From the Office

Cosmetic dentistry can provide a beautiful reinvention of sorts for your smile, and finding a dentist committed to natural results should be one of your highest priorities before moving forward with treatment.

At my Boulder comprehensive and cosmetic dental practice, we have a saying that a successful smile makeover is one that creates dramatic smile improvement without letting the world know you’ve had dental work done. There is a fine line between natural and contrived results, and we work hard to make sure your smile upgrades fit your face and are aesthetically believable.

Some patients will need several procedures to achieve a healthy, balanced, beautiful smile, so it is important that every step be carried out with a high level of attention to detail and personalization. As we address your tooth and gum issues one by one, my team and I will consult with you every step of the way to make sure you are happy with the direction your smile is going.

For example, during dental restoration treatments like dental veneers or

porcelain crowns, only safe, biocompatible materials like porcelain and high-grade dental ceramic are chosen. These materials share similar qualities with natural enamel and can be color-shaded to match your unique tooth shade.

Even with surgical procedures like dental implants or dental rehabilitation treatments involving bite stabilization, my team and I combine skill and artistic vision to ensure your results appear as naturally appealing as possible. To see several examples of our natural-focused dental makeovers, please browse our smile gallery.

If you are thinking about a smile makeover and you’d like to learn more about the steps we take to ensure the most natural smile results, we invite you to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Stop hiding your smile — a state-of-the-art dental implant can restore a glorious grin that you are excited to show off, and it’s a smart move for your dental health, too.

While dental bridges and dentures are effective methods of tooth replacement, dental implants are the only solution that provides a permanent replacement tooth root — and they are also the strongest, most durable option. A titanium tooth root is surgically implanted into the jawbone, and a crown or “false tooth” is attached to the root for a complete tooth restoration.

The dental crown is crafted from composite ceramic material that is color-matched to your natural teeth. Not only does your dental implant recreate the missing tooth structure in its entirety, it also looks very natural when it is finished. In fact, people who meet you after you receive an implant may never know you once had a missing tooth!

As we discussed in our previous blog How Missing Teeth Can Harm Your Dental Health, deciding on a dental implant has many benefits to the health of your entire smile. It prevents jawbone loss, shifting of teeth, and bite imbalance, and can even improve speaking and chewing. Dental implants are also a wise option to stabilize and support dentures, thanks to the solid foundation they provide.

I recommend dental implants as a comprehensive dentistry procedure that addresses both form and function extremely well. For examples of the difference a dental implant can make, please browse our smile gallery.

For a more in-depth discussion of dental implants and their powerful role as a smile makeover solution, please schedule an appointment at my Boulder comprehensive dental practice today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re wondering whether you need a general or cosmetic dentist, don’t worry —our team possesses exceptional skills for both general and cosmetic services.

While general dentistry is concerned with keeping the teeth and gums healthy, cosmetic dentistry is focused more on combining aesthetic treatments while ensuring top functionality of teeth.

Dentists cannot be “cosmetic dentists” without being general dentists first and foremost. Also keep in mind that cosmetic dentistry is not an official specialization, and any dentist can call be deemed a cosmetic dentist if he or she performs tooth restoration or enhancement procedures. That’s why it’s extremely important that you ask questions before choosing a dentist, both to make sure they are skilled in both areas and experienced enough to meet your needs.

General Dentistry: A Foundation of Health

General dentistry involves a comprehensive understanding of the facets of oral health and the treatments that can protect teeth from harm. General dentistry services include dental hygiene (teeth cleaning) and education, in addition to treatments like periodontal therapy, root canals and tooth-colored fillings. These fundamental treatments are focused on prevention and improving pain and discomfort due to dental problems like cavities and tooth infection. If larger issues are discovered, such as TMJ/TMD or orthodontic problems, a general dentist can either address the issue if they have specialized training in that area or refer the patient to another dental professional who can help.

Most general dentists can perform some type of cosmetic dentistry, although the skill levels can vary greatly. That’s why it is important to ask questions and look at before and after photos before choosing a dentist for cosmetic enhancements.

Cosmetic Dentistry: A Strong, Beautiful Smile

Cosmetic dentistry is a focus of general dentistry that involves a wide range of treatments to improve the appearance of smiles as well as strengthen teeth. Cosmetic dentistry services include veneers, dental implants, dental bridges, ceramic crowns, bonding, laser gum surgery, and many others. Cosmetic treatments are not taught in dental school; it's up to the dentist to obtain adequate training on their own.

Although there is no official certification for cosmetic dentists, they will participate in specialized training to learn all of the intricate techniques involved with tooth restoration. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, discolored teeth, or a missing tooth, you need cosmetic dentistry to restore strength and enhance appearance. A good cosmetic dentist will make sure to use the most advantageous dental materials and create results that look natural and are fully functional.

To simplify the comparison of general and cosmetic dentistry, you might think of your dental health as a house. While general dentistry represents the foundation, walls, and the internal systems like plumbing, cosmetic dentistry represents the strong siding that p

rotects the home and people inside, but also makes it look nice from the outside. Your ideal general and cosmetic dentist should make sure that any adjustments made to your smile are both good for you and good for your smile appearance.

If you’d like to discuss your general and cosmetic dentistry needs, my Boulder dentistry team and I are happy to meet with you. Please schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

If you regularly experience soreness and tension in your jaw, you may need to see a neuromuscular dentist. Pain in the jaw is a major sign of a temporomandibular joint disorder, also called “TMD” or sometimes mistakenly referred to as “TMJ.” Facial pain, neck pain, back pain, and even shoulder or arm pain may actually be an indication that the upper and lower jaws are not fitting together in an ideal position, a condition known as a “bad bite.” The good news is that TMJ/TMD treatment can work wonders to reduce or eliminate the pain and related symptoms.

Additional signs of a jaw joint problem, along with pain, can indicate the need for a comprehensive neuromuscular evaluation. My team and I practice neuromuscular dentistry in our Boulder, Colorado dental office to help patients restore a healthy bite and put an end to pain. You may benefit from a neuromuscular consultation if you experience headaches, jaw clenching or grinding, ringing in the ears, ear pain, limited range of motion in the jaw, clicking sounds in the jaw, loose teeth, or worn teeth. Seemingly unrelated medical issues like dizziness or hearing problems could be an indication that TMJ/TMD treatment is needed.

The actual diagnosis of TMD indicates a dysfunction of the jaw joints, or any of the surrounding muscle, ligaments, and tendons. TMJ/TMD treatment is tailored to the individual, using conservative approaches first, and a comprehensive philosophy that addresses the nerves, teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissue of the face, neck, and head. Often pain relief can be found through noninvasive methods, such as the following:

• Orthotic appliances to retrain the jaw muscles
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation) therapy to promote jaw muscle relaxation
• Lifestyle adjustments (diet, exercise)
• Physical therapy of the jaw joints
• Dental reconstruction (crowns, dental implants, and other restorations to redesign the bite)

If you think you may have a jaw joint problem, start with an advanced diagnosis using sophisticated jaw tracking technology. First we’ll spend a good amount of time identifying the dysfunction so we can set your bite right using advanced neuromuscular treatments. Our goal is to make sure you can move your jaw in all positions with comfort and ease. After treatment, we hope you will feel invigorated, healthy, and happy with your pain-free bite.

For experienced TMJ/TMD advice and evaluation, our team is here to provide you with answers and help alleviate your neuromuscular pain. To schedule your jaw joint assessment, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing personalized dental care to you and your family.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

I see a wide range of tooth and gum problems day in and day out. And the fact is that many of the issues my patients run into could have been prevented with better home care and regular dental visits. My team and I simply can’t stress enough how important the role of regular maintenance is in keeping your smile healthy.

Good wellness care involves a comprehensive approach to a great smile. It involves several aspects of health, including brushing and flossing, eating healthy foods, visiting us at least twice a year, and coming in when signs of a problem start — not waiting until pain has become unbearable. We are encouraging patients of all ages to take an active role in their dental health, to pay attention to changes in their teeth and gums and recognize signs of a problem. Most importantly, we want everyone who sits in our chair to understand the power of prevention.

I enjoy empowering my patients through age-appropriate education that addresses issues like:

• How bacteria can form cavities
• How missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss
• How dental cleanings significantly reduce dental caries
• How periodontal disease can affect heart health
• How dental crowns and fillings can protect teeth
• How jaw joint problems (TMJ/TMD) and a bad bite can cause tooth loss
• Why tooth-colored fillings are safer than metal ones
• How diet can affect dental health

Once an issue is identified, it is imperative to treat it right away. At our Boulder dental clinic, you’ll find a variety of restoration options designed to keep teeth looking beautiful and functioning exceptionally for many years. As part of our commitment to safety and total wellness, we practice metal-free dentistry with only the best biocompatible dental materials used.

