Frequently Asked Questions Glossary Links Forms


Frequently Asked Questions

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I've always dreamed of having whiter teeth. Can you help me?

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My friend just told me about a Smile Makeover. What exactly is that?

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What types of problems does a Smile Makeover address?

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My teeth are crooked. Do I need braces?

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How can I replace missing teeth?

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Will it hurt?

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Dental Implants--What are they?

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What will happen when I get a dental implant?

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Are implants successful?

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What happens if the office is closed and I have an emergency?

I've always dreamed of having whiter teeth. Can you help me?
Yes, in fact we've noticed that all of our patients want whiter teeth and have concluded it's a universal desire. Tooth whitening removes stains from the teeth caused by coffee, teas, tobacco, food and tartar. We've been using tooth whiteners for years and have never seen any adverse effect on teeth or gum tissue. With our tooth whitening procedure, we can help your teeth become up to nine shades lighter.

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.

My teeth are crooked. Do I need braces?
Not necessarily. Instant orthodontics is a procedure that straightens teeth using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns instead of braces. It can close large gaps between your teeth and correct overcrowding in one or two visits. Your teeth become naturally stronger by the bonded porcelain veneers.

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, 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 topical anesthetic, new local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and oral pre-medication. We have been able to relax and calm even the most phobic dental patient.

Dental Implants--What are they?
Dental implants have become a choice treatment option for many patients who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth "root" constructed of medical grade titanium. Dental implants are extremely stable, strong and natural looking. Patients with dental implants are able to eat, smile and laugh without fear or embarrassment that their denture may slip or click, or that their bridge will trap food.

What will happen when I get a dental implant?
The implant is inserted into the jawbone in the area of a missing tooth, and a "crown" is constructed to act as the visible portion of the tooth. Dental implant surgery is generally less painful than having a tooth surgically extracted. We will place the implant into the jawbone and then cover it with gum tissue, allowing it to heal and "osseointegrate," meaning that it will bond to the surrounding bone in the next two to four months. While the healing process takes place, the patient wears a temporary replacement tooth. Once the implant has bonded to the surrounding bone, we will uncover it and attach a post to the implant protruding through the gum. At this point, we can build a permanent crown for the tooth. The final result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels and acts like a natural tooth.

Are implants successful?
Implants, as we know them today, have been in existence for at least twenty-five years. For the last ten years, however, success rates at many treatment centers are consistently over 95% with proper personal and professional care, according to the International Congress of Dental Implants. Few forms of medical, orthopedic or dental treatment have such high success rates.

What happens if the office is closed and I have an emergency?
Call our regular office number and leave a message detailing the nature of your emergency. We will call you back as soon as possible, provide you with helpful information and determine if you need to be seen immediately.

 


Glossary
For a definition of specialized terms we use in dentistry, please click here.

 


Links
Dr. David Cornwell is a member of several dental organizations so that he can stay up-to-date on the latest advances in dentistry. Visit each of these organizations to learn more about what dentistry has to offer you.

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American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
AACD is the world's largest dental organization of cosmetic dental professionals. The world's leading cosmetic dentists belong to this group to develop their clinical cosmetic treatment skills. Learn more about smile makeovers and other cosmetic dental procedures.

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International Congress of Dental Implants
The ICOI is the world's largest provider of implant continuing education for the dental health team as well as consumers. Go the Patient Information section to read more about dental implants.

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American Dental Association
The ADA is the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement. The ADA believes that oral health is important to the quality of everyone's life and that prevention is the cornerstone or oral health care. Go to the Your Oral Healthcare section to find oral health news and information.

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Academy of General Dentistry
The AGD is the premier organization of general dentists dedicated to improving the quality and delivery of comprehensive dental services, education, health promotion and wellness. Go to the Consumer information section to have access to 50 oral health topics.

Invisalign®
Invisalign® has been proven in clinical research and orthodontic practices nationwide as the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.

Lumineers
Lumineers are a wonderful solution for permanently stained, chipped, discolored, misaligned teeth. They can even be used to revitalize old crown and bridgework.

CEREC
CEREC an impressive new technology that allows your cosmetic dental work to be completed in just one appointment.

 


New Patient Forms
To print out the forms required at Dr. Cornwell's office for new patients, click here.  Please fill them out at your convenience before your next dental appointment.

To view or print the patient forms, Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here to download your free copy.