How can we help you?
We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.
These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.
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You can make an appointment at our office by visiting the link below and filling out one of our contact forms or by giving our office a call at (805) 687-2000.
To my loyal patients
After practicing dentistry in Santa Barbara for 39 years, I have decided to retire from clinical dentistry. It has been my great honor to be your dentist. Many of you have been with me since I started in 1982, and each of you has become a valued friend. I’ve enjoyed our many conversations and learned much from all of you. In retirement, I look forward to spending more time with my family, playing my horn and catching more waves.
After a long and careful search, I have found the ideal dentist to take over the practice. Dr. Ben McWilliams is a warm, talented, and compassionate professional who shares my commitment to excellent dentistry. I am confident that you will continue to receive the highest quality of dentistry from Dr. McWilliams. My dedicated staff whom you know and trust, and who have helped me for many years, will still be here supporting Dr. McWilliams. We are all working together to ensure a smooth transition to manage your specific course of treatment and preventive care.
Dr. McWilliams and his wife Kelsey are eager to connect to our Santa Barbara community. Dr. McWilliams joins us from a senior clinical provider position in a highly regarded Chicago, Illinois office. There he expanded his skills and developed a reputation for excellent patient care over the past 13 years. Prior to that, Dr. McWilliams matriculated from the University of Detroit Mercy’s prestigious six-year dental program in 2005, participating in a periodontal fellowship before graduating with honors. His experience and extensive education have honed his skills as an excellent provider and communicator, which I am sure you will appreciate. He will be bringing some exciting new technologies and expanded services to the practice to aid in your care. I know you will be very happy with Dr. McWilliams and ask that you extend to him the same courtesy and loyalty you have afforded me over these many years.
I am especially pleased that Dr. McWilliams and I share the same approach to caring for our patients, and I look forward to having him take care of me and my family’s dental needs. Dr. McWilliams and I will gladly answer any of your questions about the transition in the weeks ahead.
Your many kindnesses have always been appreciated; I will miss you.
Sincerely,
Lee Neuenschwander, DDS
Cosmetic Dentistry
Absolutely not! You are never too old to have a beautiful smile. Call us today to find out what we can do to help you. We'd be happy to show you pictures of some of our other cosmetic transformations.
We provide a number of different services that are designed to address your unique dental needs. Our dedicated team of professionals will work with you to develop a treatment plan that ensures your continued oral health and leaves you with a beautiful smile you can be proud of.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
- The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
- Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Yes. Today's digital x-rays are far safer than traditional radiographs. They emit less radiation, equivalent to taking a short walk in the sun. They also produce crisp and resizable images for your dentist, and this contributes to improved diagnostics and better treatment planning. Digital x-rays are also environmentally friendly compared to radiographs of the past.
Invisalign
Invisalign has a number of advantages over traditional braces:
- Invisalign is practically invisible.
- Invisalign can be cleaned quickly and easily.
- No wires need to be tightened.
- You have fewer visits to the dentist.
- You remove the aligners to eat, so Invisalign doesn't limit the foods you can enjoy.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition called sleep apnea. If you snore and also notice that you have trouble with daytime fatigue or drowsiness, mood swings, and headaches, call your physician to be evaluated for sleep apnea.
We can provide you with a comfortable mouth piece that will open up your airway while you sleep. More oxygen is allowed to enter the bloodstream, and both you and your significant other will rest easier.