Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | J. Steven Baker, DDS

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

2012-02-22T06:22:00.004-07:00

Choosing a cosmetic dentist is no different than selecting an interior designer or a contractor to create your dream home.

Selecting a professional for any service requires a certain amount of research into references, education and experience.

GOAL: When searching for a cosmetic dentist, the first question you should ask yourself is, “what am I hoping to achieve? Do I want my teeth whiter, which may be achieved simply by bleaching, or do I want a complete smile makeover?” Once you have made your decision and selected the procedure you want comes the million-dollar question: Who is going to provide the service?

Many dentists advertise that they provide cosmetic dentistry, but how can you know for sure? A consultation with several providers will afford you the opportunity to talk with the dentistry team.

The old saying “first impressions are lasting impressions” certainly holds true in this case; if you are not on the same wavelength with the members of the practice, then you should choose another.

EDUCATION OF DENTIST: When selecting your cosmetic dentistry team, ask questions regarding education.

Where did they attend dental school? What training beyond dental school have they received? There are many well-respected post doctorate educational facilities where dentists can learn the latest advances in techniques as well as stay abreast of the latest in technology, ensuring you receive up-to-the-minute care. The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) are just a few that come to mind, and many of these facilities offer a designation of fellow or mastership.

Similarly, a good cosmetic dentist will have a library of cases with before and after photos, many of which may be seen on the provider’s website. Always ask about your treatment options, because sometimes a simple procedure such as bleaching may be all that is needed to satisfy your esthetic desires.

PREVIOUS CLIENT SUCCESS: Additionally, many cosmetic dentists have patients who are more than willing to tell you about their experience; remember to ask for a list of patient references.

Last but not least, ask about the fee. That is not to say you should price shop, since most qualified cosmetic dentists’ fees will generally be very similar. However, many patients are unaware that there are healthcare financing plans available; also ask the office about payment options.

Cosmetic dentistry, like other cosmetic procedures, is life changing. A well thought out approach to selecting a cosmetic dentist will provide you with a smile that is both functional and beautiful.

Remember, a beautiful smile lasts forever! Give us a call (919) 847-5283 to schedule a free consultation.

Midtown Magazine 2012 Diamond Award Winner - Baker Cosmetic Dentistry

2012-01-26T10:00:00.004-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU!

We have received the official notification that Dr. Baker Cosmetic Dentistry Raleigh - has been named "2012 Midtown Magazine Diamond Award Winner: Best Place to Put Your Smile On"

We appreciate all of your support and the support of our amazing clients and friends.

Thank you again for your vote of confidence and brighter smiles!

Time is Money: Cerec Same Day Tooth Crowns

2011-12-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

How many of you have had a tooth crowned (capped) in the past?

Most likely those of us who grew up in the 1960s have had this experience. Traditionally, we “Baby Boomers” had large amalgam (silver) fillings placed by our dentists over the years. These old fillings expand and contract with the different temperatures in food and drink. A cold dessert followed by a cup of hot coffee wreaks havoc on our teeth.

How Does This Happen?

The constant expansion and contraction of the old silver fillings weakens the tooth structure; consequently, biting on something hard can break the tooth and therefore require the placement of a crown. In the past this would involve two separate appointments at the dentist’s office. The first appointment generally involves taking an impression (gag) and fabricating a temporary crown. The second appointment is when the permanent crown is placed and cemented. And inevitably, there is an additional appointment between the two, when we eat something sticky or chewy and pull the temporary crown off, thus having to make the trip back to the dentist to have it re-cemented.

What Can Be Done?

Cerec technology eliminates the need for two visits and also provides the patient with a natural-looking and very effective restoration. This process uses digital scanning and an on-site milling unit to design and fabricate the porcelain crown. Cerec crowns are 100% porcelain and are bonded directly to the tooth, actually making the tooth very strong. Cerec crowns are very natural in appearance and because there is no metal in the crown, you will never see that telltale dark line around the gum as you may have seen on conventional crowns. With Cerec crowns, there are no more impressions, no more temporaries, and no second appointments.

All of this is done while the tooth is still numb. Now you can come into the office and have a crown placed in one appointment. This saves an enormous amount of time for the patient and the dentist, and in this economy, the old adage “time is money” is now more true than ever. Cerec has changed the entire way we think about crowns.

Anxious?

Because of the single-visit Cerec technology, some of the anxiety and dread of visiting the dentist has been alleviated, providing an easier and overall better experience for the patient. It will soon replace the conventional approach to crowning teeth, and in doing so open up a multitude of possibilities for restoring teeth.

If you have questions about Cerec technology or any other cosmetic dental question, feel free to contact our office at (919) 847-5283 or http://www.stevenbakerdentist.com/. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Migraine Headaches

2011-11-13T14:04:00.002-07:00

Headaches have been a part of one’s life at one time or the other. They may only be slight in nature and just a minor annoyance, or they could actually put you in the hospital.

Many people suffer from what they perceive as “migraines.” This may or may not be true because migraines may have a vascular origin, may be hormonally induced, or may be caused by muscular tension or skeletal deformities, temporomandibular joint dysfunction or malocclusion (bad bite).

Many of the severe headaches which debilitate patients affect the temporalis muscles, which are located on the sides and back of one’s head. These are perceived by many in the medical community as “migraines,” when in fact they are caused by malocclusion, which leads to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Basically, your bite can cause you to have these severe headaches.

So how do we treat these headaches in dentistry? A thorough medical history is taken for the patient to rule out any systemic disease, and a comprehensive exam is performed on each patient to gather as much in- formation about the patient as possible. Diagnostic radiographs, photographs and study models are also used to aid in an accurate diagnosis.

To establish a patient’s occlusion (bite), it should be done with the muscles of the face in a relaxed position. This is accomplished by using an ultra-low frequency TENS unit (see Figure 1 ) to stimulate nerves of the face and neck, which in turn relaxes the muscles.

Myotrodes are placed on the face and neck and connected to the TENS unit. A kinesiograph is also used to measure the activity of the muscles associated with the head and neck (see figure 2). Each muscle has a standard value which has been established by the medical community.

A bite is taken when the muscles are at a relaxed value. This bite, along with the diagnostic models, are sent to the lab, where an orthotic appliance is fabricated for the patient to wear. This orthotic is worn 24 hours a day. The patient eats and sleeps with their new appliance, with the reason being that it will allow the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) to remodel.

Without getting too technical, your teeth dictate the position of the TMJ, so when your bite is in a relaxed state, your TMJ is in its most physi- ologic position. This will also help to align your C1 vertebra (Atlas) which improves your overall posture, improves blood supply to the brain and causes an increase in oxygen to the brain. So in a nutshell, your bite can actually affect your posture. It’s like the old saying, “your footbone is connected to your headbone.”

Your teeth are an integral part of your body. If your teeth are not in a neuromuscular relaxed posi- tion, your overall posture can be affected, which will cause muscle tension, which can displace your TMJ, which in turn will cause severe headaches. Neuro- muscular dentistry can alleviate these problems if the headaches are related to malocclusion. For more information, please visit www.stevenbakerdentist.com or www.myotronics.com.

Common Dental Problems - Don't Wait Any Longer!

2011-10-13T06:49:00.003-06:00

What bugs you most about your smile? Do you have spaces between your teeth that keep you from smiling? Maybe a tooth or two seems out of place or draws unwanted attention. Maybe your smile doesn’t have that same bright white sparkle it used to have. At Dr. Baker’s office, we give you many options to choose from, no matter what dental problems happen to be making you unsatisfied with your smile.

Some of the most common dental problems we help people correct, include:

Missing Teeth

Patients with one or more missing teeth are often afraid to smile in public or for the camera. Smiling is directly related to emotions, and this self-consciousness can affect your mood as well. Replace a missing tooth with a custom created dental implants that is anchored to the jawbone for high functionality. Or replace several or all your missing teeth with partial or full removable dentures.

Multiple Dental Problems

You can have that beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted with Dr. Baker’s custom smile makeovers. A smile makeover is essentially a redesign of your teeth, custom matched to your unique facial appearance and personality. Two or more cosmetic dentistry treatments are combined to give you specific smile results that will take your smile from simple to stunning. During your smile makeover consultation, Dr. Baker will discuss the benefits of our most popular smile makeover procedures including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, porcelain fillings, tooth whitening, gum treatment, dental implants and dentures.

Stained or Yellow Teeth

Wondering where your pearly whites went? You’d be surprised at what a difference a little whitening can make in your smile. Whitening is easy with Dr. Baker’s in office and home tooth whitening options. For a dramatic and speedy choice, consider accelerated whitening with the Zoom! tooth whitening system.

Gummy Smile

If you feel your gums are too visible, gum surgery can be done to minimize the gummy look and draw attention to your pearly whites. Many patients choose to whiten following gum reduction surgery for a more brilliant glow.

Do you need a professional smile makeover with long-lasting results? Consider the office of Dr. J. Steven Baker. Call or email us today for a personalized smile makeover consultation.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

2011-09-27T11:45:00.002-06:00

Laser technology is one of the best things to happen to dentistry in recent years. As laser technology advances, so does the scope and effectiveness of laser dentistry. Dr. Baker uses laser dentistry to perform a variety of soft-tissue procedures.

Lasers allow doctors to accomplish tasks that may have been difficult or impossible by hand. Because of the ability of lasers to focus on treatment areas with extreme accuracy, many types of treatments can be performed without damaging surrounding tissue. Usually you’ll need no anesthesia during laser treatments. Dr. Baker uses lasers in the removal of plaque and bacteria from the soft tissues of the mouth as well as for recontouring the gumline. Dr. Baker prefers to use lasers in these procedures because lasers provide:

• Faster Treatment Times
• Faster Healing Times
• Less Trauma to the Treatment Area
• Little or No Bleeding
• Very Precise Measurements and Accuracy

The dental lasers of today are quiet, sleek, and comfortable to use. The laser dentistry treatments provided at our Raleigh office are safe and special precautions are taken to ensure proper use of laser equipment.

For more information on this and other services go to www.stevenbakerdentist.com or call our office (919) 847-5283 to schedule an initial consultation.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

2011-09-27T11:45:00.000-06:00

• Faster Treatment Times
• Faster Healing Times

• Less Trauma to the Treatment Area

• Little or No Bleeding

• Very Precise Measurements and Accuracy

For more information on this and other services go to www.stevenbakerdentist.com or call our office (919) 847-5283 to schedule an initial consultation.

Best Place to Get your Smile On - Midtown Magazine Diamond Awards

2011-08-17T14:47:00.002-06:00

It is always an exciting time when a CLIENT recommends you on Midtown Magazine's Diamond Award nomination for "Best Place to Get Your Smile On!"

We always aim for AMAZING customer service and results!

We offer a large range of services in our high tech, state of the art facility. Some of our specialties are:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Crowns

Dental Bonding

Porcelain Fillings

Tooth Whitening

Gum Treatment

Breath Treatment

Dental Implants

Neuromuscular Dentistry & TMJ

Laser Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

Snoring

Dentures and Partials

Oral Surgery (Orthodontics)

If you would like to see what the "buzz" is about our amazing staff, call (919) 847-5283 or email our office today for your cosmetic dentistry appointment.

Midtown Magazine Diamond Awards 2011-2012 - Dr Baker Cosmetic Dentistry

2011-07-25T14:31:00.005-06:00

We have had amazing support from our clients adding our name to the "Best Place to Get Your Smile On" section of the Midtown Magazine Diamond Awards.

Will you vote for us? Our success continues with clients and friends who have had their smile and life enriched with a better and brighter smile.

Thank you for your help and support! Please share this information with your friends and colleagues!

In Kind Regards ~ Dr Baker, Cosmetic Dentistry Raleigh

Digital Radiography Dentistry Success

2011-06-06T20:26:00.006-06:00

Digital radiography in my opinion has been the greatest advance to the world of Dentistry.

Digital Radiography allows the dentist to see many more structures (teeth, bone and soft tissue ) that otherwise would just be overlooked with conventional radiography. The detail with digital radiography is much greater, plus we can make teeth look like they are a foot tall which allows us to make a very accurate diagnosis. Many patients are nervous about dental xrays because of the the radiation.

Digital radiography exposes the patient to much less radiation, in fact some radiographs require only 0.08 seconds of radiation, that's less than an hour in the sun. We can now take 3-D panoramic radiographs which give you a picture of the entire face.

These are very useful for tumor detection, third molar removal and implant placement.

For more questions on Digital Radiography, comment below or contact our office at (919) 847-5283.

PORCELAIN VENEERS and CROWNS Raleigh NC Cosmetic Dentistry

2011-05-17T06:49:00.001-06:00

Dr. Baker can effectively help all levels of dental care and cosmetic dentistry. Today the focus of the blog is Porcelain Veneers and Crowns.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

One of the most popular cosmetic options at the office of Dr. Baker is natural-looking porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great solution if you want a quick and conservative treatment with noticeable results.

Porcelain veneers by Dr. Baker are handcrafted from porcelain chosen to match or improve the shape, size, color, and translucency of your teeth. They are applied to the front faces of teeth and bonded tightly over your natural enamel. With a simple, painless application of your new porcelain veneers, your smile is instantly rejuvenated.

Porcelain veneers are sometimes nicknamed “instant orthodontics” for the dramatic results they can instantly provide. Finished in just a few visits, porcelain veneers can be used to repair the appearance of many problems, including:

• Gaps between teeth

• Crooked teeth

• Discoloration

• Chips or breaks

• Misshapen teeth

Porcelain veneers are a wonderful solution to many smile problems and our financing options make them affordable for almost any budget.

In order to receive your porcelain veneers, Dr. Baker will expertly re-contour your natural enamel, take an impression of your teeth, and bonds the finished veneers in place. If your teeth need additional improvement, Dr. Baker may suggest a porcelain crown, inlay, or onlay for added strength.

PORCELAIN CROWNS

Porcelain crowns are an excellent choice if you have one or more teeth whose function and appearance have been severely compromised by damage or decay.

Porcelain crowns are also used to anchor a dental bridge.

If you have only mild damage to a tooth, a porcelain filling or composite filling may be recommended. Dr. Baker’s porcelain crowns offer strength, durability, function and beauty. Chips, cracks, and cavities can be easily remedied with a strong crown restoration.

Advantages of Porcelain

Unlike the metal crowns of yesterday, modern porcelain crowns reflect light beautifully and give a very natural result. There are no dark lines around the gums with porcelain crowns, and crowned teeth are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Dr. Baker uses all-porcelain crowns, whereas some dentists will use a porcelain/metal combination. All-porcelain crowns become very strong and capable of handling hard bite pressure once they are bonded to natural enamel, and they are also the most natural in appearance.

The Procedure

For the crown treatment, Dr. Baker will first remove any decay from the tooth using a dental drill. The enamel will then be reduced to make room for the crown. A tooth impression is taken as well as a bite measurement, and a shade of porcelain is chosen. Dr. Baker will give you a temporary crown until your next appointment. Once your new crown is back from the lab, you will return for your fitting and the porcelain crown is bonded permanently. In just a few short visits, you can walk away with a dramatically more beautiful smile!

Do you have any additional questions about porcelain veneers or crowns? Dr Baker and his amazing staff are here to help. Either comment below or contact us HERE.

Common Dental Problems and High Tech Dental Solutions Raleigh NC

2011-04-26T08:21:00.004-06:00

"11 out of 10! From reception to hygienist to Dr B to checkout, Five Stars the whole way! The equipment and how it is used is also first rate. It's obvious that the practice as a whole has kept up with the digital age and the advantages to the patient that come with those advances. " ~ John G., Raleigh NC

Nothing brings my team and I more pleasure then to know we are able to resolve common dental problems, easily and effectively. See the below information about the Most Common Dental Problems and easy solutions we offer at Dr Baker Cosmetic Dentistry of Raleigh

Multiple Dental Problems
You can have that beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted with Dr. Baker’s custom smile makeovers. A smile makeover is essentially a redesign of your teeth, custom matched to your unique facial appearance and personality. Two or more cosmetic dentistry treatments are combined to give you specific smile results that will take your smile from simple to stunning. During your smile makeover consultation, Dr. Baker will discuss the benefits of our most popular smile makeover procedures including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, porcelain fillings, tooth whitening, gum treatment, dental implants and dentures.

Stained or Yellow Teeth
Wondering where your pearly whites went? You’d be surprised at what a difference a little whitening can make in your smile. Whitening is easy with Dr. Baker’s in office and home tooth whitening options. For a dramatic and speedy choice, consider accelerated whitening with the Zoom! tooth whitening system.

Dental Anxiety
For many patients, the thought of going to the dentists brings fear and anxiety of pain and being uncomfortable in the dentist office. Dr. Baker wants to make sure that you are completely comfortable during any cosmetic dentistry procedure you undergo. To accomplish this, Dr. Baker will thoroughly numb the entire area being worked on, or, for especially anxious patients, Dr. Baker will use Nitrous oxide so that you are totally relaxed during your procedure.

During laser gum surgery, Dr. Baker will use a specially designed laser to recontour your gums, exposing more of your teeth, and providing you with the smile you want. Dr. Baker prefers using a laser to recontour gums because it vaporizes tissue, minimizing bleeding and patient discomfort.

For a professional smile makeover with long-lasting results, consider the office of Dr. J. Steven Baker. Call our office at (919) 847-5283 or email us today for a personalized smile makeover consultation.

What is TMJ and relief for painful TMJ Symptoms

2011-04-12T11:30:00.004-06:00

One of the greatest pleasures I have as a cosmetic dentist is when a patient’s TMJ pain and discomfort is able to be eased and taken care of.

“Thank you Dr. Baker, my bite is right now and my TMJ pain is the lowest it has been in quite a while.” ~ Nancy, Raleigh, NC

If you’re experiencing unexplained problems like jaw soreness, popping of the jaw joints, or headaches, you may very well be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem. TMJ, also called TMD for Temporomandibular Disorder, affects millions of Americans and goes widely undiagnosed.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a highly specialized area of dentistry that focuses on solving a variety of symptoms by restoring a proper dental bite. Keep in mind that I, Dr. J. Steven Baker, am one of only a handful of neuromuscular dentists in Raleigh who offer diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.

Symptoms of TMJ

• Recurring headaches

• Pain behind the eyes

• Dizziness

• Earaches

• Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)

• Grinding of the teeth

• Frequent jaw clenching

• Neck, shoulder, or back pain

• Numbness in the fingers

• Muscle spasms

What begins as minor soreness can develop into a very painful condition that causes chronic tension headaches and jaw soreness. Pain may graduate from the mouth and head area to the neck and shoulders, eventually affecting the muscles of the arms and hands.

Good mouth function is dependent upon the relationship between the muscles, jawbones, and jaw joints. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing a TMJ dysfunction, from genetic to environmental. My neuromuscular dentistry team and I use a series of technologically advanced tests to help determine the cause or causes, including the K7 Evaluation System, to diagnose TMJ-related problems.

Once the cause of your uneven bite is discovered, treatment to restore a well-fitting bite can begin. If the jaw joints are displaced, or the problem lies with weak or uneven muscle tissue, use of an orthotic appliance may be a solution. If other solutions are not successful, surgery can be very effective.

If you think you may be experiencing a TMJ problem and need TMJ treatment, please schedule a neuromuscular dentistry personal consultation with me here at Dr. Baker Cosmetic Dentistry today. As an experienced Chapel Hill Neuromuscular Dentist, I will listen to you and give you a comprehensive TMJ exam.

You don’t need to suffer that pain indefinitely. My team and I are here to help! (919) 847-5283

6 Reasons the Chic Flick Teeth Whitening Pen is a MUST have for Spring!

2011-04-01T08:20:00.006-06:00

Need a quick way to brighten your smile?

Teeth Whitener and Lip Plumper all in one convenient product!

1. Triple-Action accelerator gel and advanced Lip Plumper in one unique duo package. Whether you need the teeth whitener or the lip pumper, both are easily accessible in your purse, desk or in your car.

2. Convenience, results, and Hollywood beauty for the everyday woman. Use anywhere, anytime. No messy products, the teeth whitener is easily accessible.

3. The Lip Plumper ingredients are over 80% organic and feature vitamin and mineral infused ingredients for maximum pouting results.

4. Plumper includes blue base to make your teeth appear even whiter with your bright smile.

5. Whitening gel includes our proprietary 6% stabilized hydrogen peroxide gel with 60+ applications which includes includes hydrators and desensitizers for optimal comfort designed for sensitive teeth.

6. 2 mirrors so you can truly be on the "go".

If you want to see for yourself a quick and easy way to get whiter teeth in between cleanings, call Dr Steven Baker, Cosmetic Dentistry at (919) 847-5283.

Affordable Porcelain Veneers Raleigh NC

2011-02-10T10:10:00.001-07:00

I am often asked about porcelain veneers and the cost.

My name is Dr. Baker and I own the Cosmetic Dentistry of Raleigh. My business focuses on my patients and their comprehensive dental health. My procedures safe and efficient, but the costs are affordable. For your porcelain veneers, I come highly recommended and trained:

• Graduated from and became Adjunct Professor at the University of North Carolina Dental School

• Currently am a member of the Raleigh –Wake County Dental Society

• Had advanced dental Training at the Las Vegas Institute

• Completed all 7 level courses at LVI and is only one of 700 people in the world to do so

If you want an experience where your porcelain veneers are put in with an experienced dentist and with affordable costs, then I am the expert you have been looking for. The porcelain veneers that we provide are a great solution if want a quick and conservative treatment with results that can’t go unnoticed. All you have to do is take a visit to my practice in Raleigh, North Carolina or give my office a quick call. You do not want to miss out on this opportunity for affordable porcelain veneers!

What is there not to love about a great affordable smile?

Start 2011 With A New Smile

2011-01-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Holiday season is over and it is now time to put yourself at the top of the list. You take a look in the mirror and realized something is missing. You realize it’s a big, beautiful white smile! There is no need to panic because Dr. Baker is here to save the day! What better way than to start with improving your smile.

Dr. Baker is a professional cosmetic dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina. He specializes in making sure people have the best smiles that they can possibly have. Whether that means porcelain veneers or other teeth whitening treatments, he covers it all. Have you tried everything and still don’t get results? Like for example:

· Brushing and flossing teeth

· Regular dentist cleanings

· Teeth whitening toothpastes

· Over the counter tooth whiteners

If you are a person that has tried all these options and still don’t like your results, then it is about time to call Dr. Baker’s office to make an appointment right away. Dr. Baker will fix that smile of yours so when the holidays come around, you can shine! Your family and friends will be so impressed that they will want to get a Dr. Baker treatment done too! Call now at (919) 847-5283.

Isn’t it about time that your smile shines through?

White as Snow Teeth

2010-12-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamed of having teeth as white as now? Now is possible!

Dr. Baker is just guy you are looking for to brighten that smile of yours! He is an educated and experienced cosmetic dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina that really knows how to work with his client’s wants and needs. His professional treatments can be done in as little as one hour and are completely safe. He has three effective methods that can be done to whitening teeth:

1. Zoom! Teeth Whitening- This method is perfect for men and women who want to see immediate results in one quick visit. Dr. Baker simply applies a hydrogen peroxide gel to the teeth. Then he uses a special teeth bleaching lamp to help your enamel absorb the gel through the process of oxygenation. You could see results in just a few short days!

2. Ultradent’s Opalescence Xtra Boost- In this method there is no need for light activation. Dr. Baker uses Xtra Boost, which is a hydrogen peroxide teeth bleaching gel that is chemically applied via a syringe. This technique is for a speedy office visit!

3. Take-home teeth whitening kits- In this method, Dr. Baker makes it possible for you to never even have to leave your home! This process is more gradual, but his kit makes it perfect for you to go at your own pace.

*This holiday season is special because all through the month of December, Dr. Baker is offering bleach trays for only $149!* Make your appointment now for this amazing offer. Just call the number one cosmetic dentistry of Raleigh, North Carolina at (919) 847-5283. That is all it takes to becoming one step closer to having crystal white teeth for this holiday season!

Are you ready to have teeth as white as snow?

Christmas Card 2010

2010-11-30T14:15:00.001-07:00

Pop Art Ornaments Christmas

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

BREATH TREATMENT

2010-11-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Are you afraid to open your mouth at times? Notice you’re being offered gum or mints on a regular basis? Maybe it is time to consult a dentist about bad breath. Dr. Baker has carefully studied the causes of bad breath and the available treatments that can be quite effective. Chronic bad breath is often treatable.

Bad breath may be caused or intensified by:

• Eating habits

• Stress

• Hunger

• Alcohol

• Tobacco

• Certain medications

• Systemic conditions

• Hormonal changes

• Digestion or metabolic dysfunction

If you have had bad breath for a while and your sense of taste seems to be affected, you may be harboring a high concentration of certain oral bacteria. If Dr. Baker determines this is the case, breath treatment will most likely be concentrated on the areas of the tongue and spaces between teeth where bacteria tend to rest. When bacteria feed off the content of your saliva, it results in odorous breath.

Bad breath treatment may be as simple as:

• Changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables

• Drinking more water

• Switching out your toothbrush more often

• Increasing your brushing and flossing frequency

• Integrating tongue cleaning with your daily brushing

• Avoiding garlic and other strong foods

Chronic bad breath may be a sign of a potentially serious infection A cavity or gum disease left untreated can worsen and lead to bad breath. In this case, bad breath is more than just an embarrassing condition – it may be hazardous to your health! If Dr. Baker determines that your breath problem stems from a tooth or gum infection, the bad breath should subside with proper breath treatment. Schedule a visit with Dr. Baker to address your bad breath issue, especially if it is coupled with additional symptoms like tissue swelling, redness, or tooth pain.

Discuss your chronic bad breath problem with Durham dentist Dr. J. Steven Baker. Contact our office in Raleigh for a personal breath treatment consultation or click here to schedule your appointment.

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS

2010-10-28T21:16:00.000-06:00

Some of the most common dental problems we help people correct, include:

Missing Teeth

Patients with one or more missing teeth are often afraid to smile in public or for the camera. Smiling is directly related to emotions, and this self-consciousness can affect your mood as well. Replace a missing tooth with a custom created dental implants that is anchored to the jawbone for high functionality. Or replace several or all your missing teeth with partial or full removable dentures.

Multiple Dental Problems

You can have that beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted with Dr. Baker’s custom smile makeovers. A smile makeover is essentially a redesign of your teeth, custom matched to your unique facial appearance and personality. Two or more cosmetic dentistry treatments are combined to give you specific smile results that will take your smile from simple to stunning. During your smile makeover consultation, Dr. Baker will discuss the benefits of our most popular smile makeover procedures including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, porcelain fillings, tooth whitening, gum treatment, dental implants and dentures.

Stained or Yellow Teeth

Wondering where your pearly whites went? You’d be surprised at what a difference a little whitening can make in your smile. Whitening is easy with Dr. Baker’s in office and home tooth whitening options. For a dramatic and speedy choice, consider accelerated whitening with the Zoom! tooth whitening system.

Gummy Smile

If you feel your gums are too visible, gum surgery can be done to minimize the gummy look and draw attention to your pearly whites. Many patients choose to whiten following gum reduction surgery for a more brilliant glow.

Do you need a professional smile makeover with long-lasting results? Consider the office of Dr. J. Steven Baker. Call or email us today for a personalized smile makeover consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry Specialist - Dr. Steven Baker

2010-10-12T07:20:00.000-06:00

Cosmetic dentist, Dr. J. Steven Baker leads a team of dental professionals who have received top training with the most modern dental techniques and equipment serving Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC.

Dr. Baker is a Raleigh native and attended Our Lady of Lourdes School, Cardinal Gibbons and Sanderson High School. He became an Eagle Scout. He graduated in 1976 from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Zoology. In 1984 Dr. Baker graduated from the University of North Carolina Dental School and started his dental practice in August 1984. Also in 1984 he became Adjunct Professor at the University of North Carolina Dental School.

Dr. Baker is married with two grown children and a granddaughter.

He is currently a member of Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society.

Advanced Dental Training at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) began in 2005. He is a LVI Fellow. Dr. Baker is one of only a few dentists in North Carolina with this level of advanced dental training from LVI. As a matter, he is only one of 700 in the world that has finished all 7 level courses and only 1 of 150 who has received fellowship.

Dr. J. Steven Baker leads a high-quality cosmetic dentistry practice where patient care is the focus and everyone is equally dedicated to your dental health. As our guest, you will be treated with respect and you will always receive honest answers and experienced advice.

Because Dr. Baker has treated such a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry patients for many years, he is ideally prepared to handle any dental problems you may be dealing with. Whether you wish to go conservative or prefer a dramatic, permanent change, we’ve got high tech solutions for you. If you’re curious about smile makeovers and their physical or functional effects, talk to Dr. Baker about your cosmetic dentistry options. We’re a no-pressure office – we only move forward with treatment if you are 100% comfortable. Dr. Baker was selected bytop3dentists.com as one of the dentists they recommend, based on his experience and training.

To make an appointment with Dr. Baker, click here.

DENTURES AND PARTIALS

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Dr. Baker offers full or partial dentures to replace missing teeth. If you have just one missing tooth, a dental implant may be enough. If you’re missing several teeth, or all of your teeth, dentures can help give you back the freedom to eat what you want and smile as often as you like.

Dentures are removable for comfort and easy cleaning, and make a world of difference in your appearance.

A partial denture is recommended when patients are missing some teeth, but wish to keep and protect remaining enamel. Those who have few natural teeth left and wish to replace all their teeth use full dentures.

Dr. Baker’s team carefully crafts your tooth replacements for a very natural look. They’re created from acrylic materials to integrate well into your mouth, so your new replacement teeth are not easily distinguishable from your natural smile.

Your teeth are important to your general well-being. When saving natural teeth is not always an option, dentures can help you fill the void and improve your eating and speaking abilities. Losing teeth does not have to mean compromising your smile

To discuss your denture options, contact the experienced denture specialist Dr. J. Steven Baker in Raleigh. Call or email us today for a personal denture consultation.

SEARCHING FOR THE BEST COSMETIC DENTIST

2010-08-31T20:46:00.000-06:00

If you are a Raleigh resident looking for a general or cosmetic dentist, you should look for a comprehensive facility that offers many smile-improvement options.

We believe that every person deserves high quality dental care and personal attention. At our office, you come first. We know that you have unique needs and we’ll strive to meet them. We know you have a lot of choices out there, and we want to make choosing a dentist easy and worry-free.

Five Primary Features most people look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist:

• Experience

• High-quality technology

• Personal service

• Affordability

• Comprehensive care

You want to know that your cosmetic dentist has the knowledge and tools to give you the results you deserve, and that you’ll consistently receive high standards of care. Today’s dental patients want options – cosmetic dentistry has become as much of an art form as a science, and our clients are more smile savvy than ever before.

Why would you choose a dentist who specializes in only a few services when a highly skilled dentist can offer you a broad range of cosmetic, restorative and general dentistry choices? From neuromuscular dentistry experience, advanced cosmetic dentistry techniques, and excellent restorative dentistry options, Dr. Steven Baker has so much to offer his patients.

Remember that there is no commitment after the initial consultation unless you decide you are ready to move forward. We invite you to visit Dr. Baker and his kind team to find out more about our practice and discover your smile enhancement options.

What is holding you back from giving us a call? Have we answered all your questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

2010-08-19T19:10:00.002-06:00

Losing a permanent tooth is no fun. With today’s modern materials, tooth replacements can look and feel just like natural teeth. For many people who have lost teeth, dental implants have provided them with a wonderful new smile.

Dental implants are pieces of titanium that are attached to the jawbone. After a dental implant has been placed, an abutment is attached to it that will either replace a single tooth, or anchor a dental bridge.

The abutment part of the dental implant is created to perfectly match the rest of your teeth. Unfortunately, much like natural teeth, dental implants can become damaged.

If you have received a dental implant and you are now unsatisfied with the appearance of your dental implant, Dr. Baker can restore your replacement tooth so that it blends in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.

Learn more about dental implants and how they can improve the appearance and health of your smile. Call or email Dr. Baker in Raleigh today for your personal implant dentistry consultation.

Porcelain Crown – FAQ’s

2010-08-04T08:16:00.001-06:00

Do I need a filling or a dental mination, Dr. Baker will be able to recommend the best course of treatment. Generally, fillings are used to repair small holes made by decay. Tooth crowns are used for more substantial wear and tear when the strength of the tooth has been compromised. Dr. Baker can reshape and rebuild a damaged tooth with a custom crown that is placed over the tooth, protecting it from further damage.

Are there limitations with my new crown?
Although you will be able to use your tooth crown to chew and speak normally, be aware that crowns can fracture like natural enamel. Don’t use your crowned tooth for activities that may pose harm, like opening packages, chewing hard candies or hard foods, or chewing on ice. Also, if you are a tooth grinder, Dr. Baker may suggest you use a mouth guard at night to prevent further damage to your teeth. Brushing and flossing is just as important with the crowned tooth as the others, if not more so; be sure to keep up the routine.

How is the porcelain tooth crown bonded?
Porcelain as a stand-alone material is brittle. However, once it is bonded to your natural enamel, it becomes incredibly durable. To firmly attach your tooth crown, Dr. Baker will apply a bonding agent to the tooth surface and set the crown for a secure, natural fit.

Can I replace old tooth crowns with porcelain?
Absolutely! In fact, a good majority of our crown placements are “elective,” meaning that people prefer the natural-looking porcelain crowns to the unsightly, metal-based tooth crowns. Porcelain crowns can be created to match the size, shape, color, and translucency of your natural teeth, whereas older metal or composite crowns may stick out like a sore thumb and prevent a harmonious smile.

How long will a crown last?
You can expect your permanent porcelain crown to last 10 years or longer with proper care. Brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups are essential in extending the life of your tooth crown and other dental restorations.

Choose the Chapel Hill porcelain crown dentist with a reputation for creating beautiful, natural-looking smiles. Call or email Dr. J. Steven Baker today for a one-on-one dental appointment and discuss your smile possibilities.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

2010-07-13T19:48:00.001-06:00

Are you ready to find out what Dr. Baker and his incredible team has to offer? We’d love to meet with you to discuss your dental health goals and evaluate your smile. We’ll present a range of options designed to help you stay healthy and have the smile you’ve always wanted. By meeting with Dr. Baker, you are under no obligation to schedule treatment.

First we’d like to make sure you are completely comfortable with our cosmetic dentistry facility, Our Team, and the cost of your procedure before we move forward. You’ll have an opportunity to speak with a financial coordinator to discuss your budget and how our dental treatment fits into it.

Because we discussed last week in our log “ what to expect at the initial consultation”, I suggest the next thing you you can download the necessary forms on our website.

http://www.stevenbakerdentist.com/schedule-your-consultation.html

Dr. Baker wants to make sure that all his cosmetic dentistry patients can afford the procedures they want and need for their smile. To do this, Dr. baker accepts various major credit cards as well as Capital One financing.

You have the option of financing your cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedure. Springstone can finance the procedure at a low interest.

Spingstone

You may also use your credit card. We except:

Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Discover what our caring cosmetic dentist can do for your smile! Call or email Dr. Baker today to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options and our affordable financing plans.

What about now -- contact us to set up your appointment? Now is the perfect time to set up your personal consultation so you can have the smile you want and deserve.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INITIAL CONSULTATION

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When you arrive for your first visit, you’ll be checking in at our front desk with a friendly team member. Although on this first visit we will give you a tour of our office and let you meet some of our staff, it is really a visit for your first comprehensive examination.

Dr. Baker will give you 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. He will listen to your goals and concerns and answer your questions. You will be able to look at digital X-rays, which are a faster way to see images than traditional X-rays. Digital radiography also exposes you to far less radiation. Dr. Baker will explain what these images tell him about your dental health.

He will also take digital photographs of your teeth and smile and again, this is a very quick way of obtaining images. You can study them with him, and he will explain what he sees going on in your mouth.

In planning your procedures, Dr. Baker will use a study model, based on impressions of your teeth, to demonstrate what improvements could be made.

Oral Cancer Screening

Part of your dental exam will be an oral cancer screening. We use the ViziLite Plus technology to identify abnormal tissue that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It features a specially-designed light that picks out abnormalities in the gums or inside the cheeks, and is both painless and fast.

We will first give you a mouth rinse. Then as Dr. Baker shines the ViziLite light on your mouth, the healthy tissue will absorb that light and look dark. Any abnormal tissue will not absorb it and will look white.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Good Dental Health

Dr. Baker will be looking at your overall dental health. A beautiful smile rests on a foundation of excellent health and good dental function. For example, if your gums are sore or reddened, a gum treatment would be advisable early on. Dr. Baker will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and make suggestions as to the best way to accomplish your goals.

If you are interested in cosmetic enhancements to your smile, Dr. Baker will recommend some procedures based on what he has found in your dental exam. He will work with you in reaching a decision and you can study Before and After photos for each procedure, to get more of an idea of how each one could improve your smile. Sometimes a person asks for a complete smile makeover and we can certainly provide that. Or perhaps just one procedure will be all you need, such as teeth whitening.

A Visit Without Any Exam?

If you would like to visit our office without having the dental examination, we would be happy to give you an office tour and have a “meet and greet” with Dr. Baker and our staff. It would give you a sense of how our practice operates and how we all work as a team for our patients’ benefit. You could learn about cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers and porcelain fillings by looking at Before and After photos.

Whether you would like to schedule a visit with a dental exam or without one, the next step would be to call or email our cosmetic dentistry office. We will be happy to fit it into your schedule and we look forward to meeting with you.

MIGRAINE HEADACHES

2010-06-23T18:53:00.003-06:00

Headaches have been a part of one’s life at one time or the other. Headaches may only be slight in nature and just a minor annoyance, or they could actually put you in the hospital. Many people suffer from what they perceive as “migraines.” This may or may not be true because migraines may have a vascular origin, may be hormonally induced, caused by muscular tension or skeletal deformities, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and malocclusion (bad bite).

Many of the severe headaches which debilitate patients affect the temporalis muscles which are located on the sides and back of one’s head. These are perceived by many in the medical community as “migraines,” when in fact they are caused by malocclusion, which leads to temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Basically your bite can cause you to have these severe headaches. So how do we treat these headaches in dentistry? A thorough medical history is taken for the patient to rule out any systemic disease, and a comprehensive exam is performed on each patient to gather as much information about the patient as possible. Diagnostic radiographs, photographs, and study models are also used to aid in an accurate diagnosis.

To establish a patient’s occlusion (bite), it should be done with the muscles of the face in a relaxed position. This is accomplished by using an ultra low frequency TENS unit to stimulate nerves of the face and neck, which in turn relaxes the muscles. Myotrodes are placed on the face and neck and connected to the TENS unit. A kinesiograph is also used to measure the activity of the muscles associated with the head and neck. Each muscle has a standard value which has been established by the medical community. A bite is taken when the muscles are at a relaxed value. This bite (along with the diagnostic models) is sent to the lab where an orthotic appliance is fabricated for the patient to wear. This orthotic is worn 24 hours a day. The patient eats and sleeps with their new appliance, with the reason being that it will allow the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) to remodel. Without getting too technical, your teeth dictate the position of the TMJ, so when your bite is in a relaxed state, your TMJ is in it’s most physiologic position. This will also help to align your C1 vertebra (Atlas) which improves your overall posture, improves blood supply to the brain, and causes an increase in oxygen to the brain. So in a nutshell, your bite can actually affect your posture. It’s like the old saying, “your footbone is connected to your headbone.”

Your teeth are an integral part of your body. If your teeth are not in a neuromuscular relaxed position, your overall posture can be affected, which will cause muscle tension, which can displace your TMJ, which in turn will cause severe headaches.

Neuromuscular Dentistry can alleviate these problems if the headaches are related to malocclusion.

For more information, please check out my website at www.stevenbakerdentist.com or www.myotronics.com.

J. Steven Baker, DDS, LVIF

Cosmetic Dentistry of Raleigh

DrBSmiles@nc.rr.com

Dr. Baker is a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies

May and June Special

2010-06-10T15:52:00.002-06:00

We are running a special for the month of May and June for bleach trays at $149. Call our office to schedule an appointment and try us out. We think you'll like the other services we have to offer as well as our friendly staff and warm office which offers a coffee bar and wi-fi

Spring Cleaning for your Mouth

2010-04-20T16:03:00.004-06:00

Ah, spring. It's the time for examination, cleaning out, new growth and new beginnings. As you are cleaning your homes and planting your gardens, why not schedule a comprehensive examination with your dentist? Yes, you have an exam when you have your teeth cleaned but that examination is more like maintenance. A comprehensive examination is just that....COMPREHENSIVE.

This exam should be scheduled for an hour to an hour and a half and should consist of a review of your dental and medical history and current medications. An examination of hard and soft tissues should be done both inside and outside the mouth including lips, tongue, palate, throat and lymph nodes for any cysts or growths, and an oral cancer screening along with a TMJ exam to check for pain and problems with the jaw joint. A thorough exam of each tooth should be conducted to check for decay, problems with occlusion or bite, bone loss, mobility and abfractions as well as a periodontal exam of teeth and gums with probing for pocket depth. Digital x-rays including bitewings and panoramic radiographs should be taken to check for hidden problems. Impressions need to be taken for study models to perform a complete bite analysis in order to determine problems with occlusion. This examination should be made prior to any major dental procedure, cosmetic procedure, or a total smile makeover and at least every 3 to 5 years on a normal basis to determine any problems and the dental procedures necessary to correct them before they can escalate. This is also time for an in depth conversation with your dentist regarding any issues or dissatisfaction with your smile or dental health and the options that are available to resolve those issues.

Think of a comprehensive exam as a physical for your mouth. Don't you owe it to yourself and your smile to take care of it??? Why not clean out the cobwebs...call today and schedule that appointment?

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Dental Hygiene and General Health

2010-03-23T16:51:00.002-06:00

One of the easiest ways to maintain not only good dental hygiene but also your overall health is to brush and floss daily. Many of us do not like to floss and find all sorts of excuses not to perfom this simple procedure but it is one of the most important, least expensive and easiest ways we can contribute to good overall health. When plaque (bacteria) forms on the teeth and gums, it can lead to bad breath, decay and tooth loss, gingivitis and periodontal disease. As the plaque builds up, it can be aspirated into the lungs causing respitory disease and this same bacteria can also spread through the bloodstream to the heart causing formation of blood clots, fatty deposits and thus damaging the cardiovascular system and may spread further through the system contributing to premature births and complications with diabetes and other illnesses. Flossing just once each day can eliminate much of the plaque and the dangers associated with it.....so keep some dental floss handy in all the spots that can make it easier for you to take care of this very important "grooming" ritual. Keep floss in a table in your television room to floss during commercials, in your desk to floss while reading email or even in the bathroom when you're "reading the newspaper". Take a few moments to improve your health and extend your life!!!

Children and Dentistry

2009-12-22T16:59:00.004-07:00

Having spent the day with my Grandaughter, reminded me what a gift children are in our lives and how important it is to love them and keep them safe and healthy. This includes dental health. Though our practice emphasizes cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, we do provide general dentistry to families as well.

That being said, we normally advise our patients who are parents of young children that the first pediatric dental check up should be the age of three. It is our practice philosophy to ask our patients to begin bringing their children along with them at about the age of 2 in order to have their child experience the trip to the office as a visitor rather than a patient. After a couple of visits, the child will relate a trip to the dentist's office as a pleasant experience in familiar surroundings and help establish trust in the team. This makes their initial visit as a patient a pleasant one and not one of fear and unfamiliar surroundings.

Our office strives to make every visit to our office a pleasant one, even for the tiniest patients.

How Do I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

2009-12-10T12:19:00.002-07:00

When searching for a cosmetic dentist, the first question you should ask yourself is "what am I hoping to achieve? Do I want my teeth whiter, which may be achieved simply by bleaching or do I want a complete smile makeover?" Choosing a cosmetic dentist is no different than selecting an interior designer or a contractor to create your dream home. Selecting a professional for any service requires a certain amount of research.

A consultation with several providers will afford you the opportunity to talk with the dentistry team to ensure that you choose the right provider for yourself and your desired result. Be sure to ask questions about the procedures you are interested in, as well as the fees and available financing. Ask to view before and after photos as well as patient references and don't forget to check education. There are many well-respected post doctorate educational facilities such as The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies which offer a designation of Fellow or Mastership where dentists can learn the latest advances in techniques and stay abreast of the latest in technology.

Cosmetic dentistry, like other cosmetic procedures, is life changing. A well thought out approach to selecting a cosmetic dentist will provide you with a smile that is both functional and beautiful. Remember, your smile is often the first impression you make and a beautiful one lasts forever!

Welcome to Our Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

2009-12-01T06:02:00.002-07:00

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please check back for valuable information about cosmetic dentistry.