Which Tooth Restoration Option Is Best?

May 15th, 2012

Dental Implant TennesseeReplacing a missing tooth as soon as possible is the best way to prevent teeth shifting or further oral health problems. If you are considering dentures or a dental bridge, it is important to note that these restorations usually require replacement every 7-10 years.

 

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime if cared for with proper oral hygiene. They also provide the benefit of replacing the tooth root in addition to the tooth, keeping the gums and jawbone strong. Implant-supported dentures and dental bridges are now also available as restoration options for multiple missing teeth.

 

Dental implants have a success rate around 95%, making them one of the most effective tooth replacement options available. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, “After more than 20 years of service, the vast majority of dental implants first placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States continue to still function at peak performance. More importantly, the recipients of those early dental implants are still satisfied they made the right choice.“

 

If you have gaps in your smile from missing teeth, consider a visit with cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells in Tennessee for an initial consultation about dental implants. An investment in dental implants is an investment in a lifetime of benefits.

 

Enhancing Smiles With Cosmetic Dental Techniques

May 1st, 2012

Cosmetic Dentistry Brentwood

Are you bothered by some part of your smile each time you look in the mirror? Perhaps you feel your teeth are too small, a little discolored, or encumbered with silver amalgam fillings. Maybe you feel your gums are overtaking your teeth. Many people dislike some aspect of their smile, but don’t want to invest in more significant cosmetic dental restorations like dental crowns or porcelain veneers. While Brentwood cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells is highly trained and experienced in smile makeovers, he has an acute attention to detail that allows him to transform even minor smile flaws into beautiful smiles with more simple cosmetic techniques like those below.

 

Tissue Contouring: While your gums play an important supporting role, your smile should showcase your teeth, not your gums. Sometimes the gums can begin creeping up and covering the lower part of your teeth, creating a gummy smile and visibly shortening the length of your teeth. Another common problem is an uneven gum line that distracts from the overall aesthetics of the smile. Extreme makeover dentist Dr. Dennis Wells offers tissue contouring with a soft tissue laser to reduce or even out the gum line. Such a simple, painless procedure can make a big difference in the look of your smile.

Tooth-Colored Fillings: There is no need to continue feeling embarrassed about a mouth full of silver amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are not only more discrete and attractive, but they are more biocompatible as well. Instead of reminding yourself and others about previous cavities, tooth-colored fillings can restore the look of a clean, healthy smile.

DURAthin Veneers: For minor tooth defects like slight discoloration, chips, or minimal misalignment, DURAthin veneers offer a conservative, aesthetic solution. DURAthin veneers are contact-lens thin pieces of porcelain that are shaped and colored to your specifications, and bonded to the front of your teeth. No drilling, pain, or tooth reduction is necessary for this highly effective procedure.

Teeth Whitening: Over time your teeth collect stains that bury deep into your tooth enamel. A simple professional teeth whitening procedure can bleach out the impurities and stains to reveal a strikingly white and beautiful smile. Such a simple procedure can give your smile an instant lift without requiring any restorative work. Dr. Dennis Wells provides both in-office and take-home teeth whitening kits for your convenience.

 

To learn more about the cosmetic dental procedures available at the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, call to schedule an appointment today.

 

Smile Restoration With Tooth-Colored Fillings

April 15th, 2012

Taking a few extra minutes out of your day to take care of your teeth can pay off in time, money, and appearance in the long run. Good oral hygiene includes daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular dentist visits. Without consistent flossing and brushing, bacteria and plaque begin to build up, causing tooth decay and sometimes gum disease. Visiting your dentist biannually ensures not only that you get a professional tooth cleaning for those hard-to-reach places, but it also gives Nashville cosmetic dentist Dr. Wells an opportunity to check for cavities and tooth decay.

 

When tooth decay is caught early it can easily be treated with tooth-colored fillings or composite bonding. If left undetected, tooth decay can worsen and require more significant restorations down the road such as root canals, dental crowns, or extractions.

 

Tooth-colored fillings are the most common treatment for tooth decay and cavities. After the decay is removed, the space in the tooth is filled with a composite or porcelain material that blends in with the texture and color of your surrounding teeth. While silver amalgam fillings used to be the only option for dental fillings, tooth-colored fillings have increased significantly in popularity in recent years. The materials that make up tooth-colored fillings have been strengthened with time to withstand more pressure so that they are an option for more teeth. Whether you need to fill a new cavity, or want to replace your old silver amalgam fillings for a more natural look that is also teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings provide an excellent cosmetic dental solution.

 

To learn more about the options for restoring your smile with tooth-colored fillings, or composite bonding, call the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at (615) 866-5151 in Nashville to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Wells.

 

Cosmetic Dental Services In Brentwood

April 1st, 2012


Cosmetic dental services focus around the aesthetics of your smile, in addition to functionality. As an experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Dennis Wells at the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry has the artistic skill to choose from a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments to shape your teeth into the smile of your dreams. The following list highlights just a few of the cosmetic dental services available:

Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are used to cover, straighten, whiten, reshape, or hide unsightly teeth. Contact-lens thin porcelain is shaped and bonded to the front surface of your teeth to create the smile you desire.

