Gordon West DDS blog – Cosmetic dentist in Boulder

C-PAP Is Not The Only Sleep Apnea Treatment in Boulder

Posted on March 30, 2018April 3, 2018

Do you have obstructive sleep apnea? If so, it’s important to see a Boulder health care professional right away. Left untreated, sleep apnea can become life-threatening.

Does your bed partner tell you that you frequently stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea:

Loud snoring
Awakening suddenly
Difficulty staying asleep
Frequently being tired during the day
Waking with a dry mouth
Headaches, especially right after waking
Difficulty concentrating

Recurring lapses in breathing during sleep cuts off oxygen to the brain. When the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.

CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the best-known treatment for sleep apnea. But it isn’t the only one.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT), conducted by a dentist, can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:

As a first-line treatment for people with mild to moderate OSA
As a first-line treatment for individuals with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
As a combination therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)

A custom-fitted oral appliance allows patients to breath normally during the night. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be made by a physician. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.

The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:

More convenient
More comfortable
Portable
Quiet
Requires no electricity
Easy to clean
May allow wearer to talk and eat during use

If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea, OAT can restore your health. The team at Gordon West DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry encourages you to see your doctor soon, before your health is compromised.

If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call the office of Gordon West DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry for an appointment or consultation. We also provide cosmetic and general and family 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

Dental Implants in Lafayette CO

Posted on March 16, 2018March 19, 2018

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, CO we believe every patient deserves a dazzling smile, whether it takes teeth whitening, dental crowns, or dental implants.

This blog post focuses on dental implants.

What is a dental implant?

Simply stated, a dental implant is a permanent post placed into the jawbone, with an attached abutment and artificial tooth. A dental implant can also support a dental bridge or denture.

Who can benefit from dental implants?

Ideal candidates for an implant include patients with missing teeth, dentures, or bridges who have healthy oral tissue, sufficient bone structure, and proper health for bone healing. For most of our patients who seek tooth restoration, a dental implant is a good option.

What preparation is needed?

An initial visit with Boulder County Smiles is the first step. For this evaluation, be sure to bring pertinent medical information, your current medication list, and any questions you have about the process.

Dental implants take multiple visits and the procedure is different for each patient, so be sure you understand all the specifics. If we determine that you don’t have enough bone structure at the implant site, bone grafting may be necessary.

How do I ensure successful healing?

After the dental post has been placed in your jaw, avoid drugs or medications not approved by your dental caregiver. Eat soft foods for a while to give your mouth time to heal. Keep the mouth cleaned properly around site. Follow the directions given at each visit. Stay healthy by eating a nutritious diet and getting proper rest. Do not smoke.

In routine cases, the treatment time varies from about six weeks to about six months, from the time of implant placement to when the crown is placed.

How do I care for dental implants?

Caring for implants is not much different than caring for original teeth. Take care not to chew hard things, such as ice, and seek treatment for teeth grinding if it is a problem for you. Keep the implant and surrounding gum tissue clean, just as you would with your original teeth.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we look forward to seeing you. In addition to dental implants, our services include general and family dentistry, and state-of-the-art laser technology.

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

Let Us Ease Your Dental Anxiety

Posted on February 23, 2018March 16, 2018

Are you worried about seeing the dentist? Are you confused about discussing your smile? Settling into the reality of what you are prepared to discuss with your dentist is the first step to relief.

1. Talk To Us:
Whether you want to have dental crowns or teeth whitening done, call now to schedule a consultation. If you’re nervous about sedation dentistry or in denial about the need for clear braces or prepless veneers, the reality is that Dr. Gordon West has been meeting with patients since 1998 in Lafayette, Colorado 80026. Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been here and will continue to be here for you when you’re ready. 720-862-3630

2. Choose a Dentist:
The next step is making a choice. As you sift through the choices and elect the right dentist in Lafayette, Colorado keep in mind that Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers competitive pricing and affordable options. The reality is that we service the Broomfield, Boulder County, Louisville areas with pleasure and look forward to treating your dental concerns with accuracy, gentleness and care.

3. Go Forward with Confidence:
The final step to relief is just smiling. We’d like to take care of dental implants or cosmetic dentistry or porcelain veneers for you. And we are convinced you’ll walk out the door smiling.

Center for Advanced Dental Care -Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General 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

What’s Your Dental Plan?

Posted on February 16, 2018March 6, 2018

Planning for Success

To achieve the utmost in oral health and a stunning smile, you need a strategy. If you’re in Lafayette, Colorado looking for a smile makeover and need porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants or any number of dental restoration procedures done, your strategy should be: “Contact my professional neighborhood dental practice.” Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry is at your service.

We’ve been serving the Lafayette area since 1998. Our valued patients will tell you they can’t get over the way Gordon West and staff corrected and transformed their most vital feature into a remarkable smile. We would love the chance to thrill you, as well.

