Southpointe Dental: Lincoln's Dentists

Take Years off with a Younger Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can help any person get the younger smile they desire. While some might think you have to travel hundreds, if not thousands, of miles, know that “a smile makeover near me” is possible. Cosmetic dentists right here in Lincoln, NE, can give you the smile of your dreams. Even when a person is diligent about brushing and flossing, the aging process never stops.

Most people have had to deal with cavities or even gingivitis during their life. Some have experienced other oral health issues. From birthday to birthday, you might find that the years are stomping all over your smile.

Today might be the day you choose to fix this. Dr. Brad Alderman and Dr. Joyce are here to design and complete a smile makeover for you. Are you asking yourself, “what are my smile makeover options, or where can I get a smile makeover near me?” Keep reading. We have answers!

What exactly is a smile makeover for a younger smile? Can I get a smile makeover near me?

Whether you were born with a smile, you find difficult to be proud of, or if you have been negligent in caring for your smile, a smile makeover can give you a smile that you’ve been wanting. By now, you probably know, there are a ton of smile makeover options. But, where do I go for a fabulous smile makeover near me?

Our knowledgeable cosmetic dentists at SouthPointe Dental are trained in all the latest treatments and procedures. So, giving you all of your smile makeover options, and designing a personalized smile plan for you will be a straightforward procedure.

We work with you to select the treatments that you need and the aesthetic look you want. Your smile makeover options along with a custom-designed plan, will leave nothing to chance. We will work with you every step of the way to transform your smile into the one you’ve always wanted.

The truth is, our cosmetic dentists have seen it all. They never condemn any person for the state of their oral health or the aesthetic quality of their smile. This is exactly why we love doing what we’re doing. It’s all for our patients!

So, when we say our cosmetic dentists have seen it all, we mean it. Your smile is nothing to be ashamed about. Our friendly and talented cosmetic dentists would love to discuss your smile makeover options with you. It’s what they do. While they want you to know that brushing and flossing are essential, sometimes there can be other contributing factors that determine the look of your smile. Sometimes, those factors are entirely out of your control. Dr. Brad Alderman and Dr. Joyce want you to know that with all of your smile makeover options, your smile does not have to define you anymore.

What Are My Options For a Younger Smile Makeover? Where can I get a smile makeover near me?

Replacing the Old, Silver Fillings
Old fillings are known to crack, especially if they’re the silver kind. Also referred to as amalgam fillings. More so, those mercury-laced fillings aren’t healthy for you anyway. A smart investment is getting all your fillings replaced with composite, tooth-colored, non-toxic fillings.

Fixing the Broken Teeth
Even if you showed off back in the day, opening bottles or bags with your teeth, men and women of a certain age are especially susceptible to breaking their teeth. Whether it’s a molar or a front tooth, biting down wrong on a specific type of food or attempting to do things with your abrasive teeth, can cause certain damage. Such damage might include cracking, chipping, or even breaking. Unfortunately, this can be both uncomfortable and unattractive. If this occurs, however, porcelain veneers are a great fix when receiving your smile makeover. We offer professional bleaching for patients who desire dental veneers. Our goal is to give you amazing results with that “WOW” factor. We want all teeth to look brighter and whiter. Not just the ones that will have porcelain veneers.

Getting Brighter, Whiter Teeth
Many people have the desire to turn back the hands of time and slow down the aging process. Who doesn’t want to look young again? Teeth whitening is a simple and inexpensive way to shed a few years. Smiles are one of the most important aspects when making a first impression. When we meet people, we feel better when they smile. If their smile is appealing, it’s even better.

A smile that shows yellow or discolored teeth has a negative impact on how we look. It is, however, natural for a smile to lose its brightness as we age. Discoloration happens because of diet and general health. But, did you know that something as simple as whitening your teeth can give you a younger-looking smile? In our offices, we offer various teeth whitening solutions. These options include take-home trays to in-office professional whitening. The great news, there is little to no sensitivity.

What is our secret for little sensitivity after teeth bleaching?

We use the Opalescence® teeth whitening system. This system has specific ingredients to help minimize or even eliminate sensitivity and discomfort. Ultimately, this will leave teeth whiter and brighter in no time at all.

What does the Opalescence® system have to offer, and why do we use it? Our biggest reason for using the Opalescence® system is that it caters to all lifestyles. This teeth whitening system can be used on-the-go, at home, or you can even get immediate results when you chose to do an in-office treatment. What’s cool is that you can get professional results right at home, however. Opalescence® offers take-home gel that can help whiten teeth when used for as little as 15 minutes per day. That’s’ not all. You can also choose from melon, mint, or regular gel. Even better, the Opalescence® system has a combination of potassium nitrate and fluoride that helps prevent shade relapse and dehydration.

Even though Opalescence® can only be dispensed by a licensed professional, it’s easy. All you have to do is ask!

Minding the Tooth Gaps
Most people hate having gaps in their teeth. Unless it’s farther back and much less noticeable. However, even if you have been able to hide the gap in your teeth, the state of your lips and cheeks are betraying your secret. Holes in your smile give a sunken appearance to your cheeks and jaw. This causes you to look older than you are. Filling in the “blanks” could be an essential part of your smile makeover!

For this reason, a dental implant could be an excellent option. Why? Dental implants do not get cavities and can last a lifetime. Plus, dental implants can help you regain your normal function, getting you back to the things you once did. Eating regularly and smiling big. Not only does smiling make you and others around you feel better, but it can also be a sign of confidence. There is truly nothing more attractive than a confident smile.

Correcting Gum Disease
If you have missing teeth that weren’t accidentally knocked out, chances are they were lost to gum disease. When your gums become infected, they are unable to hold your teeth in place the way that they should. Eventually, your teeth will become loose and fall out.

Before any cosmetic dentistry can take place, one of our gentle, caring dentists will need to restore the foundation of your mouth. This means we may need to treat gingivitis or periodontal disease. Treating other things occurring within the mouth before completing a smile makeover will help create a solid and stable surface.

What can be done for patients if their teeth cannot be saved?

This revolutionary, highly skilled approach replaces all problem teeth. This procedure will get rid of infected, broken, and damaged teeth and replace them with a permanent, beautiful looking implant-retained bridge: ” Your Smile Today.”

This approach takes teamwork between a dental implant dentist and a hybrid prosthesis dentist. Together, this team will create a younger, healthier smile. This too is an option when searching for a smile makeover near me. Cosmetic dentists right here in Lincoln, NE can perform the hybrid prosthesis procedure.

It is never too late for a Younger Smile. Start Exploring Your Smile Makeover Options today…

You don’t have to go clear to the West Coast to get a dazzling, healthy smile. This smile can be created for you right here in Lincoln, Nebraska at Southpointe Dental. Finding caring, qualified professionals to complete a smile makeover near me doesn’t need to be hard.

Our cosmetic dentists have 23 years of combined experience. Moreover, they have a passion for bringing out the greatest in every smile. Dr. Alderman and Dr. Joyce take pride in giving patients the smiles they want and the care they deserve.

If you have had cosmetic dentistry in the past, you may have had some disappointments. However, the methods of cosmetic dentistry have improved so drastically, that any updates you make to your smile will now be well worth the investment. Talk to Dr. Alderman or Dr. Joyce about your smile makeover options today.

“A smile makeover near me” is possible. To make sure your most incredible smile happens, please contact our cosmetic dentistry office serving Lincoln, NE, for a consultation. Our Southpointe cosmetic dentists would love to discuss your smile makeover options and goals to help create a plan JUST FOR YOU! Each plan will specifically fit your wants and needs, so you can get the results you’ve always wanted.

A “WOW,” from a satisfied patient, is our ultimate GOAL.

Nebraska Family Dentistry has dental clinic locations in all parts of Lincoln!

Choose a “near me dentist” location that is convenient for you. A smile makeover near me might be closer than you thought.

