Braces
An orthodontic treatment using brackets and wires to move teeth into a more favorable position. "Invisible" braces that use a series of clear plastic aligners to move teeth have recently been developed. There are some limitations to the use of aligners.

Bridge
A restorative appliance that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge has crowns on each end with the replacement tooth attached between them. This appliance is cemented in place and requires the supporting teeth to be ground down to receive the crowns.

Build Up
This procedure involves removing the old filling material and decay from a broken-down tooth, then bonding in tooth-colored composite resin to create a solid core which is then covered by a ceramic restoration.

Complete Dentistry
Based on the concept of finding and treating the causes rather than the effects of problems, this approach to dental treatment analyzes, diagnoses, and treats all components of the chewing system. Once treatment has been completed, only maintenance is required. For example, if the cause of a broken tooth is not diagnosed and treated before the tooth is restored, it may break again or result in a related problem. Complete dentistry is rapidly becoming the standard of care as opposed to the old approach of repair dentistry.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
The first step to determine the cause of existing conditions and the proper treatment. This evaluation starts with a thorough oral examination which includes obtaining an accurate bite record, photographs, molds of the teeth for models, and tooth and face measurements. Dr. Bellen spends several hours of undisturbed time on a weekend to analyze the records to determine the proper course of treatment.

Composite Resin
This tooth-colored filling material contains minute particles for added strength.

Crown
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory that covers the entire tooth. Crowns can be ceramic, part ceramic and part metal, or all metal. They are used when the tooth is severely broken down and a more conservative alternative will not be sufficient for lasting protection.

Diagnostic Workup
This starting point for complete dentistry begins with a comprehensive oral exam, testing, information gathering, obtaining records, and taking photographs. After a thorough analysis of all findings, a five-phase master plan is established -- Design and Engineering Phase, Stabilization Phase, Referral Phase (to specialists if necessary), Restorative Phase, and Protective Phase.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation
This is an extensive process that involves every tooth in the mouth. Establishing optimum oral health requires strict attention to design and engineering principles, artistic ability, exquisite teamwork, and lots of patience.

Gum Lift
This minor surgical procedure recontours the gum tissue to improve balance and harmony.

Implants
Small titanium cylinders resembling tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Titanium is bio-compatible to allow the bone to actually grow and attach itself to the implant. Compared to bridges, implants help preserve bone and allow for better hygiene.

Initial Consultation
A necessary first meeting for the patient and Dr. Bellen to "interview' each other. Dr. Bellen reviews the patient's needs, wants, and expectations; and the patient learns about Dr. Bellen's background, credentials, and expertise.

Invisalign
A series of clear aligners designed to move your teeth to a healthier more attractive position.

Laboratory
A dental facility, separate from the dental office, that fabricates dental restorations according to specifications provided by the dentist. Fees charged by the laboratory are separate from fees charged by the dental office.

Mouthguard
An appliance worn to protect the teeth. There are generally two types: one that is softer and usually worn as a sports mouthguard, and one that is fabricated and customized to stabilize the teeth and protect against further damage. This latter type is known as a precision bite stabilizer.

Onlay
A restoration fabricated by the dental laboratory to cover some of the side surfaces and all of the chewing surface of back teeth. It is used in conjunction with a build up as the most conservative way to give the tooth maximum strength and protection.

Periodontal Disease
This bacterial disease attacks the supporting structures between the teeth and bone. Several factors can initiate the disease -- systemic conditions, lack of proper oral hygiene, and excessive stress from a misaligned bite. Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable, but can lead to tooth loss if ignored.

Phases
The five important parts of the diagnostic workup that leads to complete dentistry:

1. Design and Engineering Phase -- In this phase, the dentist takes all findings and applies them to the particular case. For example, taking measurements from photographs and models to determine the proper sizes and lengths of teeth to fit within the frame created by the lips; determining if a bite realignment is necessary to eliminate destructive forces; and creating a three-dimensional mock-up of the proposed treatment for the patient's review.

2. Stabilization Phase -- Bite realignment is accomplished, all decay is removed, broken-down teeth are built up, all functional principles are worked out, and gum tissue is brought into a healthy state. This is the most important phase, for it is from here that the beautiful smile blossoms.

3. Referral Phase -- Specialists such as periodontists, root canal specialists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists are consulted and utilized if necessary.

4. Restorative Phase -- In this phase, all treatment is performed in a logical, systematic sequence.

5. Protective Phase -- The dentist constructs a precision bite stabilizer to protect the newly restored teeth and stabilize their position to minimize the introduction of destructive forces. This provides long-term protection for the entire investment for approximately the cost of one crown.

Repair Dentistry
An outdated approach to dental treatment where individual teeth are repaired one by one over time without diagnosing the cause of the problems. This approach always leaves the mouth in some state of disrepair.

Restoration
A term that refers to any filling, crown, onlay, or veneer which is used to restore a tooth to health.

Second Opinion
Dr. Bellen makes himself available to answer questions and give advice to those who need reassurance or to provide more information.

Veneer
A thin layer of material, either composite resin or ceramic, that is applied to the surface of the tooth to improve appearance and function.

Tooth Whitening
Commonly referred to as "bleaching", this process brightens and whitens stained, discolored, or dull teeth using an in-office power bleaching method or a dentist-supervised, at-home whitening method. Both methods utilize a form of peroxide -- either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide -- which is harmless when used under supervision.

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