San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

Are Dental X-rays Necessary?

2011-10-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Many times, when a patient is told that they are due for x-rays, this question comes up, "Do I really need x-rays? There is nothing wrong with my teeth!" Dental radiographs (x-rays) are very important in order to monitor oral health. Many things such as diseases, lesions, and oral conditions can only be detected with the use of dental radiographs. Without the aid of dental radiographs, dental professionals would not be able to see areas directly between the teeth or beneath the gums and bone. A tooth that appears visually solid in the mouth can have a host of problems happening under the gums. Remember, two-thirds of your tooth can't be seen without a dental x-ray!

Dental radiographs can detect problems long before a clinical or visual examination can. This enables the dental practitioner to identify problems early on so that pain and extensive, costly treatment can be avoided.

A common concern with having dental radiographs taken is the amount of radiation the x-ray delivers. The amount of radiation that we are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to our daily exposure from things like air travel, household appliances, and high altitudes. Even though the amount of radiation we are exposed to with dental radiographs is small it is still important that we do everything that we can to reduce the amount of radiation exposure. The use of a lead apron helps protect the radiosensitive organs, such as, reproductive organs, blood forming and thyroid tissues from scatter radiation.

Treatment without the necessary radiographs is considered negligence. If a patient refuses to have necessary dental X-rays taken then the dentist can refuse to provide patient care. Radiographs are a valuable diagnostic tool that is extremely beneficial to your oral health. Dr. Anderson recommends bitewing x-rays once a year and a panoramic x-ray every 3-5 years.

The image on the left shows an apparently healthy tooth in the mouth. The image on the left shows the same tooth on the x-ray with an abscess and a large amount of decay.

Is it time for you to have a dental check up and x-rays? Contact our office today!

Use It or Lose It

2011-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to take advantage of your dental insurance maximum.

Your dental insurance is not like your cell phone company, there is no rollover
maximum. If you don't use it before the end of the calendar year, you will lose what you have not used.

If you have dental work that has been diagnosed, and have not scheduled to complete your treatment, now is the perfect time to put your insurance to good use. Don't give your money back to your insurance company. Take full advantage of what you pay for. Give us a call to schedule an appointment before the end of this calendar year.

What is dry mouth, what really causes it and most importantly what can I do about it?

2011-09-26T12:43:00.001-07:00

Dry mouth is usually caused by a reduced flow of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is needed to help control bacteria and wash away food debris. There are several causes of dry mouth, also called xerostomia. Certain medications, some diseases, smoking and
chewing tobacco can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, for example, can be affected from treatments like radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy for cancer, can greatly reduce the amount of saliva produced.

Many people experience different symptoms when it comes to dry mouth. The most
common is having a sticky constant dry feeling in the mouth that sometimes extends
into the throat. Another is frequently being thirsty but even large amounts of water
cannot quench one's thirst. Due to the reduced flow of saliva, sores can appear inside the mouth, the corners of the lips can spilt apart and the lips themselves can become chapped or cracked. The tongue can also be affected by becoming dry, red, and can develop a burning or tingling sensation. Some or all of these symptoms can cause problems speaking, chewing, swallowing, and even allowing one to taste their food. With all of the symptoms it seems that the one most people are most aware of and are bothered by is bad breath.

Treating dry mouth can be a simple fix or can be caused by a more complex problem that a dentist will need to evaluate, diagnose, and help treat. If you are a person suffering from dry mouth and are tired of it, give our office a call to see how we can help you.

2011-07-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

One of the most frequently asked questions in the dental field is will my insurance pay to whiten my teeth.

The answer is NO! Since teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, and beyond the standard of care it is not covered. Keep in mind that the insurance company only pays for the standard of care treatment and not elective work.

But don't let this stop you from having that white smile. If the cost to whiten your teeth is not in your budget, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the outside financing that our dental office provides. Most dental offices offer a little or no interest payment plan. I know we do.

So go ahead and treat yourself to the smile that you have always wanted. Take advantage of what your dental office has to offer.

To Flex or Not

2011-06-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

How much to invest into your flex plan card is a dilemma that can drive one crazy. What if you put too much and don't use it all before the time allowed? Or what if you didn't put enough money into your flex plan card and the unexpected happens, and you have a dental emergency?Here are a few tips that may help provide you with some answers.

Can I use it to pay for Cosmetic Procedures?
What type of documentation will I need to provide in order for the charge to be approved?
Can I purchase over-the-counter products?

You may also consider any outstanding dental treatment that you have been delaying. Taking advantage of your flex plan card is a perfect opportunity to getting back to an excellent dental health. If you are unsure of any treatment that you may need, give us a call here at Dr. Anderson's office so we can answer any questions you may have.

Fluoride

2011-06-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Tooth decay, or destruction of enamel, is a worldwide problem affecting millions of people, both young and old alike. Although action is being taken in hopes of preventing this disease, dental caries continue to pose an important public health problem in most developed countries, where it affects 60-90% of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults. The use of fluoride, whether used topically or systemically has been scientifically proven to help in the reduction of tooth caries globally.

The use of fluoride can be administered in two ways, topically and systemically. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth surface such as toothpastes containing fluoride, mouth rinses, fluoride varnishes applied by dental professionals and saliva. Once a topical fluoride is applied in the oral cavity, saliva helps distribute it over the enamel surfaces of the teeth. Unlike topical application of fluoride, systemic fluoride is ingested into the body through ways such as food and beverages containing fluoride, dietary fluoride supplements, and fluoridated water. Systemic fluoride present during tooth development becomes incorporated into the tooth structure, resulting in fortified enamel more resistant to decay. While topical fluoride is beneficial to the prevention of dental caries, it can only do so much. Systemic fluoride, when ingested during the development of the teeth, can help create strong tooth enamel. Using a combination of the two can help produce maximum prevention and reduction of tooth decay.

Call us today to discuss flouride treatments!

My child is out braces, now what?

2011-05-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's probably been a long road between phase I and phase II orthodontics, monthly visits to the orthodontist and now your child is in retainers to keep the alignment straight. Once your child's braces are removed having a dental cleaning is important to make sure all orthodontic cement has been removed and the health of the gum tissues can be checked. Lets be honest, brushing and flossing with braces on is not easy. Once everything has been cleaned up, this allows the dentist to evaluate the outcome of your child's case.

Sometimes a gingivectomy is recommended for those who have had some gum over growth especially on the upper front teeth. This is done with a laser and its simply removing any unhealthy gum tissue. The procedure is quick and easy and can make a nice looking orthodontic case look fantastic.

Depending on your child's age, once braces come off one simple touch up that can be done to improve the look of your child's overall smile is to have them whiten their teeth. There are different methods of getting your child's teeth whiter after braces. For the different methods available, contact Dr. Sean Anderson's office so together we can figure out the right whitening system for your child.

Pediatric Dentistry

2011-05-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

With so much time running from doctor to doctor does it make sense to include another provider to an already hectic schedule? Meaning does your child really need the care of a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric Dentists are wonderful for children who need extra special care. If your child is nervous or has anxiety over dental appointments including routine cleanings or has severe generalized decay that they may need to be placed to sleep during the procedure, then a pediatric dentist may be type of dentist for your child. IF your child has been to the dentist with you during your routine check ups and sees how non-traumatic an appointment can be and your child is comfortable at your family dental office, there is usually no need for a pediatric dentist.

Dental neglect and the economy

2010-12-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Can you guess the number one health problem during times of economic recession? The answer is dental neglect.

Dental disease spreads rapidly and is extremely destructive. Untreated, it will invariably result in more expensive, invasive dental treatment. Research also shows dental disease is responsible for serious systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Unused dental insurance is a good way to decrease the out of pocket expense and stop this destructive cycle. Another solution is patient financing such as care credit. Please contact our office to discuss your options in getting your dental health back to an optimal state.

Insurance driven Dental Care?

2010-10-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Why would you let someone who is not a dentist dictate what type of treatment is right for you. Dental technology has evolved just like everything else in the world. The dentistry done today is not the same as what your parents had.

You have options in everything from choosing to do a composite filling instead of silver, or an all porcelain crown instead of a metal one. Somewhere along the way we let insurance companies decide what type of treatment was right for us. As a fact when dental insurance was started in the 1960's the insurance maximum was $1000.00. Don't you find it quit odd that Fifty years later it is still the same with most dental insurance companies. It's time to change the way we think in regards to our dental health and stop letting a third party tell us
what we should do.

We, here at Dr. Anderson's office know that you want the best. We also understand that cost is usually a concern. If you have benefits from an insurance company we would really like to help you maximize your insurance dollars, even if that means phasing out your treatment. Our goal is to help you achieve overall dental health. In today's world $1000 doesn't seem like a whole lot, we think of it as a little extra help. Together we can make your next dental visit pleasant not only in the chair but also in your pocketbook.

Dental Sealants

2010-10-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Are you the parent of a child between the ages of 6 thru 14? Are you worried about the amount of sugary foods your child eats? Do you think your child could do a better job with their oral hygiene? If you said yes to any questions, we have one more for you. Do you know what dental sealants are?

A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Grooves in these teeth are so narrow that a toothbrush cannot fit into the spaces to remove plaque, which harbors bacteria that lead to cavities. Dental sealants prevent dental decay in the grooves. First permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about age 6 years. Placing sealants on these teeth shortly after they erupt protects them from developing cavities. Second permanent molars erupt into the mouth at about age 12 years. The greatest chance of decay occurs during the first year after the tooth has come in.

