57 Street Rd. Suite M

Southampton, PA 18966

Ph. (215) 357-1180

Fx. (215) 357-1766

Cosmetic Dentistry Questions

What is cosmetic dentistry?

While other branches of dentistry focus on maintaining functionally strong, healthy teeth,

cosmetic dentistry is devoted to aesthetic smile enhancement. Treatments such as teeth

whitening, porcelain veneers, and teeth realignment can drastically improve the appearance

of your smile.

My teeth are yellow. What's the best way to whiten them?

Professional teeth whitening techniques can brighten even the most discolored smiles. At-home

and in-office whitening systems bleach away stains and discolorations to give patients dazzling

white smiles.

What are my options for getting my teeth straightened?

There are many smile realignment techniques available. Dr. Habbel applies porcelain veneers

and performs minor orthodontic adjustments as a solution to misaligned teeth.

I've heard a lot about porcelain veneers. What are they?

Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to quickly and easily restore stained, misshaped,

and misaligned teeth. Veneers are crafted of tooth-colored porcelain custom-designed to cover the

front of the tooth, thereby reproducing its original color and shape.

Can I get my smile completely made over?               

Dr. Habbel can combine a variety of procedures, including restorative treatments, porcelain

veneers, and teeth whitening, to completely restore and renovate your smile. Contact our

office for more information on your treatment options.

Restorative Dentistry Questions

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring function to broken, chipped, or missing teeth.

Devices such as mini dental implants, crowns and bridges, inlays and onlays, and full or

partial dentures can repair or replace badly damaged or missing teeth.

I have some missing teeth. What can be done to replace them?

There are several options for replacing missing teeth. Mini-dental implants are one of the

best, since they are permanent and feel just like natural teeth. Other options include bridges,

crowns and dentures which fill gaps with artificial teeth held in place by the surrounding

natural tooth structure.

I have a lot of metal fillings. Can I get them replaced?

Dr. Habbel can replace existing metallic fillings with tooth-colored fillings which fill

cavities while blending flawlessly with the rest of the tooth.

What is a dental crown?

Crafted of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, dental crowns are frequently used in restorative

dentistry to restore broken or badly decayed teeth.The crown fits over the remaining tooth like a cap

to protect it and restore it to its original shape. Crowns look and function just like natural teeth, fit

snugly at the gum line, and protect the remaining natural tooth from further decay. They can also

improve facial contours affected by missing teeth and prevent shifting and overuse of the

surrounding tooth structure.

What is a dental bridge?          

Crafted of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The bridge usually consists of three attached crowns with the two end crowns attaching to existing teeth like dental crowns. The middle tooth (pontic) is replacing the missing tooth.

One of my teeth is badly cracked. Can it be fixed?

Your dentist has several options to treat a cracked tooth. A dental crown can protect the tooth from

further damage and restore its shape and function. Sometimes all that is required to eliminate the

crack is a composite (white filling). If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may need to extract it

and replace it with an implant or dental bridge.

General Dentistry Questions

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

The use of dental lasers generally results in less bleeding, shorter procedures and recovery

times, and virtually no postoperative discomfort. At Dr. Habbel's practice, we use a variety of

lasers to provide top-notch comprehensive care.

What treatments are available for periodontal disease?

Periodontitis is a gum disease that occurs when the gums and jawbone become infected by bacteria

contained in accumulated plaque. Dr. Habbel uses laser technology to sterilize below the gum line

and shrink periodontal pockets

What if I'm afraid to go to the dentist?

Dr. Habbel provides "pain-free care" to eliminate discomfort and anxiety during dental procedures.

A painless injection achieves a numbing effect without any noticeable prick of the needle, so you

don't have to worry about pain at the dentist's office. NItrous oxide sedation is also available.

How do I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are crucial to preventing tooth decay and gum

disease. Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist twice a year to minimize plaque and

erosive bacteria.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

If your mouth is affected by extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, or light contact; swelling of the gums;

or tooth discoloration, you may benefit from a root canal. This procedure removes the pulp of teeth

irreversibly damaged by infection, cavities, or trauma in order to preserve their health and function.

My jaw hurts. What might be the problem?

If you experience frequent jaw pain or headaches, or you notice a clicking sound when you chew,

you may have TMJ disorder or TMD. TMJ disorder affects the muscles, ligaments, and bones of

the temporomandibular joints on either side of the jaw that control the movement of the mouth.

Dr. Habbel's practice treats TMJ problems to relieve these uncomfortable symptoms.

Contact Us

At our practice, we want you to feel as informed as possible about your dental health. We welcome

your questions and concerns. If you have further questions for Dr. Habbel, please contact our

office to schedule a consultation

57 Street Rd. Suite M, Southampton, PA 18966

Ph. (215) 357-1180 • Fx. (215) 357-1766

If you need dental treatment, you probably have questions about the problem you are

experiencing and the procedures and services we offer. At Dr. Habbel's practice, we provide

comprehensive care for a variety of dental problems. We invite you to contact our practice

to discuss your concerns.

Like us on