Patients often come to our practice seeking advice on ways to correct aesthetic dental problems. These patients may require cosmetic dental procedures or treatment for a number to correct a variety of cosmetic defects - to repair a malformed bite or crooked teeth, to treat an injury, or just to improve their overall appearance. For these and many other reasons, cosmetic dentistry has become a vital and important part of the dental profession. But whatever their reason for seeking treatment, the ultimate goal is to restore a beautiful smile.

In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for cosmetic dentistry.  We all understand that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to increases self-confidence.  Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is no longer a luxury reserved for movie stars, and our Spokane Cosmetic Dental Office is able to improve your smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Common cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshapen, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. Procedures used in the practice of cosmetic dentistry can also change the overall shape of teeth, whether they are too long or short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped to create a more attractive smile.

• Some of the more common procedures involve:
• Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth
• Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth
• Improve or correct bites
• Lighten or brighten the color of teeth
• Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Replace missing teeth
• Replace old, unattractive dental treatments

Which techniques should be used to improve your smile? Before making any decisions, your dentist will need to do a complete dental exam. It is very important to identify any underlying issues that may affect the results of any cosmetic dental procedure. Your Spokane, Cheney Cosmetic Dentist will also discuss your about your lifestyle to determine the best treatment for you. Contact your cosmetic dental professional for more information and to take the first step towards obtaining the smile of your dreams.

If you are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of your teeth Lumineers® may be the perfect option for you. These ultra-thin shells fit perfectly over the teeth, making them look cosmetically perfect. You know how dull, discolored teeth or a crooked smile can affect your confidence.  Lumineers® are an excellent option for patients who desire a beautiful smile without surgery, harsh chemicals or painful treatments.

Unlike dental veneers, Lumineers® applied by your Spokane, Cheney Cosmetic Dentist can be left in place for over 20 years or removed upon request to expose the original, intact teeth.  Lumineers® can be fitted in just two appointments, and instantly add pizzazz to the smile.

Here are some of the problems that Lumineers® can solve:

1. Large gaps between teeth.
2. Misaligned teeth or misshapen teeth
3. Stained teeth.
4. Uneven gums and teeth.
5. Unnatural looking bridges and crowns.

How can Lumineers® benefit me?
One of the greatest advantages of using Lumineers® is that they are ultra-thin – about the thickness of a contact lens – and no painful alterations of your natural teeth are required prior to application.  Injections of local anesthetic are unnecessary because no drilling is required, and the entire application can be completed in two visits. Lumineers® will last over 20 years with proper care but are removable since healthy tooth structure is not affected.

How are Lumineers applied?
During the first visit to Spokane Cosmetic Dental Office, we will thoroughly examine your teeth to ensure that no tooth decay or gum disease is present. Molds (or impressions) and X-rays are then taken to determine your bite. Working with you, we will choose the color of the Lumineers® and the desired level of transparency.  The bite impressions are sent to the laboratory to be custom-crafted.

The Lumineers® are bonded to your teeth at the second appointment. Once the Lumineers® are in place we polish them until they are completely smooth.  This smooth surface helps repel bacteria and staining agents, leaving you with a healthy, beautiful smile that will last for many years to come!

We all understand that we must schedule routine dental checkups in order to maintain excellent oral health. Professional cleanings twice yearly at Spokane, Cheney Family Dentist will help to remove a most disease-causing bacteria and plaque, but you must be proactive and combine professional dental care with proper daily oral hygiene. Let’s review some of the more common oral hygiene aids on the market and their uses:

 

Dental Flosses
Dental floss is the most common interdental cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors. Dental floss is effective at removing food particles and plaque from between teeth. Floss should normally be used twice daily after brushing.

Interdental Cleaners
In addition to dental floss, many hygienists and periodontists recommend interdental brushes in addition to dental floss. Interdental brushes come in various shapes and sizes, and they are very effective in cleaning between the gums.

Mouth Rinses
Cosmetic rinses sold over the counter only temporarily mask bad breath. Therapeutic rinses, however, are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing.

Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators (like Water Jets and Waterpiks) clean debris from below the gum line. Oral irrigators are effective in lowering the risk of gum disease but should not be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing.

