Patient Resources - Brinster Dental & Smile Enhancement ~ Cosmetic, Orthodontic, and Restorative Dentistry

I want to straighten my smile but dread the thought of wearing braces. Is there an alternative?
Perhaps like many adults, you feel that 3 years of unattractive metal brackets, discomfort and monthly visits to the orthodontist’s office just isn’t worth it. What if you could get the same results as braces instantly or in just 2-3 office visits?

Instant Orthodontics is a term for a cosmetic dental procedure using porcelain veneers or Lumineers that can create a beautiful, white, healthy smile in just 2 weeks. Lumineers are ultra-thin and extraordinarily strong custom fabricated shells that provide instant teeth straightening and permanent whitening. Cosmetic trained dentists apply these contact-lens thin veneers to teeth to transform misshapen teeth, close gaps and create a straight beautiful smile. This is a quick, easy, permanent and painless alternative to spending years in unattractive and uncomfortable braces.

The added benefit of the Lumineer process is that teeth are not only straight, they are beautiful too. Surprisingly, after 2 or 3 years in braces many teeth still may not have the desired whiteness, size or shape that a patient is looking to achieve. These changes can only be made with veneers or Lumineers.

It is important to understand that the success of Instant Orthodontics depends on bite severity and in some cases; a combination of Lumineers and orthodontics may be the best option. Certain severities and misalignments may not be an option for this procedure.

Are you a candidate for Instant Ortho? Do you dislike the appearance of your smile? Do you have gaps between your teeth? Are your teeth uneven, chipped or stained and discolored? Would you smile more if you had more attractive teeth? Have you explored the options of orthodontics but don’t want to spend 2 to 3 years in braces?

Find out more and discuss your options for Instant Orthodontics by requesting a no-cost consultation from a local cosmetic dentist.

My friend just told me about a Smile Makeover. What exactly is that?
Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of designing wonderful smiles. It involves all aspects of general dentistry with a special emphasis on individual teeth and their overall harmony and balance in your smile. Look carefully at your smile. If you feel it could be better, consider having a smile makeover. A beautiful smile can increase your confidence and self-esteem, giving you an edge in your everyday activities by improving your professional and personal image. In short, a smile makeover is a complete reconstruction of your smile, from the inside out with a comprehensive analysis and redesign of your gum tissue and teeth.

What types of problems does a Smile Makeover address?
If your teeth are dark or worn and make you look older, if gaps or chips make you feel self-conscious, or if crooked or discolored teeth stop you from smiling fully, a Smile Makeover can help. Although every patient's smile is unique, some new smiles are completed in a single visit. A Smile Makeover can redesign the shape of your gums and teeth, and change the overall look of your smile. It's not just about beautifying your smile, although that is of extreme importance. It's also about adjusting your bite so that it is healthy and strong.

What is involved in getting porcelain veneers?
It generally takes two dental visits, after your consultation, to get veneers applied to your teeth. The time of each visit depends on how many teeth are involved. Each tooth veneer is made to fit precisely over your own tooth; time is necessary to ensure the most natural fit.

The first visit involves removing a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. This is so the veneers will fit and look natural. If we didn't remove some of the enamel, your tooth veneers would feel bulky and uncomfortable. After the doctor takes an impression of your teeth on the first visit, he fits the veneers on the second visit. He bonds each tooth veneer to the front and biting edges of your natural tooth. When the doctor is finished, your new look will be stronger and whiter.

How can I replace missing teeth?
A complete set of teeth improves your confidence and self-esteem, but it also increases the longevity of your natural teeth by removing stress placed on them. We have several procedures to help replace missing teeth, including implants, bridges, and natural looking partial or full dentures. It is not necessary to live with missing teeth any longer.

Will it hurt?
If you haven't been to a dental office in a while, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Today's dentistry is faster than ever before, and procedures are virtually pain-free. All of our staff members are highly trained to make each of your visits as pleasant and pain-free as possible. We have many options to help you relax here, including the WAND, topical anesthetic, new local anesthetic, and nitrous oxide. We have been able to relax and calm even the most phobic dental patient.

