Cosmetic dentistry has developed into a true dental art due to today’s aesthetic driven world. While traditional plastic surgery can fix your nose, eyes, chin, and maybe even those love handles, cosmetic dentistry has the ability to dramatically change and improve your smile, often thought of as the window to one’s soul.

Interestingly enough, our teeth are not only controlled by our genetics but also by regular dental care. Genetically, tooth shape, size, color, and strength are often written in our genetic code. In addition, patients over time can develop crowding, worn and chipped teeth, and cavities. All of this can create a very unhappy patient.

So, what exactly is the perfect smile? My one example would be to look at Tom Cruise in the 1980s and look at Tom Cruise today. Notice anything different. He had a complete cosmetic dentistry makeover. Rumor has it that Tom was quite embarrassed of his smile in the 1980s, and the by the time year 2000 rolled around his mouth miraculously had transformed into the perfect smile!

Cosmetic dentistry can be seen everywhere

…in Hollywood, but just look around you and you can see it too. Did Jane’s teeth look whiter today, do John’s teeth seem straighter and smooth now, and is Jamie showing less of those gums now? The power of cosmetic dentistry can transform your whole life and confidence.

It may seem strange for me to say cosmetic dentistry can transform your whole life. You would be surprised to really see how many people hide their mouth due to insecurity. It can produce anxiety in social situations, fear of job interviews, and dread when pictures are being taken. Many people get really good at hiding their teeth, and some even avoid meeting new people. This can all stem from a crooked tooth, dark stains, chips, or gaps.

The good news is that this can all be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. Some tools of the cosmetic dentist include veneers, all porcelain crowns and fillings, laser gum surgery, and tooth whitening (perhaps the easiest, most inexpensive way to enhance a smile). With one or a combination of these procedures, Dr. Lampee and his staff can change not only your teeth, but also your confidence. There’s nothing like showing off that new showstopper grin from cosmetic dentistry.

Dental implants make tooth replacement easier than ever today. In past decades tooth loss was not a major concern since most people accepted the fact that they would lose all of their teeth and end up receiving dentures. What any person with dentures will tell you is that they are uncomfortable, they fall out at embarrassing moments, and that eating is never the same again. With today’s technology and lifestyles, people are now living longer and expecting to keep their teeth for their entire lives. And dental implants allow them to do this!

Dental implants replacing an extracted tooth

The crown will be placed in four months, looking like a normal, healthy tooth.

For many people, dental implants can be used to replace one or more teeth in a secure, comfortable way. A great alternative to traditional dentures, implants look and feel more natural, don’t sacrifice the integrity of your surrounding teeth, last for years, and allow you to speak and eat with more confidence. Give us a call at 503.646.2273 to find out if you’re a candidate for implant dentistry.

In the unfortunate event of tooth loss or a tooth that must be extracted, you now have the opportunity to replace that tooth with an implant. Dental implants are placed in the jaws to replace the missing tooth root. It then heals for four months before the porcelain crown is placed on top. In many cases the crown can be placed the same day the implant is placed into the jaw. Missing single or even multiple teeth can be replaced by dental implants.

Dental implants are recommended not just because they look good but there are other implications. When some are missing, remaining teeth have a tendency to gradually shift their position. In the long term, this can lead to disfiguration and is any are missing this can also have a serious impact on the bite of the person. By going with dental implants, there is even distribution of pressure when the person bites and chews. So, if you’re one of those people who are embarrassed with the spaces between your teeth or someone who faces difficulty in chewing, implants will take away every concern you have

Do you want to smile with ease, confidence and comfort? Then it’s time that you throw away your dentures and consider getting dental implants. They make you look natural and also feels as if you’ve had them all your life.

Sleep dentistry (aka – sedation dentistry) has become the only way to go the dentist for many thousands of patients. People, for some reason, seem to have an aversion to the dental office. When depicted in movies, dentists are portrayed as dark, maniacal men wielding a huge syringe and an even larger drill! Do you remember Little Shop of Horrors – that’s the idea stuck in most people’s heads.

