How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life | Las Vegas Dentist

sedation-dentistrySome people don’t truly realize the impact that teeth and smiles have. However, only you can realize the benefits through personal experience. For those that have less than perfect teeth, smiling may make them feel uncomfortable or less confident, that’s where cosmetic dentistry comes into play. Cosmetic dentistry offers a myriad of benefits to those whom feel self-conscious with the appearance of their smile. From whitening discolored teeth to replacing missing ones, cosmetic dentistry can address almost any dental problem. And while cosmetic dentistry is often only seen as an aesthetics-first field, it can also restore the functionality of your teeth.

What can cosmetic dentist do for me?

Did you know that cosmetic dentists are actually restorative dentists that have taken the time to further study smile design and the use of various types of dental materials?

Very much like restorative dentists, cosmetic dentists also use the crowns and dental implants in their practices. However, cosmetic dentists not only focus on restoring functionality, but also to create a smile that looks ever better than it did before.

Essentially, this means that cosmetic dentistry not only aims to improve the aesthetics of your smile, but also the restoration of proper function to your teeth.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

For misaligned, cracked or damaged teeth:

  • Veneers- Veneers are thin, shells that are customized in the shape and color of your choice. They can be used to restore cracked, chipped, broken, misaligned and even discolored teeth. Veneers can be used on multiple teeth.
  • Crowns- Dental crowns are placed over damaged teeth and used to restore function. Although, in cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns are also used to improve the aesthetics of damaged teeth. They’re also made to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth.
  • Dental Bonding- Bonding is known as a “quick-fix” to repair decayed, chipped, cracked and even discolored teeth. Dental bonding is typically recommended as an alternative to silver fillings.
  • Orthodontics- Orthodontics includes the use of different dental appliances, such as Invisalign, traditional braces and retainers. This helps move teeth into their correct position, fixing malocclusions and improving the aesthetics of one’s teeth.

For missing teeth:

  • Dental Implants- Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. The crown that is placed over the implant is customized to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
  • Bridges and Partial Dentures- Bridges are either anchored into opposing teeth or a dental implant, where they are placed permanently. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, but can be removed willingly.
  • Gum Contouring- With the use of soft tissue lasers, the gum lines of the teeth can be sculpted to improve one’s smile. This is typically done to improve what’s known as a gummy smile, which is the result of genetics.
  • Teeth Whitening- Cosmetic dentists can whiten teeth in many different ways, depending on the patient’s wants, needs and financial situation.

The procedures that are listed above are only a few of the many cosmetic dentistry procedures offered by cosmetic dentists.

If you’re ready to have your life changed and your smile transformed, contact Dr. Patrick Simone DDS in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 to schedule a consultation today! Or visit www.patricksimonedds.com to learn more about Dr. Patrick Simone and his team.

Dr. Patrick Simone DDS proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

Meet Dr. Simone | Henderson Dentist

After completing his undergraduate degree at St. John Fisher College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dr. Simone went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry, where he earned a doctor of dental surgery degree. He then completed a residency in general dentistry at Rochester General Hospital.

Dr. Simone is an active member in the dental community, taking membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and the Clark County Dental Association. He is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment achieved by only 1% of the dentists in the United States.

Dr. Simone has spent his life practicing and perfecting advanced techniques that enable his clients to regain and maintain their quality of life and the dental health they desire. He was born and raised in Rochester New York and have been a Las Vegas resident since 1986.

For more information about Dr. Patrick Simone, call Dr. Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone also proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley, and surrounding areas.

IV Sedation – A relaxed dental visit | Henderson, NV

Intravenous Conscious Sedation (aka “IV sedation”) is when a drug, usually of the anti-anxiety variety, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment.

What does it feel like? Will I be asleep?

A lot of dental offices and practices use terms such as “sleep dentistry” or “twilight sleep” when talking about IV sedation. This is confusing, because it suggests that IV sedation involves being put to sleep. These terms are more descriptive of deep sedation. Deep sedation isn’t commonly used, and is classified as general anesthesia (even though sedation occurs on a continuum).

In reality, you remain conscious during conscious IV sedation. You will also be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist.

However, you may not remember much (or anything at all) about what went on because of two things:

IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what’s going on the drugs used for IV sedation produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much of what happened. Many people remember nothing at all. So it may, indeed, appear as if you were “asleep” during the procedure.

Contact Dr. Patrick Simone to schedule your next calming, anxiety free dental visit at (702) 735-2755 or visit our website.

Dr. Patrick Simone also proudly serves Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley, and surrounding areas.

How do I take care of my Porcelain Veneers? | Henderson, NV

 

The longevity of your porcelain veneers greatly depends on how well you take care of them. Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV offers some suggestions for properly taking care of your porcelain veneers.

Good Oral Care at Home: Brush and floss daily with a nonabrasive toothpaste containing fluoride. Good oral care at home helps prevent periodontitis which can cause your gums to recede. Veneers are placed right at the gum line. If your gums do start to recede the appearance of your veneers could be compromised.

Avoid excessive force: No biting your fingernails, hairpins, ice or hard candy. These types of things can break or dislodge a veneer.

No clenching and grinding your teeth: By grinding your teeth your veneers can be chipped or broken due to the force generated by these actions. If you suffer from bruxism at night, talk to Dr. Simone about a night guard to protect your teeth and veneers.

Steer Clear of Staining Foods and Drink: Although porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining the cement used to hold them in place can stain over time. Try to avoid coffee, tea, soda, wine and tobacco.

Contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 for more information on porcelain veneers or to make an appointment. Visit his website www.patricksimonedds.com.

Are your teeth damaged by decay? Inlays or Onlays might be the solution. | Henderson, NV

 

 

 

Inlays and onlays are frequently used to restore teeth that are severely damaged by decay or wear. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaced of the back teeth. According to Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV they provide more strength than a filling and are more conservative than a full crown.

A porcelain onlay is fabricated to fit your tooth precisely and is bonded tightly in place to strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Like a crown, an onlay covers and protects the tooth’s biting surface. Where a crown covers the entire tooth, an onlay fits inside the tooth cusps and covers only the biting surfaces. Because an onlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory, it takes two or more appointments to restore a tooth with a porcelain onlay.

If you have damaged teeth that are ruining your smile and oral health, contact Dr. Simone for an appointment today. Call 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

Top 10 Advantages of Dental Crowns | Henderson, NV

A crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its strength and appearance. Crowns have several uses such as to protect a weak or broken tooth. Also, crowns are used to cover a large filling or help support a bridge. Dr. Patrick Simone of Henderson, NV offers a list of the top 10 advantages of crowns.

  1. Natural Looking – Porcelain and composite crowns have the look and feel of natural teeth.
  2. Durable – Last up to fifteen years depending on their care.
  3. Stain Resistant – Made from porcelain
  4. Cosmetic – Improve the look of broken, cracked or discolored teeth
  5. Non-slipping – Crowns are cemented or anchored in place
  6. Protection – Crowns protect the tooth from further decay
  7. Restorative – Restores full function of your damaged tooth
  8. Comfort – Stable and do not irritate gums like partial dentures.
  9. Speech – Missing teeth and dentures can affect speech. Crowns replace the missing teeth and do not slip around, making speech sound more clear.
  10. Confidence – Damaged, discolored or missing teeth causes confidence issues. Crowns help to make your smile beautiful again.

If you have a broken, chipped, stained or damaged tooth, contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

Taking Care of Your New Dental Implants | Henderson, NV

Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV wants to ensure the care of your implants by offering a few simple suggestions maintaining your implants.

Brush and Floss twice a day – just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure.

Dental visits twice a year – regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene; however this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need a thorough cleaning and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Mouthwash – special germicidal mouthwash is often prescribed by dentists for patients with dental implants. It helps reduce the risk of infection.

Say no to Staining – dental implants can stain the same as normal teeth. So, steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine.

For more information on keeping your dental implants clean, healthy and sparkling white, contact Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755 or www.patricksimonedds.com.

Crowns and Bridges for a Lifelong Beautiful Smile | Henderson, NV

Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants. Unlike dentures, which can be taken out, crowns and bridges can only be removed by a dentist. Dr. Patrick Simone of Henderson, NV specializes in crowns and bridges and would like to offer some insight into this popular procedure.

Dental Bridge

Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are cemented to existing teeth or implants that surround an empty space, serving as anchors for the bridge. Porcelain is the most common material choice because it can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Crowns

A crown covers a damaged tooth. They are used for various reasons such as strengthening a damaged tooth, improving the tooth’s appearance or shape and to fix alignment issues.  As with bridges, crowns can be made of porcelain.

When would I need a crown?

  • To attach a bridge
  • Replace a filling when not enough tooth remains
  • Protecting weak teeth
  • Fractured tooth
  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a discolored tooth
  • Cover a tooth that has had a root canal

Crowns and bridges are fairly easy to take care of. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Also, steer clear of chewing hard foods such as ice. Follow these simple rules and your crowns and bridges could last a lifetime!

Contact Dr. Simone for an appointment and free information on Crowns and Bridges, 702-735-2755 or visit his website www.patricksimonedds.com.

 

Porcelain Veneers – A Superior Cosmetic Procedure | Henderson, NV

Porcelain veneers offer superior benefits over other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or braces. The fingernail-thin shells, which are adhered to the front surface, solve a myriad of aesthetic problems with just one treatment. Here is a list of the top 10.

  1. Natural looking – Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look, luster, and feel of enamel.
  2. Whiten – When adhered to the front surface of your teeth, veneers you’re your teeth look instantly whiter.
  3. Straighten – Veneers offer a great alternative for patients with crooked teeth who do not want to endure the process of having their teeth straightened with dental braces.
  4. Fix – Veneers can fill in and improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken.
  5. Fill in gaps – Veneers can be customized to repair smiles with unsightly gaps.
  6. Youthful – A whiter, brighter, more lustrous smile can immediately you’re your face a more youthful appearance.
  7. Conservative – Unlike other cosmetic procedures that require removing a large portion of healthy, natural teeth, veneers can be applied with little alteration.
  8. Protection – Once applied, the veneers also serve to provide a protective shield to the front surface of teeth.
  9. Stain resistant — Porcelain is stain resistant, which will make your smile stay brighter and whiter longer.
  10. Gum friendly – Gum tissue is not irritated by porcelain.

Get that beautiful smile you have always dreamed of, make an appointment today! Contact Dr. Patrick Simone DDS of Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit his website www.patricksimonedds.com.