Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - William H. Swearingen D.D.S

Chair side bonding

2009-10-19T09:37:00.003-06:00

Cheri had chair side bonding done approximately 10 years ago which was starting to deteriorate. She wanted to have it replaced. Cheri also had wear on the front teeth and a poor shape. She wanted all that improved. After discussing the options with her which included, porcelain veneers or composite veneers (which are done in the office) she elected to do the composite veneers. We contoured her gum tissue and used several different shades and tints of composite to create a natural, beautiful smile. After treatment, Cheri stated that “she can now smile confidently.”

2009-09-10T09:07:00.002-06:00

Celeni came to us with concerns about the crowding and appearance of her smile. She had seen Orthodontists in the past and they recommended surgery along with braces. She was looking for other options. She sought out Dr. Swearingen who recommended doing 6 upper veneers and contouring her lower teeth. Celeni was excited about this option and proceeded with treatment. She began with In-Office whitening by Zoom II which lightened her teeth by 7 shades. We prepared her upper 6 teeth and shortly thereafter we placed her veneers.

"I never thought I could smile with such confidence!" exclaimed Celeni when she returned for additional care a few weeks later.

What ever mother deserves...

2009-08-24T18:13:00.003-06:00

Susan spent her whole life catering towards the need of other while putting her own needs on the backburner. Susan had teeth broken down, decay in her mouth, signs of periodontal disease and discolored fillings, it wsa finally her turn to "change her life!" We proceeded with her upper arch and once that was completed we did her lower arch. Susan had a total of 20 veneers/crowns placesd, which was all well-deserved!! After all the years of putting others first, it was now her time to shine... and her smile has never been brighter!

Small Laterals

2009-06-29T12:57:00.002-06:00

Megan wanted us to address the spacing her mouth as well as her small laterals. She decided to do her whitening at home with Zoom’s take-home bleach. After she was pleased with the shade of her teeth we made her 6 upper veneers. We were able to make her teeth more proportionedand create a beautiful smile for her. She loved it!!

Correcting Anterior Crowding

2009-06-22T11:56:00.001-06:00

Joyce came to us with several concerns she wanted to address. She previously had root canals on her front teeth that were beginning to discolor, as well as the black triangles between her teeth. Joyce was happy with the shade of her teeth and wanted to match the veneer to her current color. We mentioned to Joyce that the ideal treatment would be to place veneer on her upper 10 teeth to correct her concerns as well as widening her buccal corridor. At this time Joyce wanted to do upper 6 teeth and then in the future the additional 4 veneers. We were able to match the shade of her teeth and close the black triangles that Joyce was concerned about. ”I love my new smile and appreciate the happy energy everyone in the office expresses.”

2009-06-01T16:53:00.006-06:00

Leslie came to our office because she was concerned with the decalcification on her front teeth as well as the slight space. To achieve her goals we recommended placing veneers on her front 4 teeth. Leslie began with our In-Office Whitening system by Zoom. She was very pleased with her results and wanted to proceed quickly with her cosmetic work as she was going to be in a wedding in just a few weeks. We prepared her teeth for veneers and she wore the temporaries for a short period of time. On the day of delivering her permanent restorations Leslie was thrilled, and left with a big smile on her face. We followed through with Leslie after the wedding and she said she couldn’t stop smiling and it was a great confidence booster. “I had a wonderful experience with your office. I love my new smile!"

Missing Anterior tooth

2009-04-02T18:45:00.002-06:00

Brock came to our office wanting to replace his missing front tooth, along with the chipping on the edges. He was getting married and wanted to have his smile improved before the “big day!” We started Brock off with whitening his teeth using our In-Office system. For Brock we did a 3-unit bridge and contoured the gum tissue, using a laser, to give the illusion that the missing tooth would be coming out of the gum tissue. We also proportioned his teeth better allowing them to be symmetrical. Since then, Brock’s life has changed and he smiled bigger than ever on his wedding day.

Covering tetracycline stains

2009-03-26T08:36:00.003-06:00

Beverly came to us concerned with the tetracycline stains in her teeth along with the slight spacing. To receive the optimum color results Beverly decided to do her entire upper arch in veneers and crowns, and whiten her lower teeth with bleaching trays. We slightly lengthened her teeth. Beverly has been so to pleased with her results that she states “My teeth have completely changed my self image. I have so much more confidence in myself than ever before. The results of the expertise and professionalism of Dr. Swearingen and his entire staff have far exceeded my expectations!”

2009-03-05T16:02:00.002-07:00

Debby came to our office with certain goals she wanted accomplished. Debby was concerned with the color discrepancy of her front teeth, as well as the slight crowding. She also wanted to improve the overall health of her mouth. Debby was interested in having her teeth whitened with the Take-Home system by Zoom. We were able to accomplish all of her goals with veneers on her upper 10 teeth. We contoured the gum tissue which allowed us to slightly lengthen her teeth. Debby has been very pleased with her natural, beautiful smile.

Reducing a "Gummy Smile"

2009-03-02T09:44:00.005-07:00

After living many years with a “gummy” smile Terrie wanted to make a change. She was interested in lengthening her teeth and reducing the amount of gum tissue that showed when she smiled. The ideal result for Terrie was to see a Periodontist for a gum lift. This is a minor procedure that makes a world of difference. Healthy, well-contoured tissue compliments and frames the teeth to give her a much more vibrant smile. In just a few visits Terrie had 10 porcelain veneers placed giving her a much more attractive smile.

Sedation Dentistry

2009-02-25T17:28:00.001-07:00

We just recently came home from a great weekend in L.A. We spend 3 full days expanding our knowledge on the aspects of Sedation Dentistry. This is such a wonderful option for patients that have anxiety, gag reflex, or those who desire to get all their treatment done in just one visit. We have you montitored the whole time using a pulse oximeter which measures your blood pressure, your heart rate, and your pulse every 5 minutes. You get to sit back and relax and not let your anxiety get in the way of having a beautiful smile.

Missing laterals

2009-02-09T17:22:00.002-07:00

Melissa came to our office because she was concerned with her missing upper laterals. Her “baby” right lateral was still in place. Her ideal treatment was to extract the baby tooth and then place Melissa in Invisalign to move her teeth to the proper position prior to starting her cosmetic work. This process would take alittle bit longer, but the overall results of her case would be greatly improved. Melissa wore her Aligners for approximately 6 months, which made enough room to place teeth in the space that her laterals should be in. As soon as we ended the Invisalign treatment Melissa was anxious to get started with the cosmetic portion. We prepared 2 bridges that would replace the missing teeth. We also contoured the gum tissue, using a laser, around the missing teeth to create the illusion that her teeth were coming out of her gums. Melissa has been so happy with her results and thanks Dr. Swearingen for giving her a beautiful smile!!

Invisalign

2009-02-09T10:19:00.002-07:00

Invisalign is a great alternative to the traditional “bracket and wire” braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom fit, clear aligners that gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you’ll be proud of. There are so many benefits to Invisalign such as, the overall hygiene of your mouth. You are able to remove them to brush and floss. You change your aligners every 2 weeks which guarantees tight fit and movement. The great thing about Invisalign is that you are able to enjoy social gatherings without the hassle and embarrassment of braces. Also, very important to most patients, is the fact that often treatment time is significantly reduced because of the precision of Invisalign process

From Fillings to Veneers

2009-02-03T17:06:00.002-07:00

Michelle came to us in September of last year and was concerned with her front 4 teeth. She had some old composite fillings that were discoloring and chipping away. Michelle stated that she “wanted an attractive smile rather than just fillings.” With that being said, the perfect option for Michelle was to do her front 4 teeth with veneers. Michelle was anxious to get started so we proceeded with impressions to recreate her smile in a wax simulated model. After Michelle approved her models we prepared her 4 upper teeth. In just a few short weeks we were able to deliver her permanent veneers and Michelle couldn’t have been happier with the results.
“An amazing dental group!! Dr. Swearingen is a keeper!”

A new look to the office..

2009-01-28T10:11:00.001-07:00

We are so excited about the current changes in our office. We have converted from the traditional x-rays to the current, state-of-the-art digital x-rays. There are many benefits that come along with digital images such as, less radiation. Digital x-rays use 80% LESS radiation than the traditional x-rays, while not compromising the quality of the picture. In fact, digital x-rays can be more beneficial when diagnosing treatment. We are able to colorize, zoom, and enhance the picture making it easier to show our patients the areas of concern. Another big bonus is that the x-ray is immediately shown on our computer screen in the operatory. There is no longer the 10 minute delay while waiting for the film to develop. We understand that x-rays can be a drag for many patients, but we are confident you will find the new system comfortable, beneficial, and exciting!

Traveled distance for excellence

2008-10-28T08:45:00.002-06:00

Rob was traveling for business and was located in the Sacramento area for a few short weeks. He wanted to get options on replacing his Porcelian Fused to Metal crown in the front that was placed over 30 years ago. We were able to achieve his goals in the short amount of time that he would be in this area. We began Rob’s treatment with our In-Office whitening procedure by Zoom. A few weeks later, Rob came and we prepared his front 4 teeth. We, also, contoured his tissue slightly with a laser so we could lengthen his teeth. On the day Rob came in to deliver his restorations we added composite to both of his canine teeth to help protect his restorations when he functions. Rob was thrilled with his new smile and will continue with further dental treatment in our office even though he resides in Colorado!

Transforming a nice smile to a beautiful smile

2008-09-29T09:40:00.004-06:00

We just completed a 4 unit veneer case that turned out beautiful! Kelly came to us a few months ago wanting to know her options to correct the protrusion of her upper lateral teeth. She was taking the summer off and planning to travel so she wanted to get started immediately. Kelly, along with many patients, started with whitening her teeth! She chose to do the In-Office procedure, by Zoom!, and had great results. At her next visit we shaped her 4 upper teeth for her restorations. We were able to contour some of her gum tissue by using a laser. Kelly was thrilled when she left our office. She did some traveling to different states to visit her friends and family. They couldn’t believe the transformation this made in her confidence. Since the completion of her case she has found a new love and is relocating to another state. Kelly excitedly stated “This procedure has changed my life, thank you Dr. Swearingen for your amazing work!”

Closing an Anterior Space...

2008-09-15T11:52:00.003-06:00

Valerie came to our office a few months ago with several concerns about her smile. She wanted to close the space between her two front teeth and to make her teeth whiter. We started Valerie off with our In-Office whitening procedure by Zoom. In one hour Valerie achieved 7 shades lighter, which she was thrilled about!
A few weeks later she came in to the office to view the models of her teeth in wax. This showed Valerie a great representation of how the teeth would look. She was able to view them and discuss any concerns she may have had with the doctor prior to any treatment being done in her mouth. Valerie was anxious to get started so within a few days we prepared her upper 12 teeth for crown and veneers. What a life-changing day that was for Valerie. After her final porcelain restorations were placed Valerie stated that
“Dr. Swearingen’s attention to detail and willingness to listen to my preferences is exceptional. The professionalism and friendliness of the staff is unsurpassed. They all feel like family.”

Ohhhh... To Be "Daddy" again!

