Services Overview
We offer a full array of dental procedures.
Even if this is your first visit to the dentist in a long time, we’re here to help. Our comprehensive services and fully customized treatment plans fit your needs, budget, lifestyle, and goals.
At Lahaina Smiles Dental, our Doctors are dedicated to providing a personalized and high-quality dental care experience unlike any other dentist.
Composite Fillings
There are several reasons you may develop a cavity, from genetics and diet, to how well you really brush and floss regularly. Most patients don’t realize they have a cavity until it becomes severe or we notice it during a regular dental visit.
If you do need treatment for a cavity, we offer natural white fillings (also known as composite fillings) as a solution. Not only do they look great and blend in with your smile, but they’re also strong, durable, and long-lasting.
The best part? Our fillings are minimally invasive and can be placed during the same visit. You’ll leave our Maui office with a better smile than when you came in!
Of course, the best way you can deal with cavities is to prevent them in the first place. During your regular checkup with Lahaina Smiles Dental, we will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and bacteria that brushing and flossing can’t reach. We’ll also talk to you about ways you can improve your dental care routine at home to avoid cavities in the future.
Do I have a cavity?
If you have recently experienced any toothaches or developed a sensitivity to hot and cold beverages or food, you may have a cavity. Although, for some patients, there may not be any pain present.
If you’re still unsure whether you have a cavity, we recommend scheduling an appointment to discuss your concerns with Dr. Kadohiro or Dr. Barba. They will perform a visual exam and may take digital x-rays to confirm whether you may need treatment.
- Durable & Long Lasting
- The Same Color As Natural Teeth
- Small & Minimally Invasive
Same Day Dental Crowns
Over time, some teeth will wear down. When a tooth is damaged by large tooth decay, loss of enamel or shows signs of fracture it may benefit from a dental crown. Dental crowns are tooth-like caps, often made of a strong white material that are placed on top a tooth. It helps restore the tooth to a normal shape and helps to strengthen it to slow down the damage to the tooth. It will cover up old fillings and stain on teeth. While in the past, most crowns required multiple visits with a temporary crown, our office has invested in state of the art technology that allows us to do most crown procedures in just ONE day!
Why do I need a crown?
Crowns can have many purposes in dentistry. Some of these include:
- Covering discolored/broken teeth
- Helping to keep a tooth from fracturing by holding together weak parts of the tooth that are cracked
- Helping to support a tooth with large fillings and avoiding untimely/painful fractures
- Helping to seal and protect teeth treated with root canals
- Helping to restore missing teeth with dental bridges and implants
What is the procedure for a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a two part procedure at our office. During the first part, we will remove tooth decay and broken down fillings. If needed, we will place a buildup to help protect the parts of the tooth close to the nerve and to help strengthen the tooth. We will then conservatively shape the outer/broken layer of the tooth so that your new crown will fit. We will take a digital scan of your tooth so we can start customizing your crown to fit immediately! During the second part (often later that day), we will verify that your crown fits well and that you like it. We will cement it to your tooth so you can get back to chewing great!
Implant-Supported Dentures/Bridge
Once you have a tooth or teeth removed, what comes next? You may wonder how you’ll be able to eat, smile, and speak as you used to without issue. At Lahaina Smiles Dental, we offer custom-made implant-supported dentures as a solution to replace any number of missing teeth. For the procedure, two to four tooth implants will be placed in your mouth as anchors for the dentures. Then, we will attach the dentures to them.
Our dental implants are designed to look just like your natural teeth and are strong enough for long-term use, so you’ll be smiling as usual for years to come.
Common questions about dentures
What are the benefits of implant-supported dentures?
Using dental implants for this process offers multiple benefits. They make it possible for the dentures to permanently remain in your mouth or be easily removed for regular cleaning and maintenance. Besides providing a solid foundation for your dentures, dental implants can also improve the health of your mouth and gums. And, with proper care, they can last for a very long time.
Why Not Use Traditional Dentures?
Though traditional dentures are suitable restoration solutions for some patients, they can be challenging to use and maintain.
For one, they require applying messy adhesives to stay in place. Even with the adhesive, sometimes the dentures may still accidentally fall out, which can be embarrassing for those who use them while eating out or at a social event. They can affect how you eat and speak, especially as you’re still getting used to them. Traditional dentures also require regular nightly cleanings to avoid oral health issues like gum disease.
Another downside of traditional dentures is that they do not necessarily prevent bone loss and gum disease, which is more common in patients with missing teeth.
Am I a good candidate for implant-supported prosthesis?
Almost anyone with missing teeth can benefit from implant-supported dentures. To find out if you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation with our dentists in Lahaina today!
Dental Implants
Your teeth are more important than you think! When they’re missing or damaged, you have a higher risk of developing oral health issues such as:
- The inability to talk and chew properly
- Bone loss
- Jaw pain
- Gum disease or infection
If you have recently extracted a tooth or need to replace missing or damaged teeth, we offer dental implants as a solution to restore your smile and prevent these problems from occurring.