How do I know I need braces?
Although a majority of the population has some type of malocclusion, not all people require or seek orthodontic treatment. For example, with or without a history of orthodontic treatment, 65 percent of adults develop crowded, crooked lower front teeth. This is a natural result of change over time and do not necessarily require orthodontic treatment.

Symptoms that trigger orthodontics:

Difficulty chewing due to tooth pain or difficulty aligning teeth;
Facial muscle or jaw pain;
Permanent teeth coming (erupting) out of their normal position;
Problems with biting the cheek or roof of the mouth;
Speech difficulties

What do dental implant restorations look like?
Most patients do not associate implants and cosmetics, yet most dentists do. When a missing tooth can be replaced without harming the adjacent teeth, it is the most cosmetically pleasing result. Dental implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth, which is why patients love them so much.

What if I have an emergency?
We hope you never experience a dental emergency, but if you do, we are always available. During office hours, if you are experiencing pain or an emergency, call our office immediately so that we may schedule the best available time for you. We will do everything possible to treat your emergency immediately. After hours, please call our office and Dr. Brinster's emergency service will page him day or night to respond to your telephone call.

Air Abrasion
No-drill dentistry: removes decayed areas of teeth without vibration, drill noise, or damaging heat.

Bonding
Tooth-colored dental composite that is adhered to the tooth surface to repair, change the color or shape of a tooth and close gaps.

Crown Lengthening
Reshaping the gum tissue to allow more of the tooth to be seen.

Dental Implants
Implants are artificial “roots” that are anchored into the jawbone to replace missing teeth • strengthens the jaw • improves bite and chewing functions

Gum Disease
Begins with a sticky film called plaque • plaque irritates the gums and causes inflammation • then the supporting gum tissue around the teeth and bone is destroyed

Instant Orthodontics
A treatment using porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding that creates an even smile in as little as two visits • no braces involved

Intraoral Camera
A mini-camera that magnifies and allows us to thoroughly examine your mouth • we see more and you see what we see

Invisalign®
Nearly invisible tooth positioners • changed every two weeks until the teeth are perfectly straight • takes 9 to 15 months depending upon your situation

Metal Amalgams
Also known as “silver” fillings • unattractive • weaken teeth • contain mercury – a poisonous material

MyoMonitor
It is a low frequency TENS unit • used to stimulate muscles to relax them • therapy for TMJ

Soft Tissue Diode Laser
State of the art technology to painlessly contour gum tissue and treat periodontal disease

TMJ Syndrome (TMD)
A common problem affecting the joints and muscles of the jaw making it painful to chew and open your mouth • can cause headaches, earaches and other facial pain

Tooth-Colored Fillings
The use of tooth-colored bonding materials, instead of metal fillings, to create healthy, strong teeth.

Porcelain Bridge
Replaces a lost tooth while utilizing neighboring teeth for support

Porcelain Veneers
Thin porcelain shells that are bonded to teeth • strong • beautiful

In an effort to avoid any misunderstandings during treatment, please take a minute to review our payment options.

For Patients with Dental Insurance…

As a courtesy to our patients with dental insurance, we will gladly submit your claim and accept assignment of benefits after confirming your coverage. It is our goal to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits.
Please understand that many necessary procedures may not be covered by the insurance policy. Any deductible, co-pay or portion of treatment not covered is the responsibility of the patient and due at the time the service is provided.

For Patients without Dental Insurance or for treatment not covered by insurance…

Payment is required at the time of treatment. For your convenience we offer the following payment arrangements.

A 5% discount is offered for Cash payments made up to 48 hours in advance of treatment.
We gladly accept personal checks (with proper ID), Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and debit cards.
Total dollar amount of treatment may be divided by total number of required visits.
To make your dental care more affordable, we offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit. There are many options to choose from including intrest free financing or low monthly payments. For more information or to submit an application, please visit www.CareCredit.com.

If you have any questions about the above information or are uncertain regarding insurance information, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are here to help you.