Seattle Dentist Solutions / BrightSmile & FAQs
BrightSmile
A smile you can't wait to share with the world. That's what we call a Brite-Smile. This new technology eliminates the need for messy trays and weeks of treatment. The Britesmile system you have been reading about in Vogue and other fashion magazines, is available here in Seattle at the office of Seattle Dentist Dr. Rhys Spoor. It's a gentle, simple, one-visit procedure - about an hour is all it takes.
Call us today at 866.482.2950 for your appointment.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Your smile is your window to the world. It is the universal form of communication that crosses language barriers, instantly portrays your personality, self-image and how you feel about the people around you. The physiologic foundation of your smile determines it’s longevity and how it feels.
Q: What is aesthetic dentistry?
A: Aesthetic dentistry is a facet of dentistry that deals with enhancement, restoration and maintenance of optimal dental health specifically design for unique desires. It is based on artistic creation in a framework of sound scientific principles. It utilizes the most advanced techniques and materials to give natural looking and feeling results that can greatly enhance your life.
It takes years of experience and training and Seattle Dentist Dr. Spoor is both an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Both of these recognitions encompassed rigorous training and testing. He also is an Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, a Clinical Instructor at the internationally recognized Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies in Las Vegas, Nevada and lectures to dentists nationwide on aesthetic dental techniques and art. Because of his recognition and expertise in the field, dentists from across the country come to Seattle Dentist Dr. Spoor for their own dental restoration and enhancements.
Q: What can be done if I have stained or discolored teeth?
A: If the only thing you want to do to change your smile is make it brighter, different whitening procedures may be your answer. There are different techniques and after analyzing what would work best for you, can take about an hour (see the BriteSmile section in this website).
Q: What if I don’t like excessive or uneven display of my gums?
A: There are a variety of solutions for this problem, some involving the use of lasers and no need for any anesthesia. Artistic sculpting of the gum tissue can take a smile from good to great.
Q: What if I have missing teeth?
A: Many options exist, including bridges, implants or even precision fit natural looking and feeling partial and full dentures. There is no reason to live with missing teeth. Not only does a full set of teeth improve self esteem but it makes all of the other teeth last longer by reducing the stress placed on the remaining natural teeth.
Q: What if I just don’t like my smile?
A: Smiles are all unique and the reasons a person may not like their own smile is about as personal as it gets. We a very skilled and experienced at determining the key factors to enhancing any smile. Factors may include crooked, missing, poorly shaped or discolored teeth. Mismatched, unattractive or failing previous dentistry that can be recent or quite old. Uneven or excessive display of the gum tissue or an uneven or slanted display of the teeth. Underlying skeletal malformations that can cause the teeth to be crowded, excessively prominent or retruded, or have spaces between them. Wear, chipped or broken teeth.
The best way to decide what will work for you is to come talk to us. In many cases using we can show you what a change may look like and help you decide if it is right for you. All of our consultations are complimentary and we also can give you references to others that may have had your particular type of problem and can tell you about their experiences and the benefits they have seen since their own particular treatment.
Q: What can you tell me about amalgam or silver fillings?
A: Amalgam fillings, sometimes referred to as silver fillings are the most commonly placed filling material according to a survey done by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2000. The main reasons given were it’s cost effectiveness, ease of placement and longevity.
We chose ten years ago not to place amalgam fillings for the following reasons:
- Amalgam fillings expand with time and tend to fracture teeth from the inside, similar to splitting wood with a wedge.
- The material typically contains about 50% mercury and even though the ADA has deemed it safe, it is still considered a toxic and hazardous material outside the mouth. Several European countries have banned the use of the material and King County where Seattle is located, requires that dentists remove the amalgam debris from the waste water leaving the dental office. At this point the county is asking dentists for voluntary compliance of which we are one of a few offices that comply. (Even though we don’t place amalgam fillings, we remove old ones which generates the mercury waste). It is also important to remove the amalgam material with the proper technique to reduce the exposure to aerosolized mercury which can be readily absorbed through the lungs.
- Amalgam fillings are very unaesthetic and because of corrosion typically turn dark with time. There are more aesthetic and safer materials to use.
Q: What is neuromuscular dentistry and can it relieve headaches or TMJ (tempromandibular joint) pain?
A: See TMJ Information on this site.
Dr Rhys Spoor DDS Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Seattle, Washington.
