Bay Area Dentist Dr Stephen Snow DDS

Here are some questions that we get asked quite often. Hopefully they will address some things that you have been thinking about. If not, please feel free to e-mail Bay Area Dentist Dr Snow with your specific question.

My smile is not as attractive as it used to be. Is there anything I can do?

Bouquet Woman You bet there is! Coffee or tea stains, chips and cracks, yellowing colors, old fillings, and crooked alignment can all combine to create an overall appearance that you now find to be "less than ideal"?. Fortunately, we can improve and enhance almost any aspect of your smile-whether large or small. Our services from bleaching and recontouring to veneers and tooth-colored fillings can provide the answers. At your initial visit, we'll take the time to listen and to learn about your preferences for an ideal smile. We'll help you explore your possibilities. Together we'll choose the appropriate treatment to create the smile of your dreams.

OK, I know my smile isn't ideal, but how much does it really matter?

Business Man Scientific studies have shown that your eyes, your smile and your overall appearance (clothes and posture) are the main things people notice when they meet you. Amazingly, these studies reveal that people will consciously or subconsciously evaluate your eyes, smile and appearance in just 4 minutes to decide the possibilities for any further relationship or interaction with you-with the critical initial impression in only the first 30 seconds!
That may seem shallow and superficial, but it is true! Your smile is a critical ingredient in your confidence and your success in the development of personal, social and business relationships.

What can I do to fix a chipped front tooth?

If you have jagged or chipped edges, there are several alternatives to create naturally smooth teeth for an even smile. The best method for you really depends on the size of the chip. Often conservative recontouring can handle the problem if the rough spots are small. If more tooth enamel is missing, bonding or veneers can replace the broken portions while simultaneously improving the color and alignment if you wish. Together at your initial visit we can explore the best solutions for your needs.

How do I get rid of stained or dark colored teeth?

We can make any smile whiter and more dazzling. The best way to help you will depend on the kind of discoloration you have and the result you want. Bleaching often works best for yellowish brown colors that have soaked into your teeth over time. Tooth-colored fillings can replace the sparkle of any unsightly, dark, and obsolete fillings that you may have. Bonding or porcelain veneers can provide the answers for teeth with darker gray staining. At your initial visit, let's sit down, listen to your concerns, and consider your possibilities.

I want straighter teeth, but I really don't want braces. Are there any options?

While orthodontic treatment is frequently an ideal option for improving the alignment of your teeth, many of our patients tell us they want to avoid the inconvenience or embarrassment of wearing braces for months. These patients are looking for faster results. Depending on your goals, our services from recontouring to bonding or porcelain veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of crooked teeth. At your initial visit, we'll take the time to listen and to learn about your preferences for an ideal smile. We'll help you explore your possibilities. Together we'll choose the appropriate treatment to create the smile of your dreams.

Can I get rid of the spaces between my teeth?

Yes, you can! Bonding or porcelain veneers may be just the thing to fill in the gaps between your teeth. Of course, the wider the spaces, the more challenging the problems. But we would welcome the opportunity to evaluate your specific circumstances, to show you "before-and-after" pictures of our treatment for other patients with the same concerns, and to help you decide what would be best for you.

What if I have complicated problems that require extensive solutions?

Not to worry? Our team is experienced in planning, coordinating and successfully completing treatment of any scope with exciting results. If your problems happen to be complex, we are ready and able to help you with comprehensive solutions. At your initial visit, we'll take the time to listen and to learn about your preferences for an ideal smile. We'll help you explore your possibilities and together we'll choose the appropriate treatment to create the smile of your dreams.

How long do procedures take?

You're busy! At Snow Dental Care, we recognize how important your time is. You deserve effective and efficiently scheduled appointments that maximize results while minimizing disruptions to your to schedule. The exact length of appointments depends on the scope of your treatment and your personal preferences. Our preparation in appointing and planning your treatment sessions will match your desires and enhance your results.

I know someone else who is specifically looking for the services you provide and would really benefit from your care. Are you accepting any new patients?

Absolutely! At Snow Dental Care, the greatest gift we can receive is the referral of a business associate, a friend, or loved one to our office. Our goal is to provide the best possible dental health care available. When we are granted the opportunity to work with someone referred by you, we are truly flattered by your appreciation. It tells us that you are value the care you have received in our office. We welcome your referrals and thank you for them!

