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At Rochester Hills, Dentate Smile Design, we strive to help you achieve a great smile while maintaining your dental health. Our goal is to create a dental office experience that is as relaxing and calm as possible. Dr. Vo uses dental x-rays to help aid her in determination of what is necessary for optimal dental health. During the exam, sometimes cavities are discovered. There are multiple ways to restore your teeth to good health depending on the specific needs.
Often when there are cavities present, a filling procedure is necessary. The size of the cavity will determine the size of the filling and whether a filling is the best, long term option for the restoration (repair) of the tooth. Each tooth is made up of 5 sides. Once a cavity is detected, the doctor determines the size of the filling by the amount of decay that is there. It is always best to take care of a cavity in its early stages so that it can be replaced with minimal work. Once a cavity grows too large a filling may not be the best long term option. Dr. Vo prefers to save your natural teeth whenever possible. She believes in taking the time to inform you of the best, long term treatment options as well as what the optimal solution is for you personally.
Over the years dentists have used different types of materials to place into the cavities that develop. In the past the amalgam (silver) material was used primarily due to the strength and durability. In placing an amalgam filling dentists would have to remove the cavity and additional, healthy, tooth structure to so the material could be packed in to the space. This way the filling would be held in the tooth. Amalgam has a tendency to turn the tooth matter around the filling grey. With changing temperatures our mouth is subjected to on a normal basis, the Amalgam will shrink and expand causing leaks between the filling and the remaining tooth structure. That leaves openings for decay to set in and cause further problems for that tooth.
With time comes experience, change, and more research. Composite resin (white) material has been redesigned and strengthened over time so that it can now be used throughout your entire mouth, not just in the front teeth. It is a better choice overall for your teeth. The dentist can remove the decay only, not needing to remove any additional healthy tooth structure, because the composite actually bonds to the tooth itself. Composite fillings have multiple benefits. The appearance is more pleasing; no one can see that you have a filling. Fear of leaks or breaks are considerably less common with composite fillings than that of the amalgam fillings. The size of the filling is less involved due to leaving healthy tooth structure intact. Dr. Vo uses only heavily researched and improved composite material when placing fillings. These composites have high compressive strength and are polished to a beautiful sheen. Give us a call to schedule an appointment in our Rochester area office today. We look forward to helping you with your best smile.
Considering that oral health is linked to overall health, preventive dentistry is very important to your overall well being. The most effective way to ensure optimal dental heath is through prevention, education, and behavioral modifications. Eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing, or promoting, tooth decay. Dr. Vo and her Rochester Hills area staff believe in making sure you understand why it is so important to maintain great preventive habits.
Preventative dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases and conditions. Preventive dental care is all the things you do (or should do) to take care of your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from the surfaces and in between teeth, keeping your teeth looking and feeling clean. You should also incorporate additional good habits such as visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and exams, replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed, and eating a balanced diet limiting the soft drinks, candies, and between-meal snacks.
Depending on your current dental health, your dental history, your risk factors for dental disease, and your personal preference, your dentist will recommend the frequency of visits that are right for you.
Preventive dentistry includes the education of things that can help you as well as those that are harmful. Smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol consumption can negatively affect your oral health. Apart from plaque buildup, dry mouth, and tooth discoloration, smoking causes gum disease, tooth loss and even oral cancer. Oral disease can interfere with eating, speaking, daily activities and self-esteem. In children, severe decay can effect growth and development. Preventive dentistry can result in less extensive (and less expensive) treatment for any dental conditions that may develop, and help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime. If you don’t take care of your teeth and properly manage your oral health, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars in restorative dental care and possibly have multiple health issues.
There are additional tools that help with the preventive dentistry. X–rays help the dentist to see where the human eye cannot; catching areas to pay closer attention to before they become an issue. Intraoral cameras, which can be used, alongside digital x-rays, to display and enhance the images on a computer screen next to the patient’s chair, allowing for better detection and patient education. Fluoride strengthens tooth structure, making teeth more resistant to decay. It also repairs or remineralizes areas in which decay has already begun, often reversing the process. Sealants help in protecting the chewing surfaces of the back permanent teeth. And mouth guards – particularly a custom-made mouth guard prescribed by your dentist to provide a better fit – can be worn during sports activities to protect against broken teeth. Mouth guards also are used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism), which can wear down teeth and contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Great preventive care starts with the desire to keep your smile. We at Dentate Smile Design in Rochester Hills are ready to help you learn what the best plan of action is for you. Call now for an appointment to get started.