An Investment In Your Health

If you’re worried about how expensive the work you need could be, don’t worry, you might be pleasantly surprised about the bottom line. Especially, if like many of our nearby Boulder patients with dental coverage, your insurance picks up a significant portion. But even without insurance, the procedures can be affordable. We have competitive pricing and work to keep the costs reasonable when it comes to dental crowns, teeth whitening and sedation dentistry. Let us transform your smile into one that will light up the world.

Here’s the strategy you need: Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry!

During your consultation, we will discuss all of the procedures we offer – from braces to crowns to veneers to bridges. Knowledge is power.

Center for Advanced Dental Care

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

Healthy Living Starts With A Smile

Posted on February 9, 2018March 6, 2018

What comes to mind when you hear the term “healthy living?” A dinner plate with a grilled chicken breast and steamed vegetables? The sound of your feet rhythmically hitting the ground on your favorite jogging pathway? A cholesterol test indicating that your arteries are doing great? If you pictured a white, healthy smile or a dental x-ray showing no cavities, we salute you.

At Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we urge everyone with a smile (that includes you!) to include oral health in your definition of “healthy living.”

When done correctly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an integral component of everyday oral hygiene. Brushing should be done at least twice a day. We recommend a soft bristled toothbrush to protect your gums. Brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes and make certain you reach all the surfaces.

Flossing should be done once a day and is needed for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. A wide variety of floss can be found at Lafayette stores, so experiment until find one you like.

I’m Dr. Gordon West of Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry. As a healthcare provider, I am committed to helping each of my patients enjoy oral health and avoid tooth and gum problems that can compromise their all-around health.

And just as some healthcare providers provide cosmetic procedures, I also deliver services that improve the esthetics of your smile. Ask us about porcelain veneers, dental implants, invisible braces, white fillings, inlays/onlays and same-day teeth whitening. For more information, call Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 720-862-3630 or visit https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/.

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

Chipped Tooth? No Need To Panic

Posted on February 2, 2018March 6, 2018

There are basically two ways to handle a chipped tooth: 1. Panic.
2. See Dr. Gordon West right away and get on with life.

Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry can fix a chipped tooth in a jiffy by determining the right solution and expertly preforming the procedure. Decay, missing teeth, braces, even crowns can impact the course of treatment.

Time is often an important factor when it comes to tooth repair so don’t wait, call 720-862-3630 to schedule an appointment. Our address is:
1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado 80026

We’ve been around since 1998 – serving your neighbors in Lafayette and improving smiles for Boulder County patients.

When Lafayette residents need cosmetic dentistry, we’ve successfully managed their treatment. When Broomfield patients have needed porcelain veneers, we’ve watched happy, smiling patients leave our office. And when you need dental implants, we are happy about the opportunity to make a true believer out of you!

We offer dental crowns, teeth whitening, sedation dentistry and Invisalign clear braces. Trust Dr. West to deliver exceptional results. No panic. No mistakes. No worries.

Relax.

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

5 Reasons To See Dr. West

Posted on January 26, 2018January 26, 2018

When we are young, we feel invincible. We think we will live forever, and we know more than our parents. As we age, we soon discover that invincibility fades, forever isn’t as long as we thought, and we begin to appreciate the collective wisdom of those who have gone before us.

Since you have probably discovered by now that your teeth are not invincible, today’s post offers some important advice about your oral health. Developing a relationship with a skilled, experienced, and friendly family dentist is important for maintaining healthy smiles for every member of the family. Here are 5 reasons to make Dr. Gordon West your partner in oral health.

Visit Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Truth.
Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the wisest moves a parent can make for their child. A child’s oral health is a journey of guiding and correcting. Healthy habits are formed over time. Perhaps last year it was about refraining from chewing ice, this year it’s about brushing at the base of the molars and next year it will be about flossing daily. Best to get the bad habits corrected right away. The same holds true for adults. Regular visits can correct a course that may eventually lead to pain, gum disease, damaged teeth, or complete tooth loss. Potential problems are best discovered sooner than later.

Visit Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Atmosphere.
At Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry the dentist makes it a point to determine your needs. Whether you have urgent concerns or just need a routine check up on the state of your oral health, Dr. Gordon West would like to be your first choice. We’ve got a staff second to none. We keep the atmosphere state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment.

Visit Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Discussion.
Gordon West DDS delivers valuable assessment and discussion regarding cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. Dr. West provides fresh, clear details regarding your treatment. You can count on thoughtful care and state-of-the art oral treatment. Call 720-862-3630 today to schedule an appointment.

Visit Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry For the Answers.
When you enter our doors at 1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201, Lafayette, Colorado 80026, expect to get answers. What are the pros and cons of prepless veneers or the advantages and disadvantages of braces and at what age are each appropriate? How much does it cost for teeth whitening? How much for fillings and crowns? How long does it take for dental crowns? Where does it hurt when sedation dentistry is done? Who is a candidate for Invisalign clear braces? What are symptoms of teeth grinding?

Visit Us For Your Health!
Health is maintained through regular check ups, maintenance, and preventative measures. Enjoy continued health and vibrancy as a result of superior dental care, vigilant dental hygiene and healthy habits. Dr. Gordon West is pleased to offer strength, time and wisdom to our Broomfield and nearby Boulder County neighbors. We will keep your smile invincible.