2008-09-09T18:18:00.005-06:00

Dr. Swearingen and his wife, Robyn, are proud to announce they are new parents to Toby. After raising 8 children and enjoying life with 10 grandchildren, bringing a puppy into the home would be an easy task… or so they thought. Toby, a typical newborn, sleeps a lot and eats frequently. Life is great!! To the Doctors dismay a change of lifestyle has begun.
The living room is filled with chew toys, tennis balls, the lost slipper, and the missing sock that the dryer ate!! Toby, loves to put anything in his mouth such as toes, fingers, your entire arm! J Although, I believe most arms are twice as big as him.
There is no longer time to relax at home. You’ve got to be at his beckon call to rush him outside when you think it’s getting close to “The Time.” He seems to be getting better about this… but, let’s ask Doctor in the middle of winter when it’s raining outside and it’s 4:00 in the morning how much he enjoys rushing him outside?!?
He is a cute little guy! Toby is now several months old and has found comfort and warmth in the arms of his family! He’s adjusting fantastically and will be loved to no end!
Toby is a Maltipoo. So, the next time you see Doctor Swearingen make sure you congratulate him on his new addition to the Swearingen Household!

Improving a poor PFM (Porcelian-fused-to-metal) Bridge

2008-09-08T16:53:00.002-06:00

We have all seen bad Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM). They stand out like a sore spot in a smile. They look too bright, frequently are misshapen, and have a dark line at the gumline. They are unpleasant to the eye, and most patients who have them are hesitant to smile.
Now-a-days, with new more cosmetic materials available, many patients are wanting to change their previously placed crown or bridge for a natural more cosmetic restoration. By replacing a PFM restoration with an all porcelain restoration we are able eliminate the bulky appearance and allow light to pass through the crown giving it a much more natural look.
One example of such a case is Gerardo. He came to us with an ill fitting PFM bridge that had all the classic signs of an unnatural restoration. By replacing the bridge in the front we were able to contour the gum tissue surrounding the “fake” tooth to create an illusion that the tooth is actually growing out of the gum. This technique is not utilized by many dentists but Dr. Swearingen has mastered it. Because of the metal substructure to Gerardo’s previously placed bridge the color was flat and unable to allow light to pass through it. By using an all porcelain bridge we were able to create a color transition and translucency giving it a very natural look. By seeing Gerardo’s after pictures you’d never know which tooth he was missing!

A new "Prepless" smile...

2008-07-21T11:26:00.004-06:00

A new kind of veneer is taking cosmetic dentistry by storm. In some situations patients that are unhappy with the shape and color of their teeth can have them permanently transformed, often without being numb!! WOW!!! What a fantastic option!!!! You may ask, “How can this be possible!?!” Well it is…we offer what’s called “prepless veneers,” which are similar to Lumineers – but better! They are a thin-shell of porcelain that is placed over your existing tooth structure. Even better news is the fact that prepless veneers can be reversible, painless, and permanent! Other prepless veneers, such as Lumineers, can look bulky and unnatural. This is why we have chosen to use Frontier Dental Lab to help fabricate all of our prepless veneers.
Jacky is a patient we recently did prepless veneers on. We met her at a seminar back in October of 2007. She was unhappy with the chipping of her front teeth, her overbite and the color. Jacky wanted to fix her smile without the removal of tooth structure. She was a perfect candidate for prepless veneers!
We started by whitening her teeth with our In Office Whitening Procedure, Zoom AP.
We reshaped a few of her teeth to give her optimal results, and took impressions! All of this was being done without anesthetic!!
Shortly thereafter we had her case back from the lab and we were able to deliver her upper 10 prepless veneers in a few short hours! Jacky left without being numb allowing her to enjoy her smile from the minute her prepless veneers were bonded on!!!
She was so pleased with how natural they looked that Jacky stated “When my daughter came to visit from abroad, I had to prompt her to look at my smile to notice the changes that had been made. My teeth are now so perfect and so natural!”

