At the Preston Dental Center, our skilled and experienced team provides restorative, cosmetic, and family dentistry treatments that will leave your mouth healthy and beautiful. Led by our two exceptional cosmetic dentists, Dr. J. Gregory Mayes and Dr. Lisa H. Mayes, we are proud to deliver care that meets an unsurpassed standard of quality. Visit our smile makeover gallery to peruse a sampling of the dramatic transformations that our patients have achieved.
Below, for your convenience, we answered several common questions. If you have additional queries or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our cosmetic dentists serving Cary, Durham, Morrisville, and Raleigh. Our family dentistry practice is committed to making sure that each and every patient receives the highest quality care.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
General / Family Dentistry
Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment capable of producing an array of aesthetic changes. Porcelain veneers are commonly used to correct teeth that are worn, stained, chipped, crooked, misaligned, or discolored.
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.
Drs. Gregory and Lisa Mayes will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelain and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available. If you would like to know more about porcelain veneers, contact our family dentistry center today.
Teeth whitening is a very safe, noninvasive procedure. Zoom!® teeth whitening utilizes a safe, peroxide-based solution and a special, low-heat light to remove stains and discoloration.
Although teeth whitening should not affect the integrity of any previous dental work, some dental restorations — such as composite fillings — may be more resistant to teeth whitening than your natural teeth. Our cosmetic dentists will carefully examine your oral hygiene state and existing dental work prior to the procedure. Contact the Preston Dental Center — serving North Carolina patients throughout the greater Cary, Raleigh, and Durham areas — and arrange a consultation at our family dentistry office.
Composite fillings are extremely strong, durable restorations. Metal amalgam fillings have actually been shown to weaken tooth structure. In contrast, tooth-colored fillings bond more effectively to the tooth and do not require as much of the natural tooth to be removed.
Fillings do not last forever. A filling will need to be replaced earlier than usual if it falls out, leaks, or cracks. Most composite fillings, though, last at least seven years.
Generally, dental crowns are necessary when larger amounts of the tooth’s natural structure are damaged. Dental crowns are helpful in these cases because they reinforce the tooth’s integrity and protect the its pulp.
Dental crowns typically last between ten and fifteen years. Your dental crown’s longevity depends on factors such as whether it is exposed to grinding or accidental trauma and how well the tooth to which it is cemented is kept free of plaque. Many of our Cary, Raleigh, and Durham crown patients have enjoyed the benefits of their dental crowns for decades. Contact our family dentistry office to learn more.
Dental bridges are securely anchored on both sides by dental crowns. This arrangement creates a very strong foundation, one that should restore natural function to your mouth. You will be able to eat and speak normally. These fixed restorations are much more comfortable than loose dentures or partials, which have a tendency to slide and cause sores to develop within the mouth.
The long-term success of your dental bridge is greatly influenced by how effectively you keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong. Twice daily brushings and flossings, as well as periodic checkups at our Cary, Raleigh, and Durham-area family dentistry office, will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
No. Invisalign® orthodontic treatment is an excellent option for both adolescents and adults. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have orthodontic exams performed by age seven. Although many will not need treatment at this time, periodic checkups can help detect and evaluate problems early and determine the best time to treat them.
According to the AAO, the average total treatment time with Invisalign® is between nine and 15 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30. If you would like to know more about Invisalign® orthodontic treatment, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good general and oral health. Candidates should also have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease and sufficient bone to support the implant in the jaw.
The incidence of dental implant failure is very low. The overall success rate in natural bone is 95 percent. With proper care, dental implants should last a lifetime. Patients should of course maintain meticulous oral hygiene and frequently visit our office for checkups. Contact the Preston Dental Center — serving North Carolina patients throughout the greater Cary, Raleigh, and Durham areas — and arrange a consultation at our family dentistry office to learn more about dental implants.
Removable dentures are very delicate and need to be very carefully cared for. Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid for cleaning, both of which are acceptable. However, avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Also, do not use bleach, as it may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Implant-supported dentures must be brushed twice daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy.
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Make sure your dentures are properly cared for, and, every morning, brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush. Doing so will remove plaque and stimulate circulation in the mouth. Patients should also maintain balanced diets and receive frequent checkups at our office.
Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dentistry treatments that are used to repair rear teeth that have experienced mild to moderate amounts of decay. They are also used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to warrant a dental crown.
Inlays and onlays are made of durable composite material that commonly lasts up to 30 years, much longer than the material in conventional metal fillings. If you would like to know more about inlays and onlays, contact the Preston Dental Center. Our cosmetic dentists provide Cary, Raleigh, and Durham-area family dentistry patients with exceptional care.
Despite the popular conception that it is a painful procedure, root canal (endodontic) treatment, which is administered under local anesthetic, is generally painless. It is widely thought that the perception of the root canal as painful comes from the pain associated with having an infected tooth. In fact, though, root canal therapy is meant to alleviate pain and discomfort.
If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling are likely to persist. In addition, the infection can injure your jaw bones, causing more extensive damage. Without treatment, the infected tooth often requires extraction. Root canal treatment can save your tooth before removal is needed.
Mouth sores may be symptoms of a serious disease or disorder. They could even develop into oral cancer. Early detection is essential. If you have a mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, meet with our cosmetic dentists as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid factors that increase your risk of contracting it, including tobacco and heavy alcohol use. Examine your own mouth after brushing and flossing and schedule regular dental checkups at our Cary, Raleigh, and Durham-area family dentistry office to allow for early detection and treatment.
Common warning signs of gum disease include:
Periodontal disease can be prevented by taking exceptional care of your teeth every day and having regular dental checkups. Brush your teeth and floss well twice a day, eat a balanced diet, and visit your dentist regularly. Contact the Preston Dental Center — serving North Carolina patients throughout the greater Cary, Raleigh, and Durham areas — and arrange an examination at our family dentistry office.
According to the American Dental Association, a child should have his or her first dental visit at one year of age. Do not wait until all primary teeth have erupted or until your child experiences pain. Children are at very high risk of developing cavities. Thus, it is never too early to instill proper oral healthcare habits. Learn more about children’s dentistry.
Take the following steps to prevent baby tooth decay:
If you need to know more about your child’s oral care or have any additional questions about our treatments or services, contact the Preston Dental Center today. We provide exceptional care to Cary, Raleigh, and Durham-area patients. Make an appointment with our family dentistry team today!