Whether you are from Rochester Hills, Bloomfield Hill, Troy, Sterling Hgts., or the surrounding areas, it is always important to make sure your dentist is doing an oral cancer exam at least once per year.
Annually, at a cleaning appointment, Dr. Vo does an oral cancer screening. She checks all areas of your mouth; around your gums, under your tongue, your cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, as well as your throat, for anything that appears unusual. Should she notice something unusual she will go over what she is seeing and what your best course of action is.
Additionally, we have ViziLite available in our office. It is an in-depth oral cancer screening. Its advantage is detecting possible abnormalities before they can be seen with the naked eye. (Small cost associated)
About two-thirds of cancer of the mouth, or oral cavity occurs, in the floor of mouth and tongue. It can also occur in the upper or lower jaw, lips, gums, and cheek lining. Just behind the mouth is an area known as the orophyarnx. Oropharygeal cancer (1/3 of cases) occurs in the back of the tongue, tonsils and throat tissue.
People who use tobacco are six times more likely to develop oral cancer. Eight of ten oral cancer patients are smokers. People with a history of oral human papilloma virus (HPV) infections are at greater risk of developing oral cancer, even if they don’t smoke or drink. Finally, heavy alcohol drinkers are also more at risk. Eighty percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer consumer more than 21 drinks weekly.
The American Cancer Society recommends a comprehensive oral evaluation and soft tissue examination annually, yet only one in five patients report having an oral cancer exam in the last year. Dr Vo, as a prosthodontist, is trained to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth, including the associated structures in the head and neck area. An oral cancer screening is painless. Treatment for advanced oral cancer is not. Dr. Vo is committed to help you maintain and achieve your best possible dental health. This includes the extra step of being committed to all your concerns. Give us a call today to set up an appointment and start your journey into a healthy dental relationship!
When you think of having a fun time with kids, a dental office is not often the first place that comes to mind. We love seeing children from all over Rochester Hills, Rochester, Shelby Twp., Troy, Oakland Twp., Bloomfield Hills, and any of the greater Detroit area cities. We have so much fun working with them and showing them the best way to take care of their teeth. At Dentate Smile Design, it’s all about fun and excitement as your child arrives at our office. We provide a child-friendly environment that helps prepare them for their dental visit. We encourage kids to be “doctor for a day”. They don gloves and mask, then “go to work” brushing our smiley-toothed stuffed animals’ teeth. By using some of our tools of the trade, kids feel more comfortable when it’s their turn to be the patient.
Depending on the age of the child what we do at each visit may vary. For the younger children we take them for a ride in the chair when it’s their turn to be the patient. We count, clean, exam, and polish their teeth. We also take the time to educate them on the right ways to brush and floss. As they get older we continue with cleaning, exam, polishing, and instruction while adding in x-rays and fluoride. We enjoy making it fun for them at every visit. For additional information on what age is the best to start coming to a dentist please see our frequently asked question section.
We have several kid friendly amenities to make it more enjoyable; such as television, back massagers, our toothy stuffed animal friends, and plenty of ‘being the doctor’ fun. Whether you are from right here in Rochester Hills or near us in a surrounding area, we would love to get to know you and your children. Come join us while we make your child’s visit fun and rewarding. We are looking forward to your call to become a new patient!
Do you have a throbbing tooth that doesn’t stop hurting? Is it waking you up out of a peaceful nights rest?
Dental infections, stemming from untreated decay or periodontal disease, can cause an active infection in the tooth. This infection has the ability to spread throughout the entire body, not just the surrounding structures. If left untreated, it can cause pain, swelling, mobility and ultimately, loss of the tooth. Often the best possible treatment to save your natural tooth is to have a root canal done.
What is a root canal, you ask? A root canal is the process by which a dentist carefully removes the nerve within the tooth, so that it no longer hurts you. Once the decay is removed, the dentist slowly and methodically works to the remove the nerve from each of the canals in the root (the part of the tooth that is in the bone of your jaw holding your tooth in place). Depending on the location and size of the infected tooth, there may be anywhere from one to as many as five canals to clean out.
Following a root canal, you will need restorative (repair) work done to the tooth. Often, a crown will be needed for the best possible, lasting result. Dr. Vo will take the time to discuss the best option for you.
When a root canal is deemed necessary, Dr. Vo ensures that you are fully comfortable before starting any dental treatment. She answers all of your questions and her process for numbing the area is painless. Throughout the appointment, she is committed to giving you the best possible care and comfort. Give us a call here at Dentate Smile Design, your Rochester Hills premier dental office. We can get you out of pain by addressing the actual reason for why this is occurring. When you choose to be a patient at our Rochester area dental office, you are choosing to be part of our family. We look forward to welcoming you.
