Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Whitening

Teeth Whitening can brighten your smile in very little time. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we use Opalescence tooth whitening gel. This gel is administered by our dental professionals and you can use it at home! The Opalescence tooth whitening gel provides many options for our patients, including 3 different flavors. The gel can be worn during the day for as little as 30 minutes or overnight. Opalescence gel is specially formulated to prevent dehydration and shade relapse.

About Whitening

Teeth whitening works by bleaching your teeth to get rid of stains or discoloration. Two types of bleaches are used in tooth whitening gels: Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide. Each whiten teeth and have same side effects, notably tooth sensitivity. Gels with hydrogen peroxide only need to be worn for 30-60 minutes per day where as carbamide peroxide gels stay active for up to 6 hours. In recent studies, both bleaching agents achieve similar results with no difference in sensitivity or rebounding.

Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped crown that goes over your tooth. Dental crowns help improve the appearance of the tooth as well as restore the shape, size, and strengthen of the tooth. Dr. Adam Brown will assess whether a dental crown is necessary.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we may recommend a dental crown to protect a weak tooth in order to keep it from breaking or hold together parts of a cracked tooth. If your tooth is already broken or worn down, a dental crown can help restore your tooth or add support to hold a dental bridge in place. Other patients choose to get a dental crown for cosmetic reasons. There a different types of crowns available, and our dental experts will guide you to making the best choice. Carolina’s Dental Choice offers Same-Day crowns as well.

Veneers

Dental Veneers are custom made, thin coverings for your teeth. Veneers are made of porcelain and permanently bond to your natural teeth. If you want that Hollywood smile, dental veneers are the best choice. Dental Veneers are natural looking and are used to cosmetically enhance your smile. Porcelain veneers will change the appearance of your tooth shape, size, and color.

How Veneers are Applied

Dr. Adam Brown and his team are experts in cosmetic dentistry. Traditional veneers are applied to your teeth by first removing a very small amount of the original tooth enamel. This allows the porcelain veneer to fit and function just like your natural tooth. Porcelain veneers are comprised of several thin ceramic layers and bonded to your natural teeth a with light-sensitive resin.

Appearance is the top priority with veneers. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for when the tooth has developed an odd color, shape, or contour. Fractured teeth and gapped teeth can also benefit from veneers.

Minimally Prepped Veneers

Minimally-prepped Veneers or “No-prep” Veneers are a great option for certain patients. The main difference between minimally-prepped and traditional veneers is the how the veneer is bonded to the tooth. In traditional porcelain veneers, a very small amount of tooth enamel is grinded down in order to attach the veneer. Minimally-prepped veneers do not require us to grind or file down your teeth in order to achieve proper placement.

Traditional Veneers vs No-prep Veneers

Minimally-prepped or No-prep Veneers may not require a local anesthetic making the procedure quicker and more comfortable than traditional veneers. Because the tooth enamel is not grinded down with minimally-prepped veneers, some patients choose not to receive a local anesthetic. Of course, you have the choice to use one if your teeth are sensitive.

Lumineers, Durathin, and Vivaneers are a few minimally-prepped veneers that we use at Carolina’s Dental Choice. It is important to consider options when getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we like to sit down with our patients and go over options. Minimally-prepped veneers or no-prep veneers can help several cosmetic dental conditions.

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Implants

Dental Implants are becoming increasingly popular to replace missing teeth. Carolina’s Dental Choice offers dental implants as an alternative to bridges or dentures. Due to injury or accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay, almost 7 out of ten adults have lost at least one permanent tooth. Dental implants were invented to help solve some of the problems of traditional procedures.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are an artificial tooth root that is embedded into your jaw. The artificial root is then covered with a dental crown that matches the rest of your teeth. The benefits of Dental Implants are numerous:

Durable – If you take care of your implants and they will last forever.
Permanent – No messy adhesive. No embarrassing slippage. Implants are comfortable and part of you. No removal necessary!
Natural Look –. Because they are designed to fuse with your bone, implants look and feel like your own teeth. You’ll brush and floss just as you do with your own teeth, so caring for them isn’t complicated.
Easier Eating – Denture wearers often have to avoid certain food. So do people with loose or missing teeth. But with dental implants, you have a permanent solution! You can eat your favorite foods with confidence – and no pain!
Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem – You’ll sport a wider smile with dental implants! When you’re smiling, your confidence is high. Doesn’t hurt your social and professional life either!

Fixed Bridges

Dental bridges have been around forever and serve an important purpose: replacing missing teeth. Fixed Bridges are made up of two or more crowns on either side of a gap or missing tooth and a false tooth in between. Carolina’s Dental Choice offers a variety of fixed bridges made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. We usually recommend porcelain fixed bridges to aesthetic purposes.

