Dental Veneers – What to Expect

Posted: March 27, 2020

Dental veneers are very durable and attractive thin overlays of tooth-colored porcelain or resin, that are intended to cover the front surface of teeth for a nicer appearance. Veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth and have the capacity to change their color, shape, or length. Aesthetic Dental – Dr. Dennis J Wells in Nashville is happy to discuss your interest in veneers.

Veneers are typically manufactured from durable porcelain or composite resin materials. The porcelain version resists stains better than resin, and they also reproduce light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. A discussion with your dentist will help you decide on the best choice of veneer material for your teeth and objectives.

Why would I consider veneers?

Dental veneers are used to address some of the following issues:

Brighten discolored teeth either from stains or fillings
Cover heavily worn-down teeth
Repair broken or chipped teeth
Create more appealing shape to misaligned teeth
Fill gaps between teeth

How do Dental Veneers get Installed?

A standard timeline to install veneers involves three trips to your dentist – the first for a consultation and then two more to actually manufacture and install the veneers.

Visit #1 diagnosing and planning. Here is where your dentist will inspect your teeth to ensure that veneers are a viable solution for you. You also get a chance to explain what you would like your teeth to look like and any goals or objectives you have. Your dentist may also take X-rays and / or impressions of your teeth at this time.

Visit #2 tooth preparation. Veneer preparation usually starts with reshaping the tooth surface and removing enamel the same thickness as the new veneer, and a local anesthetic may be required. After this, an impression of your tooth will be made by your dentist, which is subsequently sent out to a dental laboratory for manufacture of the veneer. Typical turnaround times are 2-4 weeks to complete and your dentist may install temporary veneers to cover any unsightly teeth.

Visit #3 the bonding process. During the final visit, your veneer/s will be temporarily fitted it onto your teeth to verify the shape and color are correct. Your dentist will start a process of trimming your new veneer and continually refitting it for the proper bond. Next, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched (roughened) to facilitate a strong bonding process. Bonding cement is then applied to the veneer and installed onto your tooth. A special light beam is pointed to the dental veneer, which activates the cement to harden quickly. After final cleanup and inspection, you are ready to go home, and you may be requested to return in a couple weeks to inspect the fit and functionality.

To learn more or get started, contact us for an appointment:

615-219-5125

Location: (Tap to open in Google Maps)

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Uncategorized

Inlays, Filling, Onlays or Crowns?

Posted: March 16, 2020

Fillings vs. Inlays

In a sense, these are almost the same, except that the term “inlay” is typically used for very large cavities. Both solutions involve the removal of a pre-existing cavity and then filling that resulting in empty space, but the process of filling is how they ultimately differ. With a filling, the cleaned out empty space is filled with either an amalgam or composite material, and it’s a pretty quick process done in only one dental visit at Dr. Dennis Wells, of Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry.

With an inlay, the drilled-out space is filled with one solid chunk of material that is designed in a dental lab, typically built with gold or ceramic. The completed inlay must precisely fit the shape and size of the empty space so that food and bacteria can’t get into space and cause more decay. One advantage of an inlay is that they do not shrink after being installed, as some fillings do, so there is less chance of failure. Inlays are a tough, durable surface for chewing, and are thought to be more reliable long term.

The major deterrent for dentists using inlays is the fact that many dental insurance policies will not pay for them. Instead, companies will try to lower the inlay to a filling category and only pay that lesser price, which someone ends up paying. Inlays are usually kept for patients with no insurance, who understand the charges and are willing to pay out of pocket.

Onlays vs. Crowns

Both dental crowns and “onlays” are used to repair very large areas of decay that fillings and inlays will not fix due to the size. The unique feature of an “onlay,” as opposed to an “inlay,” is that it can cover the cusp of a tooth, with an inlay only filling in between the cusps. The procedure is similar as the material is drilled and removed first, then an onlay is manufactured to the perfect size and shape of the empty space. Even more drastic, a crown will cover the whole tooth structure above the gum line.

An onlay is a less assertive restoration than a crown, if possible since less tooth material needs to be drilled out in order to attach it. But while the cost structure is similar, an onlay is a little cheaper than a crown. The onlay is always the favored solution when possible, as it requires less tooth loss. However, onlays are more difficult than crowns and require advanced skills from the dentist.

Again, cost becomes an issue when deciding between onlays and crowns. Similar to inlays vs. fillings, dental insurance is less likely to cover an onlay procedure. But since companies will cover a crown, because it is more widely chosen by dentists, onlays are left as a specialty procedure for more skilled dentists and patients with means to pay out of pocket for an expensive procedure.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry

615-219-5125

Location: (Tap to open in Google Maps)

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Sedation Dentistry

Are There any Side Effects to Tooth Whitening?

Posted: February 28, 2020

When administered by a qualified dentist like Dr. Dennis Wells at Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, teeth whitening is generally a safe and effectual approach with very few risks. In the majority of use cases, any side effects are usually caused by misuse of the whitening agent, including attempting to over-whiten.

The most common after-effect is temporary tooth sensitivity. You can reduce this risk by discussing your sensitivity levels with a dentist before beginning a procedure and following all aftercare instructions closely.

Possible Long-Term Risks

Although there are minimal risks with teeth whitening. However, in scarce cases, some professional-grade and over-the-counter products may cause:

Long-term sensitivity
Injury to the tooth roots
Dissolving of enamel
Patchy results
Injury to membranes in the mouth

Additionally, patients who chronically whiten their teeth at home without the approval of their doctor can develop serious oral health concerns. Again, this type of case would qualify as a “misuse” as we mentioned previously.

It is proven that chronic overuse of peroxide-based whitening solutions can erode tooth enamel and even cause chemical burns on the soft tissue inside the mouth. These effects are rare and are typically associated with overuse or misuse.

Short-Term Side Effects

While whitening rarely causes extended negative effects, temporary tooth sensitivity can be a common result. If you do have any discomfort following a whitening treatment, talk to your dentist about solutions.

You may be more likely to experience sensitivity if you:

Currently have sensitive teeth
Notice sensitivity after teeth cleaning
Feel irritation after brushing or flossing

Some dentists recommend desensitizing products to help patients with sensitive teeth after whitening. Obviously, if you experience any irritation, you should temporarily suspend any scheduled touch-up whitening treatments until directed to by your dentist.

Gum Discomfort

Another possible side effect of whitening can be gum irritation, and this may result from:

A defective bleaching tray
Breakdown of the initial protective barrier
Overuse and misuse of a whitening solution

How to Minimize Any Risks

Scheduling your whitening with a qualified dentist is the best way to eliminate the chance of temporary or long-term or side effects. Purchasing whitening products from your pharmacy and using them is less reliable. Some cheap brands can have seriously high levels of peroxide.

Also, these products are more likely to cause patchy results. Typical side effects of store-bought whitening products occur from the misuse of the gel solution. Always discuss with your dentist before starting teeth whitening, especially if you plan to do it yourself, to decide if you are a good candidate.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry

615-219-5125

Location: (Tap to open in Google Maps)

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Aesthetic dentistry, Teeth Whitening, Tooth Whitening

Is Dental Bonding for You?

Posted: February 7, 2020

Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry at 105 Powell Ct Ste 101, Nashville, TN 37027 offers some of the most popular procedures to revive smiles and boost confidence. Dental bonding is a procedure by which dentists can change the color, size, or shape of a tooth. This approach uses a tooth-colored resin that bonds using a curing light. The resulting bond will protect the dentin inside of the tooth from decay while enhancing the outside appearance.

Why Choose Dental Bonding?

