While many patients prefer to straighten their teeth discreetly with Invisalign, traditional braces may be more appropriate for patients with severe cases. Invisalign treatment typically takes 12 months, depending on your specific needs, whereas braces are usually worn for two years.

Maintenance is also a key factor in determining which treatment is the best option. For optimal results, you’ll have to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, and carry out your oral hygiene routine.

Braces are affixed to your teeth and therefore can only be removed by a dentist. You’ll need to be extra careful when cleaning your teeth and around your braces to avoid decay. A Waterpik or a floss threader are helpful tools to keep your gums and teeth healthy while you have braces.

After a bridge procedure, it may take some getting used to before you feel fully adjusted to the new restoration. For lasting results, you’ll want to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. One of our team members will be sure to show you the proper techniques on how to complete your oral hygiene routine with your new appliance.

You’ll want to schedule biannual checkups and professional cleanings at Sweet Hart Dental to ensure your oral health and your bridge are in their best shape. It’s important to note that food and bacteria tend to build up around the bridge and your natural teeth under the abutments can still become decayed.

It’s vital to take extra care when cleaning around your bridge to ensure this doesn’t happen because if you need a filling or a root canal, you’ll need to have the bridge removed prior to the treatment.

Tooth-colored fillings can stain over time. If you want to maintain your restoration, your Pembroke Pines dentist recommends proper oral hygiene, regular dental exams, and avoiding substances that can stain your smile such as:

  • Wine
  • Curry
  • Tomatoes
  • Dark berries
  • Coffee and tea
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco

A CBCT scan doesn’t require any preparation ahead of time. You’ll want to let Dr. Hart know if there’s a chance of you being pregnant. She’ll ask you to remove any objects containing metal such as hairpins, jewelry, and glasses. Removal of metal will ensure we receive a clear image and that you won’t encounter any unnecessary radiation.

During Invisalign treatment, you’ll only have to remove the aligners prior to eating or drinking, and during oral care. Since they’re removable, you don’t have to worry about food sticking to the appliance as long as you take care of your teeth. Make sure to rinse your trays when you remove them, soak the aligners often, and brush your teeth and aligners twice a day.

While you have braces, you’ll want to avoid any food that can get stuck in your brackets and wires, including:

  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Chips
  • Sticky or hard candy
  • Gum
  • Chewy foods, such as beef jerky, bagels, etc.

With proper care, dental bridges can last 15 years or longer. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals. In addition to maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, you’ll want to schedule checkups and professional cleanings twice a year at Sweet Hard Dental.

A few ways to increase the longevity your bridge include: 

  • Avoid hard food and candy
  • Avoid gum and other chewy foods
  • Floss natural teeth and under the bridge
  • Use oral care products containing fluoride

If you damage, break, or lose your bridge, it’s important to contact our office right away by calling (954) 799-4992 . Don’t try to fix it yourself, as this typically causes more problems.

The exact cost of your tooth-colored fillings will depend on various factors such as the amount of fillings you need, the extent of the damage, and your dental insurance. We encourage you to call your provider beforehand and ask them which costs they can cover. If you need help covering your costs, Sweet Hart Dental proudly offers financing options and new patient specials. We’ll work with you to help you receive the quality treatment you deserve.

A CT scanner has a fan beam that spirals around the target and has a longer radiation exposure time. It’s effective in diagnosing issues that affect soft tissue, blood vessels, and bones. It aids in deciding an effective treatment plan and determining if a particular treatment is working.

A CT scan requires that you lie down on your back while the table you’re on moves in and out of the CT scanner. The scanner constantly takes cross-sectional images of your body that will later be examined by your doctor.

A CBCT scanner is used specifically in dentistry and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) to diagnose problems in the maxillofacial region. A CBCT scanner is smaller and faster in comparison to the traditional CT scanner and therefore gives off lower doses of radiation. You can easily get a CBCT scan in sitting or standing right at our office.

While most patients don’t complain of any pain, you may experience some discomfort when you swap out your trays every two weeks. This is because your teeth are gradually shifting into their desired position. Any discomfort will subside within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and a cold compress.

Insurance may cover a portion of the expenses because it’s considered restorative in nature. However, it also has aesthetic benefits, and therefore a lot of insurance companies classify it as a cosmetic procedure. We recommend contacting your insurance company prior to your appointment to learn more about your specific coverage.