Sleep dentistry will change this for you forever

Anxiety is a fact of life for many people, and dental anxiety can be a debilitating fear. Bad visits during childhood can cause a lifetime of fear and neglect. Most dental anxiety stems from these experiences when a child: not knowing what was going on, painful drilling and injections, and being told to be quiet or held down. Even without a bad experience, people can still be very anxious about making an appointment or getting work done. Some people, prior to becoming sleep dentistry patients, have told me that in their past they would hear rumors or horror stories about one person’s visit to the dentist and that will become engrained in their brain, thus creating a phobia. People are also afraid to go from fear of being scolded, or they feel that their teeth are so bad that it will be very embarrassing to have them examined.

With today’s sleep dentistry technologies, techniques, and focus on a good patient experience, the dental industry has evolved into something that no longer needs to be feared. We don’t scold, we don’t hold you down, and we explain everything that we can do for you – we understand your fear and we cater to it… sleep dentistry is the answer!

Sleep dentistry is truly a miracle for so many patients. At your first visit, we will have a comprehensive conversation with you to understand your anxiety. We will talk about where this comes from, what triggers it (sound of the drill, just stepping foot in the office?), and how we are going to eliminate this fear through sleep dentistry. It also requires you to be in reasonably good health. Some health issues like COPD, asthma, and diabetes require extra care. Most patients are excellent candidates for sleep dentistry.

Sleep dentistry involves different medications given underneath the tongue to produce a sleepy, dreamlike state that results in almost total amnesia. This is considered oral sedation unlike IV sedation dentistry. The medications are placed underneath the tongue, because this is the one of the fastest ways into the bloodstream. Most people only remember coming to the office and then waking up in their bed at home. Sleep dentistry works that well!

What is truly amazing about sleep dentistry is that, if you wish, you can have all of your dental work done in one visit! Many patients have not had an appointment for 5,10,15, even 20 years. Well, you might imagine what could be in there after 20 years… we can fix all of that in the course of one appointment. Some people are in the chair for 7 or 8 hours at a time, all the while being comfortable, relaxed, and unaware of all the work being done. Truly remarkable! So many patients thank us after the appointment for changing their lives and, especially, for not remembering the procedure. They can’t believe they didn’t hear about sleep dentistry sooner.

Whether it’s anxiety over a cleaning, a veneer smile makeover, implant surgery, wisdom teeth removal, or a root canal, sleep dentistry will change your view of dentists forever.

Has anyone ever said you have a gummy smile?

One of the first things you notice is someone’s smile. Whether it’s at the grocery store, a first date, or in the mirror, your smile can be a window to your soul.

Teeth come in all shorts of shapes, sizes, alignments, and shades of white. Most of this is in your DNA, your genetic code, and nothing can be done about that! Teeth are only one part of your smile though. Another huge factor is your gums. The gum tissues and surrounding bone are what keep your teeth strong and healthy. In essence, there are two key elements to a healthy, beautiful smile: teeth and the surrounding gum tissues.

Change my gummy smile

Many people come to me saying: “I don’t like my smile”, it’s a gummy smile. Can you change the color or position of my broken down or crooked teeth with Lumineers?” Well, the answer is yes, but most of the time patients don’t ask me this very important question: “Can you change the shape and position of my gums?”

The amount of gum tissue we show when we smile is another genetic predisposition that we were born with. Luckily, like the teeth, we can change that. Ideally, at full smile you should show no gum tissue or 2-3mm of gum tissue at the tops of your front teeth. Some people, however, show 5mm or even 10mm of tissue when they smile. Hence the term “gummy smile.” For many people a gummy smile can cause hesitation or embarrassment when it comes time to show off those pearly whites.

With today’s technology and procedures, we can change that gummy smile. The procedure has a couple of different names: gingivoplasty or crown lengthening. Most gummy smile cases can easily be taken care with a soft tissue dental laser, which is what we use. It can be done with or without doing crowns or veneers on the front teeth. In the course of about 30 minutes, we can remove the excess gum tissue that causes the gummy smile. You walk away with a smile that’s more confident and most importantly, whiter (since you’re showing so much less of that gummy smile). Healing time is generally about seven days, but the results last a lifetime!

If you’ve ever been self-conscious about the gum tissue in the front of your mouth ( gummy smile either too much or uneven) or if you know people who may benefit from this procedure, feel free to call our office for a consultation.

More and more patients are asking about Lumineers. During the last twenty years Lumineers have completely transformed thousands of patient’s lives. They are are a special type of porcelain veneer that can provide an instant smile makeover.

With traditional dental veneers, the teeth are ground down in the very front and on the sides and tops. This results in quite a bit of grinding to the tooth. They are then bonded to the teeth to enhance the smile. These new type of veneers are different, and they require much less drilling and less shots.

Very High Strength Porcelain Lumineers

Lumineers are made of very high strength porcelain, and they can be as thin as a contact lens (this is why they require less drilling of healthy tooth structure). If the teeth are crooked, sometimes they will need slight recontouring of the enamel to ensure the Lumineers will fit. In most cases, no anesthetic is needed, making for a very happy patient. If the idea of any dental work causes you fear or anxiety, then Dr. Lampee can sedate you prior to your appointment.

Your first visit

At your first visit, he will determine if you are an ideal candidate for lumineers. He will then take photographs to assess your bite and how to ensure the best cosmetic outcome. He will also discuss the different shades and shapes possible to ensure you are happy with the final result.

Your second visit

During the second visit he will take impressions of your top and bottom teeth, then do any recontouring of the teeth that is necessary. The impressions are then sent to the lab, and it takes two to three weeks for the custom Lumineers to be made.

You’ll be grinning, ear to ear

On your third visit with you will leave with a brand new smile, and it will look awesome. Many patients have waited years to have a cosmetic dentistry makeover, and for most, this is the first day they can smile with confidence.

Many patients ask how long will they last? Lumineers have been shown to last over twenty years if properly cared for. They also come with at least a five-year warranty, and sometimes a lifetime warranty!

Lumineers can change your life. If you are embarrassed or self-conscious about the color or shape or position of your teeth, then call Dr. Lampee today for a complimentary consultation. In just two weeks you can have a complete cosmetic dentistry makeover with Lumineers.

Everyone seems to want to go to a cosmetic dentist these days. From chipped, worn or crooked teeth, a good cosmetic dentist can solve any of your smile dilemmas. Not surprisingly, much of a person’s self-confidence comes from their smile. Some people are born with it, others go in search of it. Let me, Dr. Lampee, educate you on what this should mean to you and your life.

A cosmetic dentist focuses on how to make you look better. While the plastic surgeon can perfect your nose, chin, eyes, and face, he cannot change your mouth – this is the job of the cosmetic dentist. I can change the shape of your teeth, the color, the size, and also your gum line (some patients show too much gum tissue). This is a delicate, personalized process.

When a patient comes to my office in search of a cosmetic dentist, I first ask them what is their ideal smile and what do they really want to change. So many patients have been self-conscious for their whole lives. After I understand their past frustrations and future desires, we can then proceed with creating a treatment plan that will change everything!

As a cosmetic dentist

I may recommend several treatment options. Options could include porcelain veneers, dental crowns, gum tissue removal, tooth whitening, or braces. The plan will be tailored to your wants, cost considerations, and time line. This process could be completed in as little as two weeks. An excellent dental laboratory is also needed. We work hand in hand to ensure that when you leave the office that your cosmetic makeover will look great and be strong.

Finding a good cosmetic dentist can be a challenge. As a dentist, I have the training and experience to expertly handcraft your new makeover. Our office is a welcoming and comfortable environment, where you will feel at ease and all options will be thoroughly explained before treatment begins. I will explain the entire process to you, and we offer sedation for the dental phobic.

The greatest part of being a cosmetic dentist is to see the instant transformation once a patient looks in the mirror for the first time after a cosmetic makeover. Call us at Beaverton Smile Center today; we are your best choice for a cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain veneers have become synonymous with beautiful, bright smiles. In the last twenty years, a great change has been building in the way people look at their teeth. More and more emphasis has been put on the perfect smile and white teeth. With science creating stronger and more aesthetic porcelains, the easiest and fastest way to get that Hollywood look is with porcelain veneers. This is now possible because of the new cosmetic dental options available today.

