Category Archives: Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Implants | Indianapolis, Indiana

Are you looking for a long term solution to your missing, damaged, or broken teeth? If so, look no further! Dental implants are the perfect long term solution for you. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is inserted into the jaw in which functions as an artificial replacement for the root portion of a missing tooth.

Dental implants can support a single crown, multiple teeth through a bridge, or be used to secure loose dentures firmly in place. Though dental implants main purpose is to replace lost teeth, they can also help with a multitude of other things. This includes preserving your facial structure, preventing bone deterioration, and stopping muscle sagging; all of which occurs when teeth are missing.

Implant dentistry can restore your smile and oral health. To see if dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit the website www.dentalimplantsindianapolis.com

Porcelain Veneers | Indianapolis, Indiana

 

Smiles by George is a cosmetic, restorative, and family dentistry located in Indianapolis. Dr. Kirtley has crafted hundreds of smiles through a series of special techniques in which he has picked up over the years. He has treated individuals from all over the United States and Europe, grazing multiple magazine covers with his work. As the man behind the magic, Dr. Kirtely works hard with patients to help them achieve the award winning smile that they have always dreamed of.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are shells of porcelain that are tailor made to fit over the surfaces of the teeth. With their malleable like material, veneers are made to fit the size and shape of any surrounding teeth, furthermore giving off the most natural appearance any individual would want.

Dr. Kirtley has taken dental veneers one step further by using his software device known as Envision. This allows patients the opportunity to view what their teeth would look like with the procedure before it even occurs! The smile imaging program is a new and innovative device that allows you to make any adjustments or fix any issues you see, ensuring you the most perfect form of the smile that you’ve always wanted.

For more information on porcelain veneers or to make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website http://www.porcelainveneersindianapolis.com/

TLC for your Toothbrush | Indianapolis, IN

As important as it is to keep your teeth brushed and cared for, did you know that it is equally as important to keep your toothbrush well maintained? The oral cavity is home to a multitude of microorganisms, which can most definitely be transferred onto your toothbrush as you brush your teeth. Here are some tips to make sure your toothbrush remains effective!

  1. Refrain from sharing your toothbrush with anyone. Sharing a toothbrush could result in the exchange of body fluids and or microorganisms between users, ultimately leaving teeth more prone to infections of some sort.
  2. Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing to remove any toothpaste and debris. Store your toothbrush upright and allow it to air dry before you use it again.
  3. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. The bristles become frayed upon frequent use and therefore it’s overall effectiveness in cleaning your teeth decrease.

Ask your dentist about other ways to effectively use your toothbrush as well as for some tips on how to maintain, store, and care for it. To make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Secondhand Smoke Delivering First Hand Dental Issues | Indianapolis, IN

We all know smoking offers major detriments to an individual’s oral health, however researchers have been taking a closer look as to how it may affect children through second hand smoke. There is a possible link between secondhand smoke and caries, or cavities in children.

According to an article published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in children ages 6 to 11 and in teens ages 12 to 19. In order to reduce the prevalence of cavities by 10 percent in 2020, we must take steps necessary to permitting further damage to an individual.

Secondhand smoke is a proven risk factor in adolescents all around, and must be limited and further researched I order to be removed.

If you have any questions of concerns regarding secondhand smoking and you or your child’s oral health, give Dr. Kirtley a call today! To make an appointment call, Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Implant Dentistry, Step by Step – Indianapolis, IN

Dental implant treatment is usually a three part process. It takes several months to complete. Dr. George Kirtley of Indianapolis, IN wants to make sure his patients are well informed of all procedures offered to them and how they work. We will take you through the implant process step by step.

Step 1

The implant is surgically placed in the jaw. The top of the implant will be slightly above the top of the bone. To prevent debris and gum tissue from entering, a screw is inserted. The gum is placed over the implant for about 3 -6 months. The implant needs this time to fuse with the bone.

Step 2

The implant is uncovered and a post is attached to the implant. In some cases the implant and post are both placed in the mouth during step 1. Dr. Kirtley will decide which option is best for you. Once the gum tissue is healed the implant and post are ready for the new tooth.

Step 3

A crown is made that will match your other teeth. Once the crown is made it is attached to the implant post. You now have an artificial replacement tooth. They do not need to be removed for soaking and cleaning and no adhesives needed, as with dentures. It acts and looks just like a real tooth.

Implant dentistry can restore your smile and oral health. To see if dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit the website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

 

 

 

Abolish your Fear of the Dentist with Sedation Dentistry | Indianapolis, IN

Does the thought of having your teeth worked on make you anxious or uncomfortable? Do the sight of needles and the sound of dental drills make you cringe? Now imagine if you could have everything done while you nap comfortably and awake to not remembering anything from the procedure. By the use of sedation, we can do this for you. Dr. George Kirtley of Indianapolis, IN is trained in sedation dentistry and has been helping people overcome these fears for many years.

Sedation dentistry involves medications taken before a procedure to produce a relaxed feeling. Recovery time is a little longer and you’ll need someone to drive you home after your dental treatment is completed. Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

  • High dental anxiety and fear.
  • A severe gag reflex.
  • Difficulty getting numb.
  • Extensive treatment needs.
  • A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed.

We understand that going to the dentist can be very difficult for some people. Dental phobia is actually a lot more common than you may think. It is estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of this reason.

If you’ve avoided going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear of the dentist, this is your chance to make an appointment and lose that fear. Contact Dr. Kirtley 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Yellow, stained teeth ruining your smile? Tooth whitening is the answer! | Indianapolis, IN

Are you tired of having yellow, stained teeth, despite your strict daily dental hygiene? You are not alone. There are millions of people suffering from the same problem. So if you brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly then why are your teeth still discolored? This happens because the outer layers of your teeth get stained over the years by consumption of  beverages with caffeine, soda, wine and smoking. When these outside sources of staining are left to sit on the teeth all day until your next brushing, the dentin on your teeth becomes yellowish or darkened. The best way to help your stained discolored teeth is professional tooth whitening.

Contributing factors to yellowing, stained teeth:

  • Tetracycline based antibiotics used before the age of 8 years old
  • Excessive exposure to fluoride as a child
  • Internal  bleeding due to trauma
  • Discoloration due to a health condition
  • Natural aging- as time goes by enamel gets thinner and thinner and will get a yellowish hue
  • Soda
  • Wine
  • Smoking
  • Caffeine

Simple rules to live by to try and stop the yellowing process:

  • Visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleanings
  • Rinse your mouth out with water several times throughout the day
  • Use toothpaste with whitening agents

One of the best ways to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist for professional tooth whitening. You deserve a beautiful white smile. Contact Dr. George Kirtley for more information on tooth whitening and keeping your teeth white and healthy, 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

 

Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers – Which is right for you? | Bloomington, IN

Dental veneers are thin layers of composite resin or porcelain which are fitted right onto the surface of the tooth.  They are very popular among patients with discolored, crooked or misaligned teeth. Veneers are made to give you a beautiful, straight white smile. Most people don’t know there are two different types of veneers to choose from. Cosmetic dentist Dr. George Kirtley of Bloomington, IN offers some insight on both types of veneers.

The two types of veneers are composite resin veneers and porcelain veneers. The following are facts on both types of veneers.

Composite:

  • Last about 4-8 years with proper maintenance.
  • Made of high quality reinforced plastic. Given today’s high-end technology these veneers look and feel very good, but under pressure they can damage quite easily.
  • Have a porous surface, which can affect their look after years of use.
  • Stain more easily. Often needing whitening treatments to maintain their appearance.
  • Chip easily.

Porcelain:

  • Porcelain veneers on the other hand last up to 25 years and do not require as much maintenance.
  • Made of high quality porcelain, natural in color and more resistant.
  • Maintain strength and appearance over several decades.
  • Do not stain because of the non-porous material.

 Ultimately the choice is yours as to which type of veneer you choose to give you that beautiful smile you have always dreamed of. For more information on both types of veneers and to see which is right for you, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Crowns: The road to a beautiful smile. | Indianapolis, IN

Dr. George Kirtley DDS of Indianapolis, IN provides cosmetic and general dentistry. This includes dental Crowns. With the use of crowns you can have the smile you always dreamed of.

Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth’s shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are “caps” cemented onto an existing tooth which fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns are often preferable to silver amalgam fillings. Unlike fillings which apply metal directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

For more information on Crowns or any other cosmetic restoration, contact Dr. Kirtley at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.