Finding the right cosmetic dentist requires careful consideration and not all general dentists provide cosmetic procedures. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, you are selecting a dental professional who will help you change your appearance by improving the look of your teeth and smile and with Dr. Shlafer, you have the best of both worlds!

Dr. Shlafer has extensive experience in cosmetic procedures and as your  general dentist, he already has a picture of the current status and condition of your mouth. Dr. Shlafer takes many factors into consideration  before cosmetic treatment begins which include, the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion. Dr. Shlafer understands these factors will have an impact on the longevity of the cosmetic treatment you desire.

Some things to consider:

1. How long has the dentist been in practice?  Dr. Shlafer has been practicing dentistry in the Farmington area for 24 years now.
2. Investigate the level of cosmetic dentistry experience. Dr. Shlafer will be happy to discuss the specific details about what he can offer you during your next re-care appointment or if you are new to our practice,  it can be discussed  during a complimentary visit.
3. Are there before and after photos of previous patients to show you? Dr. Shlafer has several examples of patient photos available for you to see and help you imagine what he can do for you.
4. How extensive is the dental practice? Do they offer study models, bonding pre-views, or lab wax-ups to help you visualize what you are planning?  These services are standard for the cosmetic patient undergoing a smile make over with Dr. Shlafer.
5. What dental technologies are used in the practice to help serve your needs?  Lasers, caries detection devices, CAD/CAM restoration,and intraoral imaging are just some of the technology Dr. Shlafer offers to his patients.
6. What patient comforts are provided? Dr. Shlafer offers his patients headphones to provide calming music, oral sedation, nitrous, comfortable chairs, blankets and pillows that will make the treatment process  a more relaxing and anxiety-free experience.

Cosmetic dentistry results may vary and are dependant on the skill of the dentist. We’re here to let you know you have chosen the right place!  Dr. Shlafer is exceedingly skilled and the staff is friendly, welcoming and quick to address your concerns. Please call for your complimentary evaluation, you’ll be glad you did!

 Advances in Dental Care

Has time gotten away from you? Has it been a while since you’ve been in to see Dr.Shlafer? If so, be prepared to discover a lot of new options to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Here are a few of the newer dental care procedures and techniques:

• Improving dental health: How high-tech x-rays can help. For the last several years digitized x-rays have replaced traditional radiographs in our office. Digital x-rays are faster and more efficient. First an electronic sensor is place in the patient’s mouth to capture the image, that image is then relayed to our computer for viewing. Dr.Shlafer can store the digital images and compare them with previous images to see if there are any changes.
• CEREC–CAD/CAM technology stands for “computer assisted design/computer assisted manufactured” Together, with Dr.Shlafer’s expertise, this translates into an opportunity to have a porcelain crown or inlay fabricated and completed in one visit. This eliminates the impression we all enjoy, wearing a temporary for 2 weeks, and returning for a second visit.
• Better Bonding and filling materials–If you have chipped a tooth, you can have it fixed to look extremely natural thanks to improvements in bonding material and techniques. Today’s bonding material is a resin, which is shinier and longer lasting than substances used in the past. There is also a wider range of shades available that can be better blended to match your tooth’s natural color. This resin material can also be used in place of amalgam fillings on back teeth to give the tooth a more natural appearance. More on new technology tomorrow.

Dr.Shlafer has recently completed an implant course at the Ickert Center in Vancouver, British Columbia. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that Dr.Shlafer places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are a great option that allows patients to replace missing teeth with ones that look, feel, and perform like natural teeth. We are very excited to now offer this service to our patients! Stay tuned to our blog for more details.