The Tooth That Never Came In

2008-06-16T13:07:00.002-06:00

As if going to High School isn’t hard enough… now imagine going to High School missing a front tooth. This is what one of our patients had to go through everyday of her freshman year. Megan* a highly-motivated, well-rounded 14 year old cheerleader was congenitally missing her upper left lateral. Megan had spent the past two years of her life in braces preparing to replace her missing tooth. Because of her age and the fact that both adjacent teeth were healthy we were excited to give Megan the option of doing a Maryland bridge. A Maryland bridge allows us to replace the missing the tooth without having to remove tooth structure from the teeth next to it. This was a perfect option in her situation! Megan started with our In Office Whitening procedure, Zoom AP! which brightened her exisiting teeth so we could match her new tooth to a beautiful new shade! We were all anxious for Megan to receive the tooth she had so longed for, but I’m sure not nearly as much as Megan! Within an hour of her delivery appointment Megan had her new tooth…. AND SHE WASN’T EVEN NUMB!!!! Typically, no anesthetic is needed when doing a Maryland Bridge! She was able to smile from ear to ear! Seeing patients as happy and grateful as Megan and her mom is what makes doing dentistry so rewarding for all of us!!!
“Thanks to Dr. Swearingen, I have a beautiful smile, and just in time for gradutation!”

What's the buzz on DaVinci Veneers??

2008-06-12T15:47:00.001-06:00

I’m sure, if you’ve watched the popular television show of a few years ago called “Extreme Makeover,” you’ve heard the term “DaVinci Veneers” at some point. DaVinci Dental Studios is the dental lab that the dentist on the show chose to work with which has given them popularity in the public eye. They are not a specific type of porcelain or procedure, they are strictly referring to the lab that produced the cases. We, however, have been using a lab known as Frontier Dental Lab for many years and have built a fantastic reputation with them. We are so lucky to have them located in El Dorado Hills, basically in our backyard! They are well-known in The United States and Europe. We take pride in the smiles we create. We feel we’ve selected the best lab to help us achieve the natural, beautiful smiles that our patients deserve.

Sleep through your next dental appointment....

2008-06-04T16:40:00.001-06:00

Don’t let your dental anxiety come in between achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile. At Dr. Swearingen’s office we offer a wide range of comforting techniques that may be the answers you’ve been looking for. We pride ourselves in making sure that each patient is treated with TLC, for some people that’s all that has been lacking. For those whose fears go beyond simple courtesy, we offer different forms of relaxation to help alleviate fear or anxiety. This option is also good for patients that may require an extensive amount of time in the chair.
Nitrous Oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) will put you in a peacefully state of mind during the procedure. This is a mild form of sedation and allows you to drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Another option is using an Oral Sedative Medication known as Triazalom. This is considered a conscious sedation, but will put you in an extreme state of relaxation. Dr. Swearingen is a member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation (DOCS) and is also licensed with the State of California which allows him to administer the medication.
We do also have the option of offering an anesthesiologist to come into our practice to use IV sedation. This is an unconscious form of sedation and requires a driver to and from your appointment.
These sedation techniques give patients – who may otherwise avoid the dentist – an opportunity to allow us to help them receive the smile they deserve.

Dr. Swearingen and Staff Go to New Orleans for His Accreditation Award

2008-05-18T21:01:00.001-06:00

Dr. Swearingen and his staff recently returned from New Orleans where he received recognition and an award for achieving "Accreditation" status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This is a special honor achieved by only a small number of dentists in the world. The AACD has been in existence since 1984. They have just celebrated their 24th anniversary. During that period only 286 dentists worldwide have been able to become accredited out of a membership of over 8000 dentists. Needless to say, the staff and Dr. Swearingen were very excited when he was recognized by his peers at the award dinner. Dr. Swearingen had worked for nearly 5 years on various types of cosmetic procedures as well as a written and oral exam to achieve this award.

While they were there they were also able to see post-Katrina New Orleans and were pleasantly surprised at the progress that appears to be being made there. Various people indicated that the city was about 80% of normal. Hopefully, that beautiful and exciting city will be fully recovered very soon!

2009-11-23T10:46:00.002-07:00

Nicole was concerned about the color, wear and spaces on her upper teeth. She came to our office with composite bonding that was placed many years ago and it was beginning to chip away. By placing a combination of 6 upper crowns and veneers we were able to address all of her concerns. After treatment was completed Nicole said “I receive compliments for my smile and beautiful teeth on a regular basis. Thank you Dr. Swearingen and staff in restoring my confidence and helping me to smile again!”