A sealant appointment is painless. No atheistic is required at this visit. Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. Sealants can be highly effective in protection against cavities provided the sealant is continuously monitored by a dentist. Sealants should be checked by a dentist during regular check-ups.

At your child's next dental check-up, ask if sealants are right for your child.

You Do Not Have To Live With Jaw Pain Or Tmj

2010-10-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

TMJ refers to Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome or, TMD Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It is a condition that points out the misalignment of the jaw joint. It comes from having an incorrect bite or malocclusion. Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct way and are misaligned causing trauma. Misaligned teeth cannot support your facial muscles correctly during chewing and swallowing. The muscles change to accommodate your Malocclusion, causing a range of debilitating symptoms.

Here are some of the symptoms experienced in sufferers of TMJ Syndrome:

Headache, jaw, ear, or facial pain
Being unable to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
A bite that feels uncomfortable or "off"
Neck, shoulder and back pain
Swelling on the side of the face
Ringing in the ears
Ear pain
Decreased hearing
Dizziness and vision problems or other similar problems

If you answered "YES" to any of these symptoms, you may have TMJ Syndrome.

Fortunately for you and other sufferers, after diagnosis at one of our free consultations, we can help you get out of pain.

Dr. Anderson can diagnose and treat TMJ symptoms.
He can help you get out of pain and enjoy life again.

If you want more detailed information visit our website at www.drseananderson.com or Make an appointment now or visit us in our San Ramon office.

The importance of baby teeth in your child's oral development

2010-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Baby teeth are the primary teeth that appear within your child's mouth from around the age of six months old.

Although only a temporary factor in the long term composition of your baby's mouth, they are an important stage in the growth of the child and proper oral hygiene should be maintained from the moment they appear. Baby teeth are not immune to tooth decay and in spite of their temporary nature, they are very important in the health and development of the surrounding gum and permanent teeth.

At age six most children have enough dexterity to start caring for his or her own oral hygiene, nonetheless, parents should supervise their child's progress.

At age six, generally baby teeth start to be lost and replaced by erupting adult teeth. The exfoliation or loss of baby teeth progresses throughout the life of a child until about age 13 when usually all of the baby teeth have been lost and replaced by adult teeth.

Baby teeth serve many important functions for a developing child: chewing function and efficiency, appearance and self esteem, speech, language development, and they hold a space in the mouth for the eruption of adult teeth.

Primary teeth essentially allow the adult teeth to find their way through the gum in the correct fashion, and act as a guide for the final development of the mouth. For this reason, the importance of the care and upkeep of baby teeth should not be overlooked.

Here at our dental practice we pride ourselves on looking after you and your whole family with the utmost care and attention to detail. It is because we want to see you go through life, free from the trauma of dental problems, from childhood through to your later years that we will always provide you with the necessary help and advice needed for your optimum dental health.

If you would like to find out more about caring for your child's teeth, or any other information relating to the services we offer for the whole family, please do not hesitate to contact us, or make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson.

Get a Hollywood White Smile in about an hour

2010-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Dr. Anderson's office is excited to share a new and dramatically improved In-office whitening system. Forget about the out-dated way of whitening your teeth with that bothersome ultraviolet light. Sure patient's teeth looked ultra white when they left the office after an appointment where one spent an hour with a strong light shining on their teeth. However, after about 24 hours after the appointment the teeth naturally dehydrated and that ultra bright white color was gone. That person's teeth were still lighter than before the treatment but many were disappointed that their teeth did not remain the color from the day of the treatment. So how is this new system so different?

Boost made by Opalescence, which features a unique, 38 percent hydrogen peroxide power bleaching gel chemically activated formula that allows your dental office to get your teeth their whitest without heat or ultraviolet rays of a light. Not only do you leave the office without having to wait for teeth to dehydrate to get a true sense of your final color, but most treated teeth continue to whitening between 12 and 24 hours after your in-office treatment. Sounds to good to be true, believe it, it works! Call us today and ask for our new "Special priced" Boost Whitening treatment to try it yourself!

Night Guards

2010-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling stressed out, worried about family, work, and/or money? With today's state of the economy many are feeling overloaded. Do you go to bed feeling completely exhausted only to wake up feeling just about the same way, because you spent most of the night tossing and turning?

Dr. Nancy Rosen, who appeared on "Good Morning America" explained that since the recession hit the number of people who grind their teeth has also increased. Over the last five years Americans who grind their teeth has risen from 5-6% to about 12% of the population. A lot of the time these people do not even know they are doing this. Spouses can often hear their partners grinding their teeth in the middle of the night. Other symptoms to look out for are, waking up with a headache, tension in the head and neck, sore jaw after chewing crunchy foods or chewing gum, chipping of front teeth, and/or a change of your bite.

To help stop the grinding, which is also known as bruxism, is to eliminate stress by using exercise, meditation, relaxation therapy and even hypnosis. While working on reducing stress it is a good idea to also protect your teeth. Night guards do a very good job protecting the teeth and put the jaw in the good position so a person does minimal damage the appearance of their teeth.

Sure one can go to the local drug store and buy an over the counter mouth guard to help. The problem with this, is they are a boil one size fits all product that is made out of a soft plastic. They usually are made for the upper arch and feel like a football mouthpiece that one has to wear to bed. What ends up happening to these "mouth guards" are that they are not worn leaving the teeth unprotected.

Dr. Anderson can help by custom fitting a mouth guard in a proper position. These custom mouth guards are a streamline hard/soft plastic, made to wear on the lower arch not blocking the airway for a comfortable fit and in the end a good night's sleep.

For more information on this product, call Dr. Anderson's office to see if a night guard is right for you!

Do You Struggle to Pay for Dental Work Not Covered by Your Insurance?

2010-10-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

At Dr Anderson's office we are able to offer a variety of payment plans to fit our patient needs. Springstone Financing and Care Credit offer payment plans that are an economical alternative to personal loans and credit cards.

Springstone Financing and Care Credit offer special financing and low payment options, with no money up front and no pre-payment penalties. Both offer No Interest payment plans up to 12 months and should you need a little longer than the 12month No Interest plan they also offer a low interest plan for as long as five years if needed.

Springstone Financing and Care Credit both have easy friendly online application and excellent customer care over the phone to answer any question you may have. You can access more information about our financing at drseananderson.com or call to discuss with one of our financial coordinators.

The Scary Truth about Oral Cancer

2010-10-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

The American Cancer Society estimates an increase of over 5% in new cases of oral cancer. One American dies every hour from oral cancer. Even if you don't think you are at risk for oral cancer you may be. 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don't smoke and have no other lifestyle risks. Oral cancer has long been linked to cervical cancer and now studies show it also plays a role in more than 20% of all oral cancers. Anyone who has been diagnosed Human Papolloma virus [HPV}, has a higher probability for oral cancer. Other factors that increases your chances of developing oral cancer include, smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and anyone over the age of 40.

After reading this, do you believe you are at risk for oral cancer? Here at Dr. Anderson's office we are proud to offer the latest technology in early cancer detection. ViziLite is the number one way of detecting oral cancer in the earliest stages. It is a quick and painless screening that detects oral cancer by using a simple mouth rinse and special glow in the dark light. If detected early any cancer cells can be removed in the first stages. Don't procrastinate. At your next appointment, ask our hygienist if this test is right for you!

Sleep Apnea

2010-10-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

People who suffer of sleep apnea have a problem where the back of their throat constricts the amount of air that pass through. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat to breathe normally. A constricted or collapsed airway is what causes snoring or sleep apnea. A dental appliance that is made to treat sleep apnea holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The dental appliance maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. When the jaw opens and the tongue falls back into the back of the mouth or throat, the airway narrows forcing air through a limited opening. This is how vibration is created in the throat known as snoring. Snoring seems physically harmless, but to a dentist it can be a "red flag" for much more serious and life threatening condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). If you or a loved one suffers from OSA please contact Dr. Sean Anderson's office for an evaluation. Isn't it time for a safe, quiet and peaceful goodnight's sleep?

What happens if you damage or lose a veneer?

2010-09-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

If a veneer is damaged, we simply replace the single veneer. It's important to realize that if one veneer breaks, the others are usually undamaged and the repair is very easy. It's also important to realize that anything that would damage your natural tooth can damage a veneer. Para-functional activities such as biting fingernails, chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, biting on pen caps should be avoided. In short, if a veneer is lost or damaged it is simply repaired just like we would repair a lost or damaged natural tooth.

How white can your teeth be with Porcelain Veneers?

2010-09-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

There is a wide range of how white porcelain veneers can be made. The color a patient and dentist decide upon is dependent upon the specific esthetic goals that the patient wants to achieve. They can be made white as snow or made to match existing natural teeth color in the event that one or two veneers are being fabricated. Before deciding on the color of your restorations, it is important to have an in-depth consultation with the treating clinician. You should discuss your individual goals thoroughly. You should review photos and completed cases that the dentist has on file and take into consideration size, shape and texture of the veneers as these will all effect the final color of your new smile. Lastly, the color of your veneers is certainly important but only one component in the process of insuring your case ends with an exceptional result.

Why is Porcelain used for veneers?

2010-09-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

Porcelain is extremely biologically compatible in the oral cavity. Unlike metal, it will not rust or corrode over time. Since it is a glass, it is smooth and translucent. It is the translucency that allows light to pass through the material making it look vital and life like. Porcelain comes in many different shades and variations and can be combined to create the perfect color for your individual teeth. These factors and others combine to make porcelain the most popular restorative material for creating the beautiful esthetics that porcelain veneers provide.

Porcelain Veneers and Cosmetic Dentistry

2010-09-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Porcelain veneers are a very popular way to correct esthetic concerns in a patients existing smile. We use this technique to correct things like crooked/misaligned teeth, space between teeth, stained or discolored teeth, replacing old, unsightly dental restorations. The procedure is generally completed in about two weeks and has very little post operative discomfort. Things to evaluate in choosing a dental office to pursue this treatment are the experience and education of the dentist performing the work and the qualifications of the dental laboratory that the dentist uses to complete the ceramic restorations. In my experience as a cosmetic dentist, I have yet to see a procedure that yields a better return on investment than porcelain veneers. For most patients, it is a life changing experience. Stay tuned for more specific details on porcelain veneer treatment.

Get a Hollywood White Smile in about an hour

2010-09-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Types of Sedation Dentistry

2010-08-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

The safest type of sedation dentistry is oral sedation dentistry. Dublin Sedation Dentist Dr. Anderson uses oral sedation dentistry to help his patients relax during their dental visits. Many patients feel anxiety or a heightened level of nervousness while visiting the dentist. These feelings prevent them from even stepping foot in a dental office let alone getting the dental treatments they need for a healthy mouth and body.

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits to patients including:

Helping them feel safe and relaxed during their visit
Letting them get the cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry treatments they need
Giving them the ability to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile

Oral Sedation Dentistry

If you elect to have oral sedation dentistry, Dr. Anderson will prescribe a sleeping pill that you will take an hour before coming into the office. Please make sure you have someone to drive you to and from our comfortable dental office. You will not be able to drive yourself once you take the medication. Taking the medication before coming into our dental office will help you stay calm and relaxed during your entire visit.

You will be given another sleeping pill when you arrive at our dental office. A member of our caring dental staff will help you get seated in a dental chair and become comfortable. This staff member will monitor you during your visit as you sleep.

Oral sedation dentistry is the safest type of sedation dentistry because it helps you continue a safe level of consciousness without making you entirely aware of your surroundings. After your visit, you will be relaxed and not remember any of the procedures you had done. Your smile will be healthier and happier.

For more information about the types of sedation dentistry in Dublin, please contact Dr. Anderson’s sedation dentistry office.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Benefit Patients

2010-07-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Some of Dr. Anderson's Pleasanton patients experience feelings of nervousness and anxiety when visiting his comfortable dental office. These patients have a fear of cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry treatments. They know they need to visit Dr. Anderson to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, but they are unable to do so because of these intense feelings of anxiety and fear.

Sedation Dentist Dr. Anderson provides a safe solution to help these patients relax while getting the dental treatments they need. Sedation dentistry uses an oral sedative that is like a sleeping pill. The patient takes one sleeping pill before coming to the dental office and then another sleeping pill after arriving and being seated in a cozy dental chair.

Sedation Dentistry Benefits

Some patients feel a heightened level of anxiety when they only think about entering a dental office. The sleeping pill taken before coming into the dental office will help lessen the feelings of anxiety allowing patients to feel safe when they enter the office. Some patients require a second pill if their anxiety level is still high.

Patients feel relaxed and calm when they wake up following their dental treatments. They do not remember having the treatments or feel any anxiety. Their smiles are healthier because they were able to have the dental treatments they need to maintain their healthy, beautiful smiles.

Please contact Dr. Anderson’s sedation dentistry office serving patients in and around the Pleasanton, California area.

How Often Should I have an Oral Cancer Screening?

2010-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

The signs of oral cancer often go undiagnosed or unnoticed. The earliest signs of oral cancer are small white or red spots and mouth sores. Dr. Anderson is an experienced San Ramon family dentist who offers oral cancer screenings to his patients. Dr. Sean Anderson’s oral cancer screenings help detect the earliest signs of oral cancer before the cancer is untreatable.

How Often to Have Oral Cancer Screenings

Visiting your family dentist at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning helps keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Oral cancer screenings can be conducted at the same time as your routine checkups and is an integral part of keeping your entire body healthy.

Oral cancer can show itself anywhere in your mouth including:

Your tongue
Your cheeks
The roof of your mouth
Your throat

The early signs of oral cancer can show themselves at anytime. Having an oral cancer screening each time you have your routine checkup will ensure that the early stage of the cancer is noticed and treated. Dr. Anderson will examine your entire mouth and throat for any signs of oral cancer.

If you are in the San Ramon area, please contact Dr. Anderson to schedule your family dentistry appointment for your routine check up and oral cancer screening.

Replacing Metal Fillings

2010-06-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

If you have metal fillings, you may notice how they draw attention to the dental work you had done. You may also notice that they dull and discolor your teeth's enamel. Pleasanton Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Sean Anderson helps enhance his patient's smiles by replacing their metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings.

Replacing Metal Fillings

Dr. Anderson will examine your teeth and your current metal fillings. He will remove your metal fillings and make sure your tooth does not need any additional work done before placing the tooth-colored filling. Some teeth may need additional cosmetic dentistry procedures because metal fillings expand and contract causing stress that cracks the teeth.

The material used to fill the cavity is color matched to your natural teeth for a flawless end result. Dr. Anderson places the tooth-colored filling in several different layers. After each layer, a special light is used to harden the filling. Dr. Anderson will sculpt the filling after all the layers are placed in the cavity. The filling will look natural and match the shape and color of your tooth.

If you are interested in replacing your metal fillings and live in the Pleasonton, California area, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Anderson for a consultation about tooth-colored fillings.

Why White Fillings?

2010-06-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Many dentists use mercury to fill cavities because it is cheaper than using tooth-colored fillings. Unfortunately, mercury fillings cause many problems and additional cosmetic dentistry treatments are needed. Tooth-colored fillings are aesthetically pleasing and are just as strong, durable, and long lasting as mercury fillings. Tooth-colored fillings do not cause heath problems or lead to additional dental work.

Danville cosmetic dentist, Dr. Anderson provides his patients with tooth-colored fillings because of the many advantages they offer. Tooth-colored fillings:

Are long-lasting
Can sustain the normal pressure of a bite
Hold up under normal wear and tear
Do not need any special care
Look and feel like your natural teeth's enamel

Drawbacks to Mercury Fillings

Mercury is known to cause major health problems such as:

Mental disorders
Asthma
Chest pains
Birth defects
Anemia

Small amounts of mercury used to fill a cavity may cause health problems over time. It is best to stay away from using mercury to fill cavities because of the risk of developing health problems.

Mercury can also cause other problems. Mercury has the tendency to discolor and dull the enamel of teeth. This leads to many patients wanting to have tooth whitening to reverse the dulling effect of their fillings. Along these same lines, mercury fillings are unsightly. They do not match the natural color of the teeth and this draws unneeded attention to fact that dental work was conducted.

Another major problem that mercury fillings cause is the undue stress they have on the teeth. Mercury expands and contracts with temperature. When you eat or drink anything hot or cold, your mercury fillings with change in size and shape. This puts stress on your teeth and may cause them to crack and need additional work done.

If you live in the Danville, California area, please contact our cosmetic dentist to schedule a consultation about your smile and white fillings.

How Long do Dental Implants Last?

2010-05-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Dental implants will last a lifetime. It is very rare that a dental implant is rejected once it is placed in the jawbone. Dr. Sean Anderson offers implant dentistry to his patients in the Dublin area. Dental implants replace missing teeth to help support the jawbone and keep adjacent teeth in their proper places.

If a dental implant is going to fail, it will fail in the first six months to a year following the implant placement. The bone is healing around the implant and securing the implant in place during the first six months to a year. Problems rarely occur after the first year.

The longevity of a dental implant is dependant upon:

Where the implant was placed in the mouth
If the implant was placed in natural bone or grafted bone
How well you take care of the implants

Helping your Implants Last

Your implants will last longer and your overall oral health will be much better if you take care of your implants along with the rest of your teeth. The care needed for your dental implants is the same as the care for your natural teeth. You will need to floss daily and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Flossing and brushing around your implant will prevent your gums from becoming inflamed and prevent any oral diseases such as gingivitis from developing.

Implants are two and a half times more likely to fail if the patient smokes. To avoid any problems that may occur, you will want to keep your body as healthy as possible. This means exercising, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and keeping your teeth and gums clean.

Please contact Dr. Anderson's implant dentistry office for a consultation about dental implants if you live in or around the Dublin area.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

2010-05-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

There two options for replacing missing teeth. You can elect to have dental implants or dentures. Replacing missing teeth is extremely important in maintaining a healthy mouth. Many people believe that replacing missing teeth only benefits the mouth aesthetically. However, replacing missing teeth offers many health benefits. Danville Implant Dentist Dr. Sean Anderson helps his patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles by replacing missing teeth with implant dentistry.

