Services We Provide

A Highly Trained & Experienced Team

You won’t find a more dedicated, passionate and friendly team of staff anywhere else in our area. Our doctors are committed to ensuring the well-being of every patient. The result is a long-term relationship with our patients based on excellent service.

Crowns

What Are Crowns?

Crowns cover the visible area of a severely decayed tooth. After part of the damaged tooth is removed, a crown is securely placed over the remainder of the tooth so it covers the area above the gum line. Also known as caps, crowns are created when a thin coating of ceramic is placed on a metal or porcelain base. Some crowns created for rear teeth may have gold as their metal.

Why Are They Necessary?

Dentists recommend crowns after evaluating the condition of a patient’s teeth during an examination. Beyond cosmetic procedures to make a tooth look more attractive, crowns may replace a filling that is defective or deteriorating. Crowns may encase a tooth that has suffered so much damage that a filling cannot repair it. They also offer support for bridges that close gaps caused by missing teeth. In some cases, crowns are recommended after root canals for teeth that have extensive damage on the root below the gum line.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The procedure to implant a crown usually takes two or more visits. When a patient visits the dental office for a cleaning and x-rays, the dentist and other members of the treatment team look for signs of damage or deterioration. Options are considered. Crowns require that part of the tooth’s foundation remain intact to serve as an anchor.

The dentist removes any decay and takes an impression of the area during the first visit. The dentist will numb the area first. In most cases, the impression will be used to create a temporary crown and a permanent crown that will be installed during a follow-up visit. After inserting the permanent crown, the dentist will make sure that it is properly aligned. The dentist may polish or slightly alter the shape of the crown so that it duplicates the bite pattern of the original tooth.

Are There Risks?

Any medical or dental procedure requires caution. Those with certain heart problems or susceptibilities may have to take antibiotics before the procedure. Contact the dental office immediately if you have extensive pain after any of the sessions, if your temporary crown falls out, or if your permanent crown seems out of place or causes discomfort. Over a period of time, crowns may become loose or wear down. In some circumstances, they may need to be re-cemented or replaced.

We Can Answer Your Questions

Crowns are an effective way to protect and prolong the use of your teeth.  Dr Chana Perl, DDS looks forward to discussing crowns and other dental procedures that enhance your smile and health. Contact us today.

Bridges

Dental bridges are designed for bridging gaps between healthy teeth where one or more teeth may have decayed or are missing. Getting dental bridges with Dr. Chana Perl, DDS requires at least two different dental visits and a patient has to have good oral health and strong bone support in the jaw. In essence, individuals with poor oral health might not be the right candidates because wearing dental bridges requires the removal of particular protective tooth enamel. Here are three types of dental bridges that your dentist may recommend.

Traditional dental bridges

These are the most popular designs of dental bridges. They consist of fake teeth that are held in place by abutments or dental crowns. The dental crowns have to be cemented to the adjacent healthy teeth before installing the dental bridges. In other words, the dentist will have to prepare the adjacent healthy teeth by removing the enamel permanently. Meaning, you will still have to use the abutments in the future even when you want to change the type of dental bridges.

Maryland Bridges

These are resin-bonded dental bridges that are designed for replacing lost front teeth. A Maryland bridge restoration requires fusing of pontic or fake teeth with metal bands, which are then cemented to the abutment teeth using resin cement. However, they have a higher failure rate compared to traditional dental bridges because they’re slightly weaker.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are recommended for situations where only one side of the missing tooth has natural teeth. An experienced dentist will recommend cantilever dental bridges that are perfect for such a condition. In fact, the only difference between cantilever bridges and traditional bridges is that the former is attached on one side.

How to care for Dental Bridges

All these types require high levels of oral hygiene. According to The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, installing dental bridges using abutment teeth predisposes a patient to tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, food particles can get stuck in the dental bridges. Hence, it is essential to brush your teeth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, it’s vital to use recommended toothpaste that prevents tartar build-up and gingivitis.

Surgically Guided Dental Implant Placement

Surgically Guided Dental Implant Placement is when the dentist utilizes advanced computer and imaging technologies to aid them to place dental implants more efficiently, using a surgical guide. The surgical guide allows for a more precise and accurate placement of the implant. Using a surgical guide has become the “the gold standard” for most implant placements.

Implant Restoration

Teeth restoration is a process by which artificial teeth are inserted into a gap in the mouth, by connecting them to a dental implant.  You can have a single or multiple implants inserted if you have several gaps in your mouth.  The implant restoration starts with dental implant surgery.  The dentist inserts an implant into the jaw.  The implant is let to infuse with the jaw bone and the tissue around it to heal from the trauma.  The gum healing process takes about three to six months.

