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Dale Brant 

Cosmetic Dental Braces ( 5 )

Cosmetic Dentistry & Dental Implants Houston, Texas, Austin, TX,  Dallas, Texas, San Antonio, TXThere are millions of Americans who are currently suffering from teeth that are not in alignment.  A good many of these people, although they are too self-conscious to smile, do not seek corrective dental treatment.  Some are too financially challenged to invest in 2 years of standard orthodontic services.  Although they know they need to do something, so many of these people go on year after year trying to cover their mouth when they smileor simply smile without showing their teeth. 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

However, all of this is now changing, thanks to a new combination of traditional orthodontics, better dental materials, and newer, more creative treatment strategies.  With the Six Month Smiles, a breakthrough has now been made in corrective dental therapy.  With nearly invisible, clear braces, Six Month Smiles takes approximately 6 months to realign teeth and give a patient and entirely new smile.

 

Six Month Smiles is a perfect blend of old and new science.  In many respects, it takes the best attributes of metal braces and applies them with new more comfortable brackets and wires and more comfortable adjustment methods.  With results in a much shorter period of time, and with improved comfort, this has proven the most practical and affordable first line of treatment for the average American who is suffering from  with mild to moderate tooth alignment problems.

 

The benefits of these new cosmetic dental braces are clearly measurable and well within the means of the average American who struggles with embarrassment when he or she smiles.

 

         The average treatment time of only six-months is ideal for both students and busy executives.

         The clear brackets and tooth-colored wires are virtually impossible for anyone to see, so they do not cause the shyness or embarrassment typically caused by metal braces.

         Six Month Smiles uses patient tray kits that make appointments fast and comfortable, so patients do not have to miss much time from work or school.

         Dental hygiene is easier and much more effective with cosmetic dental braces.

         Six Month Smiles is the least expensive short-term orthodontic treatment developed to date.

 

The Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Houston is extremely enthusiastic about the potential this new treatment offers to our patients.   We have a large numbers of teenagers and adults who tell us that they would love to have straighter teeth, but choose to either forego or procrastinate on the standard 2-year treatment with metal braces.  This is sometimes because of the unattractive appearance of metal braces, or the pain associated with orthodontic adjustments, or even the difficulty brushing and flossing teeth that commonly challenges dental patients.   

 

However, Six Month Smiles is painless and only takes 25 percent of the time period that metal braces require to do their work.  There are, of course, very severe cases tooth alignment problems that still require 2-years of treatment with metal braces.  For these patients, we make referrals to trusted orthodontic experts who we believe will offer the very best and most effective treatment for severe cases.

 

However, an increasing number of cosmetic dentistry patients who walk through our doors end up getting the results in six months using our new,  revolutionary, affordable, virtually undetectable cosmetic dental braces. 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist

Cosmetic Dental Surgery ( 3 )
Cosmetic Dental Surgery
Cosmetic Dental Teeth Procedures ( 19 )

 


Cosmetic Teeth Procedures
There are a number of cosmetic teeth procedures you can have performed here at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group.  Some are very simple and require only one or two office visits.  Others are more complex and require reconstructive dental work to repair or replace damaged or broken teeth.

 

 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is one of the newer and more advanced cosmetic teeth procedures available to today’s dental patient.  It has all but replaced silver-mercury amalgam fillings.  Dental bonding is done with a special bio-friendly resin that looks like tooth enamel and more effectively fills cavities, smoothes out cracks, and whitens tooth surfaces than the primitive fillings of the past.  It also remains in the tooth much longer, so there is little if any, risk of it falling out. 

Cosmetic Dental Bleaching

Another basic cosmetic teeth procedure involves bleaching the teeth with a bleaching gel. During the initial visit, the dentist whitens your teeth in our office.  You then get to take home a special bleaching agent to use nightly for two weeks.  On your second visit, another in-office treatment of bleach is applied.  Cosmetic dental bleaching is the preferred first option of treatment for discolored teeth.

 

Cosmetic Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are made of porcelain and are therefore extremely hard.  They provide a firm chewing surface that will not crack, and their coloration looks very similar to that of natural tooth enamel.  Porcelain is also stain resistant, so once veneers are applied, they will last for years without losing their color. 

 

Veneers represent one of the most versatile cosmetic teeth procedures that provide a solution to a number of problems.  They are used to cover small chips and pits in tooth surfaces.  They are also used to whiten severely discolored teeth which bleach alone cannot whiten.  They have even proven effective in the correction of minor tooth alignment problems.    

 

Cosmetic Dental Porcelain Crowns

Before more sophisticated cosmetic teeth procedures like porcelain crowns were invented, dentists had few options when it came to treating severely decayed or fractured teeth.  A cavity that destroyed more than 40percent of a tooth, or a crack that broke off part of its enamel and dentin, pretty much guaranteed a tooth extraction.  Even worse, prior to the rise of implant dentistry, people with missing teeth had no other replacement options beyond traditional bridges or partial dentures.    .

 

Porcelain crowns have changed all this.  These days, the life of a tooth, so to speak, may still be ended by severe decay, but the physical structure and function of the two can more often than not be salvaged.  Severely infected or damaged teeth can be cleaned out with a standard root canal, and then capped with a porcelain crown that looks identical to surrounding teeth.  Porcelain crowns are tougher than even natural teeth, and when correctly placed, restore both the beauty of the smile and the ability to eat a normal diet without fear.

 

Cosmetic Dental Implants

There are many people, however, who have already lost teeth, and they lost those teeth long before the development of today’s more sophisticated cosmetic teeth procedures.  The good news is, there is a solution even for these people who come to us long after the fact.  This solution is implant dentistry. 

 

Made from a special, bio-friendly titanium alloy known as Tivolloy, the implant screws into the jawbone and acts just like an artificial tooth root.  After the jaw has accepted this implant, the dentist then caps the base with a porcelain crown, effectively creating a whole new tooth where none has existed for years. 

How much is the price or cost of cosmetic teeth procedures?
The price and cost of teeth whitening depends upon a number of factors, including the number of teeth to be treated and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic implant dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

Make an appointment with the dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group. Give us a call at 888.790.0309, or or feel free to Ask the Dentist.

   

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening ( 5 )

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic teeth whitening is a dental procedure that restores a brighter, more natural, and healthy looking smile.  It is a safe, quick, and inexpensive procedure that takes only two weeks total to achieve remarkably noticeable and long-lasting results.  It has become increasingly sophisticated as well, with new technology producing little or no sensitivity as a result of the treatment.  Cosmetic teeth whitening is a procedure that almost anyone in todays society can benefit from, as there are so many substances that can discolor teeth over a period of time.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Dentists once performed cosmetic teeth whitening with a bleaching gel and a laser.  Many patients, however, complained that their teeth were very sensitive after treatment, evidently due to the heat of the laser.  Use of lasers has been discontinued at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center.  Todays treatment uses a high-density light that works just as well as the laser.  This minimizes, if not altogether eliminates, tooth sensitivity.  Also, we stagger the appointments two weeks apart to further ensure minimal tooth sensitivity.  Patients come in for an initial in-office bleaching, and then perform two weeks of consistent home bleaching using a special kit we send home with them.  After two weeks of home treatment, a final in-office bleaching is performed.

 

The initial office visit for cosmetic teeth whitening services takes only about 1-2 hours.  A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, and then activated with the high-density light.  By the time the session is over, there is a noticeable improvement in the whiteness of the teeth.  The dentist then prepares a special tray for the patient to take home.  This tray contains topical bleaching gel that the patient will apply every night.  Patients remark that these trays are very easy to use and very comfortable as well.  Our dentists strongly recommend that all cosmetic teeth whitening patients avoid any and all tooth staining substances, including cigarettes, coffee, or wine.  At the end of the two weeks, the teeth will look even brighter as a result of applying the home treatments and following the dietary instructions of the dentist.

 

The final appointment also lasts 1-2 hours.  A second in-office bleaching is performed, followed by a special coating that seals the results of the procedure.  Although no dentist recommends deliberately indulging after the fact in the same substances that originally stained the teeth, dentists are aware that patients often do go back to coffee, cigarettes, teas, and wines, and need this extra protection to ensure that the cosmetic benefits of teeth whitening procedures.

 

Some patients may want to come in every six months to have another cosmetic teeth whitening procedure performed.  Others prefer to make the results of their first treatment last as long as possible.  Changing dietary habits and eliminating substances that stain teeth minimize the need to repeat this procedure.  Tooth whitening toothpastes are approved by our staff and can be used to maintain the results of this treatment.  Ultimately, results do depend largely on patient cooperation with dentist instructions and with reasonable, proactive self-care.

How much is the price or cost of cosmetic teeth whitening?
The price and cost of teeth whitening depends upon a number of factors, including the number of teeth to be treated and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves. 

To improve the look of your smile by scheduling an in-office tooth whitening consultation or procedure, please call our offices at 713.795.5905.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

We are a cosmetic dentistry company located in Houston, Texas.  We service clients throughout all 50 states into cities like Houston, Texas, Scottsdale, Arizona, Seattle, Washington (SEA),  Los Angeles, CA  Boston, Massachusetts, Princeton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Dallas, Texas, Chicago, IL, Baltimore, MD, and Minneapolis, MN. We also service clients internationally, including  Canada, Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Cosmetic Dental Teeth Whitening Center Regional Coverage 

Dental Air Compressors ( 6 )

Dental Air CompressorsDental air compressors act as the backbone to many of the visible dentistry tools that patients come in contact with during their visits to the dentist. The basic necessity of their pressurized air helps to provide both quality, and efficient service during all procedures performed by dentists, hygienists, and industry specific surgeons. From providing the necessary power behind a drill to helping with clean-up, a dental air compressor is an essential piece of equipment that any successful practice cannot live without.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323.


The supplies and tools that are chosen for a practice can determine the reputation they will have both in the community and among others in the industry. Whether the practice is just being launched or has been in business for many years, it is critical to have the best dental equipment on hand. It is a huge investment to make, but will certainly pay off in the years to come. From large units such as x-ray machines to the smaller utensils such as probes and forceps, efficient, high quality equipment is essential. Having the necessary tool set-up can ease the already high level of anxiety that patient’s have when they visit such an office. Both the experienced staff and the dependable dentist equipment can add to the comfort of any procedure being received by a patient.

Dental Air CompressorDental air compressors are one of the most important pieces of equipment that a practice should obtain. This unit compresses air and gas to give various handheld tools the clean, air driven power it necessitates to operate correctly. It is the air supply for such tools as drills, polishers, and the suction apparatus that keeps a patient’s mouth dry during procedures. The ability to adjust the pressure allows the dental air compressor to be versatile between its various uses. A handheld drill may require a different level of pressure during a procedure compared to that of a suction tool cleaning up following a surgery. This essential unit helps those tools that it powers to run smoothly, without any inconsistencies or surges.

There are many different air compressor models on the market today that vary between the options and benefits they have to offer. The one you choose will depend on the extent of tools to which the unit will power up, as well as the frequency of its use. The various models will differ in the total water capacity, the start-up and maximum pressure it allows for, the noise level it creates, and what the capacity of its power supply will be. A cooling fan on this piece of equipment can ensure against overheating issues when it is used more continuously. In addition, many are designed to be energy efficient, which can alleviate some of the cost of running such a unit over the long run. Portable air compressor models are also available to provide mobility to those cosmetic dentists providing care to those unable to visit a standard office. This is common for practitioners that provide care to the elderly, handicapped, and even those in the military.

As with a majority of dentistry equipment, dental air compressors can be purchased new or used, as well as rented from some suppliers. It is important to do extensive research prior to making such an investment for any practice. Any knowledgeable supplier can assist you in making the right selection for your particular needs. It may not be in the forefront of the equipment that a patient sees during their visit, yet it is a central component to any smooth running, successful dentistry practice.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Equipment Center offers dental supplies, equipment and accessories that represent a broad spectrum of top-grade manufacturers and material builds, allowing the dental professional complete freedom of choice when it comes to selecting dental equipment. If you can not find what you are looking for call us toll free 877-522-2323 we will find it for you. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami, FL. Chicago, IL. Denver CO., New Orleans, La., Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Mo., Mesa, Arizona, Virginia Beach, Va., Omaha, Nebraska, Oakland, California, Miami, Florida, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Arlington, Texas, Beaumont, Texas, Denton, TX, McKinney, Texas, Midland, TX, Killeen, Texas, Dallas TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX
 

Dental Bonding ( 1 )

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding is a simple, painless procedure used to repair chipped and cracked teeth.  It takes only one office visit to perform, and is generally recommended for patients whose teeth are stained beyond the abilities of normal cleaning to whiten.  Also, if an accident, Bruxism, or prolonged wear on teeth have caused them to chip and crack, cosmetic dental bonding is often the safest and easiest solution to the problem.

 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

 

One of the most noticeable benefits that this procedure offers to such patients is the ability to make their smile appear more uniform.  Small, irregularly shaped teeth are often slightly different lengths and many times have gaps between them.  Cosmetic dental bonding will close those gaps, lengthen and reshape the teeth, and make them all look more proportional and evenly spaced in relationship to one another. It is also an excellent alternative to removing amalgam fillings because it preserves more of the healthy tooth surfaces that would otherwise have to be removed prior to refilling. 

 

In fact, the attractive aspect of cosmetic dental bonding cannot be emphasized enough.  The ability to start over at any age with a brand new smile full of straight, white, and healthy teeth is the primary motivator that brings so many patients to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center.  It is not just a solution to medical concernsit is a lifestyle improvement and a confidence builder as well.

 

It is also one of the most painless procedures performed in a dental chair.  People who normally fear going to the dentist have remarked how the procedure, after it was completed, changed their entire view of dentistry.

 

Cosmetic Dental Bonding is also a remarkably simple procedure.  It is made possible through the use of a colored, composite resin.  The dentist uses a shade guide to match the color of the resin to the exact color of the patients teeth.  He or she then applies a diluted etching solution that is slightly alkaline in nature to the surface of the teeth.  This acidic solution is weak enough not to harm the teeth, but strong enough to remove a small amount of enamel from tooth surfaces.  This forms microscopic lines in the enamel and creates an irregular surface to which the resin can better adhere.

 

Once the cosmetic dental bonding resin is attached to the teeth, the dentist will shape it until the desired dental contour is achieved.  The substance is smoothed to make it look like the surface of natural teeth, and then hardened with an ultraviolet light or a laser.  More than one layer of resin may be necessary depending on the extent of the repairs being made to the teeth.  Most patients require more than one layer.

 

Once the final layer has been applied and hardened, the dentist then polishes the resin and hardens it one last time.  This gives it a natural-looking shine, and a much more aesthetic and attractive appearance. 

 

In most cases, a cosmetic dental bonding treatment can be successfully applied in only one office visit.  However, in cases where severe tooth damage has occurred, periodontal disease has caused gum recession, or in instances where severe tooth decay has destroyed portions of one or more teeth, the dentist will use the first office visit to create a porcelain mold of the teeth.  When it has hardened, the dentist will use this mold to apply the resin composite during the second cosmetic dental bonding treatment.  Porcelain is extremely hard, resistant to stain, and provides a firm surface to which the composite resin will effectively attach itself.

 

One last benefit that many patients greatly appreciate about cosmetic dental bonding is the price.  It is much less expensive than veneers and crowns.  If you feel you could benefit from this simple and cost-effective treatment, call the Cosmetic Dentistry Center now at 888.790.0309 to schedule an appointment.

 

How much is the price or cost of cosmetic dental teeth bonding?
The price and cost of dental teeth bonding depends upon a number of factors, including the number of teeth to be treated and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.
Dental Braces ( 4 )

Cosmetic People who are unhappy with their smile often procrastinate taking steps to correct it because they simply cannot bear the thought of wearing metal braces.  For these people, Invisalign cosmetic dental braces offer an aesthetic alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments that achieves the same results without any visible signs of treatment in process.  This orthodontic breakthrough uses a series of custom made, removable appliances called aligners.  They are made to fit the teeth so unobtrusively that they are virtually invisiblehence the name, Invisalign.

Dental Braces  

There are a number of very important advantages that Invisalign cosmetic dental braces offer that are worth taking notice of:

 

1.       The first and foremost advantage from a subjective standpoint is that Invisalign is comfortable.  Because it does not use wires or brackets like traditional braces, there is nothing to irritate the gumline.  The aligners are made of clear, medical grade plastic that is virtually undetectable.

2.       The second advantage is that Invisalign aligners are removable. Patients can take them out when they eat and brush their teeth, then put them back in.

3.       Using 3-D technology, the Cosmetic Dentistry Center can show patients what their teeth will eventually look like with cosmetic dental braces.  Dentists also show patients what each step in the treatment will accomplish as the plan unfolds.

4.       Aligners are custom made for the teeth of the individual, and are capable of making very precise adjustments to the teeth at very subtle levels that contribute to a much more pleasing overall outcome.

 

The treatment begins with a diagnosis of teeth alignment problems.  Sophisticated computer technology helps our dentists determine where each tooth needs to be adjusted to create a new, natural, and uniform smile.  The dentist creates a virtual forecast of what the new smile will look like, along with a virtual forecast of each individual stage in the process.  Using the data from both the diagnosis and the forecast, the cosmetic dental braces are then custom-made to fit the patients teeth.  This allows them to make the most intricate alignment adjustments with no discomfort to the patient.  Each subsequent phase in the treatment involves the creation of a new set of aligners, each again customized to accomplish the corrective requirements of that particular stage in the plan.

 

During the first phase of the treatment, cosmetic dental braces are worn for a minimum of two weeks, 22 hours per day.  Patients only remove them for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.  Although the adjustments made to the teeth may be only millimeters a day, the results incrementally add up over time.  When the first stage is completed, the dentist then makes a new set of cosmetic dental braces according to the treatment plan that was originally developed on the computer.  The next phase then continues according to the same general time frame and pattern as the first.

 

With each subsequent phase in the Invisalign process, the cosmetic dental braces work on an unseen level to make visible and very noticeable improvements to a persons smile.  The entire treatment plan, depending on the degree of correction required, can take as little as 9 months and as many as 15, with anywhere from 18-30 actual sets of cosmetic dental braces being used in the process.

 

How much is the price or cost of cosmetic dental braces?
The price and cost of cosmetic dental braces depends on the degree of correction required and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation 

If you are looking to improve your smile without diminishing it with visible orthodontics in the process, please call us at 1-888-790-0309 to schedule an appointment for this highly specialized and technologically advanced alternative to metal braces. 

 

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.

Regional Dental Braces Coverage

Dental Cabinetry ( 5 )

Dental Cabinets For Lab & OfficeChoosing dental cabinetry is one of the key factors in setting up a general or cosmetic dentistry office. Ideally, the dentist equipment, storage furniture, and dental chairs would all coordinate with the layout, style, and design of the office. The materials the storage units are made of, their color, style, and surface types are very important for the look and feel of the office, but the actual shape, design, storage capacity, and location are the most vital factors that determine how smoothly the office functions.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

The most important pieces of dental cabinetry, consoles or workstations, are made to be placed up against a wall. They can also be an island or even mobile. Strategically placed, well made units can make all the difference in the organization and effectiveness of an office, as well as how efficiently each procedure is accomplished.

One type of console is referred to as a treatment console. This piece supports the pivoting tray that is used to hold the dental instruments used in basic dental functions. The tray can be converted for left or right use. This workstation is available in full height, having storage areas located above the work space. The smaller, mid-sized option is chosen when the extra storage space above is not needed. Both types of cabinets contain ample amounts of storage at the base of the console and some even include additional storage on the sides.

Another variety of dental cabinet console is the sterilization station. This console supports your sink which is used for the sterilization of staffs’ and patients’ hands and also for the use of the patient when they need to rinse their mouths. Such a console includes a countertop which can be chosen to complement the décor. It would also be necessary to choose what type of faucet, sink, and dispensers are needed and where to place them. When it comes to strategically placing the sink, the sink will normally already be installed which means that it is necessary to plan where the other pieces of dental furniture and cabinetry will go.  These useful pieces of furniture come in many configurations with as much or as little storage as needed.

Another convenient unit to have is an assistant station. A place is provided for a computer monitor while the keyboard is often placed on a moveable arm for flexibility. Storage is provided to store a CPU somewhere under the keyboard. This provides easy access to the computer as well as an easy storage place to keep it out of sight and out of the way.