Fixed bridges can restore your smile, improve your ability to properly chew, maintain the shape of your face, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and replace missing teeth. We may recommend a dental fixed bridge for several reasons.

The Process

Getting a dental bridge is a multiple step process. First, the team at Carolina’s Dental Choice will prepare the teeth around the missing tooth. This includes removing a portion of their enamel so that a crown will fit over them. Next an impression is made of your mouth, so that the dental lab can create your fixed bridge. Then we will create a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums. At your next visit, the fixed bridge is put into place. We make sure the bridge fits comfortably into your mouth. We may need to make several adjustments to get it just right. Once it feels good, we cement the fixed bridge into place.

Dentures

Dentures are removable and can be full or partial. Dentures not only replace missing teeth, they replace the surround tissue. Patients may need dentures for a variety of reasons including: tooth loss, tooth decay, gum disease, or injury.

Complete dentures come in two forms: immediate and conventional.

Immediate Dentures, as their name suggests, are ready as soon as all teeth have been removed. This allows our patients to never have to appear without teeth, even while their mouths are still healing from the extractions. However, since these dentures cannot be fit as well as conventional dentures, we recommend them only as a temporary solution until traditional dentures can be fitted and put in place. This process generally takes about eight to twelve weeks.

Conventional Dentures take a series of appointments. First, we measure and make impressions of our patients’ jaws, and see how they fit together. Next, we make exact replicas of the denture for the patient in order to ensure the best possible color, shape and fit. Then, we cast the final denture. Once it is in place, we make adjustments as necessary. It is natural for a newly placed denture to feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but after a few weeks, if discomfort persists, a patient should return to have the denture adjusted until the fit is perfect.

Many patients find eating and speaking to be a bit awkward after a new denture is put in, but with a little practice, our patients get back to normal in short order. If eating and speaking continue to be awkward or difficult, patients should schedule an appointment to have the denture checked and readjusted if necessary.

If you are considering dentures for yourself or a loved one, please set up an appointment at Carolina’s Dental Choice, Dr. Adam Brown, by calling (704) 289-9519. We can select the perfect color and shape to provide an amazing, comfortable fit and a natural looking smile.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry is the concept of reproducing or repairing teeth and adjoining bones and tissue through the use of metal and ceramic materials. The goal is to make use of the full array of treatment options available to us to restore your dental health and functionality.

In addition to solutions such as dentures crowns and bridges, our dentists are able to offer dental implants as a treatment option. With implants, artificial teeth are surgically anchored to the jawbone in the area just below the gum-line. Ceramic crowns, dental onlays or veneers cover the appearance of the “new tooth.” Over time, the human body completes the process, by growing bone and tissue around the tooth. This provides the artificial implanted tooth with even more stability and permanence.

When successfully applied, restorative dentistry returns the tooth or the space where one previously occupied to as close to its original condition as possible. It provides patients with optimal health, function and cosmetic appearance.

At Carolina’s Dental Choice in Monroe, the combination of our experienced, skilled dentists and our excellent dental labs provide us with an unsurpassed ability to address the restorative needs of our patients.

Whenever the time comes for you, a family member or friend to explore advanced dental treatment options, including restorative dentistry, please contact Carolina’s Dental Choice at 704-289-9519.

Dental Bonding

Dental Bonding at Carolina’s Dental Choice is a one-trip visit that can improve your pearly whites quick and easy. Dental bonding is used to repair teeth with a tooth-colored resin (stable plastic material) that enhances your smile.

Why Get Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a very common and easy procedure that dentist do almost every day. A dental bond is a versatile treatment that can solve many different issues involving the teeth. A few reasons for dental bonding include:

Repairing decayed teeth
Filling cavities
Repairing chips/cracks
Closing space between teeth
Adding length to teeth
Altering tooth shape
Advantages of Dental Bonding

The biggest advantage of dental bonding is that it is a cost effective method of cosmetic dentistry. Unlike other treatments, like veneers or implants, dental bonding is a one-stop deal that doesn’t require lab work. Additionally, during dental bonding very little tooth enamel is removed, leaving your teeth strong and healthy.

Disadvantages

The disadvantage to dental bonding is that it does not protect your teeth against stains as well as crowns. It is somewhat stain resistant but it is not stain-proof. Another disadvantage is that dental bonds are not as strong as other treatments, making them last for a shorter period of time.

How Long Does Bonding Last?

The lifespan of bonds depends on two factors.

How much bonding one has on their teeth.
A person’s oral habits.
Bonding can last anywhere from three to ten years. Often times they only need a quick touch up to be repaired.

