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

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

Finding a new dentist doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you know what you’re looking for before you begin. Here we make some suggestions as to the qualities and characteristics you might consider as you conduct your search. And, while it is great to have the finer points checked off paper, you should also trust your instincts when looking for a Boulder dental team to trust with your comprehensive dental health. If you get a good (or not so good) feeling about a practice, we encocurage you to ask many questions as you can and then move on if they don’t meet your expectations.

Technology

Ask your potential dental practices how they integrate technology and what types of advanced treatments or features are available currently. For example, laser dentistry and digital X-rays are two technological advancements that provide benefits like improved safety and early cavity detection.

Results

You can tell a lot about a dentist’s abilities from before and after photos of cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Personal Service

The way you are treated both over the phone and in person is a good indication of how the practice regards patients.

Attentiveness

Attentiveness is one thing that is missing from many medical and dental practices, especially when patients are scheduled back-to-back.

Education/Experience

Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist about his or her background and training, and to research the educational facilities and check for accreditation. 

Patient Education

A dentist who truly cares about the long-term health of patients will empower them through educational efforts, such as a dental blog, engaging visual aids, and fun educational models for kids. 

Amenities

A practice that offers amenities is likely one that will put forth extra effort to improve the whole patient experience.

Dental Treatments

Find out if the practice offers a wide variety of treatment types, so that you can have all of your dental needs met through one strong team. Ask about Invisalign® braces, porcelain veneers, or other dental restoration options, as well as dental rehabilitation services such as TMD treatment and periodontal therapy.

If you’re shopping for a new dentist, my team and I would be honored to have you come in for a dental wellness visit or a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Please schedule an appointment to meet with my Boulder dental team at your convenience and we’ll show you all we have to offer.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry 

The root canal procedure has earned a bad reputation as a painful and invasive dental procedure. This common misconception most likely originated decades ago before technological and anesthetic advancements made the root canal not just bearable, but quick and often painless.

At my dental practice in Boulder, we perform endodontic procedures using the latest techniques and technology. The root canal is actually a wonderful tool to help save teeth in trouble that would otherwise need to be removed.

Purpose of a Root Canal

The root canal is one of many restoration services designed to preserve your natural tooth and protect it from extraction. Unlike the less invasive options, the root canal is often the last resort option after more conservative treatments have been considered. If you have a severely infected tooth, or tooth that is cracked, fractured, or damaged beyond the repair capabilities of a filling or crown, a root canal may be your best treatment option.

What to Expect During the Root Canal

First, my assistant and I ensure that you are properly anesthetized. When the affected area is completely numb, I use a tiny dental drill to access the dental pulp through an opening in the enamel. I then perform a pulpectomy, the removal of diseased pulp. The root canals and pulp chamber are cleaned thoroughly and then enlarged. A non-toxic material called gutta-percha is used to fill the chamber and empty canals. Finally, I add a dental crown to the tooth to restore a natural appearance and provide additional support.

Choosing Your Endodontic Specialist

The dentist you choose can have a significant effect on your experience as well as your results. Ideally, you want a root canal specialist who has many years of experience and is an active leader in the field of dentistry. I believe the best way to provide excellent care is to stay current on dental techniques and technology through continuing education and organizational participation, I am currently a member of The American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I continue to study all aspects of dentistry and regularly attend classes and seminars at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute.

To learn more about the root canal procedure and our other tooth restoration solutions, or to schedule your next dental wellness visit, please schedule an appointment to meet with my Boulder dental team.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

The Free Dictionary - Medical Dictionary Edition defines restorative dentistry as, “that branch of the healing arts concerned with the teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and restoration of defective or missing tissue.”

Benefits of Dental Restoration

At my dental practice in Boulder, we are proud to offer several restorative solutions to help patients of all ages achieve and maintain the healthiest teeth and gums possible. Restorative dentistry requires both skill and creativity in that it is applied for both functional and aesthetic purposes. For you, this means our restorative services will leave you with teeth that are strong, durable, healthy, natural-looking, and beautiful.

