Featured Patients

Q&A with Jane Diaz de Leon – Austin Dental Spa Patient

Posted in Featured Patients, Office News

Jane Diaz de Leon is one of our special patient stories. She was featured this past year, in one of our full-page ads in Austin Monthly Magazine. Her story of how she came to meet cosmetic dentist Mark Sweeney, DDS and how he rebuilt her smile after an unfortunate accident that occurred while working as a firefighter in Austin, Texas. We adore Jane and feel fortunate that we were able to help her regain her beautiful smile. Here’s her story.

What happened that brought you to become a patient of Dr. Mark Sweeney?
I was involved in an accident while working as a firefighter with the Austin Fire Dept and was referred by my oral surgeon, Dr. Ann Kristovich, who dealt with my initial injuries. A hose coupling had come loose, during active use, and hit me directly under my chin which broke out a “V” section of my lower jaw. The impact pattern continued through to my upper jaw and crushed an upper molar on either side. 13 damaged teeth. One knocked out completely just adjacent to my front teeth. Another molar was cracked in 3 pieces but that wasn’t discovered for a few weeks. My head hurt so bad for so long that I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. I now have three bridges and four crowns as a result of the accident. I also received
some orthodontic adjustments from my orthodontist,
Dr. Stephen Robirds, which took about a year.

How did your new smile change your life?
Dr. Sweeney’s expertise allows me to enjoy the smile that I was born with. I always felt good about my smile. Having so many of my teeth broken and missing from the accident was initially devastating to me. I credit Dr. Sweeney for helping put all of the broken pieces back with newer, prettier ones!

Tell us a bit more about yourself, Jane.
I’ve always been a natural athlete and a little bit of a smart aleck. It turns out those are good qualities to have in the firefighting profession. I’ve been retired from the Fire Department for quite a few years now. My current passion is playing pickleball!

You are involved with the Mamma Jamma coming up in late September. Why is this important to you?
My husband and I have been cyclists for many years. Our participation in raising money by doing charity bike rides has evolved from riding to supporting by volunteering to do what is called SAG. Support and Gear. We attend to riders who might have a medical emergency or problems with their bikes while they are on their ride. As cyclists ourselves our skill set paired with our emergency medical experience is well-suited for giving back to the community as SAG volunteers.

Do you have a motto or favorite quote that inspires you?
I have two. One is a fortune cookie fortune that says, “Tell those you love that you do.” The other is credited to Sebastian Chamfort and is: “The most wasted of days is that in which one has not laughed.”

Would you recommend Austin Dental Spa to others? If so, why?
I recommend the Austin Dental Spa to all of my friends, some have even gone. I feel like Dr. Sweeney is family because that’s how I’m treated when I’m there.

Austin Dental Spa to Sponsor the Lone Star Tennis Classic

Posted in Office News

Our dentists and staff are excited to announce that Austin Dental Spa is a sponsor for the Lone Star Tennis Classic taking place on September 23rd. The all-day event is hosted by the University of Texas Tennis Club and Lakeway World of Tennis. In addition to bringing world-class tennis to Austin, the event will raise money and awareness for CASA of Travis County and the new University of Texas Tennis Center.

Within the day’s list of events, our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mark Sweeney, has the honor of playing as one of the eight amateurs in the Pro-Am, where he will be on a team with one of the Bryan brothers, Stevie Johnson, or Sam Querrey and competing against the other amateurs and their pro partners. There will also be a doubles clinic and an exhibition featuring the Bryans vs. Querrey-Johnson, followed by a party with the Bryan Brothers Band playing. And it’s for a great charitable cause!

Being an avid tennis player himself, and having 3 sons who also play—one on the Carnegie Mellon team that was ranked #5 in the nation in Division 3 last year—the Lone Star Tennis Classic is a chance for Dr. Sweeney to enjoy a game he is passionate about while also helping raise money for a great charity!

Austin Cosmetic Dentist Answers Common Questions About Teeth Whitening

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Office News, Teeth Whitening

Dr. Mark Sweeney of Austin Dental Spa sheds light on teeth whitening, responding to frequently asked questions he receives from patients.

Austin, TX —  At Austin Dental Spa, patients can choose from a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance their smiles. Among the many options available, Mark Sweeney, DDS says teeth whitening is one of the most asked about solutions. The Austin dentist offers in-office teeth whitening, as well as at-home options to help patients achieve and maintain a bright, white smile. To help individuals interested in the treatment better understand what to expect, Dr. Sweeney is providing answers to questions he often hears from patients.

Do I need teeth whitening or porcelain veneers? Oftentimes, people visit Dr. Sweeney and inquire about porcelain veneers to improve their smile. He says that while porcelain veneers can provide beautiful results, some individuals are better candidates for teeth whitening. The dentist clarifies that people who have structural damage, such as chips or cracks in teeth, can benefit more from veneers, since they help protect the tooth as well as hide imperfections. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, Dr. Sweeney says is typically the ideal option for those who simply want to brighten their smile and remove stains.

Can teeth whitening damage gums? The Austin dentist reveals that as long as the teeth whitening trays fit properly, and the patient follows the whitening instructions, they should not have to worry about chemical burns or irritation to the gums from the whitening gel. Should this happen, however, Dr. Sweeney says any gum discomfort is typically minor and should fade within a couple days.

How long does teeth whitening last? The longevity of teeth whitening results will vary greatly from person to person. Dr. Sweeney notes that the condition of the patient’s teeth, severity of their staining, and whitening method used can all play a role in how long they can expect their results to last. In general, he says people typically can expect their teeth to maintain their brightness anywhere from six months to two years before they begin to fade. However, Dr. Sweeney says habits like drinking red wine, coffee, or tea, as well as smoking, can cause teeth to darken at a much faster rate. Because of this, he recommends limiting staining foods and drinks and avoiding smoking altogether to preserve teeth whiteness.

When it comes to finding the most beneficial solution for achieving a bright, white smile, Dr. Sweeney emphasizes the need to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist. By doing so, he believes patients can receive a more personalized treatment plan that can ultimately help them obtain their goal results.

About Mark Sweeney, DDS

Since 1979, Dr. Sweeney has been providing state-of-the-art dental care to the Austin area. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, he pursued his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School. Although general dentistry is a passion of his, Dr. Sweeney has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry, striving to help patients improve the appearance of their smiles. At Austin Dental Spa, he works alongside Dr. Jordan Slagter to offer a comprehensive array of dental care. Dr. Sweeney undergoes continuing education to stay abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry. He is also a member of a variety of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General 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

Austin Dentist Uses New Kind Of Porcelain Veneers To Preserve Tooth Structure

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Cosmetic Dentistry, Office News

Dr. Mark Sweeney uses the latest advancements in porcelain veneers technology to improve the appearance of imperfect, uneven, or misaligned teeth.

Austin, TX – According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney, keeping up-to-date with modern dental technology is an integral component of his practice’s success. Recent key innovations include the CEREC® dentistry in-office milling system for same-day restorations and Waterlase® MD laser dentistry, which can eliminate the need for drills and needles while preparing a tooth for a filling or recontouring the gums. Now, with the invention of minimal and non-prep porcelain veneers, Dr. Sweeney’s patients at Austin Dental Spa can rejuvenate the appearance of their smile with virtually no alteration to the natural tooth structure.

Porcelain veneers can safely and effectively cover chips, cracks, stains, and even minor tooth misalignment for new smile in just about three weeks. With such a wide range of cosmetic benefits and a relatively short treatment period, many of Dr. Sweeney’s patients inquire if they are candidates for porcelain veneers. Sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics,” this cosmetic dentistry technique is ideal for patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth quickly. “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,” notes Dr. Sweeney. “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.”

Previous methods of applying porcelain veneers required removing a portion of the front of the tooth in order to securely adhere the veneer. However, the development of Lumineers™ and DURAthins™ presented a method of creating ultrathin veneers that require either minimal or zero alteration to the natural tooth structure. In addition, Dr. Sweeney utilizes two world-class laboratories to manufacture each set of custom veneers, which allow his patients to reap the full benefits of this new technology. The Austin dentist highlights that by keeping abreast of the latest innovations in the field, he is better able to provide his patients with beautiful smiles and the care they deserve.

About Mark Sweeney, DDS

After earning his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School, Dr. Sweeney founded Austin Dental Spa. The practice offers a comprehensive range of dental services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry procedures. Dr. Sweeney has been a cosmetic dentist since 1979, and is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. 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, please 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

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

Austin Dentist Shares Advantages of Dental Implants as a Tooth Replacement Option

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

Dr. Jordan Slagter of Austin Dental Spa discusses the many advantages that dental implants have for those in need of a tooth replacement option.

Austin, TX –  At Austin Dental Spa, Dr. Jordan Slagter performs a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures. Among these is dental implant surgery, for which she provides both the implant placement and the restoration. The Austin dentist explains that while other tooth replacement options, like bridges or dentures, can be a great option for many people, dental implants are highly beneficial for several reasons. Since the implant replaces the entire root and tooth, Dr. Slagter says patients can benefit from the following:

• Aesthetics and function similar to a real tooth
• Permanent solution
• Single unit that does not affect adjacent teeth
• Improvement in talking and eating
• Easier maintenance

Depending on the patient’s specific needs and goals, Dr. Slagter may recommend a single tooth implant or an implant-supported denture. She performs both the placement of the implant and the restoration of the crown or denture. Dr. Slagter says this added convenience for the patient is ideal because she is planning all aspects of the implant process. As a result, she notes that the overall procedure is more efficient.

For those in need of a tooth replacement, Dr. Slagter encourages patients to consult with a qualified dental professional to learn about their options and to find the best solution for their individual goals.

About Jordan Slagter, DDS

Dr. Slagter graduated from Penn State University with her undergraduate degree and continued to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where she earned her dental degree. Following dental school, Dr. Slagter completed a residency at the University of Maryland in Advanced General Dentistry. As a recent addition to Austin Dental Spa, she performs such procedures as dental implants, porcelain veneers, crowns, and the pinhole gum rejuvenation. Dr. Slagter is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Slagter and 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

Austin Dentist Discusses Benefits of TruDenta® Treatment for TMJ Disorder Symptoms

Posted in Austin Dental Practice News, Office News

Dr. Mark Sweeney discusses how the modern TruDenta® system can alleviate patients’ TMJ Disorder symptoms without the need for invasive techniques.

Austin, TX —  Millions of people who are affected by chronic headaches, migraines, and other ailments are unaware their symptoms could be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ Disorder (or TMD). As Austin dentist Mark Sweeney, DDS explains, the temporomandibular joint attaches the jawbone to the base of the skull. If it is inflamed, imbalanced, or simply not working properly, the condition of the joint can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms. Along with Dr. Jordan Slagter, Dr. Sweeney offers the new TruDenta® system at Austin Dental Spa to diagnose and treat patients suffering from TMJ Disorder.

In a recent blog post titled “TMJ Disorder Symptoms Treated by TruDenta®,” Dr. Sweeney notes that TruDenta® can help patients suffering from headaches, clicking or popping jaws, ringing ears, and cracked, sensitive, or uneven teeth. The system can also provide relief for

patients with a limited range of motion in the neck, head, and jaw, says Dr. Sweeney.

Additional symptoms of TMJ Disorder that TruDenta® can treat include:

• Muscle, neck, ear, and facial pain
• Migraines and headaches (chronic or irregular)
• Back and shoulder pain
• Teeth clenching or grinding
• Vertigo
• Ear pain

An additional blog entry on the practice’s website, titled ”Benefits of the TruDenta® System,” shares more about the advantages of using the modern treatment technique. Dr. Sweeney says TruDenta® allows him to effectively diagnose and treat patients without needles, surgery, or medication. The system’s advanced diagnostic tools assess the force of the patient’s bite and the range of motion in their neck, head, and mouth. Dr. Sweeney says this detailed information enables him to create a customized rehabilitation plan utilizing therapies from different medical fields, such as sports medicine and prosthodontics, to treat TMJ Disorder. The treatment is painless and each session typically lasts up to 50 minutes in length, he highlights.

Dr. Sweeney advises patients to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they believe they have TMJ Disorder, as the condition can get progressively worse and have serious effects on one’s daily life. He believes TruDenta®’s state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and its non-invasive technique are exciting new steps forward in the treatment of TMJ Disorder.

About Mark Sweeney, DDS

A cosmetic dentist since 1979, Dr. Sweeney received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School. He later founded Austin Dental Spa, a practice offering a comprehensive range of dental services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry procedures. Dr. Sweeney is a member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also a founding member of the Texas Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.

For more information about TruDenta®, 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

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.

Team Of Austin Dentists Focus On The Cosmetic Aspect of Patient Care

Posted in Office News

Dr. Mark Sweeney welcomes Dr. Jordan Slagter to Austin Dental Spa to help him carry out his mission of providing aesthetically-minded dental care.

Austin, TX – Dr. Jordan Slagter recently joined the practice of Austin cosmetic dentist Mark Sweeney, DDS over the summer of 2013. Dr. Sweeney says he is excited to have a new doctor join his team of dental professionals who share his passion for the aesthetic side of dentistry. When he founded Austin Dental Spa, Dr. Sweeney focused his efforts on improving the appearance of his patients’ smiles, and he believes Dr. Slagter will make valuable contributions to this effort.

In a recent blog post titled “Dr. Sweeney Welcomes a New Member to the Practice,” Dr. Sweeney expressed his excitement over Dr. Slagter’s future at Austin Dental Spa. He notes how she shares his passion for cosmetic dentistry, making her a great addition to the practice. Dr. Slagter received her undergraduate education from Penn State University before going on to earn her dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. After graduating Summa Cum Laude, she completed a residency in Advanced General Dentistry at the University of Maryland before moving to Austin to join Dr. Sweeney at his practice.

Austin Dental Spa is known for its innovation and its use of the latest technology the field has to offer, such as DURAthin® porcelain veneers and CEREC® single-visit dental crowns. Dr. Slagter says she is eager to work with the practice’s cosmetic dentistry patients in this state-of-the-art environment in order to expand her horizons both personally and professionally. Dr. Sweeney says he happily welcomes the fresh outlook Dr. Slagter will bring to the practice and looks forward to the ways in which they will collaborate to deliver the advanced care that the patients of Austin Dental Spa have come to expect.

About Mark Sweeney, DDS

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Mark Sweeney earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School. He has been a practicing a cosmetic dentist since 1979. In addition to focusing his career on addressing the aesthetic concerns of his patients, he has also become well known for his work with sedation dentistry. Dr. Sweeney is an active member of the Capital Area Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Endodontic Society, the United States Dental Tennis Association, the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and he is a founding member of the Texas Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. At Austin Dental Spa, his private practice, Dr. Sweeney offers services such as teeth whitening, dental implant restorations, porcelain dental veneers, and laser dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.

This practice can be reached online at austindentalspa.com or facebook.com/austindentalspa.