Rubber Tip Stimulators
Excellent for removing plaque around the gum line, rubber tip stimulators also increase blood flow to the gums. Trace gently around the inner and outer gumline at least once daily. To ensure its effectiveness, replace the tip as soon as it starts to appear worn.

Tongue Cleaners
Tongue cleaners (or scrapers) are designed to remove bacterial buildup from the tongue. Bacteria colonize on the tongue, causing bad breath and other systemic diseases. Use the tongue cleaner prior to brushing.

Toothbrushes
Dentists usually recommend electric toothbrushes as the vibrating or rotary motion helps remove plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth. They also require far less effort than a manual toothbrush.

Replace manual toothbrushes every three months since worn bristles become ineffective over time. Soft bristle toothbrushes are easier on sensitive gum tissue than medium and hard bristle varieties. Teeth should be brushed after each meal, or at least twice each day.

 

If you are uncertain as to which of these aids are the best for you, check with our Spokane Family Dental Office during your next visit, and we’ll be happy to guide through selecting the best products for your situation.

Left untreated, dental infections and periodontal disease will not only affect the appearance of your smile but, can destroy your oral health. Neglecting routine at-home oral and professional care places you at greater risk of losing teeth and bone density. At some point when you finally do try to “catch up” you may face painful complications that require extensive cosmetic procedures in order to restore the appearance of your smile.
 
Prevention is the key to maintaining a beautiful healthy smile. By making your dental care a priority you can save you the future cost and embarrassment of dental disease. At Spokane, Cheney Family Dentist one of our goals is to educate our patients on effective ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. Even the most consistent routine of brushing and flossing is not enough to maintain a healthy smile. Practicing good at-home oral hygiene is vital, but it must be paired with professional dental cleanings to be really effective.
 
Many of our patients understand the importance of following good oral health by following proper oral hygiene routines and avoiding damaging food and drinks. As we eat, drink, and speak a sticky bacterial film called plaque coats tooth enamel and oral tissue. Flossing and brushing help to remove some plaque build-up but cannot eliminate it completely. The plaque that is not removed hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar continues to build up on teeth, causing dental decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss unless it is removed through regular professional cleanings.
 
You can take control of your dental health in two easy steps:

Maintain a proactive at-home cleaning schedule (to reduce daily plaque build-up)
See your dentist for semi-annual professional cleanings (to remove tartar and give you a “clean slate” for brushing and flossing).

It is never too late to get back on track with your dental health routine. Start by scheduling a visit to Spokane Family Dental Office to give yourself and your family the best possible chance for optimal oral health.

There are many options in dentistry today for missing teeth replacement. A dental bridge is just one such option, and today I’d like to explain the benefits of fixed bridges. A fixed (non-removable) bridge is durable and creates an excellent replacement for missing teeth.

You may already know that Spokane, Cheney Family Dentist offers several different types of bridges. You’re probably most familiar with a “traditional bridge” which is composed of porcelain fused to metal.  The traditional bridge usually involves two crowns that are placed on two adjacent teeth and are then attached to an artificial tooth (pontic). This creates a “bridge” that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

You and your dentist may decide on a fixed bridge for any of the following reasons:

• Fill space of missing teeth.
• Prevent drifting of remaining teeth
• Restore ability to chew and/or speak clearly
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture

    
Placement of a fixed bridge will generally require two or more visits. The two anchoring teeth will be prepared by removing a portion of enamel, allowing room for a crown.  Next, your Spokane Family Dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This mold is then sent to a dental lab where a custom-fit bridge will be created specifically to fit your teeth and accommodate your bite. You will leave your first appointment with a temporary bridge created by your dentist.

Your second appointment takes place once the permanent bridge has been created. At this point it will be carefully checked and adjusted to make sure it fits properly. The bridge is then permanently cemented.

At the conclusion of this visit you receive instructions on how to properly care for your new permanent bridge. The life of your new bridge will be extended greatly by following proper brushing and flossing techniques and scheduling regular dental visits.

There are a variety of reasons why you may need teeth whitening as your teeth become dull and discolored over time. Age, stain-producing food and drink and tobacco are just a few of the causes that can lead to a less-than-dazzling smile. Cosmetic Dentistry today provides many options for teeth whitening and really bringing your smile to life. One very effective treatment that is used at Spokane, Cheney Cosmetic Dentistry is the Zoom Teeth Whitening System. This bleaching process is very effective and widely used today to whiten and brighten discolored tooth enamel. Here’s a brief description of the process:

Is Zoom Whitening Right for You?
Before deciding if Zoom In-Office teeth whitening is right for you, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure your overall oral health and discuss your at-home oral hygiene routine as well as your lifestyle. This will help you and your dentist agree on the whitening product or technique that's best suited for you.

The Zoom Whitening System
Spokane Cosmetic Dental Office recommends a regular cleaning with our hygienist prior to the Zoom teeth whitening session. After your teeth have been professionally cleaned, the whitening treatment begins by protecting the lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. A hydrogen peroxide-based gel is then carefully applied to the tooth enamel. The Zoom procedure uses a special bleaching light fitted with an infrared filter to minimize the amount of heat to which the patient’s teeth are exposed. Once the light is in position it illuminates all the teeth being treated. Immediately following the bleaching treatment, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth. The entire process takes about an hour.

Post Treatment Guidelines
After your in-office teeth whitening procedure is complete, you will be given a Zoom touch-up kit to take home (including custom-fit whitening trays) and instructions on how the kit should be used. We will also provide you with a list of stain-producing foods and beverages that should be used in moderation to maintain the whitening effects of the Zoom treatment.

When researching solutions in cosmetic dentistry it’s obviously important to choose a material that is not only functional for daily use and maintenance, but it must also be natural looking. Porcelain is one such material as it mimics the appearance and strength of dental enamel and has become the choice today for many patients when choosing veneers at Spokane, Cheney Cosmetic Dentist. Porcelain veneers offer a solution for a variety of cosmetic problems, and they can virtually transform a smile in only a few appointments.

If you are affected by any of these issues -

• Cracked/chipped dental enamel
• Misaligned teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Dark or stained enamel
• Pitted/grooved teeth

- Porcelain veneers can be successfully used to correct the problem and many others, and may be the solution for you.

Why Choose Veneers?
There are so many cosmetic options available today and many patients want more information and may wonder why choosing veneers rather than another procedure makes sense. The truth is that you should weigh all of your potential options to make the right decision for your specific situation. The primary benefit of porcelain veneers, however, is that they’ll blend with your natural teeth since they closely replicate natural dental enamel so.

Appearance
Porcelain reflects and absorbs light similarly to natural enamel and is used for a number of cosmetic solutions. It can be shaped and shaded to fit your natural tooth coloring and is resistant to staining because of its smooth glasslike finish. That same quality keeps them from looking dull or flat and retains its white, bright appearance for years.

Strength
Porcelain is often thought to be a fragile material but Spokane, Cheney Cosmetic Dentistry, knows that it is actually quite strong when used in dental applications. Porcelain veneers don’t put unnecessary strain on neighboring teeth and patients can chew normally and follow their normal routine of oral hygiene. Porcelain is an ideal material for dental restorations and so is popular with dentists and patients alike and will keep you smiling for many years to come.

Our bodies and our health change with age, a fact that of which we all become aware. You may not realize, however, that your teeth are also affected by the passing of years. Maybe you’ve found that you have a harder time keeping your teeth shiny and white as you get older. Even though you’re following the same brushing and flossing routine, it may no longer have the desired effect of maintaining your youthful smile. Perhaps over-the-counter whitening treatments are not removing stains as they once did.

At Cheney Cosmetic Dentist Office we find many patients don’t understand why their teeth are becoming duller and harder to whiten. There are actually a number of reasons dental enamel can change in appearance over the years. Environmental factors contribute to some extent but more often this dulling is part of the natural aging process.

You can remove some stains on the surface of dental enamel through regular flossing and brushing. These stains are often caused by discoloring foods and drinks such as soda, coffee, tea, and red wine which can all leave stains on teeth. Use of tobacco products especially can also make enamel appear dark, dull, and discolored. When they are relatively new, these stains can often be removed or effectively bleached away, but will eventually seep into porous enamel, making them difficult to remove.

The teeth of a young person are covered with a thick layer of white enamel, concealing the inner core of the tooth. As you age, this enamel begins to erode, exposing more of the dentin beneath the surface. Dentin is naturally a darker, yellow color so older teeth often appear dull and yellow in comparison to healthy new teeth.

Different teeth whitening options are available depending on your cosmetic goals, the extent of discoloration, and urgency with which you need to see results. There are patients who respond well to professional teeth bleaching treatments developed to lighten discoloration using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Dental veneers, which completely resurface enamel using thin layers of porcelain, may be a better option for patients with extensive or resistant staining.

It’s impossible to eliminate all dental staining. Your teeth will naturally change appearance and lose some of their luster over time in addition to accumulating environmental stains. But today’s modern cosmetic dentistry can restore the bright and luminous nature of your teeth, resulting in a more youthful looking smile. Call the Spokane Cosmetic Dentist Office today to learn more about teeth whitening options or to discuss your situation in greater detail.

A beautiful, healthy smile can make a great first impression, but if you have crooked or uneven teeth, you may be less than confident about your smile. If you’ve been putting off having this corrected because you don't want to endure the process and time involved in wearing traditional braces, you are not alone. But there are options to correct alignment issues and give you back your beautiful smile. Today, let's take a look at some of the advantages of using the Invisalign™ system.

What makes Invisalign aligners preferable to traditional braces?

• Easy Treatment Plan: Your Invisalign™ treatment starts when we take the X-rays used to create a 3-d digital image of your mouth.  Next, you’ll be given a series of custom-made aligners that you will take home and change about every two weeks. You will see the difference in your smile every time you change aligners! You will be scheduled for checkups every six weeks or so at our Spokane Cosmetic Dentist office so we can monitor your progress.
• Convenient: Simply wear your aligners throughout the day, removing them to eat. This allows you to eat foods you love without the worry of particles getting stuck in wires and brackets.
• Easily removable: You will continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Your Invisalign™ aligners can simply be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water.
• Adaptable to your active lifestyle: Since Invisalign™ aligners are nearly invisible; most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. You don’t have to worry about the discomfort of metal braces and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth, and if you’re involved in contact sports, Invisalign™ aligners are easily removed, enabling you to wear a protective mouth guard if necessary.

How long does the entire process take?
It’s difficult to say exactly how long you will need to wear your Invisalign™ aligners since everyone is unique. Contact the Spokane Cosmetic Dentists for a free consultation to evaluate your individual situation. Generally speaking though, Invisalign™ treatment usually takes about a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces, with less discomfort and the added advantage of seeing the improvement every time you change aligners!

If you have an infant or small child, you may be wondering when you should schedule their first visit to your family dentist. You may think that it’s sufficient for you to care for their oral hygiene yourself until permanent teeth start coming in, but your child’s visits to the family dentist should begin long before that event!

 

When should my child first see a dentist?
Your child should have their first visit as soon as his or her first tooth erupts, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, but no later than their first birthday. This establishes a pattern of proper dental care for your child, helping to avoid “dental phobia” that can lead to problems later in life.

Why so early? What dental problems could my baby have?
Try to think of your child’s baby teeth as building blocks for the future of their good oral health. Baby teeth act as a placeholder in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth too soon, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space.  This shift can cause permanent teeth to be crooked or crowded. Routine office visits enable us to monitor these teeth as they emerge.

Isn’t it enough for me to brush and clean their teeth at home?
The primary reason for early childhood visits to your Spokane Family Dentist is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can develop early, and besides checking for tooth decay and other potential problems, we’ll show you the proper way to clean your child’s teeth. Once their diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better chance we have of preventing potential dental problems.

What steps can I take to ensure the good dental health of my child?
The best thing you can do is to provide them with a well-balanced diet and ensure that they brush and floss daily. Scheduling regular dental checkups for them at Spokane or Cheney Family Dentist is the best way to ensure a beautiful, healthy lifetime smile for your child.