Upper Valley Dental
Center
General and implant Dentistry

Choose an implant made  from high performance  ceramics.

• Metal-free – excellent soft  tissue reaction/ behavior.
• Biocompatible – optimally tolerated by the body, very good regeneration of the gums.
• Esthetic – white ceramic for a brilliant smile.
• Safe – worldwide experience from over 15 years of experience.
• Together with ceramic drills and instruments we offer complete metal-free restoration – the best alternative for patients suffering from allergies.
• Extremely low adhesion of bacterial plaque, the main cause of gum diseases such as periodontitis. 
• Form Labs 2, 3D Printer for making Precision Implant Surgical Guides.

Dental amalgam fillings, which are made with a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc, are still used in the United States and a number of other countries. Often called “silver fillings,” all dental amalgams are 45-55% elemental mercury.  Mercury is toxic, and this poison is recognized as a chemical of major concern because it poses a dangerous threat to public health.  Mercury accumulates in the body, and any amount of mercury taken into the body should be considered hazardous.

We have been certified in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, (SMART) by the  IAOMT.  We take every precaution to protect you and ourselves when we are removing and replacing silver fillings. We use a rubber dam around the tooth to trap any mercury from going down your throat. We use a high volume evacuation system.  In addition a HEPA vacuum is used to remove Mercury vapors.

Our office provides orthodontic dentistry with a holistic approach.

The differences between holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry can be seen in their approaches to orthodontic dentistry. Orthodontic dentistry is a dental specialization the deals with the problems of tooth alignment and bite problems. In traditional dentistry, the goal is to straighten out any teeth to create a visibly attractive and seemingly healthy set of teeth. However, holistic dentists feel that this view of orthodontic dentistry is not enough and can lead to further health problems. Rather than just limiting 

orthodontic treatment to teeth straightening, holistic dentists will use a practice known as orthopedic orthodontics in which they will ensure that the muscles of the patient's face and the patients head and neck are properly aligned. By engaging in this practice, holistic dentists are not simply limiting themselves to treating an oral condition but 

are creating preventative solutions to problems that may affect the patient's jaw, head, neck, and spine.

When the defect to be repaired grows to a significant size, the strength of the tooth will be compromised. We often see teeth with old mercury fillings that are developing cracks in the enamel and underlying structure because the filling has acted as a wedge in the tooth over time. These teeth are best restored by means that reinforces the strength of the tooth by covering a portion of the tooth in the case of an veneer or the entire tooth in the case of a crown. Wherever possible we prefer to conserve the enamel of the tooth and use an onlay. Today we are able to do this in either gold or ceramic materials. Gold has traditionally been the material of choice, though with advances in ceramic and bonding technology, the cosmetically superior ceramic veneer or crown has become preferable by the majority of our patients.

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.  There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

● A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.

 ●  An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed.

 ● A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. 

Ozone for Disinfection and inactivation of pathogens.  As a biocide, ozone works similarly to chlorine (another oxidant) and is used in a similar manner.  Ozone disinfects by directly oxidizing and destroying the microorganism’s cell wall, causing cellular components to leak outside the cell. This causes protoplasmic destruction of the cell, damaging constituents of the nucleic acids, and breaks the 

carbon–nitrogen bonds, which leads to depolymerization. During the process, ozone splits into oxygen and an ozone atom, which is lost during the reaction with the microorganism’s cell fluids, O3 -> O2 + (O).

Caries Diagnosis - Highlights and Benefits

Simple diagnosis: Children and adolescents in particular have fissure caries in nearly 80% of all cases which can be detected more easily with DIAGOdent pen.

Easy detection of the "iceberg" syndrome: 90 % of caries is within the proximal area – they will be detected with the diagnostic devices DIAGNOdent pen.

Simple early detection: Fissure caries, proximal caries and calculus, are detected in good time, resulting in fewer subsequent interventions.

Simply more safety: Optimum support for the dentist's eye and for X-ray images – the DIAGNOdent pen detects infected and affected tissue in almost every case.

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded 

to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Your sleep impacts every aspect of your health and daily life. Sleeping well helps you look, feel and perform your best. But a sleep problem can be harmful to your health and well-being. One of the most common sleep problems is obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more about the warning signs and how you can get help.

Untreated sleep apnea raises your risk for serious health problems. These include:

High blood pressure

Stroke

Heart disease

Diabetes

Chronic acid reflux

 Erectile dysfunction

What is a Health Coach?

A Health Coach is a supportive mentor and wellness authority helping clients feel their best through food & lifestyle changes by tailoring individualized wellness programs to meet their clients' needs.

What makes a Health Coach unique?

Relationships, exercise, career, and spirituality are just as important to your health as the food you eat. Health Coaches understand this and take a holistic approach to supporting the whole person.

The teeth and gums are first evaluated to determine if the dental and gum tissues are sufficiently healthy to do the whitening procedure. The teeth are evaluated for conditions such as bondings, fillings and crowns that will remain almost the same color as they are. The outsides of the teeth are cleaned with a thick dental cleaning paste. The surfaces of the teeth are prepared for one minute with a wetting agent. A 35% peroxide gel is painted on the teeth. The “Plasma Arc Light” is shined on the each tooth for three seconds and the process is immediately repeated. The peroxide gel is allowed to remain on the teeth for 8 minutes; the gel is then rinsed off and the above procedure is repeated again.

Your dental checkups take less time. Since the digital X-ray system is more sensitive than X-ray film systems, your exposure to X rays is cut as much as 95 percent. The enlarged and color-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees, so it’s easier for you to understand how your dentist will treat your teeth. There are no photographic chemicals, film, processing or film storage. It is not only safer for you, but also for the environment since there are no chemicals to dispose of. Finally, it’s a blast to watch this system work! Most patients are amazed.

Digital radiography has made a big difference in my practice.  My patients are thrilled since they get so little radiation and they love that they can see their teeth on the computer screen in seconds.