Does Snow Dental Care provide "regular" general dentistry?

A great smile starts with great oral hygiene! Snow Dental Care offers basic services like cleanings, x-rays, tooth colored fillings, and more. Dr. Snow's comprehensive evaluation will provide you with reliable advice and practical options. He can also advise you on how to attain and preserve a healthy and youthful smile.
In keeping with our practice philosophy of providing the best standard of care, we have elected to utilize dental specialists to provide certain procedures such as root canal therapy, extraction of teeth and extensive dental procedures for children. We carefully select all specialists to whom we refer our patients so you can go with confidence.

I have heard about "biofilm" and "contaminated water" on television. What is "biofilm"? And what has Dr. Snow done about it?

Sterile Water Dental unit waterlines (the small tubes that supply water spray to instruments used in dental offices) have been shown to harbor a wide variety of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Some cause disease.

Although the naturally occurring microorganisms in the community water supply is usually minimal and insignificant, scientific research now shows that the narrow diameter of the thin dental unit waterlines allows the microorganisms to collect and multiply over time on their internal surfaces.

Eventually, this build up forms a sticky, contaminated, accumulation layer called "biofilm". Once formed, the biofilm lines and clogs the narrow dental unit hoses. When water is periodically sprayed through these tubes, globs of the invisible microbes spray into patients’ mouths in very high concentrations during treatment. Biofilm is now known to be the primary source of contaminated water in dental offices.

While recent media coverage has caused enormous justified public concern over what can be done in the future, Dr. Snow already eliminated the problem for our patients over 2 years ago!

When Dr. Snow learned of the potential health threat that biofilm represents, we remodeled our office to include the installation of individual water reservoirs for each treatment room. Our team replenishes the reservoirs daily with special sterile water. And even though the system is completely isolated, we sterilize all our waterlines every day—just to be sure— just to be safe.

The water system technology we have provided is just one of many ways we provide confidence and security for our patients.

It is this attention to detail—even when it is not readily visible "behind the scenes"—that our patients have come to expect and enjoy.

909 San Raomon Blvd, Suite216, Danville, CA 94526, (510) 820-6003


Here are some questions that we get asked quite often. Hopefully they will address some things that you have been thinking about. If not, please feel free to e-mail Bay Area Dentist Dr Snow with your specific question.

My smile is not as attractive as it used to be. Is there anything I can do?
	You bet there is! Coffee or tea stains, chips and cracks, yellowing colors, old fillings, and crooked alignment can all combine to create an overall appearance that you now find to be "less than ideal"?. Fortunately, we can improve and enhance almost any aspect of your smile-whether large or small. Our services from bleaching and recontouring to veneers and tooth-colored fillings can provide the answers. At your initial visit, we'll take the time to listen and to learn about your preferences for an ideal smile. We'll help you explore your possibilities. Together we'll choose the appropriate treatment to create the smile of your dreams.

OK, I know my smile isn't ideal, but how much does it really matter?
	Scientific studies have shown that your eyes, your smile and your overall appearance (clothes and posture) are the main things people notice when they meet you. Amazingly, these studies reveal that people will consciously or subconsciously evaluate your eyes, smile and appearance in just 4 minutes to decide the possibilities for any further relationship or interaction with you-with the critical initial impression in only the first 30 seconds! That may seem shallow and superficial, but it is true! Your smile is a critical ingredient in your confidence and your success in the development of personal, social and business relationships.

What can I do to fix a chipped front tooth?
	If you have jagged or chipped edges, there are several alternatives to create naturally smooth teeth for an even smile. The best method for you really depends on the size of the chip. Often conservative recontouring can handle the problem if the rough spots are small. If more tooth enamel is missing, bonding or veneers can replace the broken portions while simultaneously improving the color and alignment if you wish. Together at your initial visit we can explore the best solutions for your needs.

How do I get rid of stained or dark colored teeth?
	We can make any smile whiter and more dazzling. The best way to help you will depend on the kind of discoloration you have and the result you want. Bleaching often works best for yellowish brown colors that have soaked into your teeth over time. Tooth-colored fillings can replace the sparkle of any unsightly, dark, and obsolete fillings that you may have. Bonding or porcelain veneers can provide the answers for teeth with darker gray staining. At your initial visit, let's sit down, listen to your concerns, and consider your possibilities.

I want straighter teeth, but I really don't want braces. Are there any options?
	While orthodontic treatment is frequently an ideal option for improving the alignment of your teeth, many of our patients tell us they want to avoid the inconvenience or embarrassment of wearing braces for months. These patients are looking for faster results. Depending on your goals, our services from recontouring to bonding or porcelain veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of crooked teeth. At your initial visit, we'll take the time to listen and to learn about your preferences for an ideal smile. We'll help you explore your possibilities. Together we'll choose the appropriate treatment to create the smile of your dreams.

Can I get rid of the spaces between my teeth?
	Yes, you can! Bonding or porcelain veneers may be just the thing to fill in the gaps between your teeth. Of course, the wider the spaces, the more challenging the problems. But we would welcome the opportunity to evaluate your specific circumstances, to show you "before-and-after" pictures of our treatment for other patients with the same concerns, and to help you decide what would be best for you.

What if I have complicated problems that require extensive solutions?
	Not to worry? Our team is experienced in planning, coordinating and successfully completing treatment of any scope with exciting results. If your problems happen to be complex, we are ready and able to help you with comprehensive solutions. At your initial visit, we'll take the time to listen and to learn about your preferences for an ideal smile. We'll help you explore your possibilities and together we'll choose the appropriate treatment to create the smile of your dreams.

How long do procedures take?
	You're busy! At Snow Dental Care, we recognize how important your time is. You deserve effective and efficiently scheduled appointments that maximize results while minimizing disruptions to your to schedule. The exact length of appointments depends on the scope of your treatment and your personal preferences. Our preparation in appointing and planning your treatment sessions will match your desires and enhance your results.

I know someone else who is specifically looking for the services you provide and would really benefit from your care. Are you accepting any new patients?
	Absolutely! At Snow Dental Care, the greatest gift we can receive is the referral of a business associate, a friend, or loved one to our office. Our goal is to provide the best possible dental health care available. When we are granted the opportunity to work with someone referred by you, we are truly flattered by your appreciation. It tells us that you are value the care you have received in our office. We welcome your referrals and thank you for them!

Does Snow Dental Care provide "regular" general dentistry?
	A great smile starts with great oral hygiene! Snow Dental Care offers basic services like cleanings, x-rays, tooth colored fillings, and more. Dr. Snow's comprehensive evaluation will provide you with reliable advice and practical options. He can also advise you on how to attain and preserve a healthy and youthful smile. In keeping with our practice philosophy of providing the best standard of care, we have elected to utilize dental specialists to provide certain procedures such as root canal therapy, extraction of teeth and extensive dental procedures for children. We carefully select all specialists to whom we refer our patients so you can go with confidence.

I have heard about "biofilm" and "contaminated water" on television. What is "biofilm"? And what has Dr. Snow done about it?
	Dental unit waterlines (the small tubes that supply water spray to instruments used in dental offices) have been shown to harbor a wide variety of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Some cause disease. Although the naturally occurring microorganisms in the community water supply is usually minimal and insignificant, scientific research now shows that the narrow diameter of the thin dental unit waterlines allows the microorganisms to collect and multiply over time on their internal surfaces. Eventually, this build up forms a sticky, contaminated, accumulation layer called "biofilm". Once formed, the biofilm lines and clogs the narrow dental unit hoses. When water is periodically sprayed through these tubes, globs of the invisible microbes spray into patients’ mouths in very high concentrations during treatment. Biofilm is now known to be the primary source of contaminated water in dental offices. While recent media coverage has caused enormous justified public concern over what can be done in the future, Dr. Snow already eliminated the problem for our patients over 2 years ago! When Dr. Snow learned of the potential health threat that biofilm represents, we remodeled our office to include the installation of individual water reservoirs for each treatment room. Our team replenishes the reservoirs daily with special sterile water. And even though the system is completely isolated, we sterilize all our waterlines every day—just to be sure— just to be safe. The water system technology we have provided is just one of many ways we provide confidence and security for our patients. It is this attention to detail—even when it is not readily visible "behind the scenes"—that our patients have come to expect and enjoy.