cases. Ask them about how your bite plays a role in the overall picture of cosmetics.

How many visits will it take to change my smile?

You can have the smile you have always wanted in as little as 2 visits spaced about 3 weeks apart.

What can be done if my teeth are discolored, rotated, chipped, or missing?

Utilizing the latest techniques and materials using Porcelain veneers, we can correct discolored, rotated, chipped, or even missing teeth. The end results are natural looking, strong, and beautiful teeth.

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Can having too much or uneven gums be changed?

If you have too much gum tissue we can sculpt them to a degree utilizing laser technology. This can make your teeth appear more natural and reduce that “gummy” smile.

Do you still use those ugly, old, metal-silver fillings?

Dr. Hope believes in offering his guests the best that dentistry has to offer. Silver-Mercury amalgam fillings do not fall into that philosophy of offering the best.

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Silver-Mercury metal fillings are ugly, require removal of lots of healthy tooth structure and because they are a metal, cause expansion and contraction of tooth structure leading to fractures, pain, and sometimes even tooth loss. In addition to all that, there are the possible health concerns due to the mercury in the filling material.

The materials Dr. Hope uses to restore teeth are metal-free. For smaller restorations Dr. Hope uses directly bonded composite materials. For medium to large restorations we utilize indirect Porcelain materials. These materials are much more conservative requiring minimal tooth removal, are strong, they help to reinforce tooth structure, and they are beautiful!

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What is “Instant Orthodontics?”

When a person has rotated or crooked teeth often times we utilize an Orthodontist to help us straighten the teeth using braces. Sometimes a patient does not want to have braces on for up to three years and the elect to have the teeth straightened using Porcelain veneers. This process is called “Instant Orthodontics.” In as little as two weeks you can erase the years of crowding, crookedness, or rotation of your teeth and have a beautiful smile.

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What is neuromuscular dentistry and can it help relieve headaches and jaw pain?

Neuromuscular dentistry is a practice philosophy that takes into account your teeth, your jaw muscles, and your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Utilizing advanced techniques and technologies we find the healthy, relaxed position of your jaw muscles. Since 90% of all pain comes from the muscles it makes sense that a lot of head and neck pain is due to muscle factors. What we have found is that in this healthy, relaxed jaw position, many patient’s headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, dizziness, and many other symptoms are relieved if not eliminated totally.

What is full mouth rehabilitation?

Full Mouth rehabilitation is a procedure where due to many existing conditions and factors, a person’s traumatic, unhealthy bite and their teeth are restored to a new healthy, functional, and comfortable state. Many times when a person’s teeth have been excessively worn down resulting in very short and stubby looking teeth, they have pain and lots of TMJ problems.

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We can reduce or eliminate their pain and give them healthy, natural, and beautiful teeth at the same time. Dr. Hope has been trained in Full Mouth rehabilitation. Ask us if you may be a candidate.