Gordon West DDS blog – Cosmetic dentist in Boulder

It’s Not About Vanity

Posted on October 19, 2018October 18, 2018

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide confidence and dignity to our patients through cosmetic dentistry.

Many people seem to have it all together with bright eyes and great smiles. We want you to be on the same footing as your friends, colleagues and customers. Wanting to look your best and feel your best is not about vanity, it’s about reality in the professional community. An unforgettable smile creates a favorable first impression and demonstrates polish and attention to detail. These are advantages for people in every field of work.

Popular ways to achieve such a worthy goal might be found in the services we offer at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette. We offer prepless veneers, teeth whitening, and dental crowns as ways to improve your confidence and security.

No matter your age, 25 to 75 – no matter your location from Boulder County to Louisville to Broomfield – we invite you to see our state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment staff and take the step toward that impressive smile you deserve.

Cosmetic dentistry from Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO can transform your personal and professional life. We also offer valuable services like sedation dentistry, and sleep apnea treatment. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

Posted on October 12, 2018October 10, 2018

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we enjoy sharing information about dentistry and teeth. Some of it is useful, and some of it is just fun to know.

Children’s teeth are soft until about age 10.
A tooth with a crown can still get a cavity.
Your gum tissue is as vital as your teeth.
Some prescription painkillers can increase your risk of dental caries.
Some home faucet water filters remove fluoride.
19 percent of little ones between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated dental caries.
Heartburn can damage teeth.
Allergies can cause tooth grinding.
Dried fruit is just as bad for teeth as sticky candy.
Tooth enamel cannot repair itself, though dentin and cementum (the substance that surrounds the tooth root) are capable of partial regeneration.
A Harvard-led team used low-powered lasers to activate stem cells and stimulate the growth of teeth in rats and human dental tissue in a lab.
There are about 300 types of bacteria in your mouth.
Chewing sugarless gum after meals can help remove food particles on your teeth. You still need to brush, but if you can’t brush immediately after meals, sugarless gum can help keep your teeth clean.
Cavities often don’t cause pain until they have reached the root and nerve of the tooth. Visit your dentist regularly to prevent cavities or at least to detect them when they are small.
Bone recession can cause tooth loss even if no decay is present.

We hope you have found this post interesting, and perhaps even learned something new about teeth. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, and a range of cosmetic dentistry services. Make an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

ArticleID 7003

Guide To Teeth Whitening

Posted on October 5, 2018October 4, 2018

So you want to whiten your teeth? It’s a reasonably-priced way to enhance your smile, look younger, and feel more confident in business or social settings. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayetete CO, we provide professional teeth whitening.

Here are five things we recommend, when it comes to teeth whitening:

Meet with us for a consultation first. There are several different teeth whitening systems and a consultation will help you identify which procedure is best for you.
It is essential to know that whitening does not affect existing fillings, veneers, or crowns.
During your consultation, decide how many shades lighter you want your teeth to be at the end of the treatment. Depending on the whitening treatment plan chosen, your teeth can be brightened three to eight shades. An in-office procedure achieves a degree of lightening that cannot be achieved with over-the-counter products.
Alternatively, we can customize a take-home kit for you. While this procedure may take longer, it is more affordable and more convenient for many patients.
With any of the teeth whitening systems, tooth sensitivity may be an issue. In most cases, it won’t last for more than a day or so. Let us know if it lasts longer.

In addition to teeth whitening, Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO offers other cosmetic dentistry services, along with dental implants. We also treat issues like sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

ArticleID 7314

Crowning Achievements In Dentistry

Posted on September 28, 2018September 27, 2018

This message looks at one a modern miracle: restorative dentistry, available at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO.

Let’s pretend you are a biomedical engineer working in the field of dentistry before the conception of dental restorations. The men and women of your generation who have missing or damaged teeth want to repair or replace them with a man-made substitute. You have been hired to find or create a material that can be used to manufacture fillings, crowns, and dental bridges.

Consider the physical and chemical requirements of this incredible substance. It must sustain forces of 162 pounds per square inch (PSI), hundreds of times a day – day after day, year after year. It must be resistant to cracking and chipping. But there’s a catch regarding its stability; it must not hurt the enamel on opposing teeth. This material must also maintain its size and shape and be resistant to shrinking.