Perfectly white, straight teeth are generally associated with celebrities and those that have a lot of money. But, now it is becoming increasingly more common for people of all financial classes to invest in their smile. For the most part, veneers are well known to the world as a form of cosmetic dentistry that can fix uneven and damaged teeth. However, in some cases, individuals may find a more significant benefit with dental bonding. Dental veneers and bonding solutions have so much to offer. So, which one is right for you?

Dental Veneers and Bonding Solutions: What are the benefits?

If you need an excellent option for fixing small imperfections on the teeth, dental bonding is a great option. Dental bonding can fix things small inperfections, such as small gaps and chips.

In some cases, bonding can protect the root of a tooth caused by receding gums, or it can even fix an isolated tooth discoloration problem.

The bonding material, typically resin, is applied to each tooth and molded into the desired shape. However, if you are looking for an exact color match to your existing teeth, dental bonding may not be as effective as a teeth whitening treatment or placing dental veneers, which might be other options. On the whole, dental bonding does seem to be the cheaper option between the two procedures when comparing bonding to veneers.

Veneers: What makes these an ideal option?

Veneers can give you that picture perfect smile, just like the ones you see in a magazine. In general, veneers are used for many smile makeovers and are an excellent option for teeth that are severely discolored, misaligned, too narrow, and even for those that are too short.

In short, a veneer is an extremely strong, but thin covering that fits entirely over the tooth. Taking a mold of your natural teeth to make the veneers ensures the perfect fit. While there are many types of veneers, the most popular choice in material is porcelain. Other materials such as high shine resin can be used and is often cheaper than porcelain. There are many things you should remember about veneers. The most important is that your teeth and gums must be healthy before performing this type of treatment. Any root canal infection, tooth decay, or gum disease can all compromise successful completion. If you have had any of these concerns in the past but they have been treated, it is possible for you to proceed with veneer treatment. Ultimately, a consultation with our Lincoln cosmetic dentist would be needed to determine the right option(s) for you.

How often do dental veneers last?

When trying to determine what may be right for you, do know that when you choose veneers, it is a permanent procedure. What does this mean? Getting veneers, should not be something you decide on a whim. Should you decide to proceed with veneers, a small layer of the tooth’s enamel is removed and is therefore extremely difficult to reverse. Lifestyle, diet, and daily habits may mean that your veneers will need to be replaced every ten to fifteen years. If down the road, you decide veneers are no longer for you, you will likely require a significant restoration of the teeth, and that process will probably be very costly and lengthy.

What makes you a good candidate for veneers?

While money will undoubtedly make anyone a good candidate for any procedure, other more critical factors will determine a person’s eligibility for veneers. What does this mean? First, you will need a consultation, to make sure all criteria are met such as healthy gums and teeth. A dentist will also likely look back at your history in search of other relevant information. For example, do you grind your teeth? If you do grind your teeth, porcelain veneers may not be for you. The force of grinding can severely damage veneers.

Does dental insurance cover dental veneers?

Unfortunately, dental insurance does not cover the cost of dental veneers.

Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: The Differences Explained

The differences in dental veneers and bonding solutions are pretty recognizable; here are a few of the most significant differences:

Materials. Dental bonding uses a resin that is tooth colored, and veneers use a high shine resin material or porcelain.

Tooth preparation. Preparing the tooth is a very crucial part of the procedure. With dental bonding, the teeth need to have a surface that is rough so that the material can adhere to the teeth, which is made possible by a specific solution. On the other hand, veneers require a more in-depth preparation process that will result in the removal of a thin layer of enamel. Removing enamel ensures that the veneers can sit on the teeth evenly.

Time. The time required for each treatment is another big difference. Since veneers are created from molds and are an exact match so to speak, they can take some time to perfect. Typically, it takes two visits to complete. On the other hand, dental bonding can be achieved in a single visit because the bonding material adheres directly to the tooth and no mold is needed.

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Durability. Veneers are more durable and last longer than bonding.

