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If you’ve envied the flawless smile of your favorite celebrity, you’re not alone. Very few people are blessed with a perfect smile. Most of us have imperfections; cosmetic dentistry can help with most flaws. Whether you want whiter teeth or a full smile makeover, Dr. Matthew VanderLaan and his team at VanderLaan Family Dentistry are here to help you achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
One of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatments is professional teeth whitening. Life takes a toll on the whiteness of our teeth. Teeth can become yellowed with age, and some favorite foods and beverages can stain our teeth. Instead of reaching for an ineffective over-the-counter teeth whitening product, opt for professional whitening.
DIY products are allowed by law to contain no more than .01% of the solution used for teeth whitening. But your dentist can use gels with up to 6% of the same solution. Equally important, your dental care team will ensure your gums are protected when your teeth are whitened.
You may have multiple aesthetic issues with your front teeth. In this scenario, porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution for you. Porcelain veneers can be used to disguise or camouflage:
Orthodontics can also be a part of your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. For teeth with mild malocclusion (crooked teeth), Dr. VanderLaan offers ClearCorrect® clear aligner therapy. Clear aligners work similarly to traditional metal braces but are much more discreet and comfortable. Perhaps best of all, clear aligners are removable. So you can still enjoy your favorite foods and remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth.
Dental implants replace missing teeth, so they’re usually considered restorative dentistry. However, they can also be a part of your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. While functionality is the most important thing, having a smile with all your teeth is also important for your quality of life.
Porcelain dental crowns are often used to function or protect a weak tooth. For example, if you’ve had a root canal and your natural tooth is weak, your dentist may top it off with a porcelain crown. However, dental crowns can also be used for aesthetic purposes. Porcelain crowns are hollow shells that cover an entire tooth. Crowns can be used to cover poorly shaped teeth, badly decayed teeth, or chipped or broken teeth. A cosmetic dentist can use crowns to even out spaces between teeth.
If you are wondering what cosmetic dentistry is, Byron Center, MI’s Dr. Matthew VanderLaan, and the staff at VanderLaan Family Dentistry have answers for you. Contact us today at (616) 288-2554 to learn more about your options for cosmetic dentistry.
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.