The dentists at Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates have dedicated their careers to working with their patients to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Their training, education, and experience make them the premier dentists for the wide range of general, restorative, and cosmetic procedures they offer. Our dentists perform every stage of the treatment you need to ensure that you receive the best possible care. To make sure that you achieve the ideal smile that we believe you deserve and serve all of your dental needs, we offer a comprehensive set of cosmetic, restorative, and general dental procedures.

Every procedure performed by the dentists at Dr. Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates is of the highest quality. Our passion is to help you attain your ideal smile, and we feel it is our privilege to serve you in that capacity. To arrange a free consultation, ask a question, or schedule an appointment, please contact Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates today!

Teeth Whitening

Stained, discolored teeth are often at the center of our patients’ dental insecurity. While using one of a variety of whitening toothpastes can help in making your teeth a few shades whiter, daily brushing typically takes weeks to achieve decent results. However, at Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates, we are excited to offer the Rembrandt Sapphire™ whitening system. Rembrandt Sapphire™ can whiten your teeth by a remarkable average of eight shades. Rather than the several weeks toothpastes and at-home systems can require to achieve noticeable results, the Rembrandt Sapphire™ procedure takes only about one-and-a-half hours during a single office visit.

One of the major advantages of Rembrandt Sapphire™ is the quick, comfortable, and simple nature of the procedure. One of our dentists will begin by preparing your teeth for treatment, covering and isolating your lips and gums to expose the teeth. After the special Rembrandt Sapphire™ whitening gel is applied to your teeth, they will be exposed to the proprietary Rembrandt Sapphire™ lamp. When the light from the lamp hits the gel, the gel will break down and penetrate your teeth to remove stains and discoloration. You will notice an immediate, striking difference in the whiteness of your teeth.

To schedule a free consultation to determine if porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment for your dental needs, please contact Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates.

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Porcelain Veneers

The dentists at Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates are proud to offer porcelain veneers, a cosmetic and restorative dental treatment that is continuing to grow in popularity and effectiveness. Porcelain veneers are made out of very thin shells of a ceramic material that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth (unlike dental crowns, which cover the entire surface area of a tooth). Veneers are an excellent way to conceal stains and chips and also to fill in small gaps between teeth. For optimum aesthetic results, porcelain veneers are crafted to complement the color and size of your surrounding natural teeth. Veneers are comfortable and look completely natural, making them virtually undetectable to others.

The strength of porcelain veneers serve as a major advantage. When the veneers are cemented to the front surfaces of the teeth, the porcelain material becomes extremely sturdy and resistant to damage. Additionally, veneers are highly resistant to staining from coffee, tobacco, and other staining agents.

To schedule a free consultation to determine if porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment for your dental needs, please contact Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates.

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Crowns and Bridges

Both bridges and crowns are excellent treatments for stained, missing, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. Crowns are often a great option for restoring strength and beauty to cracked, worn, and broken teeth, whether the result of teeth grinding, decay, age, or improper bite. Crowns not only remedy cosmetic blemishes by covering the entire surface of the affected tooth, but they also effectively reinforce and stabilize the damaged or weakened areas.

The procedure for creating and placing crowns typically requires two office visits. During the initial visit, one of our dentists at Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates will make a mould of the tooth that needs a crown. The mould is then sent to a dental laboratory, where your crown will be made in accordance to the exact specifications of the mould. The process of creating the crown takes about two weeks, after which point you will come back for your second visit to have your new crown cemented onto your tooth.

On the other hand, bridges are an ideal treatment for cases in which a missing tooth or teeth create a gap. Bridges are called so because they literally bridge the gap between the teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth between two dental crowns that are placed on either side of the gap. Bridges can remedy the effects of gapped teeth, allowing you to speak normally, chew properly, and smile proudly.

Bridges are available in three main varieties: the traditional bridge, the Cantilever bridge, and the Maryland bonded bridge. Most common is the traditional bridge, which is created by placing two dental crowns on either side of the gap and fixing an artificial tooth between them. The Cantilever bridge consists of an artificial tooth that is fused to two crowns on one side of the gap. The Maryland bonded bridge utilizes plastic teeth and gums and metal wire. The metal support is bonded to the existing teeth to provide extra support for the artificial teeth and gums, which are in turn fused to the metal wire.

The procedure to place dental bridges first requires one of our dentists to make moulds of the natural teeth that will be supporting the crowns. The finished crowns are bonded to the artificial tooth, and then cemented onto the appropriate teeth.

If you have any questions about crowns or bridges, or are interested in undergoing a procedure to receive either, please contact the practice of Dr. Dinah Vice.

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Invisalign® Invisible Aligners

There is no doubt that traditional braces are a popular, effective treatment for correcting underbite, overbite, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and a host of other orthodontic problems. Traditional braces are, however, infamous for their discomfort, unpleasing aesthetics, and hassle. To provide patients with all the benefits of metal wire braces without any of their disadvantages, the dentists at Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates are proud to offer Invisalign® invisible aligners.