The last common type of storage unit often used by dentists is the mobile dental cabinet. This piece has wheels at the bottom for mobility.  It usually has four drawers and a top that can slide from either front to back or side to side. Under the moveable top there is a deep storage space. The drawers provide space for any instruments, dental supplies, and materials. The mobile dental cart’s surface can hold the dentist tools and items most often needed during procedures. This cart also provides a place to attach some of the dentist equipment you may need to move from time to time.

There are many styles and configurations of dental cabinetry to complement any office décor. They can be as extravagant or minimalist as desired. Whatever the style, remember: the work area should be as easy to work in as it is on the eyes.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-2323

Dental Chair ( 4 )
Dental Equipment, Instruments, Supplies & AccessoriesThere are not many chairs that extract quite as much money as the dental chairs that you sit in to have your tooth extracted from. These chairs have become an experimental testing ground for high technological devices. These chairs have evolved from decorative models to industrial multifunctional units.
For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323
These chairs offer comfort for your patient and comfort for you. Dental chairs provide easy access to all the many tools you use in routine exams and procedures. Not only do they offer convenient light positioning for you to be able to see all necessary areas, they also position the patients in a way that is comfortable and reduces stress on the body. Today’s designs of chairs offer all the equipment that can help keep your patients comfy and keep your team healthy, happy, and efficient.
Many models today compete against each other for comfort, range of motion, and the various attachment capabilities. Chairs today are often offered in sales of units. They often include a sink, lighting and a rolling stool for the hygienist or dentist. Electromechanical and hydraulically powered dental chairs are the most popular types on the market. They each have a different type of engine that makes the chairs move in various ways. Most chairs are now made to offer the best comfort and functionality. This makes the visit more pleasant for the patient, and more conducive to the task at hand for the dentist and his techs. Today’s dental chairs strive to have multiple functions, whereas older chairs often resembled a nice leather piece often found in living room areas.
Dental chairs should be chosen according to the needs of the office and staff in the dental practice. A lot of chairs are positioned in the units according to how they will be beneficial in the work area. They are designed to provide not only comfort to the patient, but to function as an aide to the dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants as well.
Many of today’s models offer a wide variety of comfort features for the patient and can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual. The headrests and footrests on many of these chairs are adjustable so that they can be moved according to the height of the patent. Many chairs also have booster options for children as well. Almost all chairs include an electronic mobility device so that the chair may be adjusted with a simple click of a button. Features that may be added onto the chairs to make the dental procedures being performed even easier including overhead lighting, removable arm rests, removable and attachable trays, outlets, and sinks. All of these functions are available and you can custom order a unit to your specifications

As you can see, dental chairs offer a wide variety of functions for dentists and patients alike. All geared toward ease and comfort. They have come a long way, from simple pieces of dental furniture, to high tech tools that provide state of the art tools right at your fingertips.

For a quote or more information on ordering
dental equipment that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist  equipment, tools & accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232.

Dental Chairs ( 18 )
Quality Dental ChairsThere are eight key areas to focus on in regards to dental chair specifications. These areas include the actual chair itself, the dental unit, spittoon/water unit, operating light, oil free air compressor (medical grade), LED light cure unit/modular light cure unit, foot control, and the dental stool. A certificate of approval by the FDA, to ensure the quality and safety of the dental chair, should be obtained by the operator. A dental chair is a necessity when a dental examination or surgery is being performed. The operational specification should be met in addition to the eight categories above. There should also be an air motor, ultrasonic scaler, micro motor (with a range of 3,000 to 4,000 rpm), and motorized suction.
For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323
The first dental chair specifications to meet include the capacity, which should be 200 kgs (441 lbs), as this chair is fully motorized and hydraulically self adjusting. The material used during the construction should be corrosion free and have a durable, scratch resistant epoxy finish. To aide in cleaning and disinfecting the chair, the upholstery used should be very thin and seamless. A double articulating head rest that has flipping capabilities is the proper head rest for these chairs and is used for wheelchair bound patients.  They should also include a multi-function foot switch that is adjustable as well as programmable. An emergency stop option and an additional option to return to zero movement are important, and should be in working order. It is very important that a dentist is able to achieve all positions for reaching the patients mouth by using the foot switch. Fully adjustable hand rests that can rotate out of position is needed as well. This helps the patients get in and out of the dental chair easily. All of the controls should be located not only on the dentist’s side of the chair, but on the assistant’s side as well.
The next component to dental chair specifications is the dental unit, which is attached to the dental chair. The dental unit should be equipped for one turbine connection with a hand piece, one air motor connection complete with the motor and the hand pieces. One fiber optic air rotor connection with a quick disconnect coupling and light cure unit should be attached to the aforementioned coupling, and lastly, one six way syringe with removable tip so it can be sterilized is needed. The dental unit should have been designed in a way that it is easily cleaned and disinfected, as the prevention of cross contamination is very important for your patient’s health. To aide in the effort of preventing cross contamination there should be two reservoirs with water and disinfectant in them and have automatic pressurization as well.   The last few things that the dental unit should have are a non-retraction valve, a warm water syringe, LCD/TFT monitor, and automatic hand piece selection through pneumatic valves.
The dental chair specifications also include the Spittoon/water unit, the operating light, an oil free air compressor, foot control, dental stool, and there should either be an LED Light cure unit or a modular light cure unit. The dental chair in its entirety should come from a manufacturer that has ISO certification to ensure it was manufactured and held to high standards prior to being sold to dental offices. Be sure to read the user manual before use, this will ensure knowledge of maintenance needed and when it should be done. A log book should be included as well to help keep a record of any maintenance, and to be sure nothing is left out during the maintenance, a checklist for the user to follow should be provided. Dental chair specifications must always be followed to ensure safety when used.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323
 

 Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist  equipment, tools & accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232

Dental Crowns, Bridge, Fillings ( 25 )

Cosmetic Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a procedure in which a false tooth which is held in place by adjacent dental crowns, or a dental implant. Also known as a pontic, the false tooth can be stabilized by being fused to the porcelain caps installed to the teeth on either side of the gap, or upon a dental implant that is integrated directly into your bone structure. This second method is the one recommended by the professionals at Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas, whose advanced techniques produce longer-lasting, effective and healthy solutions to the problem of missing teeth.

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Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can restore your tooth's natural shape, or give you the smile you've never had!
A dental crown is basically a new exterior for your teeth. Teeth that are worn from age,
cracked or misshapen may be restored to their original shape through the application of a dental crown. These "caps" are custom shaped from a plaster mold of your teeth, and fashioned in a laboratory. In some restorative cases, your new crown may actually be more attractive than your original teeth ever were.

Cosmetic Dental Fillings
When decay has destroyed a bit less than 50 percent of the chewing or biting surface of the tooth we can usually place a "filling." For many years, silver/mercury (amalgam) fillings were the standard filling material for back teeth. However, we no longer use these types of fillings for a variety of reasons. Tooth colored composite filling materials are as good as or better than amalgam by all measures.

How much is the price or cost of dental crowns, bridges & fillings?
The price and cost of teeth whitening depends upon a number of factors, including the number of teeth to be treated and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves. 

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Dental Emergency Service ( 1 )

For Dental Emergency Service In Houston Area Call
Toll Free 1.888.790.0309

Our practice has built its reputation on the exceptional quality of its dental emergency service. Our policy gives same-day scheduling to patients who require emergency dental service during business hours. For dental emergency service over the weekend, we have a doctor on call that can answer your questions over the phone, give you instructions, and see you in the office if your case is severe. After midnight, or if you are bleeding profusely, we urge you to first seek emergency dental service at the nearest hospital.

Many people may not think of losing a filling or crown as being serious enough to warrant dental emergency service. The fact is neglecting a lost filling or crown leaves a cavity exposed to air and bacteria that can cause subsequent infection without professional treatment. If you lose a filling, place a small piece of sugarless gum in the cavity or use dental cement from the local pharmacy.  Call our office the next business day and come in for emergency dental service. If you lose a crown, retrieve it if possible. Next, purchase a small amount of clove oil from the grocery store and use a cotton swab to treat the exposed area. If you can temporarily reseat the crown with dental cement, do so, and call our office immediately to schedule emergency dental service.  Never use any kind of glue to reseat a crown. Only use pharmacy-recommended dental cement and seek emergency dental service.

A fractured tooth requires obtaining emergency dental service as soon as possible. Clean the mouth with warm water and apply an icepack to reduce swelling. If the pain is severe, take ibuprofen, NOT aspirin. Call our office as quickly as you can and we will give your case top priority. We can repair a minor fracture with a sanding disc or by applying a composite bonding putty. If the pulp or enamel is damaged, more drastic dental emergency service will be needed to prevent tooth loss. Your dentist may place a crown on the tooth and take additional steps to prevent infection and tooth loss. 

If your tooth has been knocked out, you must keep it moist until you reach our office because the dentist cannot reimplant a tooth that has completely dried out. Be careful to handle the tooth by the crown only and not by the roots, and remember to immediately rinse it off with warm water. Do not use soap or any abrasive substance on the tooth. Store the tooth between your cheek and gum to keep it warm and moist, call our office, and come as soon as the dentist can see you. If you fear you may swallow the tooth, wrap it carefully in a warm piece of soft cloth and submerge it in milk. 

Dental emergency service should never be neglected regardless of how minor the injury may appear to be. For more information about our dental emergency service procedures and hours, call us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.

Dental Equipment ( 20 )

Are you looking for a dentist equipment that carries high quality dental equipment and has reliable customer care for all of your dental needs? Do you want to be able to pick up the phone and call an order in, or click on an order via internet at any time of the day? This is especially helpful when you need to order something that may have been overlooked on your last order. You need to find a reliable dental supplier that you know is there to help your industry, and not just to make the money. You need quality assurance that the dental products you are purchasing are high quality and not just a wholesale package deal. 

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323

Dental Equipment & Supplies ( 20 )

For more information on the Dental Equipment that we carry, please call 877-522-2323.

Why You Should Buy Your Dental Equipment from an Online Dental Supplier

Dental Equipment and SuppliesIn today’s world, online dental suppliers or dental equipment and supply companies are one-stop shops for many dentists across the nation. There are various advantages to consolidating dental supply needs through one source. By using a streamlined ordering process, one can save precious time and money by ordering all of a dentist office’s equipment needs through one dental equipment and supply company.

Such a company can be envisioned as a unique tool of its own. They provide a way for busy dentists to ensure that they are meeting all of their needs by ordering their specialized equipment from a competent and knowledgeable dental supplier. Many of these companies not only offer supplies and dentist equipment for your every day needs, but also the software, and technology to help support your everyday environment. It is possible to get the best values for endodontic, orthodontic, periodontic, pedodontic, prosthodontic, and oral surgery supplies by using this type of company. Because it is a fast, convenient, and affordable way to get your major dental equipment with all of the options and accessories you need and no more compatibility worries, many dentists have come to trust and use these experts as a means of outfitting their offices with the proper equipment.

Ease of Finding a Reputable Dentist-owned Dental Supplier

When looking for reputable dental equipment and supply companies online, it is important to do some research before making your decision. This will enable you to find and compare costs and options for medical equipment regardless of whether you are purchasing or leasing new equipment or seeking used equipment in excellent condition. Finding a good company that is owned and operated by dental suppliers who are working dentists with hands-on knowledge of the equipment, and who can provide real-life feedback of the quality, ease of use, and suitability of the dental equipment for different work environments and practices is a great advantage to a dental office looking to purchase a large item without worrying about buyer’s remorse later on.

Another advantage of purchasing all of your major equipment and supplies through one of these equipment and dental supply companies is that the possibility of receiving free delivery, or a percentage off of delivery charges for large orders. These discounts often make a purchase much more affordable in the long run than hugely discounted prices with astronomical shipping rates. A good rule of thumb is that the shipping rates shouldn’t cost any more than half of the cost of the products that are being bought.

It’s also a good idea to ask for catalogs (online or in the mail) from various, random companies before ordering. This enables you to comparison shop both the items you are purchasing, as well as the expertise and service of the available dental suppliers. This way allows you to be an educated consumer right from your office before placing your order.

As you can see, equipment and dental supply companies are an important asset to you. With today’s technology, companies are online and available with just the click of a mouse. However, it is important to do your research and advantageous to find a dentist who is also an established, reputable dental supplier who can help your own business by offering advice and resources from a dentist’s perspective.

Dental Examination ( 6 )

Understanding what is included in a complete dental examination allows you to be an active participant who works with your dental professional to maintain and improve your oral health care.

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Dental problems can grow quickly and lead to worsening infections, tooth loss, and an unattractive appearance, making regularly scheduled dental examinations vital to maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. Regular dental examinations will keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful.

This is why most dental plans will cover two complete dental examinations and cleanings a year. These exams look for signs of tooth decay, periodontal disease, as well as any problems with your bite, which can affect your oral health. Finding problems early can usually help prevent more complicated and expensive dental work later.

Tooth decay

Of course, every dental examination looks for tooth decay (or cavities) that is caused by acids that are produced by certain kinds of bacteria present in the mouth. These acids dissolve tooth structure and can cause cavities in the teeth.

Some cavities are easy to see, but some are hard to find, necessitating the use of a dental explorer, which sticks slightly when it contacts decayed surfaces on the tops and sides of your teeth. X-rays also reveal decay inside and between teeth as dark spots.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth and gums that causes the jawbone to recede and the gums to pull away from the tooth, creating pockets in the gums. Since you may have no pain or other symptoms with periodontal disease, a complete dental examination will begin with a visual examination combined with a periodontal probe, and x-rays to look for problems.

Visual signs of periodontal disease include red and swollen gums. A periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the gums from the bottom of the pocket where it is attached to the tooth to the top of the gums.

A probe reading of more than 3 millimeters is a sign of periodontal disease, and the deeper the pockets, the greater the spread of the disease. Sometimes gums bleed when we probe them; bleeding is also a sign of infection. Healthy gums do not bleed.

X-rays also reveal a lot about periodontal disease. In a healthy mouth, the bone comes up high around the necks of the teeth, and it is even throughout the mouth. In advanced periodontal disease, the bone level is much lower and often uneven.

Bite Problems

The final major portion of a complete dental examination is your bite. When you chew, a healthy bite allows all of your teeth to hit simultaneously, your chewing muscles to contract evenly, and your jaw joint to be seated into its proper position.

A bad bite or misaligned teeth can trap plaque and bacteria leading to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Bite problems can cause tooth grinding and clenching, tooth sensitivity, and the loss of tooth structure near the gum-line. They can also contribute to difficulties with your jaw joint, and cause TMJ.

If you havent had a complete dental examination within the last six months, schedule it today. It will help you keep your mouth and teeth healthy and your smile gleaming.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic implant dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.

Dental Glossary ( 0 )

Tooth Glossary

The following is a glossary of terms that may come up during your dental visit.  Should you have questions about anything that has not been covered, please browse through our comprehensive website or ask one of our dentists.

Sincerely,

The Medical Center Dental Group

Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell, and Dr. Elizabeth O'Sullivan-Winslow                                                                          

 

Abutment: A tooth or implant used to support a prosthesis. A crown unit used as part of a fixed bridge.

Abscess: A localized inflammation due to a collection of pus in the bone or soft tissue, usually caused by an infection.

Amalgam: A dental filling material, composed of mercury and other minerals, used to fill decayed teeth.

Alveoloplasty: A surgical procedure used to recontour the supporting bone structures in preparation of a complete or partial denture.

Anesthetic: A class of drugs that eliminates or reduces pain. See local anesthetic.

Anterior: Refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth (upper or lower incisors and canines).

Apex: The tip or end of the root of the tooth.

Apicoectomy: The amputation of the apex of a tooth.

Bicuspid: A two-cusped tooth found between the molar and the cuspid also known as an eye tooth or canine tooth.

Biopsy: A process of removing tissue to determine the existence of pathology.

Bitewing x-rays: X-rays taken of the crowns of teeth to check for decay.

Bleaching: The technique of applying a chemical agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, to the teeth to whiten them.

Bonding: A process to chemically etch the tooth's enamel to better attach (bond) composite filling material, veneers, or plastic/acrylic.

Bone loss: The breakdown and loss of the bone that supports the teeth, usually caused by infection or long-term occlusal (chewing areas of the teeth) stress.

Bridge: A nonremovable restoration that is used to replace missing teeth.

Bruxism: The involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Calculus: The hard deposit of mineralized plaque that forms on the crown and/or root of the tooth. Also referred to as tartar.

Canine tooth: The second tooth from the big front tooth, commonly called the eye tooth or cuspid.

Cap: Another term for crown; usually referring to a crown for a front tooth.

Caries: The correct technical term for decay which is the progressive breaking down or dissolving of tooth structure, caused by the acid produced when bacteria digest sugars.

Cavity: A layman's term for tooth decay. Also, the dental term for the hole that is left after decay has been removed.

Cement: A special type of glue used to hold a crown in place. It also acts as an insulator to protect the tooth's nerve.

Cementum: The very thin, bonelike structure that covers the root of the tooth.

Clenching: The forceful holding together of the upper and lower teeth, which places stress on the ligaments that hold the teeth to the jawbone and the lower jaw to the skull.

Complex rehabilitation: The extensive dental restoration involving 6 or more units of crown and/or bridge in the same treatment plan. Using full crowns and/or fixed bridges which are cemented in place, the your dentist will rebuild natural teeth, fill in spaces where teeth are missing and establish conditions which allow each tooth to function in harmony with the occlusion (bite). The extensive procedures involved in complex rehabilitation require an extraordinary amount of time, effort, skill and laboratory collaboration for a successful outcome.

Composite: A tooth-colored filling made of plastic resin or porcelain.

Consultation: A diagnostic service provided by a dentist other than the treating dentist.

Cosmetic dentistry: Any dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered to improve the appearance of the teeth or mouth.

Crown: The portion of a tooth that is covered by enamel. Also a dental restoration that covers the entire tooth and restores it to its original shape.

Crown lengthening: A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes.

Curettage: A deep scaling of that portion of the tooth below the gum line. Purpose is to remove calculus and infected gum tissue.

Cuspid: See canine tooth.

Cusp(s): The protruding portion(s) of a tooth's chewing surface.

Decay: See caries.

Deciduous: See primary teeth.

Dental floss: A thin, nylon string, waxed or unwaxed, that is inserted between the teeth to remove food and plaque.

Dental hygienist: A dental professional specializing in cleaning the teeth by removing plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue. He/She acts as the patient's guide in establishing a proper oral hygiene program.

Dentin: The part of the tooth that is under both the enamel which covers the crown and the cementum which covers the root.

Denture: A removable appliance used to replace teeth. A complete denture replaces all of the upper teeth and/or all the lower teeth. See also partial denture.

DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery or DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine. Degrees given to dental school graduates. Both degrees are the same particular dental schools identifiy at their discretion their graduates as DMD or DDS.

Direct pulp cap: The procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement that protects the pulp and promotes healing and repair.

Dry socket: A localized inflammation of the tooth socket following an extraction due to infection or loss of a blood clot.

Enamel: The hard, calcified (mineralized) portion of the tooth which covers the crown. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.

Endodontics: The dental speciality that deals with injuries to or diseases of the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth.

Extraction: The removal of a tooth.

Excision: Surgical removal of bone or tissue.

Exostosis: The overgrowth of normal bone.

Extracoronal: The outside of the crown of the tooth.

Extraoral: The outside of the mouth.

Filling: Material used to fill a cavity or replace part of a tooth.

Floss: See dental floss.

Fluoride: A chemical compound used to prevent dental decay, utilized in fluoridated water systems and/or applied directly to the teeth.

Frenum: Muscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips and or tongue to associated dental mucosa.

Frenectomy: The removal of a frenum.

Gingiva: The soft tissue that covers the jawbone. Also referred to as the gums.

Gingivectomy: The removal of gingiva (gum).

Gingivitis: An inflammation or infection of the gingiva (gum tissue); the initial stage of gum disease.

Gingivoplasty: A surgical procedure to reshape or repair the gingiva (gum).

Graft: A piece of tissue or synthetic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.

Gum: See gingiva.

Gum disease: See periodontal disease.

High noble metal: See metals, classification of.

Immediate denture: A denture constructed for immediate placement after removal of the remaining teeth.

Impacted tooth: An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.

Implant: An artificial device, usually made of a metal alloy or ceramic material, that is implanted within the jawbone as a means to attach an artificial crown, denture, or bridge.

