Blog | Optima Dental Spa

How to Care for Your New Dental Veneers

October 16, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Blonde woman with dental veneers smiles while wearing a mustard yellow pea coat outside by fall leaves

When you get veneers, it can finally feel like you have the smile of your dreams. You may be walking around, looking for every opportunity to show off your pearly whites. To keep that glowing feeling and that sparkly look lasting as long as possible, keep in mind these important steps for taking care of your new dental veneers:

Maintain Daily At-Home Oral Hygiene

No special changes are necessary for your daily at-home oral care if you’ve been following the recommended guidelines of brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day. Doing this will keep your gums and tooth roots healthy, which in turn will help keep your veneers looking great. If you’re having a tough time staying consistent, try switching to an electric toothbrush and water flosser.

Watch What You Chew On

Before getting veneers, you may not have thought twice about chewing on some ice, your pen, a jawbreaker, lollipop, or unpopped popcorn kernel, but you definitely should now. That intense pressure from chewing on a hard material can end up chipping or cracking the material that your veneers are made out of.

Get a Guard

If you play a lot of contact sports and you don’t already have a custom athletic mouthguard, now is the time to get one. Wearing a well-fitted mouthguard will help prevent your veneers from suffering potential damage from a blow to the face, a fall, or a collision. Additionally, if you grind your teeth at night while you’re sleeping (a condition called bruxism), you should get a custom nightguard so you don’t end up damaging your dazzling new veneers.

Expert Help in Lake Oswego, Portland & Bellevue

Do you need more help keeping your dental veneers in their very best shape? As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Optima Dental Spa team. We are proud providers of veneers at our practice, and we can answer any questions you might have about the cosmetic procedure. Or if you are interested in getting veneers and you’re here doing preliminary research, all you need to do is give us a call or send us an email to set up your complimentary consultation!

Visit Our New Bellevue Dental Office!

October 10, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Hey, dental family! Our Optima Dental Spa team has some exciting news. We already have locations in Lake Oswego and Portland, OR, but we’re proud to introduce another office location for Optima Dental Spa in Bellevue, WA! Here’s a little bit more about it:

Our New Optima Dental Spa Location

Come check out our new Optima Dental Spa office conveniently located at 10500 NE 8th St., #208, Bellevue, WA 98004, near the intersection of NE 8th Street and Bellevue Way NE. You can find us in The Bellevue Collection, which is just a quick Sky Bridge stroll from Bellevue Square. If you have any trouble at all finding our office, call us at 425-688-1345 so we can give you additional directions.

Bellevue Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Thursday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Meet Our Dentists in Bellevue

When you visit our Bellevue location, you’ll be seen by one of our friendly, hardworking dentists: Dr. Lynn Jones or Dr. Sarah McDonald. Both dentists are passionate about helping each patient achieve and maintain their very best smile.

Dr. Lynn Jones

Dr. Jones received her dental doctorate from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She is internationally recognized for her excellence in cosmetic dentistry. In fact, her exceptional work helped the practice snag a spot on CBS Seattle’s Best Places for Teeth Whitening list and on Seattle Met’s Best Dentist list for 10 years.

Dr. Sarah McDonald

Dr. McDonald also earned her dental degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry and has received various awards for her research and patient care. She loves continually enhancing her dentistry skills and knowledge about a variety of dental topics, particularly Invisalign^®, dental implants, and IV sedation.

Our Dental Services

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive suite of dental services in order to meet the unique needs of our patients. For example, we not only provide preventive dentistry like routine check-ups and cleanings, we also provide cosmetic and restorative dentistry like Invisalign, veneers, and dental implants. Whatever your dental issue or goals may be, whether you’re looking to improve your gum health or would like to makeover or restore your smile, we’d love to help you every step of the way. Our Bellevue dental office also provides sedation dentistry!

Visit Our Dental Office in Bellevue!

At our Bellevue dental office, we will strive to help you have a positive dental experience from start-to-finish. And for those who are not native English speakers, we have team members that can communicate in Russian, Romanian, Korean, Spanish, and French during your appointment. So why wait to schedule your visit with us? Contact our practice by phone or email – we hope to see you very soon!

Porcelain vs. Zirconia Dental Crowns

September 30, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Gray-haired woman wears a burgundy blouse and smiles with dental crowns

A dental crown can be a great solution to a broken or damaged tooth. Alternatively, multiple crowns can be used to totally refresh a smile. If you are a candidate for a dental crown, or crowns, read on to learn about the options we offer here at Optima Dental Spa.

What Is a Crown?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that fits right over a natural tooth. Crowns are custom-made with durability, comfort, and aesthetics in mind. This restoration aids in fixing a variety of issues, such as hiding a cracked, worn-down, or discolored tooth; restoring strength and function to a damaged tooth compromised by decay and/or infection; topping a dental implant; or anchoring a dental bridge.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns consist of a special ceramic that is durable and stain-resistant. It can be layered to create a natural look that matches the shade, shine, and translucence of neighboring teeth. Although realistic-looking and strong, they are not invincible and can chip.

Zirconia Crowns

We also offer zirconia crowns. Zirconia, sometimes referred to as “ceramic steel,” is incredibly strong. In fact, solid zirconia crowns are the strongest available material for crowns. This is a safe, nontoxic option that provides a long-lasting new tooth. It is unlikely to crack or break and can withstand immense pressure, which is a requirement for functional back molars. Although zirconia’s appearance does not mimic that of natural teeth quite like porcelain, a layer of porcelain can be added to help this restoration blend more seamlessly with your smile.

Crowns in Lake Oswego & Portland

If you have a problem that requires a crown, set up a visit and we’ll have your smile restored to full beauty and function in nearly no time. If you’re not sure which crown material is best for you, we can provide a further breakdown of the pros and cons of porcelain and zirconia. So come on in for a consultation and we’ll help you understand which is right your needs. Contact us today!

What Is Holistic Dentistry?

September 25, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Balding dark-haired man smiles while wearing black glasses, a white shirt, and an open blue button up

The link between your dental health and your overall health and wellbeing is not to be ignored. Here at Optima Dental Spa, we emphasize that link with our practice of holistic dental care. New to the notion of holistic dentistry? Read on to learn all about it.

What Is Holistic Dental Care?

With our holistic approach to dental care, we look beyond just the care of your teeth by taking into account your overall health and recognizing connections between your wellbeing and your oral health. That means using non-toxic materials, emphasizing patient education and preventive care, promoting relaxation, and much more.

Mercury-Free Fillings

A key component of holistic dental care is in the materials we use. Traditional amalgam fillings actually contain mercury, an ingredient that can contribute negatively to your overall health. At our practice, we use only non-metal, composite fillings. Not only are they free of unhealthy elements, but composite fillings actually serve to strengthen your teeth. Additionally, we are happy to provide the service of safely removing and replacing amalgam fillings if you have them.

Porcelain Crowns

Similar to how we only use natural-looking and safe materials for fillings, we are also picky about the materials we choose for dental crowns. We opt to provide our patients with porcelain crowns. These restorations are not made with metal, and therefore safe to remain inside your mouth for long periods of time. Porcelain crowns are strong and durable, and they offer a realistic look that will blend in with the rest of your smile.

Holistic Dental Care in Lake Oswego & Portland, OR

Our Optima Dental Spa team will recommend a conservative treatment plan whenever possible. And you can trust we’ll be honest when we explain why certain procedures will benefit your oral and overall health. So let us know if you have any questions about our comprehensive dental services or would like to schedule an appointment. We have dental offices in Lake Oswego or Portland. Contact us today!

Full Mouth Reconstruction 101

September 21, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Brunette woman smiles and holds up a magnifying glass to her full mouth reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction allows us to completely reinvent your smile, replacing each and every tooth. It can be a fantastic solution to a variety of dental problems, but it’s not for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a full mouth reconstruction entails, and who can benefit from it.

Breaking Down the Options

The direction that the reconstruction process will take is completely unique to each patient and their condition. There are a variety of different components that we incorporate into the restoration process:

CEREC crowns are realistic-looking dental crowns that are made in-office during your visit. The quick process produces a durable, reliable cap that will completely cover your natural tooth, protecting it and masking damage.
Porcelain veneers are incredibly thin, super strong shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit snugly over teeth. They are used to cover the surface to hide imperfections while providing a natural, seamless look.
Dental implants are a popular way to replace teeth because they feel and look natural. Implants involve an artificial tooth root that is fused with the jaw. Once healed, a custom restoration is attached. They help prevent bone loss after tooth loss, and can be used to stabilize dentures.
Bridges can also be used to reconstruct part of the smile. A bridge relies on two or more crowns, which provide the support to hold up the restoration. Alternatively, dental implants can be used to secure a bride.

Understanding the Need

If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, a full reconstruction sounds great, right? Well it’s quite an undertaking, and it’s not a fit for everyone. People who may be good candidates for a full mouth reconstruction are those with multiple missing teeth, multiple worn down or broken teeth, and chronic headaches and/or jaw pain with a root cause in the mouth. Our expert smile team will assess your mouth and overall health and wellbeing before determining your eligibility for a total mouth reconstruction.

Full Mouth Reconstruction in Lake Oswego & Portland, OR

Sound like something that could suit your needs? Give us a call to schedule a consultation and we’ll let you know what we can do to transform your smile.

What to Expect at Our Dental Spa

September 14, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Dark-haired man and woman embrace while smiling after a relaxing visit to Optima Dental Spa

If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Portland and Lake Oswego area, look no further than Optima Dental Spa! At our offices, we curate a personal, comfortable, and enjoyable experience that will leave you looking forward to your next visit. Read on to learn about the services and amenities that accompany our top-of-the-line dental care.

Calming Amenities

There’s a reason we call our offices a Dental Spa. When you visit us, you’ll have the opportunity to put your feet up and relax while undergoing your dental service. Here’s a look at the amenities we offer at Optima Dental Spa:

Aromatherapy – Essential oils have a variety of benefits. Key among them, especially for many of our patients, is the ability to reduce tension and increase relaxation.
Heated Blankets & Neck Wraps – Get cozy with a warm blanket or neckwarmer. The heat can reduce muscle tension, letting you relax in our chair.
Entertainment – Many patients get bored or anxious during an appointment, or are irritated by the sounds of our equipment. Go ahead and tune out! We offer our patients the chance to watch a movie with a pair of movie glasses, or listen to music with noise-canceling headphones.
Massage Chair – Instead of counting down the minutes until you can leave, you’ll be able to completely unwind in our massaging dental chairs and enjoy your time with us.
Paraffin Hand Wax – Round out the spa experience by indulging in a moisturizing, skin-softening paraffin wax treatment.

Top-Notch Dental Care

But there’s more to our offices than total relaxation. Your teeth will get the royal treatment too! It’s our pleasure to offer our patients a comprehensive range of oral healthcare services, covering all the bases when it comes to preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. Additionally, we offer sedation dentistry to further relax you during your appointment.

Contact Our Team!

If you want to learn more about what we have to offer at Optima Dental Spa, contact us today. We would be thrilled to meet you.

Does Chronic Teeth Grinding Cause Sensitivity?

August 30, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Blonde woman in a blue shirt cringes and touches her cheek due to sensitivity and tooth pain

Some people know they grind their teeth because they regularly awaken their partner with loud grinding sounds, or they have a sore jaw and headache in the morning. Others find out because their dentist notices signs of unusual wear on their teeth. Regardless of how you discover your nighttime bruxism (or chronic teeth grinding and clenching as you sleep), it’s important to seek treatment. Teeth grinding is more than just a bothersome habit that can disrupt your sleep; it can negatively affect your dental health too! Read on to learn more about bruxism and how to protect your teeth.

Bruxism & Teeth Sensitivity

If someone has nighttime bruxism, they chronically grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Over time, this repeated intense pressure can wear down the outer protective layer of teeth, called the enamel. It can also chip and break teeth. Teeth can be damaged so badly that the next layer of teeth, called the dentin, becomes exposed. This dentin is composed of hundreds of microtubules that connect to sensitive nerve endings stemming from the inner pulp. When pressure and/or extreme temperatures irritate these nerve endings, it’s common to feel sensitivity and pain.

How to Protect Your Teeth

The best thing you can to protect your teeth from the negative effects of teeth grinding and clenching is to get fitted for a custom nightguard. A mouthguard will provide your teeth with a layer of protection and will alleviate some of the pressure and tension that comes with bruxism. We also recommend looking into relaxation techniques and ways to relieve your stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other forms of exercise.

Get Fitted for a Custom Nightguard

If you want to confirm whether or not you have bruxism, or if you already know you do and are interested in getting a nightguard, contact Optima Dental Spa today! Our team can help you protect your teeth so you can avoid dealing with the pesky problems of tooth sensitivity.

Which Dental Implant Treatment Is Right for Me?

August 23, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Closeup of a blonde woman smiling brightly with dental implants

A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement option that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Its design mimics that of a real tooth and its root, offering you reliable support while preventing jawbone degeneration. But did you know there are different types of dental implants? Read on to discover which one is best for your unique situation.

If You’re Missing One Tooth…

…then an individual dental implant is best for you!

A single dental implant is just as it sounds: one implant that we surgically place in the gap left by your missing tooth, where it will remain fixed in place. At Optima Dental Spa, patients with healthy jawbones may be good candidates for a same-day dental implant. For these immediate load dental implants, Dr. Saleh places your dental implant and a temporary tooth in the same day!

