703-779-7779
Dr. Sandra Varney
Dr. Robert Leipzig
540 Fort Evans Rd. NE • Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Dr. Robert Leipzig
540 Fort Evans Rd. NE • Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Welcome to our Blog
January 26, 2012
Sedation Dentistry in Loudoun County
When thinking about scheduling your next dental appointment, there can often be that little thought in the back of your mind that keeps you from doing it. Whatever that thought may be, it can leave you feeling uneasy, stressed and even anxious.
The dentists at Loudoun Dental Smiles understand your concerns and do everything they can make your trip to the dentist office comfortable and relaxing. To help you through the dental procedure, we may suggest that you use sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry combines an oral sedative with nitrous oxide. Although the sedative will allow you to remain conscious during the procedure, you will still feel very drowsy and remember very little about the actual procedure. By using sedation dentistry, we are able to perform several general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry procedures within a single visit. This can eliminate the number of trips to the dentist office you have to make, which means more convenient scheduling for you as well.
Sedation dentistry is an ideal choice for patients with:
- Fear and stress about their dental office visit
- A need for several procedures but have a tight schedule
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Unrelated dental pain that makes it difficult to find comfort
- Difficulty numbing with local anesthetic
If you’re still feeling a little uneasy and sedation dentistry doesn’t seem like quite the right fit for you, we also work with board certified anesthesiologists for patients wishing to be completely asleep during their dental procedure. We want to do whatever we can to make our patients comfortable, and if that includes winding down to relax in our personal massage chairs after your visit, then we want you to do just that.
Loudoun Dental Smiles is here to make your dental visits as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. Visit us today!
January 20, 2012
Teeth Whitening: Which Solution to Choose
Is it January or early spring? The inconsistency of the weather has many confused. Some can’t wait to see the first true snowfall, while the 60 degree weather has others looking forward to spring and summer. When winter began, I was ready and waiting for the snow, but now I find myself looking forward to even warmer days and summer nights.
The very thought of summer prompts many to head back into the gym and it’s also a time that people begin to look into cosmetic teeth whitening.
Nowadays there are an overwhelming amount of options for teeth whitening services. Over the counter teeth whitening products have flooded the market, but they might not always be the most effective option.
Which Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Service Is Right For Me?
• In Office Teeth Whitening – While it may be the quickest solution of cosmetic teeth whitening, it can also be the most expensive. Getting your teeth whitened in a dental office generally costs around $650. The quick results come with a price as in-office solutions use a high concentration of peroxide and lamps and lasers for drastic results. This causes teeth to become very sensitive and irritable.
• Over the Counter Teeth Whiteners – While they may be somewhat affordable, over the counter teeth whitening products see varied results. The whitening apparatus can be uncomfortable and often doesn’t fit flush with your teeth which can leave uneven results and a need to purchase even more product.
• Take-Home Teeth Whitening – The teeth whitening apparatus is custom fit so that your teeth rest flush against it. This allows the whitening solution to spread out evenly. The solution also uses lower amounts of peroxide so your teeth aren’t hyper-sensitive after a treatment. Lastly, the cost of a take-home cosmetic teeth whitening product cost up to 40% less than an in-office solution.
Teeth whitening is a great way to boost your self esteem and have a happy, healthy smile for all those summer pictures with friends and family. Contact Loudoun Dental Smiles to get started today or see a list of our other cosmetic and dental solutions!
January 10, 2012
New Years Dental Resolutions!
Now that the New Year has finally arrived, people are determined to make their 2012 resolutions stick, and from what I have seen, most of them are off to a great start. The most common resolution is to head back into the gym. A healthy heart, mind and body are an absolute necessity to living a long and healthy life. However, a less common, but equally important, resolution revolves around your dental hygiene.
Dental services are typically overlooked this time of year for several reasons. Understandably, a lot of our resolutions are based on obtaining a healthy appearance, but those resolutions are based on gym time. Seen just as often, if not more, is (and should be) your smile.
The summer will be here before you know it and a bright white smile would look great on you while you’re vacationing at the beach. Teeth whitening is great but to make it last even longer requires healthy dental habits.
Brushing your teeth two or three times daily seems like a small commitment in regards to resolutions, but what about flossing? Though it requires a little more time and effort, flossing prevents cavities and tooth decay which can lead to fillings, root canals and even gingivitis. Although we love seeing you, making a daily commitment to floss can save you an extra visit to the dentist’s office. Your health is our top priority.
Even if you personally don’t struggle with dental upkeep, giving your children the responsibility of maintaining their own resolution could be rewarding. It could also teach them a discipline that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Set weekly or monthly goals for their brushing or flossing habits and award them when they complete it. Creating a sense of accomplishment for such a worthy practice can be fun, prevent cavities and create a wonderful habit as they continue their New Year’s Dental Resolution.
December 24, 2011
December 13, 2011
Give Yourself the Gift of Straight Teeth This Year!
Invisalign or Braces what is the right choice for me?
