Dr. West's Boulder Dental Blog

I’m Dr. Gordon West, a dental implant dentist in the 80026 area. In a recent post, I explained how traditional dental implants are used to dramatically improve the lives of my Boulder denture and cosmetic dentistry clients. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called ‘immediate implants’.

Though they are not as well known as traditional tooth implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the 80026 postal code area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Broomfield tooth restoration clients and denture wearers benefit greatly from these slip free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also Boulder mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These Lafayette over-denture patients in the 80026 postal code area are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can usually be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is usually very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Many Lafayette aesthetic dentistry clients are happy to learn that mini implants are a lower cost dental implants option. Don’t let the word ‘mini’ fool you; Your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants.

Call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335 to schedule a consultation.

It doesn’t take a great deal of research to understand that bright and healthy smiles are more attractive. Everybody in Colorado likes to see a great smile, and having a great smile is not only healthy for your mouth, but healthy for your self esteem, too.

I’m Dr. Gordon West, DDS, and I am a dentist serving the Lafayette community with dental services including porcelain veneers. We call our practice ‘Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry‘, and we are located in the Lafayette, Colorado. I provide dental services to the greater Boulder area from our dental office in Lafayette.

If you are looking for a dentist in the Lafayette area, including Longmont, Louisville, or Broomfield, please contact us. I am currently accepting new Colorado dental patients and would love to share with you some new and inexpensive ways to improve your bright and healthy smile.

I know the value of a bright and healthy smile, and can help you improve your smile with our Colorado dentistry services including porcelain veneers, dental implants, and prepless veneers; just three of the many dental services we provide at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry.

Give me a call today, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Hello! Welcome to the Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry blog. If this your first visit, we hope you find useful information about our Lafayette cosmetic dentistry practice. If you have read some of our previous articles, we are glad you checked back with us. We post new articles regularly.

My name is Dr. Gordon West, DDS. I have been practicing dentistry in Lafayette since 1998. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry is a full-service dental office located at 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette, Colorado. In addition to providing comprehensive examinations and deep cleanings for clients in the Boulder area, we perform all types of tooth restorations.

When a tooth has decay or has been damaged, a dental restoration is needed to ‘restore’ the tooth to its previous intact condition. A dental filling is one of the most common and well-known types of restorations. A dental filling is used to repair decayed or damaged tooth surfaces. Most people have a few fillings in their mouth.

If you have old silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with nearly-invisible tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made out of a strong composite resin. Many of our Longmont cosmetic dentistry patients have replaced their old silver fillings with fillings matched to their teeth. You can improve your smile instantly and relatively inexpensively by getting rid of the ‘metal’.

Another reason some Broomfield and Louisville clients have had their old fillings replaced is because they are concerned about the possible heavy metal toxicity of the mercury in the silver.

If you would like to replace your amalgam fillings, call us at 303-665-5335 to schedule a consultation. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to show you around our Lafayette cosmetic dental office and introduce you to our friendly team.

Smile – it increases your face value!

Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed in Boulder can address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can perfect the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Lafayette dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Lafayette smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Lafayette dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Lafayette, Longmont and Louisville. Dr. Gordon West has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile. Our phone number is 303-665-5335.

Many Lafayette professionals, students and retirees are enjoying the lasting benefits of aesthetic dentistry. A beautiful smile not only looks great, it makes you feel great! When you first look in the mirror in the morning while brushing those gleaming babies, you remember; oh yeah, I fixed my teeth and they look fantastic!

When you smile at old friends or make new ones, you are happy to show off your new movie-star grin. When you are in a professional setting speaking with colleagues or clients, you feel poised and super confident.

We have talked about different cosmetic and restorative dental procedures available in Boulder in previous blog articles, but let’s review the most common.

Veneers are glass-like, wafer-thin covers that adhere to teeth. Porcelain veneers are strong and have the translucency of natural teeth. They correct chips, stains and misaligned teeth that do not require orthodontia. There are several companies that fabricate veneers. One of the most well-known brand names is Lumineers.

Crowns correct more extensive tooth problems. They are used in a variety of situations such as the final restoration following a root canal or to restore teeth damaged by decay, injury or periodontal disease.

Dental implants are one of the best fixes for a missing tooth. They are becoming a popular and effective alternative to bridges and partial dentures in Lafayette and surrounding areas, especially among middle-aged professionals and people in the public eye.

Bridges are another strong, natural looking replacement for one or more missing teeth. They have been used with success for many years.

Professional tooth whitening in your dentist’s office is the least invasive and quickest way to brighten your smile several shades. One of the most popular systems is called Zoom!.

If you are interested in any of these safe and effective procedures, schedule a consultation at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry today. Even if you are still a bit hesitant, remember: discussing your options with a  cosmetic dentist does not require a commitment of any kind. It is merely a relaxed way to get the most reliable information.

We are waiting for your call. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry can be reached at 303-665-5335.

A smile takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever. You can make your smile memorable and beautiful with a smile makeover at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette.

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that specifies dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetics. Cosmetic dentists perform general dental procedures in addition to providing advanced cosmetic dental treatments. Cosmetic dentists have specialized training in the latest cosmetic dental procedures and techniques.

Dr. Gordon West DDS in Lafayette is knowledgeable about the processes used to fabricate crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, braces and dental implants. Advances in ceramic and composite materials have boosted the popularity of cosmetic dentistry but these miracle materials are worthless without a skilled cosmetic dentist to incorporate them into a healthy and beautiful smile.

When designing a dental treatment plan for a patient, the client’s goals and expectations are discussed. The most skillful cosmetic dentists consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth. The cosmetic dental client’s age, health condition and lifestyle also influence the plan.

If you want to learn about the possibilities for your smile, call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335. We have created memorable smiles for many of your friends and neighbors in the Lafayette area.

• porcelain veneers
• prepless veneers
• dental implants
• http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com

As we grow older, we may welcome many changes. However, most Lafayette retirees do not welcome wrinkles, gray hair and dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be attractive and healthy throughout your golden years!

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear such as enamel loss, staining, and chips, it is not too late to restore your youthful smile. And, though tooth loss is fairly common for Colorado residents over sixty, in most cases it is preventable.

At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Boulder area, we treat patients of all ages. We specialize in porcelain veneers and dental implants.

If you live in Longmont, Louisville, or Broomfield, call 303-665-5335 to schedule a dental consultation. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques. Many procedures can be completed in one visit to our Lafayette dental office.

Give us a call at 303-665-5335 or find us on the Web at: http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com

Picture the following scenario: You are stretched out in a chair at your dentist’s office holding a remote as you try to tune into your favorite Colorado radio station. An assistant clips a paper bib around your neck. Someone switches on a bright overhead light and you see latex-gloved hands moving toward your open mouth. You close your eyes.

As you read this, does your heart begin racing? Are your palms sweaty?

If so, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Oral sedation benefits nervous dental patients in Lafayette every day. Moderate sedation is used for all types of Boulder dental procedures such as root canals, dental implants, and wisdom teeth removal. If you are considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental work, conscious sedation may allow your dentist to complete multiple procedures in a single visit.

Don’t let fear prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Schedule a visit with Dr. Gordon West to learn about conscious sedation dentistry.

• Dr. Gordon West DDS
• Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
• http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com
• Center for Advanced Dental Care

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette, Colorado 80026.

Give us a call at 303-665-5335 or find us on the Web at: http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in Lafayette and throughout Colorado.

Numerous ads for whitening products in our local Boulder media contain terms such as ‘white brite’, ‘22 carbamide peroxide’ and ‘peroxide teeth’. They look tempting, but how do you separate tooth bleaching fact from fiction?

First, and especially for our local Lafayette Colorado patients, we recommend talking to Dr. Gordon West DDS at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry. Just because teeth whitening products are readily available, it doesn’t mean they are all safe or appropriate for every person. Getting a professional opinion is a good first step.

Don’t be fooled by smile whitening hype and risk damage, especially if you need tetracycline teeth whitening. If you have existing cosmetic dental work such as crowns, bonding, partial dentures or bridge work, it is especially important to talk to a Boulder dental professional about worry free dentistry teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening kits are not the only way to quickly improve your smile in Longmont. Many of your neighbors have benefited from porcelain veneers. There are several brands of veneers such as Lumineers by Cerinate, da Vinci and Mac. We can help you decide on which is best for you.

Veneers are sometimes called ‘instant orthodontics’ because they can correct tooth misalignment and gaps as well as provide instant teeth whitening.

Porcelain veneers can also fix chipped teeth and cover stains. The vast majority of veneer recipients are extremely pleased with the results.

• Dr. Gordon West DDS
• Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
• 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201
• Lafayette , Colorado 80026
• 303-665-5335
• http://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/

Providing comprehensive dental care for Boulder families since 1998.

A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that looks, feels and works like a natural tooth.

The actual dental implant material is usually titanium. A post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation. The root replacement device can help prevent future jaw bone deterioration that can occur after a tooth has been lost. When the implant has integrated securely with the bone (it can take three to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached.

The dental implants available in the Lafayette area are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of configurations. One dental implant can replace one missing tooth. A series of implants can replace more than one tooth or anchor a dental bridge. Implants can also act as a sturdy base for partial or full dentures.

When calculating the cost of dental implants in Boulder, you’ll want to compare them to other restorative options.

Call 303-665-5335 to schedule a visit to discuss your dental goals and the possibility of reasonably cost dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth, you owe it to yourself to get dental implants information.

-Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry