About Incredible Smiles

Dental FAQs

Incredible Smiles FAQ's

Incredible Smiles was founded in 1993 in Boulder, Colorado.

Dr. Priya Uppal undergraduate, graduate school, and residency at the University of Minnesota. She was a Golden Gopher for nearly a decade! During Dr. Uppal’s tenure at the University, she spent time honing her expertise on head and neck anatomy, oral rehabilitation and rejuvenation, and minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Lori Kemmet grew up in Minnesota and her passion for dentistry grew out of her mother’s career as a dental receptionist. Dr. Kemmet graduated from the University of Minnesota, and spent three years as a dentist in the Air Force. She has been practicing dentistry since 1989.

Since 1998, she has been an instructor of advanced aesthetic courses at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI)* – teaching other dentists from around the world.

Dr. Priya Uppal and Dr. Kemmet’s primary focus is on Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry.

Dr. Priya Uppal is respected in the fields of cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Uppal creates “Incredible Smiles” by combining her technical training with an artistic and skillful eye. She has a unique approach to shaping and customizing each tooth. During a smile enhancement, Dr. Uppal builds each tooth with composite and then reshapes, shortens, or lengthens each tooth to be most flattering to the guest’s face shape, eyes, smile shape, height, and even lifestyle and personality. She doesn’t rely on a laboratory to design a smile for her guests. Instead, she sees the process through its entirety, and she works with one ceramist with whom she is in constant communication. The ceramist is exclusive to Incredible Smiles and makes custom veneers from the finest materials available today.

In addition, Incredible Smiles runs its office differently from the traditional dental practice. Dr. Uppal describes her office as soothing, comforting, and elegant. Walking into Incredible Smiles is like walking into a relaxing retreat. While focusing on exceptional dentistry, Incredible Smiles also offers luxury services including: paraffin hand wax, aromatherapy, Bose® headphones, soft blankets and VIP express checkout during each visit. Guests who come to Incredible Smiles for smile enhancement receive a high-end gift complete with a custom-labeled bottle of wine and two wine glasses or a pound of fine coffee and a coffee mug with a logo.

Because as they put it, “We’re here to care for people. We treat you like guests. We want you to have a wonderful experience and leave feeling great about yourself. Word choice affects our thoughts and actions and we prefer to ‘care for our guest’ rather than to ‘treat a patient.’

Dr. Priya Uppal is the Official Cosmetic Dentist to the Mrs Colorado, Mrs Colorado American, and Ms Colorado for America Strong pageants. Other guests that Incredible Smiles has treated include:

Teeth Whitening FAQ's

Unlike porcelain veneers, regular teeth are porous and susceptible to staining. Teeth stain at different rates depending on mouth chemistry, diet, and lifestyle (foods and drinks consumed), so how teeth stain and how easily they whiten varies from person to person. There are numerous methods of teeth whitening that range in price and ease of use. The premise behind most teeth whitening methods is essentially the same — a form of hydrogen peroxide finds its way into the pores of the teeth and bleaches stained particles. The variable is in the type of application and the corresponding strength of the whitening gel. What works well for one person may not work well for another. At Incredible Smiles, we recommend a complimentary consultation before making a choice so that your time and money are well spent.

Longevity will vary depending on each person and their lifestyle. Most people will choose to use one of the many simple methods our office provides to maintain their white teeth over time, once the initial whitening has occurred.

No. Studies have shown that with normal or suggested use of teeth whitening products, there is no harmful effect on teeth. It is common for some people to have some sensitivity to teeth whitening products.

There are two kinds of stains on teeth — superficial and inherent. Superficial stain comes from the things we eat, drink and expose to our teeth. This kind of stain is usually yellowish in nature and yields the best results with teeth-whitening systems. Inherent stain comes from things we absorb into our bodies such as minerals, fluoride, and various antibiotics such as tetracycline. Ingested especially at key developmental phases in life these substances can permanently discolor teeth to the point that no teeth whitening system will have a positive effect. People with inherent stains will often choose to whiten their teeth with veneers, which addresses the teeth’ color as well as length and shape.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ's

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental treatment that improves the beauty and health of one’s smile. Nearly every dental procedure has two elements: Aesthetics and function. A quality cosmetic dentist takes both of these elements into consideration; so that one may rest assured they will not only look great but enjoy hassle-free long-term results.