For a more in-depth discussion of our wellness services, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing personalized dental care to you and your family.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

The successful management of your dental health takes a commitment on your part to make this aspect of your total wellness a priority in your life — and that includes following through with treatments recommended by your dentist.

As my team and I have seen firsthand, people who neglect their dental health and forego dental checkups or good dental hygiene pay for it in the long run. Avoiding necessary care can lead to comprehensive plaque build-up, bacteria collection and early stage gum disease, weakened tooth structures due to decay and degraded old dental work, and even jaw joint issues.

Here at my Boulder dental clinic, we try to convey the importance of early treatment and curbing the damage that cavities and other threats may cause. The link between dental health and total health is undeniable, and we urge patients to consider the consequences of ignoring issues that can put their dental health in danger. For instance, high bacteria levels in the mouth have been shown to directly correspond to narrowing of the arteries. With methods like professional dental cleanings and periodontal treatment, bacteria can be significantly reduced.

Dental restorations like dental crowns, veneers, and implants are performed to strengthen and protect your dental health, to make your smile more resistant to future health issues. We practice minimally-invasive dentistry, which means we prefer to use the most conservative treatments possible to address dental problems.

Of course we understand that cost is often an issue and that adding an unexpected dental treatment expense to your budget can be tricky to do. We offer a variety of payment options to help our patients afford care and we also accept dental financing for those who wish to spread payments out over several months.  

To learn more about the treatments we offer and talk to our team about ways you can be proactive about your dental health, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

The successful management of your dental health takes a commitment on your part to make this aspect of your total wellness a priority in your life — and that includes following through with treatments recommended by your dentist.

As my team and I have seen firsthand, people who neglect their dental health and forego dental checkups or good dental hygiene pay for it in the long run. Avoiding necessary care can lead to comprehensive plaque build-up, bacteria collection and early stage gum disease, weakened tooth structures due to decay and degraded old dental work, and even jaw joint issues.

Here at my Boulder dental clinic, we try to convey the importance of early treatment and curbing the damage that cavities and other threats may cause. The link between dental health and total health is undeniable, and we urge patients to consider the consequences of ignoring issues that can put their dental health in danger. For instance, high bacteria levels in the mouth have been shown to directly correspond to narrowing of the arteries. With methods like professional dental cleanings and periodontal treatment, bacteria can be significantly reduced.

Dental restorations like dental crowns, veneers, and implants are performed to strengthen and protect your dental health, to make your smile more resistant to future health issues. We practice minimally-invasive dentistry, which means we prefer to use the most conservative treatments possible to address dental problems.

Of course we understand that cost is often an issue and that adding an unexpected dental treatment expense to your budget can be tricky to do. We offer a variety of payment options to help our patients afford care and we also accept dental financing for those who wish to spread payments out over several months.  

To learn more about the treatments we offer and talk to our team about ways you can be proactive about your dental health, please schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

You pay your employer every month for dental coverage, but you may be a little bit in the dark as to what is actually covered. Many times, patients will discover the finer points of their policies only after a visit to the dentist — and often times are disappointed by the limitations. I encourage you to research the details of your coverage and talk with your dentist to make sure you know exactly what to expect before your dental bill comes.

Dental insurance is very different from medical insurance. With dental health benefits, the coverage works more like an allowance, given out only for approved procedures and treatments, with a maximum annual limit. Your insurance is a way to help you pay for the services rendered by the dentist, but very few policies will cover 100% of dental services.  

At our Boulder dental clinic, my team and I try to help our patients maximize their benefits, regardless of the type of insurance they have. Many people assume that dental providers have some sort of pull with the insurance companies, but we are really just third party in the equation. You as the patient pay the premiums and have the relationship with the company. You have to take things into your own hands and be willing to stand up to your insurance provider when they attempt to deny or limit benefits that are clearly stated in your policy.

When you visit us for your first dental visit, we can review your policy together to ensure you are prepared to pay whatever is required. We can also make calls to your insurer if there are questions about coverage before services are performed. We’ll also help you understand various tactics used by the insurer to avoid paying out too much — for instance, many policies will only cover metal fillings. However, they may let you apply the metal allowance to a tooth-colored filling instead, where you are responsible for paying the difference. You should also be aware that “preauthorization of treatment” is often used as a stalling tactic on the part of insurance company so that they can find loopholes in your policy wording to avoid payouts.