Restoration Treatments

Our restoration services are completely personalized and optimized to ensure maximum comfort during treatment. We utilize the latest restorative dentistry techniques and technology in order to provide you with quality results that last many years and are highly resistant to damage. Depending on the information gathered in your initial consultation and exam, we may recommend one or more of the following restorative treatments to help you achieve optimal dental health.

• Invisalign™ braces
• Bioliner™ 
• Porcelain veneers
• Ceramic crowns
• TMJ treatment
• Dental implants
• Tooth whitening
• Periodontal treatment
• Laser dentistry

Start With an Exam

If you haven’t seen a dentist in awhile, we encourage you to schedule a professional hygiene appointment and X-ray session. Beginning with a thorough dental cleaning, we’ll evaluate your dental health up-close and carefully review your films. If there are any areas of concern, we will give you detailed information on your possible solutions.

Please note, you do not have to have a dental health issue in order to benefit from our restorative treatments. If there are physical traits you would like to change, such as an overly gummy smile, discolored teeth, or dark, metal fillings, we are able to apply cosmetic solutions to benefit your appearance while ensuring ultimate strength and durability. During your first visit, you can also inquire about our additional dental services, such as dental bridges, root canals, dentures, TMJ treatment, and AgilityGuard.

For additional details about our comprehensive Boulder dental services, please schedule an appointment to meet with the team.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

A bright, white smile is a thing of beauty, a coveted trait that few adults possess naturally. But not to worry, there are a few tips, tricks, and treatments that you can use to combat discoloration and maintain an attractive shade of enamel no matter what your age.

Hygiene and Habits

At my cosmetic dentistry practice in Boulder, Colorado, we educate all patients on the importance of dental hygiene to both prevent bacterial damage and protect your natural smile attributes. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the golden rule for maintaining a beautiful smile. As you may know, excellent dental health begins with good eating practices, and avoiding high sugar foods can prevent compromising your smile through decay. Scheduling regular dental wellness visits ensures any signs of decay are caught early, preventing the destruction of natural enamel.

Remember, also, that certain foods and beverages can cause staining and speed up the discoloration process. Enjoy coffee, tea, red wine, and berries in moderation and be sure to brush and floss after consuming them. 

Nicotine is perhaps the greatest preventable cause of discoloration and gum disease. If you’re a smoker, we would be happy to put you in touch with cessation programs in the area that can help you quit.

Professional Whitening

Laser tooth whitening is one method many of our patients turn to in an effort to revitalize teeth that appear dull and discolored. We also offer a take-home option by Opalescence, with customized mouth trays, that lets you whiten gradually in the comfort of your home. Keep in mind that professional tooth whitening offers a higher concentration of the active whitening ingredient carbamide peroxide, along with the peace of mind of professional supervision to ensure optimal results.

To learn more about smile whitening, please visit our previous blog post entitled “Professional Whitening Vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening.”

For more advice on keeping your smile bright and beautiful, please schedule an appointment with my team at your convenience.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth gaps are a sore spot for some people and a trait that they’d rather give up. While small gaps may add character to a smile, a sizable gap can make you self-conscious about your smile.

At my Boulder, Colorado dental practice, we offer several solutions for fixing gapped teeth. Depending on the size and position of your gap, and how it affects your neighboring teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry can be very effective for improving both the appearance and function of your teeth.

• Invisalign braces — These clear, plastic aligners work to gently realign teeth in order to close gaps and relax overcrowding. Once treatment is finished, your teeth will be in a more advantageous position, giving you the ability to use them more effectively and creating a more attractive appearance.

• Porcelain veneers — Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that sit on the front surfaces of teeth. They can cover several teeth at once, effectively masking small gaps and other physical issues. While veneers do create a natural-looking solution, they are recommended for appearance improvement only and should not be used in instances where a gap is causing chewing or speaking problems.

• Dental implants — If you have large gaps that exist due to lost teeth, a dental implant is the cosmetic dentistry option that comes closest to having a real tooth. Dental implants are anchored to the jawbone and shaped to look just like your natural teeth. If you fill in a gap with an implant, you can minimize jawbone loss, regain full chewing power, and stop neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

If you’d like to see how cosmetic dentistry can help with tooth gaps and other smile problems, please visit our Smile Gallery for before and after images.

To discuss your solutions for filling in tooth gaps, please contact my Boulder, Colorado dental practice today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

During my many years of practice, I’ve learned that there is no “typical” patient. Every person has a unique set of oral health challenges that must be addressed and managed with a high level of personalization. The only way that we can successfully do our job and provide truly individualized care is through highly interactive visits.

I want to make it clear to my patients that communication is a two-way street at my comprehensive Boulder dental practice. I rely on your input to effectively diagnose and treat issues with the goal of helping you achieve the best smile possible.

Starting with your initial consultation and continuing through to all of your  wellness visits and dental treatments, you are encouraged to share any and all information about your lifestyle and your overall health. In turn, my team and I will share valuable information you can use throughout your lifetime to achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

We’ll also continue to provide you with details on all of the dental restoration services we feel may be of benefit to you, along with new treatments and procedures that may enhance your health and smile appearance.

It is vital that you feel at ease with our team and are able to share any concerns you may have about your dental health or the type of care we provide. If there is anything we can do to enhance your experience, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Good communication is just one aspect of highly personalized dental care. Read more about our customized care in our blog entitled

“How Personalization Enhances Your Dental Visit.”

To learn more about our philosophy of care and schedule your first visit, please contact my Boulder, Colorado dental practice at your convenience. We look forward to getting to know you and introducing you to our unique, comfortable style of dentistry. 

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Invisalign® braces are one example of new cosmetic dentistry technology that is changing the face of dentistry as we know it. With all the buzz lately about this smile-straightening innovation, I wanted to take this opportunity to address some of the most common questions I hear from my patients.

What benefits do Invisalign braces offer over metal braces?

The plastic aligners offer a subtle method of smile straightening, far less obvious than metal brackets. They’re also removable, so you can eat what you want and clean your teeth with ease. Office visits are required less frequently, too, only every 4 to 6 weeks. No brackets, no wires, no food restrictions, and no need to hide your smile for the duration of treatment.

 How do I know if Invisalign braces will work for me?

When you visit our Boulder, Colorado dental office, my team and I will evaluate your teeth and gums and suggest the smile makeover options that can improve the look and function of your teeth. If you have noticeable tooth gaps, a crossbite, an underbite, or unevenly-spaced teeth, you may be a good candidate for clear braces. Invisalign is also often recommended when neuromuscular problems cause a bad bite. Invisalign offers an online self-assesment tool at http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/Adult-Self-Assessment-Tool.aspx.

Do Invisalign braces hurt?

Invisalign is such a popular option today due in large part to the comfort aspect. The clear, plastic aligners are far less obtrusive than metal brackets, and they are not connected to each other by wires that can poke or irritate the mouth.

Is there a quicker way to get straighter teeth?

If your tooth misalignment issues are cosmetic in nature and aren’t causing any bite or dental health issues, you might consider porcelain veneers instead of braces. Please consult with our team to get an accurate recommendation as to what method of treatment can help you accomplish your goals.

Are Invisalign braces as effective as metal braces?

Most patients are able to get results that are comparable to metal braces within the same timeframe. We also offer traditional braces — after a an evaluation, we can make a recommendation and come to a mutual decision regarding your best straightening option.   

If you have always dreamed of a straighter smile and you’d like to find out more about the benefits of Invisalign, please contact my Boulder, Colorado dental practice today.

Dr. Ania

Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry