Cosmetic Dentistry
A new smile not only enhances your appearance but also changes your life. It can help you look younger, boost your confidence and renew your sense of self-esteem.
With the amazing advancements that have been made in aesthetic dentistry, it has never been easier, more convenient or more comfortable to have the smile of your dreams. Most procedures can be completed in 2 to 3 visits! So, what are you waiting for?
What is a 'Smile Makeover'?
Quite simply, a smile makeover is the complete transformation of your smile. The possibilities are endless!
Crooked teeth, worn down, chipped or missing teeth, embarrassing spaces between your teeth, 'gummy' smiles, as well as stained and discolored teeth are all problems that can be solved by the most advanced techniques available in modern dentistry.
View our Smile Gallery to see some of the amazing cases we have done and lives we have changed at the Dental Design Studio.
What will my new smile look like?
That's the question everyone asks! Your smile is as unique as you are. That's why we take great care to design a smile that suits your individual characteristics.
We begin by taking photographs of your face and smile and having the photos digitally enhanced by a professional dental photo lab. Thanks to advances in computer technology, you can see an example of your redesigned smile before the procedure begins! This is an excellent way to share your excitement with friends and family.
Next, we take a series of facial measurements to help us create a smile that is in proportion to the shape of your face, your bone structure and the contour of your lips. We base the size of your new smile on Golden Proportions, a relationship between measurements that occurs throughout nature and defines beauty.
We will have you review our Smile Gallery to find out your personal preferences. Do you want a Hollywood smile? Or are you someone who prefers the more gentle contours of a Natural smile?
Finally, a wax model will be created by our lab so that adjustments can be made before you begin treatment. You and Dr Parker will sit down with an actual replica of your new smile to determine if it matches what you want. This gives you an opportunity to shape the smile exactly to your individual tastes.
What technologies do you use
in cosmetic dentistry?
Modern technology is an integral part of aesthetic dentistry. The use of intra-oral cameras, for example, lets us see your teeth magnified on a high-resolution monitor, allowing for better diagnosis and more conservative treatment. Digital imaging technology allows you to see your new smile before we start treatment.
What about lasers?
One of the most amazing advances in dental technology has been the introduction of the laser. With lasers, Dr. Parker can perform more effective cosmetic procedures, allowing you to receive more comfortable treatment. With the diode laser, Dr. Parker can perform more effective procedures comfortably and with ultra fine precision.
If you have a 'gummy' or uneven smile, the diode laser can be used to contour the gum tissue, greatly enhancing the appearance of your smile. The laser 'seals' the tissues, creating little or no bleeding, less post-operative discomfort and swelling as well as faster healing.
In general, laser technology enables Dr. Parker to do procedures that would be impossible with more conventional instruments. Click here to find other ways that we use the diode laser at Dental Design Studio.
What can be done for stained teeth?
Many people achieve a whiter, brighter smile with our in-office whitening procedure--ZOOM!.
The ZOOM! in-office whitening system is the same system seen on ABC Television's "Extreme Makeover" show. It is safe, quick and delivers dramatic results--sometime up to 10 shades whiter in one treatment!
You can whiten your entire smile and maintain the shade with the customized home kit that makes the ZOOM! system an incredible value.
What can be done about my old fillings?
Silver-mercury amalgams are now obsolete. Not only are they harmful to your teeth and overall health, after many years they begin to turn your teeth black and unsightly.
At Dental Design Studio, we practice non-silver/mercury dentistry and will be happy to assist you in replacing older, failing and unattractive mercury restorations. Today's porcelain inlays, onlays and composite resins create fillings that are natural looking and much stronger than materials of the past.
With our advanced training in functional, aesthetic dentistry, we can restore your teeth so that they are not only more attractive, but in many cases are even stronger than your original teeth!
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to stains.
For strength and appearance, porcelain veneers provide a resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.
How can you replace my missing teeth?
There is no reason to live with missing teeth. Many options are available, including bridges, implants or even precision-fit, natural-looking and feeling partial and full dentures.
Not only are missing teeth a cosmetic problem, but they create a less than healthy overall dental condition as well. Replacing missing teeth will improve your appearance and self-confidence and allow you to keep your other teeth healthier by reducing the stress placed on the remaining natural teeth.
Dr Parker's extensive training in Neuromuscular and Occlusion Dentistry helps to give you a cosmetic result that will look great and provide you with the proper functionality so that you can eat whatever you want with ease and confidence.
What is gum contouring?
Contouring is basically a simple procedure that reveals more of the natural tooth. It makes a tremendous difference to one's smile and we do some sort of gum contouring on the majority smile of makeovers.
The use of a laser quickly reshapes the gum line, creating a more beautiful, natural-looking smile.
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are an ideal option for anyone who is in good general health but has lost teeth from periodontal disease, an injury or decay.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth, bridge or denture. At the Dental Design Studio, we work closely with some of New Mexico's best oral surgeons, who like us, have specialized training in Nobel Biocare dental implant technology.
Will it hurt?
We understand that fear is a primary reason why many people avoid dental care and lose the opportunity to make corrections to their smiles before they get worse.
We take the time necessary to make you as comfortable as possible while receiving your smile makeover. Dr. Parker's advanced licensing in sedation dentistry allows us to make the experience of receiving dental treatment relaxing and safe.
But can I afford a smile makeover?
With our convenient payment options, you can start treatment today! We offer extended payment plans with our outside billing services as
well as incentives for pre-payment. Our Patient Care Coordinators are experts at making care affordable. --