When the tissues are healed, the dentist usually punctures a hole in your gum just above the location of the dental implants.  The abutments are screwed into these holes so that they come on top of the implants.  Abutments are metal cylinders onto which the artificial tooth is built.  Dr. Chana Perl, DDS will determine the color, width, length, and angle of the dental implant.  The dentist tries to ensure that the final teeth look like the patient’s natural teeth and blend in with the other teeth.

Once the abutments have been fitted and screwed in, your dentist will measure your teeth by making an impression of the teeth.  The process of making an impression involves taking a mold with some dental putty that looks like artificial clay and tells you to bite it without moving the teeth in any other direction.

These measurements are sent to the laboratory where they are used to build the final teeth.  You will be given a temporary crown on the abutment to maintain your smile until the final tooth is ready.  Once the tooth is ready, the temporary tooth crown is removed and the permanent one inserted.  The dentist may make a few adjustments to ensure a good fit.  This process is repeated for every gap that needs to be filled with a dental implant.

Restoration of the bridge

Bridge restoration is similar to an implant restoration where several crowns are fixed to an inserted bridge.  The bridge is made of the false tooth (called pontic) and two crowns on either side of the crown.  The bridge fits into the gap on the gap and is supported by the other teeth.  The dentist cements a fixed denture in place such that it cannot be removed.

An implant retained denture

You can also have an implant retained denture.  This restoration is similar to a bridge, but it is held in place through a dental implant.  This makes it hold in place and removes the need to remove it every night when going to bed.

There is a low risk for trapped food underneath the false teeth plate which may lead to an infection, and minimal risk that you might develop sores due to the friction between the denture and the gum.  The implant retained denture can also be customized according to the shape and the changes in the gum.  Talk to our staff at Dr. Chana Perl, DDS on the dental implants and other options available for restoring your lost teeth.

Fillings

In spite of our best efforts to promote good oral hygiene, we will occasionally develop a cavity.  When, during a regular checkup, we discover a cavity or area of decay, we can and will repair it using a tooth enamel-colored restoration known as a composite filling.  Here at Dr. Chana Perl, DDS, we create all of our composite fillings using BPA-free, resin-based components.  These resin-based composite materials are guaranteed to be safe and effective.  Our composite fillings will form a resilient bond with the affected teeth, making it possible for your dentist to preserve any healthy tooth structure that remains.

A Safe Alternative to Silver Fillings & Crowns

If you have silver fillings, we can replace them with composite fillings.  Composite fillings are longer lasting and safer than silver fillings.  Composite fillings contract and stabilize the tooth.  Silver fillings, by contrast, tend to swell and weaken the tooth.  This can cause the tooth to crack and break, requiring further intervention to repair it.

How are Composite Fillings Installed?

Composite fillings can be created during one visit to our office.  We will apply an anesthetic to the teeth and gums of the patient.  Then carefully remove any and all decayed material and replace it with a form fitted filling.  Finally, we will check the contours of the filling, review the patient’s bite, and ask the patient how he or she feels with the new appliance in place.  If any changes need to be made, we will be able to do it immediately in most cases.

Our dental professionals use cutting-edge technology and the safest available materials to make all the fillings we use.  We guarantee a perfect fit, excellent function, and longevity- as well as the best possible appearance.  Just as with natural teeth, with good oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular visits to your dentist are recommended in order to promote the maximum life for the filling and help ensure comfort and good oral health for your child.  To learn more about pediatric composite fillings, contact Dr. Chana Perl, DDS.  Our friendly and professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule an appointment.

Sealants

Sealants (pit and fissure sealants) are transparent resin coatings placed on molars that protect teeth from demineralization and decay.  Sealants also continue defending teeth from decay, strengthening enamel and preventing food particles and bacteria from entering molar fissures. By smoothing the irregular surfaces of molars and making them less likely to attract and trap food particles, pediatric sealants significantly reduce the risk of molars from suffering cavities and decay.

Sealant Procedure

Since tooth enamel is nerveless, you do not experience any pain or discomfort during placement of the sealant.  Before sealing molars, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if any decay exists. If discovered, your dentist will remove decay, clean and dry the tooth.  Next, a roughening solution is placed on the tooth to ensure sealing material adheres to the tooth properly. Finally, your dentist will “paint” the tooth with pediatric sealant and let it sit for about one minute.  Hardening of sealants is completed using a curing light that interacts chemically with the sealant’s ingredients.

Caring for Sealants

Following placement of sealants, you can eat just about anything you wish but should avoid things such as hard candy, ice and other foods that could fracture sealants. Once you have sealants, you will also need to visit your dentist every six months for cleanings, check-ups, and examination of sealants to determine if the sealants are in place and preventing decay properly.  Sealants that have been degraded due to simple wear and tear should be reapplied as needed. The American Dental Association states that sealants are one of the most underutilized and beneficial dental procedures available.  While fluoride helps reduce tooth decay, it cannot provide the kind of adequate protection against cavities that sealants do. To learn more about sealants, call Dr. Chana Perl, DDS today.

