Restore Your Smile with a Dental Bridge

When you are missing teeth, the gaps left behind can become the main focal point of your smile. Even worse, untreated tooth loss also compromise your oral and overall health, leading to more complex dental problems. Dental bridges are an affordable restorative solution that can complete your smile and enhance health and function. At Ocotillo Lakes Dental Health in Chandler, AZ, our doctors offer both traditional and implant-supported bridges. We also use CEREC® technology to create same-day restorations for qualifying patients.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can improve the aesthetic of your smile by filling in the gaps left behind by tooth loss. Furthermore, they also add support to the facial features, reducing the appearance of gaunt or sunken-in cheeks. With today’s modern dental materials, bridges can also blend in with your surrounding teeth for natural-looking results.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, bridges also offer a number of oral health advantages. For example, these restorations can:

• Improve bite misalignment
• Prevent other teeth from shifting
• Reduce or eliminate speech issues
• Help prevent TMJ disorder
• Reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss
• Allow patients to eat a wider variety of foods
• Offer optimal comfort and stability compared to removable partial dentures

Traditional and Same-Day Dental Crowns Can Repair Your Smile

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth for added strength and protection. It is carefully crafted to fit comfortably in your smile. These restorations are especially popular because they can restore the aesthetics and function of a damaged tooth. Our doctors can adjust the color, shape, and texture of your crown for the most lifelike results. We recommend dental crowns for patients with:

• Severe discoloration
• Misshapen teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Weakened teeth
• Severely decayed teeth
• Teeth damaged due to trauma
• Worn teeth due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or bruxism
• Teeth that have been endodontically repaired

Crowns can alleviate the painful symptoms associated with decayed and damaged teeth. If your speech or bite is impacted, a crown can renew your ability to comfortably perform everyday functions. With proper care and frequent visits to your dentist, dental crowns can last for years without replacement.

Implant-Supported Crowns

In addition to traditional crowns, our doctors also offer implant-supported crowns. These restorations are affixed to dental implants, which are surgically placed in the jaw. Implant posts act as artificial roots. They stimulate the jawbone and in turn preserve its structure. Implant-supported crowns are used to replace single missing teeth and are considered the gold standard of restorative dentistry because they provide the most secure, functional fit.

The Procedure

Depending on the materials you choose, crowns can either be placed in a single office visit or over the course of two appointments. A same-day crown is composed of medical-grade porcelain and is milled in our in-office unit. If you choose IPS e.max® crowns or zirconia crowns, the fabrication process takes one to two weeks. These are custom-crafted at an offsite laboratory. Zirconia crowns closely mimic the appearance and texture of your natural teeth and are incredibly durable.

A dental crown can improve your ability to speak and chew, as well as protect your tooth from further damage or injury.

No matter which option you choose, the preparation process is the same. We must first reshape and resize the tooth by removing a small portion of enamel. This ensures the restoration fits properly in your smile and does not disrupt your occlusion. We can then take digital impressions, which will be used during fabrication. Impressions will either be sent to a laboratory or uploaded directly to our CEREC software in the office. Once your crown is ready, we can check the fit and color and make any necessary adjustments. If no modifications are needed, we can secure the crown with a special cement and polish it to add the finishing touches.

Protect Your Teeth and Future Oral Health with Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to seal cavities in a tooth after the area has been cleaned and sanitized. Fillings can also restore the structure of teeth after an accident. Common fillings include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite resin. Tooth-colored fillings are often preferred since the material blends well with the color and luster of natural teeth. Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD
offer dental fillings at their office in Chandler, AZ. The restorative treatment has many cosmetic benefits and can be performed in well under one hour.

The Benefits of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits, a few of which include:

• A more attractive smile: Fillings can be used to repair cracked or broken teeth. In addition, individuals with silver amalgam fillings can have those fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite resin. 
• Prevention of future dental problems: Once your cavity has been treated, dental fillings prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. Dental fillings also protect teeth from other forms of decay.
• Reinforced teeth: Dental fillings prevent future chips and cracks by reinforcing the structure of the tooth. Composite fillings have the added benefit of not expanding or contracting with temperature change.
• Improved chewing function: When your dental filling is placed, one of our dentists will be careful to ensure that the filling fits snugly in your bite. Dental fillings can improve your bite balance and prevent premature wear on adjacent healthy teeth.
• Long-term treatment: Depending on which material you use, dental fillings can last 15 years or more.

The Dental Filling Process

At our practice, we use state-of-the-art imaging technology, including a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner, to perform our restorative and cosmetic treatments. If you experience dental anxiety or dental phobia, we offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options to help patients feel more comfortable during treatment. For cavity treatments, one of our doctors will first numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic.

This restorative treatment also has many cosmetic benefits and can be performed in well under one hour.

We will then use a special instrument or laser to remove the decayed area. Then the cavity space will be cleaned and sanitized before the dental filling material is placed. For tooth-colored fillings, a special curing light will be used to harden the composite resin. The final steps involve polishing the dental filling and carefully assessing your bite.

How to Protect Your Filling

The following tips can help you extend the life of your dental fillings:

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams
• Brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Avoid biting hard objects, such as ice and candy
• Report cracks in your filling to the dentist
• Floss daily
• Report any changes in the texture of your filling
• Wear a mouthguard while playing active sports
• Address any teeth grinding issues you may have

Secure Your Restorations with Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. If you lack the bone tissue to support an implant, we may recommend a bone grafting preparatory procedure. During placement surgery, while the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

Restore Aestetics and Function with Modern Dentures

Missing teeth can evolve into a number of oral health problems, including jawbone recession, shifting, and further tooth loss. Therefore, it is essential to restore missing teeth whenever tooth loss occurs. Dentures are one of the most common teeth replacement options available, and today’s prosthetics are a vast improvement to their previous counterparts. We offer a wide range of dentures at Ocotillo Lakes Dental Health in Chandler, AZ. Our team can help you find an option that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures fill in gaps left behind by missing teeth. Using advanced dental materials, we can create prostheses that are incredibly lifelike. As a result, they can give patients increased confidence to smile again. Even more importantly, dentures offer enhanced function. They allow patients to chew food more easily, so that proper nutrition is obtained. Furthermore, dentures are often the most affordable treatment option for missing teeth. They have a lower upfront cost compared to dental bridges and dental implants.

Using advanced dental materials, we can create dentures that are incredibly lifelike.

Who Is a Candidate?

Dentures are most beneficial for individuals who are missing several or all of their teeth in one or both arches. Those with fewer missing teeth may be better suited for dental bridges or dental implants. Since dentures rest atop the gums and rely on the jawbone for support, candidates should have strong bone and healthy tissue. During a consultation at our practice, Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD can help determine if you are eligible for this treatment.

Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures available. The treatment recommended for you will depend on a number of factors, including cost, personal preferences, and your unique oral health needs. Some of the options available at Ocotillo Lakes Dental Health are explained below.

Traditional Full Dentures

These traditional prostheses are designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Fitting snugly against the jawbone ridge, traditional dentures can be secured with a special dental adhesive. These appliances can be crafted from a variety of advanced materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

Partial Dentures

Recommended for those missing multiple teeth, partial dentures fill in the gaps and spaces left behind. Similar to full dentures, partial dentures are supported by the bone ridge. There are also special dental clasps that connect to adjacent teeth for additional security. Both full and partial dentures have an average lifespan of seven to 10 years. It is important to schedule regular dental visits so we can check your partial denture. We also recommend having your dentures readjusted every couple of years.

Implant-supported Dentures

Those seeking additional stability can explore implant-supported dentures. Unlike conventional dentures, these prostheses are connected to dental implants – small posts that are strategically positioned in the jawbone. Consequently, the denture will not shift or slip when eating or speaking. Since the appliance is secured with implants, dental adhesive is not needed. Implants mimic natural teeth roots, so they also help preserve the jawbone and reduce the risk of bone degradation.

