Creating the smile you want - You may have endured discolored, chipped, or unevenly spaced teeth since childhood. You may have recently lost a tooth to trauma or periodontal disease. But now by using the latest technology and techniques, you can have a more pleasing smile. There are numerous options for improving your smile.

CLEANINGS

New patients will be examined prior to regular cleanings. A very careful periodontal (gum) exam will be performed. If there are no serious periodontal problems, the hygienist will generally perform a regular cleaning (dental prophylaxis). The hygienist will also take any necessary x-rays with your consent. It is worth noting that we are using advanced digital radiography, which can reduce x-ray exposure by up to 90%, compared to regular x-rays with film. You will also be able to view the radiographs on the computer screen in the operatory.

After your cleaning, restorative or other dental needs will be discussed and appropriate appointments will be scheduled.

It is very important to have regular dental exams and cleanings and we will recommend an appropriate interval. Most patients are seen every six months, however, three and four month intervals are not uncommon.

GUM DISEASE

It is very common for individuals who have not had regular dental care and cleanings to have periodontal (gum) problems. Some symptoms are bleeding gums, mouth odor or bad taste. It is also very common for a patient to be unaware of chronic gum infections. If disease is found, we will explain our diagnosis and the recommended appropriate treatment. Initial treatment is almost always a thorough scaling and cleaning of the teeth with local anesthetic. Discomfort is minimal. The hygienist will usually complete the treatment in two appointments, lasting an hour each. We will then reevaluate and proceed with any other dental procedures. Occasionally, we will recommend evaluation by a periodontist who may provide additional periodontal treatment.

We take the maintenance of your periodontal health very seriously, as it can significantly affect your overall health.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Veneers are a thin porcelain shell that covers the front surface of the tooth. They are bonded or cemented to your existing teeth. Veneers are used to change the size, shape and color of your natural teeth. Many patients confuse bonding and veneers. The difference between them is that in simple bonding a plastic composite material is used. Veneers are made of porcelain which is a much harder material, more difficult to break, and has color that will not change. We will make appropriate recommendations.

TOOTH WHITENING AND TOOTH BLEACHING

As we age, our teeth darken or become more yellow or gray. Coffee, tea, cigarettes, etc., all hasten this process. If you are considering bleaching your teeth, you should do it after a complete exam and cleaning. You should never bleach teeth that have decay or fractures. Use of the bleaching gel can make these areas more sensitive. Bleaching should precede receiving bonding, crowns, bridges, or other restorative work. Once any of these are placed, the bleaching gel will not lighten the resin material or porcelain restorations.

Our At-Home Whitening System is usually more effective than "over the counter" systems. Our process involves fabricating trays which specifically fit your mouth. A well-constructed bleaching tray has reservoirs built into it to hold whitening gel in contact with enamel. This also lessens the waste of bleaching gel, and prevents irritation to the gums. Our system requires you to wear your trays once a day for 30 minutes for a two week time period. It's possible for you to have whiter teeth in only two weeks. Most of our staff has bleached their teeth. We will be glad to give you information about brighter smiles along with our home bleaching kits.

BONDING

Bonding is used to close spaces, repair fractures and to cover discolorations in enamel. All of these can usually be performed easily and without the use of anesthesia. Bonding is placed with a colored composite resin material. We carefully match the resin to match the shade of your natural teeth.

FILLINGS

Fillings can repair teeth which have been damaged by decay or small fractures. We have many choices for filling material. These include composite resin, amalgam, and full gold or porcelain fillings (also known as onlays or inlays). All of these provide durable and natural looking restorations. With today’s advanced resin materials, we most frequently recommend and provide tooth colored bonded fillings.

BRACES/INVISALIGN

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Studies show that millions of Americans have oral health problems that could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Without treatment, many of these people could develop serious problems.

Orthodontics is not age restrictive. Our practice includes patients of all ages. We have treated patients as young as five and are currently treating adult patients in their sixties. As a rule, the earlier a problem is treated, the more treatment options are available. Although teeth can be straightened at any age, growth and development of a child's face and jaws can be used to enhance treatment goals. We recommend seeing children at seven or eight years of age and encourage adults not to wait until either pain or embarrassment forces them to seek care.

Modern orthodontics provides treatment that is more comfortable and also more cosmetically discreet than in the past. Dr. Baldwin prides himself in using the latest and most effective appliances available. There are several types that we will show you including clear ceramic, mini braces, and invisible retainers.

Reasons for seeking orthodontic care are varied. We find most people want a smile that makes them feel self-confident and assured, and a bite that is comfortable and healthy.

We are Invisalign® Certified!

Invisalign® is an invisible way to straighten your teeth and beautify your smile. We use sets of clear trays, usually worn for two weeks at a time. About every six weeks, you'll visit our office so that we can ensure your treatment is progressing properly and provide additional alignment until treatment is completed.

CROWNS

Crowns are necessary for teeth that cannot be repaired with a filling. Crowns are also used to repair fractured teeth or teeth that have been diagnosed with cracked tooth syndrome. Crowns are made of porcelain, gold or a combination of porcelain and gold.

BRIDGES

Bridges are crowns that are connected together to replace one missing tooth or several teeth. A bridge is cemented in place and is not removable. A bridge is also constructed of gold, porcelain, or a gold-porcelain combination.

DENTURES

Dentures are removable appliances used for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth. Our goal when making dentures is to provide you with the most natural looking smile possible. Dentures are made of a characterized gum material using plastic or porcelain teeth.

Removable partials are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. They are constructed of plastic, metal, or a combination of the two.

TOOTH IMPLANTS

Coming Soon!

ROOT CANALS

Endodontics is a dental term used for "root-canal treatment". Endodontics can help you keep your natural teeth by removing the tooth's pulp, a small thread-like tissue, which was important for tooth development. Once removed, it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were often extracted. Today, even if the pulp of one of your teeth becomes injured or infected, it often can be saved through root-canal (endodontic) treatment.

EXTRACTIONS

Most extractions can be performed in our office; however some teeth require removal by an oral surgeon. If this is necessary, we will refer you to one of several qualified oral surgeons in the area.