Benefits to Replacing Missing Teeth

Replacing your missing teeth:

Enhances your smile aesthetically
Ensures your jawbone is supported and does not deteriorate
Keeps your natural teeth in their original places and prevents them from moving
Lets you eat all of your favorite foods without difficulty
Helps you avoid looking older

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the preferred choice to replacing missing teeth because the tooth root and the tooth itself are replaced. Dentures only replace the tooth and not the tooth root. Not replacing the tooth's root can cause several problems such as:

The jawbone begins to shrink where the tooth's root once was
The jawbone is not supported
The adjacent teeth's roots begin to move and can become damaged
The movement of the other teeth's roots can result in the need for oral surgery

Dentures

Dentures have many disadvantages that make them undesirable for replacing missing teeth. Dentures often move and shift while the person is eating or talking. Dentures often become uncomfortable over time because the jawbone begins to shrink. The dentures tend to no longer fit because of the shrinking jawbone. Dentures do not replace the root of the missing tooth and this leads to the shrinking of the gums.

If you live in the Danville area and are interesting in learning more about implant dentistry and how if can help you, please contact California implant dentist, Dr. Anderson today.

Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

2010-04-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Your child should visit the dentist at the first sign of incoming teeth. It is important to take your child to visit San Ramon Family Dentist, Dr. Sean Anderson at an early age to help your child feel comfortable with Dr. Anderson and with visiting the dental office. Starting your child with an oral hygiene routine as early as possible will help prevent many diseases like gingivitis and help prevent the need for dental treatments for cavities.

Dr. Anderson's family dentistry office is warm and inviting. Your child will feel comfortable visiting his dental office and will learn that the dentist's office is not a scary place. Our caring dental staff will show your child around our dental office and explain what happens during a routine checkup.

Your child's first visit is the building block to great oral hygiene and a great relationship with Dr. Anderson. Your child will sit in one of our comfy dental chairs as Dr. Anderson carefully examines your child's gums and teeth. Your child's teeth will be gently cleaned and flossed to get your child familiar with the process of visiting the dentist.

Please contact our family dentistry office serving the San Ramon area to schedule a dental visit for your child.

What is a Family Dentist?

2010-04-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

A family dentist is an experienced and friendly dentist who treats the entire family. Walnut Creek Family Dentist Dr. Anderson provides cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry to patients of all ages. You can take everyone in your family from your baby to your grandmother to see Dr. Anderson for all of your family's dental needs.

A family dentist is your best choice for dental care. You do not have to find a dentist for yourself and your spouse, another dentist for your teenager, and another dentist for your toddler. Everyone in your family can be treated in Dr. Anderson's family friendly dental office.

Another advantage to visiting a family dentist is that you only have to speak with one dentist. Dr. Anderson takes time with his patients to get to know them and their dental needs. He will be able to discuss with you any dental issues that your family has or may have because he has treated and gotten to know your entire family.

Dr. Anderson is experienced in treating patients of all ages. He can help guide you through the dental care needs of your family from birth to adulthood. If you are a new parent, Dr. Anderson will help you with a dental care plan for your baby to start your baby on the path of great oral hygiene.

Services Provided by a Family Dentist

Routine dental checkups
Advice on an at-home oral hygiene plan
Techniques to keeping your teeth clean
Dental cleanings
Treatments for teeth and gums
Dental implants
Tooth-colored fillings
Oral cancer screenings

To schedule appointments for your family to visit our family dentist, please contact Sean Anderson, D.D.S. serving the Walnut Creek, California area.

How Dentistry Can Help Headaches and Depression

2010-03-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) has many painful symptoms that can make daily activities difficult. Some of the symptoms of TMD are:

Migraine-like headaches
Depression
Popping or clicking jaws
Grinding teeth
Ringing in the ears
Shoulder, neck, and facial pain

Two major symptoms of TMD are headaches and depression. Anyone who suffers from depression and headaches in the Walnut Creek area will want to not only get relief, but will also want to treat the cause. Walnut Creek Neuromuscular Dentist, Dr. Sean Anderson is experienced and skilled in treating patients who suffer from debilitating headaches and depression.

Depression and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Many patients who suffer from TMD experience depression. Some of the reasons patients experience depression include:

Constantly dealing with extreme pain is tiring
Symptoms go undiagnosed or are improperly treated
Many doctors claim the pain experienced by the patient is imagined

The pain from TMD can emotionally, physically, and psychologically wear down a patient. This can start and enhance feelings of depression. Neuromuscular dentistry is the field of dentistry that focuses on treating TMD. Once the causes of TMD are treated and the pain is removed, the feelings of depression are eliminated.

Headaches and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Doctors often misdiagnose migraine-like headaches. Only a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Anderson can properly diagnose tension headaches that are caused by TMD. Neuromuscular dentistry treatment will relieve the tension and muscle fatigue that are at the root of the cause of the headaches.

The most important part of treatment with neuromuscular dentistry is properly aligning the jaw and Temporomandibular Joints to keep the facial muscles from building up tension.

Please contact Dr. Anderson for a TMD consultation to help you find relief from depression and headaches in Walnut Creek.

How Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Cure Your Headaches

2010-03-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Many people suffer from headaches. Most headaches can be extremely painful and prevent the person from being able to engage in daily activities because the headaches are debilitating. When suffering migraine-like headaches, patients usually visit their primary care physician for relief. Primary care physicians will treat migraine-like headaches with pain medications. If you live in the Danville area and are suffering debilitating headaches, you will want to visit neuromuscular dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for a consultation.

Primary care physicians are limited in how they diagnose headaches. They may not know that the headache is actually a tension headache and can be cured with neuromuscular dentistry. A tension headache can be caused by the misalignment of the Temporomandibular Joint that attaches the lower jaw to the skull. When this joint is misaligned, the muscles in the face overcompensate and cause tension. This tension causes many symptoms that include TMD headaches.

Neuromuscular Dentistry and Headaches

A neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Anderson can help relieve and eliminate your TMD symptoms. Your painful, debilitating headaches can be cured with neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Anderson will evaluate your jaw alignment and how your jaws move in a personal TMD consultation.

After your evaluation, Dr. Anderson will speak to you about your options for properly aligning your jaws to reduce the muscle tension and to train your muscles to work correctly and keep your jaws in their proper positions. Once your muscles start working properly and your jaws are properly aligned, the tension in your facial muscles will disappear and your TMD headaches will vanish.

For more information about neuromuscular dentistry and how it can cure your headaches in Danville, please contact Dr. Anderson for a consultation.

Headaches and TMD

2010-02-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Migraine-like headaches are one symptom of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). These headaches can be very intense and debilitating. Many doctors misdiagnose these headaches to be migraines and prescribe pain medications to help manage the discomfort. If you are suffering from migraine-like headaches and have other symptoms of TMD, you will want to visit neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Sean Anderson for a consultation in the Danville area.

Other symptoms of TMD include:

Face, neck, and shoulder pain
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Grinding teeth
Teeth sensitivity
Limited movement of the mouth
Ringing in the ears

TMD Headaches

TMD headaches are different than migraines. A migraine is usually vascular and the swelling of blood vessels in the head causes the pain. A TMD headache is a tension headache and is not caused by the swelling of blood vessels.

TMD is caused by the misalignment of your jaws and the Temporomandibular Joints. The misalignment causes the muscles on one side of your face to work harder than the other side creating tension and muscle exhaustion. This tension and muscle exhaustion causes very severe, painful, and debilitating headaches.

Pain medication can help you manage the pain, but will not cure your symptoms to stop the headaches from returning. Dr. Anderson will examine and properly align your jaws to eliminate the tension and TMD symptoms. It is best to have the cause of the headaches treated instead of only treating the pain. Treating the cause will help ensure that you will not be debilitated by painful TMD headaches.

Please contact Dr. Anderson for a TMD consultation if you are suffering migraine-like headaches in the Danville, California area.

Benefits of Tooth Colored vs. Metal Fillings

2010-02-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Fillings are a fact of life. No matter how thorough your daily oral hygiene routine, food and bacteria can find their way in between your teeth, hiding in crevices and along the gum line, and cause cavities.

When a tooth has a cavity, dental fillings become a necessary fix to stop the spread of the decay and save the remainder of the tooth. Preventing the spread of decay helps eliminate the need for more invasive dental procedures like dental implants and crowns.

Dental Bonding vs. Metal Filling

Dental fillings have come a long way over the years. Metal fillings are effective, but require a large portion of healthy tooth to be removed to accommodate their being packed into the cavity. In addition, they can be unsightly, they contain mercury, and they are susceptible to temperature changes that can cause them to expand and contract, resulting in a cracked tooth; they may then need further dental work.

In comparison, tooth colored fillings are not affected by temperature changes. They are comprised of resin and silicon dioxide, are very strong, and do not appear out of place in your mouth.

Before there was a choice in fillings, dentists used what resources were available to them to prevent the further spread of decay. Now, with dental advancements, you are able to choose what best suits your needs and meets your expectations.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and are in need of a filling, but have been dissatisfied with your options, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for an initial consultation.

How Long do Porcelain Crowns Last?

2010-01-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Molded and shaded to match adjacent teeth, porcelain crowns are caps placed over dental implants or on top of teeth that have been severely damaged by decay or trauma. Porcelain crowns restore damaged teeth to their full functionality, making eating, biting, and talking much easier than it was before the tooth was capped.

Life Expectancy of Porcelain Crowns

Like most dental work, the life of your porcelain crown relies heavily on the care you take of it. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits will both work to ensure your crown lasts for its entire life expectancy. The average crown lasts for ten years. In some cases crowns may last for as little as five, or as long as 15 years, but it is important to remember that porcelain crowns are not a permanent fix, and will eventually need to be replaced.

Common Reasons to Replace Porcelain Crowns

Common causes that require porcelain crowns to be replaced include:

General use has caused the crown to wear down
The crown has broken
Decay has formed at the base of the crown
The crown has dulled or become aesthetically objectionable

All-porcelain crowns do not share the same aesthetic issues as metal/porcelain composites, but can still grey or stain over time. On the other hand, porcelain maintains its sheen and reflects light in the same way as your surrounding teeth, providing a natural, seamless smile during their lifetime.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California and are suffering from missing or chipped teeth, or you need to have existing dental crowns replaced, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sean Anderson for a free consultation.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

2010-01-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

A chronic sleeping disorder in which you stop breathing for ten seconds or longer, sleep apnea can occur up to 50 times an hour while you sleep creating serious problems. When you stop breathing during sleep, your normal sleep cycle is interrupted, which can result in drastic changes in mood, weight, and blood pressure, and can even lead to diabetes and death. Experts agree that a good night's sleep is vital for a healthy, active lifestyle. Sleep apnea disrupts healthy, restful sleep, in turn disrupting your ability to fully enjoy your life.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea you may notice include:

Fatigue during the day
Waking up tired
Frequent headaches
Irritability

You may not notice all of the symptoms of sleep apnea since many of them occur while you are asleep. If you wake up tired, have frequent headaches, or feel fatigued during the day, you may ask a family member to check and see if you:

Stop breathing for extended periods of time in your sleep
Choke, or gasp loudly while sleeping
Snore loudly
Appear restless

Sleep apnea can often be treated with simple lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, or losing weight. In some instances, medical intervention is necessary. Mouthpieces, breathing devices, and some surgeries can all help correct sleep apnea, restoring your sleep, and providing you with a better rested, more satisfying life.

If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, and live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, please contact experienced sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Sean Anderson for a free consultation and review of your treatment options.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

2009-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

A smile with missing teeth can cause problems both functional and aesthetic. Missing teeth can lead to an awkward, uneven smile, making social situations uncomfortable. They can also make simple functions like chewing, biting, and speaking difficult to impossible.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are permanently placed into the jaw and covered with a dental crown. Dental implants are precisely placed in the exact area where the tooth is missing creating a seamless, fully functional smile. Unlike dentures, implants are permanent so they will not slip, or fall out at inopportune times, nor do they require expensive, inconvenient adhesives to affix them into place.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are placed into the jaw using a small, precision drill. Once a hole large enough to support the implant is created, the implant is screwed into place. During this process, Dr. Anderson takes special care to ensure no damage is done to surrounding bone and tissue. Once the implant is in place, a healing period is required before it can be fitted with a crown.

Dental Crown Placement and Aftercare

After your initial healing period, Dr. Anderson will fit your implant with a dental crown that has been molded and colored to match your adjacent teeth. Your dental crown will be ready for immediate functional use, and will erase any evidence of the original missing tooth. Once your crown is in place, you will need to tend to it as you do your natural teeth. A proper oral hygiene routine and regular checkups and cleanings will help ensure your new crown will last for a long, long time.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and are bothered by the diminished functionality and cosmetic appearance of missing teeth, or would like to find out more about dental implants, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson to discuss you options, and get on your way to a healthier, happier smile.

Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry: What’s the Difference?

2009-12-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

For many people, a visit to the dentist’s office comes with fear, and anxiety. This fear can cause people to avoid undergoing common cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening and porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, it also keeps some people away from the dentist all together, leading to an increased risk for cavities, decay, and periodontal disease, all of which can be prevented or treated with regular trips to the dentist.

Fortunately, in both instances, Dr. Anderson offers sedation dentistry, a simple, safe way to help ease the anxiety you may feel when visiting a dentist – allowing you to comfortably receive both general and cosmetic dental services.

Sedation Instead of Sleep Dentistry

Oral sedation is the newest, most effective form of sedation dentistry. With oral sedation, you will feel as if you are sleeping, have no awareness of the procedure taking place, but still retain a level of consciousness. By contrast, sleep dentistry uses IV sedation or general anesthesia – both of which come with serious potential side effects, and dissolves any level of consciousness. Sedation dentistry uses sedatives that are less likely to cause adverse reactions, producing a safer, yet equally effective result.

For sedation, Dr. Anderson prescribes a sleeping pill to be taken one hour before your appointment. When you arrive, if you are still feeling nervous, an additional sleeping pill may be taken. Once you are comfortable enough, your procedure will begin and, before you know it, you'll be walking out with a healthy smile. It is important to remember that you should not drive to or from a sedation dentistry appointment.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and the fear and anxiety you associate with dental visits has kept you from routine checkups or cosmetic procedures you have wanted, please contact sedation dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for a free consultation to discuss your sedation options.

How Long Does the Tooth Whitening Process Last?

2009-11-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants a whiter, more brilliant smile. A whiter smile can help improve your self confidence, help you feel more comfortable and relaxed in social and business settings, and give you a greater sense of freedom. With tooth whitening options ranging from take-home kits to in-office procedures however, it can be difficult to determine what solution is best for you. One determining factor is cost, but greater still is the length of time the whitening will last. Cost can, after all, be greatly increased if frequent applications are necessary to keep your smile its whitest.

Store Bought Kits

Easily the most accessible, store bought whitening kits also offer the least satisfactory results. Some kits can take weeks to start working, and during this time may cause severe tooth sensitivity. The results are also not nearly as long lasting as options provided by Dr. Anderson. Store bought kits generally provide whiter teeth for only a few months, after which the long, painful process will need to be repeated.

Professional Take-Home Kits

Take-home kits offered by Dr. Anderson start with a mold of your teeth. This already makes them superior for total tooth coverage to the strips you can buy at the store. Additionally, the whitening gel provided by Dr. Anderson is a higher strength than can obtained over the counter and produces results in a much shorter period of time. Like store-bought kits, tooth sensitivity is possible. Take-home kit results generally last up to six months.

In-Office Whitening

In-office tooth whitening takes about 90 minutes. A whitening gel is evenly and carefully applied to the teeth and then activated using a special light to speed up and enhance the effects. The result is a brilliant white smile in a comparably short period of time. Like the professional take-home kits, in office whitening generally lasts about six months, but with a proper oral hygiene routine, including professional cleanings and touch ups, the results can last much longer.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and would like more information on your options for professional teeth whitening, please contact experienced tooth whitening dentist Dr. Sean Anderson to schedule your free consultation.

Inlays and Onlays: What’s the Difference?

2009-11-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

Inlays and onlays are modern solutions to traditional metal fillings. They are bonded to the teeth with dental resin, making them a permanent part of the tooth. Metal fillings require a large portion of healthy tooth tissue to be removed in order to be packed into the filling, but inlays and onlays cover, rather than pack the filling, making them less invasive while removing the potential for their falling out.

Metal fillings react to temperature differences in your mouth – hot and cold liquids and foods can cause them to expand and contract. The result can be disastrous when the filling falls out, sometimes taking part of the tooth with it.

Inlays

Inlays are smaller than onlays due their placement. Inlay refers to a filling within the grooves of you teeth, between the contours. This area of your teeth is referred to as the “cusp.” If the damage does not extend beyond the cusp, an inlay will be used.

Onlays

Onlays are also used to fill in the grooves of your teeth, but wrap over the cusp. This additional coverage allows them to protect the chewing surface of your tooth as well as the cusp, and is used when the decay has spread beyond the cusp area of your tooth. Onlays are necessarily larger because they cover a greater portion of your tooth.

Both inlays and onlays are preferable to metal fillings because they offer more secure and aesthetically pleasing results. Porcelain fillings match more closely the natural color and shape of your teeth. Additionally, porcelain is stain resistant, allowing your teeth to maintain their whiteness for a longer period of time while preventing further decay within the tooth.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for a checkup and cleaning to determine if you require fillings. Dr. Anderson is able to serve all of your dental needs, including inlays and onlays.

How are Porcelain Veneers Applied?

2009-10-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Porcelain veneers, a relatively new procedure in cosmetic dentistry, are thin, porcelain shells that can be affixed to the front of your existing teeth to correct minor cosmetic and functional issues. Teeth that are chipped, broken, oddly spaced, unevenly sized, or stained underneath the enamel can all have porcelain veneers affixed to them to improve the quality and beauty of your smile.

Smile Makeover

During your initial consultation, Dr. Anderson will discuss with you all of your treatment options. If you determine that porcelain veneers are best suited to your needs, an individually designed smile makeover will be created for you. After you approve of the proposed changes, you will be ready to start the process for the placement of your porcelain veneers.

Process for Application of Porcelain Veneers

The quick, noninvasive process for the placement of porcelain veneers takes places over two office visits. On your first office visit, an impression will be taken of your teeth. This impression will be used to make your new veneers, allowing the experienced professionals at the laboratory to match the size and shape of your existing teeth to ensure an even, natural looking smile.

The process for making your new veneers takes about two weeks, during which your new porcelain veneers will be molded and perfected, making sure they are a natural fit for your mouth. During your second office visit, the porcelain veneers will be affixed to your teeth. Minor adjustments will be made to ensure a proper, natural fit, and you’ll walk out with a smile that has been dramatically improved.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and are looking for an easy, noninvasive, painless way to improve your smile, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for a free consultation.

The Difference Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry

2009-10-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

General and cosmetic dentistry both address issues with your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. The differences between the two lie in the procedures that fall under each category. There is some cross-over between the two disciplines, like dental crowns and fillings, making the choice for a dentist that is skilled in both very important. Dr. Sean Anderson is experienced and skilled in both general and cosmetic dentistry, making him an ideal dentist for all of your oral health needs.

General Dentistry

The most common form of general dentistry is regular checkups and cleanings. Also included under general dentistry are:

Root canals
Periodontal treatment to remove gum disease
Filling and bonding to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma
Dental crowns to stop the spread of further decay
Bridges, implants, and dentures to replace missing teeth
Pediatric dentistry, including fluoride cleanings, and sealant applications

General dentistry can be preformed by a dentist who has not attended additional schooling for cosmetic dentistry. However, because many of the procedures require experience in both aesthetics and functionality, a dentist who has received cosmetic schooling may best be able to address all of your general dentistry concerns.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry combines the art of aesthetics with the functionality of general dentistry to address a number of tooth related issues. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

Teeth whitening to improve the radiance of your smile
Porcelain veneers to cover minor cosmetic imperfections
Porcelain crows to replace missing or broken teeth
Composite tooth fillings to fill in chips and cracks.
Inlays and onlays to address tooth decay with a natural looking filling

Cosmetic dentistry requires additional schooling after dental school. Dentists who choose to specialize in both forms of dentistry are better able to provide a complete smile makeover and help you achieve ultimate satisfaction with your smile.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and are looking for a one-stop dentist who can meet all of your family’s needs, please contact experienced general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Anderson to schedule your free consultation today.

How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?

2009-09-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Small imperfections in your teeth can lead to an awkward smile, impairing your ability to feel comfortable in business, social, and even familial settings. These imperfections can come in many forms: chips and cracks, discolorations, odd gaps and spacing, even unevenly sized teeth.

You may have been born with some of these problems; others are the result of personal choices, environmental factors, or accidents. No matter the cause, these minor cosmetic issues are often permanent, that may leave you wishing for a permanent fix. The solution can be found in porcelain veneers, wafer-thin shells placed over existing teeth that cover small imperfections.

Life Span of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers act in the same capacity as your natural teeth. As such, it is important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. Bad habits that can stain, chip, or break your natural teeth can likewise damage veneers. Regular brushing and flossing, and routinely scheduled oral cleanings however can help ensure your veneers last a lifetime. As an added bonus, porcelain veneers are stain resistant, allowing them to maintain their brilliance longer than adjacent teeth.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing, combined with regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams, all play a large role in maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile. Using a fluoride toothpaste to combat decay after each meal, or at least twice a day, will help ensure your teeth - both natural and those with veneers - will remain fully functional and strong.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California and are bothered by small cosmetic imperfections in your smile, please contact San Ramon cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sean Anderson for a free consultation and review of options, including porcelain veneers, which will best suite your needs.

What Problems do Porcelain Veneers Correct?

2009-09-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. A relatively new advancement in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are shaped and colored to match adjacent teeth, providing a smile that is seamless and natural looking; while improving minor imperfections. Porcelain veneers are also stain resistant, providing you with a lasting bright, radiant smile.

Common Problems Fixed by Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a quick and easy way to improve the quality of your smile. Most commonly they are used to cover teeth that are:

Broken or chipped
Discolored due to natural and lifestyle factors
Misaligned or crooked
Oddly spaced or gapped
Unevenly sized

Process for Porcelain Veneers

The process for porcelain veneers is short, painless, and noninvasive. The entire procedure takes place over two office visits, placed a few weeks apart. During the first visit an impression will be taken of your teeth in order to ensure proper sizing. This impression is sent to the laboratory where your veneers will be made.

Two weeks later, your new porcelain veneers will be ready, and on your next office visit they will be affixed to your teeth. Just two short weeks and your smile will be more beautiful than you ever imagined. Better yet, with proper care, the results can last for a lifetime.

If you live in San Ramon, Danville, or Livermore, California, and have been thinking about improving small cosmetic imperfections in your teeth and making your smile more brilliant, please contact experienced porcelain veneer dentist Dr. Sean Anderson to schedule your free consultation.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

2009-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Neuromuscular dentistry is a branch of dentistry that moves beyond traditional dentistry’s focus on teeth bone and gums to also include nerves, soft tissues and muscles. Its primary emphasis is treatment of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). These are simply different terms used to describe the same condition. Located on each side of the head in front of the ear, the temporomandibular joint’s movements include the rotating and gliding actions we require when speaking and chewing.

In my practice, I use neuromuscular dentistry to identify and treat jaw misalignment that often causes a variety of ills typically associated with TMD including:

Headaches
Neck and shoulder aches
Facial pain
Jaw pain
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

To diagnose TMD, I use digital jaw-tracking instruments to measure jaw movement, resting state and closure path. I also examine the jaw's muscle function when it is both stressed and relaxed. I’ll determine if a structural imbalance exists in the jaw-to-skull relationship. Neuromuscular dentistry then allows me to adjust the bite and realign the jaw, bringing relief from TMD symptoms. Treatment options can include orthotics and/or orthodontics.

If you or a loved one suffers from TMD symptoms, don’t endure your pain needlessly. If you live in the San Ramon, California area, please contact our office to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

What is a laser’s role in dentistry?

2009-07-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

While lasers can mean a significant reduction in pain associated with dental visits and in healing time, only five percent of dentists currently utilize lasers in their practice.
I find that lasers contribute greatly to my patients’ ease and safety levels for the following key reasons:

• Sutures (stitches) are often not required.
• Local injections for pain may not be needed for some laser work.
• The laser’s light beam assists in clotting blood, so bleeding is kept to a minimum.
• The beam sterilizes the area in which I work, lowering the risk of infection.
• Because lasers cause less tissue damage, healing time is reduced.

Lasers’ many dental applications include:

• Removal of benign tumors
• Early cavity detection
• Re-contouring gum and bone to provide a stronger base for tooth restoration procedures
• Reducing the need for drilling and local anesthesia during dental filling placement
• Accelerating the tooth-whitening process

If you or a loved one is considering laser dentistry, I would be pleased to discuss alternatives with you. If you live in the San Ramon, California area, call 925-837-4486 to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

Quelling Dental Anxiety with Sedation

2009-06-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

If you are a dental phobic, and your fears are keeping you from maintaining your teeth or improving your smile, I advise you to consider sedation. During sedation, time seems to fly—that’s a plus if you’re feeling anxious! You’ll probably also make fewer visits to your dentist because procedures that might generally require two or more visits can often be handled in just one visit. If your phobia centers on needles, never fear; intravenous sedation was the earliest form of dental sedation—now, oral and inhaled forms are also commonly used.

Sedation dentistry is probably right for you if:

• You’d rather not know what is happening during your dental procedure.
• You’ve explored non-medicated approaches with a dentist skilled at relaxation techniques, but they’re just not working.

Sedation dentistry is unlikely to be your solution if:

• You are terrified of dentists.
• Your fears center on feeling a loss of control while at the dentist.

If sedation is not your answer, don’t give up. Dentists use many techniques to reduce anxiety in fearful patients.

If you are in the San Ramon, California area and are seeking a skilled dentist competent in a variety of stress-reduction and sedation techniques, call 925-837-4486 to make an appointment with me, Dr. Sean Anderson. My caring team and I work hard to nurture patients through dental procedures with an approach that works for them.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

2009-06-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Muscles typically work with other muscles; when one is impacted, others are also. A poorly aligned bite brings about an imbalance in the jaw-to-skull relationship. Contracted jaw muscles strain the head, shoulders, neck and back muscles to compensate.

As a neuromuscular dentist, I understand the interdependency of face and neck bones, joints, muscles, and nerves. My goal is to correct the bite, relieving strain that leads to discomfort. I can help in a variety of ways, including:

• Bite Stabilization -- A temporary orthotic placed over the teeth while your bite is stabilized. Once you achieve relief, I permanently adjust your bite into a pain-free position.

• Coronoplasty/Equilibration -- Reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct bite misalignment--typically used only for slight misalignments.

• Removable Overlay Partials -- Permanent orthotics that generally fit over the back teeth to maintain proper bite alignment.

• Reconstruction -- Teeth made higher with crowns. Permanent bite correction is achieved, and the jaw receives additional support.

• Orthodontics (Braces) -- Teeth that are in a healthy condition adjusted into the ideal position with braces.

If you are in the San Ramon, California area (or any surrounding area), please contact the office to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson.

Jaw Pain Relief is Possible

2009-05-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Jaw pain, or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), can often occur when the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is misaligned so that it causes undue stress and pressure. The jaw joint is located at the side of the face in front of the ear. There are two joints, one on either side of the face. The joint is comprised of the lower jaw bone (mandible), which fits into a hollow in the skull’s temporal bone, and a disc that separates the two bones.

When I treat jaw pain in my clinic, I must first establish a correct diagnosis.

Is pain due to disorders of the muscles of the head and face?
Could an injured TMJ disc or disorder of the joint structures be causing pain? (i.e., degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis)
Are misaligned teeth due to wear and tear or missing teeth causing the problem?

Sometimes jaw pain should be managed rather than eliminated. In many other cases, reconstruction can relieve pain by aligning your bite. I am a trained neuromuscular dentist and a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), the top post-graduate dental school in the world. If a technique exists to relieve your pain, I can implement it.

If you are in the San Ramon, California area and are experiencing jaw pain or any other symptom of TMD, please contact Dr. Sean Anderson today to make an appointment.

