Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Convenient and complete answers

The life-changing benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile begin here

At Flax Dental, we want to provide convenient, complete answers to all of your common concerns, both when you're in the office and at home. That's why we've provided this list of FAQs (organized by subject) that our patients have asked over the years. Just click on the area of interest below.

Smile Enhancement
Laser Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
Anti-Aging and Wellness
Gum Disease

Of course, if you have questions not listed here, feel free to contact us by phone or email.

Smile Enhancement

Q How can cosmetic dentistry make my smile look better?
A. There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth makeover. See our video on how to get a great smile and review a list of some of your options below:

Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink, and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.

Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as “bonding,” composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.

Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.

Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, providing a strong, stable and durable solution to removable dental appliances.

Short Term Orthodontics (STO): Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth much more appealing to adult patients. Your teeth can be straightened in just six months without making major changes to your bite.

Q: How do I know which technique would work best for me?
A. During the consultation visit, you and Dr. Flax would discuss the things you would like to change about your smile. You might want to alter the shape, length or contour of your teeth, close spaces, straighten crooked teeth, fix chipped teeth, broaden your smile, or just change the color of your teeth. Each of these techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is very important to have a good understanding of what your ultimate goals are.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of bleaching or teeth whitening?
A. Bleaching is relatively inexpensive and usually brightens the teeth quickly and easily. On the other hand, it does not work equally well on everyone, and therefore the results are less predictable than other techniques. Newly bleached teeth tend to fade in color anywhere from a month to 1-½ years. Teeth, which are very dark, especially from tetracycline stains, bleach the poorest. The best results are seen in people who were born with white teeth, yet whose teeth have darkened with age due to tea, coffee, tobacco and red wine.

Q: How long do porcelain veneers last?
A. If done correctly, porcelain laminate veneers last between ten and twenty years. Porcelain, because of its nature, will not stain, nor wear from brushing. Its luster and translucency make it almost indistinguishable from natural enamel. The veneer is a thin façade of porcelain, which is bonded to the enamel. Once bonded to the tooth, it becomes extremely strong and durable.

Q: What determines the color and shape of the veneers selected?
A. We look at the shape of the face, whites of the eyes, skin tones, and even the personality of the patient. These features, in combination with the patient's desired smile makeover help determine the final designing of the veneers. Further more, we work closely together with our lab technicians to “blueprint” a beautiful result for you to see even before we get started.

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Laser Dentistry

Q: What is a dental laser?
A. A dental laser is a high-technology device that generates a very specific beam of concentrated light. This beam of light focuses energy into your mouth to help Dr. Flax remove areas of gum infection or tooth decay and artistically sculpt your gums with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Laser dentistry means patients are much more comfortable both during and after treatment. Furthermore, in many instances, with our Waterlase™, the need for anesthetic injections is reduced and in some instances eliminated, as well as the associated side effects. The bottom line is less time spent in the dental chair and you can enjoy the rest of your day without the effects of numbness!

Q: Are lasers new to dentistry?
A. The concept of lasers was first suggested by the great Albert Einstein. Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960s, lasers were used experimentally on the teeth and gums. Lasers have long been the standard of care in medicine for many surgical and cosmetic procedures such as LASIK, wrinkle removal, hair removal and many others. The Waterlase™ was approved for hard tissue procedures in 1998 and has since been cleared for numerous additional dental procedures. Thousands of dentists around the world have performed millions of Waterlase™ hard and soft tissue procedures with less need for shots, anesthesia and drills.

Q: How does laser dentistry reduce and eliminate pain?
A. Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the pain associated with the dental drill. Waterlase™ dentistry (with Erbium technology) combines laser energy with air-water spray (a process called hydrophotonics) to perform a wide variety of dental procedures more comfortably.

There are two reasons for this:

• Laser energy, in well trained hands, makes teeth less sensitive
• Air-water laser cutting does not transmit heat or vibration

As a result the Waterlase™ is able to replace the drill in many instances. Furthermore, no longer will the sound of the drill be heard, but instead there is a popping sound similar to that of popcorn popping. The elimination of the unpleasant noises and vibrations, in combination with hydrophotonics, makes laser dentistry certainly more comfortable and definitely the right choice for busy lives.

Q: What types of procedures can the laser do?
A. There are many different types of lasers used in dentistry, and their applications vary. Dental lasers can be used for the following:

• Removing dental decay and old composite fillings
• Creating ultra-conservative, microscopic fillings
• Smile design
• Desensitizing teeth
• Sterilizing infected root canals
• Bone shaping and crown lengthening
• Apthous ulcer treatment
• Apicoectomy
• Periodontal (gum) treatment
• Assisting oral surgery (often for removing teeth or placing implants)

Undoubtedly, lasers are the "wave of the future."

Q. Does it take special training to use a dental laser?
A. Yes it does. There are basic and advanced training courses. Furthermore, there are certifications of skills that demonstrate a wide knowledge of skills including theory and safety and techniques using the laser. Dr. Flax has not only taken these tests, but he also lectures and writes frequently about this topic (as well as aesthetic dentistry) to people from all over the world. Feel free to explore his teaching website .

Q. How will I know if laser dentistry is right for me?
A. Laser dentistry makes sense in many areas of dentistry. If you have any anxiety about seeing a dentist, and would like to know if laser dentistry is right for you, consult with Dr. Flax.

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Sedation Dentistry

Q: Will I feel any pain?
A. No. You will feel nothing!

Q: Will I be unconscious?
A. No. You will be responsive, but in a deeply relaxed state.

Q: Will I be monitored – Will someone make sure I am all right?
A. Yes, a Flax Dental team member is always with you. They will make sure your vital signs are monitored throughout your entire appointment. You will never be alone.

Q: How long will I be in a relaxed state?
A. It depends on your dental treatment, but usually two to six hours.

Q: Will I need someone to accompany (drive) me to your office?
A. Yes, because of the sedative effects of the medication, someone will need to bring you to our office and take you home after your appointment.

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Anti-Aging and Wellness

Q: How often should I have my teeth checked?
A. You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though Dr. Flax or our dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Furthermore, scientific research has demonstrated a mouth body connection that is improved by habitual checkups and homecare. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent and maintain your dental and overall health. These include:

Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications and illnesses gives us insight into your overall health and also your dental health.

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss, X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. Digital radiographs have improved the safety and accuracy of this exam.

Oral cancer screening: Checking the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. In the past, we have used our fingertips and eyes to do this. Now we can use the Velscope for even earlier detection.

Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments including Diagnodent, which detects cavities before teeth deteriorate and become weak.

Examination of existing restorations: Previous dentistry does not last forever! Checking your current fillings, crowns and more helps minimize any surprises. Our intra-oral camera and microscopes help us see the cracks before they get bigger.

Checking your bite: To avoid wear and tear on your teeth and dental work as well as to minimize headaches, we check the occlusion of your teeth to make sure they are meshing properly. Sometimes we use the T-Scan to improve our precision.

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal or gum disease!

Oral hygiene recommendations: Our hygienist is very knowledgeable and will review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.) to help you take care of your teeth when you are not in our office.

Review dietary habits: It is well known that your eating habits play a very important role in your health. Much research is being done showing the effects of different foods and drinks on the hardness and thickness of the tooth enamel of your teeth.

Coordinate any care if you are seeing one of our recommended specialists.

At Flax Dental, our regular check-ups and cleanings go above and beyond. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care.

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Gum disease

Q: What is gum disease? How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontal disease?
A. According to the latest research, 57 - 80 percent of people in the United States have periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, and don’t know it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when biofilm (a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums (gingivitis). Left untreated, the body responds by increasing blood flow to that area but in doing so it slowly destroys the bone (periodontal disease). Once the body has made this kind of response, the damage is permanent and must be treated more regularly by us, as well as by you at home. Furthermore, a well-documented mouth body connection supports the theory that periodontal disease increases the risks of:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease and strokes
• Potential lower birth weight babies
• Pancreatic and oral cancer
• And, of course, tooth loss and bad breath

Risk factors

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than non-users to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV/AIDS, etc.
• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums. Also, new genetic tests are being developed to help you find out earlier.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease

• Red and puffy or bleeding gums or pus around the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth or new spacing between teeth
• Receding gums
• Tenderness or discomfort when brushing or chewing

At Flax Dental, we are committed to teaching you about good oral hygiene and a balanced diet at your regular dental visits to help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Visit our Smiling Right Blog to keep up-to-date on the latest research and prevention tips.