DURAthin Veneers: Cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells helped develop DURAthin veneers to function like porcelain veneers, but without any drilling or reduction of teeth. They are removable down the road if you ever want to go back to your regular teeth.

Dental Crowns: For tooth damage that is more severe and can’t be covered by a porcelain veneer, dental crowns provide an excellent restoration solution. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped porcelain that fit over the top of an existing tooth or dental implant to restore shape, strength, and appearance to a broken or missing tooth.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening one of the simplest cosmetic dental services that can make a drastic difference in the look of your smile. At the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we provide both at-home and in-office teeth whitening options to lighten the shade of your teeth and get rid of tooth stains.


For more information on cosmetic dental services offered at the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry in the Brentwood area, call our office today at (615) 866-5151 to schedule a FREE initial consultation.

 

Tennessee Teeth Whitening

March 15th, 2012

Straight, white teeth are no longer just for celebrities. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry over the last several years have made teeth whitening safer and more affordable for almost anyone wanting a brighter smile. Why is having a white smile important?

According to a national survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite gender, and 74% of adults feel an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success. Having a clean, straight smile that you feel confident about enhances your social and career opportunities.

 

While teeth whitening has become more affordable, use caution when choosing a teeth whitening system. When it comes to treating your teeth, the quality and safety of the treatment can be the deciding factor between damaging your teeth or enhancing their look. Several do-it-yourself remedies are available, but the safest teeth whitening treatments are overseen by your Tennessee dentist.

 

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells offers both in-office and take-home tooth whitening systems to effectively brighten your smile. The in-office whitening system can whiten your teeth several shades in just one visit. Take-home whitening trays usually take a little longer, but also brighten your teeth to your desired shade.

 

To find out how you can brighten your smile with Tennessee teeth whitening, call the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to schedule an initial consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells.

Dr. Dennis Wells
Nashville Center For Aesthetic Dentistry
105 Powell Court, Suite 101
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 866-5151
http://www.drdenniswells.com/

Tooth Loss Options

March 1st, 2012

No one in Nashville ever plans to lose a tooth, but adult tooth loss is prevalent from injuries, accidents, or gum disease. Once your tooth has been lost, it is important to find a tooth replacement as soon as possible to restore the aesthetics and function of your tooth. Have you ever considered that eating, talking, laughing, and smiling all require the use of your teeth?

At the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry we provide dental implants or dental bridges to replace your missing teeth.

A dental implant is one of the most effective tooth replacement solutions, with a high success rate around 95%. Unlike other restorations, a dental implant replaces the tooth root with a titanium rod, which helps keep the bone and gums strong and provides natural chewing support. Nashville dental implants are most commonly capped with natural-looking artificial teeth called dental crowns, which are contoured to match the look and color of your surrounding teeth. While the dental implant procedure takes several weeks to heal, it is known as one of the most long-lasting tooth replacement options.

If you do not have sufficient bone mass or do not qualify for a dental implant, a dental bridge is another common tooth replacement in Nashville. A dental bridge fills the tooth gap with a natural-looking tooth that is supported by the adjacent teeth. Both tooth replacements allow you to eat normally again and enjoy a high quality of life.

To learn more about the option of implant dentistry or dental bridge, contact the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry in Nashville at (615) 866-5151 to schedule an initial consultation.

Dr. Dennis Wells
Nashville Center For Aesthetic Dentistry
105 Powell Court, Suite 101
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 866-5151
http://www.drdenniswells.com/

Preserving Your New Smile

February 15th, 2012


A cosmetic dental restoration is an investment that you want to protect and preserve for as long as possible. Cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, DURAthin veneers, and dental crowns can have long-lasting benefits that affect almost every aspect of your life. Having a smile you are proud about increases self-confidence and contributes to a more striking first impression for those you meet.

 

The life span of a cosmetic dental restoration (i.e. dental crown, porcelain veneer, dental implant, etc.) is greatly impacted by how well it is cared for. No matter how precisely a cosmetic dental restoration is placed, it cannot make up for lack of good oral care after the procedure. Nashville cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells will tell you beforehand what the expected lifespan of your specific dental restoration should be. Some restorations like dental implants can last up to a lifetime, while other restorations like dental crowns or porcelain veneers need to be replaced about every 7-10 years. However, restorations tend to last longer when they are well cared for.

 

One of the most important factors in lengthening the life of your cosmetic dental restoration is good oral hygiene. Taking a few extra minutes out of your day to floss and brush your teeth prevents plaque from building up and weakening your gums and new teeth. Regular dental check-ups are important so that Dr. Dennis Wells can ensure that your cosmetic dental restoration is working properly and that your teeth are professionally cleaned. Keep in mind that poor eating habits can also contribute to a shortened lifespan of a restoration. Taking the time and effort to properly care for your cosmetic dental restoration can save you money on a replacement and contribute to a higher quality of life.

 

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or how to preserve your cosmetic dental restorations, call the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today at (615) 866-5151 or visit our website at http://www.drdenniswells.com/.

