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What can you expect from Kirk N. Hampton, DDS? How do you choose a cosmetic dentist? What is cosmetic dentistry? Is there one standard smile for everyone? Is there really a difference between the porcelain veneers you can get from one dental office and another? How quick can veneers give me a gorgeous smile? How long will cosmetic dentistry last? I really want a new smile but I am nervous, what can I do to be more relaxed? Why do doctor offices always run late? What makes your practice different than any other? I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What can you do to help? How can I have whiter teeth? I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax? Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth? "Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, partials… where can I learn more about what you guys are talking about?" My breath has a terrible odor, but I brush every day. Is it just me, or is there something you can do to help? Do you accept referrals? What can you expect from Kirk N. Hampton, DDS? I love making a difference in people's lives. I am reassured of this feeling each time I see my patients walk out of my office with a dazzling smile we created together. I have a strong dedication to myself and my patients, because of this I set high standards for both myself and my staff. My patients trust me with their most precious asset, their smile! back to top How do you choose a cosmetic dentist? For the best results, it is important to know the qualifications and experience of the treating dentist. “Cosmetic dentistry” is a term that is increasingly becoming a trendy phrase used by many dentists to promote themselves. For now it is not a recognized specialty like orthodontics. It is however a discipline of dentistry requiring a through knowledge of science and an artistic eye. Ask your dentist about their training, credentials, and experience in this area. A very effective way to understand your dentist’s skills is asking to see their portfolio of before and after photos. A dentist that is dedicated to the art of cosmetic dentistry always takes photographs of their cases. back to top What is cosmetic dentistry? I believe Dentistry has come full circle. Centuries ago a synthesis of observation and theory that is strikingly modern, yet is a product of the artistic renaissance was achieved by Galileo. Then in the impressionistic period colors were used in ways that created depth and effective contrasts. It takes more than just a dental degree to be a cosmetic dentist; it takes an artist, someone that can take into account esthetic elements, function and long term health benefits. It takes someone with a vision, someone that has the ability to bring science and artistry together and create beautiful, natural, healthy, long lasting smiles. back to top Is there one standard smile for everyone? Just as everyone has his or her own unique personality, every ones smile is unique. I believe every smile should be customized to perfection, based primarily on what the patient wants. After careful assessment and discussion with the patient and taking into consideration the differences between male and female teeth I can offer the best options available for your own situation and help you to design and create the smile of your dreams. back to top Is there really a difference between the porcelain veneers you can get from one dental office and another? Definitely yes. There truly is a blend of art and science behind cosmetic dentistry. It takes extensive training and experience to design and create beautiful, healthy, long lasting smiles. You have to take so many things into consideration like, colors, line angles, shapes, thickness, occlusion, translucency and many more factors that involve the laboratory. I work very closely with my lab technicians; they play a critical part in the design. I help create the smile, my ceramist helps to define it. back to top How quick can veneers give me a gorgeous smile? Our patients usually can get their gorgeous smile within a few well planned visits. On the first veneer appointment impressions are taken, the teeth are prepared for your new smile and you walk out of our office with custom made temporaries. After the ceramist has completed the final process a second appointment is made, and we permanently seat the veneers. Can you imagine, in a matter of a few weeks you can have a new smile that is unique to you. back to top How long will cosmetic dentistry last? There are no set rules about how long any dentistry lasts. I do believe that done right with the proper techniques you can expect your cosmetic dentistry to last a good long time. It’s probably unrealistic to expect them to last forever, but with good home care and exercising good judgment by maintaining regular visits with your dental care provider you will be enjoying your beautiful smile in excess of 10 to 20 years. back to top I really want a new smile but I am nervous, what can I do to be more relaxed? We are now able to eliminate anxiety and stress with sedation dentistry or (sleep dentistry.) Once you have experienced sedation dentistry you’ll never be nervous again! You will be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment being performed. Because you are more comfortable we are able to accomplish more in one appointment and minimize your trips to the office. Imagine being able to wake up and smile with confidence without being anxious, its no wonder so many patients have said “sleep dentistry has changed my life.” back to top Why do doctor offices always run late? I understand how frustrating it is to be on time for your appointment and then be made to wait 30 45 minutes to begin your appointment. At my office your time is just as important as mine, so we practice perfect day scheduling. We like to see one patient at a time so you can have my undivided attention, and not feel rushed. Therefore we start on time and finish on time. There is no waiting in my office. As a matter of fact we love it when our patients are early, that way we can get started earlier. back to top What makes your practice different than any other? Your smile is meant to last a lifetime. Protecting and improving the appearance of your teeth and keeping your smile bright are the priorities of Dr. Hampton. We take time to understand your dental history, evaluate the best options for your particular needs and help you to understand the Whys & Wherefores of preventive care through complete patient education. Most dental insurance plans are accepted and we provide individualized treatment to all of our patients and make your visit as painless and pleasant as possible. As well as being in association with Lasting Beauty, Center for Permanent Cosmetics, Dr. Hampton focuses on cosmetic dentistry, having been designated one of the top 25 cosmetic dentists in the DFW Metroplex and is experienced in all aspects of general & family dentistry. back to top I want my front teeth to look better, but I don't want to wear braces. What can you do to help? Dr. Hampton has a number of ways to improve the look of your front teeth without the use of metal braces. For slightly crooked or unevenly worn teeth, a bit of reshaping and the addition of porcelain veneers may be sufficient to give them a bright, uniform look. We’d be happy to talk with you further about the option that best suits your individual situation. back to top How can I have whiter teeth? Teeth whitening is one of the simplest, most noticeable aesthetic improvements that you can make to your smile. There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile, from at-home whitening products to in office supervised laser treatments. If you're interested in a brighter smile. Dr. Hampton can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth based on their current color and the cause of discoloration. back to top I really don't like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax? We understand that many people have qualms about having their teeth worked on. We strive to create a relaxing atmosphere. For entertainment and distraction we have special headphones and televisions available. And for the more complex procedures, we also offer laughing gas, prescription oral sedation, or local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed. back to top Is it bad if my gums bleed after I brush my teeth? Healthy gums do not bleed after brushing! In fact, bleeding gums is a sure sign of sensitivity caused by some level of gum tissue infection. You can also aggravate existing periodontal disease by improper, rough, ‘scrubbing’ instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; by using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; or by allowing plaque and/or tartar to build up below the gum line. If you notice a chronic problem with bleeding gums, it's wise to contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment. back to top "Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, partials… where can I learn more about what you guys are talking about?" Our website is designed to help you learn all you need to know about the various restorative and cosmetic techniques we offer.  Simply click on this Patient Education link, then select your article topic from the listing provided. Happy reading! back to top My breath has a terrible odor, but I brush every day. Is it just me, or is there something you can do to help? Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Here’s a checklist of procedures that can eliminate the problem: twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and tongue cleaning; regular professional cleanings, and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances.  However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions. First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Plus, we can recommend a breath treatment system called Breath Rx, including a specially-prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. Finally, if we also suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause. back to top Do you accept referrals? We’re happy to accept referrals from other dental offices as well as from recommendations by our patients to their family and friends. We request that a patient evaluation form be completed prior to the first visit; we appreciate having all records and recent x-rays forwarded to our office. Unlike many practices, we also accept same-day emergency visits. back to top Dr. Hampton credentials: Dr. Hampton received his dental degree from Baylor College of dentistry in 1984 and has been igniting smiles ever since, all the while maintaining a comprehensive and preventative dental practice with an emphasis on aesthetics in Dallas, Texas. He is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, The Academy of General Dentist, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentist, and attended The Center for Advanced Dental Studies. In addition to his degree Dr. Hampton has over extensive hours of continuing education and has studied under many of the foremost leaders in the field. He is an exceptionally well-trained cosmetic dentist who makes creating smiles look easy, by making dreams come true and beautiful smiles a reality.