Cosmetic Dentistry is the art of restoring or improving a person’s appearance, allowing you to have the smile you have always wanted to have. Dr. Tate Vo completed additional years in an accredited University to become a Prosthodontist (one of only two specialties that the American Dental Association recognizes for esthetic/cosmetics).
Dr. Vo is a registered Prosthodontist who loves creating beautiful smiles. Her artistic ability helps her to create the most life-like, natural looking smile. An advocate of the more conservative cosmetic dentistry techniques that preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, Dr. Vo maintains the highest interest in the overall health of your teeth, as well as the appearance of your smile. Dr. Tate Vo encourages patients to get involved in the creation of their perfect look. From subtle to major changes, Dr. Vo can perform a wide range of procedures to improve your smile including: closing spaces, reshaping teeth, restoring worn or short teeth, bonding, crowns, veneers, bleaching, reshaping and contouring, and dental implants. There are many options to treat teeth that are chipped, discolored, or missing. Often times these improvements are for more than just cosmetics, they can also improve the function and longevity of your dentition.
If you are looking for a great dental home to enhance your smile, look no further than Rochester Hills’ own Dr. Tate Vo.
“My case was not only large in size but was coupled with aggressive time constraints due to an international relocation assignment… during the Christmas holiday, no less! They managed through all this effortlessly to produce a beautiful smile for me. I often get compliments on my smile even though its a natural look. I would recommend Dr. Vo and her staff to tackle any dental situation. Thank goodness dedicated professionals like Dr. Vo and her staff exist!”
John
Dentate Smile Designs Client
An attractive, confident smile can be one of your most valuable assets. It is often the first thing people notice about you. There is nothing like the feeling of knowing you have a beautiful, healthy-looking smile. Dr. Tate Vo would love to help you acquire the smile you have always dreamt of. There are several different dental procedures that can enhance your smile. When Dr. Vo assesses your smile, she is not only looking for what is in need of care but also what you want to change about the appearance of your smile.
The first visit will consist of several questions to help Dr. Vo understand what you are hoping for in your overall oral health and appearance. Here are a few of the general questions below.
Depending on how these and other questions may be answered, you and Dr. Vo can start to formulate a treatment plan that works toward obtaining a great smile. Some of the tools she uses to determine a plan are; photos, x-rays, models of your teeth, and diagnostic wax-ups (models with the cosmetic changes for your approval). The diagnostic wax-up gives Dr. Vo has a blue print (or template) to follow. This is where communication of any changes can be re-sculpted to help design the shape, length, and width of the teeth; to frame the smile you’re dreaming of.
Dr. Vo has extensive training and experience as a Prosthodontist with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth, and the creation of tooth replacements.
So your dentist told you that you need a crown — what does that mean? A crown is a cap that fits completely over your existing tooth. Its purpose is to interact with your food the way your tooth would, while keeping food and bacteria away from the tooth itself.
At Dentate Smile Design, our standards for crowns are exacting: we believe that a crown should feel just as natural as your own teeth do. Dr. Vo, the leader here at Dentate, has specific training and expertise in the field of prosthodontics — that’s the design and fitting of artificial teeth — that gives her a unique understanding of how to make a crown feel ‘right’ in your mouth.
Dr. Vo also keeps herself involved in every step of the crown-making process — even ones that other dentists typically leave to their lab technicians. Specifically, most dentists will perform the preparation — where they trim your tooth slightly so that the crown doesn’t feel oversized — and then their assistant will take an impression of the newly-trimmed tooth, and put a temporary tooth in place over it. Then they’ll send the impression off to the lab to have the crown made, where someone who has never seen the inside of your mouth will create the crown. It will return, and if it fits, great! If not, you’ll have to try again — and either way, you don’t really get much say in the matter.
Compare this to Dentate Smile Design, where Dr. Vo will personally prepare your tooth, make impressions of it, and then carefully fit you with comfortable, natural-looking temporaries. She sends it off to the lab to be created, but she has the lab send the tooth back before the lab performs the final steps. That’s because the most common problem with a crown is the ‘margin fit’ — the area where the crown’s bottom edge, your gumline, and the root of your tooth all come together. If that part doesn’t fit, the crown will never be comfortable or feel natural. Dr. Vo marks the margins of each crown she installs personally. Once she’s satisfied, she’ll send the marked crown back to the lab to be finished, and upon receiving the completed item, double-check it once more — and check again with you — before cementing it in place.
