Serving Sacramento, Modesto and Stockton, California

Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Michelle C. Bartolome & William H. Swearingen D.D.S

Sacramento, Modesto and Stockton - California. Periodic Messages about Cosmetic Dentistry

Friday, March 28, 2008

What is "instant orthodontics"?

For people looking to enhance their smiles, the term "instant orthodontics" will be heard quiet often when discussing porcelain veneers or cosmetic dentistry with knowledgeable people. Most people don't understand what is meant by this term. I will try to explain it and show some pictures that demonstrate it.

Essentially what the term means is that by judiciously shaping teeth by removing tooth structure that is in the wrong place and then bonding in its place porcelain that is in the right place you can create amazing results. This procedure is best utilized in severe crowding and space cases when the patient does not want to be treated with conventional orthodontics or Invisalign.

Before:


After:


Among the advantages it offers are speed of completion relative to orthodontic procedures ( 3-4 weeks versus 2-3 years). It also allows you to improve other issues at the same time that many patients are interested in, such as changing the color or shape of their teeth.

Before:


After:


Also, with conventional orthodontics the patient must wear a retainer for the rest of his/her life or the teeth will begin to shift back to their original position. With "instant orthodontics" a retainer is not necessary because the teeth have not been moved, even though it appears that they have. I hope the above pictures demonstrate adequately what I mean. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact my office and I'll be happy to discuss them with you.

posted by Dr. Swearingen at 3:18 PM 3 comments

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

A Special New Patient in Our Practice!

Ed Crane, the new co-host with Amy Lewis on KFBK's morning news and talk show (1530 AM) recently became our patient. He came to Sacramento all the way from New York. Ed went on a search for a cosmetic dentist when he arrived in Sacramento. After coming to our office and having a comprehensive exam and meeting the entire team, he selected us to provide his cosmetic treatment. What an honor for us! Ed is a great guy and is looking forward to his new smile. He will be talking about our office on his program. His "before and after" photos will soon be able to be viewed on KFBK's website as the case moves toward completion. Stay tuned and take a look at the transformation of Ed's smile!

posted by Dr. Swearingen at 10:28 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Dr. Swearingen becomes Accredited with AACD

February 28, 2008 was an exciting day at Dr. Swearingen's office. He received notice that he had been accepted as an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Accreditation by the AACD is a difficult process that requires seven levels of achievement including a written exam, five different types of patient case submissions, and lastly, an oral exam. The Academy has existed for 23 years and to date there are only about 300 accredited members in an organization of about 8000 members worldwide. Dr. Swearingen had been working on this process since 2003. There was a lot of "hollering" and "high fiving" by his staff when acceptance finally was received. Dr. Swearingen will be honored at the Academy's annual convention in New Orleans in May.

posted by Dr. Swearingen at 7:35 PM 0 comments

 

 

Email or call us to see how we can change your smile.

Michelle C. Bartolome D.M.D. & William H. Swearingen, D.D.S.

Cosmetic and General Dentistry

7916 Pebble Beach Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
916.966.1175