Tooth-colored fillings are built to last five to 10 years, but they can last upwards of 10 to 15 years if you practice proper oral hygiene and keep up with your biannual dental appointments. Visiting our Pembroke Pines, FL office at least once every six months will help ensure that cavities are found before they can lead to further problems. Our exams are thorough, and we’ll let you know if we see signs of cavities during your visit.

A CBCT scan is a type of x-ray. X-rays utilize a circular beam method, while CBCT is known for its cone beam panoramic imagery. While an x-ray can show skeletal surfaces and the structure of your teeth, they lack the ability to show soft tissue.

A CBCT scan can show how soft tissue relates to the surrounding areas which gives a more detailed picture of the whole patient.

Invisalign can fix a variety of orthodontic problems such as:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Tooth shape
  • Gaps in teeth
  • Crowded teeth

To learn more about Invisalign and braces, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hart by calling (954) 799-4992 . During the consultation, you’ll discuss your smile goals and Dr. Hart will examine your oral health. Then, she’ll provide you with information to make the best decision based on your needs.

At first, it may take a little getting used to your bridge, but it will make it easier to eat and speak. For the first few days after the procedure, you’ll want to eat soft foods and cut them up into smaller bites. It’s normal to have problems with pronunciation after receiving a new appliance, however after you’ve adjusted to it, you’ll be better off.

After about two weeks, you should be accustomed to the new appliance. If it takes much longer than that, you’ll want to contact Dr. Hart by calling (954) 799-4992. She may want to adjust your appliance for a better fit.

Tooth-colored fillings harden almost instantaneously, so they don’t require dietary restrictions to ensure they are set properly. However, your dentist, Dr. Hart, and the rest of the team at Sweet Hart Dental highly recommend that you wait until your anesthetic completely wears off before eating anything again. You should especially avoid both foods and drinks that are hot while your anesthetic is still working. Waiting for the anesthetic to wear off will help ensure you don’t burn your mouth or bite down too hard and unknowingly damage your lips, tongue, mouth, or gums.

A CS 3600 is used in orthodontics treatments, dental implant preparation, and to craft the perfect restoration such as a crown. Since we can use the scanner to take 3D images of both arches, the bite, and contour of your teeth and mouth, we can plan and prepare for treatments with more accuracy than ever before.

Yes! Your Pembroke Pines family dentist offers dental sedation to make it easier for patients with dental anxiety to receive the dental care they need. Not only does sedation dentistry help ease dental anxiety, but it’s also helpful for patients with other issues such as those who fidget when they have to undergo drawn-out procedures, those with a low tolerance to pain, and those with resistance to anesthesia.

Veneers typically last 10 years, but they’ve been known to last even longer with proper care. To improve the longevity of your veneers treatment, we recommend scheduling professional cleanings and exams twice a year at our Pembroke Pines location.

In addition to scheduling regular appointments, you’ll want to follow a regular oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals. For lasting results, you’ll also want to:

  • Address teeth grinding
  • Refrain from biting into hard foods such as apples
  • Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports
  • Avoid using your teeth as tools

Yes, implant-supported dentures are designed for maximum comfort. The dental implants provide a solid foundation, preventing the dentures from slipping or shifting while speaking or eating.

The exact cost of your professional teeth whitening service will depend on multiple factors, including your level of discoloration and your insurance coverage. While most insurance providers won’t cover a purely cosmetic procedure like teeth whitening, Dr. Hart and our dental staff recommend you contact them beforehand to confirm which costs they can cover. To help patients afford their whitening treatment and smile their best, we can also provide special offers and financing options.

Dr. Darlene Hart and our team at Sweet Hart Dental strive to continuously provide quality patient care by making our patients feel welcome and comfortable throughout their treatments. We want you to get the most out of your smile, so we’ll provide recommendations to ensure your smile stays in the best of health.

We understand you have a busy schedule– Thanks to our advanced technology, we can plan out your treatment ahead of time so we can efficiently provide you with the highest quality of care.

Our team wants your smile to look and feel it’s best, which is why we offer a comprehensive list of services to meet your family’s needs. From tooth replacement options to orthodontics and deep cleanings, we can address all your dental concerns at Sweet Hart Dental.

We also have a 5-star-average from over 400 reviews!

Dr. Hart offers top-quality family dentistry services alongside high-demand treatments like Invisalign and teeth whitening. Additionally, our team is skilled and compassionate, putting your comfort and safety at the forefront every time you walk into our Pembroke Pines office. Dr. Hart is currently accepting new and returning patients from Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas such as Hollywood, Davie, and Miramar, FL.