One of the most impressive technological breakthroughs in modern dentistry, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to correct orthodontic problems without the discomfort of metal wires and brackets. Unlike traditional braces, patients do not have to revisit the dentist to get their wires tightened; rather, Invisalign® requires regular visits to the dentist to receive a new set of clear aligners that will continue the process of straightening. Whereas metal braces proved to be a hassle when eating, brushing teeth, or flossing, these invisible aligners can be removed at any time to accommodate any of these activities.

The procedure to receive invisible braces starts with a close examination of your teeth. Using computer technology, your dentist will examine a three-dimensional model of your teeth to customize a treatment plan that involves a series of clear aligners that will shift your teeth over two-week intervals. While you undergo the Invisalign® treatment, you will receive a new set of clear aligners every two weeks to gradually shift your teeth into optimal position.

Besides the fact that the aligners are virtually invisible and will draw no unwanted attention to your teeth, another advantage of Invisalign® is the length of treatment. The average treatment time with Invisalign® is about one year, whereas traditional braces can take several years to show substantial results.

Invisible braces offer the possibility of great-looking teeth without the hassle and unpleasant experience of traditional braces. If you would like to find out more about Invisalign®, please contact Dr. Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates today.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are a restorative dentistry treatment that replaces a missing tooth or teeth with artificial teeth. The artificial teeth are crafted to have very similar characteristics - color, texture, size, and function – to natural teeth. These artificial teeth will be attached to titanium posts that will replicate the natural tooth root. At the beginning of the procedure to receive dental implants, these posts will be surgically inserted into the jaw. As titanium is readily accepted by the body, the jawbone will completely heal around the titanium screw. Once the healing is complete, the artificial tooth is attached onto the screw.

Although dental implants are an effective and aesthetically pleasing treatment for many patients, not everyone is an ideal candidate. A good candidate must be in relatively good health, as dental implants require the patient to undergo a surgical operation. The ideal candidate would also have healthy gums and sufficient bone to support the titanium screw implants. Also of importance is the candidate’s acknowledgement of and commitment to a meticulous, long-term regiment of dental hygiene and regularly-scheduled visits to the dentist.

If you are considering receiving dental implants or have additional questions about them, please contact Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates today.

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Comprehensive Dental Exams

The dentists at Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates are happy to provide comprehensive dental exams for our patients. Comprehensive dental exams involve much more than a cleaning or check-up. These exams can actually help the dentist detect other medical conditions before symptoms appear elsewhere on your body; conditions such as diabetes, leukemia, immune system abnormalities, sinus problems, and high blood pressure may be detected. A comprehensive dental exam serves as the groundwork for future visits to our practice and enhances our ability to detect and treat any future dental problems.

A comprehensive dental exam consists of many steps in order to ensure that all of your dental needs are recognized and assessed. To begin, one of our dentists will go over your medical and dental history and review any medications you are taking. Then the dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening, which involves thorough visual and digital examinations of the lymph nodes, lips, the inside of the mouth, cheek surface, and the tongue. Past the oral cancer exam, the dentist will proceed with a periodontal exam consisting of six unique measurements. An occlusal screen will detect overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, worn teeth, and a host of other problems regarding the condition of the bite. Additionally, our dentist will perform a meticulous tooth-by-tooth check for cavities.

After your dentist completes all of these checks, he or she will work with you to devise a comprehensive treatment plan designed to account for your short-term, intermediate, and long-term needs. If you are interested in undergoing a comprehensive dental exam, please contact Dr. Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates to schedule an appointment.

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X-Rays

In order to quickly and accurately detect problems having to do with the condition of your teeth, jaw, and mouth, dentists need to use dental X-rays. Dental X-rays serve as snapshots of the teeth, jaw bones, and oral tissues that allow dentists to see what they may not be able to see with the naked eye. Issues like the development of wisdom teeth, cavities, and bone loss are all exposed by X-rays whereas they are often undetectable by a visual exam.

At Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates, our dentists make great use of panoramic X-rays. Panoramic X-rays provide a view of the jaws, teeth, nasal area, jaw joints, and sinuses, a snapshot much broader in scope than most other types of X-rays. This type of X-ray is able to expose impacted teeth, abnormalities in bone structure, cysts, tumors, fractures, and infections.

The early detection of such problems is integral to providing timely and appropriate dental treatment. X-rays can detect these issues before you encounter any symptoms, increasing the likelihood of circumventing any potential complications. The dentist’s use of X-rays can also help in the planning of large-scale or long-term treatments such as dental implants and tooth extraction.

Please contact Dr. Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates if you have any questions or concerns about X-rays.

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Teeth Cleaning

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned can be very beneficial to your overall oral hygiene. At Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates, we are happy to provide teeth cleaning for our patients, as a thorough cleaning can help prevent or delay the onset of gum disease. How often you should get your teeth cleaned depends on a variety of factors, but the general rule is twice a year for healthy children and adults and more often for smokers.

Professional teeth cleaning typically consists of three steps. Scaling removes tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth. Using a combination electronic and manual scaling, your hygienist will gently scrape off the tartar and plaque that has built up. Root planning involves the cleaning of periodontal pockets to prevent the spread of gum problems. Deep, clogged periodontal pockets trap plaque deposits deep inside the gums and can lead to gum inflammation. By cleaning out the pockets, inflammation can be stopped and prevented. The last step, polishing, finishes the process by cleaning away stains and brushing away any remaining dental debris.

Depending on how much plaque and tartar buildup you have, teeth cleaning can take between one and two hours. If you would like to have your teeth cleaned, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates.

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Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dr. Dinah and her staff are excited to offer the option of tooth-colored fillings to patients who want an alternative to traditional silver fillings. Whereas silver and amalgam fillings are easily noticeable and may bring unwanted attention, tooth-colored fillings are inconspicuous and practically unrecognizable. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings are stronger because they are directly bonded to the teeth.

In order to provide you with tooth-colored fillings that are aesthetically pleasing, one of our dentists will match the composite material as closely as possible to the color of your teeth. Fillings that are used on the front teeth are made from a higher-shine material to ensure a more natural appearance while fillings used in the back teeth are made from a stronger material.

Modern technology allows tooth-colored fillings to be made harder and stronger than traditional silver and amalgam fillings. With the proper care and maintenance, tooth-colored fillings can last for many years and perhaps even an entire lifetime. Though sturdier than silver and amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are made to fit so naturally and comfortably that you may forget they’re even there.

Even if you have already had silver or amalgam fillings placed in your teeth, it is possible to have them removed through a relatively simple, quick, and painless procedure.

If you have any questions about tooth-colored fillings or concerns about your current silver and amalgam fillings, please contact Sunrise Dental, Dinah Vice, DDS & Associates today.

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Tooth Extractions

To prevent or treat positional and structural problems with their teeth, a patient may need to undergo a tooth extraction. A tooth extraction involves the complete removal of a tooth or teeth from the socket in the jaw bone, most often during an in-office procedure.

Of the many reasons to have a tooth extracted, one of the most common is impacted teeth. Impacted teeth are teeth that are prevented by gum tissue, bones, or other teeth from growing into a healthy and natural position. The extraction of teeth is the only proven way to prevent any further problems that can occur as a result of impacted teeth. Tooth extraction may also be recommended to create more space in the mouth as preparation for tooth straightening or as a necessary measure to make straightening possible. A patient may also have to have teeth that are broken or decayed beyond repair extracted. Tooth extraction can serve as an economic option, as some patients choose to have a tooth removed rather than having more-expensive fillings or crowns placed.

The extraction of wisdom teeth is a common and oftentimes necessary procedure. When wisdom teeth come in, any of a host of problems may occur. Wisdom teeth can become impacted when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate the new teeth, rendering them unable to break through the gum tissue. They may also break as they come through the gum tissue, leading the gum tissue to grow in over the wisdom teeth. Germs and other particles may become trapped under this newly-grown flap of gum tissue, causing an infection that leads to swelling and pain. Furthermore, the wisdom teeth may come through the gums at an awkward angle, necessitating wisdom tooth extraction.

Under local anesthesia, tooth extraction is typically an easy procedure. A dental tool called an elevator is used to loosen the tooth, increase room in the bone, and detach the fibers that keep the tooth attached to the bone, at which point the tooth is removed from the mouth by forceps. Barring any complications, the tooth can be easily removed in one piece.

If you would like to learn more about tooth extractions, we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact our office to schedule a free consultation.

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Root Canal Therapy

Historically, teeth with diseased nerves have been removed from the mouth. However, through root canal therapy, most of the diseased tooth can be salvaged. In the majority of cases, the root canal procedure is a simple treatment that takes between one and three visits and involves little to no discomfort.

Each tooth contains within its walls a strand of “dental pulp” – the substance that supplies the tooth with nerves, nutrients, connective tissue, and blood vessels – that laces downward into the root. If the dental pulp becomes diseased, the pulp dies, cutting off the nutrients and nerve signals the tooth needs to be healthy. If the infected pulp is left in the tooth, the tooth will become infected, forcing its removal.

Root canal therapy lets the dentist remove the pulp, clean the canal, and seal the tooth, effectively protecting and saving the tooth. After an opening is created through the crown of the tooth into the dental pulp chamber, the pulp is removed. The canal is cleaned out and reshaped and the pulp chamber is filled permanently. The dentist will proceed to place a crown over the saved tooth to strengthen it.

To learn more about the root canal treatment, please contact the practice of Dr. Dinah Vice.

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Sunrise Dental
Dinah B. Vice, DDS &
Associates

Chapel Hill Office
1801 E Franklin St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tues, Thurs: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Tel: (919) 929-3996 Fax: (919) 929-7893

Raleigh Office
1009 Spring Forest Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27615
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Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tel: (919) 878-0055
Fax: (919) 878-0096

Durham Office
8218 Renaissance Pkwy
Suite 203
Durham, NC 27713
(Near Southpoint Mall- Opening in Jan 2008)
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Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tel: (919) 493-3355