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

You, Only Better

Posted on January 19, 2018February 14, 2018

If you’re looking for the brightest, whitest smile possible but insist that you want it to look natural, Dr. Gordon West can sit down with you and show you how to achieve it. 720-862-3630

Here at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry we use effective, cost sensitive, cutting-edge methods and tools as we create the best smile for each individual.

Many professionals and public figures in Colorado are taking advantage of modern cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance and enhance their natural attractiveness. Perhaps you have noticed men and women in the local media with smiles that seem extremely bright and beautiful for people of their age.

You, too, can have a smile that is extremely bright and beautiful, regardless of your age. Whether you are in your fifties, sixties, seventies or beyond, we can provide an anti-aging treatment that doesn’t offer empty promises. Our smile makeovers deliver dramatic results as promised!

You have probably heard of porcelain veneers, dental implants, orthodontics, crown restoration, and teeth whitening. Some lesser-known procedures include laser gum contouring, silver filling replacement, and implant anchore dentures. Gum countoring can remedy a gumline that is not aesthetically pleasing. We can replace old amalgam (silver) fillings with composites that are matched to your tooth color. Denture wearers can improve not only their smile but their eating ability with implant-anchored dentures.

Let’s do this together. If you have other issues that need to be reviewed first, rest assured that Dr. West has been offering cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, and dental implants since 1998. You can be confident that Dr. West has the expertise and high standards you deserve.

We offer state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable environment, and our team is waiting to schedule an appointment for you at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette. Let us enhance your natural beauty with a smile makeover.

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

Dental Problem? There Is Always A Solution!

Posted on January 12, 2018February 14, 2018

There is no doubt that a healthy, pleasing smile positively affects one’s life. It lets us convey confidence and friendliness in business and social settings. A beautiful healthy smile also affects our personal relationships. When we smile, we appear (and feel!) younger and more attractive.

Research has shown that smiling also helps reduce stress, increase productivity, and express empathy.

But if you are troubled by dental problems, then you may feel insecure about your smile. A smile makeover is the solution to your troubles.

When you visit Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry, you will find Dr. West to be very empathetic about how you feel about your teeth. Together the two of you make a plan to help you gain the remarkable smile that you have been missing in your life.

One question to examine before going in is: What changes do you want to see in your smile?

There is no need to feel helpless. There is always a solution. Straightening teeth, fixing chips, replacing missing teeth, re-shaping teeth, and brightening teeth are only some of the changes that Dr. West can perform. If you have a problem, your dentist will help you find the solution.

If you are worrying about the cost of a smile makeover, remember there is a way to make it happen. When you and your dentist decide on your smile transformation plan, budgeting becomes part of it. Together, you will figure out how to complete your smile makeover in a timely, competitively priced manner.

If you feel that a smile makeover can improve your life, book an appointment with Dr. West at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette by calling 720-862-3630. We will give you the stunning smile that you can be proud of.

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

Change Your Life In 4 Steps

Posted on January 5, 2018January 12, 2018

Healthy teeth that work as nature intended are indispensable for a high quality of life and overall health. Folks who notice dentures know what I’m talking about.

There is no question that dentures are preferable to a completely toothless mouth, but they are not trouble free. Your mouth provides several basic functions, each of which can be impaired by the inconveniences of dentures.

Dentures can make it problematic to chew and taste food. It’s embarrassing to talk when they are slipping around in your mouth and laughing can dislodge them entirely. They can even make it hard to breathe – and it doesn’t get more basic than that.

Even if you have had dentures for many years, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are an extremely versatile custom-made alternative to dentures.

Dental implants can be used to replace several teeth and/or anchor over dentures. Mini dental implants (also called denture-stabilization implants) allow your dentist to securely attach an appliance so that it won’t slip or irritate gums. Small titanium posts are implanted into the jawbone and fuse with the surrounding bone, creating a tough base for an over denture.

Here is the process:

1. Examination and Assessment
During your first visit, your dentist will take x-rays and assess your mouth and the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Your dentist will analyze options with you and together you will develop a treatment plan.

2. Implant Placement
A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the actual implant or root replacement, an abutment, and final restoration. The first step is to insert the titanium alloy implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how rapid and easy the procedure is.

3. Integration
Implant surgery would not be successful if your jawbone did not welcome an artificial and non-biological tooth root. Amazingly, in the vast majority of cases, the jawbone tightly fuses with the implant to create an extremely tough foundation for the last restoration. It takes from three to six months for your jawbone to work its wondrous magic.

4. Final Restoration
Whether your last step is a crown, bridge, or denture, your dentist will work with the lab to engineer a beautiful and functional restoration. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process. Dental implant restorations are practically indistinguishable from initial teeth.

Dental implant patients of all ages are thrilled with the better quality of life implants deliver.

Are breathing, speaking, eating, tasting, and laughing important to you? Call us to schedule a consultation.

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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