Your smile is as unique as you are, and we work hard to provide you with specialized care just for your mouth. Your treatment cost can vary, depending on your level of care. The best way to find out how much your veneers will cost is to schedule a consultation appointment at Sweet Hart Dental. Dr. Hart will examine your teeth and give you personalized advice about how you can care for your teeth.

With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can last a lifetime. The implants integrate with the jawbone, promoting stability and preventing further bone loss. While your denture may need occasional adjustments or repairs, the restoration can last up to 15 years.

KoR whitening is one the best systems on the market for whitening sensitive teeth due to the special properties of the gel, which prevents it from reaching the dental pulp. When whitening your teeth at home, following the directions provided by your whitening dentist, such as using the right amount of gel, will help further prevent sensitivity and irritation.

Our office uses Cone Beam Computed Tomography, or CBCT technology. A CBCT scanner is designed to take pictures with a cone-shaped beam to capture panoramic and 3D images. When we transfer the images to our computers, we can see all the contours of your smile, nerve pathways, bone, and soft tissues.

This makes it easier to diagnose and treat patients with precision and care. With our advanced technology, you’ll spend less time in the chair and experience treatments with greater accuracy than ever before. This means spending less time recovering and more time enjoying your healthy smile.

Sweet Hart Dental accepts insurance and we also offer financing and special offers as well as our in-office savings plan. Feel free to ask us about ways you can save money on your treatment. We’ll work with you to make sure you can receive the best dental care possible.

No — veneers can actually reinforce the strength of your teeth, especially weak teeth that are prone to damage. Veneers also provide a cover to protect your teeth. However, when preparing your teeth for veneers, we’ll need to shave off part of the enamel to make room and provide a surface for them to adhere to.

While implant-supported dentures are securely attached to dental implants, they can still be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Your dental team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for and clean your dentures.

When performed by a professional cosmetic dentist like Dr. Hart, teeth whitening is perfectly safe. Dr. Hart will perform a thorough exam and check for any oral health issues that may need to be addressed beforehand. This will help ensure your whitening treatment will be safe and effective for you. During your whitening procedure, your oral tissues will be protected from the whitening gel to ensure you don’t feel any sensitivity during or after the process.

We want all of our patients to experience the benefits of a healthy smile. If you don’t have dental insurance, we proudly offer the Sweet Hart Dental Plan. For as little as $17.99 per month, each person on the plan can receive 2 dental cleanings, 2 dental exams, and any necessary x-rays to detect gum disease and cavities.

With our monthly membership plan, being without insurance won’t deter the well-being of your oral health. If you have any questions about dental insurance or the Sweet Hart Dental Plan, give us a call at (954) 799-4992  and we’ll be happy to answer them.

Sweet Heart Dental accommodates dental emergencies to help prevent or minimize further damage. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our Pembroke Pines office as soon as possible by dialing (954) 799-4992 . We’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible so your Pembroke Pines dentist, Dr. Hart can solve your problem.

The process of getting veneers is simple and pain-free. Dr. Hart will be sure to numb your teeth prior to the procedure so you won’t feel a thing. She’ll also be in constant communication with you to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the treatment.

After your veneers are placed, your gums may be sore for a few days. It’s normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and foods as well. After a few days, you’ll be feeling like yourself and looking better than ever.

The recovery process varies from person to person, but most individuals can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week. You may experience temporary swelling or discomfort, which you can manage with prescribed medications.

KöR professional teeth whitening is a slow process with long-lasting results. However, the longevity of the treatment varies for each patient and depends on lifestyle factors, as well as how vulnerable your teeth are to staining. To maintain the results of your whitening procedure, You should also avoid foods, drinks, and products that can stain such as:

  • Red wine
  • Tobacco products
  • Coffee
  • Soda
  • Tea
  • Fruit juices

Your results can last as long as six months to three years and you may be able to extend the longevity of your results with touch-up treatments from Dr. Hart. It’s normal to want touch-ups after a few months, especially if you like your smile to stay as bright as possible. When you’re ready for your next treatment, schedule an appointment by calling (954) 799-4992  and we’ll be happy to help you achieve brilliant results.

At Sweet Hart Dental, we offer a wide variety of services so we can meet all your family’s needs in one convenient location. Our main focus is always on preventative dentistry.

During your cleanings and exams, we’ll be sure to provide you with any details on your oral health and ways you can improve your techniques at home. If your teeth require a little extra care, we offer several restorative treatments such as fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crowns.