Most patients who are considering dental bonding have issues like cracked or chipped teeth or oversized spaces between their teeth that can affect self-esteem and also contribute to oral health troubles. Bonding is also commonly used to change out old amalgam fillings and can also provide protection against infection to the root of a tooth with recessed gums. Dental bonding may also be used:

to fix cracked or decayed teeth
to alter the shape or size of teeth
to correct discolored teeth
To protect against gum recession

How the procedure works

Anesthesia is typically not necessary if the tooth shows a previous root canal or has any small modifications which don’t involve the dentin of the tooth. Here are the two primary methods of dental bonding:

Direct Composite Bonding – This method uses tooth-colored composite material to replace old fillings, fix cracked teeth, close spaces between teeth, and strengthen edges. This works well as a non- invasive procedure and a simple fix for cosmetic dental needs.
Adhesive Bonding – This bonding is used for crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers, and more involved procedures. Use it to adjust and shape to match other teeth and make sure they form a stunning smile.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry

615-219-5125

Location: (Tap to open in Google Maps)

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Dental Bonding

MicroThin Dental Veneers – What to Expect

Posted: December 26, 2019

Nashville cosmetic dentist Veneers are one solution to solve cosmetic dental issues and provide great-looking results. Completed dental veneers cover the front and sides of teeth and are custom-made to blend in perfectly to complete a beautiful smile makeover. In planning for your treatment at Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, take into consideration your short-term and long-term goals, along with your budget.

Micro Thin vs Porcelain Veneers

When choosing the best dental veneers, there are several key issues to think about:

The overall condition of your teeth – any overwhelming cosmetic problems or tooth damage may require a permanent option such as porcelain veneers.
For long-term stability use porcelain veneers. They require more tooth preparation and alteration of the enamel surface which makes them a permanent restoration.
For a budget use MicroThin veneers. They are less costly overall than porcelain and can be the optimal medium-range solution for younger patients who will consider a more permanent solution later on.

We will discuss all aspects of your treatment plan with you to consider and help you to make the best decision for your overall oral health and personal lifestyle.

MicroThin Veneers: What to Expect

During your treatment planning, we make sure your final result will meet your expected outcome and will look as natural as possible to blend with your overall appearance. We will take into account your facial design including your unique as important factors in the process of designing dental veneers that will look great, last a long time, and improve your dental health.

After we remove a tiny amount of tooth enamel, we then first take dental impressions that are used to fabricate your unique veneers. In some cases, there is no tooth preparation needed. 2-3 weeks later, your new veneers will be permanently bonded to your teeth and polished to achieve a nice shine and natural look. Your finished MicroThin veneers will be durable and last a long time with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry (Tap to open in Google Maps):

615-219-5125

Location:

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Prepless Veneers

What to expect from your sedation dental appointment

Posted: December 4, 2019

Don’t let the fear or anxiety of dental work prevent you from getting the dental assistance you need. Below are some of the things you can expect from your sedation dental visit.

Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment

Sedation is Safe:

Sedation is not the same as anesthesia, so it does not carry the same level of incapacitation, nor after-effects. Because a patient is not fully unconscious as in anesthesia, there is typically less recovery time, with less sense of amnesia experienced. Because a patient is mostly conscious during sedation, breathing and reflexes operate normally, with an additional benefit of providing some extra risk protection against heart conditions, strokes and stress levels.

Quicker Appointments:

It’s common for patients to delay their dental work, because of conflicts or limitations with their work schedules. A benefit of using sedation is that, due to the relaxing effects, a dentist may be able to complete even more of the required procedures into a single visit. The minor effect of amnesia from sedation can add to the impression that work was done quickly, while also providing the additional relaxation to make the procedures go smoothly.

Easy on Your Body:

Dental sedation tends to relax any painful neck or back muscles and helps patients to sit still for long periods much easier without anxiety or discomfort.

Amnesia:

As mentioned above when describing the effects of sedation, there is indeed some sense of amnesia after it wears off, although not near the level created by general anesthesia. Although most patients have mostly a sense of “grogginess,” some patients actually can lose the memory of the entire procedure and dental visit, which can be a positive for some.

More Effective with Less Pain:

Since the sedation causes such great relaxation effects, a sedation dentist can likely work quicker and more thoroughly than if a patient is not sedated. Tolerance to pain is somewhat increased, as anxiety decreases and relaxation sets in, which is a plus during involved procedures, and a local anesthetic may be administered as well, for complete pain relief.

Contact Nashville Center and try Sedation for your next dental procedure:

615-219-5125

Location (click to open a map):

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Dental Laser Treatments

Posted: October 18, 2019

Girl, Swinging, Hairstyle, Swing People who aren’t pleased with the look of their smile can sometimes feel self conscious, and the look of their gums can have a negative impact on their self esteem and confidence. At Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry in Brentwood, we can help with every aspect of your smile’s appearance to give you a stunning smile that reflects your inner beauty.

Laser Dentistry

Using laser dentistry, we can use gum recontouring to raise your gum height to improve the appearance of your smile
Patients who love their smile share their smile with others more often and feel happier. A smile begets more smiles!
Laser dentistry can remove excess gum tissue gently and comfortably
Our soft tissue laser allows us more accuracy and precision than other dental instruments
Soft tissue lasers minimize bleeding and swelling

At the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry – Dennis J. Wells, DDS, our incredible dental team will consult with you on the best way to improve your smile. We can also discuss other cosmetic dentistry options, such as dental crowns, and implant dentistry. We look forward to seeing you in our office.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry (Tap to open in Google Maps):

615-219-5125

Location:

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Cutting Edge Veneers

Posted: October 11, 2019

Woman, Girl, Headphones, Music At Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry – Dennis J. Wells, DDS, we focus on Smile Design. Our goal is always to find the most conservative way to transform your smile into a beautiful reflection of your inner self.

Over the years, we have been proud to provide cutting edge dentistry to our Nashville, Tennessee clients. In keeping with this tradition, Dr. Wells has recently pioneered a new smile design procedure about which we are very excited.

In certain cases, very thin porcelain veneers can be designed to adhere directly to the front of teeth with no removal of the enamel. This means that for some people, we can design the smile of their dreams without even drilling on their natural teeth.

This is just one way we can use cosmetic dentistry to create a customized smile for you at the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry (Tap to open in Google Maps):

615-219-5125

Location:

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

You Need a Giant Filling (And Don’t Want a Crown)

Posted: September 20, 2019

At Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry – Dennis J. Wells, DDS, our dental team works together in order to provide patients with a smile they can look forward to flashing every day. However, what if you have a tooth with an issue?

If you have a decayed tooth, we can help repair it. However, perhaps the decay is too large for a simple filling. Sometimes, our team can perform an inlay or an onlay instead of a crown. Usually, they are more affordable than a porcelain crown.

Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,”. We will produce them in a lab and place them whole on the tooth. When we perform traditional “direct fillings”, we apply the material to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shape it.

INLAY
We will use an inlay to fix the surface of a damaged tooth, ordinarily to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.
Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are heavy-duty and look very natural because the color can be matched to the surrounding teeth. Our team will precisely fit an inlay to your tooth so it looks, feels, and functions like the previous tooth.
ONLAY
An onlay, or partial crown, covers a larger part of the tooth. Onlays are generally applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, our team will exactly fit them to the damaged part of the tooth. We will use composite resin and porcelain as the main materials used to create an onlay.

At the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry – Dennis J. Wells, DDS, our incredible dental team will consult with you on the best way to improve your smile and to repair that tooth issue. We can also discuss other cosmetic dentistry options that could improve your smile, such as teeth whitening, and implant dentistry. We look forward to seeing you in our office.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry (Tap to open in Google Maps):

615-219-5125

Location:

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Dental Crowns

Showing Too Much Gum in Your Grin?

Posted: September 13, 2019

Everyone wants to have a bright, sparkling smile. The way your smile sparkles is with those gleaming bright teeth. But what if your teeth are getting overshadowed by your….gums? At The Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, we can fix that.

If you show a lot of gum tissue when you smile, or if your gum looks uneven, we can contour your gums. It will help your teeth appear taller and more even. (Giving you a sparkling vs gummy smile.) Our team uses the latest in soft tissue lasers which will remove excess tissue painlessly.