Cosmetic dentistry covers a multitude of procedures from smile teeth whitening to repairing, straightening, replacing, or enhancing the appearance of one’s teeth and smile. Most common is the use of Cosmetic Veneers or Laminates. These thin, but durable restorations are much more conservative to the natural tooth than traditional crowns and have become a very popular way to enhance a smile. In certain procedures, dental bonding can be a way to shape teeth as well.

Cosmetic dentistry provides more than just a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), cosmetic dentistry has also been shown to improve a person’s overall health and emotional well-being. An improved smile can boost a person’s self-image, making them more confident in their daily lives.

Cosmetic dental techniques have advanced dramatically over the last decade. The qualities of materials such as porcelain and composite resins have improved, giving a more lifelike appearance. And where gum-tissue surgery and contouring was once performed with scalpels, lasers now provide fast, non-surgical results.

If you are happy with the shape and color of your teeth, then orthodontic teeth straightening may be a good option for you. If you want to whiten and enhance the shape of your teeth as well as straighten them, then cosmetic dentistry will give you the results you are looking for while saving you time and money. Clear teeth aligners provide a great alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is the latest generation of “invisible” teeth aligners. Though not always necessary, some people will choose to undergo some teeth straightening prior to be fitted with cosmetic veneers.

Modern metal-free dentistry has evolved to a point where we can be much more conservative with tooth preparation. A dental veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth, a cosmetic veneer essentially covers the visible part of a tooth preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. Veneers can straighten, lengthen and whiten teeth to provide the desired smile and bite. Each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that an outer layer of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for veneer placement.

When “seated” correctly, veneers are strong and can last for many years, even a lifetime with good oral care.

Porcelain veneers are non-porous and will not stain or discolor.

Yes. Aesthetic dentistry is the ultimate blend of art and science. If quality and service are important to you, look for experience, proven results, and a focused approach to your unique needs and desires. There are many different materials used in veneers. Incredible Smiles creates all restorations with the help of one ceramist dedicated exclusively to Dr. Priya Uppal and her team.

Bonding is done by placing tooth-like material onto the tooth to build it up and/or to alter its shape. Over time the bonded portion of a tooth will change color as compared to the natural, un-bonded portion of the tooth. The advantage of bonding is that it is an ultra-conservative way to restore a tooth and is completed in one visit. The disadvantage is that it will discolor over time and is more prone to breakage than a veneer.

Many restorations are designed with a metal lining covered with porcelain (porcelain fused to metal or PFM). They appear “flat” because the metal does not let light pass through like a natural tooth does. There is often a dark line next to the gum line that is undesirable (often the metal irritates the adjacent gum tissue in the form of an allergic reaction). Always inquire! Dentists will say that it is porcelain. And it is…on the outside. We provide 100% all-porcelain restorations. When properly seated, they are as strong as or stronger than their metal predecessors. And the appearance is strikingly similar to a natural tooth, allowing light to pass through (referred to as translucency).

Sometimes people have too much gum tissue or there is an asymmetry of the tissue across the smile. The solution is simple. A specialized soft-tissue laser can remove the excessive gum tissue. There is always a margin of tissue that can safely be removed to further enhance a smile. This non-surgical and pain-free procedure is completed in a matter of minutes.

Cosmetic dental work is probably not as expensive as you think. The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on how much you want or need. Like any cosmetic process, costs will vary with the amount of products or services you desire. A skilled cosmetic dentist can explain various fees and the best procedure for you. Also, some cosmetic dental options are covered by insurance if a “need” can be established. People often take advantage of monthly payment plans.

In many cases, insurance will assist with any “needed” dentistry. In general, because of limits insurance companies place on dentistry, most people elect to pay their own fees. As a benefit to our guests, we provide a monthly payment program that makes restorative cosmetic dentistry affordable to almost anyone. We also provide a no-interest, same-as-cash program to qualifying guests.

Full Mouth Restoration FAQ's

Full Mouth Restoration, sometimes called neuromuscular dentistry, is the individual restructuring of each and every tooth. The goal of Full Mouth Restoration is to restore ideal occlusion (bite), therefore alleviating tension or pain from TMJ (temporomandibular joint or jaw joint) problems. Neuromuscular dentistry is a practice founded on the belief that a healthy smile begins with healthy function. This method of TMJ treatment determines the optimal physiological position of the jaw by measuring the relaxed position of head and neck muscles and then repositions the jaw to achieve those exact measurements.

