A Progressive Approach
            RAISING THE STANDARD OF CARE


Health, Comfort, Appearance

In today's world of medical and dental health, many of our patients choose our office to address and treat their varying concerns and dental needs such as dental health maintenance of their teeth and gums as well as aesthetically enhancing their present smile. Through our comprehensive dental care, our patients have experienced a better quality of life. Often times, we do not realize that proper dental care and treatment could make a difference in our overall health. We have been raised with a certain standard of dental care and methods of treatments that are now out-dated. Our ability to preserve tooth structure and prevent irreversible treatments has brought many of our patients to appreciate the quality, skill, and technical expertise that are used here in our dental practice. Dr. Clayton's approach to "complete dental care" verses "tooth care" sets his dental practice apart as a new standard in the delivery of dental care.

Complete Dental Care versus Tooth Care

Some of our new patients began their dental care and maintenance here in our office with the understanding that aggressive treatment was the only alternative for their mouth. We believe that the following basic requirements will be adequate to maintain your dental health. We highly encourage our patients to progress to a higher level of treatment when they are ready and prepared to do so. Skeletal/ postural balance of the head, the shoulders, the hip/ pelvis and feet as well as nutrition/ diet should all be considered. All these areas impact our dental health and stability. Our team is flexible and able to manage your dental care even at the most basic and fundamental level for dental health.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTAL HEALTH

  1. The mouth should be free of bleeding and periodontal gum disease.
  2. Proper oral hygiene at home daily - effective brushing techniques.
  3. Timely check up and maintenance cleaning visits.
  4. Teeth should be stable and free of any decay.
  5. Teeth should be properly restored for chewing, space maintenance and appearance.

HOW DOES YOUR CURRENT DENTAL HEALTH COMPARE?
Many of our patients have experienced various types of dental care and treatment modalities. Typically, many of us have pre-conceived ideas and understanding about how a toothache is treated, what a standard dental crown and typical filling looks like, and ideas of what a typical dental cleaning can do for our gum disease.

Our patients DISCOVERED that there are options and alternatives to their treatment plan to develop a top notch, great looking healthy and comfortable mouth.


TO IMPROVE APPEARANCE AND FUNCTION
Many patients have chosen our office to address tooth discolorations that need enhancement or problems with their bite and fit of their previous dental work causing uncomfortable feelings of tooth sensitivities, head and neck aches, facial muscle pain, and clicking and popping joints, to name a few.
Others come to our office because they were not satisfied with the dark fillings and dark lines around their existing crowns. Still others are seeking to design and enhance their smile, teeth appearance and health.

STATE OF THE ART FILLINGS

BEFORE AFTER
Before After

STATE OF THE ART TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS
  • Tooth whitening techniques - Bleaching
  • Natural colored fillings
  • Veneering
  • Partial coverage crowns
  • Techniques used to avoid root canals
  • Functional Jaw Orthopedics
  • Functional Orthodontics
  • Techniques to avoid tooth extractions and surgery

A FINE BALANCE - TEETH, MUSCLES AND JAW JOINTS

Muscles will spasm when teeth and jaw joints are not harmonizing with one another.
Attention should always be given to a proper healthy bite, where a fine natural balance exists between the jaw joints, the muscles of mastication,  and the teeth. Any imbalances or interferences in the bite should be corrected in order to prevent further trauma and harm to the teeth, surrounding muscles and supporting bones when the teeth contact one another in the chewing and biting positions. The following requirements are needed for long term dental health and comfort.

 

A HIGHER LEVEL FOR LONG TERM DENTAL HEALTH


A. A comfortable, balanced, even bite - a "Neuromuscular Bite".

  • The bite of all the teeth must be in harmony with the movements and rotation of the jaw joints (at a neuromuscular rest position).
  • Proper development of the upper and lower arches, which creates adequate space for all the permanent teeth, thereby minimizing the need for extractions, adequate room for comfortable tongue posture and efficient breathing.
  • The lower jaw is aligned in harmony with the facial muscles at a relaxed and comfortable position in relation to the cranium which includes, the eyes, the ears, the upper arch, the shoulders, the pelvis and feet.
  • An even, stable bite should be present on all teeth for function, decreased wear and torque.
  • The teeth are properly aligned for maximum aesthetics thus creating a pleasing appearance - natural shape, color, spacing and contour.

B. All the muscles of the head and neck must be unstrained and at neuromuscular rest, harmonizing with the whole body.

To read about our Preventative Approach click Neuromuscular Dentistry under Treatment.


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