How to Take Care of Dental Bonds?

Taking care of your dental bonds will make them last longer. With dental bonds it is important to clean your teeth very well. This doesn’t require anything abnormal just routine brushing, flossing, and dental visits. This will help increase the lifespan of the dental bonds. It is also important to stay away from chewing ice or other hard materials.

Invisalign

Imagine having braces without the aggravating wires, brackets, and rubber bands, all constantly constricting and poking your mouth. Or never again having to worry about trying to get those little bits of food out from behind the bulky metallic pieces filling your mouth. With Carolina’s Dental Choice’s Invisalign, you never have to deal with these things again.

Invisalign braces are made of a durable, clear plastic that is perfectly molded to fit your mouth. These plastic pieces, called aligners, fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into place in a painless manner. Every two weeks you get a new set of Invisalign braces until your treatment is finished. It’s that easy. Why would anyone want those regular old braces ever again?

How it Works

After meeting with your dentist to make sure Invisalign braces are right for you, x-rays are taken of your mouth and uploaded to a computer. Then the dentist can show you a virtual representation of your mouth so you can see exactly how your teeth will look through each step of the treatment process. A plan is made detailing exactly how your teeth will move and how long the treatment will take, and your Invisalign braces are ready to be made.

Once you receive your BPA-free, plastic aligners they are to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. And they can be easily removed for cleaning and anytime you eat. Approximately every two weeks you switch to the aligner for the next stage of your treatment. You will have regular check-ups with your dentist every six weeks or so as well. These appointments are simply to make sure your teeth are moving according to plan and that you are not having any issues. Once you are out of Invisalign aligners, your treatment is complete.

The best part about Invisalign braces is how easily they work with your lifestyle. They are virtually impossible to see once they are in place over the teeth, and without the metal wires and brackets, there is no hassle or pain.

Come visit us at Carolina’s Dental Choice today to see if Invisalign braces are an option for you.

Family Dentistry Services

General Dentistry

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we are a comprehensive general dental practice. We provide preventative care as well as restorative services, cosmetic procedures, and periodontal treatments. Anything you’ve come to expect from a dentist, we do plus a little more.

Preventive Care

Preventive dental care is our aim. In order to maintain good oral health, we recommend a checkup every six months. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we provide a thorough examination, including x-rays if needed, a profession a cleaning, and a consultation about your dental health.

Restorative Dentistry

Doc Brown is known as an expert in the field of restorative dentistry. Check out his interview on “The Wellness Hour.”

Cosmetic Dentistry

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we want all our patients to leave smiling! A person’s smile lights up their entire face, but if you are embarrassed of your smile, it can affect your confidence. We offer teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding- including veneers, and smile makeovers!

Dental Hygiene Service

Our professional dental hygienist at Carolina’s Dental Choice are specifically trained with your comfort in mind. Dental Hygiene services are important part of our preventative care services. Our dental hygienist take care to properly and professionally clean your teeth as well as help our dentists do a thorough examination.

What does a Dental Hygienist Do?

During a routine dental cleaning, you can expect our dental hygienists to remove any plaque or calculus (calcified plaque). Hygienists also screen patients and assess their overall oral conditions for problem areas. Dental hygienists may also conduct x-rays or 2D Radiography and instruct patients on how to properly care for their teeth.

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, our dental hygienist work with our dentists to ensure a thorough examination and proper treatment for our patients. We work as a team and treat our patients like family!

Sedation for Anxious Patients

Do you hate going to the dentist? Does the mere thought of a dental visit scare you? No need to fear at Carolina’s Dental Choice because we offer Sedation Dentistry! Sedation Dentistry is safe and effective! If you have a fear of the dentist or dental phobia, give sedation dentistry a try.

Sedation dentistry provides an anxiety-free experience for individuals too afraid to receive dental care. Sedation is both safe and effective and enables anxious patients to receive the dental care they need.

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we go out of way to make our patients feel at home. If you have a dental phobia, we can provide different levels of sedation:

Minimal sedation — you are awake but relaxed.
Moderate sedation — you may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
Deep sedation — you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
General anesthesia — you are completely unconscious.

3D Imaging Device

This 3 dimensional digital device combines three different types of 3D data with one X-ray unit.

At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we use Planmeca 3D imaging device to help diagnose our patients. Not all damage and disease is visible during a routine dental examination. We strive to limit our patients exposure to radiation. That’s why we make the process quick and painless!

3D Planmeca imaging Device is the newest X-ray procedures. Instead of using standard X-ray film, 3D digital images are produced on the computer screen where we can view them, store them or print them. 3D imaging take a fraction of the time and uses less radiation.

Laser Dentistry

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems.

The application of lasers in dentistry opens the door for dentists to perform a wide variety of dental procedures they otherwise may not be capable of performing. If you consider yourself somewhat of an anxious dental patient and are seeking extreme safety and comfort, you might consider looking for dentists who have incorporated laser dentistry techniques into their practices and treatments.

It is estimated that only 6 percent of general dentists own a laser for soft-tissue and whitening applications. Committed to the latest in dental technology, we are pleased to offer the Biolase ezlase Dental Laser in our family of high-tech instruments.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require sutures (stitches).
Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia.
Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments.
Bacterial infections are minimized because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area being worked on.
Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
Wounds heal faster and tissues can be regenerated.

Endodontia (Root Canal Therapy)

Utilizing the latest in 2D Digital Imaging (xrays), rotary instrumentation, and sedation even the most apprehensive patient can enjoy quick, painless, and predictable results in saving their teeth.

Root Canals have a pretty scary reputation. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, Dr. Adam Brown strives to make this procedure as pain free and successful as possible.

Despite their negative image, root canal procedures (endodontic treatment) save teeth that have been infected and in the past would have been pulled. The procedure is usually spread over 1 to 3 appointments. A root canal is needed if the nerve, pulp and canal beneath the tooth have become infected. This usually happens because of a deep cavity or a crack in the tooth.

Some signs that you might need a root canal include:

-Severe pain when chewing with a tooth or applying pressure to it
-Continual pain or sensitivity to heat or cold
-Discoloration of the tooth
-Swelling and tenderness of the gums surrounding the tooth
-A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

If a diseased tooth is suspected, we begin by x-raying the mouth to see the shape of the root canals and to look for signs of infection. If an infected nerve is the problem, we apply anesthesia and place a rubber dam around the infected tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. We then clean, shape and fill the canal or canals often in one visit.

If you suspect you may have an infected tooth, please call Carolina’s Dental Choice in Monroe at (704) 289-9519 to arrange an appointment. When an infected pulp is left untreated, the long-term damage can extend to other teeth, bone and even other parts of the face and head. But with a successful root canal procedure and proper hygiene, a root canal can remain healthy for the rest of your life.

Tooth Extractions

Getting a tooth removed is a common dental procedure here at Carolina’s Dental Choice, Dr. Adam Brown and throughout the United States.

A tooth can be extracted for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is because it is impacted. A tooth becomes impacted when it has been prevented from growing normally, by the gums, bone or other teeth. Wisdom teeth commonly become impacted.

Another reason teeth are extracted, especially in youth and young adults is to make room in the mouth before planning to straighten remaining teeth. Teeth may also be extracted if they are so poorly positioned that they cannot possibly be straightened. A less common reason to extract a tooth is as a cheaper alternative to filling or placing a crown on a decayed tooth.

If you or your child have a condition where a tooth extraction might be called for, please call Carolina’s Dental Choice at (704) 289-9519 to schedule an appointment with us.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease is best thought of as the condition that affects gums and bone structure that keeps your teeth in place. In its early stages, it’s commonly referred to a gingivitis. This is the accumulation of tarter on teeth that begins to damage the gums nearby.

If left unattended, the condition advances to a state called periodonitis. At this point, beyond the gum swelling and bleeding, patients begin to suffer damage to the gums, teeth and bone. Space is formed between the teeth and gums. They are called pockets and become home to millions of bacteria. The bacteria wind up playing a major role in creating further, permanent damage.

Periodontal disease becomes more prevalent as people grow older, as plaque and tarter continue to form on teeth. In fact, periodontal neglect is by far the greatest cause for tooth loss among adults.

The good news is that regularly scheduled visits to Carolina’s Dental Choice with Dr. Adam Brown – coupled with proper dental hygiene – can play an effective role in minimizing the spread of periodontal diseases. In addition to using x-rays and visual examination to evaluate the health of bone and the magnitude of existing pockets, a professional cleaning removes tarter from the teeth. In effect, this gives the patient an almost fresh start after each appointment. A combination of regular professional cleanings, daily brushing and flossing, healthy low-sugar, tobacco-free diets, is the best way to hold periodontal disease at bay.

Adults – especially those who are noticing gums that swell and bleed easily or teeth that are becoming loose – need to schedule an appointment to monitor the potential existence of gum disease and related conditions. Without careful, professional monitoring, it can be easy to let periodontal disease advance to serious levels.

Please allow Carolina’s Dental Choice in Monroe, NC to conduct a comprehensive periodontal examination and devise a customized treatment plan for you,, by calling us at (704) 289-9519.

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