Invisalign® is a system of clear, custom, acrylic aligners that incorporates 3D treatment planning for orthodontic therapy. Invisalign was approved by the FDA in 1998. Adult patients and teens who want straighter teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces often prefer Invisalign. In addition to being inconspicuous, the clear aligners are removable, and treatment is usually shorter than with traditional orthodontics.
Loudoun Dental Smiles at know that as a sophisticated adult, you may not want to wear metal braces. Not only can they look immature, but they require regular orthodontist visits for adjustments, and they cause pain and mouth sores. Who needs that? Are straight teeth worth the hassle?
Now with Invisalign you don’t have to make that decision – clear, removable braces will straighten your teeth without wires and brackets. Since they are made of transparent acrylic, Invisalign aligners are comfortable. They don’t irritate oral tissues or cause mouth sores. You won’t need frequent adjustment visits, either. Appointments every six weeks or so are adequate for your Loudoun Dental Smiles dentist to assess Invisalign treatment progress.
In addition, Invisalign clear braces are simply a custom-made oral appliance that you can remove at will. If you’re going to an important event, getting photos taken, or speaking in public you don’t have to wear your aligners. The more you wear your aligners; however, the faster treatment will progress. Invisalign treatment usually lasts 9-18 months (with patient compliance), whereas traditional braces can take two years or more.
Here’s Why Invisalign is a Great Choice for Adults
- Healthier Gums – Invisalign aligners are removable so patients can brush and floss normally, which can help prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. Research has shown that gingival health may improve during Invisalign treatment.
- Easier Cleanings – The chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay and periodontal disease can be reduced with properly positioned teeth.
- Less Stress – Properly aligned teeth are less stressful on the supporting bone and provide better function. Invisalign offers an alternative to aggressive, restorative solutions for orthodontic problems.
So ask your dentist at Loudoun Dental Smiles about Invisalign today!
December 5, 2011
Loudoun Dental Smiles … Holiday List
Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more.
Following, are ten important reasons to maintain our recommended schedule of dental cleanings. Consider this our wish list for the Holiday season.
- To Prevent Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, we also screen you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early. - To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and checkups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease. - To Help Maintain Good Physical Health
Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes. - To Keep Your Teeth
Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental checkups, cleanings, and brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health. - To Detect Dental Problems Early
Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available. - To Maintain Good Oral Health
A visit to our office will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by allowing us to visually examine your mouth and compare your previous dental checkups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene we will help put you back on the right path. - To Use Your Dental Insurance Plan
Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and checkups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene. - To Create a Treatment Plan
If we diagnose any problems in your mouth, we will recommend a treatment plan. This treatment plan will have the cost of each procedure that you will need, so that we can discuss financial arrangements to accommodate the cost of getting your mouth healthy again. - To Have a Bright and White Smile
Our hygienist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, we will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile! - To Prevent Bad Breath
Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular checkups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
November 25, 2011
Tooth loss doesn’t have to be permanent. Find out how dental implants can restore your smile.
Tooth loss can leave you with more than a gapped smile and low self-confidence. It can have a negative impact on your ability to chew your favorite foods and even disturb your normal speech.
Replacing missing teeth serves a much greater purpose than providing you with an aesthetically pleasing smile. The effects of missing teeth can be detrimental to your long-term oral and general health. Deteriorating jaw bone, shrinking gum tissue and shifting of surrounding teeth are all long-term ramifications that occur from failure to replace missing teeth.
Utilizing the latest in dental technology, now you can replace missing teeth with dental implants, a treatment option that allows you to regain your teeth’s natural function and appearance.
A dental implant is the closest replacement to a natural tooth. Small, titanium structures are placed into the jaw to secure the crown(s) or denture. You then gain confidence to eat what you like, speak clearly, and you no longer have to be self-conscious about your missing teeth or lose dentures.
Implants are also safe and effective, boasting more than a 90 percent success rate. According to the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics, implants are crafted of bio-compatible materials which have undergone extensive testing over a period of several years.
At Loudoun Dental Smiles we have treated many patients with dental implants who are amazed at the gentleness of the procedure and the outstanding results. After suffering with loose-fitting dentures or missing teeth, many patients regret not getting dental implants sooner.
Whether your teeth are missing as a result of tooth decay, gum disease, an accident, or trauma, you want a restoration option that rivals natural teeth, that is comfortable, and durable. While there are a number of restoration options available, none have proven to be as natural-looking and functionally effective as implants.
Don’t suffer the health consequences of missing teeth, visit Loudoun Dental Smiles for an exam and find out if dental implants are right for you. Our experienced team of general dentists and specialists can provide a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure your best possible esthetic and functional results.
Your teeth are vital to your overall well being, so let us help you restore the proper function and confident smile you deserve.
November 19, 2011
Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth!
If you’ve heard this once, you’ve heard it a thousand times. But this simple warning isn’t just for your teeth. Your gums need to be included in your daily oral health regimen as well.
Improve Gum Health & Save Your Teeth
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Every year, millions of people lose teeth as a result of gum disease, most often caused by poor oral hygiene. You can brush and whiten your teeth all you want, but if your gums aren’t healthy, then the health of your teeth is probably deteriorating as well.
Healthy teeth depend on the health of your gums. The gum tissue protects the foundation of the teeth including the supporting bone. If unhealthy gum tissue is left untreated, even the healthiest teeth can become loose and fall out.
Early Detection is Key
Gum disease may progress painlessly with few obvious warning signs. In fact, many people do not recognize the warning signs of gingivitis – the earliest stage of gum disease – until it has progressed to periodontitis. Untreated, the inflammation can invade connective tissue and even bone. The earlier you detect warning signs of gum disease, the better chance you will have of reversing the damage and preventing tooth loss.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that appear red or swollen
- Gums that feel tender
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gums that pull away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Change in bite
The good news is that for most patients, gum disease is easy to prevent and can even reverse in the early stages. Attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), coupled with professional exams and cleanings with a Loudoun Dental Smiles professional, could be all that’s needed to avoid gum disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime. If you think you might have gum disease, Call Loudoun Dental Smiles we work with our patients to retain healthy gums.
November 13, 2011
Thanksgiving Smiles … Let’s Preserve Them!
Here are some helpful hints from Loudoun Dental Smiles to keep your smile beautiful this Thanksgiving.
- Crack nuts with a nutcracker, not your teeth. Many a man, woman, and child cracks teeth over the holiday thinking their teeth are made of steel. Squirrels were made for that, not humans. Truth is, under that hard enamel shell is a very sensitive nerve running through a root surrounded by soft living tissue. Cracking a tooth is an intensely painful experience resulting in the urgent need for a root canal and crown. Be smart, use a nutcracker.
- Don’t open beer bottles with your teeth. You may laugh, but every year dentist’s see patients with cracked front teeth. Ask them how it happened, they smile and confess. “There was this party you see…and I wanted a beer…” You get the picture.
- Caramel popcorn balls are too sweet but the unpopped kernels are a tooth’s worse enemy. If you munch on a single unpopped kernel of popcorn a little too hard, you can be sure you will end up in a dental chair. Crack the cusp of a tooth, crack a molar to the root – there is no dental challenge too hard for a caramelized popcorn ball.
- Brush and floss your teeth after the pies. The single greatest cause of dental decay is food (usually sugar) left on or around the tooth. Brushing and flossing is an obvious solution, it removes excess food and cleans the surface of the tooth.
- Don’t bite candy canes. I know, it’s not Christmas yet, but the day after Thanksgiving someone will whip out candy canes and start decorating a Christmas tree. Don’t give in to the temptation to bite down on that candy cane, want to know what’s even worse? Eating toffee with nuts.
And last of all, and most of all, see us at Loudoun Dental Smiles for your regular check-ups and for any dental problems you may encounter this Holiday Season.
November 8, 2011
Heard of Veneers and Lumineers … Want to Know the Difference?
If you have watched a movie, turned on your TV or seen a magazine you may wonder how everyone has a beautiful smile. Make no mistake, movie star smiles are no accident. The next time you pick up a copy of People magazine or some other tabloid and look at the teeth of the stars, ask yourself, “Why are all their teeth so perfect, and so perfectly white?”
The answer is that the stars are often enlisting the help of a cosmetic dentist to fit them with either a veneer or a lumineer, both of which have the effect of making your teeth appear whiter and straighter.
The good news is that you don’t have to go to Hollywood to find a skilled cosmetic dentist; you can find a trusted and experienced cosmetic dentist right here in Northern Virginia at Loudoun Dental Smiles
What is the difference between Veneers and Lumineers?
Veneers
A porcelain veneer is similar to a crown. Like a crown, it fits over a tooth; also like a crown, it requires part of the tooth to be cut away to fit the new veneer. Compared to a crown, however, a veneer only covers the visible portion of the tooth, whereas a crown covers the entire tooth.
Veneers are semi-permanent, usually lasting for about fifteen years before needing replacement. Once dental veneers are placed, they will look very much like natural teeth. The porcelain versions of veneers resist stains better than the resin versions and look more natural. On the other hand, the resin veneers require less removal of the tooth surface than the porcelain version.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a new technology that do not remove any of the natural tooth surfaces but simply slip over the existing tooth. This can be a great advantage over a traditional veneer, because a veneer requires a great deal of the natural tooth to be removed.
Lumineers require no shots or drilling, making them far less painful to install than a veneer. Lumineers are as thin as contacts, but have the same pleasing cosmetic effects as a veneer, and can be easily removed if the patient decides he or she does not like them. Like veneers, Lumineers are long-lasting, with a typical lifespan of about twenty years.
Need advice from a skilled cosmetic dentist as to which option will help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed about? Loudoun Dental Smiles will be happy to meet with you and discuss the best cosmetic dentistry procedures for your smile, and in particular we can advise if your teeth would be better served by a traditional veneer or a Lumineer.