General Dentistry in Monroe, WA

Otherwise known as composites or compomers, consist of hard resin polymers to mimic the properties of a natural tooth. The Smile Institute can sculpt composites artistically to match the surrounding teeth. They are often chemically bonded into place and provide excellent longevity and durability. They often are used to repair a cavity or fracture due to trauma or dental disease. Composites can also be used to close unsightly gaps or spaces, and change color or contours of existing teeth.

Porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain shells that cover the teeth to enhance an individual's smile. They are bonded to a prepared tooth and are very durable and long lasting. Once veneers are bonded to the teeth, they appear very natural and tooth-like. This is where The Smile Institute's true artistry is seen as veneers can be life changing for the individual.

Crowns exist in many forms. Some have a metal substructure to support porcelain. Others are all porcelain that reflect light much like a real tooth and are often used in highly visible areas of the mouth. A crown replaces significantly lost tooth structure or strengthens a tooth after it has undergone root canal therapy. Every patient's needs are different. Please consult your dentist as to which crown will serve you best.

Root canal therapy or endodontics is the process of removing the nerve of a tooth and replacing it with an inert/biocompatible filler. This therapy is used to preserve the tooth and maintain function. Root canals are often needed to relieve dental pain due to an abscess or severe fracture due to trauma or a large cavity that is left untreated. At The Smile Institute, we use the best technology and tools to give our patients a successful result.

Children's dentistry At the Smile Institute, we pride ourselves in taking care of your children. We will make every effort to put your child at ease in the dental chair. Prevention is the key for healthy teeth. It is common practice to place sealants (a protective coating) on the grooves of their teeth. Some children have crowding or spacing issues, and space maintainers are necessary for maintaining proper tooth development. Still other children need restorative care, and therefore, tooth colored fillings are necessary. We encourage all parents to ask questions about their child's treatment.

Using dentures to replace missing teeth is not only great for your oral health; it's a great way to look and feel younger! Today, there are a variety of natural-looking and comfortable dentures for patients who need to replace missing teeth. Made of a gum-colored plastic resin or acrylic base and either resin or porcelain replacement teeth, dentures are custom designed to fit your mouth. If you have several teeth or all teeth missing on the upper or lower jaw, full dentures may be your best option. Partial dentures, which can be either fixed or removable, are great for patients who have several missing teeth scattered along the upper or lower jaw.

The process of getting dentures may take a few months and several dental visits. In some cases, however, same-day dentures are also possible. With same-day dentures, the dentures are created right in the dentist's office instead of at an offsite laboratory. Same-day dentures aren't for everyone, though. If your dentures require a lot of customization, same-day dentures may not be right for you.

Just as with your natural teeth, dentures require daily maintenance. With regular wear and tear, your dentures can last 5-7 years. During that time, you may need periodic denture relines to accommodate changes in the contours of your mouth. Regular denture relines involve resurfacing the base to ensure that your dentures fit and function perfectly. If you break your dentures, it's critical to bring them to your dentist for professional denture repair. Home denture repair kits can cause more damage and be even more costly to fix.