Dental implants are made with high-tech, biocompatible titanium to create a strong foundation for your new tooth. For the implant procedure, our doctors evaluate the implant site and use modern protocols to safely place them in your jawbone. Afterward, an abutment is attached to the implant, which will later be used to connect a dental crown that resembles a natural tooth. The result is a durable, natural-looking smile.
We evaluate our patients to see if they are good candidates for implants using digital technology and state of the art CBCT xrays. Dr. Barba has taken multiple implant training courses, including the prestigious Implant Pathway program. Patients are often amazed by how easy the process is!
Following the procedure, our doctors will encourage you to take good care of your new implants, just like how you would care for your natural teeth; this will ensure that they last for years to come.
Don’t let missing or damaged teeth impact your confidence or oral health; schedule a consultation with Lahaina Smiles Dental today to see if implants are the right restorative solution for you!
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is one of the most common oral health issues in patients in the US, after tooth decay and cavities. Some people may not even realize they have gum disease until it has reached its later stages, and some of the following symptoms are more apparent:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bleeding or red gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
To reverse the damage caused by gum disease, we recommend that you practice proper oral hygiene at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. However, in severe cases, periodontal care from our office may also be necessary to treat the condition.
At Lahaina Smiles Dental, we offer scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) as an easy solution for treating gum disease and its symptoms. This process involves using dental tools to remove all bacteria and plaque between your teeth and gums. We’ll then smooth the roots of your teeth to prevent further build-up.
This treatment option will usually occur across two separate appointments, as we will only treat one half of your mouth at a time. Following periodontal treatment, we will continue to monitor your condition and recommend regular dental care to prevent the gum disease from coming back.
Saliva Testing
“Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a polymicrobial biofilm infection that results in the breakdown of tissue and bone, which, when left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The bacteria can travel through bone and gum tissue into the bloodstream, affecting overall health.
Often symptomless in early stages, periodontal disease is frequently undiagnosed and untreated. Untreated disease can result in, and has been associated with, systemic disease states such as digestive disease, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or Alzheimer’s disease.
Our Saliva Test features a complete multi-organism detection capability for all keystone periodontal and systemic oral pathogens, so you can move from reactive to proactive care. When you test with precision, you treat with purpose.
Testing gives you the insight to:
- Tailor treatment based on pathogenic load and patient risk
- Select targeted therapies instead of broad-spectrum approaches
- Monitor treatment through follow-up testing
If you are frustrated with not being able to find the answers as to why you are having your dental problems, we will work with you to find a solution!
AI Driven Xray Diagnosis
When our patients come in for their exam, we use modern AI solutions to analyze their radiographs. While we still need to interpret the findings, this helps to ensure that our diagnosis is thorough and clear. We have had patients come to our office from other dental clinics where they were told multiple treatment plans. By utilizing AI, it helps us confidently diagnose and explain to our patients their treatment needs.
Teeth Whitening
What Causes Stained Teeth?
- Age
- Coffee, tea & other dark beverages
- Tobacco use
- Antibiotics and other medications
No matter how well you take care of your smile, it still may not look as bright and beautiful as you want it to be. We can help! At Lahaina Smiles Dental, we offer high-quality, professional teeth whitening treatments to restore your pearly whites. We have two types of whitening options based on our patient needs. For patients looking for a general brightening solution, we use custom tray whitening to get the teeth brighter while reducing the risk of sensitivity. For our patients who want a more advanced whitening technique, we offer KOR whitening. KOR whitening is a combination of take home trays and in office whitening that can get some dramatically improved results!
During your appointment, our cosmetic dentist will take a look at your current smile and get to know you and your cosmetic goals. From there, you’ll work together to create a treatment plan for brightening your smile!
For the custom tray teeth whitening process, we will first create a customized set of trays that fit comfortably in your mouth. Then, we will fill the trays with a whitening gel and have you wear the trays for a set amount of time. Following this non-invasive treatment, you will find that your teeth will have limited sensitivity, so you are free to eat and drink as usual a few hours after your visit.
Invisalign
Do you wish you had straighter teeth but don’t like the appearance of metal braces? Invisalign may be the solution you’ve been looking for!
Invisalign is great for adults who want an alternative to traditional metal braces. It is composed of customized, removable, clear aligners that can produce great results in a matter of months.
Clear aligner therapy offers similar benefits as traditional braces but offers a few more advantages besides aligning your teeth and closing gaps:
- Provides a level of protection to your teeth
- Makes it easier to brush and floss
- Blends in with your smile
- Reduces TMJ pain and migraine headaches
- Doesn't attract or trap food particles
- Lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Compared to Braces
Clear Aligners
- Clear and hardly noticeable
- Easily removable for brushing and flossing
- Doesn’t attract food particles or increase risk of tooth decay
Traditional Braces
- Bulky and visible metal wires
- Must brush thoroughly to avoid stains on your teeth
- Food can be easily stuck in the braces, leading to excess bacterial growth and tooth decay
Call our office today at 808-667-7711 to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
How much does Clear Aligner Therapy cost?