Veneers

Dental veneers make it possible to have the perfectly radiant smile you’ve always dreamed about having.  If your teeth have stains, gaps, chips, eroded enamel, or a misshapen appearance, rely on one of cosmetic dentistry most popular procedures to revitalize your smile and transform your look.

What’s a veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin shell that’s custom-made to fit over your existing tooth.  Although there are a few different materials used today to make veneers, including composite resin, porcelain is the most commonly used.  Porcelain veneers have many advantages:

• They look more natural.
• They are strong and durable.
• They can last up to 20 years if properly cared for.
• They don’t stain easily.

Veneers are an irreversible treatment because they require your dentist to remove a minimal amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneer.  However, the enamel loss is less than that required to place a crown or cap. Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral health evaluation to determine the best option for your specific needs.

What’s involved in getting porcelain veneers?

After your dentist prepares your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front and sides, an impression, or mold, is made.  Your dentist chooses the specific shade of the veneer that best matches the color of your natural teeth.  In some cases, the impression is sent to a dental lab that custom-sculpts your porcelain veneers.  Because this can take up to a week, your dentist will give you temporary veneers to wear while you wait.  Other dental offices are equipped with a technology that lets them fabricate your veneer on site, making a same-day veneer placement possible.  When the permanent veneers are ready, your dentist checks the fit, shape, and color, and then bonds them to your teeth.

Caring for your new veneers

Good oral hygiene can help your veneers last as long as possible.  Brush and floss daily, and schedule regular cleanings. Cavities can develop under or around veneers, and checkups let your dentist detect any fractures or loosening in the early stages.  Although your veneers will need to be replaced at some point, proper maintenance can ensure that your beautiful smile lasts for years.

Dentures

Dentures are removable devices that replace lost teeth.  They help in restoring a bright, natural looking smile. Teeth can be lost due to gum disease, injury or tooth decay.  Applying dentures is beneficial to both your appearance and health: they are imperative for restoring function lost with missing teeth.

How Do Dentures Function?

Dentures help individuals with missing teeth chew and speak fluently.  When someone loses their teeth, their facial muscles relax and loosen around the jaw, often creating an aging appearance.  Dentures help fill out the appearance of the face and encourage muscular firmness. They closely resemble a person’s natural teeth, and typically only cause a slight difference in their natural look.

What Are The Different Types Of Dentures?

• Conventional dentures: Removable dentures that are carefully made and fixed in a patient’s mouth.  At first, all the remaining teeth are removed. Oral tissues are then allowed to heal fully.
• Immediate dentures: Inserted soon after a client’s residual teeth are gently removed. Once a client visits us, we measure their oral cavity and create small models of their jaws.  When healing, one may have fewer teeth. Immediate dentures may have to be relined after a patient’s jaws heal.
• Overdentures: Perfectly fits over several natural teeth after a dentist repairs them.  At times, the specialist might save your teeth to preserve the jawbone and firmly support the denture.  Alternatively, patients can also use dental implants.

You might feel uncomfortable before you get accustomed to new dentures.  At first, your cheek muscles might be unable to hold them properly. One may also experience slight irritation and soreness.  Additionally, the dentures can interfere with your usual saliva flow. If any of these challenges persist, visit a certified dentist.

How To Maintain New Dentures?

Follow these tips to extend the durability of your dentures.

• Rinse them with warm water before brushing to aid in removing debris.
• Clean the surface of your dentures by gently brushing them with a non-abrasive cleanser or a bristle brush.
• Thoroughly clean your mouth when brushing. Remove loose food particles in the roof of your mouth, cheeks, gums, and tongue.
• When you are not using the dentures, store them in a safe place. Submerge them in water to avoid warping.

Sometimes, you may have to use adhesives such as creams, liquids, pads or powders.  Closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any injuries or damage. Be careful to only purchase adhesives and cleansers with an ADA Seal of Acceptance.

If you are suffering from mild or severe teeth loss, please contact our office. We focus on providing long-term dental solutions to our clients. We offer competitive rates with trusted certified dentists, unmatched experience and passion to brighten your smile.

Snap on Smile

Are you tired of having a less than perfect smile? If you’d like to improve the look of your smile in the easiest possible way, try Snap-On Smile®. We offer the Snap-On Smile® in our dentist office.

What is Snap-On Smile®?

To understand what is Snap-On Smile® it’s helpful to understand what it isn’t.  Snap-On Smile® doesn’t require any anesthesia or surgery to install.  It’s an entirely non-invasive apparatus that anyone can wear.  The Snap-On Smile® is comprised of a manufactured, removable arch that snaps into place over your existing teeth.  No matter what the condition of your teeth right now, the Snap-On Smile® can instantly transform your smile.

How Does the Snap-On Smile® Work?

The Snap-On Smile® doesn’t change or alter your teeth or your bite in any way. The Snap-On Smile® can’t fix an overbite or under bite, close a gap in your teeth or straighten crooked teeth. It’s a purely cosmetic device that you can put in and take out whenever you feel like it.  You don’t need any special tools to wear the Snap-On Smile® appliance.  You use your fingers to guide the Snap-On Smile® into place, and that’s it!  Now you’re ready to go!

Who Does the Snap-On Smile® Benefit?

The Snap-On Smile® appliance is ideal for many different people.  Maybe you have a front gap in your teeth that you feel embarrassed about.  Or maybe you have stained or missing teeth that ruin your smile.  Another way that the Snap-On Smile® can be helpful is if you have to get a professional photo taken for your career.  The Snap-On Smile® is perfect for all these situations and many more.

Many people can’t afford costly dental services like implants or veneers.  Until you can save the money to have permanent dental work done, the Snap-On Smile® is a great solution.  While you’re waiting to be able to afford cosmetic dentistry, you can still enjoy having a beautiful smile with the Snap-On Smile®.

Contact our offices today to find out more about the Snap-On Smile®.

Clear Correct

Share your beautiful smile with others while improving your teeth!

Dr. Chana Perl, DDS now offers ClearCorrect aligners as an alternative to metal braces.  Unlike braces that are noticeable when worn, ClearCorrect aligners let you straighten your teeth without any visible metal in your mouth.  Easy to remove and clean, these aligners allow you to correct the pattern and orientation of your teeth without wearing metal braces that make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth.

With ClearCorrect now available, our patients have another option for assuring that their teeth remain in proper alignment.  No more cold or hot sensations from metal attached to your teeth.  Remove the aligners for meals, brush, and floss afterward, then return them so they can continue to do their work.  Never worry that your aligners are made in some unknown factory in a faraway country.  ClearCorrect aligners have proudly been manufactured in Texas since 2006.

Some common questions about ClearCorrect

What are the next steps if I want to find out if ClearCorrect is best for me?

Schedule an evaluation with your dentist so they can discuss options.  If ClearCorrect is a good fit, they will take x-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth so that ClearCorrect’s lab in Texas can create a series of customized aligners.

Are the aligners different than braces?

Yes.  Unlike braces, you can remove the aligners when you eat and clean your teeth.  Between meals, wear the aligners as prescribed on your teeth for a minimum of 22 hours each day.

How do the aligners work?

Your dentist with coordinate with ClearCorrect so that you receive new aligners for each step of the straightening process.  The length of treatment and number of steps vary by patient.

Contact us today to learn more about ClearCorrect and find out if it may be an option for you.  During your visit, we will discuss prices and payment options.

Orthondontics

Do you shy away from broad, teeth-showing smiles in photos?  Is it because of a bad bite?  If so, then you should see an orthodontist or dentofacial orthopedic specialist.  Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that addresses the problem of incorrect alignment of teeth and jaws by using various treatments.  It is the management of your teeth and how they move.  Dentofacial orthopedics, alternatively, manages the facial growth and development in the early years of one’s life.  Together, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics make up one of nine specialties certified by the American Dental Association.

Children: Signs They May Need Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedic Specialist

If your teeth have any of the following characteristics, you may decide to see a specialist:

• Very tight or crowded teeth
• Protruding teeth or “buck” teeth
• Teeth spaced too far apart
• Any other abnormal appearance of the teeth.

The consequences extend beyond mere aesthetics; effects include difficult biting, chewing and speaking.  The purpose of an orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatment is the creation of a healthy bite combined with a treatment plan that integrates continued facial development.  For instance, a child may need braces to guide the teeth (orthodontics) and headgear to guide facial growth (dentofacial orthopedics).

Adults: When to See an Orthodontic Specialist

Teeth shift over time, and if you have a well-established dental problem from childhood, then you might want to see an orthodontist.  Technology advances and new forms of treatment make it possible now to treat adult teeth. Regardless if you have crowding teeth, a gap between teeth, a crossbite, open bite, overbite, or underbite, there are new forms of braces and retainers that can help you to ensure you receive your best smile.

Contact an Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedic Specialist Today

At Dr. Chana Perl, DDS, we provide our clients with exceptional care and straightforward treatment recommendations.  Our location is convenient and accessible. Contact us today to learn more about what we can provide to you.