The TMJ or Temperomandibular Joint is the “hinge” that functions when the jaw opens and closes. There are many theories and practices for treating TMJ pain. Every TMJ dentist will have his or her own theory on TMJ treatment. People will often report neck and upper back pain, headaches, sore muscles, and even migraines. Neuromuscular dentistry practices under the premise that when the teeth are shortened (either by wear, grinding, old age, clenching, or even the cumulative effects of large amounts of dentistry) then the jaw over-closes causing stress and pressure in the TMJ. By restoring the vertical dimension to the teeth or by positioning a carefully fitted orthotic optimal health and function is restored to the TMJ. Many people suffering from TMJ pain have found relief using the techniques and theories of neuromuscular dentistry.

Anyone can experience neuromuscular problems usually known as TMJ pain. Typically, those who were born with poor jaw position or improper bite (malocclusion) begin to experience problems in their teen years. Others who have had a history of teeth grinding may begin to have symptoms in their mid-40s or even earlier. Problems that can be addressed with neuromuscular dentistry include broken or missing teeth, as well as old, decaying dentistry, and TMJ pain. When there is an imbalance in the muscles that open and close the jaw and/or bite then tension is created causing pain.

Fortunately, there are great ways to address neuromuscular problems. Neuromuscular issues require a neuromuscular approach and solution. Dr. Priya uses a computerized diagnosis called Myotronics to both relax and determine ideal occlusion. Treatment options may include an orthotic that temporarily repositions the bite the same way as bite-guard therapy. Orthotic therapy always precedes Full Mouth Restoration. The other, more fixed solution is the ideal restoration of each tooth (Full Mouth Restoration). Both approaches seek to alleviate pain and tension in the jaw, head, and neck.

Full Mouth Restoration is the complete restoration of each and every tooth to an optimal shade, length, shape, and position. This technique involves a preliminary information-gathering visit. Incredible Smiles uses special computer diagnostics and neuromuscular methods to relax the jaw muscles. Once we know where the muscles and jaw are most comfortable, this information is used to make an orthotic that supports the comfortable position. Once comfort is established, we remove old dentistry and prepare each tooth. Guests leave the office with temporary restorations that position the occlusion optimally. Three to four weeks later, we remove the temporaries and permanently “seat” each restoration.

Myotronics is a computerized process that helps determine the proper relationship between the upper and lower teeth for each individual. During this phase of treatment, the jaw muscles are relaxed by “tensing,” a technique often used by physical therapists to relax muscle spasms. Muscle tension is monitored on a computer via special sensors that read muscle impulses to determine when full relaxation has occurred. This two-to-three-hour process helps to determine where the individual teeth should be restored so that they are comfortable. When the teeth are functioning in the correct bite position, the muscles and soft tissue around the head and neck remain relaxed.

Dental Implant FAQ's

A dental implant is a surgical procedure designed to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone and replaces what was once the root of the tooth. A crown is attached to the implant to simulate an individual tooth.

A dental implant literally replaces a missing tooth. A dental implant simulates the root of a tooth to which the cosmetic dentist attaches a cosmetic tooth. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is non-surgical and uses the adjacent teeth to support a new cosmetic tooth. A dental implant is not invasive to surrounding teeth (especially desirable if they are healthy and in good condition). By simulating the root, it engages the bone and keeps it healthy. Because a dental implant is an individual tooth it is also easier to floss. A dental bridge can be a good choice if the adjacent teeth are in need of restoration. However, there are other subtle factors such as age, timing, and bone health that you should discuss with Dr. Uppal when deciding which options may be best for you.

Once a person is deemed a good candidate for dental implants, there is one visit to surgically place the implant. Some applications are ready for immediate restoration, others may be required to wait anywhere from 3 to 6 months for bone growth to solidify around the implant to anchor it. At this point, the implant can be restored to completion.

Restorative Dentistry FAQ's

Restorative dentistry replaces old mercury fillings, old ugly crowns, and composites that have become discolored. Restorative dentistry repairs cracked teeth and/or missing teeth. We are renewing the teeth that need help in a comprehensive (all-inclusive) manner, which is an investment that saves time and money.

Restorative Dentistry is ideal for an individual wanting to renew restorations in a couple of easy visits to ensure overall oral health and a beautiful smile that feels good. He or she may be tired of “piece-meal” dentistry that never seems to quite solve a problem with a tooth. They may feel that their bite is always just a little bit “off.” By comprehensively addressing numerous teeth all at once (in some cases an entire upper or lower arch) then length shape and health can be restored to a more ideal state.

Restorative Dentistry is usually accomplished in two visits – each ranging from 2 to 4 hours depending on the procedure.

