Welcome to the Rye Smiles for Life Blog

Because of the perception of the costs of cosmetic dentistry, many people will live with a smile they don’t really like. If you are not completely happy with how your smile looks but think you cannot afford to do anything about it, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. There are many cosmetic procedures, both major and minor, that can help correct all kinds of aesthetic problems, and quite a few of them are friendly for various budget levels.

Veneers are one of the most common ways to make a smile look refreshed and revitalized. Getting veneers on your teeth is a two-appointment procedure. At the first appointment, an impression will be taken of your teeth so that the veneers can be created to fit over each tooth. Once the veneers are made, the patient comes back for a second appointment to get the veneers applied, and the dentist will make sure that they are buffed to look like natural teeth.

It’s surprising how much veneers look like real teeth, and in addition, they’re incredibly durable and for the most part behave as if they were natural teeth. Veneers are very popular for people who have strong natural teeth, but just need to make some cosmetic adjustments.

Dental bonding, on the other hand, is one of the most economical options for people who would like to make changes to the appearance of their teeth but aren’t really sure about going the veneers route. Bending can help repair teeth that are slightly crooked, cracked, or even discolored. The way bonding works is that a putty substance is applied to the teeth, and then molded around the tooth. High-intensity light helps harden the putty, and then the dentist can smooth and polish the treated teeth until they look natural.

The process of bonding is quick and painless, and can improve either a single tooth, or a group of teeth. You can even use bonding to give your entire smile an upgrade. For those who do not wish to have veneers, dental bonding can be a great alternative.

If you have a wish for a better smile, contact us to make an appointment for a consultation. We can help you find the right solution that matches your dental goals, as well as setting up a Personalized Dental Plan to help you plan your long term dental maintenance.

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D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S. has more than 28 years of experience in providing Exceptional Dentistry to residents of Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County and the Vienna / Washington, D.C. area. As a cosmetic dentist, he ensures that each patient’s smile is as beautiful as it can be for many years to come. He can be found on Google Plus, Twitter, and Comments (0)

It used to be that if you were facing a situation where you had to have quite a few or even all of your teeth replaced, dentures were pretty much your only option. The dentures of the past were often uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and sometimes even embarrassingly unreliable. These days, dentures fit well and are much more trustworthy, but there’s another option that can be even better for most patients: dental implants.

Dental implants provide a way to have permanent teeth that look like natural teeth, are not removable, and are durable and completely reliable. They behave pretty much as natural teeth would, allowing the patient to eat and talk normally, and not to have to worry about the maintenance tasks associated with dentures. As with natural teeth, dental implants need to be brushed regularly and taken care of with a strict oral hygiene routine, but they are not removed at night and do not need any additional soaking or treatment.

If it turns out that dental implants are right for you, they will be attached by means of a series of titanium implants that are placed in the jawbone. The replacement tooth or teeth will then be attached to the exposed end of the implant, creating an effect that looks just like natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a group of teeth, or indeed an entire set of teeth. When there are multiple adjacent teeth involved, often several teeth can be attached to a single implant, greatly reducing the number of implants needed to restore the smile.

If you are looking to upgrade from dentures, dental implants can be particularly appropriate. If you have always dreamed of a time when you would not have to deal with messy adhesives and sore gums, contact us to make an appointment for a consultation and assessment. If dental implants are right for you, the dentist will discuss with you how to move forward and get rid of your dentures once and for all.

Of course, even if you don’t have dentures, implants may be a good solution for you. Whether you need one tooth or ten teeth replaced, there are various configurations of dental implants that may work for your situation. Once you have been assessed, you can consider your options and decide how you want to proceed.

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D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S. has more than 28 years of experience in providing Exceptional Dentistry to residents of Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County and the Vienna / Washington, D.C. area. As a cosmetic dentist, he ensures that each patient’s smile is as beautiful as it can be for many years to come. He can be found on Google Plus, Twitter, and Comments (0)

Generally when we think about “fixing” a smile, getting braces for crooked teeth is what comes to mind. Although this can certainly be what’s needed in some cases, especially for adolescents, often adults have more of a problem with cracked teeth, broken teeth, missing teeth, or teeth that are badly decayed. In these cases, a Smile Makeover is the recommended course of action to restore the smile to its former beauty and strength.