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Color match. Veneers have a better color match and do not stain or change color. Bonding on front teeth usually stains quickly and the teeth look darker over time. Bonding is excellent for small areas.

Price. When it comes down to it, price, maybe the most significant difference. In comparison, dental bonding is generally the more affordable option depending upon how many teeth are requiring treatment. Sometimes, insurance may cover bonding if, for example, you accidentally chip your tooth. Remember though, all insurance policies are different, and what insurance covers for one person, they may not cover for you and vice versa. Veneers are typically the more expensive option and in most cases are considered cosmetic.

Still a bit unsure about what you should do? Here are some more commonly asked questions about dental bonding versus veneers…

Dental Veneers and Bonding Solutions Explained: What are the differences?

Bonding does stain, unlike veneers, which don’t. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding and are two different that you can still achieve a very similar result. Generally, veneers are used to correct discolored, misaligned, and broken/chipped teeth. Bonding is used to repair small imperfections and not meant for fixing multiple gaps or misaligned teeth.

Is dental bonding cheaper than veneers?

Bonding is often less expensive than porcelain veneers if the work required is minimal to moderate. However, in the event, you opt for a complete smile makeover, it would not be a great option.  

Do veneers cover the whole tooth?

Both veneers and crowns are effective in improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth. Generally, a veneer is made of wafer-thin porcelain, which is bonded directly to the front of a tooth. Color-matched porcelain is used, thus matching your natural teeth and giving you an outstanding smile.

Can you put veneers over bonding?

Yes, you can put a porcelain veneer over a tooth that originally had composite bonding. A veneer is bonded to the teeth with a type of composite cement making it possible for this to be done.

If you want to restore your smile, be sure to do your research. Learn as much as possible about dental veneers and bonding solutions. In the end, it will be a discussion between you and your cosmetic dentist that will be most important. Aside from answering questions about dental veneers and bonding solutions, your dentist can also tell you if your teeth are good candidates. While neither of these procedures may be for everyone, one of them may be perfect for you. You really can have the smile of your dreams!

Dr. Sydney Joyce

This article was written by Dr. Sydney Joyce, your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE. Cosmetic dentistry is something that I love. If you want to give your smile a boost, please call or stop by. I would love to discuss dental veneers and bonding solutions with you!

Request an appointment with this Lincoln, NE cosmetic dentist 24/7 using our online option. Dr. Sydney Joyce proudly offers quality cosmetic treatment in a comfortable environment at her South Dental clinic location of Nebraska Family Dentistry.

Nebraska Family Dentistry has dental clinic locations in all parts of Lincoln!

Choose a “near me dentist” location that is convenient for you.

Q&A with Rebecca, Our Dental Hygienist in Lincoln, NE. 

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When it comes to our health, regardless of whether or not we are making any decisions, we all have questions. Questions are a valuable part of being informed, so that you can make educated decisions for your well-being. Our dental hygienist in Lincoln, NE, wants to make things easy for you and has answered some of the most commonly asked questions. Some of the main questions she’ll cover are:

• Do dentists still use amalgam fillings? Rebecca, our hygienist, answers below!

• Do fillings get cavities? Rebecca says, unfortunately, yes.

• What are the long term effects of teeth grinding? Rebecca explains how bruxism can affect your smile.

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Our dental hygienist in Lincoln, Rebecca is an integral part of educating patients and helping them to feel comfortable at our office. Rebecca has many years of experience working in a dental field and loves to educate patients on the relationships between a healthy mouth and their overall health.

Rebecca has answered some of the common questions asked by patients. Those questions often come up during dental exams, and she shares what patients ask dentists often.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: Can you have recurrent decay under a filling?

Unfortunately, dental fillings don’t last forever. Over time, fillings often break away slowly, allowing new bacteria to get inside. But we check on this every time someone visits us for an appointment. As long as a person sees a dentist regularly, decay under a filling shouldn’t be an issue. If it is, we’ll let them know and talk about what we can do.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: Are certain teeth more important than others?

H: (laughs) They’re all important! But I should say that six-year molars are the workhorse of our mouths. So they are pretty important.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: What makes six-year molars so important?

H: Six-year molars do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to chewing. They do the vast majority of the mouth’s chewing. It can be very debilitating to lose your six-year molars, and a lot of patients don’t realize that until it’s too late. Luckily we’re able to use crowns to protect them if they develop small cracks or fractures. That allows patients to keep them safe for a longer period of time.

Silver fillings often lead to having a cracked tooth syndrome, which can create tons of a toothache and sensitivity to biting.

Luckily we’re able to use crowns to protect them if they develop small cracks or fractures. That allows patients to keep them safe for a longer period of time.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: A tooth can also crack from grinding and clenching, right?

H: Yeah, that’s definitely possible. Grinding and clenching is called “bruxism,” and it’s really common. Most of the time it’s subconscious. It can definitely grind down or crack your teeth. In some cases of bruxism, we’ll even recommend a night guard for a person’s teeth. While it won’t stop a person from grinding their teeth, it will prevent further wear and tear on teeth and save the investment made on any restorations.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: What is super-eruption, and why should patients know what it is?

H: So our teeth rely on each other for stability and structure. When we lose adjacent teeth, our upper teeth may come down to fill the space of the missing teeth, called “super-eruption.” As a result, the tooth usually becomes sensitive, and ultimately, most people lose their super-erupted teeth. Losing teeth is really dangerous because it can have this type of a chain effect.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: The diet plays a key role in our oral health. What are some other things to supplement your diet that will help your teeth?

H: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and calcium are all crucial for healthy teeth and gums. Vitamin C boosts our natural defenses against bacteria by strengthening our gums and soft tissues. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium and both strengthen our bones, including our teeth. Those who take Vitamin D on a daily basis are at a much lower risk of periodontal disease.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: How can you find oral cancer? I wouldn’t know where to start.

H: Oral cancer is most commonly found on the underside of a person’s tongue or the back of the throat.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln answers: In dentistry, it can be tempting to talk about the negative factors on a person’s oral health. On the flip side, what are some of the more positive things you can do for your teeth?

H: Well obviously brushing and flossing should be a regular part of a person’s routine. Frequent dental visits should too. Probiotics are also an easy way to help your oral health flourish. At all times, our mouths are full of good and bad bacteria. Consuming probiotics increases the good bacteria in our mouths, which fight off the bad bacteria. They also decrease overall inflammation in our body Being a hygienist in Lincoln allows me to talk to tons of people about the positive and proactive side of dentistry.

Check out healthy tips for overall Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle from Nebraska Family Dentistry 

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: What’s an excellent way to treat cold sores and canker sores?

H: Cold sores and canker sores are different enough from each other. Cold sores are often caused in part by a weakened immune system. Eating a diet full of vegetables can offer your body the required vitamins and minerals. Using Vitamin C and probiotics daily can decrease the likelihood of both cold sores and canker sores.

Rebecca, Our Hygienist in Lincoln, answers: Last but not least, who is your favorite cartoon character?

H: Mickey Mouse. You can’t really go wrong with the classics.

Southpointe dental is a dental practice in South Lincoln, Nebraska. This is our health blog for wellness tips, dental secrets, and surprise goodies. Be sure to follow along here, or check out the Nebraska Family Dentistry Wellness Blog here. You can reach the editor with story ideas, responses, or anything else at nebraskafamilydentistry@gmail.com.

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The information on this page was written by Dr. Sydney Joyce.

This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “For the past years, I have been extremely privileged to be part of this great profession, which I have only grown to love more with each passing year. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching and helping my patients care for their smiles and helping them to be healthier overall. Quality dental care is my number one goal, but I also feel that patients deserve personalized care where they are given their options for treatment and can help decide what course they would like to take. While providing excellent dental care for you, I want your dental experience to be comfortable and positive.”

You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at a SouthPointe Dental Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Roca, Bennet, Firth, Crete, and Hickman!

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