Incisors: The four front teeth referred to as central and lateral incisors, located in the upper and lower jaws and used to cut and tear food. The central incisors are the two large teeth in the middle of the mouth and the lateral incisors are next to the central incisor, one on each side.

Indirect pulp cap: A procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.

Inlay: A cast gold filling that is used to replace part of a tooth.

Interproximal: The area between two adjacent teeth.

Intracoronal: The area within the crown of a tooth.

Intraoral: The inside of the mouth.

Labial: The area pertaining to or around the lip.

Lingual: The area pertaining to or around the tongue.

Local anesthetic: The injection given in the mouth to numb the areas where a tooth or area needs a dental procedure. Often referred to as novocaine.

Malocclusion: The improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

Mandible: The lower jaw.

Maryland bridge: The trade name that has become synonymous with any resin bonded fixed partial denture (bridge).

Mastication: The act of chewing.

Maxilla: The upper jaw.

Metals, classification of: The noble metal classification system has been adopted as a more precise method of reporting various alloys in dentistry commonly used in crowns, bridges and dentures. These alloys contain varying percentages of Gold, Palladium and/or Platinum. High noble contains more than 60% of Gold, Palladium, and/or Platinum (with at least 40% gold); noble contains more than 25% Gold, Palladium and/or Platinum; predominantly base contains less than 25% Gold, Palladium and/or Platinum.

Molars: The broad, multicusped back teeth, used for grinding food are considered the largest teeth in the mouth. In adults there are a total of twelve molars (including the four wisdom teeth, or third molars), three on each side of the upper and lower jaws.

Nitrous oxide: A controlled mixture of nitrogen and oxygen gases (N2O) that is inhaled by the patient in order to decrease sensitivity to pain. Also referred to as laughing gas.

Novocaine: A generic name for the many kinds of anesthetics used in the dental injection, such as Xylocaine, Lidocaine, or Novocaine. See local anesthetic.

Occlusal x-ray: An intraoral x-ray taken with the film held between the teeth in biting position.

Occlusal surface: The chewing surface of the back teeth.

Occlusion: Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

Onlay: A cast gold or porcelain filling that covers one or all of the tooth's cusps.

Oral surgery: The removal of teeth and the repair and treatment of other oral problems, such as tumors and fractures.

Orthodontics: A specialized branch of dentistry that corrects malocclusion and restores the teeth to proper alignment and function. There are several different types of appliances used in orthodontics, one of which is commonly referred to as braces.

Overbite: A condition in which the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth when the jaw is closed. This condition can be corrected with orthodontics.

Palate: The hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth.

Palliative: Treatment that relieves pain but is NOT curative.

Panorex: An extraoral full-mouth X-ray that records the teeth and the upper and lower jaws on one film.

Partial denture: A removable appliance used to replace one or more lost teeth.

Pediatric dentistry: The specialized branch of dentistry that deals solely with treating children's dental disease. Also referred to as pedodontics.

Periapical: The area that surrounds the root tip of a tooth.

Pericoronitis: An inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown of a tooth, usually the third molar.

Periodontal: Relating to the tissue and bone that supports the tooth (from peri, meaning "around," and odont, "tooth").

Periodontal disease: The inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, bone, and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main forms of periodontal disease. Also called gum disease or pyorrhea.

Periodontal pocket: An abnormal deepening of the gingival crevice. It is caused when disease and infection destroy the ligament that attaches the gum to the tooth and the underlying bone.

Periodontal surgery: A surgical procedure involving the gums and jawbone.

Periodontics: The dental speciality that deals with and treats the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth.

Periodontitis: Inflammation of the supporting structures of the tooth, including the gum, the periodontal ligament, and the jawbone.

Periradicular: The area which surrounds a portion of the root of the tooth.

Permanent teeth: The thirty-two adult teeth that replace the baby, or primary teeth. Also known as secondary teeth.

Pit: A recessed area found on the surface of a tooth, usually where the grooves of the tooth meet.

Plaque: A film of sticky material containing saliva, food particles, and bacteria that attaches to the tooth surface both above and below the gum line. When left on the tooth it can promote gum disease and tooth decay.

Pontic: An artificial tooth used in a bridge to replace a missing tooth.

Premolar: Another name for bicuspid.

Preventive dentistry: Education and treatment devoted to and concerned with preventing the development of dental disease.

Preventive treatment: Any action taken by the patient, assisted by the dentist, hygienist, and the office staff that serves to prevent dental or other disease. Sealants, cleanings and space maintainers are examples of preventive treatment.

Primary teeth: The first set of teeth that humans get, lasting until the permanent teeth come in. Also referred to as deciduous teeth or baby teeth.

Prophylaxis: The scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove calculus, plaque, and stains from the crowns of the teeth.

Prosthodontics: The dental specialty dealing with the replacement of missing teeth and other oral structures.

Pulp: The hollow chamber inside the crown of the tooth that contains its nerves and blood vessels.

Pulpectomy: Removal of the entire pulp from the canals in the root.

Pulpitis: An often painful inflammation of the dental pulp or nerve.

Pulpotomy: The removal of a portion of the tooth's pulp.

Quadrant: The dental term for the division of the jaws into four parts, beginning at the midline of the arch and extending towards the last tooth in the back of the mouth. There are four quadrants in the mouth; each quadrant generally contains five to eight teeth.

Rebase: The process of refitting a denture by replacing the base material.

Receded gums: A condition characterized by the abnormal loss of gum tissue due to infection or bone loss.

Referral: When a dental patient from one office is sent to another dentist, usually a specialist, for treatment or consultation.

Reline: The process of resurfacing the tissue side of a denture with a base material.

Replantation: The return of a tooth to its socket.

Resorption: The breakdown and assimilation of the bone that supports the tooth, i.e., bone loss.

Restoration: Any material or devise used to replace lost tooth structure (filling, crown) or to replace a lost tooth or teeth (bridge, dentures, complete or partial).

Retainer: A removable dental appliance, usually used in orthodontics, that maintains space between teeth or holds teeth in a fixed position until the bone solidifies around them.

Retrograde filling: A method of sealing the root canal by preparing and filling it from the root tip, generally done at the completion of an apicoectomy.

Root: The part of the tooth below the crown, normally encased in the jawbone. It is made up of dentin, includes the root canal, and is covered by cementum.

Root canal: The hollow part of the tooth's root. It runs from the tip of the root into the pulp.

Root canal therapy: The process of treating disease or inflammation of the pulp or root canal. This involves removing the pulp and root's nerve(s) and filling the canal(s) with an appropriate material to permanently seal it.

Root planing: The process of scaling and planing exposed root surfaces to remove all calculus, plaque, and infected tissue.

Scaling: A procedure used to remove plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.

Sealant: A composite material used to seal the decay-prone pits, fissures, and grooves of children's teeth to prevent decay.

Six-year molar: The first permanent tooth to erupt, usually between the ages of five and six.

Socket: The hole in the jawbone into which the tooth fits.

Space maintainer: A dental appliance that fills the space of a lost tooth or teeth and prevents the other teeth from moving into the space. Used especially in orthodontic and pediatric treatment.

Stainless steel crown: A pre-made metal crown, shaped like a tooth, that is used to temporarily cover a seriously decayed or broken down tooth. Used most often on children's teeth.

Subgingival scaling: The removal of calculus and plaque found on the tooth below the gum line.

Supra gingival scaling: The removal of calculus and plaque found on the tooth above the gum line.

Systemic: Relating to the whole body.

Tartar: See calculus.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): The connecting hinge mechanism between the upper jaw and the base of the skull.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome: The problems associated with TMJ, usually involving pain or discomfort in the joints and ligaments that attach the lower jaw to the skull or in the muscles used for chewing.

Third molar: The last of the three molar teeth, also called wisdom teeth. There are four third molars, two in the lower jaw and two in the upper jaw, one on each side. Some people are born without third molars.

Torus: A bony elevation or protuberance of normal bone. Usually seen on the upper palate behind the front teeth or under the tongue inside the lower jaw.

Treatment plan: A list of the work the dentist proposes to perform on a dental patient based on the results of the dentist's X rays, examination, and diagnosis. Often more than one treatment plan is presented.

Veneer: An artificial filling material, usually plastic, composite, or porcelain, that is used to provide an aesthetic covering over the visible surface of a tooth. Most often used on front teeth.

Wisdom teeth: See third molar.

Glossary, as seen on Cigna.

 

Dental Health Care ( 1 )

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations apply to nearly all healthcare plans, as well as all healthcare information that is electronically transmitted by any healthcare provider. These transactions include claims, benefit eligibility inquiries, referral authorization requests, or other transactions for which HHS has established standards under the HIPAA Transactions Rule.

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The HIPAA regulations encompass the set of standards created by the U.S. Congress to protect our patients personal health information and to simplify the flow of information into the healthcare system. Individually identifiable health information is any and all information that relates to a patients past, present or future physical or mental health or condition, the health care provided to the patient, or to any past, present, or future payments for the provision of health care to the individual, as well as any identifying information that identifies the individual, or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe that the information can be used to identify the individual. Individually identifiable health information includes many common identifiers including name, address, birth date, and Social Security number.

The underlying principle of the HIPAA Privacy Rule regulations is to define and limit the circumstances in which a patients protected health information may be used or disclosed. Any protected health information, including personal identification, medical and payment history, or current medical problems and treatments may be used or disclosed: (1) only as the Privacy Rule permits or requires, or (2) as the patient (or patients legal representative) authorizes in writing.

Permitted disclosures without authorization include the following: (1) to the individual, (2) for treatment, payment, or health care operations, (3) opportunity to agree or object, (4) incident related to a permitted use and disclosure (including accident victims who are unconscious), (5) Public interest and benefit activities, and (6) limited data set for the purposes of research, public health or health care operations.

Your Rights under HIPAA
Under the HIPAA, you have the following rights to:

  • Confidentiality of your identification, history, payment, and current health care information
  • Access all of your protected health care, personal history, and payment information
  • Copy, correct, and restrict access to your all of your protected healthcare information
  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you feel that your protected health care information has been misused or that your confidentiality has been breached.
  • An accounting of how and to whom your protected health care information has been disclosed.

Please look for our Notice of Privacy Practices among the forms you receive from us. It assures you that we are serious about maintaining your confidentiality, and about meeting or exceeding the regulations required by the HIPAA. We also ask that you sign our form acknowledging that you have seen, read, and received a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices.

Maintaining the privacy of all of your healthcare information and assuring your rights as a patient are very important to us. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA regulations, your rights, or the confidentiality of your information, please feel free to ask--we are always happy to answer them.

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Houston cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.

Dental Hygiene ( 9 )

Houston Medical Center Dentists Houston TexasDental Hygiene

The dental hygienists at The Medical Center Dental Group are trained to provide you with state-of-the-art care. In addition to their required college curriculum, they have all participated in extensive continuing education courses given at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for advanced dental studies. This prestigious institution was recently featured on the television show, Extreme Makeover. Furthermore, our hygienists' focus is on a philosophy created by the JP Consultant Institute. This is known as "Evolutionary Hygiene".

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What is "Evolutionary Hygiene"?

"Evolutionary Hygiene" is a systematic and non-surgical approach to treating periodontal disease in any stage. We design individualized treatment plans for our patients to reach the optimum gingival health. Studies show that repetitive therapeutic therapy is the best method to treat any stage of gum disease. However, in more involved conditions, some patients may need a more surgical approach to address their periodontal infection. We then would treat the case with laser periodontal therapy or refer to a gum specialist. (See the laser periodontics portion of our website for more information)

What should I expect at my first dental hygiene visit?

Many new patients that enter into our office need more than "just a cleaning". At a typical dental hygiene visit, you can expect us to do several things that include the following:

  1. Perform a thorough gum and periodontal evaluation.
  2. Screen for decay with x-rays and the diagnodent (our cavity detecting laser).
  3. Effectively and comfortably clean your teeth with hand and/or microsonic scaling instruments.
  4. Polish superficial stain, floss, and apply a fluoride treatment to protect enamel.
  5. Instruct you on how to care for your teeth and gums at home.
  6. Determine frequency of visits and if repetitive therapy is needed to treat periodontal infection.

What is repetitive therapy?

Our hygienists have found that repetitive therapy is the best way to approach bacteria and infection in your mouth. This treatment method removes the toxins to allow the gums to heal. Furthermore, it helps to prevent further destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. If the hygienist and doctor determine you are in an active state of periodontal infection, they may recommend a series of appointments to treat your specific condition. We call this periodontal therapy or repetitive therapy.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation 
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.
Dental Implant Equipment ( 0 )

Implantology Equipment Supplies & AccessoriesOne of the dental fields that are vastly improving and changing is in the area of dental implant equipment. This type of cosmetic procedure has become vastly popular over other methods that correct and improve issues. Those would be using dentures or dental bridges to replace missing teeth. Dental equipment is improving to make these types of procedures better, and less painful and abrasive.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323

 

Dental implant equipment has evolved with technology, as well as the material used. Implants are really a better alternative to having bridges in place or wearing dentures. They also don’t disturb the surrounding teeth as with other procedures. Dentists now use a titanium based implants that are non-corrosive and lightweight. It acts as an artificial root and allows the bone to accept it as an actual tooth root. It also provides an anchor for a permanent crown, which in turn allows your artificial tooth to look as close as possible to your real teeth. Since this procedure doesn’t disturb the surrounding teeth, it will help maintain proper bone growth in your jaw line.

 

Even with the best dentist equipment available, there is nothing more valuable than time when it comes to this type of procedure. This type of cosmetic surgery does take time, but it is worth it as nothing is more priceless than a flawless smile. The first surgery is going to be placing the titanium “root” into the bone and placing a temporary crown on top of that. It then takes anywhere from three to six months of healing time before a porcelain crown can be put in place.  During the healing time can be several complications that can occur because of it, subsequently costing more time and money.

 

The improvements in dental implant equipment are with the surgical systems and dental tools used for the actual surgery. Take for example the Elite LED Motor System. This piece of dental equipment can perform the entire procedure.  It is compatible with most non-lighted and lighted hand pieces. It also offers LED lighting at any speed, and the LED guarantees thousands of hours of operation. It has an advanced system that calibrates itself according to the hand piece that is being used. This means that the proper torque and speed will be used every time, insuring that the procedure is done effectively as well. The torque control is also adjustable, which allows compatibility with other systems that are on the market. Lastly, it comes with upgradable software so that the system is continually up to date.

 

Implant Equipment, Motorized Hand PieceAnother piece of implant equipment is the MD 10. This dentist tool can also perform all the tasks needed to be dome during the implant procedure. It also comes with a torque controller and overload protection. The foot pedal can control the forward and reverse operation, as well as the speed control, and it can access programs that are on the keypad. It also offers programmable speed control for certain surgical situations. The improvements that have been made in this type of surgery are not just in the materials used, but also in to tools used to perform them, making it one of the more popular methods for tooth replacement

 

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232

Dental Implant Instruments ( 0 )

Having a beautiful smile is what any dentist loves to offer their clients, and having the proper dental implant instruments to perform this type of surgery is the key to their success. Many people that have had issues with bridges and dentures are now opting to have these done instead. The right dental implant instrument can help perform the procedure more efficiently.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323
 

 

This type of oral surgery has become more popular because it won't disturb the teeth surrounding the area, and they look and act more like real teeth. Most dentists use a titanium based implant that acts as the anchor for the dental crown. Once it is in place, the bone is given some time to heal and accept it as an actual tooth root. This can take a few months, but once it is healed, a crown is placed on top, and the restoration of a beautiful smile is complete.

 

There are multiple dental dental implant instruments, but there are really four main tools that are used during the surgery. There is the osteotomes, bone spreading chisels, bone grafting and sinus lift instruments.

 

There are different types of osteotomes, but there are only two end types. This either has a sharpened end or a concaved end. This dental implant instrument is used for cutting or preparing the bone for implantation. The sharpened end osteotomes is used for the expansion of the bone and for splitting the ridge. It is also used to prepare the area for implantation and expand the bone at the same time. This can help speed up this part of the plantation process.  The concaved end is used more for compacting the bone, and can also be used for the sinus lift. The osteotomes is also used to measure the depth of the socket so that the instrument does not go too deep and damage the tissue or bone.

 

Another set of dental implant instruments are bone spreading chisels. These are made in either straight or curved styles, and the preference is really up to the individual.  They may prefer one over the other depending on the patient they are working on. These are used to cut in ridges during the preparation process. They are made with extremely sharp tips, so that it gives the dentist the ability to perform detailed work during the prep time. This is imperative to the implantation process because there cannot be any pressure points between the bone and the implant itself.

 

Bone grafting tools can be used during the process if there is a necessity for bone grafting. These are used to collect or compact bone during the surgery. Some of the additional devices that are used during this process are bone compactors, grinders, bone curettes and bone basins. 

 

Sinus lifts are used to lift the sinus membranes during the surgery. The sinus membrane must be lifted out of the way during surgery in order to ensure its safety. Using these can alleviate wrist and hand fatigue that is common with this type of surgery. There are different lift settings available on most sinus lift devices, giving the dentist the ability to raise or lower the sinus as needed.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232

Dental Implants ( 16 )

Dental implants are the most advanced method of replacing missing teeth.  They have existed in some form or fashion for thousands of years.  However, the real breakthrough in dental implant science came in the 1970s, when a new titanium alloy named Tivolloy was developed that was bio-friendly, non-corrosive, and extremely light in weight.  This new allow made it possible to manufacture artificial, root-like implants that screw into the jaw bone itself in a relatively pain-free procedure performed by a specialist trained in this discipline.  The new artificial root provides an anchor for a custom-made porcelain crown that works and looks just like a natural tooth.

 

Dental Implant Patient Before ImplantDental Implant Patient After ImplantsDental Implants After Full

 

It is important for individuals who are missing one or more teeth to consider some form of tooth replacement.  Ignoring the problem of missing teeth causes many unpleasant side effects to develop.  For one thing, missing teeth means a less attractive smile, and increased difficulty eating a normal diet.  Even worse, a gap in the teeth causes atrophy to the muscles of the cheek and the bones underneath the gum line.  Given enough time, the face will droop and look prematurely aged, and the bone structure of the jaw will begin to deteriorate.

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Tooth replacement of any kind with help restore the shape and structure of facial muscles.  Crown and bridge treatments and dentures will fill in the gaps between teeth, and they will also provide adequate chewing surfaces for most meals.    However, they can do nothing to prevent the deterioration of the jaw bone itself.  To proactively maintain bone structure, and to provide optimum aesthetics and normal chewing functions, dental implants offer a much better alternative to either dentures or standard bridge work.

 

One advantage that dental implants offer over traditional crown and bridge treatment is complete preservation of healthy teeth.  They fit between healthy teeth and connect only to the bone itself.  Fixing a bridge, on the other hand, means grinding down healthy teeth around the gap and using their altered surfaces as anchors for the bridge.  This creates more problems in the long run, because the damaged teeth are more vulnerable to decay and cracking.  With implants, however, no damage is done to otherwise healthy teeth, and the result looks much more natural as well.  Another very important benefit of dental implants is the reversal of bone deterioration.  By transmitting the same vibrations that natural teeth transmit to the bone, implants stimulate it and precipitate new bone growth.

 

There are two major phases to dental implant treatment.  The first is the surgical phase where the dentist screws the Tivolloy root into the bone itself.  In some instances, the dentist may place a temporary crown over the implant while it heals.  Healing normally takes about 3-6 month to complete, during which time the bone grows around and accepts the implant like it would a natural tooth root.

 

After the healing phase, an abutment is placed over the implant and capped with a porcelain crown.  Some cosmetic dentists prefer to do either the implantation itself, or the crowning after the healing process (known as osseointegration) is complete.  Dr. Charles Campbell commonly performs both phases of implant dentistry.

 

Almost any adult who is in moderate to good health may be a candidate for dental implants.  Children and teens are not typically eligible due to incomplete bone growth.  There are also a number of medical conditions and diseases that can decrease the success of dental implant treatment.  Consult with a dentist if you have diabetes or suffer from alcoholism. 

 

While it is unfortunate that many insurance plans only partially cover dental implants, if they cover them at all, there is good news for the patient in need of tooth replacement.  The Cosmetic Dentistry Center at the Medical Center Dental Group offers a number of financing options and payment plans for those in need of treatment.  Before assuming you cannot afford the procedure, please give us a call to see what is available and schedule an appointment to come in.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist. 

Dental Laboratory Products ( 12 )

Dental Lab Products, Equipment, Supplies & Accessories DealerDental laboratory products are available for purchase for many dentist offices in need of dental lab equipment. Dental lab products include soldering machines, ultrasonic cleaners, lasers, and actual office furniture and equipment used in the lab.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323

One piece of lab equipment not often thought of as dentist equipment is a soldering machine. These often save invaluable time and are an exceptional laboratory profit generator.  The ability to make repairs and additions instantly without inconvenience, delay or danger of using a torch is invaluable to a busy Houston cosmetic dentist. Most have seven heat settings which permit you to perform nearly any soldering need.  These machines allow you to effect a fast and nearly flawless repair instead of an expensive remake. Many of these products feature solder clasps and bars that rest on the model without distortion. They can also aid in the repair of partial dentures without the necessity of removing any of the acrylic or teeth, as well as be used to repair pin holes in crowns as well as used in the assembly or repair of ceramic metal bridges. There are a variety of types of soldering machines available to enable you to choose one that suits your particular practice.

An ultrasonic cleaner, also known as a sonicator, is a cleaning device that uses ultrasonic waves from (usually 150-400 kHz) and an appropriate cleaning solution to clean delicate dentist instruments in your dental office. This device uses waves of acoustic energy (a process known as cavitation) to loosen or break up debris on instruments. They are primarily used for cleaning surgical instruments prior to sterilization, but also can be used for other dental lab products as well. Ultrasonic cleaners are available from most dental supply companies all over the internet for your dental cleaning purposes. Many models offer different options for cleaning. There are some that are available now that have adjustable digital timers, they include different racks and basket sizes for variable parts that are needed to be cleaned. Each cleaner comes with adjustable temperature gauges and many are now offered in a digital design as well. These machines come with cleaning solutions that are designed for the various types of equipment or material that you might clean in the ultrasonic cleaner. Choose the appropriate accessories needed for each type of model. These machines are available in different frequency and wattages. So selecting a machine for your office setting is important to remember.

There are specific dental lab products and equipment needed for everyone’s individual office labs. Many of the tools and equipment are available to be purchased in bulk and many of them come as accessories to the larger types of dental lab equipment that you will need to purchase for your dental office. Check out the different types of accessories needed for your machines so that you make sure that all of the accessories needed to work these machines are purchased additionally as well.

Dental lab products are available for your purchase from many dental supply stores online, though the best to work with are those which have experienced dentists on staff. Their knowledge and expertise with the different types and brands of equipment and supplies has prevented many a costly mistake.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232

Dental Lighting Equipment ( 6 )

Post-Mount Dental Operatory Light - 110 VoltThe thought of dental lighting equipment usually brings the commonly used standard mounted type to mind, but there are many other illumination options Houston dentists find useful. The mounted dental operatory light has been around awhile, so it has many different features. A portable one may be used for the ease with which it may be placed where it is needed, while a headband lamp will more closely target the area being worked on.  Dental lighting equipment has made many changes and advances through the years. Here are some of options available today.

First of all, units on portable stands are used to better illuminate difficult situations because of their mobility.  Long and skinny, this style sits on a tripod base with wheels. The neck of the lamp is also moveable so it can be positioned in just the right place. One of the big advantages of using this kind of illumination is that it is heat free fiber optic dental lighting. These lamps run on 110V or 200V and come in either fiber optic or halogen options. The LED time of these products is usually four weeks.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Cabinet-Mounted Dental Light with Color CorrectionAnother form of dental lighting equipment that is commonly used is a headband lamp. This lamp is attached to a headband that is placed around your head which is lined with rubber foam for comfort.  Many dentists use these units for routine exams or minor surgeries. This unit illuminates like sunlight to give true color and is able to focus on an area as small as 2.5 inches to 6 inches. Some of these are even available in battery operated versions that come with chargers which can last between 3 to 4 hours of use before recharging is needed. Others are electric and can be plugged in to the wall, though most operate on110V while others run on 220V.

Finally, there is the mounted version. This comes with many different features; one of which is how it is aligned. Most of these dental lamps are rectangular in shape, but they can either be vertical or horizontal in alignment. Mounting can be done on the ceiling, a cabinet, or  a wall. These mounts contain a single or double track for the arm to slide on so it can be moved wherever you need it. The outside casing of this type of lamp must have a shield over it to protect it from any obstruction or particles that may fly into it. The casing also has handles on each side that allows for the rotation to allow better visibility. It may be turned on by a switch on the back which usually has three settings. A remote control is available so that the settings may be changed without having to access the back panel. Also located on the casing is a fan to keep the lamp cool. Halogen bulbs are used and reflectors are placed around the bulbs to aid in correcting color and eliminating shadows. Mounted dental lamps tend to run around 17 volts, the focal length ranges somewhere between 24 and 42 inches, and the bulbs’ life spans last from one to three years.

Dental lighting equipment includes a wide variety of configurations and illumination styles to choose from. They range in price and style to meet the specific needs of each office. Finding a reliable dental equipment supply company is a must; however finding one which has practicing dentists on staff is a treasure. They are able to help decide the best dental lighting equipment needed in specific dental set-ups and floor plans.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-2323

Dental Makeovers ( 5 )

Cosmetic Dental Makeovers.

The purpose of a dental makeover is to give you a completely new smile. 

There are a number of things that patients can count on receiving from cosmetic dental services.

Dental Implant Patient Before ImplantDental Implant Patient After ImplantsDental Implants After Full

 

Teeth that are straight

Teeth that are spaced evenly without gaps between them

White teeth with no stains

The edges of the top teeth smooth follow the curve of the lower lip.

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Cosmetic Tooth Whitening

Teeth naturally darken as we age.  Additionally, they also get darker due to things we eat and drink.  Many people also smoke, which definitely creates a yellowing effect on the teeth. 

 

One of the things a person receives with a dental makeover is cosmetic tooth whitening services.  The dentist uses a special bleaching gel to remove the stains, and then sends the patient home to apply a home bleaching agent for the next two weeks.  The dentist then calls the patient back for a second, in office bleaching session and completes the process in a quick, painless session.

 

All-Porcelain Bridges

Another important aspect of a dental makeover is the use of all-porcelain bridges.  In past decades, bridges had to be made from a blend of porcelain and metal.  The problem with this was that the metal would eventually show up as a blue line near the gums, making it obvious that the patient was wearing a bridge.

 

Todays bridges used in are so much more sophisticated.  They are made completely from porcelain and are strong enough to handle biting and chewing.  Not only do they look like natural teeth, they work just as effectively!  All-porcelain bridges are a great way to both restore the smile and a normal lifestyle. 

 

Porcelain Veneers

Sometimes a tooth only needs to be reshaped a little.  One of the ways a cosmetic dental makeover can help improve the color and shape of teeth is with porcelain veneers.  They are made from thin shells of porcelain and are bonded to the teeth by the dentist.  Veneers will help close gaps between teeth, help lengthen small or misshapen teeth, and even help whiten teeth with stains on them.  Porcelain veneers will also last for many years.  

 

All-Porcelain Crowns

In the old days, dentists often had to extract teeth that were decayed or fractured past a certain point. With the advent of dental crowns, however, dentists began to save a good many of these teeth by first performing a root canal, then capping the tooth with a crown.  Crowns used to be made of a blend of metal and porcelain in order to give them a somewhat natural look but also the needed strength to handle biting and chewing.  However, the presence of metal kept them from looking completely natural. 

 

Todays crowns are light years beyond those used in the past.  They have a strength that is unsurpassed by their predecessors, and they look identical to natural teeth.  They even have a translucence that mimics the color and texture of natural tooth enamel.

 

Dental Implants

A dental makeover is not only able to repair damaged and stained teeth, but it can actually replace missing teeth.  Titanium implants that are bio-friendly can be inserted into the jawbone, where they take the place of tooth roots that have been lost.  Once the bone accepts the implant, the implant is then capped with a porcelain crown.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation 
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.
Dental Office Equipment ( 6 )

Dental Supplies, Equiipment & Accessory Discount Dealer SalesThe chair is one of the pieces of dental office equipment that is absolutely necessary for the patients care.  A practice would not be very successful without denta chairs. We are going to take a look at the history of this vital instrument and see how this essential piece of dental office equipment has evolved into what it is today.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323

The first chair to be patented was by Waldo Hanchett is 1848. It was made from a wooden chair with four legs. Mr. Hanchett attached a neck extension to be used as a head rest and a wooden tray was attached at the bottom for the feet to rest on. The focus on comfort has always been a key factor in the production of the dental chair. Throughout the rest of the 1800’s and 1900’s many improvements were made to the chair. One of the first moveable chairs had a disc for its base instead of four legs, and it used a double clutch to move the chair up and down. The first hydraulic chair made its appearance in the 1890’s.

These continuing changes show in the chairs and dental office equipment of today.  The cushions for the headrest in today’s models provide a comfortable feel much like that of a pillow. They also provide support for the head as well as positioning it during procedures. The seat will often rotate or swivel allowing the doctor to directly position the patient during a procedure. The armrests provide comfort for the patient, but can be moved when needed, and the toeboard provides comfort and support for the legs and feet. Many chairs have a steel base and use a hydraulic system which allows the chair to move up or down. These chairs also have controls that allow the back to be positioned up or down. They have come along way throughout the years.

Not only is the comfort of the patient important, but the dentist and his assistant should also be comfortable. A very important piece of office dental equipment used by dentists and their assistants is the dental stool stool. Older models of the stool did not provide much comfort. They were made with vinyl which is not a very breathable fabric, and they did not move with the user or provide any support. There are many different types and styles of stools to choose from, and the dentist will make his personal choice on cushioning and material, back support, and shape for comfort. Although these features on today’s stools rely on personal choices, some of the specifications are standard. They will provide a tilting seat, not only for comfort and support, but for positioning as well. These stools will also come with what is called a floating seat that has the ability to move the seat up and down.

Today’s dental office equipment is designed with ergonomics, which is designing the instruments to work or fit with the human body and help obtain good posture. When we are comfortable and our body can move without pain, our reasoning skills work much better, and we all want our dentist to make concise decisions.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-2323.

Dental Porcelain & Metal Crowns ( 8 )
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Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal CrownsWhen an individual damages a tooth for any number of reasons, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is one of the best options in cosmetic tooth repair. 

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There are a number of benefits that porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer. 

         They cover and protect damaged teeth. 

         They are durable and attractive.

         The inner metal core buffers the crown against heavy biting pressures

         The outer porcelain layer looks virtually identical to the color of natural tooth enamel

 

A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is manufactured from two substances.  The core of the crown is metal.  This metal core is then surrounded by a layer of hard, baked porcelain.   

 

Houston dentists recommend porcelain-fused-to-meal crowns for a number of reasons. 

 

Some teeth that have been previously filled lose their fillings.  A PFM crown is an excellent way to save such a tooth and protect it against future tooth decay. 

 

Some people suffer from Bruxism and do not realize it until after one or more teeth have been worn down during their sleep.  Such teeth can be repaired and restored with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

 

Teeth also can be fractured in an accident, or even cracked when eating hard foods.  Sometimes these fractures are very severe.  In years past, when dentist saw a significant portion of tooth mass destroyed, they would extract the tooth.

 

Cosmetic dentists prefer to do everything medically and scientifically possible to save damaged teeth.  Even the most apparently hopeless of teeth can often be saved by fitting them with PFM crowns and made to look and function like before.   

 

Because a dental laboratory actually manufactures the crown, it is necessary for the patient to schedule two appointments with his or her dentist.  The first appointment is to gather information the lab will use in constructing the crown.  The second appointment will involve fitting the PFM crown to the tooth. 

 

Any decay that is affecting the tooth must first be removed with a dental handpiece.  The dentist will numb the area around the tooth and place a rubber dam in the back of the mouth to protect the throat and air passageways from dental debris.  The tooth is then cleaned and reshaped to accommodate the forthcoming crown. 

 

In order to provide the lab with a frame of reference to work with, the dentist will need to take impressions of the patients teeth.  These impressions are then used to make a model of the mouth that will be sent off to the lab after the patient goes home.   Prior to sending the patient home, the dentist will take one more step in the preliminary process.  He or she will fit the patient with a temporary crown that will protect the tooth while the lab works on the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. 

 

When the lab receives the model, it uses the replicas of the patients teeth to manufacture the PFM crown custom fitted to the tooth being repaired.   After the restoration is ready, the dental laboratory sends it back to the dentists office.  The dentist calls the patient back in, tests the fit of the crown and the patients bite, and if all checks out well, cements the crown in place.   

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services.

Dental Resources ( 16 )

Resources:

Advanced Family Dental Associates - Chicago Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Bagai, provideds high quality dental care utilizing the latest dental technology.

Charleston Cosmetic Dentistry - Charleston Dentist Located in West Ashley Charleston SC. Our dental practice accepts new patients and dental emergencies. Most dental insurance accepted.

Chicago Lumineers - Dr. Bill Cohen is certified to place Lumineers.

Cleveland cosmetic dentist - Dr. Jay H. Goldstein practices in the Cleveland suburb of Beachwood.

First Choice Advertising - If you are a dentist looking for answers, our consultants can help you with all of your marketing, advertising and practice management issues. We are your first choice for dental practice management.

Illuminations Lighting Design - We are a full service design build firm specializing in residential and commercial indoor lighting and outdoor lighting installation, service and maintenance as well as home automation, home theaters and lighting control systems.

L.E. West Ltd - Global supplier for pharmaceuticals, surgical / medical equipment supply, medical consumables, GP procurement, EMT, clinic and first aid kits.

Los Angeles TMJ - Dr. Dustin Nelson is a TMJ expert practicing in Pasadena, California.

Phoenix implant dentist - Dr. Arthur Chal is a renowned implant dentist in Phoenix, Arizona.

Skin Care Texas - We provide our clients with the most upto date skin care products and treatments in the industry

Teeth Bleaching - Our Teeth bleaching systems have helped thousands of people experience whiter teeth without an expensive trip to the dentist.

Tovatech - Ultrasonic Cleaner for Denatal Equipment, Elmasonic - Optimum cleaning, ultimate convenience.

Widgets and Gadgets - Enjoy clean, white teeth with the Philips sonicare electric toothbrush. Health is never better and more convenient with such cool gadgets. Also features mp3 players, Sony, nokia, Philips, Motorola and Apple products

Dental Sterilization Equipment ( 1 )

Dental Sterilization EquipmentDental sterilization equipment is vital to the hygienic operation of a any general or cosmetic dentistry practice. Before a dentist can perform any procedure from a check-up to surgery, they must disinfect and sterilize their equipment. In doing this, there are steps to follow and dental sterilization equipment that is absolutely necessary to have.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

The first step in the sterilization process is to clean and disinfect the dental instruments. First, the instruments are presoaked in water or solution to help remove debris before it is dried on.  After the presoaking, the instruments are placed in a specialized piece of dental laboratory equipment known as an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic cleaners are used by most dentist in the in the disinfecting process. Ultrasonic cleaners use a combination of sound waves and enzymatic solutions to remove debris. This combination produces small bubbles that burst and break chemical bonds on the instruments. The enzymes in the solution react to the carbohydrates produced by blood, saliva, and plaque which causes the deterioration of these carbohydrates. As a result, the instruments are disinfected and ready to be sterilized. These instruments can be placed in dental sterilization equipment that either use heat, steam, or chemical.

Using a dry heat sanitizer is very similar to using an oven. The sterilizer has a time and a temperature gauge that needs to be set to make sure the sanitization process is completed. The instruments may be wrapped in foil or left unwrapped before placing them in the tray or shelf of the sterilization unit. The higher the setting of the temperature means the less time is used to sterilize the equipment. If the sterilizer is set at 170o, the time should be set to 1 hour. For 160o, it should run for 2 hours and at 150o for 2.5 hours.

Another sanitizer used by many dental offices is the steam unit or autoclave which comes in several varieties including the instant steam and microwave autoclaves and. The autoclave combines the use of water and heat to sterilize the instruments. If any instruments have more than one part, or open and close, they should be disassembled. This will allow for the steam to reach every part of the instrument for full sterilization. Some of your instruments can be wrapped in fabrics like cotton or muslin, but others do not have to be. Always remember to place the instrument loosely in the autoclave and not to wrap them tightly so that the steam can reach every. There are many autoclaves on the market, so remember to follow the manufactures instructions for the temperature and time settings.

In sanitization by chemical means, the dental sterilization equipment used is a little different. A chemical solution is used to sterilize the instruments, as opposed to heat and water. As in the steam process, the instruments need to be disassembled for the solution to reach every part. They are then placed in a container which is placed inside the unit until they are completely covered by the solution. It depends on the manufacture and the type of solution used as to how long they are to remain in the solution.

It is really up to the dentist to choose which dental sterilization equipment to use. Some are faster, others more convenient to use, but each one has proven to kill the microorganisms that can spread through the mouth and make the reuse of dentist tools and instruments safe and effective. Because it is so vital to the dental practice, many offices use Stericenter Medical Cabinetry to organize all the work space to make the entire process efficient and pleasing to the eye.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-2323.

Dental Supplier ( 11 )

Dental Supplies & Equipment For Dentists By DentistsDental offices use a variety of tools and supplies on a daily basis when providing services for their patients. People see dentists for routine cleanings, dental procedures, dental cosmetics, and dental restoration. Each of these procedures requires specialized tools and equipment in order to perform them. It is imperative that a dentist has the best supplies so that he or she can make sure that their patients receive the best care possible. Sometimes the best way to get supplies needed for a dental office is by using a dental supplier.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323

Dental suppliers carry a variety of instruments, such as diagnostic, endodontic and surgical. Diagnostic instruments are those such as dental explorers, dental probes, dental mirrors, and dental pliers. These instruments are used more frequently than most. They are used for almost every procedure that takes place in the dental office. Endodontic instruments are those that are used for filling the actual tooth, such as spreaders and excavators. These tools also aid in root canals and fillings. Surgical instruments are used primarily for surgeries. These include cheek and lip retractors to help keep the mouth open wide during the surgery, scalpels, scissors, root elevators, needle holders, files and retractors. 

Supplies that are needed for the restoration of a tooth involve crowns, carvers, plastic filling instruments, gingival cord packer, gingival retractor, placement instrument, and excavators. Many of these tools are also needed during various surgical procedures. Sometimes an ultrasound machine is needed to operate during a procedure. There are different models that are sold for this type of surgery, and it is important to find a supplier who offers this type of equipment, as well as the software that may come along with it.

When looking for a dental supplier, you need to find one who offers the best equipment. Do your research and find a supplier who uses the best brands in the industry. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition, and in order to prevent this irritation of the hands and fingers you need to find comfortable, reliable equipment. Find a supplier who offers silicon handles. These types of handles are lightweight, non-slip, and have a wide grip. They are also auto-clavable, anti fatigue, and anti-roll. They help decrease the procedure time and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. A lot of instruments are also color coded to help distinguish them amongst one another. Choose a supplier who offers top quality brands that you are going to trust working with and that are reliable to use during surgery, as well as every day routine exams.

A dental supplier can be found online. Ordering and purchasing equipment can be done with the click of a mouse. There are a lot of dental suppliers to choose from in the dental supply field. It is important to find one that will meet the specific needs of your office. Find a dental supply company that carries quality equipment, offers the equipment at a fair price, and delivers the equipment for a reasonable rate. There are so many supplies that are needed, and it is important to find a trustworthy source with a representative available to answer any questions about the products that they are selling.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Equipment Center offers dental supplies, equipment and accessories represent a broad spectrum of top-grade manufacturers and material builds, allowing the dental professional complete freedom of choice when it comes to selecting dental equipment. If you can not find what you are looking for call us toll free 877-522-2323 we will find it for you. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami, FL. Chicago, IL. Denver CO., New Orleans, La., Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Mo., Mesa, Arizona, Virginia Beach, Va., Omaha, Nebraska, Oakland, California, Miami, Florida, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Arlington, Texas, Beaumont, Texas, Denton, TX, McKinney, Texas, Midland, TX, Killeen, Texas, Dallas TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX,

Dental Tools ( 21 )

Have you found a company that offers quality dental tools & instruments, customer satisfaction, knowledge, and expertise on the dental equipment that they are selling? Are they proficient in the in and outs of the dental industry, as well as the products that are needed to run a reliable and productive practice?

Choose a company that will be beneficial to your practice. One that will offer you a wide variety of supplies and services that will aid in making your dental office a productive and efficient one.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental
equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-2323

Dental Units ( 12 )

For more information on the Dental Units that we carry, please call 877-522-2323

Dental Units (A-2500)The style and configuration of the dental units in your office must be decided on the basis of many different factors: the ease of asepsis, the ease of use, the comfort of the dentist and dental hygienists, the layout of the working space, the comfort of the patient, and the quality and longevity of the equipment. They range from utilitarian basic units to highly stylized and complex units in order to fit the needs of every practice, dcor, dental professional, and office layout.

Its Vital to Fit the Dental Unit to Your Practice, Clientele, and Office

The dental supply company you choose to work with can make the difference between constantly bumping up against machinery that isnt quite right for your needs, or is ill-fitted for your workspace and many years of dentistry with you and your team of dental professionals focused on your patients, rather than equipment which is poorly designed or poorly configured for your layout and comfort. It is just plain good sense to discuss your needs and purchase your equipment from a dental supply company of experienced dentists who walk the walk and really understand the benefits and disadvantages of the equipment, its configuration and style.

Dental units are designed to be adjustable to a wide variety of settings that maximize the comfort of the dental professional using it while performing the many and varied treatments that dentists must do to offer their patients the best possible oral health. Equally important are the the physical layout of work area including the dentist and whatever assistants may be required, and their comfort while using the dental units. The patients comfort is often overlooked when purchasing dental equipment, but obviously cannot be overstated. Units which do not respect the patients space can trigger unnecessary anxiety or even panic.

The Importance of Choosing a Dental Supply Company Who Uses Dental Units Rather Than Just Sells Them

Theres an old horse trainers saying: You dont ride the horses head. Many novices buy a horse based on its looks and aesthetics, but theres a reason many old-timers ride Roman-nosed ugly horses. Its in their configuration and the smoothness of their gait over many miles of rugged terrain. The same is true of the dental units in your office. The exterior look and styling of the equipment is important, but definitely should not be your first consideration. That is why there are so many units to choose from.

The interior dcor of a dental office does impact the psychological well-being of the dentist, staff, and patients in addition to its functionality; that is why it so is important to discuss your major equipment purchases with people who really understand how all of these factors interrelate as opposed to salesmen who may know a lot of facts about the equipment but not how it drives.

Dentists who sell dental units as opposed to a large dental supply company really know the options. They understand the bell and whistles and which are important to providing excellent rather than just acceptable care to your patients. Some look good or seem like a good idea, but dentist suppliers who study the equipment and their options are more capable of helping you decide which options just pad your costs and which features improve your ability to offer your patients the best dental care possibleand thats really the bottom line.

If you have any questions about the best Dental Unit for you and your patients, please call us at 877-522-2323

Dental Veneers ( 2 )

Cosmetic Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are overlays that cover the enamel of damaged or discolored teeth, restoring whiteness and uniformity to the smile.  Cosmetic dental veneers are preferably made from porcelain and are a topical treatment that requires no surgery or anesthetic to apply.  Getting a veneer is one of the most painless experiences a patient can have in a dental chair, and something that does not need repeated treatments and follow ups if applied by skilled professionals such as the ones on our staff.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic dental veneers are often the ideal solution to a less than perfect smile.  If teeth are chipped, have small holes, little pits in the surface, or are simply oddly shaped, a crown is a bit too drastic of a treatment to use.  Porcelain cosmetic veneers can fit right over the odd shapes and damaged portions of the teeth, creating a smooth, whitened appearance.  In minor cases of tooth misalignment, cosmetic dental veneers can also be used as an alternative to braces.  This is because they tend to fill out the gaps between teeth by adding a distinctive, proportional shape to each individual tooth to which they are applied.  Perhaps their most common use, however, is to correct the problem of severe tooth discoloration that normal cleaning methods cannot correct.

 

A variety of things can cause the teeth to become stained to the point that they are permanently discolored.  Coffee and cigarettes have historically ranked as the highest, most notorious culprits to tooth staining.  Some dentists in the past used plastic veneers to whiten the teeth when cleaning proved ineffective, but plastic is a permeable substance and can become stained itself over time.  Porcelain cosmetic dental veneers have proven much more resilient and effective than plastic composites.  Porcelain is an amazingly hard substance, looks natural and perfectly white, and is too impermeable for even abusive chemicals like coffee and nicotine to damage.

 

Fewer people are smoking and drinking large amounts of coffee these days, however, and may assume that they will never need cosmetic dental veneers.  While this may be true, health-conscious people should be aware that other natural dyes can stain the teeth almost, if not just as badly, as coffee and cigarettes.  The new trend to substitute exotic teas for coffee has resulted in people ingesting new, equally powerful dyes that can discolor teeth beyond normal dental cleaning methods to rectify.  Also, the many prescription drugs that people often have to take for any number of ailments can often have the unfortunate side effect of staining the teeth.  While a person who stains their teeth by drinking too much tea can always switch to bottled water, a person who cannot live without their medication either has to accept a discolored smile, or turn to a cosmetic dental specialist for veneers that will give them a bright new smile that will never fade again. 

 

Not all people who come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center for tooth veneers are coming because of damaged or chemically-discolored teeth.  Some were cavity-prone children in their younger years, and have lived many years as adults with visible amalgam fillings that put dark spots in their smiles.  Porcelain veneers, though amazingly tough, are nonetheless thin enough to cover up these cavities.

 

Remember, the key operative term in “cosmetic dental veneer” is cosmetic.  You do not have to have anything seriously wrong with your teeth to make them look better and more attractive, so call us for a consultation if you desire any level of improvement in your smile.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.

Regional Cosmetic Dental Veneer Patients From  

Dentist Equipment ( 10 )

Dentist Equipment & Dental Supplies & Equipment Store OnlineDentist must have the proper dentist equipment and supplies to perform certain procedures. Many of the pieces used have ancillary dentist supplies that must be used with them. This list may seem endless when it comes to dentistry, but here are a few general dentistry procedures and the dentist equipment and supplies needed to perform them.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323

Before beginning any procedure, most offices now use dentist digital radiography (x-rays) either to begin or continue the record of each individual’s teeth and mouth. These utilize a variety of probes and covers that are placed in the patient’s mouth depending on the scan being performed. Once these are taken, the teeth are carefully cleaned either by a dental hygienist or in some cases, by the dentist himself. Regardless of who performs the procedure the same dental equipment and supplies are used. These include precision crafted hand tools called scalers and curettes, the ends of which are curved to match the shape of the teeth. They are used to scrape away debris and plaque from in and around the teeth and gums. Then a unique electric toothbrush, a polishing handpiece, and a fluoride paste are used to clean and polish the teeth.

Sometimes cleaning goes beyond the basic cleaning of the teeth. Root planning is a type of cleaning that is used in the prevention of gum disease. The dental equipment and supplies used in this procedure is an ultrasonic device that cleans between the teeth and gums and gets down to the root. The tips of this piece are also curved and rounded. When kept in motion they provide the deep cleaning needed.

Another common procedure is that of filling cavities. With each step in the process a different form of dental equipment and supplies is used. First of all, a needle and syringe are used to inject a local anesthetic to numb where the cavity will be filled. A hand held drill bit with a handpiece, or even a laser is then used to remove the decayed area of the tooth. Next, the spot is tested to see if it has all been removed and then cleaned of all debris with a dental vacuum system with removable suction tips. After the spot is cleaned, the filling is then placed in the cleaned space using a variety of mixtures and tools.

The first step in the extraction of teeth is the use of dental x-rays which show the size, shape and bone surrounding the tooth. In a simple extraction procedure, a local anesthetic is used which is administered with a needle and syringe. The tooth is then loosened with an elevator. An elevator is a piece of handheld equipment that has sharp blades that can be attached to the end. These blades help to loosen the tooth at the roots before forceps are used to extract the tooth.

As you can see from just a few dental procedures, there are a wide variety of different types of dentist instruments that are used in today’s general and cosmetic dentistry practices. This dentist equipment ranges in size from small handheld dentist tools to large pieces of equipment, all of which can be purchased from trusted online dental equipment and supply companies.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-2323.

Dentist Supplies ( 8 )
Dental Equipment & Supply Online StoreThere are countless dental suppliers that carry quite a large variety of dentist supplies. When trying to locate a supplier that has the dentist supplies you need, make sure you find the one who has quality equipment and who has the experience using the products as well. 

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323

Online dental suppliers are easy to locate, and you can find one that offers the specific dental equipment you need at a fair price and is able to deliver it to your office. They will have instruments that will fit any needs such as diagnostic, surgical, and endodontic instruments. These products will allow you to perform root canals, surgical procedures, restoration of teeth, and some are even included in the dental units and furniture for various functions in the office.
 
Ultrasound machines are sometimes needed in your dental office for surgical procedures, and it would be cost efficient to locate one through a supply company that carries different and state-of-the-art dentist supplies. Lasers are a fast rising product in the new dental offices, and are replacing the older x-ray machines. Digital imaging and compatible software are also available. 
 
An excellent idea is to comparison shop by going to online dental supply companies and request a catalog from the reputable companies you find. This will educate you and give you useful knowledge of the company you are trusting to purchase the best in dentist supplies from. It is dire to do some research and find the best, most cost effective company that also has experience in using the equipment. When making this determination, who would know better than a dental supply company that is operated by hands-on dentists?   This is a great advantage when purchasing higher ticket items.
 
One good reason to purchase your dentist supplies from one company is the fine possibility that you will receive free shipping, due to giving them your continued business. A company is needed that is owned and operated by working dental professionals who have the hands on knowledge of the equipment they are selling to you and can honestly tell you about the quality and competence of the equipment, instruments, and the benefits of the patients view of these products as well. How well did their patients respond to certain dental units or how comfortable were their patients while having surgery?   These questions will go a long way in helping you determine the best reputable and dependable company to work with. Communication is an essential key in establishing this business relationship as you want to know you are dealing with someone that you can trust and respect.
 
Online shopping with any dental supply company can be fast and convenient, however, be conscious of the cost, dependability of products, delivery charges, compatibility issues, discounts for large orders and knowledge of the company you choose to do business with. Remember that each of the items you add to your office play a vital role in the overall success of your practice, so do your home work and pick a company that will be able to serve your needs for many years to come.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323
 

 Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist  equipment, tools & accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232

Dentistry Equipment ( 2 )

Dentist Equipment & Dental Supplies & Equipment Store OnlineThe heart of any dental practice is the dentistry equipment that enables you to give your patients the finest in oral health care.  Having the best state of the art dentistry equipment will ensure that your patients will feel more confident in the treatment and procedures that are performed on them. They rely on the dental practitioner and the instruments in the office to cure what ails them, as well as keeping their smiles bright and healthy.  The more reliable the machinery and tools, the more comfortable the patients will be with their visit.  These are key elements in both the present and future success of your practice.
  

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323

 

One of the most common challenges for the majority of the offices in this field is how to make each function and procedure in the office more efficient for both the personnel and your clientele.  One solution is to make sure that new dental equipment is purchased and that you and your staff stay informed and trained on the latest procedures and techniques available.  The need for more sophisticated machines is growing, especially as the manufacturers are coming up with new technology to provide people with advanced oral health care. People are going to choose a dentist that they can trust and feel comfortable with. And part of that trust and comfort comes from dentistry equipment that is reliable and comfortable. Anything that will help make the procedures a less frightening and painful experience will definitely stick in their mind and keep them coming back.

 

Although changes are being made every year by manufacturers of the dental products we use in this field, their main focus and goals continue to stay the same. This focus is to provide excellent oral health care, which means that the products must be up to date and the research is an ongoing affair. When a patient feels comfortable with the products and equipment used on them, it will naturally create more confidence in their dentist, and the domino effect is a good one. 

 

Making sure the dental professional has a good and reputable dental supplier is a pivoting point in any office striving to make a friendly and effective place for patients, whether they are in need of routine exams and work, or if they are having more serious issues that will require ongoing treatments. Research any dental supplier and be certain that they are on the up and up with all of their warranties and service maintenance for any large dentistry equipment that is being purchased.  Remember also that asking questions is crucial in finding out what the company you are dealing with is all about.  Ask others who may have used the same supplier, because you want to make sure any dentist products you buy are going to be of the highest quality. 

 

Transforming your clinic into an oasis of comfort and friendliness is a wonderful route to take. As your patients learn to feel more relaxed and at ease in your office, they will undoubtedly tell their family and friends of their wonderful experience. This is the way that successful practices grow. Keeping up on the latest in technology will help you continue to provide the best care possible to the patients that trust you.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323
 

 Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist  equipment, tools & accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-2323

Dry Mouth ( 4 )

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a lack of saliva that results in a variety of uncomfortable and/or painful symptoms.   Lack of saliva causes taste buds to sense differently, so the first thing a person may notice is food tasting differently.  Without the lubricating effects of saliva, plaque will often build up on teeth, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay.  What saliva is produced will often feel thick or even stringy, and a person will have difficulty talking and find it hard, or even painful, to swallow.  Dry mouth also causes sore throat and sores at the corner of the mouth.  Sometimes the skin around the mouth splits and the lips even crack.  Due to the lack of fluid in the mouth and the increase in bacteria and plaque on the teeth, bad breath is often very common as well.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation 

Dry mouth occurs when normal saliva secretions are dramatically reduced.  Healthy salivary glands should produce around 3 pints of saliva a day.  Saliva provides a number of dental benefits in addition to its obvious function in helping chew food and prepare it for digestion.  Saliva constantly cleans the surfaces of teeth and helps to prevent the buildup of plaque.  There are also minerals present in saliva that strengthen teeth against tooth decay.   It also discourages bacteria from attaching to teeth and thus helps preserve tooth enamel and protect against gum disease.  Saliva is alkaline in nature and neutralizes natural acids that can damage mouth tissues.

 

Dry mouth has several causes.  Natural aging is one of these, because as a person gets older the salivary glands secrete less.  However, severe dry mouth at a younger age is most likely the side effect of both prescription and over the counter medications.  Drugs used to treat anxiety and depression rank high on the list of those that can produce dry mouth.  High blood pressure medicine, muscle relaxers, and antidiuretics often cause this condition.  Chemotherapy treatment has a tendency to change the nature and amount of saliva produced, and cancer radiation therapy can actually damage salivary glands.  Neck injuries that injure nerves can affect the salivary glands as well.

 

Sometimes simply the presence of a pronounced health condition is all it takes to trigger dry mouth.  Individuals who suffer from anxiety and clinical depression often have inconsistent or reduced salivary production.  Conditions that affect the brain, such as strokes and Alzheimers disease, can also reduce saliva production.  Autoimmune disease and diabetes are also two other known causes of the condition.

 

If you think you may have dry mouth, you should consult with a dentist to study your case history and examine your mouth.  It may be necessary as well to do a cat scan on the salivary glands or have some blood drawn for testing.  Be sure to tell your dentist about ALL medical conditions you are suffering from and all medications you are taking.

 

If the dentist concludes you have dry mouth because of medication, it may be possible to try switching medicines or altering the dosage.  There are also drugs the dentist can prescribe that will help you produce more saliva.

 

Additionally, your dentist will recommend any number of self-care options that will require lifestyle change on your part.  Eliminating sugar and acidic substances from the diet is almost always the first thing dentist asks you to do.  Quitting smoking helps everything, including problems with dry mouth.  Increasing the amount of water you drink will help remedy dry mouth, and rigorous brushing and flossing will help protect teeth that have become vulnerable to decay because of dry mouth.  It may be necessary to use a special fluoride toothpaste or gel for this, so be sure to Ask the Dentist about this.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist

Esthetic Dentistry ( 15 )
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The intent of esthetic dentistry is to completely transform what otherwise is an average smile into an award-winning smile.  This is not to say that our objective is to indulge an individuals vanity, but rather our goal is to improve self-esteem in a scientific manner that helps the individual lead a more functional and enjoyable life.

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A person who believes that he or she cannot show their teeth when they smile feels severely limited in personal relationships and professional situations.  This debilitating affect on social interaction can make a person who is otherwise gregarious and dynamic become shy, withdrawn, or even sullen toward the world.

 

Esthetic dentistry restores self confidence by restoring a genuine beauty to the smile that can be projected back into the world in the form of a robust and fulfilling lifestyle.  There is nothing vain or ego-driven about this.  It is more being ones own personal best than anything else.

 

The psychological dynamics of this service are only part of the equation, however.  Real science has to go into transforming this intangible sense of new-found confidence into tangible realities that can be seen by others in public and appreciated by the individual in private. 

 

In order to accomplish this objective, it is necessary for us first to carefully examine every aspect of your smile.  Assessments must be made as to the degree of repair or improvement needed, and appropriate esthetic dentistry treatments must be implemented to correct the issues at hand. 

 

There are a number of esthetic dentistry services that target specific cosmetic dental challenges and correct problems with amazing results.  Just a few of these services include, but are not limited, to the following:

 

Teeth are crooked and need to be straightened.  New types of mouthguards and new forms of orthodontics such as Invisalign have replaced the metal brackets and wire of traditional orthodontics and can correct an irregular smile with pain-free, unobtrusive techniques that wont embarrass patients or get in the way of eating or social interaction.

 

Teeth that have gaps between them can be corrected with cosmetic orthodontics or cosmetic dental bonding.  Thin veneers can also be placed on the sides of the teeth to fill in the gaps.    

 

Teeth that are stained and need to be whitened can be treated by cosmetic resin or professional dental cosmetic tooth cleaning services. 

 

Gums that hang embarrassingly over the tops of your teeth can be altered through a process called crown lengthening.  This causes the tops of your teeth to be visible when you smile without your gums themselves being visible.  

 

Teeth that are too long can be reshaped comfortable so that the edges of the top teeth smoothly follow the curve of the lower lip.

 

Esthetic dentistry uses a variety of tools, technology, and methodologies not commonly used in general dentistry.  Some of its benefits are purely cosmetic, while others have real medical value as well.  For this reason, practitioners of this highly specialized science must pursue credentials in licensing in general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry in order to offer each patient the maximum benefits that any given procedure can provide.

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Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

FAQ ( 21 )

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Medical Center Dental Group's Frequently Asked Questions section. 

Over the next few months, we will be adding several pages of information that may be of help to you to address any questions you may have regarding all fields of dentistry. 

Should you be unable to find the answers to your questions on the following pages, please refer to the Ask the Experts section on the toolbar to your left, and one of our three experienced doctors will answer your question personally.

Sincerely,

The Medical Center Dental Group

Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell, and Dr. Elizabeth O'Sullivan-Winslow

 

Financial Options ( 1 )

Financial Policy:

Time, skill, care, judgment, professional education and experience determine professional fees. We are proud of our fees and know that they represent fair compensation for the quality of the services provided to our patients. However, when it comes to costs of any sort, none of us likes surprises. We feel that it is important for our patients to understand our financial policies before initiating any treatment. Our policy is to tell you, in advance of any treatment, what your investment in your dental health will be and to make definite financial arrangements before we begin treatment. Payment for any services is due and payable at the time the services are provided.

After your initial comprehensive examination, diagnosis and consultation, we will review with you our recommended treatment plan and estimated cost. We will offer alternatives and their costs. To make payment as convenient as possible, we offer several payment methods. We accept cash, check or major credit cards. We also have customized, outside financing available to help make ideal dental care more affordable.

Available Financing Programs:

We have partnered with the following programs to provide payment plans with low, fixed interest rates that allow you to:

  • Start treatment today
  • Select a low monthly payment that fits within your budget
  • Keep your credit cards available for general purposes
  • Find a program that fits a wide range of credit histories

Springstone Patient Financing or by phone at 1-800-630-1663

Care Credit Patient Payment Plans: 1-866-893-7864 

 

Dental Benefits:

Many of our patients have dental benefits. We encourage each of our patients to become familiar with the coverage they have. To simplify the process for all of us, we have adopted the following policies.

First, we expect our patients to take full responsibility for the payment of our fees. Our contract is with you, not with your insurance company, and we will happily document all your needs and care received in our office, but we do not accept assignment of dental insurance benefits. We will gladly help you with the process of claims submission. We provide all the necessary information, send any required documentation that is requested by insurers, we respond to any information requests, both writing letters of explanation and even having conversations with insurer consultants to try to help you get all the coverage that you deserve. If insurance coverage is in doubt, we will be happy to submit a "pre-treatment estimate of benefits" to the insurance company.

Second, you should be aware that most insurance plans do not cover certain types of dental treatment. The common examples of these are cosmetic procedures; restoration needs due to excessive wear on teeth, and procedures where the insurance companies feel a cheaper (not better) option is available. For example, an insurance company may substitute the benefit for a silver filling when a superior tooth colored filling is placed. Coverages are arbitrarily downgraded by insurance companies so that they can pay fewer benefits on your behalf. Our office cannot predict when this may happen.

General Dentistry ( 16 )

General  Cosmetic Dentistry Serving Houston, Katy, Woodlands, Galveston, Bellaire, Cypress & Surrounding Harris County Area.
Dental fillings are among the most widespread and common general dentistry procedures.  Tooth decay can destroy an entire tooth if left unchecked.  Generally, dentists fill a tooth when 50 percent of the tooth has been destroyed.  Traditionally, general dentistry practices involved the use of silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore back teeth.  This is no longer recommended.  Silver-mercury fillings have all but been abandoned in the world of cosmetic dentistry, and they are falling by the wayside in many general dentistry practices as well.  This is because metal of any kind expands and contracts in relationship to surrounding temperatures.  This causes strain on teeth that can eventually crack enamel or completely fracture a tooth.  Even if this does not occur, bacteria can get underneath a filling, and tooth decay can set in all over again.

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Dentists from multiple specialties increasingly agree that there are much better materials to use for filling teeth.  Composite materials can be made to mimic or whiten the color of teeth, and they can be bonded to the tooth in such as way as to provide support and strength.  Where a filling can often weaken a tooth by 50 percent over a period of years, a composite filling made from resin or porcelain can actually strengthen a tooth up to 75 percent.

There are also a number of specific materials that can be used in lieu of the old silver-mercury amalgams that previously dominated the world of general dentistry.

One of these is materials is the dental crown. 
A dental crown functions like a cap over a tooth, which is why it is frequently called a cap in general dentistry.  Capping a cracked tooth prevents it from fracturing completely, because it actually creates an entirely new surface area for the tooth.  Crowns in general dentistry can be gold or porcelain.  Cosmetic dentistry avoids the use of gold because it is soft and unsightly.  We at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center exclusively use porcelain dental crowns for two reasons.  For one thing, they are incredibly hard and non-porous, so they will not break or stain.  Secondly, the partly translucent nature of porcelain mimics the translucence of natural tooth enamel. 

Porcelain crowns are custom-made from a mold to match the teeth of the individual patient, and often end up looking better than the patients original teeth.

Another alternative to amalgam fillings is the use of cosmetic dental inlays.
Inlays, like dental crowns, are made from porcelain.  Unlike crowns, they do not cover the entire tooth surface, but rather fit over the cusp (tip) of a tooth.  Dentists use specially fired porcelain to match the color of natural teeth so that the inlay will remain invisible to others.  To ensure the best possible fit, the dentist first makes a temporary inlay, and then takes an impression which is in turn used to create the permanent, porcelain inlay.  When it is ready, the dentist bonds it to the tooth and polishes it to ensure a cosmetic, natural, and healthy-looking appearance.

Onlays are similar to inlays, but are used for more substantial reconstructions.  Many times they are used to repair the damaged portion of a tooth so that a crown will not be necessary.

A root canal is used in general dentistry to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be pulled, end up being abscessed, or even worse, fall out.
There are three parts to every tooth.  The outer layer is the layer we all see, and is called the enamel.  The middle, softer layer is called the dentin.  The inner part of the tooth is called the tooth, and is where all the nerves, blood, and life-sustaining functions of the tooth occur (yesteeth are alive). 

When the pulp is traumatized or infected, the entire tooth begins to die, and serious complications can result.  General dentists long ago discovered that removing diseased pulp and thorough disinfection of the pulp chamber and the canals that connect it to the bloodstream and nervous system.

Although the tooth is technically dead, its normal function and cosmetic appearance can be restored through a number of cosmetic and general dentistry practices aimed at preventing tooth loss and subsequent re-infection.

Although general dentistry practices are found throughout Houston, the advantage of having general procedures performed at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center is the added value of improving the appearance of teeth as well as the medical condition of teeth.

Even better, the sophisticated technology we use makes a number of otherwise painful general dentistry procedures (such as periodontal treatments) much more comfortable and painless to experience.

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If you are looking to improve your smile without diminishing it with visible orthodontics in the process, please call us at 1-888-790-0309 to schedule an appointment for this highly specialized and technologically advanced alternative to metal braces. 

 

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
Gum Disease ( 15 )

Dentistry and Gum Disease
The history of dentistry and gum disease seem to be intertwined all the way back to ancient times.  Hippocrates and Aristotle both mentioned Periodontis in their writings.  They spoke of ointments that would help sterilize the mouth, and recommended as well a rather painful remedy no longer practiced that involved a red hot wire laid across the gums.  Dentistry and the treatment of gum disease remained very primitive (and also very painful) throughout the Middle Ages on into the 1800s.

While the 1800s saw some significant changes in the practice of dentistry, gum disease treatments still remained barbarous and excruciating for most patients.  Dentists would try to prevent Periodontis by cleaning teeth with scrapers, and cavities were treated with odd and painful hand instruments.

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As better instruments have been developed in dentistry, gum disease treatment is finally something most patients can not only bear to endure, but actually want to have performed.  Over 80% of the population suffers from gingivitis and Periodontis.  When left untreated, gum disease can cause all sorts of problems ranging from the mild to the very severe. 

 

Twentieth-century general dentistry typically treated gum disease with several types of surgery.  One type of surgery was cutting away the diseased portion of the gum and grafting healthy tissue in its place.  Another solution used by general dentistry to treat gum disease is root scaling and planing.  This involves removing bacteria from the surfaces of teeth that touch the interior of the gums.  Creating a more healthy tooth surface contributes to the healing of the gums themselves.  

 

Cosmetic dentistry sometimes uses the practice of Gingevectomy to treat gum disease, although typically this is not the best solution to correcting diseased tissue.  Gum removal in todays world of dental science serves the more cosmetic benefit of removing excess tissue from around teeth and making them look more proportional in relation to the gum line and to one another.

 

Probably the best treatment for gum disease in todays world of modern dentistry is laser periodontal therapy, also known as LANAP.  LANAP is performed with a sophisticated ND: YAG laser called a PerioLase MVP-7.  This is probably the least painful treatment for Periodontis ever developed. 

 

The PerioLase MVP-7 emits a concentrated infrared beam which cuts away disease tissue and sterilizes the gums in the process.  The dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove root surface tartar.  Very unique hand held instruments are then used to remove root surface tartar.  While the basic techniques of scaling and planing are still used, the use of more specialized instruments, combined with the new technology of the a laser, makes this one of the least invasive and sterile of all gum disease treatments in dentistry.  The minimization of discomfort also makes it highly unlikely that the patient will need to have pain medication prescribed.  Little if any pain medicine is needed after LANAP has been performed.  What few patients do feel the need for pain medication can almost always use over the counter products to this end. 

 

The Medical Center Dental group specializes in dentistry that both looks good and feels good to the patient.  It is for this reason we both recommend and practice the LANAP procedure for gum disease treatment to both eliminate infected portions of the gums and preserve as much healthy oral tissue as possible. 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry Center Regional Coverage 

Houston Cosmetic Dental Staff ( 3 )

Meet Our Staff at the following Links:

Our wonderful dentists are ably assisted by our staff. Our patients' first contact is usually with our efficient Administrative Staff. Before procedures can begin our competent Clinical Assistants are there to help, and our thorough yet gentle Dental Hygienists help keep your teeth and gums in perfect shape.

Debbie - Administrative Staff Cindy - Administrative Staff Mary - Administrative Staff Linda - Administrative Staff
Kris - Administrative Staff Cynthis - Clinical Assistant Veronica - Clinical Assistant Anna - Clinical Assistant
Rachel - Clinical Assistant Maria - Clinical Assistant Michelle - Dental Hygienist Christy - Dental Hygienist
Houston Cosmetic Dentistry ( 13 )

Cosmetic Dentistry & Dental Implants Houston, Texas, Austin, TX,  Dallas, Texas, San Antonio, TXCosmetic dentistry is a skillful blend of advanced science and art that can fill you with confidence and renew your outlook by restoring the aesthetic elements of your smile. 
Our dentists create attractive, enduring smiles with modern materials. A few of the many services we provide for our patients include, but are not limited, to the following:

    * Transform dulled, stained teeth to bright, eye-catching smiles.
    * Replace outdated, mercury fillings that can actually cause damage.
    * Reshape teeth that are crooked, gapped, uneven, or overlapped with natural-looking veneers.

Because every smile is unique, the staff at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center works very closely with each patient on a highly individual basis.  We listen carefully to the desires of each patient to get a sense of the personality and lifestyle that the new smile will be highlighting.  We then take careful facial measurements of the patient to that enable us to mold new features into the teeth that are proportional to the bone structure, age, and gender of the individual. 

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Modern technology is an integral element of cosmetic dentistry.  One of the tools we rely upon very heavily is the intra-oral camera.  It allows us to look at a patients teeth on a high-resolution monitor.  This enables our team to make a better diagnosis of what needs to be repaired within the smile, and allows us to provide a more conservative treatment that addresses only the elements that truly require reconstruction and improvement.  To ensure patient satisfaction, we then use digital imaging technology to create an accurate visual forecast of what the new smile will look like.  Each treatment room in the Cosmetic Dentistry Center is equipped with computers that provide us with immediate access to patient files and health history and allow us to track treatment closely.

Other new technologies allow the Cosmetic Dentistry Center to perform traditional services with newer, more improved methods and tools.  Take, for instance, the age-old science of filling cavities.  Cavities were once filled using a silver-mercury blend.  Advances in dental medicine have now rendered these substances obsolete.  The porcelain inlays and composite resins now used by our team of cosmetic dentistry specialists last longer and much safer for the human body.  They are also much more natural looking and resilient, and make for a better overall-aesthetic that create the appearance of white, healthy teeth.

One of the services we are happy to perform for any patient is the replacement of older dental failings that are beginning to wear and fail.  Even if extensive cosmetic dentistry work is not required at this time, it is a good idea for any patient who needs one or more fillings replaced to invest in a healthier, more natural alternative to silver-mercury.

Of course, our advanced technology and extensive training in all forms of reconstructive dental work also allows us to provide much more complex and in-depth services for our patients.  Many people from all over the world come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center in Houston, Texas for all forms of missing teeth replacements.  We use a number of techniques that allow us to create a new smile that is virtually indistinguishable from the original.  Many options are available, including bridges, implants and implant-retained dentures.

We believe that no human being should ever live with missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth can add self-confidence, and also allows other teeth to last longer by reducing the stress placed on them.

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We are a cosmetic dentistry company located in Houston, Texas.  We service clients throughout all 50 states into cities like Houston, Texas, Scottsdale, Arizona, Seattle, Washington (SEA),  Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Boston, Massachusetts (BOS), Princeton, NJ (EWR), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Dallas, Texas (DWF), Chicago, IL (ORD), Baltimore, MD (BWI), and Minneapolis, MN (MSP).  We also service clients internationally, including  Canada, Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry Center Regional Coverage 

Houston Dental Implants ( 5 )

There are two materials used to make dental implant components that have earned the Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Houston outstanding reputation among the people of Houston, Texas.Dental Implant Materials

People have the right to know what materials their dentists are using to make the many the components of tooth repair and replacements that ultimately wind up in the human mouth.  Here at The Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Houston, we not only welcome such questions, we actually look forward to answering them. 

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There are two materials used to make dental implant components that have earned the Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Houston outstanding reputation among the people of Houston, Texas.  These two materials are bio-friendlywhich means that they are completely non-toxic and friendly to the tissues and bones of the mouth.  They are also materials that look very natural to the eye, and whose artificial natures are easy to obscure. 

 

These attributes make Tivolloy and Porcelain two very ideal materials to use in the creation of the three dental implant components that constitute permanent tooth replacement.

 

The Primary Dental Implant Component is the Base of the Implant Itself

This is the piece that the dentist affixes to the jawbone itself.  The bottom of this piece is shaped like a screw so it can twist into the bone and anchor within it.  This component is made from Tivolloy, which is a special Titanium alloy developed in the late 1970s. 

 

It was specifically engineered for oral surgery, and it was subsequently approved by the FDA as being completely bio-friendly to gum tissues and jaw bones.  There is little chance that Tivolloy will be rejected by either tissue or bone, so it is the best dental implant material that cosmetic dentists can use.

 

The Second Dental Implant Component is the Abutment

The abutment is a piece that fits over the Tivolloy base.  Its purpose is to create an optimal platform on which to place a tooth replacement crown. 

 

The base of the implant must be anchored at the correct angle in the jaw bone so a prefabricated abutment can be used.  Otherwise, the dentist hast to create a custom abutment to correct the impending alignment problem that will result if not corrected.

 

A pre-fabricated dental implant abutment provides a much better fit than a custom abutment because the titanium used in both components makes them naturally fit together very tightly.  This, in turn, helps long-term osseointegration of the bone around the implant.

 

The Third and Most Visible Dental Implant Component is the Porcelain Crown

The porcelain crown that goes over the top of the abutment is the dental implant component that most people think of when they hear another person talk about dental implantation and permanent teeth replacements.   This association is understandable once we consider how remarkable porcelain truly is.

 

Visually, it mimics the translucence of tooth enamel and therefore captures the attention of the eye.  Someone who sees such a crown says to themselves, My---what a beautiful, white, clean tooth instead of than Oh myan implant.

 

People never say such nonsense because when you smile at them they never KNOW you have dental implants.

 

Porcelain is also one of the hardest substances used for cosmetic dental components.  Unlike the porcelain used to create ornaments, dental porcelain is specially heated and treated to be super resilient and hard enough to bite through any normal foods people typically eat on a regular diet.

 

This allows a person who has been bound to dentures for years to finally get something better, eat what they like, and get back into a full and robust personal lifestyle.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation 
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr Dale Brant or Dr. Charles Campbell for their cosmetic denistry services. 
Implant Dentistry ( 7 )

Cosmetic Implant Dentistry

One might suggest that the science of implant dentistry began in Ancient Egypt, when tooth shaped shells and ivory were used to replace missing teeth. Ancient Etruscan and Mayan cultures similarly attempted the use of crude, natural materials in their primitive attempts at implant dentistry. Implant dentistry entered its modern phase during the early 19th century, when experiments were made concerning which materials could most effectively and convincingly replace missing teeth.

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After attempts were made to use gold, porcelain, silver and even lead, implant dentistry entered a new phase when, in 1964, dentists began using commercially pure titanium as the metal of choice for replacement teeth. All dental implants procedures since that time have used some form of titanium or another to replace missing teeth.

Implant Dentistry in Houston, Texas:
The dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group of Houston, Texas are as familiar with the history of implant dentistry as they are its future! Our advanced implant procedure, which employs the latest techniques and most innovative materials, marks a historic step for the development of implant dentistry. The unique system that we use was first developed by Dr. O. Hilt Tatum Jr. of Florida. It is the result of Dr. Tatum's clinical and manufacturing experience in implant dentistry since 1968only four years after titanium was first discovered as an effective implant material. This system employs a special titanium alloy, Tivalloy, which is a combination of 90 percent titanium, 6 percent aluminum and 4 percent vanadium. This material offers a number of significant advantages over traditional titanium.

How does implant dentistry work?
The surgical approach attempts to make maximum use of the available bone area. In general, our dentists attempt to install as many implants as possible in a given space. We have found that this results in the greatest strength possible, and ensures the implants will last for many years to come. The implant will be integrated directly into your bone structure, leaving surrounding teeth and gums intact. 

Home care and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the success of this procedure. We will schedule a number of follow up visits, every 3-4 months, along with the usual cleanings needed to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. At these appointments, implant attachment mechanisms, gingival health, and occlusal conditions are evaluated and adjusted as necessary.

Why would I want an implant instead of dentures or a bridge?

Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.

  • Aesthetic: Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth! They integrate into your bone structure, preventing bone loss and gum recession that often accompanies bridgework and dentures.
  • Tooth-saving: Dental implants do not sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your natural teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your overall oral health.
  • Confidence: Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the slipping and clicks associated with dentures. Never again worry about misplaced dentures or messy pastes and glues.

How safe is implant dentistry?
Dental implants are a safe and appropriate choice for most patients who wish to replace missing teeth, and are in good overall health. However, there are some circumstances in which a person may not be a good candidate for an implant dentistry procedure. These include periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and alcoholism. Finally, patients on high doses of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drug therapy should not undergo this procedure.

This system has been used successfully longer than any other two-stage titanium implant dentistry system in the U.S. today. Numerous satisfied customers have walked away from the Medical Center Dental Group in Houston with restored smiles and restored confidence, after undergoing our unique dental implant procedure. However, only a dentist can determine whether implants are right for you.

How much is the price or cost of cosmetic dental implants?
The price and cost of cosmetic dental implants depends on the nujmber of dental implants required and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic implant dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

Make an appointment with the dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group. Give us a call at 888.790.0309, or or feel free to Ask the Dentist.

Cosmetic Dental Implants Center Regional Coverage 

 

Implant Dentistry ( 8 )

Implant Dentistry Example: Extracting a Single Tooth Procedure With Option To Replace with  A Single Tooth Implant.

We always do our bests as cosmetic dentists to recommend treatments that save teeth. However, there are instances where a tooth is so badly damaged that it cannot be saved. At such times, single tooth extraction is the only choice with options to replace tooth with a dental implant.

 

Instances where this may be the case include:

 

         Teeth that are fractured below the gumline

         Severe tooth decay

         Advanced Periodontal disease

         An impacted wisdom tooth

 

Before implementing the actual extraction procedure, we may give you nitrous oxide as a relaxant.  We also will numb the area around the tooth with an anesthetic in order to make the procedure painless.  We want you to be as comfortable as possible.  We will make sure that the area is completely numb before we begin extracting the tooth.  If more anesthetic is required, we will administer that before proceeding any further.

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During a single tooth extraction, you will feel pressure, but you should not feel any pain.  If you do feel pain, we will stop and administer more anesthetic.

 

The extraction procedure itself may vary based upon the location and condition of the tooth we are pulling.  For example, if the tooth has not yet come in through the gums, we will have to begin by making a small incision in the gum.  We will then remove the tooth with an instrument called an elevator.  This instrument is placed next to your tooth and is used to gently loosen it. 

 

Once the tooth is loose, we then switch to forceps.  Forceps are used to grip the tooth and carefully pull it out.  The goal is to do so with minimal bleeding.

 

A single tooth extraction procedures may be more complicated if tooth roots are curved.  When they are curved they often reach around the jawbone and hold tightly within the socket.  We may need to cut the tooth into sections in such a case in order to remove it. 

 

In any event, any time we make an incision during an extraction procedure, we close it with a few stitches after completing the procedure.

 

It is important that you take care of yourself after a tooth extraction.  We want you to minimize potential problems after the tooth is removed by following all post-operative instructions to the letter.  The most critical period is the first 24 hours after the procedure, when bleeding and infection are most likely to occur.  Our post-operative instructions include information on how to control bleeding, how to minimize pain, and how to minimize swelling.

 

We also give you instructions on how to prevent the development of a dry socket, and we advise you on what to eat and what not to eat.

 

As cosmetic dentists, we are not out to promote the benefits of extracting teeth as the first choice for our patients.  However, we do concede that there are those times when it is necessary as a last resort.  Single tooth extraction is often the only way to reduce the risk of infection, the spread of gum disease, jawbone cysts, or severely crowded or misaligned teeth.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Houston Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services that includes:

Implant Dentures ( 14 )
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When a person looses all of the teeth in either their upper or lower dental arch, implant dentures are often used by cosmetic dentists to replace them.  Implants are small Tivolloy (a titanium allay) posts that are 100 percent biofriendly devices that have screw-like bottoms.  They go directly into the jawbone itself, replacing the roots of lost teeth.  These posts can be used to support porcelain crowns, removable dentures, or a full-arch dental bridge.

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Cosmetic dentists now urge all patients with missing teeth to consider this option.  Something must be done when a person loses teeth, because there are so many problems associated with the loss of tooth roots.  The most serious of these consequences is bone loss.  Another consequence is loose and uncomfortable dentures.  Finally, a bone loss will alter a persons face, resulting in a compromised appearance that will make him or her very self-conscious. 

 

This is all due to the fact that the human jawbone requires the constant stimulation of chewing in order to maintain its shape and strength.  When tooth roots are gone, the bone has nothing to grow around, and it begins to deteriorate, shrink, and recede. 

 

This bone recession continues to transpire over a period of time.  If a person wears dentures, they will become looser and more uncomfortable.  The lower jawbone will actually shrink so much that eventually nerves located close to the surface of the bone will make it painful to bite down.  

 

This, in turn, alters the appearance of the persons face.  As the jawbone shrinks, the space between the chin and nose decreases.  This will cause the lips to flatten out and cause wrinkles to form around the mouth.

 

A full arch can be placed in the mouth, supported by implant dentures, to correct these problems.

 

In order to make a conclusive diagnosis as to whether or not implant dentures are right for a patient, cosmetic dentists begin with a thorough dental examination.  This examination reviews patient medical history in order to see if any pre-existing conditions exist can interfere with healing.  

 

Next, dentists perform a visual examination on the persons mouth in order to determine the health of teeth and gums.  To the health of your jawbone, they take panographic x-rays, and, sometimes, possibly CT (computerized tomography) scans.  They will also take impressions of patient teeth and bite registrations in order to create an accurate model of your mouth.

 

Once dentists obtain and study these results, they can then diagnose implant treatment options are best for the patient. 

 

A dental implant that supports a full arch bridge or dentures effectively replaces missing teeth.  The implant is placed firmly in the jawbone, and it holds the dentures or bridge securely in the mouth.  This makes tooth replacements feel much more like natural teeth when a person talks or chews. 

 

An implant also supports the denture by holding your jaws in their correct positions and helping the patient maintain a more youthful look.  Additionally, the artificial teeth are custom-crafted to match or enhance the persons natural smile.  A dental implant is a great way to stabilize your jawbone, keep it healthy, and maintain a stable bite and beautiful smile.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services that includes:

LANAP ( 11 )

LANAP is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure.  It has revolutionized the treatment of gum disease by combining the most effective and established methods of treatment with the precision use of a special laser.  Although as much as 66% of the United States population has some form of gum disease, many avoid seeking treatment because of their aversion to the discomfort that often results from dental surgery.  LANAP is changing this however, by providing an alternative to traditional periodontal surgery that is every bit as effective, and much more beneficial to the patient both in the short term and in the long run.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

The special type of laser used in LANAP is the ND: YAG, a crystal-based laser that can be used on both hard and soft tissues.  The specific wavelength of the laser allows it to remove diseased tissue and leave the healthy gum tissue.  The Periolase MVP-7 ND:YAG laser is the only laser that can be used when performing the LANAP protocol.  The LANAP protocol is the only laser patented protocol to treat periodontal disease.  Traditional periodontal therapy removes tissue height to reduce the pocket depths.  LANAP is a regenerative procedure, the patient does not lose tissue volume and bone is regenerated.  The best part of all is that LANAP is much easier on the patient during the procedure and the patient has less post operative discomfort. 

 

LANAP itself consists of four simple steps that are much less traumatic to the teeth and gumline than traditional dental surgery, and which help the mouth heal much more quickly. 

 

1.  A perio probe determines the degree of excessive pocket depth and thus helps the dentist better identify diseased tissue and areas of bacterial infection. 

2. The laser then removes this diseased tissue, while the heat of the laser kills the bacteria. 

3. The dentist removes tartar from the root surface using an ultrasonic scaler and special hand instruments

4. The laser is then used to clean the pocket one more time before sealing it closed against further infection. 

 

Because of its less invasive nature, there are a number of noticeable advantages and benefits that LANAP offers over traditional surgery.  For one thing, there is a much faster recovery time because most, if not all, damage to healthy tissue is proactively averted by through the use of more advanced, precision technology.  Because LANAP selectively removes diseases tissue, the height of the gums themselves around the teeth is much better preserved, and there is also much less post-operative stress to the mouth.  Any minor pain that a patient may feel is almost always manageable without a prescription, and can be treated with a variety of over the counter medications.  Obviously as well, the laser causes minimal bleeding compared to steel instruments and the heat it produces continuously sterilizes the periodontal pocket while it is busy cutting away necrotic and diseased tissue.  As a result, the patient feels almost no pain either during or after the procedure. 

 

For many people as well, the aversion to surgery is motivated by time constraints as much as it is motivated by an aversion to pain.  People with demanding jobs do not have hours and hours to spend in surgery, and have to schedule time off weeks, if not months, in advance.  This is why so many executives and business owners come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Center to have LANAP performed as an alternative to surgery.  Traditional dental surgery normally takes four 1-hour sessions with multiple visits for suture removal and checkups.  LANAP, on the other hand, takes only 2, 2-hour sessions and two follow-up visits.  This means more can be done with fewer days off, and typical recovery is almost always less than 24-hours, making an immediate return to work both possible and comfortable. 

 

After having LANAP performed, gum recession is minimal in comparison to that which typically follows normal dental surgery.  This, combined with new cementum and collagen formation on the roots, prevents subsequent tooth loss.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

We are a cosmetic dentistry company located in Houston, Texas.  We service clients throughout all 50 states into cities like Houston, Texas, Scottsdale, Arizona, Seattle, Washington (SEA),  Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Boston, Massachusetts (BOS), Princeton, NJ (EWR), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Dallas, Texas (DWF), Chicago, IL (ORD), Baltimore, MD (BWI), and Minneapolis, MN (MSP).  We also service clients internationally, including  Canada, Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

Regional LANAP Coverage

Links ( 0 )

Links to Informative Dentistry Websites

American Dental Association
The ADA is the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science, and professional advancement.

http://ada.org/
 

Spanish: http://www.ada.org/public/espanol/index.asp

Academy of General Dentistry
Good Consumer Fact Sheets on various topics
http://agd.org

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The AAPD is the membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry.
Good set of online brochures on various children's dental topics for parents/teachers
http://www.aapd.org

American Association of Endodontists
Endodontists are the dental specialists who perform root canal treatment.
Consumer information on various topics involving root canals, etc.
http://www.aae.org/patient.html

Dental Instruments & Equipment
Offering a wide selection of dental surgical instruments, portable dental chairs,
lead x-ray aprons and more.
http://www.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/dental-supplies-equipment/

Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
LVI is the world's premier post-graduate center for cosmetic dentistry. Practicing dentists from all over the world come to LVI to advance their education, knowledge and expertise.
http://www.lvidentist.com

Millennium Dental Technologies
Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of dental products. Millennium's principals are researchers and developers of new technology and applications as well as clinical educators. Millennium is organized and operated under the leadership and direction of laser dentists for the express purpose of advancing the Laser Periodonatal Therapy technique.
http://www.milleniumdental.com

Archwired
A website for adults with braces
www.archwired.com

Viroxyn
A Totally New and Effective Approach to Treating Cold Sores and Fever Blisters
http://viroxyn.com

Invisalign
The invisible way to straighten your teeth, without braces.
http://www.invisalign.com

Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Care News
Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Care News provides educational and referral links to cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgeons, and skin care professionals.

http://www.cosmetic-surgery-news.com

 

Dentistry Centers in Other Areas include:

Plano, TX General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Browning & Dr. Mulkey are general and cosmetic dentists offering services such as tooth whitening, dental implants, and regular checkups for the Plano, Texas area.

www.bmpdentistry.com

 

Oral Hygiene ( 8 )

Houston Medical Center Cosmetic Dentists. Steps To Good Dental Oral Hygiene Care.

The best toothbrush for oral hygiene is one with soft, rounded bristles.
Dentists recommend that you avoid using toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles.  Choose a toothbrush whose shape is comfortable and easy to move around, and whose size is proportional to your mouth.  Do not believe all the hype about power tooth brushes.  Much better results are achieved by simple, manual brushing and dental floss.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride.  Fluoride is a must for good oral hygiene.

There are many ingredients in todays toothpastes that are designed for all sorts of things.  Some are antibacterial.  Others aim at controlling tartar and whitening the teeth.  Others are intended to desensitize the gums, and still others contain baking soda, which was once used for oral hygiene before modern toothpaste was invented.

 

You can always check with your dentist to see if one or more of these special ingredients are something that you really need.  Technically, none of them will hurt you.  What will hurt you is assuming that any one of them can be used as a substitute for fluoride.  Never neglect fluoride as possibly the most important element in preventing tooth decay.

 

Everyone knows they should floss, but many people neglect to floss.

Excuses range from the common lack of time to the fact that flossing hurts the gums or causes gums to bleed.  These are invalid excuses.  Flossing is a critical component to oral hygiene and should be done after every tooth brushing.  Remember, neglecting to floss is like taking a shower, but keeping 30% of your body from making contact with the water. 

 

The type of floss does not matter.  Take about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about 5 inches of floss to work with.  Pinch it between your thumbs and forefingers and use about one inch of it for the actual cleaning work.

 

Slide the floss into the space between the teeth and pull it into a C shape around the side of each tooth.  Move the floss up and down the tooth, not side to side.  Be sure to move the floss below the gum line as well.  When you hear a squeaking sound, you will know that all the plaque has been removed. 

 

Many people falsely assume that moving the floss under the gum line will cause bleeding.  It will not.  However, diseased gums will bleed when flossed, so if you are using the proper technique and still experience gingival bleeding, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

 

80% of all Americans suffer from gingivitis or Periodontis, yet many of them do not even know they have it.   Leaving gum disease untreated can lead to all sorts of complications, including tooth loss and even life threatening conditions such as heart conditions.

 

Visiting a dentists office for periodic cleaning and checkup care adds professional expertise to basic, at-home preventative medicine.

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, periodically having them professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist maximize the chances you will never suffer from gum disease or tooth decay.  In addition to basic cleaning, the hygienists at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center located in the Houston Medical Center Dental Group also screen for tooth decay with x-rays and a special cavity-detecting laser called a diagnodent.  They also perform fluoride treatments, and they carefully look over your case history to provide you with personalized at-home care recommendations to maximize the chances of successful daily oral hygiene.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

We are a cosmetic dentistry company located in Houston, Texas.  We service clients throughout all 50 states into cities like Houston, Texas, Scottsdale, Arizona, Seattle, Washington (SEA),  Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Boston, Massachusetts (BOS), Princeton, NJ (EWR), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Dallas, Texas (DWF), Chicago, IL (ORD), Baltimore, MD (BWI), and Minneapolis, MN (MSP).  We also service clients internationally, including  Canada, Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry Center Regional Coverage 

Oral Surgery ( 6 )

By definition, oral surgeons are specialized dentists who have been certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.  They have been required to attend an accredited dental school, and they be must have been licensed in the state in which they practice oral surgery.  Oral surgeons are also required to train for four years or more in a hospital that runs an accredited maxillofacial surgery residency program.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation 

Sometimes people ask why they would need an oral surgeon if all they are seeking are cosmetic dental services.  The reason for this is simple.  The success of so many cosmetic tooth restorations depends on the structural integrity of bones and natural teeth.  It is therefore sometimes necessary to pursue a surgical restoration of this integrity prior to undertaking a cosmetic restoration.

 

Oral surgeons perform a number of very complex treatments.  They extract wisdom teeth, devise sophisticated strategies for dealing with TMJ, remove cysts and tumors, and implant dental implants.  These physicians also perform advanced full mouth reconstructions for patients who have suffered severe jaw bone loss and who have lost the majority of their teeth.  They are also highly skilled in diagnosing oral cancer and other diseases of the mouth, gums, jaw, neck, and teeth. 

 

If all of this sounds frightening to the average person, it does not have to be.  Sedation dentistry is available to those who have acute sensitivity to dental procedures.  Both oral and sedation dentistry are available at our practice. 

 

While working with anesthesia is part of the training that oral surgeons undergo, we prefer to bring in an anesthesiologist for IV sedation.  This allows him or her to focus his or her expertise exclusively on monitoring the patients condition while we focus our expertise on whatever general or cosmetic dentistry services we are performing.    

 

When looking for an oral surgeon, consider both training and clinical experience.  How much coursework does your dentist receive in a particular procedure that you may require?  Find out how many years has he or she actually performed this procedure.  Your dentist, if credible, will readily provide you with all the information you need.

 

It is also wise to find out what professional dental societies your oral surgeon belongs to.  Ask about what awards or honors he or she has received. 

 

Finally, continuing education is the priority of every serious medical professional.  None of us really ever stop learningnor do we want to.  In fact, The American Dental Association requires that oral surgeons routinely update their training with ongoing coursework on the latest technology and procedures in our field.

 

Because cosmetic dental procedures vary widely in cost because individuals are different, it is good to talk to your dentist about a few things.  Discuss your insurance plan and find out what out of pocket costs you will have to cover yourself.  If they are too expensive, work out some type of financial services plan with your dentist.

 

Also, find out what emergency dental procedures are available and when and how to go about contacting us in the event of an emergency.  

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services. 

Patient Education ( 23 )

Patient Education

We at the Medical Center Dental Group and Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Houston are constantly striving to provide our patients with the most up-to-date and specific information regarding your dental health.

Please feel free to browse our constantly updated database of dental information.

Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to give us a call at 1-888-790-0309.

Sincerely,

The Medical Center Dental Group

Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell, and Dr. Elizabeth O'Sullivan Winslow

 

Patient Forms ( 1 )

Please choose the appropriate form below.

Adobe's free Acrobrat Reader is required to view and print the forms. If you do not already have it on your computer you can download it here.

Patient Forms:

Personal Information

Medical Health History (new patients)

Updated Health History (existing patients)

Additional Information for our Patients:

Pre-operative Instructions for Implant Patients

Post-operative Care for Implants

Daily Care of Dental Implants

General Information About Intravenous Sedation

Post-sedation Orders

Directions for Bleaching with At-Home Trays

General Information on Management of Ulcers

General Information for Patients with Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Patient Instructions Following Laser Periodontal Therapy

Nightguards - Nighttime protection against Bruxing and clenching

Bruxism - The Link Between Clenching, Headaches and Tooth Wear

Pediatric Dental Supplies ( 0 )

When one thinks of pediatric dental supplies they often don’t associate the chair a child will be sitting in as a supply used by the dentist, when in fact it can be the most important and even the scariest for a child. You will want to begin bringing your child to the dentist around the age of one when you have your routine care, despite the dentist not being able to do very much for your child. Nonetheless he will be able to discuss home care for your child, and this will better prepare them for visits later on that are more detailed, including procedures such as cleanings and dental fillings.

 For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-232

Another supply that will be used at your child’s visit is going to be the dental mirror. This is obviously going to be much less intimidating than the dental chair for your child. Many times a dentist will show a child the mirror to let them know what they are doing and reduce the anxiety levels of the child. The dental mirror will be used to see places in the child’s mouth that cannot be seen just by simply telling them to open their mouth enabling the dentist or hygienist to look into it. These mirrors are even available in grocery stores and through dental suppliers.

In the event that your child is having a tooth filled the dentist would use pediatric dental supplies that include drills and syringes. The drills are used to drill out any decay from teeth prior to filling it.  The syringe is primarily used to administer local anesthetics before performing procedures such as fillings and extractions. The drill is a tool that may sound more intimidating to a child than it really is, as a matter of fact there are many adults that are afraid of this tool, yet it does not have to be as scary as often perceived. The dentist will take care to show it to your child and to turn it on, that way your child will be comfortable with the sound of the drill prior to its use. Many times after a filling procedure your child will feel much bigger and be very proud and realize that pediatric dental supplies aren’t really scary at all.

There are lots of pediatric dental supplies that a parent is able to obtain for home dental care as well as the previously mentioned supplies used by dentist. Toothpaste is one example that can be found in a variety of stores locally and is used for fighting tooth decay and killing germs in the mouth. When you have a small child however, it is not advised to use fluoride toothpaste until they are old enough not to swallow it, the American Dental Association warn against swallowing large amounts of fluoride.  For a toddler you may want to get toothpaste designed specifically for younger children.

Pediatric dental supplies are not limited to the tools in the dental office. Toothbrushes, floss, and mouth wash are other supplies that one should teach their children to use at home early in life to build good dental habits. It is a good idea to brush your child’s teeth after each meal, and if that is not possible give them a drink to get rid of any food left lingering in their mouth. Everyone including children should floss daily to get rid of built up plaque and food debris between the teeth and from places that toothbrushes aren’t able to reach. Nowadays there are many neat and even fun mouthwashes for children to use.

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-232

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist  equipment, tools & accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232  

 

 

 

Pediatric Dentistry ( 15 )

As soon as your child gets his first tooth, you should begin cleaning his teeth and gums after feedings with a moist gauze pad or washcloth.Infant tooth care

Pediatric dentistry begins as soon as the first tooth appears.  Even before an infant is old enough to use a toothbrush, parents should clean their child's teeth.

 

As soon as your child gets his first tooth, you should begin cleaning his teeth and gums after feedings with a moist gauze pad or washcloth.  As your child grows, floss his or her teeth, and pay attention to areas where the teeth are close together.

 

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323

Flossing
Flossing keeps gums and teeth healthy by getting to plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach.  

 

Space maintainers

The premature loss of a baby tooth can cause a loss of space in the dental arch.  Space maintainers are used in pediatric dentistry to prevent this from happening.  It takes two appointments (usually) to make space maintainer.

 

Disclosing tablets: Expose the plaque!

Plaque is the primary cause of cavities and gum disease.  It is almost impossible to see plaque.  Disclosing tablets, which are made from harmless vegetable dye, are used by dentists to stain the teeth bright red so the plaque can be easily seen and removed.

Repair of fractured anterior teeth

A fractured tooth is one of the most traumatic experiences a child can suffer.   New bonding techniques and materials used in pediatric dentistry now allow dentists to restore teeth to nearly new condition.

Braces

Braces can make it very difficult for children to remove all of the plaque from their teeth.  It is necessary to use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and brush rigorously in a circular pattern after each meal.

 

Ankylosis

When a primary tooth loses its normal ligament connection to the bone, it becomes fused directly to the bone. This is often seen with lower first molars.  If you notice this with your child, schedule a visit to a dentist at once.

 

Stainless steel crowns

Stainless steel crowns are used in pediatric dentistry to repair primary teeth that have been damaged by large cavities.  They are much less expensive than porcelain crowns and can be placed in one visit.

 

Filling procedure

A rubber dam is first placed in the mouth.  It is made from a stretchy, rubbery material that acts like a safety net in the back of the mouth.  It prevents debris from falling back into the child’s throat. 

 

The dentist then removes the decay and shapes the tooth with the handpiece. He or she mold the filling to the shape of the tooth and presses it into its surface.

 

Cavities

Cavities caused by plaque are quite possibly the biggest problem that growing children face.  Dental hygiene and regular trips to the dentist are the best insurance against rampant tooth decay, pain, and alignment problems that can result from teeth that are allowed to decay past a certain point.

 

Pulpectomy

This is the pediatric dentistry of a root canal in an adult tooth.  It removes the infected nerve and fills the decayed area with bonding material.

 

Pulpotomy

This procedure is somewhat less intensive than a pulpectomy.  It involves the removal of only the irritated portion of the pulp and leaves the healthy root canals intact.

 

For a quote or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free  1-877-522-
2323

 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232.

Permanent Dentures ( 12 )

Dentures and Partials

Full Dentures:  Full dentures replace all missing teeth - upper or lower arches - or both.

Temporary Dentures:  Temporary dentures are usually made before your natural teeth are extracted and are placed in your mouth immediately following the extractions. Adjustments are made as your gums heal and change size.

How much is the price or cost of cosmetic Dentures & Partials?
The price and cost of teeth whitening depends upon a number of factors, including the number of teeth to be treated and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves. 

Regional Cosmetic Denture Implant Area Coverage

Post Operative Instructions ( 0 )

Post Operative Instructions

Many of our procedures require that some special care be taken with your teeth and gums after your dental procedure. It is very important that you follow these post operative instructions carefully, as they may be very important in the success of your dental procedure.

Depending on your specific dental procedure while in our offices, your dentist may require that you refrain from certain foods, wash certain areas more often or carefully than normal, or continue to treat the area at home with material you have been given at the office.

Every patient reacts differently to each procedure, so each patient's post operative instructions may vary a bit with age or complexity of dental procedure.