Why go through all this trouble? As mentioned, margins are the most troublesome part of any crown. If the margin is off, bacteria can get under a crown and cause decay of the tooth beneath. X-rays cannot see through metal underneath the porcelain of a crown, so often the decay isn’t detected until it infects the gums — and by then, you’re due for expensive and painful surgery. A properly-fitting margin is the best way to protect the tooth under your crown.
With Dr. Vo, you’ll get a crown that fits like a dream, looks and feels like a real tooth, and fits into your bite just like your old tooth did (or better!). If you’ve been told you need a crown and you want it done right, call our Rochester Hills office today at (248) 656-2300 — we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Do you have gum disease?
Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. One reason why it may be so prevalent is because it is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important to detect and monitor otherwise hidden signs of periodontal disease. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that exists in plaque which constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque adheres to the surface of teeth and, if not removed often, causes the gums to become irritated and inflamed. This is a sign that gum disease may be progressing. At Dr. Tate Vo’s office in Rochester Hills, we can help to determine if you have gingivitis (the early stages of gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and develop a routine which could help you to stop the progression of the disease.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease:
Some of the common warning signs of gum disease:
The latest research has indicated there may be a significant correlation between oral health and health of the entire body. By maintaining and preventing oral disease, patients are able to lower their risk for heart disease and other debilitating conditions such as stroke and diabetes. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious. Treatment of your gum disease will vary depending upon the type of disease and how far it has progressed. You don’t have to lose your teeth to gum disease. Let Dr Vo and her staff help you keep the smile you were born to have. It’s important to remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental visits for your ongoing dental health.
Our Deep/Power Bleaching System has a track record of being the very best! Even though tetracycline stain is one of the most difficult stains to reduce, the system we use has exhibited wonderful results. In the past Tetracycline was an antibiotic used to treat a multitude of different infections. Unfortunately, a side effect was a visible banding of deep gray discoloration of the permanent teeth. The Power Bleaching can reduce the effects of tetracycline staining to give patients a brighter whiter smile. In teeth not affected by tetracycline staining, dramatic bright white smiles are routinely achieved.
Occasionally patients experience sensitivity with other bleaching products. Power Bleaching offers a desensitizer that is used before and after the patient bleaches. This allows the patient to be able to bleach comfortably to gain great results.
Our dental office now offers Zoom! White Speed in office immediate whitening.
Philips Zoom! WhiteSpeed is a scientifically advanced teeth Whitening Procedure applied chairside in the office. It’s a great idea for anyone looking for immediate results. The new advanced LED whitening technology is equipped with a new setting designed to help reduce sensitivity associated with whitening, the results are even better than ever.
NiteWhite and DayWhite deliver the superior results you want. Whether you prefer to whiten while you sleep or the convenience of short daytime sessions, achieve your whitest smile in just one to two weeks.
Let us help you discover which teeth whitening product is best for you.
Dentate Smile Designs Client 2009
“I have been a smoker for years and have always hated the yellowing color of my teeth. I would brush my teeth multiple times in a day and still they would be yellowed. After speaking with Dr Vo and members of her staff I decided to try the Zoom whitening. Now, you can’t tell that I ever smoked. My teeth became 6 shades lighter than when I started. I love the fact that my teeth look so clean and white! Everyone at the office is wonderful and I am always treated like family. Thank you Dr. Vo!”
Are you unhappy with how your smile looks? Do you have a space between your teeth that you don’t like? Possibly, you feel your teeth are too small? You have healthy teeth so you don’t want to have extensive work done to enhance their appearance. There is another option! Here in Rochester Hills at Dentate Smile Design, Dr Tate Vo can help you acquire that beautiful smile you have been dreaming of!
Porcelain Veneers allow you to change the shape, color, and position of your teeth with minimal breakdown to your natural teeth. Veneers are most commonly used to correct enamel defects, discoloration, chips in teeth, size, length, or to close gaps. They are a feasible alternative to time consuming orthodontics. This procedure is a more conservative approach than full porcelain crowns.
The first step is a consultation allowing you to explain to your dentist the look you are wanting to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth, making sure dental veneers are appropriate for you. You will get information on what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. Often, if there are multiple teeth involved, we do a wax-up of your teeth to provide the doctor with a blueprint of what you are looking for. This helps both you and your doctor, together, determine what you want to accomplish. It also provides a better understanding and agreement for the end result.
It’s time to prepare your tooth/teeth for Porcelain Veneers. Your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory that will be working closely with your dentist to construct the Veneer. If a wax-up has been completed, the laboratory will have access to it as well, so they can make the Veneers look exactly as you and the doctor planned them.
Once the Veneer has been completed by the laboratory, it is time to place them. Before the dental Veneer is permanently cemented, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. Your dentist will make sure that you approve of the appearance as well. The dentist may need to make some small adjustments at this time. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the Veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. Now it’s time to cement the Veneers.
