Universally, a smile can be interpreted and recognized by every culture on the face of the earth. Smiling demonstrates a positive influence on both our professional and personal relationships – and some researchers strongly believe that it also affects our physical and mental health in a positive manner. In a recent poll, nearly 90% of adults agreed that an attractive smile is an important asset in both social and professional settings. Yet, regardless of public opinion and widespread agreement of the power and importance of a smile, many people are insecure with their own.

With both traditional and emerging dental techniques, cosmetic dentistry can completely correct or significantly diminish ones negative perception of their smile through a comprehensive approach known as Smile Design. Smile Design requires more than a patient specifically requesting a popular procedure or even generally saying “Make my smile beautiful.” Like any worthwhile undertaking, it entails forethought and planning. Successful planning begins with an extensive discussion between patient and dentist with the end results in mind. Stretching the imagination and picturing the ideal results can be fun – dreaming is always at the heart of any great planning process, even the creation of a brilliant new smile!

When it comes to putting your smile plans into action, you may be surprised at the wide array of cosmetic techniques now at the dentist’s disposal – most which have been in development for decades! Some techniques, such as whitening, bonding, veneering, or enamel shaping, will change the appearance and shape of the patient’s natural teeth. Other techniques, like crowns, bridgework, and implants will provide permanent artificial replacements for missing or abnormal teeth that cannot be corrected with the previously mentioned procedures. Regardless of the techniques involved, the outcome should be the same: The smile you once beheld has been transformed! More importantly, not only has confidence in your smile enhanced, but your dental health has been simultaneously restored! You will be a healthier you and that is definitely something to smile about!

If cosmetic dentistry has been something you have been dreaming of – why not make that dream a reality? Call Dr. Donnelly today and we would love to schedule you an appointment, 512-396-5225. Voted Best Dentist in Hays County for 2012!

It’s so nice to relax in the summer.  That’s what summer vacations are all about.  But there are some things we shouldn’t let go when warm weather comes, especially good dental care habits.  Remember summer is a great time to ensure your kids are up to date on their dental cleanings and exams while they are out of school.  It is also a great time to plan any dental treatment you know you need in order to maximize your benefits and not risk waiting and needing more extensive treatment.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn’t just about fresh breath or a sparkly smile.  It’s important to your overall health.  Why?  Because gum disease, or periodontal disease can erode the foundation of your mouth, and could pose a threat to your body.  If you have gum disease that means that bacteria  is traveling from your mouth to all parts of your body and has been linked to stroke, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes and pregnancy complications.  Gum disease is very common, with close to 80 percent of U.S. adults currently having some form of the disease.  Other research indicates it is the leading cause of adult tooth loss if left untreated.

There are many other health benefits that people don’t associate with their dental cleanings.  At each visit your dental hygienist will check your blood pressure, perform an oral cancer screening and provide you with valuable information specific to your health history.  Prevention is always cheaper than having to restore a tooth due to lack of proper dental care.

Dr. Donnelly’s goal is to provide all of his patients with a healthy smile they can be proud of showing off! Don’t forget to call and schedule your cleaning appointments and we hope everyone has time this summer to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.  Call Dr. Donnelly’s office in San Marcos at (512)396-5225. VOTED BEST DENTIST IN HAYS COUNTY 2012!!

 Studies suggest that half of the US population never go to the dentist, most people go only to fix a major problem, and 80% of the adult population has periodontal disease (gum disease).  Now that we know gum disease places you at risk for heart disease, diabetes and many other systemic illnesses, it is safe to say that if we can find a way to get people to come to the dentist, we can find a way to make them healthier overall.

Why do people avoid coming to the dentist?  The #1 reason people won’t go is due to dental anxiety and fear of experiencing pain.  Luckily, Dr. Donnelly and his team have learned the tricks to performing gentle dentistry without causing pain.  Most notably, everyday patients with dental anxiety are surprised that they could not feel the shot.  Frequently, after giving a shot (delivering anesthesia), a patient starts to get really numb, and they look at the assistant and ask, “How did they get me numb without giving me a shot?”  Dr. Donnelly has spent years perfecting his techniques and investing in the latest technology in an effort to be able to provide gentle dentistry.  Our entire staff understands dental anxiety and fear and is trained to provide a safe, compassionate, and soothing environment for patients to receive their dental care.

Some patients have had bad experiences in years past, and those memories make it hard to come back to the dentist.  For these patients we offer several options for reducing dental anxiety and fears.  We offer a comforting environment including headphones with a variety of music options to choose from, large windows overlooking a bird haven and a staff that cater to our patients needs.  Dr. Donnelly provides nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sedation dentistry and the latest dental technologies to ensure he has taken the pain out of dentistry.

If you or someone you know hates going to the dentist, please contact us at (512)396-5225 so we can help you take the needed steps to get a healthy mouth and smile….and get rid of dental anxiety once and for all.

Like anything else, teeth naturally wear down with age, while the tooth enamel thins.  In addition, years of staining foods and drinks, in conjunction with tobacco habits, can darken our tooth enamel to contribute to an “older” appearance of your teeth – and your overall look.  Your smile is the way you greet the world.   What if you could turn back the clock and reverse some of the signs of aging on your smile?  Here are some ways we can help!

Depending on how worn your teeth are, or if they include any tiny chips or are misshaped in any way, we may be able to correct minor imperfections by simply polishing the worn edges and sharp angles of your teeth to make them look more aligned and symmetrical.

Teeth that are stained or have small gaps, slight misalignments, or chips may benefit from cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers or crowns.  Also, with the new advances in orthodontics you can straighten your teeth with Invisalign, invisible braces, and enjoy the results of a beautiful smile.

Like the shape of your teeth, but not the color?  The easiest way to brighten your smile – and subsequently take years off your appearance – is by professionally whitening your teeth.   Over-the-counter products can’t match the power of professional whitening, such as Zoom whitening, as seen on Extreme Makeover.  And while we’re talking about color, let’s not forget about those unsightly metal fillings at the back of your mouth.  Please know that dark, amalgam fillings can now be replaced with natural-looking, tooth-colored composite resin fillings.

The best and easiest way to ensure you keep your smile looking its best is by maintaining regular dental cleanings and exams.  Poor dental health has been directly linked to heart disease, diabetes and stroke so seeing your dentist regularly impacts your overall health.

Ask us how to best brighten, reshape, and rejuvenate your smile to turn back the years by calling Dr. Donnelly’s office in San Marcos at (512)396-5225. VOTED BEST DENTIST IN HAYS COUNTY 2012!!

Are your dentures comfortable?  Are you missing teeth and embarrassed to smile?  Have you noticed your remaining teeth are beginning to move or becoming crooked?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, dental implants may be for you.

Attractive, healthy teeth play an important role in our general health and well-being.  You look and feel more confident when smiling and laughing with friends and family and they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy diet.

Missing teeth or ill fitting dentures can seriously impact your quality of life.  Your teeth do not stand alone; they are part of a complex, integrated system.  When we chew, a healthy tooth strengthens the quality of the jawbone and helps prevent bone loss.  Missing teeth, on the other hand, can cause the jawbone to shrink and over time actually change your facial appearance.

Fortunately, modern dental technology can bring your life back to normal again.  Implants are the fastest growing sector in dentistry and with good reason.  They’re a marvel of design elegance and deceptive simplicity.  They look and feel so completely natural, it’s like halting the hands of time.  You can even retrofit existing dentures with implants to end the frustration of poor fit.  Many times you can leave the office the same day being able to eat comfortably, have a pleasant conversation, laugh, and talk with confidence.