Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my smile?

There are many ways to achieve smile enhancement. The simplest is through whitening or bleaching. This procedure can be accomplished in the dental office or at home with a professional home bleaching system. Bonding or composite veneers can change the shape and shade of the teeth instantly and in one appointment. In this procedure tooth-shaded composite resin is bonded directly to the teeth.

Porcelain veneers can alter not only the shape and shade of the teeth, but can also be used to straighten crooked teeth and repair bite dysfunction. Through a process called smile design a patient can acheive the smile of his or her dreams in just a few appointments.

Would I benefit from smile enhancement?

Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile, but feel there isn't anything that can be done. People from all walks of life have had their smile enhanced to allow them to feel more confident in their career and social life. Dr. Brannock has rejuvenated smiles for patients with many conditions including: severly darkened or tetracycline stained teeth; outdated porcelain over metal crowns with black lines showing at the gum line; stained fillings and bonding on the front teeth; missing teeth; cracked biting edges; excessively worn and shortened teeth; and replacement of black or silver fillings with tooth-colored materials.

Why should I choose a smile enhancement over other cosmetic procedures?

If you have ever seen Extreme Makeover you have probably noticed that a new smile makes the biggest difference in the subject's appearance. People tend to focus first on a person's smile. We also make value judgments based on the appearance of that smile. A person with a healthy, bright, attractive smile is perveived as more intelligent, confident, and capable. According to an Ameican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, 75% of respondents believed an unattractive smile coould hurt their chance for career success.

Whom should I trust with my smile?

When considering smile enhancement, one needs to be aware that many dentists advertise cosmetic dentistry but haven't been thoroughly trained. A dentist performing smile design therapy needs to be highly educated and skilled in designing the appearance of the smile to fit the patient's face. The dentist needs to have excellent communication and listening skills to work with the patient as a partner to achieve the patient's goals.