On average, Invisalign can cost between $5,000 to $6,000, but the final amount will depend on your case.
Am I a good candidate for Clear Aligners?
Most adults are great candidates and can get the results they are looking for in a short amount of time.
Can I remove my Clear Aligners?
The aligners can be rinsed off in warm (not hot) water and gently brushed when removed. The aligners will come with a cleaning system that should be used for a more thorough clean. If you’re still unsure how to clean your aligners properly, we are always happy to walk you through it during your Invisalign consultation.
How do I clean my clear aligners?
The aligners are removable, so you may remove them to eat, drink, or brush and floss your teeth. However, we recommend that you wear them for at least 22 hours a day, including when you go to bed.
How long until I see results with Clear Aligner Therapy?
Each patient is different, but you should begin to notice improvements with your smile in about six months. More complex cases may take one to two years of treatment. Dr. Barba, our resident Invisalign doctor, will review your case and provide an estimate of your treatment timeline as well as information about what to expect
Dental Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, durable, tooth-colored shells made to attach to the front of your teeth. They are an excellent solution for covering cracks, chips, stains, and gaps in your smile.
The dental veneers we create for you are customized to fit your mouth and blend in with surrounding teeth for a great, natural look. If you’re ready to smile your best smile, schedule a consultation with us to learn more about how dental veneers can help!
Technology Driven Composite Veneers
When to consider composite veneers:
- You have discolored teeth
- You have spacing between your teeth
- you want to change the shape of your teeth
- you want a treatment that is gentle and carries minimal risk to your underlying natural tooth
Why?
Through a process of digital design, we will help visualize and perfect your smile before its is fitted
Will it hurt
Done under local anesthetic so there should be minimal pain or discomfort
How do I look after my smile
Will need to maintain good dental hygiene brushing at least twice a day and seeing your hygienist at least 3 times a yar. You should avoid foods and drink that have heavy staining on teeth like betroot, red wine and tumeric
Process:
- Your teeth will be assessed by a doctor. A digital scan/impression and photographs will be taken of your teeth.
- A new smile will be designed and a digital image will be created for you to approve
- Your new trial smile will be temporarily placed over your current teeth using temporary material for you to see and assess your smile
- Your new smile will be fitted in a final appointment to deliver your dream smile
Dental Emergency Care
Lahaina Smiles Dental offers emergency dental care for the following:
- Cracked or knocked out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Broken or loose crown or filling
- Gum infection
If you experience one of the above, contact us at (808) 667-7711 to let us know about your emergency. We will do everything we can to ensure you can see us as soon as possible so we can get your smile back to normal health.
Depending on the extent of your condition, we may perform one of the following dental emergency treatments:
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal
- Crown placement
- Filling placement
If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a common solution we offer for teeth that have been infected due to a severe cavity or oral injury. It is used to disinfect the area and restore the form and function of your tooth.
During your root canal treatment, Dr. Kadohiro or Dr. Barba will remove the infected sections, rinse the tooth with a disinfectant, and seal the area off to prevent re-infection. They will then use a filling or crown—depending on the severity of the infection’s effects on your tooth—to restore the tooth and protect it from future damage.
Tooth Extraction
Although you may not enjoy the idea of having a tooth removed, it may be necessary for some instances to provide relief, protect your oral health, or improve the appearance of your smile. For example, you may need a tooth extraction if:
- You have a tooth or teeth with extensive damage from an accident
- You have unmanageable toothaches or jaw pain
- You have severe tooth decay that could lead to disease
- You have wisdom teeth that pose a risk to your dental health
Why Are Extractions Needed?
Are you suffering from a toothache? It may be a sign of underlying infection and disease. In some cases, this may require a tooth extraction to prevent risks to your health.
Are you experiencing chronic headaches or jaw pain?
Broken down or infected teeth may contribute to headaches and pain in your jaw. If other treatments don’t work, an extraction may provide relief.
Do you still have your wisdom teeth?
Were you in an accident?
Kind Words from Patients
“Warm, friendly, and efficient staff”
“Upon arrival you are greeted by a warm, friendly and efficient staff concerned with your well being. Enter the dental procedure area and you experience an up-to-date modern facility that is equipped and staffed promoting either maintenance or repair of dental procedures. Complete and thorough examinations using only the most up-to-date equipment. The appointments are kept as planned on time with advance notice, if an emergency were to arise they diligently work with you to accommodate your needs. The efficient staff processes all of the necessary insurance information, again making the experience as pleasant as possible.”
“I have never had a more pleasurable experience at a dental office”
“I have never had a more pleasurable experience at a dental office. From the time you walk through the door ’til you leave, the entire staff makes you feel comfortable and welcome. Dr. Kadohiro is very knowledgeable, gentle and kind and ensures you are as comfortable as one can be having dental work. I highly recommend this office.“
“They always make me feel comfortable when coming in for treatments or fillings.”
“I have had multiple appointments here and had not been to the dentist in years; they have been great! My teeth and gums are so much healthier and they always make me feel comfortable when coming in for treatments or fillings. Definitely suggest coming here!“