Cosmetic Dentistry


Cosmetic dentistry can brighten dull teeth, whiten stained teeth, close gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth, replace metal fillings, and straighten crooked teeth. We offer a wide array of cosmetic services to obtain superior results. Dr. Morris, an expert cosmetic clinician, uses state-of-the-art dental technology to design customized beautiful smiles that fulfill the unique wants and needs of each patient.

Comprehensive Examination:

The comprehensive examination is a process in which Dr. Morris takes necessary records to provide a thorough diagnosis, prognosis, and a treatment plan. This examination will include:

  • Oral Cancer Screening - If you are a tobacco or smokeless tobacco user, you are at greater risk of developing oral cancer. More than 8,000 deaths were attributed to oral cancer last year.25% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol. We feel that our duty is to diagnose this deadly disease as early as possible. We provide oral cancer screenings during all preventive care appointments and offer an enhanced oral cancer exam with Vizilite.
  • Occlusal Examination - The forces of your bite can sometimes affect the positioning of the jaw and teeth. Minor polishing of the enamel surfaces or fillings in the teeth can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces.

  • Temporo Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) Examination - TMJ is a condition that afflicts thousands of people. Frequent indicators of TMJ include popping and clicking of the jaw, limited jaw function, pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back, and pain and pressure in the face and ears. We provide conservative therapies that are proven to eradicate this painful, frustrating problem.

  • Periodontal Examination - Using a blunt probe, the doctor examines your pocket depth between each tooth. Pocket depth is the length between the top of the gum and where the gum attaches to the tooth; if your pocket depth is too deep, you may be a victim of periodontal disease.

  • Caries Examination - This examination is to find teeth that have decay and are in need of restorations. We use X-rays and a cavity detecting laser to locate cavities.

  • Blood Pressure Screening - As part of your comprehensive examination, your blood pressure is taken. This gives us basic information regarding your general health while providing a beneficial service to you.

Preventive Procedures

  • Sealants - These plastic coatings are applied to molars and premolars to seal out decay-producing plaque. They are painlessly applied and last many years before renewing. Sealants serve in a preventive capacity to reduce the risk of cavities and more costly fillings. They can be applied on baby or adult teeth.

  • Preventive Care Appointments - These important appointments allow the doctor and hygienist to monitor your oral health and to clean under your gum line where the toothbrush cannot reach. Regular visits help promote healthy gums.

  • Fluoride Treatment - This treatment hardens the enamel on teeth to make it more difficult for cavities to start.

  • X-rays - These help the doctor detect cavities that cannot be seen by the eye (i.e., between teeth). Our use of digital X-rays reduces radiation up to 90%.
  • Cavity Detecting Laser: It is much more accurate than the sharp probe used in the past, and is totally painless. It allows us to find cavities undetectable with the probe.

  • Night Guard Therapy - Night guards are used as a treatment option to prevent damage to the dentition from grinding and clenching. It is a conservative, reversible treatment modality that is usually well tolerated by patients and is very successful.

Restorative Procedures

  • White/Composite Fillings: Made of tooth-colored material rather than silver and mercury, composite fillings restore the teeth's natural beauty. White silver fillings weaken teeth, tooth-colored fillings strengthen and support tooth structure. Composite fillings can be matched to your natural tooth color and are virtually indistinguishable from non-restored teeth.
  • Bonding: This is a process in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied to tooth surfaces, sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished to match surrounding teeth. Bonding can close gaps, repair chipped or fractured teeth and disguise discolored teeth.
  • Teeth Whitening: The tooth whitening process offers those with stained, discolored, or dull teeth a whiter and brighter smile. Bleaching significantly reduces external surface stains caused by food, drink or to much fluoride. It is a painless and affordable process.
  • Veneers: Veneers, usually customized from porcelain, are thin and semi-translucent facings bonded to the fronts of teeth. Veneers are durable, stain resistant and natural looking. They conceal broken, chipped, discolored, crooked and misshapen teeth.
  • Crown: A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth in order to strengthen the tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown may be placed to support a large filling when there is little remaining tooth structure or attach a bridge, protect weak teeth from fracturing.
  • Bridge: A fixed bridge, usually made of porcelain and gold, is used to replace missing teeth. A bridge helps to create a normal bite, prevent the drifting and tilt of adjacent teeth, inhibit decay in abnormal areas, and slow the onset of periodontal disease.
  • Onlay: When you are not in need of a full crown, an onlay may be a solution. The onlay procedure is a conservative restoration in which composite, porcelain, or gold is applied to a tooth that is not strong enough to support a filling.
  • Implant Prosthetics and Maintenance: After surgically placed in the bone, implant replacements can range from a single tooth restoration, multiple-unit fixed bridge, or a whole jaw restoration. The implant prosthesis is the tooth that fits on top of the implant. Dr. Morris’ implant training allows him to use the best system for each patient.
 

State-Of-The-Art Technology

We take pride in offering the highest quality dental care using the latest state-of-the-art equipment, techniques and procedures. Sophisticated equipment helps us diagnose potential problems, communicate treatment needs, and plan effective therapy before extensive treatment is needed. Here’s just a sample of the technology we employ:
  • Computers - Our computer system is designed to manage the most efficient and up-to-date practice within the dental industry. This system files insurance claims and generates letters to patients, other dentists, and insurance companies. It also handles treatment and payment plans. We make sure our computer system takes care of the technicalities so that we can provide you with the utmost individualized care.


  • Intra-Oral Camera - A part of the new patient exam, this camera allows the staff to easily and painlessly photograph the inside of your mouth. The photographic image can be projected onto a color monitor and enlarged for you and the doctor to view together. Because this magnification allows us to see your mouth more clearly, we are able to provide better, more informed dental care.
  • Digital X-rays - By using Digital X-rays we can reduce variation exposure by up to 90%.
  • Laser - We use a cavity finding laser to detect cavities early on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Therapeutic Services  
  • Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy - When plaque extends below the gum line, gingivitis can deteriorate into a condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation that can erode the ligament and bone beneath your gums, creating deep pockets that foster the growth of destructive bacteria. Treatment may include the use of antibiotics and deep cleaning of the bacteria-filled pockets.
  • Clenching and Grinding Suppression Systems: These non intrusive mouth guards are made either in the office or in a laboratory. They are designed to alleviate Temporo Mandibular Joint Disorder, migraine headaches, and neck and back pain. They also prevent wear on your teeth and recession of the gums. The guard made in our office is the only FDA - approved dental appliance for preventing migraine headache pain.

Patient Protection

In the last few years, patient protection and asepsis have become an issue of public concern. With the discovery of the HIV virus and the continuing problem with HIV, Hepatitis-B and C virus, it has become necessary for health care facilities to constantly upgrade their techniques of sterilization and disinfect products to provide you with maximum protection.

In our office, your safety is our highest priority. Throughout the day, we perform a number of sterilization procedures for your protection. Examples of these procedures include:
  • All treatment surfaces (i.e. countertops, chair surfaces, lights, X-ray machines and trays) are disinfected with the most effective and safest products available before and after each patient appointment.


  • To ensure your safety, we follow a number of standard sterilization procedures with all instruments. First, all instruments are brought back to our lab and placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. The instruments are then rinsed thoroughly before being sterilized in an autoclave, which runs for 40 minutes and reaches a temperature of 425 degrees, thereby destroying any bacteria or viruses. All hand pieces are sterilized in a state-of-the-art autoclave.
  • Our autoclave is monitored regularly to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
  • Staff members use masks, safety glasses and new gloves for each patient.

  • We have a 0.2 micron Water Filtration System on all water lines to protect patients from dental water line bacterial contamination.

    All staff members are trained in proper infection control and asepsis, and have been vaccinated against the Hepatitis-B virus. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding infection control.