A Smile Makeover can consist of several steps in various combinations, depending on what is needed for the individual patient. Porcelain crowns, for example, can help to repair broken and cracked teeth, fitting over the existing tooth to protect it and cover the damaged areas. Modern crowns look like natural teeth, without the dark metal line at the gum line that was typical of older-style crowns. With regular care, porcelain crowns can last many years.

For those who have more extensive damage or missing teeth, there are several options. Dental bridges, or fixed dentures, are small groups of dentures that are fixed to neigboring teeth, thereby filling a gap that shouldn’t be there. Dental bridges are permanent, and can last five years or even longer.

Traditional dentures are a more familiar option, but today’s dentures are not like those of decades past. Modern dentures fit more comfortably and snugly, and are easier to wear overall. A full set of dentures can be made to look like a full set of natural teeth, helping the patient to return to normal life as soon as possible.

Sometimes though, for those who need extensive repairs, dental implants are the best option. Implants represent the state-of-the-art dentistry, and are permanently anchored into the jaw, just like real teeth. This gives a natural, comfortable, and durable smile, without any of the hassle associated with removable dentures. There are no adhesives to deal with, and no sore gums. The implants act much as natural teeth would. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a group of teeth, or an entire set of teeth.

If your smile needs a makeover, contact us to make an appointment for a consultation. Learning what your options are is the first step; Dr. Rye can then help you make a decision for the best way to move toward getting your perfect smile.

With the holidays wrapping up soon, it’s nearly time to start thinking about the year ahead. Historically, the holidays are not a time of tremendous self-discipline; in fact, it’s right around the end of the year when we slacken off the most, perhaps not paying as much attention as usual to things like good nutrition. These days and weeks of over-indulgence can wreak havoc on the teeth, but if you have a plan in place to get back on track, you can start the new year off with confidence.

If you’ve never quite had the smile you’ve always dreamed of, the new year is a great time to make a renewed commitment to the best oral care possible. Whether you just want to get more regular checkups, or you need more extensive treatment like corrective or cosmetic procedures, we can work with you to create a plan that will fit your budget and your lifestyle, and that will help you have a beautiful, healthy smile for the rest of your life.

Coming in for a checkup is the first step in practicing better habits. At that time, the dentist can also discuss with you any concerns you have about your teeth, and any changes you’d like to make to how your smile looks. Your health is the primary concern, of course, but the cosmetic appearance of your teeth can be important, too, as it affects things like your confidence and self-esteem. Don’t hesitate to bring any of these issues up at your appointment – we want you to have a smile that you can be proud of on every level.

If your recent oral hygiene habits have left something to be desired, don’t despair. The holidays can certainly get the best of us, but the important thing is to get back into good practices as soon as possible. Some of this involves things you can do at home, like brushing regularly and flossing, but other things require professional care, like getting regular checkups and cleanings, and seeking help for minor issues before they develop into major ones.

Now’s a perfect time to make an appointment for the new year, and start things off the right way. You can make this your best year ever, so you may as well have a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile to go along with that!

There’s a common misconception that cosmetic dentistry is a luxury only for movie stars and people who have huge amounts of disposable income. While it’s true that there are cosmetic procedures that can be quite costly, not all cosmetic dentistry is expensive. Depending on what sort of improvements you would like to make to your smile, we can offer you various options so that you can get the results you want at a price level that suits your budget.

The first step is to make an appointment for a consultation. Personalized care is at the heart of any series of procedures, because what you’re looking for is an exceptional smile that’s tailored for your face. The dentist will discuss your goals with you, and create a plan for achieving those goals in the best way possible.

Porcelain veneers are a great option for those who need to fix minor gaps in the teeth, or to improve the appearance of chipped or discolored teeth. Veneers are very thin porcelain shells that fit over the teeth, and they are custom-made to have the appearance of natural teeth. The veneers process takes two appointments, one to make an impression of the teeth, and the second to fit the veneers and buff them.

For those who only have minor issues, dental bonding can be a great solution, and it’s also perfect for those on a budget. Dental bonding can be done in a single visit, and can be used for repairing cracks, discolorations, or minor misalignments. The procedure for dental bonding is relatively simple; a putty is applied to the tooth or teeth in question, and then sculpted accordingly and polished. The result is similar to that of veneers, often at a fraction of the cost.

If it’s your gums rather than your teeth that are the problem, laser gum re-contouring is available to correct gum shape. The laser provides a safe and easy way to remove excess gum tissue, or to even out the gum line in cases where there’s an imbalance in the smile. This can be very helpful for people who have short teeth or a a gummy smile, and can make the smile more attractive and proportional.

There’s no reason to wait if you’ve been dreaming about a perfect smile – contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation, and start your new year off the right way!

Historically, we have been taught that those with a healthy mouth have nothing to complain about, and that a few crooked or poorly-shaped teeth are no big deal and should just be accepted as part of the bargain. While it’s true that many cosmetic issues don’t affect the health of the teeth, the psychological impact of a less-than-beautiful smile cannot be underestimated. Some people go their entire lives feeling embarrassed about their teeth, hiding their mouths when possible and never smiling for pictures.

The good news is, with the advancements and affordability of modern cosmetic dentistry, you no longer have to put up with a smile you don’t like. If you know you could look a lot better and want to explore your options, speaking to the dentist about setting up a cosmetic dentistry plan is a great way to get the ball rolling. It shouldn’t be seen as vanity to want cosmetic changes – feeling self-conscious about your smile can severely affect your self-esteem and make you not enjoy life as much as you could.

One comment complaint is excess gum tissue. A “gummy” smile can easily be changed with gum re-contouring, in which a state-of-the-art diode laser removes extra gum tissue quickly and safely. This can help give teeth a better shape, and can correct problems with teeth that appear too short, or gums that are uneven or overwhelm the smile.

For patients who want improvements made to both the shape and/or length of the teeth, porcelain veneers can be a great option. Veneers fit over the existing teeth, and can fill gaps, extend short teeth, or repair chipped tooth edges. Today’s veneers are much improved over those of the past, and look natural enough to be mistaken for real teeth.

For minor changes or those on a budget, there’s always dental bonding, which involves applying a putty to cracked or misaligned teeth. The putty can be manipulated into the desired shap. and then hardened, smoothed, and polished. The result is similar to those given by porcelain veneers, but often at a fraction of the cost.

Don’t hesitate if you’re unhappy with how your smile looks – contact us today to set up an appointment for a consultation, and start looking forward to the smile you’ve always wanted.

Quality dental care is not just about going to the dentist when an emergency rises; it’s a comprehensive system of keeping your teeth and mouth healthy on an ongoing basis. Of course, when it comes to your smile, there’s also the aesthetic aspect to think about – not only do you want everything to be healthy, you also want to have the brightest and nicest-looking smile you can possibly have.

If you know that your smile does not look as good as it could, now is a great time to start thinking about setting up a cosmetic dentistry plan for 2013. What better way to start the new year than with a resolution to finally do something about those cosmetic issues that have been bothering you for so long?

Regardless of the level of care you need, we can set up a plan to help you get the most beautiful and radiant smile you can have. You may benefit from procedures like dental bonding, gum re-contouring, or the latest porcelain veneers, which look like natural teeth and are resistant to staining.

For those who need a more involved level of care, our smile makeover can help improve your confidence and raise your self-esteem to new highs. Ideal tooth shape and length are taken to account, and whether reaching that ideal requires minor procedures or full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Rye will discuss the most appropriate options to get you the results you want.

It’s important to recognize just how much the appearance of your teeth affects your feelings about yourself. Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you’re embarrassed about how your teeth look, you may hide your smile, or feel apologetic about showing it to others. The good news is, no matter how little or how much work you need, you can have the smile of your dreams, and all it takes to get started is an initial consultation, where you can discuss what you want and start making plans to achieve those goals.

Now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling – with the holidays quickly approaching, give yourself the gift of a better 2013, with the smile you deserve!

It seems as if every time a cosmetic procedure becomes popular, there are those who claim that there’s something unsafe about it. Sometimes these claims are based on valid concerns, but other times they are based on outdated information.

With teeth whitening, one of the most common concerns is that the enamel of teeth will be damaged in the whitening process, or that whitening products actually strip the enamel off your teeth. This concern most likely comes from information about older whitening products, and this information is not reflective of how the current generation of whitening products work.

In the 1970s and ’80s, for example, there were certain whitening products that worked by using abrasive creams to physically scrub the stain off the teeth. While these products did work to a great extent, they did in fact remove some of the tooth enamel in the process.

Today’s whitening products are much more advanced and are chemical-based rather than abrasive. If you get your whitening done professionally by the dentist, the procedure is perfectly safe for your tooth enamel. There is no abrasion and the chemicals react with the stain to remove the discoloration. The active ingredient in the chemicals neutralizes quickly, so it does no long-term harm to your teeth or gums.

In the short term, some patients may experience temperature sensitivity after a whitening procedure. This is temporary and poses no long-term risk. Usually within a week or two, most patients report that their teeth are feeling normal again, and looking better than they have in years.

Many studies have been conducted on the safety of teeth whitening, and no long-term negative effects have been reported. If you are concerned about tooth sensitivity after the procedure, you can discuss those concerns with the dentist at the time of your consultation.

As for your teeth-whitening options, you can either come into our Fairfax office for in-office power bleaching, or you may choose an at-home whitening system where you will be given custom fit bleaching trays to wear at night. Power bleaching takes less tim,e but requires you to come in for several appointments; at-home bleaching takes longer, but may be more convenient for those patients who have scheduling issues.

Whichever option you choose will result in a safe whitening procedure and a beautiful, bright smile!

When cosmetic dentistry is mentioned, too often people think of personal vanity as the only reason why someone would seek out cosmetic improvements. The truth, of course, runs much deeper. Your smile is one of the first things you show to other people, and can be closely tied in with your self-confidence. If you are embarrassed about how your smile looks, that can carry over into overall bad feelings about your appearance, which can in turn affect how you feel about yourself as a whole.

In addition, cosmetic dentistry is not just about creating a beautiful smile, although that is certainly one of the main benefits. Many times the entire structure of the face can be improved with just a few simple procedures. Restoring dental structures and improving the bite can help take years off your appearance by reversing the facial collapse that comes from missing or worn-down teeth. When the teeth support the face and jaw correctly, the result is a more youthful appearance.

You might also be surprised at how often cosmetic issues and medical issues are connected. For example, if you have a bite problem that has led to worn-down teeth that don’t look very nice, correcting the bite and repairing the damaged teeth will not only improve your appearance, but may also help with things like headaches. Many people who think their problems are only cosmetic may find that many things improve with fixing the apparently cosmetic issues.

Chipped teeth, discolored teeth, and excess gum tissue can all be fixed with cosmetic dentistry, and even small gaps in the teeth can be closed off. You might be surprised at just how much cosmetic dentistry can accomplish.

For some people who only have minor problems, sometimes just one or two visits is all it takes to set things right. If you have anything at all about your smile that you would like to change, it’s certainly worth making an appointment for a consultation. Gone are the days when you would just have to live with your teeth, no matter what they looked or felt like. These days, anyone can have exactly the smile they want, and there’s no reason not to look and feel your best.

Although a lot of dentistry is medically corrective and involves fixing actual health problems with the teeth, jaw, and mouth, sometimes problems can be cosmetic, as well. Perhaps your teeth are shorter than you think they should be, slightly chipped or discolored, or maybe there’s a small gap you’d like to cover up.

All of these problems and more can be fixed with veneers. A veneer is an extremely thin porcelain shell that fits over your existing tooth and corrects issues with the appearance of the tooth. This can be applied to one tooth, a group of teeth, or even an entire row. Generally only the front teeth (i.e. the ones that can be readily seen) require veneers for cosmetic purposes.

If you’re interested in getting veneers for one or more of your teeth, two appointments will be necessary. At the first appointment, Dr. Rye will address your cosmetic dentistry concerns, talk to you about your options, and help you to make the best decision for your perfect smile. If it turns out that veneers are indeed your best option, an impression of your teeth will be made so that it is easy to create veneers that fit perfectly over each tooth. Once the veneers are made, you will be asked to come back for a second appointment, where the veneers will be bonded to the teeth.

The process of bonding the veneers is not painful, and can make a huge difference to your smile. Once the actual application is completed, the last step is to buff the veneers and also the surrounding natural teeth so that your entire smile shines.

Some people worry about whether or not their veneers will be like their natural teeth, but in fact after you’ve had the procedure done, it’s very likely you’ll simply forget you have them. Modern veneers not only feel natural, they look completely natural as well, and you won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious or wondering whether people know you have veneers.

There’s no reason not to have the smile you’ve always wanted, and if cosmetic problems are holding you back, it’s time to do something about it. Contact our Fairfax dental practice today to make an appointment, and start looking forward to having something to smile about!