Veneers

Are Veneers Right for Me?

There are a number of reasons why porcelain veneers are placed for patients. Porcelain veneers are a small, thin restoration fabricated in a dental lab by skilled technicians. Veneer are most often used to correct slight mis-alignments of front teeth, restore mild to moderately chipped front teeth and cover discolored teeth. Veneer usually cover only 3/4 of the tooth structure. They are bonded to the teeth with tooth colored cements. They are very durable and because they are made of all porcelain they appear very natural.

What Should I Expect When I Have my Veneer Done?

Veneer is a very meticulous process that requires an artistic eye, a skilled dentist and highly trained lab technician. Typically veneers take a minimum of three visits. The first appointment is to gather preliminary records and photographs. This is the time to discuss with your dentist your expectations. This is an important appointment to communicate openly with your dentist so he has an opportunity to advise you if your desires are not going to be realized with veneer. You may have to consider another option because our doctors want you to be happy with your smile results. If veneers are your best option, the lab will construct a model of your new smile. This model is made of wax and will be used to make your temporary veneers.

At your second appointment, the teeth are very reshaped for the porcelain veneer. Your dental team will gather impressions and other records for the laboratory. Finally, your dentist will construct temporary veneers for you to wear while your case is being completed. Some sensitivity is normal during this time.

Your third appointment is when the dentist will cement the porcelain veneers and make final adjustments. If your veneers are not fitting properly your dentist might have to send the case back to the lab for adjustments. Finally, after the veneers are cemented, it is best to have an impression taken for a custom occlusal guard to wear while you sleep. Most people do grind their teeth at some point while sleeping and this could damage your new veneers.

It is best to allow for at least six weeks for your veneer case to be completed. So, if you have a special event be sure to plan ahead and be patient during the process. At Alameda Dental Care it is our desire to provide the best cosmetic results for you and often this takes time.

New Patient Specials!

We’re currently accepting new patients at our Tempe dental office, and offering specials on our services.

Choose from our current New Patient Specials:

  • $99 Comprehensive Exam and Full X-rays ($175 Value!)*

  • $49 Emergency Exam and 2 X-rays

  • Up to $300 Off Invisalign*

  • $200 Off a Single Dental Implant*

*New patients only.  Cannot be combined with other offers. Call for details.

Teeth Whitening Special

Smiles for Hope Campaign - New Patient Specials

For a limited time from March 1st to June 30th, 100% of the proceeds of your teeth whitening goes to help Hope Arising build a school in Ethiopia.

Donation Levels:

  • Level 1: In-Office Whitening+Take-Home Whitening & Custom Trays – $250
  • Level 2: In-Office Whitening – $200
  • Level 3: Custom Take-Home Trays with 4 Syringes of Bleaching Gel – $150

100% of your donation benefits Hope Arising directly.

Contact us today to take advantage of this special, and help build a school!

Alameda Dental Care Helps Patients Prevent Dental Disease

Prevention of dental disease is the most important element of your oral health. There is nothing better or healthier than your natural tooth structure. It is the mission of our entire dental team and our Tempe dentist to help you prevent decay and gum disease.

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

Professional Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance) are performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. Your hygiene appointment with Alameda Dental Care will include the following:

Dental Radiographs (X-rays)

At Alameda Dental Care we proudly use digital radiography and all safety precautions to obtain necessary dental x-rays. This modern digital technology helps to minimize the exposure to unnecessary radiation for both our patients and our staff. We take safety seriously at Alameda Dental Care. Rest assured, we only take x-rays on our patients when we find it necessary to properly evaluate your dental condition.

Why do I need dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays can help your dentist see what the visual examination cannot reveal. Such as:

How often does Alameda Dental Care take dental x-rays?

Because every patient is different, we assess the need for dental x-rays on an individual basis. Your dentist and hygienist will work with you to determine the best care for your specific condition.
Generally speaking, Alameda Dental Care takes films according to the acceptable standard of care in the dental industry. We do not take x-rays based on insurance standards or frequency limits for payment.
A full set of radiographs or a panoramic x-ray is considered current if it has been taken within the last 3-5 years.
A check-up set, or “bitewing” radiographs are taken every 12 months, or, in some cases every 6 months.

HOME CARE

What you do at home to care for your teeth is the most important part of your dental health routine. Yes, it is true, regular care with your dentist and hygienist are crucial. But, nothing is more important than your participation.
There are many tools available on the dental supply aisles of the store where you might be shopping. It can be confusing at times to know exactly what is best for your needs. Your hygienist at Alameda Dental Care will help you establish an individual dental care routine and guide you to the best tools for you! You are always the center of our care.

Tooth brushing – Most of us brush our teeth at least once a day. At Alameda Dental Care, we feel twice a day is best. Brushing in the morning and again at night is the most comprehensive brushing routine to prevent dental disease.
If you choose to use a manual toothbrush, please be sure it is a soft or extra soft bristled brush. Anything firmer can cause damage to your teeth and gum tissue that is difficult to repair. Gum recession and tooth abrasion are just two conditions that brushing with too firm of bristles can cause.
Electric tooth brushes are more effective in removing plaque and debris from your teeth and gum-line. Often, we find patient’s who use electric toothbrushes have fewer dental problems. If you have questions about which electric toothbrush would be best for you, be sure to ask us. We are always willing to help you.
Whichever toothbrush you choose to use, be sure you angle the toothbrush bristles 45 degrees towards the gum-line. This helps clean the gum pockets around the teeth as well as the tooth structure.

Flossing – We rarely meet patients who LOVE to floss. However, when we skip daily flossing we leave 35% of our tooth structure exposed to harmful bacteria. Flossing is essential to the prevention and/or control of dental diseases.
Cleaning between the teeth should be done at least daily. In addition to traditional floss, floss picks, floss holders, specialty toothpicks and inter-dental cleaners are available to assist in accomplishing complete tooth cleaning at home.
Be thorough when cleaning in between the teeth. “Hug” the floss tightly to the teeth and be sure to CAREFULLY take the floss or inter-dental cleaner under the gum tissue. If you need instructions, or if you have questions about the best dental tools for you, just ask our team.

Rinsing – Mouthwashes can be a very helpful part of your home care routine. However, it is important to remember what the mouthwash is doing for you.
Antimicrobial mouthwashes help to reduce the bacteria counts in your mouth. This means LESS harmful plaque formation not total elimination of plaque. Mouthwashes do not eliminate the need to brush and floss. Plaque is like pancake syrup. It is very sticky and cannot be removed by rinsing alone.
Fluoride rinses are used to expose your teeth to the benefits of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that has been found to strengthen teeth and help enamel resist dental decay. Be sure you follow the directions on the fluoride product you purchase.

We always encourage open conversation with your dental health providers when you have questions about your treatment recommendations. We believe YOU should be an active participant in your care.

Call (480) 351-0105 today, to schedule your preventative care dental appointment.