Belair Dental Associates is a Evans based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
Dr Ruth Ann DArco grew up in West Virginia and attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee before graduating from Marshall University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. She earned her D.D.S. degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1991, and then completed a General Practice residency at Ruby Memorial Hospital so that she could better treat complex dental cases and medically compromised patients.
Dr. DArco is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. DArco has earned her board certification from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is an associate fellow of the AAID. She has continued her dental education at the Scottsdale Center of Dentistry and has completed the Maxi-Implant Course Fellowship in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. DArco is married to Samuel DArco, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who has a private practice in Augusta. They have four children, Christopher, Sarah, Hannah and Samuel. Dr. DArco enjoys mentoring dental students and is active with her church. She also enjoys spending time reading, cooking and decorating.
Dr. Carmen Vaughn grew up in Gloverville, South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina in Aiken with a degree in biology. Dr. Vaughn then attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry graduation earning her D.M.D. degree in 1993.
Professionally, Dr. Vaughn is a member of the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association. She has continued to further her education by studying at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, the Las Vegas Institute and most recently completing an implant study at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Vaughn enjoys Crown and Bridge, Removable Prosthetics and Esthetics.
Dr. Vaughns husband, Jimmy Vaughn, is an engineer at Bridgestone and together they have two children, Brock and Kelsey. Dr. Vaughn loves to Shag dance during her time off and loves spending time at the beach.
The team at Belair Dental Associates believe in the importance of preventative care. We focus on keeping patients in good oral health so that they can live a full, healthy, and enjoyable life that is free from oral pain. This starts by educating our patients on what they can do to stay healthy at home. In our family dentist office we recommend that patients eat a healthy diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, nuts, dairy products, and crunchy fruits and veggies. Eating these foods along with drinking water can help to keep teeth healthy and make them stronger. By simultaneously reducing sugar intake, patients can also reduce their risk of cavities.
It is also important to brush and floss throughout the day. Instead of waiting for bedtime to brush teeth, carry a small toothbrush and use it after meals and snacks. This makes it possible to remove sugar and bacteria from the teeth and gums before it has the opportunity to turn into acid that can attack the teeth. This preventative step can greatly reduce a persons' risk of getting a cavity or gum disease. We understand the importance of taking these steps at home and will spend the time necessary to educate and inform patients so that they can stay healthy overall. Education, after all, is essential for living a long and healthy life.
Understanding the importance of these regular dental exams, the staff at Belair Dental Associates work to make each patient extremely comfortable. This includes being welcoming and kind while performing dental treatments in a way that is painless and relaxing. Patients visit our dentist office because they trust us to do just that take care of their teeth and gums, gently. The majority of our patients are local and come from the greater Evans area, we also see patients that are looking for gentle dental care.
Seniors, on the other hand, often struggle with gum disease and oral infections. As people age, their teeth can become weaker and infected more easily. Bone loss is incredibly common with seniors and by conducting regular dental exams, the team at Belair Dental Associates can help seniors to have strong teeth and reduce the risk of them falling out. Since over seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from tooth loss, preventative care is important.
A. Primary, or 'baby,' teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in.
A. First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
A. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
A. Have your family dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
A. Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your teeth from injuries and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
A. There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Family dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which you and your family are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Digital x-rays provide an even greater level of protection by using up to 90 percent less radiation.
Our family dentist can provide relief to patients who grind their teeth. Grinding your teeth due to being anxious or nervous is not a big deal, and it is unlikely to cause significant damage. However, involuntary teeth grinding that typically occurs during sleep can wreak havoc on your teeth. Our family dentist can help reduce
A dental cleaning is a service that almost all family dentists offer that seeks to prevent oral health concerns from developing and improve the overall oral health of the patient. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not take long to complete, and it can help prevent the need for more invasive and expensive procedures
According to one family dentist, just because someone loses a tooth does not mean there is no way to save it. In fact, if you lose one, you have several options. Whether knocked out in a car accident, while playing sports or due to tooth decay, do not despair. Start by looking at the tips
Suffering a broken tooth is a scary experience. However, the situation is less scary when you know what to do after a broken tooth occurs. Not every instance requires emergency dental treatment, but it is important to know when to visit a dentist for prompt dental treatment after a broken tooth.Any time that a broken
Appearance is not the only benefit of wearing Invisalign for straighter teeth, since straighter teeth can also benefit one's oral health. In fact crooked teeth can trap food between them and lead to infection or bite issues. At Belair Dental Associates, we offer Invisalign as a treatment for patients interested in discreetly straightening their teeth.
Invisalign is a series of clear aligner trays that cover the teeth, similar to a retainer or mouth guard, but are much more discreet. At least every two weeks or so, the patient will switch to the next set in the series of Invisalign trays. With the custom aligners for each patient, Invisalign will gradually push the teeth into the right position without causing significant amounts of pain.
After creating the trays, we will then meet with the patient to ensure that they fit and that the patient understands all of the steps in the straightening process. It is important that the patient understand a few key factors about wearing Invisalign on a regular basis.
While the patient can remove Invisalign trays when necessary, the patient will want to keep them in as much as possible. The longer the patient does not wear the trays for, the longer the entire process will take. Patients need to remove the aligner trays when eating and to brush the teeth.
Patients can also remove the aligner trays to play in a sports game, give a presentation, go on a date, or while taking a photo. It is important to at least rinse the mouth after eating to keep food from getting caught in the teeth.
The patient will be able to continue through each aligner tray and follow a schedule with no surprises. By following the schedule, the patient's teeth will continue to move into the proper position without pain.
While wearing Invisalign, patients will not have to brush and floss between brackets with difficulty. In fact, the patient will be able to brush and floss as normal by just removing the aligner trays. However, it is crucial that the patient brush after each meal to keep food from sticking between the teeth.
Food that is stuck in the teeth can also damage the aligners. It is important that patients do not wear the aligners while drinking soda or other beverages while wearing Invisalign aligners. We recommend that patients only keep the aligners in when drinking water.
We customize the Invisalign aligners to fit the patient's teeth and then use programming technology to digitally map out the projected rate of movement for the patient. We will then build the rest of the clear aligners in the series. Each new set of aligners will be a bit closer to the correct position for straight teeth.
With a customized straightening treatment, patients do not need to worry about the aligners falling out or being loose. Since there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, we make sure that the trays are the right fit for each patient.
Invisalign aligner trays are nearly invisible to the point that few people will notice them unless the individual mentions wearing them. Patients will not have to feel embarrassed by wearing traditional metal braces or a mess of wires in their mouth on a regular basis. Invisalign allows for the patient to receive the straight smile they desire without the maintenance of going through braces treatment.
Considering Invisalign? This popular teeth straightening treatment is one that produces positive results with little to no discomfort. Additionally, Invisalign allows for a discreet treatment process, which makes it easier to still smile in social settings or take pictures with confidence. Nonetheless, just like with any other dental treatment, there are some important things to
Invisalign puts the dream of a beautiful smile within reach of anyone wary of braces. The transparent, flexible plastic of the aligners is hard to spot, making clear aligners suitable for adults and teens alike.There is more to clear aligners than their discreet look. They offer the same useful benefits as braces and other orthodontic
Invisible braces are a very popular option for straightening your teeth because they are virtually invisible in your mouth. Invisalign clear aligners are removable which means no food restrictions. This also makes it easier to clean your teeth during treatment than with metal braces. Invisible braces can help solve many dental problems and can prevent
Invisalign clear aligners are an effective way to correct teeth-alignment issues. It is no wonder why so many adolescents and adults choose this method to revitalize their smiles and improve the way they look. Of course, aligners are not the only way to straighten teeth and take care of other related concerns. Before you decide