How do you care for your beautiful new smile? Simply continue to brush and floss as is standard for over all dental health. Avoid biting into hard substances, as this can loosen or crack the veneers. Anything that can crack or chip the enamel of your original tooth can damage a Veneer.
Dr Vo has had in-depth training on how your jaw and teeth should come together with her advanced training in Prosthodontics. She applies her knowledge to all dental work she participates in. This additional expertise will help make sure that the Veneers are placed and adjusted properly for your specific needs. Call us today to set up a consultation to see if Porcelain Veneers are right for you. We look forward to meeting you soon.
If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, dental implants may be an option for you. Come into our Rochester Hills office and have a consultation with Dr. Tate Vo. Her expertise as a prosthodontist will help in developing the best possible plan of treatment for you personally.
An implant is a tooth replacement where no tooth exists. It is a titanium root placed into the bone acting as artificial roots for supporting a restoration or denture for single or more than one tooth. They can help to stop and may even prevent further jaw bone loss. People can regain function and stability in the way they bite, chew food, and speak with dental implants. With Dr. Vo’s expertise and skills in planning out the sequence and necessary steps, the implants will have a greater chance of success to mimic a natural tooth as much as possible.
Dr. Vo will work closely with you to make sure you are a good candidate for implants. After examining your mouth through sight, x-rays, and models (when needed) she will communicate by prescription the necessary information for fabrication of the implant and restoration (prosthesis) to the implant specialist and dental laboratory technician. Working hand in hand with them, she continues throughout the treatment to make sure you are receiving the best possible care. Once the implant specialist has completed the placement of the implant and has checked and verified the healing, Dr. Vo will then work with the dental laboratory to build the replacement tooth. She will place the abutment (the attachment piece) and design the perfect crown for you. Once the crown has been completed she will make sure that it fits perfectly into how your jaw comes together, giving you a replacement tooth that looks and works just like your original tooth.
Dr. Vo is ready to consult with you on all your options for that smile you have always wanted. She is here to assist you in getting and maintaining great oral health through educating you on how to care for your mouth and on all the possible options you have available to you for your optimal dental health. No matter if you are from Rochester, Troy, Shelby twp, Oakland twp., or any of the greater Detroit areas; we look forward to hearing from you today.
Here in Rochester hills, Dr Vo’s additional education in prosthodontics offers her the knowledge to give you the best possible long term solution for your missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth is very beneficial to your overall health, as well as boosting your appearance and confidence. There are multiple ways to replace missing teeth; dentures and partial dentures are just a couple of those ways.
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. We often take for granted what our teeth help us with on a daily basis. They make it far easier to eat, to speak, and to smile. It’s beneficial to replace any and all missing teeth. When you lose all of your teeth, facial tissues can sag, making you appear to be much older than you actually are. Full dentures can help to fill out the appearance of your face and profile. You can even help to decide how your dentures may look; giving you the smile that you have always dreamed about.
There are different types of dentures. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth. Full conventional dentures replace all of your teeth. Once your natural teeth are extracted and your gums have healed properly, a full conventional denture can be placed. There is also an immediate full denture that is placed the same day you have your natural teeth removed. Prior to the removal of the teeth, you will have preliminary visits with Dr. Vo to fabricate the immediate dentures so that you don’t have to be without teeth. During the healing time, you may need adjustments to help with the comfort of your new dentures. After the healing is complete, you may need to remake or reline the dentures for a better fit. If Dr. Vo feels that some of the roots of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for a denture, or that an implant can serve for stability, then another kind of denture, an overdenture will be fitted for you. An overdenture fits over a small amount of remaining teeth or implants to help keep it in place.
While adjusting to your new dentures, they may feel loose while the muscles in your tongue and cheek learn to keep them in place. This may feel awkward for a few weeks until your become used to them. You may experience minor irritation or soreness, this is normal. Your saliva flow may increase temporarily. These problems will start to decrease as you become more accustomed to the dentures. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed to check the fit and adjusted as needed for your comfort.
You still need to practice good dental hygiene, so continue to care for your mouth even with dentures. Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth daily before inserting your dentures. This will help to keep the tissues healthy and remove any plaque. You will need to keep your dentures clean as well. Be sure to schedule a regular dental checkup so Dr. Vo can see how your dentures fit and look at the health of your mouth. If you have any question about your dentures due to their fit, or any damage to them, please contact Dr. Vo. We at Dentate Smile Design in the Rochester area are here to help you determine the best treatment for you. We are waiting for your call.
