
Jan
Cavities don’t have to be in your future. At VanderLaan Family Dentistry, our team treats patients like we expect our own family members to be treated. As such, Dr. Matthew VanderLaan prioritizes forging and sustaining the strong and healthy relationships that support strong and healthy teeth! With routine visits to our office in Byron Center, Michigan, we identify and address specific risk factors for cavities and tooth decay. By providing guidance on things like home care, this damage can be avoided. As needed, we also provide a conservative and cosmetic form of cavity repair: tooth-colored composite dental fillings. Here, we walk you through four steps to restoring your healthy, beautiful smile.
All treatments start with an examination. Dr. VanderLaan may recommend dental fillings to treat cavities, which are small holes in the tooth structure that result from the progressive decay process. The holes can be “filled in” by using prepared dental materials. Traditionally, these materials have included metals like amalgam and non-metals like dental composite. A type of resin designed to look and function like natural tooth structure, dental composite once applied strengthens damaged teeth. It replaces the lost tooth structure.
A pleasant patient experience is our ultimate priority. This experience is built on comfort, safety, and precise treatments that lead to patient satisfaction with the outcomes or results. So, our kind and skilled team uses many tools and products to help achieve this, including local anesthetic. The use of anesthetics allows you to not feel any sensations throughout treatment. Any discomfort associated with removing damaged tissue is avoided, and once such preparation is done, we essentially give your tooth a clean slate! The tooth is sterilized and free of decayed areas, and now Dr. VanderLaan can go about applying the resin to build up the treatment site.
The use of dental composites for cavity repair is a form of direct restoration. These dental restorations involve applying the material directly to the affected tooth. In this case, a composite that blends in with the color of the tooth is applied in layers to the cavity. As the layers of composite are added, the material is hardened to ensure the strongest bond between tooth and resin. This is done with a special curing light. Dr. VanderLaan also makes the slightest adjustments or refinements as needed to support optimal aesthetics and strength.
Fillings treatment can be completed in one straightforward visit. No additional treatment is needed for many patients who maintain good home care and regular check-ups at our office in Byron Center, MI. Their tooth is preserved conservatively, safely, and in the most cosmetic way possible with metal-free materials. VanderLaan Family Dentistry is privileged to use our extensive talents and capabilities to restore teeth to health with the highest quality materials and partner with patients to protect their smiles for life. Call (616) 288-2554 today to schedule your check-up with Dr. VanderLaan and to experience our relationship-based approach firsthand.
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.