It must be bondable to living tooth structure as well as other materials needed for specific appliances. It must be biocompatible with the soft tissues in the mouth as well as tooth enamel, dentin, and bone. It can’t trigger allergic reactions in the wearers. It must be corrosion-resistant to the chemicals in saliva, foods, and beverages. It must resist infection regardless of ever-present bacteria in the mouth. And it can’t contain toxic chemicals that could be absorbed into the bloodstream.

And we haven’t even talked about the artistic properties yet. Ideally, this amazing material would match perfectly with real-life teeth in color, opacity, and translucence.

Of course, we know that such a material exists because dental restorations have been around for a long time. At this time, there are multiple materials used alone or in combination including porcelain, ceramic, and metals such as gold and silver amalgam. Though the metals are exceptionally strong and malleable, they don’t meet some patient’s esthetic requirements and are used mainly for back teeth.

It is interesting to note that porcelain, one of the ideal materials used in modern restorations, was created over 2000 years ago in China.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we offer restorative dentistry, including dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

ArticleID 7320

Teeth Whitening: Do It Right

Posted on September 21, 2018September 20, 2018

As the years go by, our teeth naturally lose their luster. Dark colored foods and drinks speed up the process, but even people who avoid coffee, wine and cola are not immune to yellow or gray teeth. Want to brighten up your smile? Have you considered tooth whitening? Teeth whitening at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to look younger and more attractive.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Though some teeth whitening patients experience a little short-term sensitivity, most experience no pain at all.

There are several different methods for whitening teeth, but each uses a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have accumulated in the microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

DIY Whitening Products
First of all, commercially-available strips, mouthwashes and paint-on whiteners use a lower concentration of whitening agent than in-office methods. They rarely remove all of the stains on your enamel.

If you have gum disease, cavities, crowns, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers, we recommend visiting us first for a teeth whitening consultation. You are always better off having teeth whitening performed by a professional.

Don’t assume that teeth whitening offered at mall kiosks is risk-free. The industry is largely unregulated and the staff often have little dental training. Do you really want to take chances with your smile?

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide professional teeth whitening. We also offer dental implants, and treat conditions like sleep apnea. Give us a call today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

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Fun Floss Facts

Posted on September 14, 2018September 11, 2018

You probably believe that the most crucial aspect regarding flossing is simply to do it every day. At Boulder County Smiles, your dentist in Lafayette CO, we agree. However, many people find that trying out a few different types of floss helps them to establish or solidify the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire.

Let’s review some of the most common types of dental floss:

Basic floss is either a monofilament floss, which is commonly made of some kind of rubber or plastic, or multifilament, which is made of nylon or silk. Nylon floss is less costly, more common and is sold waxed or unwaxed.

Monofilament floss will not rip or tear, and because of this, many people find that it pulls in between the teeth easier. This type of floss is generally referred to as “glide” floss.

Both monofilament floss and multifilament floss are sold in differing thicknesses. It is helpful to find the size that works best for you. Since you should not have to snap the floss between your teeth, find the thickness that allows you to gently floss.

Dental tape is nylon floss in the shape of a wide, flat ribbon. Many Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients find that dental tape is the easiest floss to get between their teeth.

For those of you with braces or appliances, there are also flosses designed to be used with these devices. Make sure to talk to your orthodontist about flossing because you don’t want to break this vital habit just because you’re having your teeth straightened!

A good person to give you counsel about flossing is your dental hygienist. At Boulder County Smiles, our hygienists are prepared to answer any questions you have about flossing, brushing habits, and even cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, services also include general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

ArticleID 5273

Don’t Put Off Your Dental Exam

Posted on September 7, 2018September 6, 2018

Hi kids and adults in Lafayette. No matter what age you are, as long as you have teeth, dental exams are a vital practice for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, and the Boulder County Smiles dentist wants to help.

We have an excellent office and state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment and a team of professionals to make your exams something you’ll look forward to.

Knowledge is Power
Dental exams are often put off because they can be seen as unnecessary. But exams are truly one of the best methods for preventative care. At each check up, our experienced and well trained hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth. Once they are polished sparkling clean, your teeth will receive a thorough analysis. They will be inspected for any dental caries, gum recession, excessive wear, or other risks. Catching these types of threats early is crucial so you can be certain that they don’t turn into larger problems.

Innovative Dental Technology
Technology is moving swiftly, so it’s essential to find a dental office that has the latest instruments to ensure your check up is detailed and comprehensive. At Boulder County Smiles, we have state-of-the-art technology that is used for your exams. If a malfunction is detected, an appropriate, individualized treatment plan will be designed.

Peace of Mind
After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is required moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will be certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette we provide general and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

ArticleID 7260

Dental Questions? Gordon West DDS Has Answers

Posted on August 24, 2018August 23, 2018

Health conscious people want to take care of their teeth. However, many men and women need a place where they can review basic principles of dental health and get straightforward information about restorative and cosmetic dental procedures such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers. This blog from a Lafayette CO dentist is your source for this helpful oral care information.

Many of our dental patients have concerns and questions about their oral care. That’s why we include hot-button dental issues in our blog such as:

Smile Makeovers
Sealants
Invisible Braces
Toothbrush Care
ADA Seal Products
Tooth Protection
Gum Contouring
Dental Implants

We hope that this information will help you make educated decisions about your oral care.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, dental implants, and treat conditions like sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

Schedule Your Coronation

Posted on August 17, 2018August 15, 2018

We treat all of our patients royally here at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, but some of them receive actual crowns. Not what a king or queen wears, but crowns for your teeth!

Crowns are a therapy for a host of problems:

To protect a weak tooth from decay, breaking, or to hold together a cracked tooth.
To cover and provide strength to a tooth with a large filling and little tooth structure remaining.
To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
To improve a tooth that is too small or misshapen.
To cover a tooth with severe discoloration.
To add strength to a tooth following a root canal procedure.

If you feel like you have a need for a crown, don’t look any further than Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Our dentists and lab techs have the experience, training, and expertise to make sure your crowns are constructed and placed accurately. There are many different kinds of crowns that serve different purposes. We complete an extensive examination to ensure the crown you get is perfect for you and your smile.

We then prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit the way that it should. Once the tooth is prepared and ready, we use state-of-the-art tools to fit the crown on your tooth. When done properly, crowns can last many years.

Crowns are wonderful way to safeguard and beautify your smile. Schedule a coronation today! Boulder County Smiles also provides dental implants, and sedation dentistry.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

Restore Or Replace: New Life For Your Damaged Tooth

Posted on August 10, 2018August 15, 2018

As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat (although we don’t know anyone who has actually tried). And with cosmetic dentistry at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, there is more than one way to fix a tooth.

If you are the lucky owner of a set of perfectly healthy teeth, you may never need any of these procedures. However, if you are like most of us, you will probably need to restore a tooth eventually. Today’s post looks at six restoration procedures that are used routinely to repair damaged teeth:

A Porcelain Veneer
These wafer-thin covers can hide a chip or crack or fix the alignment of a tooth that is slightly crooked.

A Filling, Inlay, or Onlay
This procedure has been used to restore teeth for over a century though the materials and techniques have advanced. One fairly new option is white filling replacement for metal fillings. A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab, they are frequently called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are frequently smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

Dental Bonding
Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to correct chips, cracks, stains, and make teeth longer. It is also sometimes used to fill cavities. A skilled cosmetic dentist applies pliable composite resin and molds it to the specific shape needed. The resin is then hardenend with a special curing light.

A Dental Crown
A crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. Crowns are used for teeth that have had a root canal, teeth with acute decay, the replacement tooth in a dental bridge, and the visible portion of a dental implant. Crowns can be made of all metal (such as gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, or all resin.

Dental Implants
Many dentists consider a tooth implant to be the ultimate restoration because it restores the entire tooth – both root and crown. Most dental implant recipients report that the implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Another boon is the fact that an implant can prevent bone recession which is common at an extraction site. Dental implants are used in a variety of applications such as anchoring dentures and dental bridges.

For more information about any of these cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Boulder County Smiles. We also treat sleep apnea and other conditions. Make an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

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