What we Offer



Patient Education

Our office has a warm comfortable theme in each room. Going to the dentist's office is not always the most pleasant experience, and we have made the atmosphere as relaxing and inviting as possible, while maintaining the highest level of services available. Each room is equipped with up-to-date equipment to ensure this-----. We offer digital x-ray technology, one visit crowns with CAD-CAM technology, and we also offer CAESY patient education program. CAESY is a computerized educational tool for our patients to educate them if they should have any questions about the procedures they are having done for themselves.


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Veneers

Our office has been providing porcelain veneers to our patients as an ideal choice for improving your smile, and because of the simplicity they provide. Procelain veneers are thin porcelain coverings for the front portion of the teeth that are bonded to the enamel. They can be made of different materials, composite veneers are done because of their durability, esthetics and affordability. Porcelain veneers are done because of their durability and realistic appearance. Veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. These can be done on teeth that have not been compromised by large restorations or root canal treatment. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter teeth with proper spacing and the shade selection can be to the patient's desire.

The Procedure for Veneers 
During the initial visit, the patient and dentist discuss the procedures that need to be done for the patient. If the placement of veneers are the option that we recommend, we will discuss the types and the cost. The CAD-CAM, CEREC restoration, which is done in one visit is a great option since no temporaries are needed. Lab prepared veneers requires two visits and temporaries are needed, and we will discuss options to find what is best for each person.

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Composite Fillings

Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using a silver with mercury amalgam. Unfortunately, these fillings (or restorations) often weaken teeth due to the large amount of the original tooth that had to be removed. They were also non-aesthetic, which is unacceptable for our now very beauty conscious society. Dentistry has been using composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative to the dark gray or black fillings of the past. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that includes a bonding agent that allows the material to adhere to the dentin and enamel of the tooth structure. This final curing or hardening of the composite material is done with an ultraviolet curing light that permanently bonds the composite to the tooth. Our office only uses composite restorations for the filling material of conservative restorations, because the use of the mercury fillings are not the best option for fillings. 

Pros and Cons of Composite Fillings
The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual's tooth. Increased strength and durability of composite material allow for use in the back teeth. Cost of composite fillings are comparable to the cost of mercury fillings.  

The Filling Procedures
Dr. Miles will begin by anesthetizing the area being worked on, following the placement of topical anesthetic. She will then begin to remove any old filling material if required and remove any existing decay that is present. Once the tooth has been prepared, she places the cleanser (etchant) on the tooth, adds the desensitizer to the surface and then the bond which allows the composite to adhere to the tooth. This process is typically performed in several layers, after which it is cured or hardened with the use of a curing light. Composite restorations (fillings) for the back teeth are done in one visit in the office. We offer CAD-CAM restorations in our office also, which allow our patients to have only one visit for these crowns or inlays or onlays. This is done with the CEREC machine and the restoration is milled directly in our office.

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Bridges

A bridge is a device used to fill the space where a tooth has been removed. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding abutements (crowns). Once complete, this bridge structure is bonded into the mouth. Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, lead to malocclusion (biting) and/or jaw problems and can cause periodontal problems. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile. These are currently done in two visits with the off-site lab fabricating the final restoration. This can be done in all ceramic or with a metal substructure under the porcelain material.

The Process
During the initial visit, Dr. Miles will prepare the surrounding teeth by reducing them so that there is enough clearance for the crowns' thickness. Then a mold or impression of the teeth is made. The lab uses the customized impression to prepare the model. The bridge takes about two weeks. After the impression is complete, the patient is fitted with a temporary bridge constructed of acrylic resin. This plastic material is very aesthetic, but not as strong as the final product. After two weeks, the dentist removes the temporary bridge, and places the permanent bridge.

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Composite Bonding

Composite veneers uses composite material, either a plastic or resin, which is bonded to an existing tooth. Composite veneers are used for broken teeth, discolored teeth, and/or filling in spaces of malaligned teeth. Whatever the specific intent, composite bonding creates more aesthetically pleasing teeth and a brighter smile. With this type of veneer, there is very little removal of the tooth surface, but in some cases the tooth does need to be shaved down some.

The Advantages of Bonding
Composite bonding is a quick process, compared to veneers or crowns. It is a popular choice because most often it does not require reduction of the tooth structure. It only requires one visit, many shades are available, and it is less expensive than porcelain veneers. However, the longevity of these types of plastic restorations is shorter than their porcelain counterparts.  Many times whitening techniques can be used to enhance the color of the surrounding teeth before the bonding is done so that we can match the shade of the whitened teeth. 

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are an effective long-term solution for missing teeth. The implant serves as the artificial root to which the new teeth are supported,whether just one tooth or complete denture. The implants are constructed of titanium, a strong and safe material that effectively attaches to the bone of the jaw. The insertion of the dental implants involves three steps: first, the implant surgical stage, or root portion of the implant, is done at the specialists' office, secondly, the osseointegration (the period of healing for the jawbone) takes from 4 to 12 weeks. The third step is to complete the restoration, whether it be a single crown or overdenture, which is done in our office. Follow ups and recare are important for the maintenance of the implant.

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