Desert Smiles Blog
Archive for January, 2012
Instant Orthodontics with Porcelain Veneers: Phoenix Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox
Friday, January 27th, 2012
This lovely lady had always been self-conscious about her smile due to the severe misalignment and crooked angles and appearance of her teeth. Not wanting to go through the long process of orthodontics, she opted to have instant orthodontics done and have a fabulous new smile with porcelain veneers in three weeks. Now she has the smile of her dreams with veneers that will never stain or fade or shift as sometimes happens following braces. For a new smile in Phoenix and Scottsdale, visit Dr. Donald Wilcox and the caring team and DesertSmiles. For the latest in sedation and implant dentistry in Glendale and Anthem, see www.DesertSmiles.com.
Posted in Before and after cosmetic dentistry, ceramic veneers, Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, smile makeover, Uncategorized, veneers | No Comments »
Sports Drinks and Teeth Staining
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
When it comes to drinks that discolor your teeth and contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel, coffee, tea, red wine and fruit juice are often noted.
But there is another increasingly popular type of beverage that can also stain your teeth: sports drinks. Although hydration during and following physical activity is important, most sports drinks are vibrantly colored and contain high levels of sugar.
Like any dark-colored beverage, sports drinks can progressively stain your teeth with continued use. Without proper dental hygiene, sports drinks can also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Even with regular brushing, however, sports drinks can gradually cause your teeth to lose their white, vibrant tone. Fortunately, Scottsdale, Arizona, dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox and the team at Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry offer a number of teeth-whitening options to help you restore your brilliant smile.
Depending on your individual needs and aesthetic goals, you may benefit from a teeth-whitening treatment or custom-fit porcelain veneers. We currently offer teeth-whitening options including:
Your consultation with Dr. Wilcox can help determine the best option for helping you restore a bright, healthy looking smile.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria or Glendale, Arizona, areas and would like to learn more about your teeth-whitening options, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule your personal appointment with Dr. Wilcox.
Posted in teeth discoloration | No Comments »
Are You Afraid of the Dentist?
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Many people avoid the dental treatment they need to maintain a healthy smile due to fear of the dentist.
Glendale, Arizona, dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox and the team at Desert Smiles are pleased to offer sedation dentistry for patients who experience anxiety at the thought of a trip to the dentist. Sedation dentistry is often effective for patients who experience:
- Fear of dental procedures
- Sensitive teeth
- Strong gag reflex
Sedation dentistry allows you to undergo your dental procedure in a relaxed state with no discomfort or adverse aftereffects. You will need a ride home following a sedation dentistry procedure due to the lingering effects of the sedative.
Sedation dentistry can be especially beneficial to patients who require multiple procedures. There are different sedation options available based on your individual needs; most restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry procedures can be performed with the use of a prescription oral sedative.
Although sedation dentistry is safe for most adult patients, it is not for everyone. Certain prescription drugs and medical conditions prevent some patients from being good candidates for sedation dentistry.
Your consultation with Dr. Wilcox will determine if sedation dentistry is a good choice for you.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria or Glendale, Arizona, areas and would like to learn if sedation dentistry is right for you, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wilcox.
Posted in fear of dentist | No Comments »
Veneers and all Porcelain Crowns Transform Smile and Self-Confidence: Glendale Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
In this dramatic smile transformation, Glendale dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox used porcelain veneers and crowns. The smile now follows her lip line much better, no more reverse smile. Unsightly silver-mercury fillings have been replaced, and no more worrying about how her smile looks in photos. For the finest in Phoenix cosmetic dentistry, visit DesertSmiles and Dr. Donald Wilcox for a complimentary consultation to see what is possible for you. For information about Phoenix dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox and sleep dentistry and dental implants visit www.DesertSmiles.com.
Posted in ceramic veneers, Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist, smile makeover, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Porcelain Veneers Rejuvinate Worn and Discolored Smile:Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
When teeth become worn and shortened, they show less when you smile. The worn edges and even look are unnatural and gives and older appearance. This beautiful lady had porcelain veneers done to restore the lost length and create a natural and youthful appearance again. At DesertSmiles we create new smiles for Phoenix, Glendale and Peoria patients who desire to look their best for their personal and professional lives. For a complimentary smile analysis and consultation regarding your cosmetic dental options, Phoenix dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox is available at 602-978-1790. For more examples of beautiful smile makeovers visit the Gallary at www.desertsmiles.com.
Posted in ceramic veneers, Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist, smile makeover, Uncategorized, veneers | No Comments »
Affordability of Cosmetic Dentistry
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
Cosmetic dentistry procedures can provide you with a smile that is as functional as it is beautiful. But many people who would benefit from cosmetic dentistry avoid treatment due to concerns over costs.
Glendale, Arizona, cosmetic dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox and the team at Desert Smiles understand that cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your future. We believe that financial obstacles should not prevent you from seeking treatment, and we work hard to offer the finest dental care possible at affordable prices.
We provide a number of payment options, and we accept financing through Chase Health Advance and Springstone Patient Financing.
Chase Health Advance and Springstone Patient Financing offer flexible monthly payment options and allow you to schedule your cosmetic dentistry procedure as soon as you are approved. Individual terms vary and are subject to credit approval.
To view specific plan terms and to apply, please visit the Chase Health Advance and Springstone websites at:
Our staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding payment options and financing for cosmetic dentistry procedures.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria or Glendale, Arizona, areas and would like to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule your personal consultation.
Posted in Cosmetic Dentist Arizona | No Comments »
Dental Implant Candidacy
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth and have an otherwise healthy dental foundation.
That said, dental implants are not always the best option for replacing missing teeth. Some medications, health problems and other factors can prevent dental implants from successfully fusing with the jaw bone in certain patients.
A consultation with Phoenix implant dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox can determine if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Dental implants can typically be used to replace missing teeth in patients of all ages with the exception of children, whose bones are still developing. Good candidates for dental implants typically have healthy gums and adequate jaw bone structure in which to anchor the dental implant replacement “root.”
Insufficient bone may not preclude you from receiving dental implants. For many patients, a bone grafting procedure can provide the necessary foundation for dental implant posts.
While dental implants are effective for most patients, they are not the best solution for everyone with missing teeth. If Dr. Wilcox does not believe that dental implants will properly fuse with your jaw, he may recommend an alternative such as a fixed dental bridge or dentures.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria or Glendale, Arizona, areas and would like to learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule your personal consultation.
Posted in Implant Dentistry | No Comments »
Dental Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
In some ways, porcelain veneers have replaced many of the traditional uses of dental crowns. In the past, tooth crowns were the primary way to restore a tooth while improving the tooth’s appearance. Now, porcelain veneers offer a much less invasive way to conceal cosmetic tooth imperfections.
Dental crowns continue to be an effective way to restore tooth structure. You may need a dental crown:
- After a root canal.
- To restore a severely decayed tooth.
- To restore an extensively cracked tooth.
- To change the position of the bite.
To place a crown, a dentist must remove a substantial portion of the natural tooth. The crown is then placed over what is left of the natural tooth. Because a dental crown requires so much alteration of the natural tooth, a porcelain veneer is usually recommended when appropriate; however, tooth crowns remain an important option for people who are not candidates for porcelain veneers.
Veneers offer durability but cannot restore the structure of a severely damaged tooth. Porcelain veneers effectively enhance the smile by correcting cosmetic problems, including:
- Small chips
- Small cracks
- Stains
- Gaps
- Uneven length
- Uneven size
- Minor tooth wear
At Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Donald Wilcox can determine which treatment will be most beneficial to your smile and overall oral health.
For porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns in the Phoenix, Arizona area, please contact Glendale cosmetic dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox at Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule a consultation.
Posted in veneers | No Comments »
What Conditions can Porcelain Veneers Treat?
Friday, January 6th, 2012
Porcelain veneers are a durable, versatile and increasingly popular means of treating a variety of cosmetic tooth imperfections.
Your consultation and exam with Glendale, Arizona, cosmetic dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox of Desert Smiles will determine if porcelain veneers are the best option for achieving your aesthetic goals and preserving your vibrant smile for years to come.
Porcelain veneers can typically be used to correct:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Gap teeth
- Misshaped teeth
- Short teeth
Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like layers of porcelain that are affixed to the affected teeth. Each porcelain veneer is custom crafted and tinted to conform with the surrounding teeth and provide you with a seamless smile.
The benefits of porcelain veneers aren’t limited to aesthetics, however. Porcelain veneers also help preserve and protect the functionality of your teeth.
The veneers are crafted from strong, medical-grade porcelain and are bonded to the surface of your teeth. This allows your bite to function as it normally would while also safeguarding your teeth from additional wear and damage.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and are as easy to care for as your natural teeth. With good dental hygiene, including regular check-ups and professional cleanings, your porcelain veneers can provide you with a bright, healthy looking smile for years to come.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria or Glendale, Arizona, areas and would like to learn if porcelain veneers may be right for you, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wilcox.
Posted in veneers | No Comments »
Sleep Apnea at a Glance
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
Sleep apnea affects tens of millions of Americans, and it can contribute to life-threatening health problems.
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which the tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep and blocks the airway. This can cause periods in which your breathing is interrupted, sometimes for more than 10 seconds, dozens of times over the course of a night.
Chronic snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, but most people with sleep apnea suffer from multiple symptoms that may also include:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Headaches
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
If not treated, OSA can increase your risk for potentially fatal medical problems including:
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Because sleep apnea causes you to lose out on the important stages of deep sleep and lessens the amount of rest your body and mind get each night, it also decreases your mental capacities in your waking hours. Sleep apnea can result in slower reaction time and poor decision-making abilities, which in turn can adversely impact your ability to perform otherwise routine daily activities such as driving a car.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria or Glendale, Arizona, areas and would like to learn about testing and treatment for sleep apnea, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry to schedule your sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Donald Wilcox.
Posted in sleep apnea | No Comments »
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