Nearly everyone would like to have a bright smile with healthy, natural-looking teeth. But many people put off -- or avoid all together -- an encounter with the dentist.

Dentistry has changed. And you might be interested in this brief update on the ways it can now bring you the health and cosmetic results you want with minimal discomfort at an affordable cost and on a schedule which meets your needs.

• Dentistry is much less painful than in the past as result of more personal patient attention and advancements in procedures to control discomfort -- such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
• An orientation to patient needs often provides new conveniences such as flexible office hours and individual payment plans.
• Patients are assured the utmost in safety through both state-of-the-art sterilization techniques, and digital x-rays.
• Patients can now achieve an enhanced smile and natural-looking teeth due to the numerous advancements in dental esthetics.
• Of course, brushing and flossing are still important, but, in addition, methods for effective prevention of fractured teeth, bone loss, and jaw joint (TMJ) pain are now readily available.