So many people don’t quite know what a porcelain veneer is. They know many movie stars and models have them and that they can make you look great. Porcelain veneers can correct crooked, chipped, and stained teeth. Porcelain veneers are different from dental crowns. Crowns require drilling of extensive tooth structure all the way around the tooth and basically cover they whole white part of the tooth. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, cover only the fronts of the teeth, thereby “veneering” your mouth-they cover up all the irregularities, the cracks, and the crookedness. Simply put… they look beautiful, youthful, and strong.

Porcelain veneers are thin yet strong

Slight drilling is needed to prepare the tooth for the veneer. An impression is then taken and sent to the dental laboratory, where a highly trained lab technician crafts your porcelain veneer. The color, shape, and anatomy of the porcelain veneer will all be expertly chosen to the best fit for your smile. The porcelain veneers are then bonded to the teeth, instantly transforming your appearance. The transformation can be breathtaking!

May people come to my office, Beaverton Smile Center, for porcelain veneer consultations. They know they want a positive change, and they know I can provide that for them. At your consultation, we will decide how many veneers we want to do. This may surprise you, but to do the best cosmetic job, most people will need at least six porcelain veneers. It all depends on the how wide a patient’s smile (the wider the smile, the more veneers you need). Some people also will need to do the bottom one’s as well, in addition to the top.

Porcelain veneers can be a confusing topic for patients. There seems to be so many types of veneers (Lumineers is one brand) and it can be hard for the patient to decide how many they want. At our office you will sit down with me personally to discuss your case, because this is a very personal decision, a decision that can change your life!

Give me a call today to schedule your porcelain veneers consultation.

A wealth of new cosmetic dental treatment options have spawned from great scientific advancements in the healthcare field. It seems that a day doesn’t go by without a patient asking me about whiter teeth, straighter smiles, and porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Dental Specialist?

In medicine, cosmetic plastic surgery is a defined specialty. However, in dentistry, there is not a “cosmetic dental specialist.

With experience, education, and natural talent a dentist can learn what it takes to make a smile beautiful.

It can take years to reach this point, and since the cosmetic dental field is ever changing, continuous education is necessary. Advanced education in surgery, smile design, occlusion (how the teeth bite), and materials is a must.

It seems that almost every dentist claims to have a cosmetic dental office. It’s on most signs (our bright blue sign even says it).

With everyone claiming to be a cosmetic dental expert, well, who should go to? First you must feel comfortable with the office you select: the staff, the doctor, the atmosphere. You should also look at what other patients have to say about their experience there. It better be positive! Is the website up-to-date and are their examples and pictures of the procedures that you are interested in (veneers, crowns, implants, laser gum surgery, etc)?

Many people are also concerned about cosmetic dental costs. I hate to bring my grandmother into the conversation (she is a wise woman!), but she always says, “You get what you pay for in life.”

To make a smile beautiful is not a simple thing. It takes years to develop the talent needed by the doctor, it takes an amazing staff and office to make it all happen, and you also need an excellent dental laboratory to create your customized smile.

None of this is cheap. Financing is available and there are also cash discounts available. Your cosmetic dental work can also be done in stages, thus making it more affordable.

Here at Beaverton Smile Center, we are a cosmetic dental practice. We do many things for our patients, but one of our favorites is transforming smiles.

I have a passion for improving lives and changing how people think about dental visits. In addition to sleep dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is my other passion. I would love to have you in today for a complimentary cosmetic dental consult.

Laser dentistry has become a hot topic today. Lasers in dentistry have been around for nearly two decades, but it is just in the last five years they have really become popular in high tech dental offices. So, what can laser dentistry do for you?

First, let’s talk about how laser dentistry works. There are different types of lasers out there, and each one uses a certain wavelength of light to focus energy. This focused energy becomes the laser beam and can then be used to perform dental procedures.

Here at Beaverton Smile Center we have been using our laser for over two years. It looks like an over-sized Ipod. We use it on a daily basis, and I am going to inform you of some of its most popular applications.

Laser dentistry Can Be Used To:

Laser dentistry can be used to remove excess gum tissue. In previous articles I have written about the “gummy smile.” Our laser can help take away this extra gum tissue, thereby making your smile more aesthetic.

Under the tongue and near the front teeth we have muscle attachments. Some patients’ muscle attachments are too prominent, which can cause the gums to recede or the tongue to be “tongue tied.” Laser dentistry can remove this extra tissue, thereby removing the problem.

Laser dentistry can also be used to decontaminate the gum pockets after regular or deep cleanings. The laser’s concentrated heat energy can kill much of the bacteria in the gum pockets, thus leading to healthier gums and better dental check-ups. The bacteria in those pockets can cause periodontal disease, also known as bone and gum loss. This laser decontamination can be performed at every cleaning appointment.

One very cool laser dentistry application is for cold sores and canker sores. People who get these know how uncomfortable and unsightly they can be. Laser treatments on these sores can reduce the pain and the also reduce the number of days the sore is active. They can also help to reduce the number of future outbreaks in the location that gets lasered. At the first sign or tingle of an outbreak you should call us and we can get you in to laser the area—the sooner the better.

Lasers have become a reality and a great dental technology. The benefits of using laser dentistry include less postoperative sensitivity and less bleeding. I hope this article has some shed some light on new laser dentistry technology available here at Beaverton Smile Center.

The full mouth reconstruction procedure has changed the smiles and confidence of so many of my patients. This is a service that I am so honored to offer, because the change it can bring is tremendous. Full mouth reconstruction is an advanced procedure that I have spent many classroom and clinical hours perfecting to have the competence to bring it to you, my city, and my entire patient population.

(Before Full Mouth Reconstruction)

Full Mouth Reconstruction With A Simple Analogy

A mouth is a lot like a car. When a car is brand new you generally don’t have any issues with it. The paint looks good, it smells clean, there are no stains or rips on the upholstery, and it has no mechanical issues. You are happy to drive this car and to be seen in it. Now, fast forward 100,000 or 200,000 miles. By this point the paint is dull, it may have been wrecked a few times, and the engine is leaking and the transmission needs to be rebuilt. The interior definitely does not smell so good either. Now, let’s transition to our talk about a full mouth reconstruction for your mouth and teeth. When we are born teeth are brand new, unworn, strong, and without cracks or fillings or root canals. It is through the journey of life that our teeth start to hit that 100,000 or 200,000 mile mark. Some people hit that mark quicker than others; these are people who grind, have weak enamel, have sustained trauma, or have many cavities. The teeth don’t look good anymore or function the way they were supposed to. They are weak and cracking, and they need an “overhaul.” Now it’s pretty easy to just go buy a brand new car at this stage, but, the mouth is a whole different animal. This is where full mouth reconstruction comes into play.

(After Full Mouth Reconstruction)

After a thorough exam and analysis, we can decide how to do your full mouth reconstruction. We will generally work on almost every tooth in the mouth to put each tooth back into an “ideal” state. This can be accomplished by using crowns, bridges, veneer, implants, or fillings. We can correct tooth position, color, and wear. In a nutshell, we can take a mouth that is severely deteriorated and transform it into something that is stunning and strong. We generally like to do a full mouth reconstruction with sedation since the appointments can be quite lengthy.

Teeth are stronger than bone, and it still amazes me how much they have to stand up to in the course of a life. Full mouth reconstruction has helped my patients with prior bulimia, acid reflux, severe wear due to grinding or weak enamel, tetracycline stains, missing teeth, or decayed or crooked teeth.

Full mouth reconstruction is an investment in time and resources. Many people ask how much does something like this cost. And I say it could be as much as a car. Most people will then ask what kind of car. It could be a Chevrolet or it could be a Mercedes. It also takes time. Some full mouth reconstruction cases can be finished in as little as one month, but some more complicated cases could take from six to 12 months or longer. There are financing options available and your full mouth reconstruction can also be done in stages to help with the cost.

Your smile is something you should be proud to bare. If your smile is something you try to hide, talk to me today about full mouth reconstruction and we will see what possibilities are waiting for you.