
Mar
We need our teeth to be in good working order to mash our favorite foods or support the clarity of our speech. But the power of our teeth transcends the functional; one flash of white, healthy, even teeth convey our youthful energy, confidence, joy, and pride to the world. It is our great pride at VanderLaan Family Dentistry to provide so many options for cosmetic services to make over the appearance of our patients’ smiles. Our Byron Center, Michigan team has highlighted three of these options below and the corresponding cosmetic concerns they treat.
Dr. Matthew may whiten teeth in one visit to our office. Or, he may customize whitening trays to fit your teeth. Still, other options, such as proven whitening strips and MI Paste® by GC America, may be recommended for certain types of discoloration like chalky white spots. There is likely to be an option that may work for you. We strive to get results with minimal sensitivity and other risks due, in part, to our use of clinically proven safe and customized products to address your unique needs and personal characteristics.Â
Dr. Matthew may recommend porcelain veneers for intrinsic/internal discoloration not responsive to professional whitening. These thin shells of porcelain may also be appropriate to cover up chipped teeth, excess and/or uneven spaces between teeth, and other irregularities in the shape or size of the teeth. Any time these irregularities exist, they can detract from your smile’s beautiful harmony, uniformity, and balance! Modern veneers are often no thicker than a fingernail. So, they can be applied with minimal preparation to the natural teeth. A small amount of enamel is buffed off before each veneer is secured to the front surfaces of the flawed tooth. Once applied, the veneer covers up the cosmetic imperfections underneath it. Porcelain, too, is strong, looks like real tooth enamel, and resists staining. You can enjoy your new smile for many years with good oral care.
ClearCorrect® is often dubbed as a cosmetic alternative to conventional braces. This alternative does not use braces to beautify the smile. Instead, it is among a category of orthodontic treatments that use clear aligners to reposition the teeth gradually. No brackets. No wires. No elastics or bands. When you smile, these aligners are not visible because they are made from advanced and transparent plastic. No one besides your friends at VanderLaan Family Dentistry has to know that you are straightening your teeth. Our patients in the Byron Center, MI, area also appreciate that they can remove the aligners before meals and brushing their teeth. This feature makes for a much more comfortable and healthy treatment process.Â
If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, let’s talk! Call (616) 288-2554 to request an appointment with Dr. Matthew today.
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.