If you are interested in payment assistance, we can also discuss your options for dental financing.

If you’d like to come in for a wellness check or to address a dental issue, please schedule an appointment. We are happy to go over your insurance plan with you to identify your coverage specifications and help you understand your policy. 

A crown comes loose during a run-in with a candy apple, a tooth gets knocked out during an intense hockey practice, or an elbow to the jaw during a pick-up basketball game results in a painful cracked tooth… what’s the first thing you do?

Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness in the community regarding dental first aid. While most of the recommendations are common sense guidelines, there are a few specific details you should know in order to minimize the damage, control pain, and find a timely solution. Here is a brief summary of the crucial steps you can take should a dental emergency occur.

#1: Assess the level of seriousness.

This can be done by evaluating the physical effects you can see as well as the effects you can feel. Ask yourself (or the victim) the following questions to help determine the potential dangers.

• Is a tooth out of its socket or loose?
• Is there profuse bleeding?
• Is there a possibility of a broken jaw?
• Is a mouth laceration deep enough to require stitches?
• Is the victim experiencing extreme pain or other symptoms such as dizziness?

If a true emergency situation is identified, contact your dentist’s emergency line. If this is not possible, visit your nearest hospital emergency room.

#2: Apply first aid. For tooth injuries like cracks, breaks, or dislodged dental work, rinsing the mouth and applying a cold compress is recommended. Cuts to the cheek or tongue should be rinsed and pressed with gauze to control bleeding. If a tooth fragment or a restoration has come loose, make sure to save the pieces. If a whole tooth is dislodged, place it in saline solution or milk and contact a dentist right away. In some cases, the dentist may suggest setting a dislodged tooth back in its socket.

#3: Call your dentist. Instead of speculating or getting mixed information from the web, go straight to the source and contact your dental office. If they don’t have an emergency line, look for a clinic near you that does.

#4: Use medication sparingly. Consult with your dentist or doctor before taking any medication. Aspirin or Ibuprofen are commonly used to manage pain and swelling from a dental injury, but should be used only as directed.

#5: Baby the tooth. Don’t chew on the affected area, and avoid brushing or flossing until your doctor can look at the damage.

At our Boulder dental clinic, we work to educate our patients on the potential emergency situations that are possible, and what can be done to optimally protect the mouth. We also offer emergency services day or night, through out main contact number. For additional information, please visit the American Dental Association’s Dental Emergencies Quick Tips page on their website.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment to address any pending dental health issues, or simply want a wellness check to make sure everything is in tip-top shape, please give us a call.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

When you take a trip to the dentist’s office, the dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistants assess your dental health, provide recommendations, and treat various problems affecting your teeth and gums. What you don’t see is the behind the scenes team, the lab technicians, who design state-of-the-art restorations and dental appliances to accomplish the objectives set by your dentist.

At my Boulder dental clinic, I use a variety of different local laboratories to provide the best range of services. One for dentures, one for standard ceramic crowns, and another one for bridges, and yet another for handcrafted, ceramic onlays and inlays. Cases involving full mouth rehabilitation are sent to a local lab with specialized knowledge of neuromuscular principles.

I’ve found that each lab has unique strengths, and by using multiple labs I am able to customize the benefits according to each patient’s needs.

The technicians working in dental laboratories are responsible for creating dental appliances and restorations according to the specifications for each patient as directed by Dr. Ania. Many have received certification through the National Board for Certification and Dental Laboratory Technology as well as LVI (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies) training.

Here’s a brief description of how a ceramic onlay or inlay is created by a lab technician:

• The lab technician starts with the physical mouth mold or digital impression sent over by Dr. Ania.
• A model is made of the patient’s mouth, followed by a wax model of the teeth, which is then used in creation of a metal framework.
• Ceramic resin material is applied to the metal to match the size, shape and color of the tooth.
• Finally, the finished restoration is hardened using a baking process, sealed, and sent over to Dr. Ania’s office for permanent placement.

Our dental restoration team will choose the lab that we feel is strongest in your particular area of need and can meet the treatment requirements with exceptional results. .

If you’d like to replace old dental restorations or simply want a wellness evaluation, please schedule an appointment with my Boulder team today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry