Dentistry can be confusing. To aid you in understanding what options are available and which cosmetic procedures you might be interested in, we have chosen some questions to help you better understand our practice and available services.
- How does the doctor keep up to date on all current techniques?
- How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
- How can I safely whiten my teeth?
- Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and partials - Where can I learn more about these procedures?
- How can I ask Dr. Clemenza questions directly?
- My gums bleed after I brush. Is that something to be concerned about?
- I brush my teeth everyday, but my breath isn't fresh. Is there anything I can do?
- I want my front teeth to look better but don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
- What is Smile Design?
How does the doctor keep up to date on all current techniques?
Dr. Clemenza subscribes to the latest industry journals to keep tabs on research and development in the dental industry. She also takes time on a regular basis for continuing education and ensures that her staff does the same. As a team and as individuals, our office makes it our responsibility to be familiar with the latest techniques and materials available.How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
An average, healthy adult person typically benefits from a professional cleaning and check up every six months. While twice daily brushing and daily flossing go a long way toward maintaining a healthy mouth, it's wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar, requiring professional cleaning to avoid gingivitis.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home bleaching products to in-office supervised treatments. Dr. Clemenza can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current color and the causes of any discoloration. Once you have decided on the most appropriate method, you'll probably spend anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks undergoing a series of simple whitening treatments.Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and partials - Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Our Web site is designed to help you learn all you need to about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques we offer. Simply click on the Patient Services link in the margin, then select the item of interest from the listing provided. Happy reading!How can I ask Dr. Clemenza questions directly?
We encourage our patients to have open, direct communication with Dr. Clemenza. Therefore, she's available daily to answer your questions either via e-mail or voice mail. Depending on office traffic and the complexity of your questions, she strives to respond within 24 hours.My gums bleed after I brush. Is that something to be concerned about?
It's certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing. However, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough, “scrubbing” instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one, plaque and/or tartar buildup below the gum line, or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.I brush my teeth everyday, but my breath isn't fresh. Is there anything I can do?
Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here's a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings, and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions. First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial buildup on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or we can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, we may also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, in which case we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.I want my front teeth to look better but don't want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
Dr. Clemenza has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of unsightly braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. In other cases, it may be necessary to attach 'invisible' braces behind the front teeth. We'd be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your "individual" situation.Great care is taken to design a smile for each patient. After we understand your needs and goals, we consider the shape of your face, color of your eyes, shape and contour of lips. We evaluate factors like the symmetry of your eyes and nose to the other dimensions. Once you have your new smile, your confidence soars. Nothing frames the face better than an attractive and beautiful smile. People are drawn to you without knowing why. A brilliant smile radiates joy, excitement, healthy and vitality. A smile is a celebration of life, a reflection of the heart and your number one asset.