Any place where there is an actual porcelain restoration – whether it is a veneer or a crown, will not be susceptible to decay. However, any uncovered area of the natural tooth structure (including the root surface and area under gum tissue) is vulnerable to decay. Continuing with regular dental hygienist visits (as well as good home care) will help preserve the integrity and health of your teeth and preserve your investment.

Maintenance / Oral Care FAQs

There is more happening than just a “teeth cleaning” at an advanced dental office. The primary aspect of the visit is to remove tarter and calculus (hardened prolonged buildup) from around the teeth and under the gum where floss and a toothbrush do not reach. The hygienist will measure the depth of the “pocket,” or space, between the tooth and gum. These measurements should be taken at least once a year. Up to three millimeters is considered healthy, as this is the barrier between the exposed part of your tooth and the inner workings of your body. Three millimeters is also the maximum depth that floss will reach. When people don’t floss as often as necessary, dental cleaning visits are even more important. A visit every four to six months is recommended for people in good oral health who floss and take good care of their teeth and gums. For some people, more frequent visits may be necessary as recommended by the hygienist.

You should be able to stay on regular dental teeth cleaning visits. Cosmetic restorations do not stain and they are unlikely to have any buildup over time. But the natural tooth adjacent to the restoration and the area under the gum needs the regular attention of a skilled hygienist. With good personal and professional care, cosmetic restorations can last a lifetime.

Once a guest in our practice receives the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, they may return for follow-up care because of our attention to detail and our expertise with leading-edge materials and cosmetic dental techniques. We would be happy to provide you with information regarding the care of your cosmetic dentistry should you choose to return to your general dental office.

X-rays are necessary to detect decay between teeth and areas not visible to the naked eye. Since gum and bone problems happen slowly over time, they are often not felt or detected from the surface. X-rays are also necessary for detecting bone loss and infections at root surfaces. Many people are understandably concerned about excessive radiation. Incredible Smiles takes digital radiographs, which use 80% less radiation than conventional techniques.

New advances in tooth-colored porcelain and composite materials not only allow fillings to go unnoticed but in many cases are stronger and more wear-resistant than amalgam (silver fillings).

Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is an advanced way to straighten teeth and improve smiles. Using the latest medical imaging technologies, Invisalign manufactures precision polymer aligners that rapidly straighten teeth.

Using a precise 3-dimensional analysis of your teeth and adjacent tissue, Invisalign crafts personalized aligners for our guests. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks and can be removed to eat, brush, floss, and on special occasions. During wear, the teeth are gently moved to their ideal position. The length of the process depends on the specific situation and the results each person wants to achieve.

Invisalign aligners are:

  • Clear – most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
  • Comfortable – Invisalign aligners are gentle to your mouth.
  • Removable – take them out to eat or brush, then put them back in again.
  • Hygienic – surfaces are easy to keep clean.
  • Affordable – in most cases, the cost is comparable to metal braces.
  • Fast – treatment time is comparable and in many cases less than that of traditional braces. An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about one year.

Never underestimate the power of a nice smile. A nice smile is not only beautiful, but it also promotes good health:

  • Teeth that are straight and evenly spaced are easier to keep clean, leading to better oral health. Better oral health can reduce the incidence of heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, and other health conditions.
  • Teeth that are properly aligned chew more efficiently, and that aids in proper digestion
  • Teeth that are straight and properly aligned create a more perfect bite, and that avoids excessive stress, headaches, and strain on your supporting bone and tissue.
  • The social benefits of a beautiful smile are also important:
  • Confidence – in job interviews, public speaking, and personal relationships.
  • Clearer speech – teeth play an important role in your ability to speak.

When it comes to creating beautiful smiles, Invisalign is the clear winner. Invisalign aligners:

  • Are clearer – Invisalign aligners are the “clearest” on the market.
  • Stay clearer – Invisalign aligners do not “cloud” during treatment.
  • Are more hygienic – the smooth surface of Invisalign aligners has no ridges to trap bacteria and is easier to clean.
  • Are more comfortable – Invisalign’s revolutionary manufacturing process creates the most precise aligners on the market today, ensuring the most accurate fit.

Orthodontics is not just about creating straight teeth; it is also about establishing a healthy, long-lasting biting position for the teeth. Crooked teeth often result in excessive wear that can lead to a variety of long-term problems. Dr. Uppal understands the importance of function and aesthetics.

For added convenience and care, many people choose Dr. Uppal for teeth straightening to achieve the proper positioning prior to proceeding with cosmetic veneers.

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