If you’re interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile, we also feature cosmetic services such as Invisalign®, veneers, and teeth whitening. If you have any questions about our services, please contact our office by calling (954) 799-4992  and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you or get you scheduled for a consultation with Dr. Darlene Hart.

Dr. Hart will take into account every aspect of your oral health during treatment. This means taking X-ray images, evaluating your bite, checking for signs of future problems, oral cancer screenings, and more. These in depth dental exams allow your dentist to understand the inner workings of your mouth and jaw, giving a better understanding of your unique oral health needs.

One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. To improve the longevity of your dental implants, you’ll want to schedule biannual professional cleanings and checkups at our dental office so we can ensure your gums and teeth are in the best of health.

In addition to scheduling regular appointments at our office, you’ll want to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You must take extra care to ensure you don’t have any plaque buildup on your teeth, especially near the gum line. You’ll also want to avoid smoking and address teeth grinding, if necessary.

With good oral hygiene, dental implants are a lifelong solution to permanent tooth loss. If you and your implant dentist decide it’s necessary, a supplemental procedure to support your jaw can also extend the life of your implant solutions.

To properly care for a multi-tooth dental implant, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to the area around the implant-supported teeth. Additionally, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between the implant-supported teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial to ensure the implant remains in good condition.

Dentists should always examine patients, including young ones, for abnormal conditions during routine checkups. It’s important for adults over the age of 18 to get regular oral cancer screenings, especially those who use tobacco or consume alcohol excessively. People with a family history of oral or other types of cancer and those with oral precancerous lesions or other risk factors should also be regularly screened. Speak with your dentist about your concerns with your oral health during your biannual dental cleaning and checkup.

Dr. Hart recommends that you visit our Pembroke Pines office for dental exams at least once every six months, or twice a year. Depending on your oral health, Dr. Hart may recommend that you see her more often. Keeping up with your exams is vital to maintaining your smile, as it will allow your dentist to keep better track of your oral health and intervene more quickly if an issue develops.

Dental implants are a safe and effective solution to tooth loss. We’ll do everything possible to ensure our patients feel comfortable and cared for during every part of their procedures. We’ll use anesthetic as needed before implant surgery. With sedation options, we ensure you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, implant-supported bridges can last many years, even decades. However, individual factors such as oral hygiene practices, lifestyle habits, and overall health can influence their longevity.

No, oral cancer screening doesn’t involve any pain. It’s a general exam where the dentist looks at the surfaces of your mouth, including your gums, cheeks, and tongue. Dentists perform this routine service and can even screen for oral cancer while simultaneously looking at your teeth for cavities or gums for periodontitis.

Insurance coverage for your dental care will depend on numerous factors including the type of service you receive. Dr. Hart and the rest of our Pembroke Pines dental staff encourage you to contact your provider beforehand to get a better understanding of your coverage. If you need help affording any of your treatments, we can offer financing options alongside an in-office savings plan.

Caring for your dental implants is important and requires the same type of care as natural teeth. Although implants are resistant to decay, be sure to floss and brush your teeth every day to protect your oral hygiene. Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Hart every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings will also help ensure your implants will last a lifetime.

The number of dental implants required for an implant-supported bridge depends on various factors, such as the number of missing teeth and the quality of the jawbone. Typically, two or more implants support an implant bridge.

Patients should be screened for oral cancer every six months at routine dental checkups. This checkup allows dentists to catch any signs of oral cancer before they progress into more life-threatening conditions. Your dentist may recommend you visit for oral cancer screenings more often if you’re at a higher risk of developing oral cancer due to factors like lifestyle or family history.

X-rays expose you to less than .2 percent of the radiation you experience in your daily life. Digital X-rays, which we utilize at Sweet Hart Dental, expose you to even less radiation than that. Rest assured that we’ll take the necessary steps to expose you to as little radiation as possible by using protective methods like aprons and goggles as well as taking the X-rays properly every time to reduce the need for do-overs.

Many insurance plans don’t completely cover the cost of dental implants because the procedure is considered cosmetic. However, we recommend contacting your insurance provider ahead of time to get a better understanding of your coverage. Our office is committed to working with you to find a payment plan that works for you, so you can receive the dental care you need.

Unlike a traditional dental bridge, which relies on adjacent natural teeth for support, an implant-supported bridge is secured by dental implants. This eliminates the need to modify healthy neighboring teeth for support, making it a more conservative and long-lasting solution.

While oral cancer screenings are preliminary evaluation tools used to identify any suspicious changes or growths in the mouth, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of cancer and identify the type. However, early detection is still important and can lead to better treatment outcomes, so dentists recommend regular oral cancer screenings.

Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for basic dental procedures, such as routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions. However, your insurance may have you pay more out-of-pocket for complex or extensive treatments involved in comprehensive dentistry. You should review your policy and understand what is covered and what is not before you agree to undergo any procedure. Contact your insurance provider directly or consult your dental team if you have any questions or concerns about your insurance coverage. They may provide more information on your specific policy and the coverage available for comprehensive dentistry.

No — you’ll be numb throughout the procedure and won’t feel a thing. While you may experience some soreness during the healing process, any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress to decrease swelling.

Most patients report very little discomfort during the procedure and only feel a slight pressure during the surgery.

Yes. It's normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity after root canal therapy. However, the pain should subside within a few days, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medications.

No, dental crowns themselves cannot get cavities since they’re made of decay-resistant materials. However, the underlying tooth structure beneath the crown can still develop cavities if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.

In general, comprehensive dentistry is a safe and effective way to improve the overall health and function of a person's teeth, gums, and bite. However, be sure to work with a qualified and experienced dental team and carefully consider the risks and benefits of the treatment plan before starting treatment. Remember that comprehensive dentistry can involve several different procedures, and specific risks associated with the treatment can vary depending on the patient's medical history, oral health, and other factors.

One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they can last a lifetime with proper care. To improve the longevity of your dental implants, you’ll want to schedule biannual professional cleanings and checkups at our Pembroke Pines location so we can ensure your gums and teeth are in the best of health.

In addition to scheduling regular appointments at our office, you’ll want to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. It’s vital that you take extra care to ensure you don’t have any plaque buildup on your teeth, especially near the gum line. You’ll also want to avoid smoking and address teeth grinding, if necessary.

After root canal therapy, your tooth may look slightly different because it must be filled with a dental filling material. However, your dentist can place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to make it look and function like a natural tooth.

Yes, you can still develop gum disease even with dental crowns. It's important to practice good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental checkups to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.

The cost of your comprehensive dental treatment will depend on your specific treatment plan and the extent of your insurance coverage. If you have any questions about your coverage or the cost of treatment, speak with your dental team and insurance provider to determine an accurate estimate.

Typically, the total cost of a dental implant is about $5,000. However, the price varies depending on your specific needs and the details of the surgery. Most insurance companies categorize the surgery as cosmetic, though they may cover a portion of the expenses. We suggest contacting your provider prior to your appointment to answer any questions about your specific coverage.

While dental implants may cost more upfront, you’ll require fewer restoration procedures over time, resulting in fewer trips to the dentist and more money in your pocket.

You should avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until it's fully restored with a filling or crown. You can eat and drink normally after the anesthesia wears off, but you should avoid hot and cold temperatures until the sensitivity subsides.

The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of crown used, the location of the dental practice, and your dental insurance coverage. Many dental offices offer affordable pricing and payment options to make dental crowns accessible to everyone.

How long it’ll take to complete your full-mouth rehabilitation will depend on the frequency of appointments and the number of procedures involved in the treatment plan. Some treatments, such as orthodontics or dental implants, may require multiple visits over several months. Others, such as crowns or veneers, can be completed in just one or two appointments. Keep in mind that full-mouth rehabilitation is a long-term investment in your oral health and well-being. While it may take some time to complete, the benefits of a healthy and functional smile can last a lifetime.

Dental implants not only look like your natural teeth, they function like them too. You can bite into an apple or any other food with your dental implants. You won’t have to refrain from eating your favorite foods or worry about dental implants becoming loose. They’re a permanent tooth replacement option, meaning they’re more durable than a bridge or dentures.

For the first week or two following surgery, you’ll want to avoid apples, popcorn, nuts, potato chips, crusty bread, steak, and any other foods that may delay the healing process. In addition to any recommendations by your dentist, you’ll want to follow a few guidelines to ensure optimal results, including:

  • Avoid drinking through a straw
  • Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and beverages
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid acidic and sugary beverages

You can prevent the need for root canal therapy by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid chewing on hard foods or objects that can damage your teeth.

No, the dental crown procedure isn’t painful, as dentists usually use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. However, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure. Most patients can manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers.