Austin Dental Practice News

Austin Cosmetic Dentist Highlights Rejuvenating Treatments for the Aging Smile

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Austin Dental Spa, Office News

Dr. Mark Sweeney of Austin Dental Spa discusses how the mouth changes with age and which cosmetic dental treatments can rejuvenate one’s smile appearance.

Austin, TX — Just as the face starts to develop wrinkles over time, the mouth can show signs of aging as a person gets older. Dr. Mark Sweeney, a cosmetic dentist in Austin, says teeth are prone to a number of changes as men and women age, which are caused by the natural aging process and gradual wear. From the color and size of their teeth to how sensitive their teeth feel, Dr. Sweeney highlights the different concerns patients have about their aging smile, as well as how cosmetic dentistry can be an effective way to rejuvenate their facial appearance.

One of the most noticeable changes in the mature patient’s smile is their teeth getting darker, explains Dr. Sweeney. He also notes that the nerve inside each tooth starts to shrink, which actually offers the benefit of less sensitivity. Unfortunately, age also comes with the reality of teeth becoming more brittle, making them more likely to fracture. Dr. Sweeney says teeth are also susceptible to wearing down, causing the nose and chin to appear closer. As this occurs, the cheek muscles begin to sink in, creating more prominent facial lines. Above all these concerns, Dr. Sweeney says those of a more advanced age tend to suffer from tooth loss, especially when they are over 50. When teeth go missing and are not replaced, this leads to jawbone recession and a sunken cheek appearance.

While the teeth undergo several changes over time, Dr. Sweeney emphasizes that cosmetic dental treatments can help them maintain a youthful smile for years to come. More specifically, he encourages those with age-related teeth concerns to consider the following solutions:

• Teeth Whitening: Whether performed by a dental professional or at home, “Whitening is the entry level for cosmetic dentistry,” says Dr. Sweeney. This simple solution can lighten one’s smile by several shades, taking decades off their appearance. He notes that teeth whitening is incredibly beneficial for brightening one’s smile for a younger, healthier appearance.
• Porcelain Veneers: In addition to creating a whiter smile, porcelain veneers conceal a wide range of imperfections, such as chips, cracks, and gaps. Dr. Sweeney identifies veneers as especially advantageous for those wanting to restore their facial shape, as the thin porcelain shells can elongate and reshape short teeth.
• Smile Makeover: For those needing multiple treatments to achieve their desired outcome, Dr. Sweeney may recommend the smile makeover. By combining cosmetic solutions under this overarching treatment plan, patients can obtain the vibrant, youthful-looking smile they desire.

To complement the rejuvenating results patients have achieved through cosmetic dental care, Dr. Sweeney and his team at Austin Dental Spa offer aesthetic skin care treatments through a licensed aesthetician. He says this combination of cosmetic dentistry and aesthetic skin care has allowed his patients to obtain an even more dramatic transformation.

Ultimately, while the aging smile can lead to a number of unwanted teeth changes, Dr. Sweeney says patients can enjoy a beautiful, young smile appearance with the proper care and treatments.

About Mark Sweeney, DDS

Having practiced dentistry for over 40 years, Dr. Sweeney has become well-known for his expertise in cosmetic dental care. He strives to help patients create their dream smiles through state-of-the-art dental solutions and using the latest dental technologies. At Austin Dental Spa, he and Jordan Slagter, DDS perform a wide range of dental treatments, from preventative and restorative care to cosmetic and advanced dentistry. Dr. Sweeney earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Endodontic Society. He is also a founding member of the Texas Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Sweeney is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Austin Dental Spa, visit austindentalspa.com and facebook.com/austindentalspa.

Contact:

Austin Dental Spa
3305 Northland, Suite 515
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 380-1300

Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

Electric vs. Regular Toothbrush

Posted in Austin Dental Spa, General Dentistry, Oral Health

We all know that brushing our teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health, but did you know the type of toothbrush you use is important too? Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mark Sweeney, talks about the benefits of using an electric toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush in the video below.

For more information, or to schedule your routine checkup with Dr. Sweeney or Dr. Slagter, contact our office!

Congratulations to Debbie on Her Retirement!

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Austin Dental Spa

From all of us at Austin Dental Spa, we wish Debbie the best as she enters retirement! She has been a dental hygienist with our team since 1990, offering our patients friendly, compassionate care. Several generations of patients have established relationships with Debbie, not wanting anyone but her to clean their teeth. According to Dr. Mark Sweeney, she is a “world class dental hygienist” for working alongside him for 25 years.

Although we’re sad to see Debbie go, we’re excited for what the next chapter of her life may bring. No matter how she spends her extra time – from cooking to traveling to spending more time with family and friends – we know Debbie will continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

Thank you for all you’ve done for our team and patients, Debbie, and enjoy your retirement!

How Much do Porcelain Dental Veneers Typically Cost?

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Austin Dental Spa, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry FAQ's

If you are concerned about issues such as stains, chips, gaps, or mild teeth misalignment, porcelain dental veneers can often be a great way to improve those common conditions. Composed of a durable ceramic material, these thin shells are custom-designed to fit over the visible portion of the affected teeth. The veneers are color-tinted to match the natural shade of surrounding teeth, and the results can last for decades with the proper care.

The cost of porcelain veneer treatment is dependent upon a number of factors. Since the procedure is customized for each individual’s needs, the overall price varies among each patient. The number of porcelain veneers necessary to meet your needs, as well as the degree of tooth preparation required to accommodate each veneer, are some of the variables that will go into determining the price of treatment. Once Dr. Mark Sweeney or Dr. Jordan Slagter has evaluated your teeth and talked with you about your options, we can provide you with an estimate of the expected costs. A member of our team will be happy to go over this with you before you ultimately decide to have the treatment.

At Austin Dental Spa, we want to make the price of dental treatment as affordable and convenient as possible. Our practice accepts a variety of payment methods, and we work with CareCredit® – a healthcare financing company that offers qualified applicants a way to finance dental treatments with flexible, low-interest payment plans.

Porcelain veneers can improve a number of aesthetic and functional dental imperfections with beautiful, natural-looking results. If you have questions about costs associated with porcelain veneers, or if you would like to schedule an appointment here at Austin Dental Spa, please contact us today.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers?

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Austin Dental Spa, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry FAQ's, Office News

As one of our most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, porcelain veneers can rejuvenate your smile in just a few office visits. During the porcelain veneer procedure, our dentists will apply a thin layer of durable porcelain to your teeth that can address a wide spectrum of cosmetic concerns. If cracks, chips, or stains cause you embarrassment or make you want to hide your smile, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. The color of your porcelain veneers will be made to match the color of the surrounding teeth for natural looking results and a seamless smile.

If you have uneven teeth or mild tooth misalignment, this can also be addressed with porcelain veneers. Sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics,” porcelain veneers can make your teeth appear straight and even. As an added advantage, patients who opt for porcelain veneers do not need to wait a year or more for traditional braces to correct the position of their teeth. The relative speed of this treatment makes porcelain veneers popular for patients who have an important upcoming event, such as a wedding, reunion, or vacation.

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Austin Dental Spa, please contact our office today. With porcelain veneers, you can keep your teeth looking healthy and youthful for decades.

– Dr. Mark Sweeney

Can Eating Junk Food Change Your Behavior?

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Austin Dental Spa, Office News

A recent study, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Psychology, implies a junk food diet can change a rat’s behavior, and perhaps that of a human. In addition to gaining weight, researchers observed that rats make different choices on which food to eat and how much to consume after eating unhealthy food.

Like most animals, rats raised on healthy eating habits are more inclined not to overeat or overindulge, which promotes a more balanced diet. However, after two weeks of a diet filled with cookies, cake, and other “cafeteria food,” researchers found that the rats’ natural behaviors dramatically changed. The study suggests the junk food diet altered the part of the brain responsible for making decisions. This change to their brain’s food reward signals caused the rats to stop seeking a balanced diet. The biological change had lasting effects, according to the researchers, even after the rats went back to a healthy better diet.

Based on their findings, scientists believe this phenomenon could explain why it’s hard for humans to stop overeating and go back to eating healthier meals after consuming junk food. In addition to causing a change in eating behaviors, a consistent overindulgence in junk food can also lead to tooth decay, cavities, and a variety of other dental issues, all of which makes consuming a more balanced, nutritional diet that much more important.

For more information about the effects junk food can have on your oral and overall health, please contact Austin Dental Spa today.