 

Your Own Hollywood Smile with DURAthin Veneers

February 1st, 2012

It may sound too good to be true that you can have your own Hollywood smile with no pain, no drilling, and no grinding down of your teeth. But the revolutionary development of DURAthin veneers makes that offer available. Tennessee dentist Dr. Dennis Wells, in connection with his lab technician Mark Willes, designed and developed DURAthin veneers to restore and craft beautiful smiles without the damage to your natural teeth that many other cosmetic restorations require. If you wish you could change something about your smile, but don’t hate it enough to want a complete smile makeover, DURAthin veneers offers a more conservative solution that is just as aesthetic. You can have a Hollywood smile without all the pain and irreversible tooth reduction.

 

Like traditional porcelain veneers, DURAthin veneers can hide unsightly teeth, resize small or misshapen teeth, whiten slight discoloration, and straighten your smile for a beautiful look. They offer an excellent all-in-one solution for several common aesthetic problems with smiles today. Tennessee DURAthin veneers are much thinner than porcelain veneers, allowing them to bond directly to the front surface of the tooth. With traditional porcelain veneers, the dentist has to grind down the natural teeth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. With DURAthin veneers, you can have a beautiful new smile while preserving your teeth underneath.

 

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells points out that not everyone is a good candidate for DURAthin veneers. This cosmetic dental technique is designed for specific cases and may not be the solution for every dental need. At an initial consultation with Dr. Dennis Wells, he will assess your situation and together you will determine whether DURAthin prepless veneers are the best option for you. If you do not qualify for DURAthin veneers, other cosmetic dental techniques such as dental crowns or traditional porcelain veneers offer equally beautiful smiles.

 

To learn more about how DURAthin veneers can give you the Hollywood smile you want, call the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at (615) 866-5151 to schedule an initial consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells.

Benefits Of Dental Crowns

January 15th, 2012

Do you feel self-conscious about a damaged or missing tooth? Your smile is an important feature that you use to smile, laugh, talk, and eat daily. Having a complete set of healthy, strong teeth adds to your quality of life and helps you feel good about yourself. If you have a damaged or lost tooth in Nashville, a dental crown can provide you with a new tooth that replicates a natural tooth in aesthetics, chewing support, and protection.

Aesthetic: A dental crown is most commonly molded out of a porcelain material that replicates the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel. No one needs to know you have a prosthetic tooth! As a highly experienced Nashville cosmetic dentist, Dr. Dennis Wells ensures that the contours and shading of the dental crown are to your liking. He takes time to make sure that the dental crown fits seamlessly into your smile and that the bite is just right.

 

Chewing support: Chewing support is one of the biggest losses with a missing or broken tooth. Over the last several years, the materials that are used to mold the dental crown have been made stronger so that you can continue to eat foods that you love.

 

Protection: A dental crown is designed to ‘cap’ an existing tooth or a dental implant. It completely fits over the top and is bonded into place. For an existing tooth that is broken, decayed, or cracked, the dental crown provides important protection from bacteria that might cause further damage.

 

Versatile: Depending on your situation, a dental crown can be used in a wide range of Nashville dental restorations. It is often used to cap a severely broken or damaged tooth. For a tooth that can’t be saved or that has fallen out, a dental crown provides the tooth restoration above a dental implant or as a support in dental bridges. A dental crown can also be used to cap a root canal for protection.

 

For more information about the benefits of dental crowns, call the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee at (615) 866-5151 to schedule an initial consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells.

 

 

How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

January 1st, 2012

How are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

If you are looking to straighten, cover up, whiten, or reshape your teeth, porcelain veneers offer a cosmetic dental solution for enhancing your smile to look just how you want. Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of tooth-like porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. The procedure generally takes a few visits to ensure the most accurate placement. You can expect to experience the general steps outlined below:

 

1. Initial Consultation: At an initial consultation, Brentwood cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells will assess your teeth and discuss your goals for your smile.

 

2. Tooth Preparation: In order to compensate for the added thickness of porcelain veneers, Dr. Dennis Wells will prepare your teeth by reducing and preparing them beforehand. If you qualify for DURAthin veneers, no tooth reduction or preparation is necessary since the DURAthin veneers are so thin they can bond directly to the natural tooth surface.

 

3. Temporary Veneers: After your teeth have been prepared, Brentwood cosmetic dentist Dr. Wells will give you temporary veneers to wear while your permanent porcelain veneers are being designed and made.

 

4. Bonding: Images and molds of your teeth are sent to our highly skilled ceramist who carefully crafts your permanent porcelain veneers to fit your smile. Once your porcelain veneers are complete, Dr. Dennis Wells will bond them to the front surface of your teeth. If you choose DURAthin prepless veneers, no drilling is necessary!

 

5. Perfect Fit: After your porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, Dr. Dennis Wells will check to make sure your bite, color shading, and tooth shape all contribute to an aesthetically pleasing smile.

 

To learn more about the dental veneers procedure, call the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at (615) 866-5151 to schedule an initial consultation with Brentwood cosmetic dentist Dr. Dennis Wells. Or visit our website at http://www.drdenniswells.com/index.php.