Dental Health Services at Artistic Dental

Artistic Dental at the biltmore offers dental health services for the whole family.  In addition to caring for the dental needs of all ages, our dentists and staff are highly trained in a wide variety of comprehensive dental procedures. What this means for our patients is that we can take care of a majority of your dental needs including orthodontics and wisdom tooth extractions, as well as many other treatments and procedures. If you are a current patient or interested in becoming an Artistic Dental patient, speak to Dr. Dougherty or Dr. Adhikari to learn how we can help.

In the meantime, here is a list of services and procedures we provide:

Preventative care:

Artistic Dental offers preventative care and diagnostic through routine exams and cleanings. Teeth cleanings are recommended every six months. During these cleanings, we scale and polish teeth to remove tartar and prevent cavities. In addition, we check for any signs of oral cancer and we carefully examine and monitor the gums overtime for signs of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Orthodontics:

For patients with crooked or crammed teeth that are not aligned properly, Artistic Dental offers orthodontic services as mentioned earlier. Patients in need of orthodontics have the option of ceramic braces, traditional braces and Invisalign. All three options provide different benefits and choosing the right one for you depends on your situation and what the dentist recommend.

Veneers:

If you are unhappy with the shape, color or length of your teeth, Artistic Dental offers custom-made veneers. These porcelain veneers are permanent thin shells made of tooth-colored materials that bond to the surface of your teeth, creating an inconspicuous, natural-looking white smile. 

Laser:

 Advancements in laser technology, make procedures less invasive and nearly painless. Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari invest time for continued education and training along with investing in the latest equipment in order to provide the best treatment options. Diagnodent is a small laser that scans the teeth for hidden decay; NV Microlaser is a laser that allows the dentists to treat canker sores and other mouth ulcers; and Solea is a laser that removes cavities without a drill or the use of novacaine. With no drills and no needles, these technologies make procedures more comfortable for patients and improve diagnosis and treatment.

CEREC crowns:

Have an old filling or a cracked or chipped tooth that requires a crown ASAP? Traditionally, crown placements take multiple visits to the dentist due to the nature of having to mold the crown to the tooth and place a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made in a lab. The process can take weeks. Fortunately, Artistic Dental uses CEREC crowns where we are able to use computer-aided technology and 3D photography to mold and make a crown that matches the natural color of your other teeth in one visit.

Dental implants:

Artistic Dental offers dental implants for people who have lost a permanent tooth that needs to be replaced. Replacing the empty space with a dental implant is completely necessary because the implant protects the healthy bone in the jaw from decay and infection, just like a natural tooth does. So how does it work? Dental implants are permanently anchored to the jaw. The jawbone forms a mechanical and chemical bond with the implant, allowing for better chewing and a healthier smile.

Teeth whitening:

Everyone would like a sparkling smile, but stains and discoloration from diet and normal wear and tear happens. At Artistic Dental, we offer a few different whitening treatments to brighten your smile. One of the most effective is the take-home whitening trays with whitening gel refills. The whitening trays are custom-made from a mold of your teeth, giving you the best results and comfort throughout the whitening process.

Occlusal guards/ mouth guards:

If your teeth are worn down from clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth in your sleep (bruxism), the dentists recommend wearing an occlusal guard. For children and adults who play contact sports, a mouth guard is always recommended to prevent teeth from being fractured, damaged or knocked out. At Artistic Dental, we can provide our patients with custom-made mouth guards that mold to your teeth for the best protection and comfort. If you already have a mouth guard, remember to bring it in during your next visit and our staff will check the fit and clean it for you!

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Artistic Dental patient or have questions, please call our office at (602)-840-5400 to schedule a complimentary consultation or visit our website at artisticd.com

The Difference Between Crowns and Veneers

Crowns and veneers are both treatments that are utilized by dentists to address various different situations. However, the disparities between them can often be confusing to the average patient. The Artistic Dental team is here to help, and ready to show you all the differences!

Dental crowns and veneers are fairly similar to one another in their goal to give you a cleaner smile, but there are some differences. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain applied to the front of teeth; they can radically transform imperfect smiles for the better. If your teeth are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, gapped, uneven or irregularly shaped, veneers might be a great choice. However, if you’ve previously had root canal therapy, crowns will provide fragile teeth with more structural support. Crowns and veneers are made with the same materials, but unlike veneers, crowns encapsulate the entire tooth. If you have attractive teeth that are simply misaligned, braces are probably a better choice. All procedures are now done in aesthetic full-porcelain avoiding the ugly “metal under crown” look.

Both are options that can greatly improve your confidence and, most importantly, your smile and overall oral health. However, the variations between these procedures – whether a veneer or a crown is more appropriate, for example – are immense. Oftentimes crowns are utilized when more damage has been done to the teeth or gums, and when veneers cannot accurately correct these issues. When the issue is primarily cosmetic, compromises the face of the tooth, a veneer may be the best option.

We suggest that you find out how experienced your dentist is when it comes to working with veneers. You’ll also want to ask what kind of satisfaction guarantees the office provides. If you experience problems with your veneers down the road, it is imperative that you know what options are open to you.

How to Make Veneers Last

Veneers typically have a life span of around 10 to 15 years, depending on the exact specification (whether they are porcelain dental veneers, such as those offered by Artistic Dental).  With exceptional care and attention to cleaning, the veneers can and will last longer.

While they make your smile brighter and more uniform, veneers will also react to substances in much the same way as your teeth. It’s no surprise to learn that avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth, as well as abstaining from smoking and chewing tobacco, will lengthen the cosmetic life of your veneers. Even though the face of the veneer itself is resistant to many stains that natural teeth are more vulnerable to, the cement that binds the veneer is very susceptible to staining.

 To prolong the life of your veneers, you also need to continue good brushing and flossing habits. Care for veneers should mirror the care you need to commit to   your permanent teeth. Proper brushing is also great prevention against gum recession, which can lead to the need to replace a veneer down the road. Keeping scheduled dental visits, at least once a year and preferably twice, will help ensure proper cleanings are maintained and will help prevent future problems that can be costly when ignored.

It is also best to protect veneers from activities that can be jarring to the mouth (such as contact or combat sports) by wearing an appropriate mouth guard or mask, and that potential cracks or wear are addressed promptly with your dentist. Remember – anything that can break a tooth can break a veneer. If anything, the porcelain is more fragile to forces that involve major pressure like grinding and heavy biting.

If you are looking to improve your smile, veneers may be the answer. Artistic Dental currently has a special offer  that includes a complimentary cosmetic exam and consultation – that allows you an opportunity to discuss your options with one of dentists and determine the best treatment plan to a healthy new smile. Please be sure to mention the offer when you call to schedule an appointment.