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Do you have chipped, misshapen, or discolored teeth? Are there gaps in your smile that you just want to fix? There are many ways that a dentist can help you fix your smile from braces and clear aligners to whitening. But when these solutions aren’t an option, a dental veneer might be just what the doctor ordered.

A veneer is a thin cover that sticks to the outside of your teeth. Dental veneers have traditionally been made of porcelain giving your teeth a classic shape and coloring. In the old days, a dentist would take a mold of your mouth using the goopy impression and send it off to a lab for the veneers to be manufactured and sent back to the office, often taking weeks.

At Westover Family Dentistry, we’ve brought the veneer into the modern era using a state-of-the-art 3D printing technique all done in-house. You could go home with a sample veneer on the same day and at less than half the cost of traditional veneers!

How it works

We take X-rays of your mouth and do an exam. If everything looks good and healthy we then perform 3D scans of your teeth and face and design a trial smile. We then print your trial smile veneers with our brand new cutting-edge 3D printer. (It’s actually an Einstein series DLP 3D printer from Desktop Health but that’s just important for the dental tech geeks like us!) If you like what you see we will schedule you for 3D printed permanent veneers at your next visit.

Wear Your Trial Smile Home

You don’t actually go home with a permanent set of digitally printed veneers that same day but we do give you a trial smile. We 3D print the trial smile and have you wear it home. The trial smile veneers only last a day or two but gives you time to see if you want to proceed.

Better Fit For Your Smile

One of the best things about innovative technology like our 3D dental printer is its accuracy. Precision is important in all of dentistry but this new way of manufacturing allows us to have complete control within our own office. This level of control gives us confidence in providing a more comfortable fit with a higher quality finish for your smile.

No muss, no fuss!

Our 3D printer and scanner completely eliminates the need for goopy paste to take impressions and then having to send them out to a lab to create models. We can now do that in a fraction of the time with a clean 3D scan to create the digital impression of your mouth.

Cost Less

Traditional veneers can cost upwards of $2,000 per tooth! By bringing the technology home, we can produce your new smile for less than half the cost. We can even set you up with a digital scan and send you home with your trial smile all for an $800 initial fee in the same day.

Westover Family Dentistry we have the technology that will make it quick and easy to get yourself a million dollar smile without breaking the bank. Ask us about getting 3D printed veneers for yourself today!

At Westover Family Dentistry we can treat you with a painless laser that will replace the traditional drill for all kinds of dental treatments, from simple fillings to complex procedures.

Quick and painless. That’s how we here at Westover Family Dentistry describe our advanced laser technology for dental procedures – it eliminates the need for anesthesia and saves you time and discomfort. We know that one of the biggest barriers patients face when needing treatment is the pain of needles and the fear of a traditional drill. That’s why we invested in painless lasers for our practice to deliver the best dental health care possible for our patients with the least discomfort.

What is it? Technically called a Solea® Dental Laser, it’s the first CO2 dental laser system cleared by the FDA. This cutting-edge device will change your entire experience of going to the dentist.

No shot and no needle. Can you imagine being able to go to the dentist for a procedure and not having to get anesthesia? With our painless laser, this is now a reality. Most of our patients do not need numbing with this new device and many report they feel only a mild cold sensation during treatment.

No drill, no noise. Yes, we realize that the drill can be scary, especially for younger patients. The computer-controlled laser technology smoothly, quickly, and safely vaporizes the hard and soft tissues in your mouth (your teeth and gums) rather than drilling them away. And, in most cases, the laser allows us to remove silver fillings, minimizing the loss of tooth structure.

Safe for everyone! It’s great for kids. It’s faster and most procedures are done without a shot, a drill, or pain. And it’s actually a better option if you’re pregnant since there is no need to inject a patient with anesthetics for the majority of procedures.

What’s the price? Treatment with our painless laser costs the same as traditional dental procedures done with a drill. Insurance typically covers the cost of laser treatment just like any other. (Please discuss coverage with us at your appointment.)

Fewer visits! Not only does it allow us to give you the same great care we always have, but we can also accomplish more in one visit. Because there is no need for a shot, multiple procedures can be done in one appointment, meaning less time at our office. A child can go right back to school or eat right after their appointment because they don’t leave feeling numb.

To schedule your painless laser filling at Westover Family Dentistry with the Solea laser, click here!

Grinding and clenching…. sound like the newest dance craze? Unfortunately, these two oral habits are responsible for the highest amount of tooth loss throughout life. What’s more, these words are often commonly associated with the three most dreaded letters in dentistry, “TMJ”.

Grinding is usually associated with sleep time. While our bodies shut down and refresh, we routinely dream. As you might imagine, some of these dreams can be quite stressful. Grinding involves squeezing the mouth muscles like you are biting into food and then sliding the teeth from side to side. Often very loud and obvious to those who are awake, this process causes premature wear of teeth that are touching. Jaw joint stress from this action can also lead to pain and loud joint noises. Although short periods of grinding are inconsequential, longer periods can lead to loss of the outside and inside layer of tooth structure as well as prolonged joint symptoms.

Clenching commonly occurs during waking hours. Described as strong biting without food in the mouth, the habit contributes to the above symptoms. As this falls under conscious behavior, clenching is thought to be easier to control.

Treatment for both includes focusing on both the cause and result. As stress is a primary factor, stress relief treatments are important. The dentist also plays a large role in helping to manage these habits. Worn teeth sometimes need to be restored and “bite guard” appliances can be fabricated to protect the remaining tooth structure during susceptible times.

Call us to set up your complimentary consultation and take the next step towards the smile that you’ve always dreamt of. Our friendly team is waiting to answer any of your questions and start you on a path to a great smile. Call us today or click below to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!

Having a great smile is one of the best attributes anyone can possess. Flashing those pearly whites is seen as an indication of a warm personality and can instantly attract others. A beautiful smile builds confidence and is a key factor in retaining good health in other areas of the body.
As we age, tooth deterioration often becomes a major factor in the search options for restorative treatment. If this is the case for you, you’re not alone. Many adults have lost some or all of their teeth to a variety of causes, including tooth decay, gum disease, or accidents. Dental implants are the trusted way to experience life with intact teeth again. You’ll find that at Westover Family Dentistry, we can help you on the journey to recoup the beautiful smile that’s so much a part of who you are.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small artificial tooth roots that are placed under your gums, just like real teeth. Implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth; bridges and dentures are other alternatives. Our doctors can create the best treatment plan based on your individual needs.

What Are The Six Benefits Of Dental Implants?

1) Durability: Dental implants, if cared for properly, can often last a lifetime. Of course, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important.

2) Appearance: The only person who will know about your decision to have dental implants is you. Implants are made to look and feel just like your natural teeth. As a result, your self-image will remain positive since dental implants are virtually undetectable.

3) Convenience: There is no fuss over removable dentures. With dental implants, you don’t have to worry that they might slip out of position because the framework is permanent. In addition, you won’t have to deal with any messy glue that helps hold removable dentures in place.

4) Improved Speech: If you wear dentures, you no longer need to worry about slipping teeth that might cause you to slur your words.

5) Improved Self-Image: Dental implants help restore your youthful appearance and help you feel better about yourself.

6) Improved Oral Health: Unlike tooth-supported bridges, dental implants don’t involve any anchoring to your surrounding teeth. Keeping the other teeth intact makes cleaning easier, which enhances your oral health.

For more information on the benefits of dental implants and how you can take the first step towards achieving your new smile, click below! Our doctors can’t wait to meet you!

The foundation for healthy teeth is established during the first years of life. Making healthy food choices, brushing well, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups are all practices that will help prevent issues with your little one’s tiny teeth now, and ensure the development of strong and healthy permanent teeth.
Parents serve as role models for this behavior– children learn best through imitation. However, involvement in your child’s oral health is also key during the early years, when dexterity is still developing.

Here are some tips for parents of young children, to help keep your littles’ oral health on the right track:

• As soon as the first teeth show up, parents should begin brushing them. Use a pea-sized amount of children’s non-fluoridated toothpaste.
• Brush your child’s teeth yourself twice per day (if you can!) until about age 2. At this point, you can switch to a small amount of regular toothpaste. When they start wanting to brush themselves, encourage them but re-brush the hard-to-clean areas.
• At age 6, children are usually able to brush their teeth well on their own. In this phase, parents should continue supervising regular brushing efforts and should do so up until around age 12 when the second molars come in.

At Westover Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive care for adults as well as children. My team and I are highly trained and implement the highest level of technology in the dental field. We focus on the overall health of our patients, and how dental health plays into it.

Our friendly staff looks forward to meeting you. Contact us today!

Click here to schedule an appointment!

Dental health is not only about pretty pearly whites. While the focus in our practice is on tooth, jaw, and mouth, at Westover Family Dentistry we also know that dental care is important for total body wellness.

Chewing, speech, and self-confidence all start with a healthy set of teeth. Like a fountain, the health of your teeth can trickle down to affect the rest of your body functions like digestion, breathing, and even their little hearts.

Regular dental checkups are essential to a healthy lifestyle because at Westover Family Dentistry we know how to spot problems early on and treat them quickly to prevent more serious complications down the road. Read on for some ways that dental care can affect the rest of your child’s body and maintain their overall health.

Reduce the Risk of Infections

Proper mouth care and reducing plaque on your teeth can mean fewer bodily infections. Our mouths can harbor some really seedy stuff like bacteria, yeasts and viruses that hang around our teeth. Without proper dental care like regular brushing and flossing, your gums can become inflamed and bleed, offering germs an open route to enter your body to cause a host of other problems like heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and even pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses. Taking care of your gums may feel unnecessary but your gums need the same level of care as your teeth.

Chewing and Digestion

“Chew your food!” Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not being an overprotective parent. Eating a healthy diet is a great first step to ensuring your health and what you eat needs to be properly broken down. Healthy teeth and good chewing habits contribute to good digestion and help the body absorb the nutrients in your food better. Proper chewing also prevents bloating and other gastrointestinal problems.

Memory Function and Alzheimer’s

Believe it or not, gingivitis has been linked to a person’s level of cognitive function. Yes, studies have shown that gingivitis AKA gum disease – inflammation, bleeding, and tenderness of your gums – can affect how adults perform on memory and cognitive skill tests. A recent study demonstrated a link between the bacteria that causes gum disease with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Just another reason why starting healthy habits, like flossing, early will help keep you and your family healthy.

Tongue Tie Solutions

Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is when your tongue movement is restricted by a little band of tissue at the tip of the tongue attached to the base of the mouth. This can affect breastfeeding for infants and speech later on in life. If left untreated, older children and adults can find it difficult to clear bits of food from teeth, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Westover is experienced with resolving tongue tie issues through a laser procedure (frenectomy) done in-office. It’s a simple procedure and can make a huge difference with your child’s health and self-confidence. In more good news, the laser frenectomy procedure doesn’t need sutures, a scalpel, and sometimes not even a needle. And if you’re a stressed new mama reading this, please come see us – we can help!

At Westover Family Dentistry, we strongly believe in total body health and it starts with healthy habits contributing to a healthy and happy smile. We are a caring and friendly office with a great reputation (just read our reviews!) in the area. If you care about your child’s overall health like we do, we hope you’ll bring your little one in for a visit. Whether they’ve just sprouted their first tooth or they have some wiggly ones, we look forward to meeting your child.

Click here to schedule an appointment today!