If You’re Missing Multiple Teeth…

And Have a Healthy Jawbone

…then an implant-supported bridge, implant overdentures, or snap-on dentures may be best.

While it is possible to replace each of your missing teeth with an individual dental implant, it is often easier and more cost-effective for you to replace them using a bridge, implant overdentures (dentures stabilized with four or more implants), or snap-on dentures (dentures that snap onto two implants at the front of your mouth). Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums with a denture adhesive, dentures supported by implants are more stable and comfortable.

If You’re Missing Multiple Teeth…

But Have Experienced Jawbone Loss

….then you might want to consider All-on-4^® dental implants.

Like their name suggests, All-on-4 dental implants are a set of artificial teeth attached to four implants. The difference with implant overdentures, however, is the positioning of the implants. With All-on-4 the front implants are placed straight while the back two are implanted at a 45-degree angle. You don’t have to undergo bone grafting because the implants’ placement allows for more contact with your jawbone.

Dental Implants in Portland, OR

The best way to know which dental implant treatment is right for you is to speak with a dental professional. Here at Optima Dental Spa, we can evaluate your oral health and smile goals, and give you our expert recommendations. Contact us today to set up your complimentary consultation and CT scan.

Affordable Dental Care with CareCredit

August 17, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

A pink piggy bank with a 1 dollar bill sticking out of it rests on a wooden counter

Sometimes, a good dental insurance plan can help make oral healthcare treatments significantly more affordable for patients. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone has dental insurance, can get it, or even would greatly benefit from available plans within their budget. The good news is there are other alternatives out there. At Optima Dental Spa, we believe that no one should have to drain their bank account to achieve and maintain a healthy smile, so we accept several payment options. Read on to learn about financing your dental care with CareCredit^®!

CareCredit Patient Financing

If you face a bigger out-of-pocket cost for your dental care than you’d like, one way to make things more affordable is to break it up with a third-party patient financing program like CareCredit.

You can think of CareCredit like a credit card you use specifically for your healthcare and wellness expenses. Depending on the terms of your specific plan, you’ll have different payment lengths and interest rates. One of the great things about CareCredit is the variety of financing options they have, including short-term (6 to 24 months) and long-term (24 to 60 months) financing. There are even some terms where you don’t have to pay interest at all!

How to Apply for CareCredit

Applying for CareCredit is a piece of cake! You can do so online or over the phone, and either way you’ll get your credit decision almost instantly. To start your application, visit the CareCredit website. Their site will walk you through the process step by step. If you decide to call to apply, they have live agents standing by to help Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.

Our Team Is Here to Help!

If you want to discuss your financial options with one of our team members, or if you need some assistance getting started with CareCredit, we’re happy to help. Contact Optima Dental Spa today and let us know what we can do for you.

Get Your Dream Smile with a Full-Mouth Restoration

August 10, 2019 by Optima Dental Spa

Brunette woman smiles with her dream smile after a full-mouth restoration while wearing a striped shirt

Sometimes it takes more than just a simple, one-off dental treatment to get your smile to the appearance and condition you want it to be in. But don’t worry; at Optima Dental Spa, we’re used to seeing all different kinds of cases—and we’re here to help everyone find the right smile solution. If you are someone whose teeth need a little extra TLC to get back to looking and functioning great, then our full-mouth restorations could be just what you’re looking for.

What Treatments Are Involved in a Full-Mouth Restoration?

The beauty of a full-mouth restoration is that there’s no single standard way of doing it. Instead, we’ll look at your unique case to figure out which dental treatments will be most beneficial to you. Then we can combine them together to construct a beautiful new smile.

Some of the common dental procedures used in a full-mouth restoration include dental crowns, veneers, bridges, and dental implants. Each of these serves a different purpose, from repairing severely decayed teeth to fixing the shape or alignment of teeth to replacing missing teeth altogether.

How Much Does a Full-Mouth Restoration Cost?

Just like how the procedures in a full-mouth restoration can vary widely depending upon the patient, so too can the price. What we can say is that you’ll always get a cost estimate before any work begins so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay for your dental care. We also invite you to talk to our team about your different financial options to figure out the best way to afford your treatment.

Ready to Get Started?

The first step toward your new smile just requires a call or email to our dental practice. From there, we’ll set you up with a consultation at one of our locations, Lake Oswego or Portland Pearl District. We invite you to tell us what you’d like to change about your smile and/or what’s bothering you about your teeth. Then, we can discuss your options and the next steps if you’d like to move forward. So reach out to Optima Dental Spa today! We look forward to hearing from you.