Implants are long-lasting and reliable. In fact, they can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Individuals who choose this option will need to undergo dental implant surgery. We offer nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to help make patients more comfortable during treatment. We also use a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner to provide accurate care.

Invisalign: A Discreet Alternative to Braces

If you want a straighter, more symmetrical smile but are hesitant to commit to traditional braces, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign®. This innovative system is a discreet and more comfortable alternative to metal wires and brackets. At our Chandler, AZ, offices Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD can design an Invisalign treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment features a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually guide your teeth into their proper position. Every few weeks, patients graduate from one set of aligner trays to the next. Invisalign can address a variety of issues including crowding, an underbite, an overbite, and gaps in your smile. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for Invisalign treatment, we provide a free consultation to assess the health and structure of your smile. While the timeline varies from patient to patient, Invisalign treatment usually lasts about 12 months for adults.

At Ocotillo Lakes Dental Health, we offer free Invisalign consultations.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

In a Harris poll study compiled by Invisalign,  24 percent of those surveyed cited “embarrassment of wearing traditional wire and bracket braces” as their primary reason for not pursuing orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners are smooth and clear, and they are virtually invisible when worn. In addition to aesthetics, these trays provide several noteworthy benefits. 

Comfort

Braces can irritate your cheeks, gums, and tongue. However, Invisalign aligners are composed of a flexible plastic material called SmartTrack®. The aligner trays are smooth and great for patients who are very active. You will never have to worry about broken brackets or metal edges causing injury or damage.

Oral Hygiene 

While traditional braces make it difficult to reach certain areas with a toothbrush or floss, Invisalign aligners are removable. Simply remove your aligners before brushing or flossing your teeth. Proper hygiene can reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

No Dietary Restrictions

Traditional braces limit your ability to eat foods with seeds, foods that are particularly sticky, or foods that are very crunchy. As aligners can be removed for eating, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods during treatment.

The Treatment Process

During your initial consultation, our doctors can assess your oral health, identify functional concerns in your smile, and discuss your goals for treatment. If we decide that Invisalign is the best solution for you, we can take a series of intraoral photos as well as create a set of digital impressions. These scans will be sent to the Invisalign lab, where a mockup of your case can be created. This mockup includes:

• Before and after recreations of your smile 
• An estimated treatment timeline 

Once you preview your mockup, you can decide whether you want to proceed. Over the course of your treatment, you will wear a new set of custom aligners every two weeks. These must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours each day. We ask that you visit our office every six weeks, so we can monitor your progress.

Why Choose Us for Invisalign 

At Ocotillo Lakes Dental Health, we offer free Invisalign consultations. You will not have to pay anything until you decide to commit to Invisalign treatment. We also have two convenient locations, emergency dental services, and flexible financing options to help you receive the treatment you want and deserve without sacrificing your goals.  

We Offer Traditional and Minimal-Prep Porcelain Veneers

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, porcelain veneers can improve the overall symmetry and balance of your smile. These versatile shells can mask a variety of cosmetic concerns, including deep stains, minor cracks, and chipped teeth. Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD offer both traditional and minimal prep veneers at their Chandler, AZ, office. Each veneer is crafted out of medical-grade porcelain and matches the sheen and translucency of natural enamel.

Explore Your Candidacy

You may qualify for porcelain veneers if you have:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Minor gaps in your smile
• Teeth that are larger or smaller than surrounding teeth 
• Teeth that do not match the shape of neighboring teeth 
• Worn teeth
• Deeply stained teeth that do not respond to professional whitening

If you have badly broken or damaged teeth, you might be a better candidate for dental crowns or a full mouth reconstruction. 

Traditional vs. Minimal-Prep

In order to ensure traditional veneers blend seamlessly with your smile, we must first remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. Keep in mind that once enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced, which is why this procedure is considered irreversible. Your tooth will always need to be covered by a restoration. Porcelain veneers typically need to be replaced every 10 years or so.

Minimal-prep veneers are thinner than traditional veneers and do not require enamel to be removed in preparation. These veneers can be removed in the future without causing sensitivity or potential damage. We can help you determine which option is best for your dental needs and goals.

The Treatment Process

To qualify for veneers, you should have good oral health and be free from periodontal disease. In addition, you must have enough healthy enamel to support veneers. If you are a candidate but are not sure whether you would like to commit to treatment, we can create a wax-up for you to wear for three to five days. This should give you a better sense of your results. If necessary, we can make adjustments to your plan to ensure you are satisfied with treatment.

Veneers are minimally invasive and can transform your smile without surgery or a lengthy recovery, so you can return to work and everyday activities almost immediately.

Our office works with an offsite laboratory to craft porcelain veneers, and most patients are able to complete treatment in two appointments. Traditional veneers are made using the Elite Porcelain System. They are a hand-layered for beautiful, lifelike results. Because these veneers require such careful attention, the typical turnaround time is about three weeks. When your veneers are ready, you can return to the office for placement. We use a special bonding agent to secure your veneers, which closely matches the shade of your smile.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

One of the most exciting features of veneers is that they can address multiple aesthetic concerns. They are minimally invasive and can transform your smile without surgery or a lengthy recovery, so you can return to work and everyday activities almost immediately. Porcelain is also stain-resistant, meaning you can enjoy your vibrant smile for years to come. 

Brighten Your Teeth for the Dazzling Smile You Deserve

Even a healthy smile can become yellow and stained over time. Teeth whitening offers an effective, noninvasive solution for combating this effect and improving the appearance of your teeth. At Ocotillo Lakes Dental Health, our team offers both in-office and at-home teeth bleaching treatments for a variety of patients. With a convenient location in Chandler, AZ, Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD can help you achieve your smile goals.

Is Whitening Right for Me?

Teeth whitening is a safe procedure which is available to most patients. Typically, we recommend bleaching for patients with mild to moderate discoloration who are already in good oral health. 

Because teeth whitening cannot address intrinsic stains which affect the underlying layers of teeth, Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD may recommend porcelain veneers or dental bonding as alternative treatments. The best way to find out if a bleaching treatment is right for you is to schedule an appointment at our office.

Planning Your Treatment

During your initial cosmetic consultation, you can sit down with Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD to discuss your concerns and goals. He can also perform an oral health examination and determine if you can safely undergo whitening. Based on your goals and oral health, Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD may recommend an alternative treatment or suggest an additional procedure to enhance your results. If you want to make more extensive changes to your smile, we can include teeth whitening as part of a comprehensive smile makeover plan.

How Whitening Works

There are two main options for whitening your smile. You can undergo an in-office treatment or order take-home whitening trays. Both methods can offer dramatic, safe results when supervised by a qualified cosmetic dentist. 

In-Office Whitening

A whitening session at our office typically takes about an hour. Before beginning, a hygienist will clean your teeth to remove any particles which could interfere with the whitening agent. Then, we will place a protective layer over your gums.

An in-office treatment…is often recommended for patients who want a brighter smile for an upcoming special occasion.

Dr. Jay Valiyaparambil, DMD will then apply a layer of the bleaching gel and let it sit on your teeth for about 15 minutes before removing it. We generally perform three or four rounds of whitening, depending on the shade you wish to achieve. Because an in-office treatment dramatically whitens your teeth in a single visit, it is often recommended for patients who want a brighter smile for an upcoming special occasion.

At-Home Whitening

With take-home whitening trays, you can brighten your smile at your own pace and convenience. When you are ready to begin, you simply fill the trays with whitening gel and place the tray over your teeth. Depending on your goals and the strength of the bleaching agent, you may wear the trays for as little as 15 minutes or as long as overnight. A typical at-home whitening treatment takes about two weeks.