How Short, Worn Teeth Affect Your Bite

2009-05-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Shorter, more worn teeth commonly develop as we age. In my practice I often see wear and tear that comes from teeth clenching and nightly teeth grinding, fingernail chewing, etc. These and other habits accelerate the wearing process and lead to sensitive teeth, and ultimately, tooth breakdown. Sometimes the damage is so severe that reconstructive treatments are required.

Other concerns with short and damaged teeth include:

Misalignment -- Worn teeth affect overall wear and tear, causing jaw misalignment. As a result, all teeth wear down down more rapidly.
Headaches and muscle pain – Because worn teeth affect bite alignment, head and muscle aches can result.
Appearance – Worn, short teeth can make us appear toothless and age us beyond our years
Chewing – Worn teeth affect our ability to properly chew our food.

To correct short, worn teeth, I often use crown placement to restore original shape and rehabilitate your bite. Sometimes, dental implants may be in order. I recommend that patients with a history of tooth grinding also use a night guard to prevent additional damage.

If you or a loved one has short, worn teeth, I can help you determine the most appropriate treatment and prevention methods. If you live in the San Ramon, California area, please contact our office to make an appointment.

How do Dental Implants Work?

2009-04-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you are considering dental implants to improve your smile, you should know that this procedure has been perfected over a period of more than 50 years. The vast majority of patients who choose dental implants walk away with greatly enhanced confidence and a dramatically improved smile.

In my practice, I first determine if you have enough bone in the missing tooth’s general area to hold the implant (there are options for you if you do not). If you’re deemed a viable candidate, your mouth will be scanned digitally to determine precisely where the implant should be placed.

Here’s what you can expect during the two visits required to place your implant:

You will be put under anesthesia since securing dental implants is a surgical procedure.
The implant will be placed carefully into position to avoid contact with nerves.
There’ll be period of a few months (approximately three-six) during which your mouth heals and the implant grows snugly into place.
You’ll return to have your new tooth secured to the implant.

If you or a loved one are considering tooth replacement, I can help you determine if you are a good candidate. If you live in San Ramon, California or a surrounding area of San Ramon, please contact our office today to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson.

Headaches as a Result of Jaw Strain

2009-04-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

With around 80% of headaches occurring from muscle tension, it’s no surprise that strained muscles caused by jaw misalignment actually cause a significant proportion of headaches. I help many of my patients’ headaches by correctly diagnosing and treating jaw misalignment.

Indicators that a headache may have dental origins include the following:
• Pain located behind the eyes
• Tender or weak jaw muscles in the morning
• Clicking or snapping of jaw joints
• Head and/or scalp sensitivity to touch

Specific dental issues that may lead to jaw strain are:

• Tired bite - When you swallow, upper and lower teeth meet firmly. If your bite is misaligned, or you are missing a tooth, muscles work harder to bring the teeth together.

• Referred Pain - This type of pain originates in the cheeks or jaw joints. Many times, however, the pain is "referred" to other areas of the head.

• Muscle Imbalance - When neck and jaw muscles are tense from an unstable bite, they shorten. This strain that often leads to headache.

If you or a loved one suffers from headaches, I can help determine if the headaches are related to jaw strain. If you live in the San Ramon, California area or a surrounding area of San Ramon, please call 925-837-4486 to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

Facial Pain and Your Jaw

2009-03-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ongoing facial pain afflicts over 15% of Americans. Manifestations of facial pain include discomfort in or around the ear, jaw tenderness, clicking or popping when opening the mouth and head and neck pain. I frequently see patients complaining of jaw pain in my dental office.

Joints and jaw muscles allow correct opening and closing of the mouth. These muscles and ligaments and the mandible (lower jaw) with its two temporomandibular joints are essential to many functions. Located on each side of the head in front of the ear, the temporomandibular joints’ movements include the rotating and gliding actions we require when speaking and chewing. Anything the keeps these elements from performing their proper function may cause facial pain.

Factors leading to facial pain include:

• Bite misalignment
• Tooth grinding
• Stress

Some treatment options are:
• Correction of jaw misalignment
• Stress-reducing exercises
• Muscle relaxants
• Mouth protectors for teeth grinding

If you or a loved one is experiencing jaw or facial pain or other painful TMD symptoms, don’t just live with the pain. If you live in San Ramon, California or any surrounding area of San Ramon, please call 925-837-4486 to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

Depression and TMD

2009-03-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

In my clinical experience, patients sometimes suffer with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) for years before being properly diagnosed. Their pain may be disregarded because it has no apparent physical cause. It’s no wonder that TMD and depression commonly go hand-in-hand. Also, strong evidence suggests that chronic pain itself can lead to depression by altering chemicals in the brain.

Because TMD is a complex condition, many patients need more that one specialist to help them attain good health. Patients should work with a neuromuscular dentist, possibly a psychological counselor and sometimes a chiropractor or their family doctor. Many patients receive full pain relief their neuromuscular dentist, however. They are also relieved to know that an actual condition is causing their pain.

I can help you find out if TMD is the cause of your pain and depression. To do so, I’ll typically need to take the following steps:

Determine if your jaw is misaligned by using computerized tracking tools that measure jaw movement, resting state, and closure path
Measure the relationship of your jaw to your skull to note any structural imbalances.
Use sonography to record jaw joint sounds that may be abnormal
Take x-rays of the jaw to help evaluate the positioning of the joint

If you live in the San Ramon, California area (or a surrounding area), please contact the office to make an appointment with Dr. Sean Anderson today.

Dental Implants Provide Options for Tooth Replacement

2009-02-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

If you are unhappy with your current smile, comfortable and natural-looking dental implants may be the right choice for you. Dental implant technology has been in place for over 50 years. The social isolation and lack of confidence fueled by a less-than-ideal smile should by now be a thing of the past.

In addition to making people less social, missing or unhealthy teeth:

Limit food choices
Contribute to loss of additional teeth
Lead to bone less that causes loss of facial structure and an older appearance

In my dental practice, I carefully evaluate my patients’ needs based on disease, injury or age-related damage. I view the dental implant procedure as both an art and a science. If implants are warranted, I take great care to ensure an enduring and cosmetically pleasing implant solution.

Implants can be created from resin, porcelain or composite materials. I use titanium because of its ability to fuse extremely well with bone.

If you or a loved one is in need of tooth replacement, I can help you as you consider the dental implant procedure. If you live in the San Ramon or a surrounding area of California area, please call 925-837-4486 to make an appointment today.

Common Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) Symptoms

2009-02-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), caused by jaw misalignment, can lead to a variety of symptoms. The temporomandibular joints can be found on each side of the face in front of the ears. A large percentage of those who experience TMD are women, and the condition usually develops between the ages of 20 and 50.

Symptoms linked to TMD include:

Joint popping
Pain in the TM joint area
Headaches
Neck and pain
Facial pain
Ringing in the ears
Ear pain
Depression

As a neuromuscular dentist, I can assist you in locating the cause of your discomfort. I’ll typically need to take the following steps:

Determine if your jaw is misaligned by using computerized tracking tools that measure jaw movement, resting state and closure path.
Measure the relationship of your jaw to your skull to note any structural imbalances.
Use sonography to record jaw joint sounds that may be abnormal.
Take x-rays of the jaw to help evaluate the positioning of the joint.

If you are in the San Ramon, California area (or any surrounding area), please contact the office to make an appointment.

Why Continuing Education as a Cosmetic Dentist Makes a Difference (LVI)

2009-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Education is the key to anyone achieving their goals. Dr. Sean Anderson is no exception. Dr. Anderson is fully committed to being at the forefront of modern cosmetic dentistry techniques, equipment and information.

Too many times, doctors of any type will be satisfied with just reading the occasional medical journal article, or attending the occasional seminar. In today’s ever-changing world of medicine, that can quickly leave a medical practitioner in the dust as far as knowledge. It can also leave patients lacking for good medical attention and care.

That is why Dr. Anderson is a graduate fellow from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and continues to take courses from the most progressive, cutting edge cosmetic institute in the world. At LVI, Dr. Anderson has the opportunity to learn from the leaders in the cosmetic dentistry industry. Whether it is new techniques, new equipment, new materials or even new concepts for keeping his patients more comfortable while visiting our office, Dr. Anderson is eager to learn it all.

For Dr. Anderson, continuing education isn’t just about improving his own skills. Our team is also committed to continuing education. Plus, Dr. Anderson graciously shares his new-found knowledge with the rest of our team and keeps us inspired. Because of Dr. Anderson’s commitment to continuing education, our team is among the most qualified and highly trained in California.

All of us at Dr. Sean Anderson’s cosmetic dentistry office are proud of our commitment to providing the best possible care using state-of-the-art equipment, materials and techniques in a comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere. Our patients will never suffer from a lack care or attention and we take great pride in that.

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Mercury Fillings vs. Tooth Colored Fillings

2009-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Back in the old days of dentistry, silver fillings – made up of mercury, silver and tin – were the only option. They certainly couldn’t be considered aesthetically pleasing but they filled the need.

Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, though, the combination of art and science have produced tooth colored fillings. Here are some of the differences between the two types of fillings to give you a better idea of why cosmetic dentists like Dr. Sean Anderson are choosing tooth-colored fillings over mercury.

Mercury fillings are packed into the cavity, which means more of the tooth must be removed to allow for compaction
Tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the tooth so very little, if any, tooth surface must be removed
Mercury fillings expand and contract as you eat or drink hot and cold; this can lead to cracks or breaks in the tooth down the road
Tooth-colored fillings insulate the tooth from hot and cold so no cracking or breaking will occur because of the filling
Mercury fillings can darken over time, even darkening the teeth around it
Tooth-colored fillings are the same color as your own teeth and will not change color on their own

Opting for using tooth-colored fillings, as Dr. Anderson has, allows our patients the opportunity to smile with loads of self-confidence. They don’t flash a silvery smile; just a beautiful, natural tooth-colored smile.

If you are looking for tooth-colored fillings in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Onlays and Inlays

2008-12-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

Not too many people, other than cosmetic dentists, really understand what onlays and inlays are used for. The terms can be a bit confusing so we hope the following explanations help.

Onlays and inlays refer to porcelain restorations. An inlay is done when the restoration is inside the tooth. An onlay is done when the restoration is more extensive and extends to the outer surface of the tooth. Onlays and inlays are bonded to the tooth so less of the actual tooth surface has to be removed. Unlike the old silver fillings, they don't expand and contract against the tooth over time. That can cause cracking and may require more extensive dental procedures down the road.

Dr. Sean Anderson is an expert when it comes to cosmetic dentistry procedures such as onlays and inlays. After Dr. Anderson takes an impression of the tooth, he'll apply a temporary filling while your custom inlay or onlay is designed in our own state-of-the-art dental lab. When the custom inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Anderson will use a very safe dental resin to permanently cement it to your tooth. Dr. Anderson is such an artist that you won't be able to tell where the tooth ends and the filling begins.

If you are looking for dental inlays or onlays in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Porcelain Crowns

2008-12-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Losing a tooth is never a pleasant experience. In the old days of dentistry, getting a crown to replace a damaged or decayed tooth was even more of an ordeal. Everyone would cringe at the thought of needles and drills. In some cases, patients wouldn't even bother getting the tooth fixed.

Thankfully, the art and science of modern cosmetic dentistry has changed all that. Dr. Sean Anderson is an excellent example of cosmetic dentists who use state-of-the-art materials and techniques while restoring your smile virtually pain-free.

For Dr. Anderson, porcelain crowns are used to restore your ability to chew, speak and smile properly. As long as the root of the broken or decayed tooth is still intact, porcelain crowns can be used to repair the damage. Here's how it works.

Dr. Anderson gently reshapes the damaged tooth to allow the porcelain crown to fit over it like a cap. Next, he uses dental putty to take an impression of the tooth and those around it. The impression will show the dental lab how to design your custom porcelain crown so it fits naturally among your other teeth.

A temporary crown is set over the damaged tooth to protect it while your custom porcelain crown is being designed. Once the custom crown is ready, Dr. Anderson uses a very safe, but very strong, dental adhesive to secure the crown to the tooth. Once he's done, you have a natural, no-gap smile again.

If would like to learn if porcelain crowns are right for you, come visit us in the San Ramon, California area and contact us today.

Porcelain Veneers Can Improve Your Smile

2008-11-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

A smile is just about the greatest thing we can share with each other. But when you have a less-then-great smile, you may not want to share. Perhaps you have gaps or spaces between your teeth. Maybe some of your teeth are chipped or are misaligned. Whatever the reason, you just don't have the confidence to smile much anymore.

One option for improving your smile is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are super-thin sheets of porcelain specifically designed for dental use. Dr. Sean Anderson has used porcelain veneers for many of his patients, and achieved great results for them.

The procedure Dr. Anderson employs is fairly simple. During your first visit to our office, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to the dental lab for custom design. Next, we custom fit temporary veneers until the others are ready. You get to leave our office sporting a brighter, straighter smile right away! After about two weeks, your custom designed porcelain veneers are ready. After removing the temporary veneers, we permanently affix your new porcelain veneers using a very strong, dental adhesive. With good dental hygiene and regular dental checkups, your porcelain veneers - and your new, improved smile - can last indefinitely.

If you are looking for porcelain veneers in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Are Veneers for You?

2008-11-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror, smiled and then frowned because you didn't like the way your smile looks? Even once is probably enough. Your smile can be your greatest asset in both your business and personal life. When you don't smile at clients, family and friends, you may not be making the right impression.

Perhaps you've heard about porcelain veneers but you aren't sure if they are a good option for you. Dr. Sean Anderson has compiled a list of reasons that might make porcelain veneers the right solution for your smile problems. Take a look to see if your specific problem is listed.

Stained or yellowed teeth
Chipped teeth
Slightly misaligned teeth
Uneven teeth (some shorter than others)
Gaps between teeth

Now, you may be wondering what advantages come from resolving your problem porcelain veneers. One of the best advantages is the procedure is virtually painless and can done in just a couple of visits to our office. Additionally, Dr. Anderson makes sure that the dental materials used are the best available. He and his team take great pride in providing a natural, healthy, beautiful smile customized for each individual patient. Dr. Anderson wants your smile to be the highlight of your physical presence.

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Tooth Whitening Options

2008-10-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people that don't smile because of yellow or stained teeth? You don't have to be. Dr. Sean Anderson specializes in cosmetic dentistry and that includes giving you that beautiful, white smile you had as a youth.

Dr. Anderson has seen it all and has state-of-the art materials and techniques to remove those ugly stains that have built up over the years. There are a couple of options he will choose from after meeting with you and discussing your specific needs and expectations from the tooth whitening experience.

If your schedule is so tight, you can't get dental floss through it, Take-Home Whitening Kits might be a great option. Using your custom designed whitening tray, and either the mild, moderate or strong gel, you can whiten your tooth when it's convenient for you. You can see great results fairly quickly, too.

If you prefer to have the tooth whitening process done in our office, we will use Zoom! Teeth Whitening. The three 20-minute stages use a special tooth whitening light and gel to speed up the process. From start to finish, it takes about 90 minutes and you end up with a great new sparkling white smile. You will also get a follow-up kit to use at home if necessary.

If you are looking for tooth whitening in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

2008-10-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Age and abuse can affect your teeth as much as the rest of your body. For many people, getting hit in the mouth during years of playing sports can leave you with cracked, chipped or even missing teeth. For others, poor diets or dental hygiene in younger years can lead to stained, broken or decaying teeth. Still others may have destructive habits such as clenching, grinding or TMJ that are deteriorating their natural tooth structure. Full mouth rehabilitation may be just what the cosmetic dentist ordered.

Dr. Sean Anderson specializes in cosmetic dentistry procedures such as full mouth rehabilitation. Let us give you an idea of what can be done:

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges: these can be used to cap damaged teeth or cover gaps left from missing teeth
Tooth Colored Fillings: instead of silver fillings, which are very noticeable, these are white and blend in with your smile
Onlays and Inlays: these are used when fillings need to go beyond just the center of the tooth, making your smile look natural, and giving them more strength.
Dental Implants: the concept is similar to dentures, except dental implants are permanent. Implants can also be used to resore a single tooth that is missing.
Porcelain Veneers: these ultra-thin, white sheets of porcelain are a superb way to hide uneven, crooked or permanently stained teeth
Tooth Whitening: remove years of coffee and food stains through one of several whitening techniques

Dr. Anderson looks forward to meeting you and discussing your needs for full mouth rehabilitation. You can love your smile again.

If you are looking for full mouth rehabilitation in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

2008-09-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Choosing a cosmetic dentist to work on your teeth should be done with the same level of care as you would use in choosing a heart surgeon. You want someone who is experienced and will take great care with the procedure at hand. You want someone who is well-educated and continues to take advanced training in order to stay on top of all the latest research and techniques available.

You want someone like Dr. Sean Anderson. Here are some additional suggestions from Dr. Anderson to help you make the right choice for your cosmetic dentist.

The cosmetic dentist should be accredited. This shows that the dentist has received specialized training in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

In addition to his D.D.S. from the College of Dentistry-University of Iowa, Dr. Sean Anderson continues his cosmetic dentistry education through advanced courses at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Cosmetic dentistry should be the prominent part of the dentists' practice, rather than a sidelight.
Dr. Sean Anderson specializes in cosmetic dentistry, as well as neuromuscular dentistry.
Ask for examples of the work the dentist has done for other patients.

Dr. Anderson is proud to provide before and after photos of his patients. Please feel free to take a tour through our Smile Gallery.

We make it our mission to provide you with the most advanced cosmetic dental care using state-of-the-art equipment, materials and techniques.

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

2008-09-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, mouth and smile. That's exactly what we do at Dr. Sean Michael Anderson's dental office. He has an extensive education in cosmetic dentistry including advanced training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. By using porcelain veneers, dental crowns or bridges, tooth colored fillings, tooth whitening or implants, Dr. Anderson can give you the perfect smile you've been wishing for.

Dr. Anderson truly believes that cosmetic dentistry is a combination of both art and science. He considers the needs of each patient on an individual basis, carefully reviewing what the patient wants for an end result and what the dental issues require. He will discuss all your options in detail, making sure you have answers to all your questions. Dr. Anderson is committed to restoring your smile and improving your dental health so your teeth can continue to do their job for a very long time.

To help provide the best treatments and procedures available, our office is filled with state-of-the-art technology. We make sure that your cosmetic dental procedure, which will be virtually pain-free, is done right the first time in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the San Ramon, California area, please contact us today.

Welcome

2008-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Dr. ANDERSON, D.D.S. specializes in high quality comprehensive dental care including all Neuromuscular, Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dental Surgery in San Ramon.