Lifelong Smiles and Lifelong Relationships
What our patients are saying:
State of the art equipment and techniques and a willingness to explain everything in a non rushed, pleasant and easy to understand way. The informative and well produced t.v. in the reception area is a great learning feature and finally an office that has up to date magazines. The staff is professional, friendly and courteous. Cudo’s for a job well done. I appreciated their smiles and kindness.
All of my children were seen today for their checkups and cleanings. The front office staff was friendly and accommodating. Bethany and Christine were even kind enough to keep them entertained while waiting their turn. It’s a pleasure to bring my kids to the practice I have been a patient in since I was a child. The care and expertise of the clinical staff and doctors are the best in all of NEPA.
Services
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that replaces a tooth root. One implant is placed in your jaw for each missing tooth, or a few to secure a denture, partial, or bridge. Your jawbone bonds with the titanium implant surface to create a strong foundation for a dental crown or prosthetic. Dental implants restore facial support and make faces appear fuller and more youthful. They also prevent bone deterioration and prevent tooth shifting caused by missing teeth.
Are implants right for me?
Adequate jawbone structure is required for implants. Dr. Kopesky will perform a comprehensive examination and use the latest digital technology, utilizing the Sirona Galileos. The Galileos is a Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) which allows us to see your jaw bones three dimensionally. It will provide a guide for the safe placement of your implants.
He will also evaluate your health history to determine your candidacy. If you qualify for dental implants, Dr. Kopesky will explain the implant procedure and answer your questions. Your concerns are important to us, and our entire team will work closely with you to make your experience a success.
The Implant Process
For most patients, dental implant placement involves two procedures:
First, the metal anchors and small posts are surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as tooth root substitutes and provide stable anchors for prosthetic teeth. The implants sit undisturbed while your jawbone gradually fuses with them and the gum heals around the small healing collar. This process takes about three to six months. Once your jaw fuses with the posts, Dr. Kopesky will begin making your new teeth. He’ll take a digital dental impression and attach posts or attachments to the implants to secure your crowns or prosthetic all in a single visit using CEREC technology to fabricate a full ceramic crown.
The entire implant process usually takes six to eight months, and most patients don’t experience a disruption to their daily lives.
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of ceramic that cover teeth to eliminate imperfections, close spaces or to repair stained, chipped, or malformed teeth. If you desire a completely custom solution to enhance your smile, porcelain veneers may be the right choice for you.
Do veneers look like natural teeth?
Absolutely! Veneers are made of fine dental porcelain that reflects light like natural tooth enamel, so they look and feel completely natural. In fact, porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable – no one will know you have them, but they will notice your stunning smile! Their resemblance to natural teeth is unsurpassed by other restorative options.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can brighten your smile for many years. They are highly resistant to stains from food and beverages so your smile will stay beautiful. They come in many qualities and styles, including minimal-preparation varieties that work well in some cases. Dr. Kopesky will be happy to discuss all the options open to you.
Whitening of the teeth is achieved using various forms of peroxide not bleach. The term ,”Bleaching” simply refers to the lightening of the stains contained within the microscopic poor of the enamel surface. Professional whitening can vary from fabrication of take home trays for home whitening, to in office whitening. In office whitening generally offers the best results possible.
It’s easier than ever to have the smile of your dreams. Every day, people just like you enhance their appearance and restore their confidence with professional teeth whitening. Dr. Kopesky offers in-office and take-home whitening options to rejuvenate discolored smiles.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Absolutely! There is no removal of tooth enamel during the procedure and the product does not contain bleach. Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe and effective. Many dentists consider teeth whitening the safest cosmetic dentistry procedure available. However, teeth bleaching is not recommended for children under 16 years of age. Another consideration when whitening is that existing dental restorations including tooth colored fillings/bondings as well as porcelain crowns and veneers, will not lighten in color and may need to be replaced.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Almost anyone with stained or discolored teeth can achieve a brighter smile with professional bleaching. Please note, though, that treatment may not be as effective for some patients as it is for others. Dr. Kopesky will examine your teeth to determine if whitening is a good choice for your smile.
What can I expect from teeth whitening?
A beautiful smile! Teeth whitening can erase stains and discolorations caused by food, beverages, tobacco, and age. Dr. Kopesky uses the latest in whitening materials to safely and effectively deliver brilliant smiles. If your teeth are severely discolored, Dr. Kopesky may suggest crowns or porcelain veneers to transform your smile.
Is there a difference between over-the-counter whitening products and professional bleaching?
Over-the-counter whitening strips, brush-on gels, and toothpastes take weeks, and sometimes months, to lighten teeth a few shades. These products may even harm teeth and gums, so it’s always a wise choice to use the products recommended by Dr. Kopesky.
Take-Home Whitening
Many patients prefer to whiten gradually. That’s why we offer take-home teeth whitening. Dr. Kopesky will take an impression of your teeth to create custom whitening trays for home use. The trays will be produced in a day or two. You will place whitening gel solution into the trays and wear as directed, usually a few hours a day. The whitening gel erases stains quickly and without altering tooth structure or existing dental work. Occasional at-home touch-ups will keep your smile looking its best.
In-Office Whitening
At Hamlin dental Center, we offer EZ-White, to lighten smiles up to eight shades in about 30-45 minutes! You can sit back and relax while we apply special whitening gel to your teeth and activate it using a special light. The gel and light work in harmony to lift stains and discolorations revealing your beautiful smile. This process is ideal for anyone who wants immediate results. We’ll give you custom-made bleaching trays and professional-strength teeth whitening gel for at-home touchups.
Call 570-689-2628 to whiten your teeth at the Hamlin Dental Center.
TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint, the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw and is responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. TMJ disorder is a catch all term for a wide variety of potential issues affecting the jaw joint, muscles in the face, neck, and surrounding nerves.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), commonly known as TMJ disorder, is a complicated group of conditions, often characterized by pain and limited mobility in the jaw and surrounding tissue. Few clinicians are trained to properly identify, diagnose and treat TMD.
As a graduate of the prestigious Dawson Academy, Dr. Kopesky has the latest training in the diagnosis and treatment of bite problems and TMJ related issues.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
There is no single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Any number of factors or combination of factors may be to blame including:
- Trauma to the head, neck, or face
- Trauma to the TMJ joint or arthritis
- Hormonal changes or imbalances
- Malocclusion (where the jaws do not line up correctly resulting in bite problems)
- Stress
Common TMJ Symptoms
As with the causes, symptoms of TMJ disorder vary greatly between patients. TMJ symptoms often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches
- Shoulder, neck, facial pain
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing jaw
- Locked jaw or limited mobility in the jaw joint
- Teeth clenching, teeth grinding, often accompanied by tooth wear
- Chronic earaches
TMJ Therapy/Bite Correction
Before an adequate therapy can be developed a thorough diagnosis is critical. Dr. Kopesky will perform a complete exam including a thorough exam and analysis of the teeth, bite and joints along with the gums prior to making any treatment recommendations. Solutions can be as simple as a bite correction/adjustment, orthodontics, splint therapy or full mouth rehabilitation. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.