We have found that the benefits of soft tissue lasers minimize bleeding and swelling. Also, you should recover faster with lasers versus scalpels. A laser can be even more efficient and accurate than previous methods.

Once you’ve had your gums shaped and contoured, you’re more likely to smile. You won’t feel self conscious anymore.

This is just one way we can use cosmetic dentistry to create a customized smile for you at the Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry (Tap to open in Google Maps):

615-219-5125

Location:

105 Powell Ct Ste 101
Nashville, TN
37027

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Always a pleasant experience. Love the professionalism, attention to detail and progressive attitude. I can't imagine ever going back to a bare basics old school mentality dental office. I tell everyone how great NCFAD is.
—Robert T.
I always receive excellent service at Dr. Wells office. My hygienist Denise is AMAZING. I have very sensitive teeth and gums and now my visits don't have to be painful. The staff is wonderful and Dr. Wells is very patient and takes the time to listen and figure out the best protocol.
—Shelley R.
I actually enjoy going to the dentist, knowing that I am in good hands with Dr. Wells and his amazing staff! They are professional, friendly and caring! The best!
—Stacey R.
Dr. Wells and Dr. Weese and staff are the best in the business and just awesome people to top it off. You won't be disappointed.
—Sherree T.
The entire staff at NCAD is friendly, helpful and professional. I can always be assured a good visit no matter what needs to be done.
—David T.
Dr. Wells is an excellent cosmetic dentist. I traveled all the way from Houston area just to have him do my veneers. I highly recommend him!
—Sabrina L.
This was the best dental experience I've ever had in my life and I've had a lot! The customer service and genuine care for the patients was outstanding!!
—Kimberly S.
I LOVE this practice! THE most comprehensive initial exam I have ever had and every cleaning since has been wonderful. Love Dr. Wells, my girl Brooke and the entire staff; they are wonderful!
—Amy W.
Wow what a great dentist practice. Absolutely the best. Both Dr Wells and Dr Weese are excellent and Carissa is the best. In fact everyone on their staff goes above and beyond in making my dental experience wonderful. I only wish I had found them sooner. Love the new smile. Best is the natural look.
—Jeff C.
Another wonderful visit with everyone! Work mania caused me to be running late for my early morning appointment. Zee was able to reschedule me during lunch hour the same day. I was in a real crunch for time and they even made a smoothie for me so I could get immediately back to work! So wonderful and so grateful for everyone!
—Michael S.
Love all of the staff at the office and Brook is a wonderful Dental Hygienist. I recommend you to anyone who is in need of superior dentistry.
—Carol C.
Dr. Wells' staff, as always, offer the very best in a friendly, professional and patient focused environment. My dental health has never been so good. Thank you, Dr. Wells and Staff.
—Stephen A.
The entire staff is so kind and caring. I've been going to the dentist for a long time but have never received the excellent care that I receive at Dr. Well's office. I'm so thankful to have a great place to go for dental care!!!
—Allison T.

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AACD Accredited

Dr. Wells has been an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry since 1994, and serves on the review board as an examiner for other dentists seeking their cosmetic dentistry accreditation.

aesthetic dentistry with a Nashville dentist in Brentwood TN

Award Winning Dentistry

award for cosmetic dentistry in Nashville Tennessee and Brentwood

Nashville Top Dentist 2017 in Cosmetic Dentistry
2008 AACD Outstanding Scientific Advancement in Cosmetic Dentistry Award
Selected as one of the Top Dentists in America - 2005 and 2010
2001 AACD Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Art and Science of Cosmetic Dentistry
2005 Entrepreneur Award
Crown Council Best Dentist to Work For - 2008

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Fillings vs. Inlays

Onlays vs. Crowns

Contact Nashville Center for Aesthetic Dentistry

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Possible Long-Term Risks

Short-Term Side Effects

Gum Discomfort

How to Minimize Any Risks

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Why Choose Dental Bonding?

How the procedure works

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Laser Dentistry

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INLAY

ONLAY

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