Harmon F Adams, DDS and Todd H Adams, DDS Dentists for Bainbridge Island, Washington

<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <table width=100% height=100% cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0 border=0> <tr> <td align=center> <table width=495 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/home_header.gif" width=270 height=56 border=0 alt="Healthy-Smiles presented by Dr. H. F. Adams & Dr. T. H. Adams"><br> <p align="right"><img src="images/excellence.gif" width=450 height=28 border=0 alt="Excellence in General Family Dentistry"><br> <p>We offer complete Restorative Dentistry, Esthetic Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, Dentures, Limited Endodontics, Minor Oral Surgery, Periodontal Hygiene and Therapy, Children's Dentistry and care for Elderly Patients as well. This implies early diagnosis, appropriate treatment options and a predictable prognosis. <p><img src="images/19sm.jpg" width=220 height=296 border=0 valign="top" align="right" alt="Healthy Smiles are our business.">We have both mentored with the finest instructors available and have both taught at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. We believe very strongly in a theme of excellence and have patterned our practice after world-renowned dentists. The finest care is provided to all patients at a reasonable fee. <p>In our opinion, it is important to establish a personalized maintenance program for each patient. With this in mind, we offer appointments Monday through Friday, every other Saturday and weekly evening appointments. Open, friendly communication and questions are always welcome and we look forward to these opportunities. <p>Please enjoy your visit to our website. <a href="mailto:info@healthy-smiles.com" onMouseOver="window.status='Contact Us'; return true;" onMouseOut="window.status=''; return true;">Contact us</a> to schedule an appointment or request additional information. We may be reached by phone at <nobr>(206) 842-0324.</nobr>. <p>Our offices are located at 166 Winslow Way West, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110. <p>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/treatment.gif" width=420 height=28 border=0 alt="EARLY DIAGNOSIS VS. TREATMENT OPTIONS"> <p><img src="images/pano_sm.jpg" width=150 height=345 border=0 align="left" valign="top" alt="Panoramic x-ray equipment">Early diagnosis of the initial dental problem is very beneficial to the patient. Diagnosis is typically followed by the most conservative and least invasive procedure. For example, in one short appointment, tooth decay can be directly replaced with a resin sealant or filling, or in two consecutive appointments, it can be replaced with an indirect inlay or onlay made of gold or porcelain. For teeth with previous restorations, the treatment options are limited and are dictated by the prior work and possible failure of this work. In addition to early diagnosis, it is also beneficial to treat a recurring dental problem without delay. <p>Most replacement procedures require securing the walls of the tooth with a cemented porcelain or gold restoration. A combination of porcelain fused to gold or all porcelain restorations are used where esthetics is necessary. <p>For periodontal problems of the gum or underlying bone, it is imperative that treatment be started early and have a successful result before dental procedures are initiated. To allow the teeth or the gums to approach a terminal or crisis state before seeking help will diminish a successful result. Treatment costs will also greatly increase. <a href="body/perio.html" onMouseOver="window.status='Learn about Peridontal Disease'; return true;" onMouseOut="window.status=''; return true;">Learn more about Periodontal Disease</a>. <p>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/bleaching.gif" width=325 height=56 border=0 alt="BLEACHING / DENTAL WHITENING AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY"> <p>Smile analysis, with color correction or alteration is the state of the art for dentistry in the 1990's and the upcoming millennium. Not only are lighter teeth more youthful, but whiter, straighter, properly placed and well-shaped teeth with a pleasant smile are a confidence booster and a lifestyle stimulant. They should not look false but naturally harmonize with your skin tones, eye and hair color, your smile and lip form. <p><img src="images/81sm.jpg" width=200 height=315 border=0 valign="top" align="right" alt="Natural smile harmonizes with skin tones, eyes, and lips.">An easy way of changing the initial appearance is with teeth whitening. The most predictable and ultimately the least expensive way to accomplish this is with custom bleach trays fabricated in the dental office. Over the counter products are available but are reportedly messy, are less predictable and may have additional side effects. <p>Dental bleaching is safe for most teens and adults with healthy dentitions. Age is not a factor to effective bleaching as long as one's teeth are sound and minimally restored. Dramatic results are usually obtained in a few weeks. The drawbacks to bleaching are: it does not affect the color of existing restorations, one may experience mild tooth or gum sensitivity, and color changes are only semi-permanent. <p>We believe the ultimate in cosmetic dentistry is either Porcelain Laminates or Porcelain Crowns. There are other less expensive, alternative materials, however, in our opinion, they are less color stable, and therefore inferior to Porcelain. What most patients do not realize is that cosmetic dentistry is not a quick procedure. Proper treatment usually requires three to four appointments. <p>Eighty percent of adults will demonstrate an esthetic compromise in the visible area of their smile. The combination of cracks, incisal wear and dental restorations along with the natural, internal, aging process within these teeth promotes color changes. These changes create a gray to orange/brown opaque cast on the most visible portion of the tooth. This is in contrast to the translucent, blue hue of youth. <p>In conjunction with bleaching and/or cosmetic dentistry, there exists the occasional need for orthodontic repositioning of teeth or cosmetic sculpturing of the gum tissue. We will often refer to a chosen specialist in the community for these services. Because we strive for excellence, we choose specialists very carefully to be a part of our team. <p><img src="images/smile.jpg" width=220 height=126 valign="top" align="right" border=0 alt="A picture perfect smile.">Another viable design alternative to the cosmetic restoration is the Gold Inlay or Onlay. With indiscernible coverage, while satisfying the objective of strengthening the tooth, this restoration is the treatment of choice when replacing moderate-sized silver fillings on back teeth after they have begun to fail. The dark blue/black residue of the failing amalgam can be replaced with a tooth-colored material to rejuvenate the appearance of the tooth. The advantage of this restoration is the conservation of tooth structure while securing or stabilizing the tooth. <p>All cosmetic restorations require a deliberate, precise technique by a skilled operator as well as the highest standard of quality control. To ensure this standard, we utilize state of the art equipment and inspect our work under a microscope to provide a beautiful, lasting product. These restorations will last twenty years or more in a healthy patient. <p>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/2ndopinion.gif" width=495 height=28 border=0 alt="SECOND OPINION VS. YELLOW PAGES ADVERTISING"> <p><img src="images/34sm.jpg" width=200 height=300 border=0 valign="top" align="right" alt="Protect your dental future.">The objective of all dental care is to obtain the best result at a fair fee. Quality work can cost more initially, but can be the best value in the long term. Choose a dentist that will phase the treatment over a period of time. This is your best plan for the future and will achieve the initial goal. We've done this for over thirty-five years, and it works. <p>When another opinion is needed, it should not be used for looking for an alternative to the best plan. It should be for improving the prognosis. We recommend the expertise of a specialist (e.g. periodontists, endodontists, or oral surgeons) to further the improvement of the initial treatment. <p>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/health.gif" width=400 height=28 border=0 alt="Good oral health is easy to maintain"> <p>A simple routine of brushing and flossing, good eating habits and regular dental check-ups can help prevent most dental problems. When home care is combined with innovative dental techniques and the preventive care of your Washington State Dental Association dentist, your teeth can last a lifetime. <p align=center><img src="images/oralB.jpg" width=400 height=50 border=0 alt="Oral B Toothbrush"> <p>The following tips for good oral care are brought to you by your WSDA member dentist. Count On Us For A Lifetime Of Healthy Smiles. <dl> <dt>What Causes Tooth Decay? <dd> Plaque is a thin, colorless, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat foods containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids which attack tooth enamel. The sticky plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth, breaking down the enamel and causing cavities.<br> <br> <dt>Preventing Cavities <dd>Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is easy if you follow these tips: Brush twice daily with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. (ADA - American Dental Association.) Fluoride is one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth decay. Children need to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.<br> <br> <dt>Floss daily <dd>Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.<br> <br> <dt>Eat nutritious meals <dd>Eat nutritious meals including a variety of foods from the five major food groups (i.e., fruits, meat, vegetables, milk, fish and grain products) and limit snacking. Getting plenty of calcium helps strong bones and healthy teeth.<br> <br> <dt><img src="images/45sm.jpg" width=200 height=270 border=0 valign="top" align="right" alt="Protect your childrens teeth.">Protect your teeth <dd>Consult your dentist about which dental products are right for you and your family. Ask your dentist about having sealants (a plastic, protective coating) applied to your children's teeth to reduce the risk of decay. <br> <br> <dt>Visit your dentist regularly <dd>Checking for dental decay is only part of a complete oral exam. Your dentist also checks for gum disease and examines the health of your mouth and surrounding tissue. Many diseases and medical conditions have signs that can appear in the mouth. <br> <br> <dt>Baby Bottle Tooth Decay <dd>Infants can develop cavities through a condition commonly known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. This condition is caused by repeated exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugar. It develops when a baby frequently receives a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids to serve as a pacifier, at bedtime or for naps. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay can be prevented by wiping the child's teeth and gums with a damp cloth or gauze pad after each feeding, brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, and never allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing sweetened liquids. <br> <br> <dt>Older Adults <dd>Contrary to popular belief, cavities are a common problem among older adults. Receding gums combined with an increased incidence of gum disease can expose the roots of the teeth to plaque. The majority of people over age 50 have some tooth-root decay. Ill-fitting dentures or bridges, poor diets, poor oral hygiene, other medical diseases, and even some medications can increase the severity of gum disease. Be sure to tell your dentist about any illness you have or any medications you are taking, including those you purchase over the counter.<br> <br> <dt>Special Care During Orthodontic Treatment <dd>Keeping your teeth and gums clean while you are wearing braces may take a little longer but it is well worth the effort. Poor brushing may result in permanent stains on your teeth. Food particles left in braces or between your teeth are likely to produce odors and may create decay under the brackets damaging your teeth and gums while you are having orthodontic treatment. Ask your dentist or orthodontist about the proper method for brushing and flossing. </dl> <p><img src="images/glide.jpg" width=115 height=132 align="right" valign="top" border=0 alt="Glide Floss">It is never too early to start caring for your teeth. Depend on your dental team for regular check-ups, cleanings and treatments for problems; however, daily dental care is in your hands. <p>Count On Us For A Lifetime Of Healthy Smiles. <p>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/choosing.gif" width=325 height=28 border=0 alt="CHOOSING A DENTIST VS. COST"> <p>It is most important for a patient to select the very best care available and then maintain it. We feel it is fitting to interview and question the dentist of your choice. An appointment can be made just for this purpose. When major treatment is contemplated, ask about sterilization techniques, use of the rubber dam, use of a lab microscope, use of a laboratory, educational experience of the dentist and procedures. <p><img src="images/auto_sm.jpg" align=left valign=top width=230 height=220 border=0 alt="Autoclave used for sterilization.">Our office is equipped with all known protection systems for the patient including a state of the art sterilization program for instruments and equipment. For countless reasons, we advocate the use of the rubber dental dam for most operative procedures. Use of the dental dam not only protects our patients but also makes our work more efficient. This translates into less frequent replacement of restorations and less time in the dental chair for you. <p>A 10-20X power microscope is used to evaluate detail and to assure the proper fit of all cemented or bonded restorations. We also possess an in-house ceramic and gold laboratory and are extremely proficient in all laboratory techniques. This minimizes patient waiting time and additional appointments. <p>Regarding costs, most adults who have had silver fillings previously placed in their teeth are candidates for having them replaced. Except for the very smallest filling, the worst choice of materials would be the tooth colored composite resin as a replacement. They cost about one fourth that of a laboratory fabricated bonded or cemented restoration and, in all probability, will fail faster than the filling that they replaced. The consequence of this is that there is less tooth structure remaining making it difficult to place a cemented laboratory fabricated porcelain or conservative gold restoration. <p>Most crowns and conservative gold fillings placed under controlled conditions and circumstances will last a minimum of twenty years if properly maintained. This is a durable good in our culture and an excellent investment in your dental health. <a href="body/gold.html" onMouseOver="window.status='Learn about the advantages of gold'; return true;" onMouseOut="window.status=''; return true;">Learn more about the advantages of gold</a>. <p>On June 9, 1999, on NPR's Marketplace program, in a discussion of the savings rate in the US, they used the analogy of a $2.50 a day latte invested daily for thirty years at 9% interest equaled approximately $140,000. In perspective, a single casting, be it gold or porcelain, would cost seven cents a day and the $2.50 latte would cover 23 teeth, or a full mouth rehabilitation, for twenty years. A Great Value, you bet. <p>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>  <p><img src="images/office.gif" width=340 height=84 border=0 alt="166 Winslow Way W, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110"> <p><img src="images/frontoffice.jpg" width=325 height=205 border=0 align=middle hspace="8" alt="Office Waiting Area">Office Waiting Area <p><img src="images/office_pic.jpg" align="left" valign="top" width=325 height=430 border=0 hspace="8" alt="Our Office is located in Winslow Green.">Appointments are offered Monday through Friday, every other Saturday, including weekly evening appointments. Please call <nobr>(206) 842-0324</nobr> to schedule an appointment. <p><a href="http://www.expediamaps.com/default.asp?C=47.625006244298575,-122.52170350218814&A=16&OX=0&OY=0&P=47.625006244298575,-122.52170350218814,1,166+Winslow+Way+W" target="newmap" onMouseOver = "window.status='Location/Driving Instructions'; return true" onMouseOut = "window.status=''; return true">Get a Map</a><br> <a href="http://www.expediamaps.com/default.asp?C=47.625006244298575,-122.52170350218814&A=16&OX=0&OY=0&P=47.625006244298575,-122.52170350218814,1,166+Winslow+Way+W" target="newmap" onMouseOver = "window.status='Location/Driving Instructions'; return true" onMouseOut = "window.status=''; return true"><img src="images/maps_logo.gif" width=104 height=25 border=0 alt="Expedia Maps"></a><br> <p>Exterior of Office from Winslow Green <p>  <p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body>