Smile. This really won't hurt a bit.
Clients respond enthusiastically to this kind of "boutique dentistry."
By Marcy Horwitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Dental work that involves feelings of tension, pain and stress? That's so very 20th century. There are now a variety of new techniques and tools out there that will change the way you think about dentistry. Today's approaches might even have you looking forward to your next dental appointment.

Kevin Ripka, photo At Fresh Smiles, Dr. Christine Ottersberg uses instruments with cameras to help her get a closer look at dental issues.

The emphasis these days is on cosmetic dentistry, but "cosmetic" in this sense means more than superficial appearance. Teeth that align properly, for instance, are not merely more attractive. They also contribute to overall health since proper chewing aids digestion. That's partially why increasing numbers of adults are joining the teen set in opting for braces.

Whitening techniques have also improved. To achieve a younger, fresher look used to require overnight treatments lasting days, even weeks. Now you can whiten your teeth during a single office visit. Maintaining your new look can take as little as 15 minutes a day.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause untold misery. Today's dentists look at the whole body in order to resolve TMJ issues. Correction is likely to begin with an examination of a patient's posture to see if structural anomalies or skeletal misalignments are playing a role in the condition.

Kevin Ripka, photo Ottersberg's dental chair is equipped with a massager, which helps take the anxiety out of dental visits.

There are also changes in the way nighttime mouth guards are fitted. Today, you're likely to be asked to relax your jaw - rather than clench it - when you are first measured for your device.

Of course, everyone wants to save their teeth for as long as they can - for life, if possible. Chipped or broken teeth can be fixed by applying thin layers of porcelain veneer to the affected teeth, saving not only your smile, but also the stress of replacement.

But sometimes teeth are beyond saving. The old approach of installing a bridge would usually require the destruction of nearby healthy teeth. Instead, many dentists now opt for dental implants, which are virtually identical to original teeth in terms of durability and performance.

Kevin Ripka, photo Patients can also relieve stress with a massage before their appointment.

And for those who can't get past the pain factor, sedation is available. That allows for maximum patient comfort during extended procedures.

Fresh Smiles is one example of 21st century dentistry in action. Dentist Christine Ottersberg has designed her office with patient comfort in mind. A massage chair is so inviting, people tend to arrive early for their appointments. Soft lighting, muted neutral colors, and even the subtly-scented air help people relax. During treatment, there are thoughtful touches like warm blankets. And afterwards, scalp, hand and neck massages are available.

Clients respond enthusiastically to this kind of "boutique dentistry."

"It's the most pleasant and relaxed dental experience I have ever had," says Lisa Van Riper. An executive with CarMax, Van Riper says, "When I take care of myself, I want it to be as easy as possible."

Fresh Smiles more than fulfills her expectations." I'm trying to get my husband to go!" n