The following pages contain several guidelines and recommended post operative instructions, but should you have any questions specific to your procedure or other concerns following your dental procedure, please do not hesitate to call our offices at 888.790.0309.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Chuck Campbell, and Dr. Elizabeth O'Sullivan-Winslow

Sedation Dentistry ( 9 )

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a wonderful option used in modern dentistry, practiced by highly trained doctors who can help a patient to virtually sleep through their procedures. This treatment option can help those with dental fears, turn multiple appointments into a single visit, and even help patients who have difficulty with conventional local anesthesia. It's a wonderful option for so many patients - ask us about incorporating this into your next appointment. We utilize both oral and intravenous sedation in our practice.

A board certified anesthesiologist becomes part of our team for the period in which intravenous sedation is administered. The anesthesiologists chosen to administer outpatient IV sedation are chosen because they are ideally qualified to manage this type of dental appointment.

How does it work?

For oral sedation, patients take prescribed oral medication prior to treatment, leaving them relaxed and extremely comfortable. Our team monitors your vital signs, and you are never left alone. You will still be awake enough to respond to the doctor, but will be much more comfortable for treatment. You must have someone drive you to and from the appointment.

For intravenous (IV) sedation, board certified anesthesiologist will review patient medical history, consult with their physician if necessary, and completely manage the anesthesia care. IV sedation gives the ultimate in safety and control when needed for dental care. You must have someone drive you to and from the appointment.

Will I feel anything?

Sedation dramatically reduces the body's natural tendency to tense muscles while stressed, helping you to feel relaxed and at ease. Dental anesthetics are more effective while the body is relaxed, eliminating most of your concerns about discomfort during treatment. We will prescribe medicines appropriate to your situation for postoperative discomfort.

Who can benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

All sorts of patients can benefit! Do you

  • Have excess fears about dental appointments?
  • Have difficulty achieving sufficient numbness?
  • Have a strong gag reflex?
  • Have highly sensitive teeth?
  • Dislike the noises and smells associated with the dental office?
  • Hate needles and shots?
  • Have complex dental problems that will otherwise take several visits to complete?
  • Wish to have a comprehensive smile redesign?
  • If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask us about sedation for your next appointment!

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.
Sleep Apnea ( 7 )

Sleep Apnea

Did you know that approximately 90% of people who snore may actually suffer from an undiagnosed sleep disorder? Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that can have many consequences including chronic daytime sleepiness and fatigue, cardiovascular problems, even stroke. It is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of apnea in order to proactively treat this serious problem and to prevent the progression of apnea and to improve the overall quality of you or your loved ones life. 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Imagine spending half of your night under water. Similar to the effects of not being able to breathe under water, apnea is defined as cessation of airflow for more than 10 seconds, which means that patients can go for periods of 10 seconds or more without sending the necessary oxygen they need to their brains. Commonly a side effect to snoring, these periods of cessation repeat themselves as much as 20 times per hour during sleep, increasing the likelihood of serious complications, however snoring is not necessarily an implication of sleep apnea.

 

There are two common types: Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), each with its own specific symptoms, implications and treatment. This is why it is crucial for your physician to perform the necessary tests to correctly diagnose your sleep disorder as one of the two specific types of apnea before developing a sleep treatment regimen.

 

Central Sleep Apnea is sleep disorder where there is a loss of breathing effort resulting in episodes of apnea, and is common in patients with heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, or in newborns. CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles which initiate breathing, which essentially stops the patient from breathing. This interruption of breathing may be due to the immaturity of the respiratory centers of the brain, as in pediatric cases, or due to the presence of drugs, seizures, brain injury or neuromuscular disorders.

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the repeated obstruction of breathing during sleep, caused by the collapse of the throat air passage and is common among approximately 17% of middle aged men and women, and also among children. OSA occurs when breathing is obstructed during sleep because of the collapse of the throat and breathing passage. Medical health, age and other factors may contribute to OSA including obesity, abnormality of the facial bones, smoking cigarettes or consuming alcohol. OSA has an even greater impact on co-existing illnesses such as heart failure and stroke, and should be taken seriously by both patient and physician.

 

In addition to CSA and OSA, a small percentage of infants and adults may suffer from mixed apnea, showing symptoms of both forms of the sleep disorder. Patients who snore, or are at risk for any form of sleep disorder should look at some of the most common Sleep Apnea Symptoms, or consult their physician or dentist about a treatment option.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist. 

Sleep Apnea Information ( 4 )

Sleep Apnea Information

The Nature of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sudden cessation of breathing during sleep characterized by pauses, or apneas (literally meaning without breath in Greek) that can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.  There can be anywhere from 5 to 30 apneas in one hour, depending on the type and severity of the condition. 

 

The Prevalence of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans every year, being as prevalent as adult diabetes in people over the age of 40.  Many of these people, unfortunately, have no idea they suffer from this disorder.  Although a great deal of information has been made available to the public about this condition, few people are aware that it exists, or that it can strike people of any age, including children.

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The Seriousness of the Problem

Sleep apnea causes all types of negative side effects, some of which are life threatening.  Its most common side effect is chronic fatigue throughout the day.  Many people ignore this warning sign, thinking they simply need more sleep, are suffering from stress, or have chronic fatigue syndrome.  In reality, they are suffering from hypoxia, a condition which results when the frontal lobes of the brain are deprived of vital supplies of oxygen.  This, in turn, can affect motor skills and lead to impaired driving and possible accidents.  Information published by the National Institutes of Health also indicates that high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat, and an increased likelihood for heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes are all linked to untreated sleep apnea.

 

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of the condition: obstructive, central, and complex.  Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, and is caused by the throat muscles collapsing and blocking air passages.  Central sleep apnea is much less frequent.  It is caused by the brains failure to send a signal to the breathing muscles to inhale.  Complex is the rarest form of the disorder, and results from a mixture of brain neurological failure and collapsing throat muscles.

 

Information on General Symptoms

Aside from constant fatigue, there are other symptoms that indicate the probable presence of sleep apnea.  Loud snoring is one of these symptoms.  It is caused by a small amount of air squeezing past the blocked air passage, resulting in a snorting sound as the air pushes its way through blocked tissue.  A person is often awakened from this noise and drifts out of light and heavy patterns of sleep throughout the night. 

 

Diagnosing the Type and Severity of the Condition

It is unlikely that a person can tell from symptoms alone what type of apnea they have, or how severe the disorder is.  A person who suspects that she or he probably has this condition needs to immediately seek medical assistance from a specialist who can schedule an overnight observation in a special sleep center.  This will provide all the necessary information on the type and severity of the sleep apnea the patient suffers from, and will help the doctor determine the best course of treatment.

 

Types of Treatment

Treatment options range from behavior modification to surgery.  Normally, surgery is used only for the most rare and severe forms of the disorder.  Behavior modifications that doctors almost always recommend are cessation of smoking and drinking, along with an exercise and weight loss program to reduce obesity that is often linked to the disorder.  Special pillows can help elevate the neck to keep the airways more open.  A CPAP machine can be used to maintain a constant stream of air to the lungs if this is comfortable and painless to the patient.  For people who cannot bear the machines, special dental devices can be made that put tension on the lower jaw and keep the trachea open to allow for normal breathing.

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We are a cosmetic dentistry company located in Houston, Texas.  We service clients throughout all 50 states into cities like Houston, Texas, Scottsdale, Arizona, Seattle, Washington (SEA),  Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Boston, Massachusetts (BOS), Princeton, NJ (EWR), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Dallas, Texas (DWF), Chicago, IL (ORD), Baltimore, MD (BWI), and Minneapolis, MN (MSP).  We also service clients internationally, including  Canada, Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.

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Sleep Apnea Snoring ( 3 )

Sleep Apnea Snoring
Snoring has been called the music of the night, but for hassled spouses and families who have to hear it, it is nothing like music to their ears. Often the patient may not even realize that he snores, but the family will goad him to seek treatment for their own ability to sleep. 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.

Sleep Apnea Treatment ( 8 )

Sleeplessness, insomnia, snoring and daytime fatigue could all be symptoms of a sleep disorder one of which the most common is sleep apnea or sleep apnea snoring. Sleep apnea is characterized by breathing that stops for at least ten seconds several times at night. The repeated awakenings at night of sleep apnea lead to an increase in the incidence of auto accidents, heart attacks, stroke, and  lowered daytime productivity.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry Center Regional Coverage 

Sleep Disorders ( 0 )

Getting a good nights sleep is a difficult thing for many people.  When someone wakes up during the night, he or she often finds it difficult to fall back asleep and stay asleep.  This is a sure sign that a sleep disorder of some sort may be present.  Other symptoms include loud snoring at night and drowsiness during the daytime.  There are so many types of sleep disorders that symptoms alone make self-diagnosis near to impossible.  Professional help is needed to make an accurate assessment of ones condition.

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The most common sleep disorders include restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia.  Restless leg syndrome is a rather odd condition where a patient feels it necessary to constantly move his or her legs because of an itching or crawling sensation in the lower extremities.  Narcolepsy makes a person very tired throughout the day, and many times causes the person to fall asleep while performing ordinary activities.  This can be dangerous if a person is driving a motor vehicle or operating heavy machinery.  Both of these sleep disorders can be treated successfully with prescription medication.  Sleep apnea, and in some cases insomnia, require the help of a dentist, orthodontist, or M.D., depending on the exact nature, severity, and root cause of the disorder in question.

 

For example, insomnia is a sleep disorder that is often related to lifestyle choices.  Smoking cigarettes, drinking caffeine after 2PM, using other stimulants, or just plain stress all cause a person to sleep irregularly, or not sleep at all.  While personal choices are beyond the control of a dentist, a very severe side effect of insomniaBruxism (tooth grinding) is something a dentists can treat.  Many people with insomnia do not know they grind their teeth unless a partner hears it during the night.  People who are suffering from intermittent insomnia, and particularly people with sore jaws in the morning, need to schedule a dental appointment to check for evidence of worn teeth.

 

If bruxism is ignored, it will only lead to more severe dental problems later down the line.  With enamel worn away, the tooth is more vulnerable to decay and more likely to crack or fracture.  The dentist will check case history and question the patient to see if teeth grinding is related to any other sleep disorder.  If it is determined that bruxism is indeed caused by insomnia, the dentist can make a night guard that is specially molded to fit the upper and lower teeth of the individual.  This is the only reliable way to treat Bruxism.  The many over-the-counter night guards do not fit properly and actually do more harm than good.

 

One of the reasons dentist are careful to check case history and thoroughly consult with each patient is to see if insomnia really is the culprit.  If loud snoring, waking up, and sudden cessation of breath are occurring, sleep apnea is more than likely the problem.  The most common form of this sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, is caused by throat muscles collapsing the airway.  Dentists can do a lot to help correct this situation by using making a special oral appliance that puts tension on the lower jaw.  At night, when the throat muscles begin to relax to the point of collapse, the added tension on the jaw causes them to remain open enough for normal breathing to occur.

 

If OSA is too severe, it may be necessary to perform some kind of oral surgery, which requires an experienced expert to conduct.   Procedures such as Radio Frequency Tissue Ablation (RFTA), also known as Somnoplasty, may need to be performed.  A non-surgical alternative is the use of a CPAP machine, which uses a mask to force compressed air into the trachea, keeping it open and maintaining oxygen flow at prescribed, pre-set levels. 

 

Serious problems can develop from untreated sleep disorders.  Neglecting any medical problem only makes things worse.  If you are having trouble sleeping, or feel unusually tired during the day, call our office and schedule an examination as soon as you can.

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist 

Sports Dentistry ( 2 )

Trio Of Houston Medical Center Cosmetic Dentists Discuss Their Relationship With The Rice University Athletics Department.

Houston Cosmetic Dentist Offer Services To Rice University Athletics Department

What year did your sports dentistry relationship with Rice University begin?

It began in 1995.  We began to see patients from the football team who were suffering from problems ranging from concussions to TMJ problems and issues with mouthguard fit.  Since then, our services have expanded to provide every aspect of general and cosmetic dentistry to emergency care.

 

We are located only steps away from the campus, so emergency service has always been one of the most valuable services we provide to Rice athletes and support staff.  We also make a great many mouthguards for their teams. 

 

How many Rice University students and staff do you see per month?

Some months, we may only see 5 athletes.  At other times of the year, we may see as many as 15.

 

What feedback have you gotten from the coaches and trainers?

Over the years, they have consistently thanked us for our superior care and attention to the unique needs of athletes in high adrenalin and rough contact sports.  We have to also thank them as well.  They have been extremely helpful to us in giving us clear information on situations that players face in different athletic events, and the specific sports dentistry needs that different athletes face at those times.

 

This has blossomed into a wonderful relationship with the trainers.  They know that the athlete will be taken care of properly and quickly.  They can call us at any time, and they know that their problem will be solved.  The coaches love the fact that this is one less thing that they have to worry about.

 

What teams do you work for other than the football team?

We provide sports dentistry services for athletes from every sport.  A lot of them who remain in the Houston area continue to be our patients.

 

How many true dental emergencies have you faced with athletes?

We have treated dental emergencies for countless times over the previous years.

 

How crucial has your handling of dental emergencies been to Rice University athlete health?

It has literally meant the difference between some players keeping their teeth or losing them.  From an athletic perspective, spots dentistry and dental emergency services limit the time that the player is away from the game. 

 

What improvements to player performance have you been credited by the Rice University staff?

Trainers have noted that sports dentistry helps an athlete return to the game with as much, if not more, confidence than he or she left the field with.  Perhaps it is getting back in the game quickly and performing that is biggest help to player confidence. 

 

Where do you see this service going in terms of working with other schools?

We could perform sports dentistry services for other schools as well.  The fact that we are located literally steps away from Rice University Campus makes it even more convenient for players to get to us quickly for dental emergency treatments. 

 

Would you be willing to do this for high school and junior high teams?

Yes.  School districts in the Houston area are welcome to contact us, particularly if their football teams need custom mouthguards. 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services that includes:
Surgical Dental Instrument ( 3 )

Quality Surgical InstrumentsSurgical dental instruments are an essential component of any dentistry practice. From a simple probe or mirror, to the drill burs and x-ray machines, these carefully engineered tools must be of high quality to perform any necessary operation. They allow the dentist to examine, maneuver, restore, and remove the patient’s teeth when needed. Any surgical dental instrument selected by a dentist must be designed and manufactured with the ultimate precision.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323

It is important that all of the professionals in the practice have complete knowledge and experience with each and every instrument in their collection. They must know their uses, as well as their limitations. The dexterity of the dentist is equally important, as to ensure that they have the ability to manipulate the handheld tools properly and with ease. Patient safety is a significant aspect of all procedures, so it is imperative that the surgical dental instruments be maintained and sterilized prior to each use. This process will guarantee that there is no cross-contamination or infection being spread from patient to patient. For this reason, many dentistry tools are available in an individually sterilized and packaged form.

While a wide variety of the utensils are used strictly for general dentistry, there are just as many that are utilized for more elaborate surgery procedures. A number of the tools are used across the board in all forms of dentistry. These multi-use tools include the magnifying mouth mirror, tweezers, and different types of probes. The sickle probe is used to identify tooth decay, whereas the periodontal probe determines the bone and tissue depth surrounding the teeth. Dentists use curettes and scalers to remove any plaque or tarter buildup when necessary.

 

As the procedures become more invasive in nature, dentists require even more intricate surgical dental instruments. A commonly used tool is a multi-speed drill with a surgical hand piece, which will enable various burs to be attached. Burs are the drill heads that are used to cut into the tooth’s surface, as well as fill, repair, and smooth the tooth. They can vary in shape, angle and texture depending on the specific procedure being performed. Excavators are used to cut and remove tooth decay and can be found in either a spoon or half hollenbach form. Extraction instruments include, but are not limited to forceps and elevator tools. Forceps provide surgeons with a firm grip on the tooth during the removal process. The specialized handle design allows the tooth to be reached from varying angles, no matter what their location is in the mouth. When forceps aren’t enough for extracting a deeply rooted tooth, elevator tools can be placed between the bone and tooth to help lift the tooth upward. Other common tools that surgeons in this field may require include chisels, syringes, and mouth props, as well as proper lighting, dental x-ray equipment, and protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses. 

 

As with any invasive medical procedure each that is utilized should be selected based on its fine quality, intricate design, and its price.  There are a number of manufacturers of such equipment to choose from, and they can provide dentists and their practices with the ideal tools of the trade that will work best for them.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323
 

Dentist Equipment Online is a unique company owned by dentists.  We represent a broad spectrum of top-grade dental equipment manufacturers and an extensive source of dental supply information designed to provide dentists with  a broad range of dental supplies, dentist equipment, dental tools & dentist accessories. If you can not find what you are looking for please call one of our dental supply experts Toll Free 1- 877-522-232

The Cosmetic Dentist Of The MCDG ( 7 )

The Medical Center Dental Group is centered on the philosophy of care and service to exceed the patients expectations.  Each one of our Houston cosmetic dentists brings to the table a level of skill, professionalism, and true bedside manner that make both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry treatments a comfortable and pleasant experience for our many patients. 

 

Dr. Dale Brant is a Houston dentist who joined the Medical Center Dental Group in 1989.DR. DALE J. BRANT

Dr. Dale Brant is a Houston cosmetic dentist who joined the Medical Center Dental Group in 1989.  Since graduating from the University of Texas Dental Branch in 1988, Dr. Brant has dedicated himself to the comfort and well-being of his patients. 

 

Specialized Training

Dr. Brant believes that education is the golden key to effective patient care and post-procedural recovery.  While attending the highly-respected Las Vegas institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Brant completed a number of very advanced courses in Cosmetic Dentistry, including, but not limited to, Executive Management Associate, Dental Concierge, Practical Occlusion in the Progressive Practice, Mastering Neuromuscular Dentistry, Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Advanced Anterior Aesthetics, and Advanced Posterior Aesthetics.  He then returned to join our practice, where his work as a Houston cosmetic dentist has earned him respect and recognition throughout the city.

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Organizations and Activities

Dr. Brant is an active member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.  He is also an Associate Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. 

 

During his personal time away from the office, Dr. Brant has a passion for the outdoors.  He enjoys playing golf, fishing, and hunting.  He is also an active member in the Little League Board and devotes considerable time in the ballpark with his children.  Dr. Brant and his wife, Carol, have a daughter named Kelly, and two sons named Parker and Collin. 

 

Dr. Charles CampbellDR. CHARLES CAMPBELL

Dr. Charles Campbell is a 1972 graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso.  He then attended the University of Texas Dental Branch, where he graduated in 1976.  Upon completion of dental school, Dr. Campbell served four years in the military and completed a hospital residency during his term of service.  Dr. Campbell began his work as a Houston cosmetic dentist on our team in 1981. 

 

Dr. Campbell continues to educate himself in the latest techniques, treatments, and technologies of modern dentistry.  His passion for learning motivates him to continue training on an ongoing basis, keeping him at the forefront of new discoveries and patient care methodologies.   His accomplishments include, but are not limited, to the following:

 

         Since 1985, he has trained with one of the leading implant dentist in the world, Dr. Hilt Tatum.  Dr. Campbell is equally skilled in both the surgical aspect and the prosthetic phase of cosmetic implant dentistry.  Dr. Campbell is one of the few Houston cosmetic dentists who can perform both phases of the treatment for his patients

         Dr. Campbell has completed coursework at the Las Vegas Institute of cosmetic dentistry, developing a robust aesthetic skill set in addition to his advanced medical knowledge.

         Dr. Campbell has trained in and performed laser periodontal therapy since 2002.

         He has also successfully treated many patients in need of complex, restorative dental treatments

 

His Associations

Dr. Campbell is an active member of a number of professional dental organizations.  These include the American Dental Association, the Houston Dental District Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, along with American Academy of Implant Dentistry as well.

 

During his personal time away from the office, Dr. Campbell enjoys fishing, literature, and collecting antique clocks.  He also spends a great deal of time with his wife and two daughters. 

 

Click Here To Schedule A Free Dental Consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, or Dr. Charles Campbell  for their cosmetic denistry services. 
 
For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.

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Veterinarian Dental Supplies ( 1 )
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Our Cosmetic Dental Practice is located in the famous Houston Medical Center Scurlock Tower located at:
6560 Fannin, Houston,Texas 77030
Please call us locally in the Houston area at
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