A straighter smile is an investment in your long-term confidence and oral health. Once your clear aligner treatment begins, consistency plays a major role in optimizing your results. Once treatment is complete, following smart, simple guidelines for Invisalign® aftercare in Kalaheo, HI, helps keep your teeth healthy and preserve your hard-won progress.

How to Clean and Care for Aligners

Properly caring for ...

Staying consistent with dental exams is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile for the long haul. Even so, many of our patients wonder how often they truly need to come in, especially during life’s hectic times. The answer depends on a few factors, including age, health, and the presence of certain risk factors.

Regardless, regular checkups remain foundational ...

Do you remember when you last had a preventive teeth cleaning and checkup at the dentist? If not, you should know you're not alone and that it's never too late to get your smile back on track. 

Another critical point is that preventive appointments are integral to protecting not only your dental health but also your overall health and well-being. Here's ...

As December quickly approaches, it’s time to make the most of your end-of-year dental insurance benefits in Kalaheo, HI. Since most dental insurance plans reset on January 1, meaning unused benefits disappear, planning ahead, around holiday travel and packed family schedules, can help you safeguard your oral health and avoid losing valuable coverage.

Why “Use It or Lose It” Matters

Dental ...

Cosmetic dentistry continues to grow in popularity as more and more people realize how they can improve their smile’s aesthetic beauty. Porcelain veneers are a great way to boost your self-esteem, but once you complete your treatment, it’s essential to follow some simple care tips.

So, how should you care for your porcelain veneers to keep them looking and feeling their ...

If you’ve been considering clear aligners to realign your smile, a big question you might be contemplating is: How would orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® affect my everyday life? 

At Kalaheo Dental Group, Dr. Kelliann Rita and our caring team are dedicated to helping patients rejuvenate the appeal of their smiles and the integrity of their bites with minimal disruption to everyday ...

As people age, it can become increasingly difficult to physically attend medical appointments, including visits to the dentist. But imagine having the ability to receive professional dental care from the comfort of your favorite chair at home. No need to worry about transportation, parking, or mobility challenges. Kalaheo Dental Group makes this possible through tele-dentistry in Kalaheo, HI. We ...

You have a missing tooth—or maybe multiple missing teeth—and are strongly considering dental implants, which is a wise choice!

Dental implants are a significant investment in your smile, offering unique benefits.

In this blog, we take you step-by-step through the dental implant process:

• Initial Consultation
• Potential Pretreatments
• Implant Surgery Day
• Recovery Period
• Smile Placement

Dental Implant Procedure in Kalaheo, HI: What to Expect

Your dental implant placement steps are ...

You're searching for dental care for your ohana, and you keep seeing terms like "general dentist" and "family dentist." Are they the same thing? While both provide essential dental care, some meaningful differences can impact your family's experience, especially here in the close-knit community of Kauai.

Key Differences Between General Dentists and Family Dentists

General Dentists:

• May see children, but typically focus on ...

Patients often ask us if dental veneers are permanent. The answer really depends on the material we're using for your veneers. 

Composite veneers, or dental bonding, uses the same material we use for dental fillings, which is composite resin. We add composite resin to your teeth during this procedure without removing natural tooth structure. So, composite veneers are not considered a ...

It's exhausting keeping up with a busy family's schedule! Kids have school and extracurricular activities to attend, while parents are juggling work and tending to the home's needs. But what if you could take one thing off your to-do list? You'd jump on it—right?

The good news is choosing a family dentist makes caring for your family's smiles simple and convenient. ...

Do your teeth feel pitted or not so smooth when you run your tongue across the smile line? Are they starting to look worn and lackluster in holiday photos? Do you miss that youthful grin?

Porcelain veneers may be the solution!

These beautiful shells of ceramic can help with the following:

• Short and worn teeth
• Pitted or cracked teeth
• Discolored or stained teeth
• Gummy smiles
• Uneven ...

A confident smile has the power to transform how you feel about yourself and how others see you. It can lift your spirits, open doors, and make lasting impressions. Cosmetic dentistry offers the chance to perfect the smile you've always dreamed of, giving you the freedom to express your true self without hesitation.

So, what cosmetic dentistry services are available in ...

Imagine you have a toothache and need to go to the dentist, but you’re unable to pay for your treatment. Think of how terrible you’d feel if you couldn’t afford to take your child for a routine dental cleaning. At Kalaheo Dental Group, we never want anyone to forego necessary dental treatment because of financial concerns.

That’s why we strive to ...

Dental implants in Kauai are the gold standard in tooth replacement. First, they offer longevity, especially compared with other options. Second, they are most like natural teeth. It’s also important to consider the oral health benefits. Finally, they are the only maintenance-free choice. Simply brush, floss, and visit Kalaheo regularly for checkups.

Parts of a Dental Implant

Let’s unpack the dental ...

At Kalaheo Dental Group, Dr. Michael Lutwin and our experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled team understand that busy schedules, financial constraints, and dental anxiety can hinder consistency in dental visits. Despite these challenges, maintaining a commitment to your oral health is crucial.

Whether you’re uncomfortable with your smile or embarrassed by how long it’s been since your last checkup, our ...

There are times when you need the assistance of a trusted dentist, but you may not want to leave your home. This is where teledentistry is helpful! 

Your trusted dental team at Kalaheo Dental Group now offers teledentistry as an option for our patients. Here's how it works. 

Making High-Quality Dentistry Simple and Accessible

If you're interested in a teledentistry appointment at ...

Crooked teeth can adversely affect the integrity and function of a person’s smile as well as the aesthetics of their smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of treatments to correct misalignment and rejuvenate patients’ smiles and bites.

Let’s explore the risks of neglecting crooked teeth and three highly effective treatment options.

The Downsides of Not Addressing Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are ...

Finding a new dentist when you’ve relocated can be challenging. You may be unsure what to look for or what to ask. Fortunately, our team and top dentists near Kapaa, HI, have compiled a few tips to help you.  

Also, if you’re new to Kalaheo or the surrounding areas and wondering about the area, we’ve included a few destination spots near ...

The holidays are upon us, and it's easy to get swept up in the festivities. Enjoy the fun but don’t let your dental health fall by the wayside. Here are 10 tips from Kalaheo Dental for keeping your smile bright and healthy through the holidays. 

10 Holiday Dental Tips for a Bright, Healthy Smile

1. Choose teeth-healthy foods like crisp fruits and ...

As the year winds down, it's crucial to remember that your dental benefits may be ticking away, too. Many residents in Kauai overlook the importance of taking advantage of their dental insurance before it resets at the year's end. Here's a gentle reminder to make the most of your benefits for both your oral health and your wallet.

Use Your Dental ...

The team at Kalaheo Dental Group is excited to partner with Colgate in celebrating Dental Hygiene Month!

October is a great month to assess your oral health and hygiene. While it is also the month for Halloween candy, we urge you to pay special attention to your teeth and gums. You can do so by scheduling your next dental cleaning and ...

Choosing a new dentist for you and your family is important, but it can be difficult to find the right dentist when you aren’t sure what qualities to consider. A little research can go a long way to help you make the best choice for your family’s oral health, so what questions should you ask when looking for a new ...

As dental veneers and crowns offer seemingly the same restorative benefits, they’re often assumed to be interchangeable. However, while these solutions share certain similarities, there are notable differences that make each uniquely suited to specific situations and patient needs.

Today we’re looking at veneers and crowns: what they are, their similarities, and their differences.

What Are Dental Veneers in Kauai?

Veneers are thin ...

If you're considering Invisalign in Kalaheo, HI, we think it's a fantastic orthodontic system.

Invisalign has been around for a while and continues to gain in popularity among patients for several reasons. We've listed just a few of these reasons below.

#1 Straight Teeth Contribute to Improved Oral Health

An aligned bite puts less stress on your teeth, which helps prevent issues ...

When you go to the dentist, your primary goal is to preserve your natural teeth, right? Sometimes, if you need dental work beyond professional cleanings, you may have questions about the treatment your dentist suggests; if they recommend a dental crown, you might be curious why you can’t just get a filling in your tooth to save on some ...

As anyone who's suffered from tooth loss will attest, it's extremely important to address the area in the mouth where the tooth/teeth used to be.

For patients who are missing one or more teeth and cannot or do not want to get dentures, bridges, or crowns, dental implants are an excellent option. Of course, as with any medical procedure, proper post-procedure ...

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. We emphasize the importance of children’s dentistry and oral hygiene during this time. It is through family dentistry in Kauai and your at-home efforts that children realize excellent and lasting oral health.

Let’s explore three best practices to keep your child’s smile healthy for life.

#1 Six-Month Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups allow ...

Dental veneers are the most versatile cosmetic restoration, concealing most smile flaws. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, consider dental veneers in Kauai.

Our cosmetic dentist can talk to you about the benefits of veneers and help you make the best choice for your smile goals.

Let’s explore four reasons to consider dental veneers.

#1 Dental Veneers Can Conceal Most Tooth Flaws

If you ...

You’ve tried all the over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and kits, but nothing delivers the natural results you want. Have you considered a professional take-home teeth whitening kit from your Kalaheo dentist?

Advantages of Take-Home Teeth Whitening

You can invest a lot of time and money in OTC whitening products and never see the results possible with a customized kit available from your dentist. ...

Kalaheo Dental Group is grateful to our veterans and active military stationed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands (PMRF). We want to ensure they have access to quality dentistry in Kauai. We offer payment plans, easy financing, and a dental membership plan to help them maintain happy, healthy smiles.

Of course, these plans are not limited to our military! ...

January is filled with New Year's celebrations. We want you to enjoy your time with friends, family, and colleagues this year. But remember to take care of your teeth!

Of course, there are many indulgences after the holidays and into January. But some foods and drinks are better for your teeth than others. Certain foods can even be detrimental.

Let's explore the ...

Choosing the right dentist for your family doesn’t have to be stressful. A family dentist treats children and adults in the same dental office. At Kalaheo Dental Group, we make dental care easy and stress-free for families and patients of all ages. Our comprehensive dentistry services can help you attain the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. 

Here are five reasons ...

Dental insurance helps numerous patients and their loved ones receive the necessary care. However, dental insurance typically doesn’t carry over from one year to the next, meaning you will lose unused benefits once they expire. Each calendar year, benefits reset, so now is a great time to use your benefits before the year ends. 

If you have any benefits left, ...

Your family dentist in Kauai, HI, considers all toothaches serious because it signifies something is wrong and needs to be addressed. If you have a toothache, it’s essential to contact our dental office to arrange an emergency dental visit with the dentist. Mild toothaches often become excruciating without intervention.

5 Reasons You Might Have a Toothache

#1 Deep Root Infection

An infection in ...

Kalaheo Dental Group is hosting its 6^th annual Halloween Candy Buy Back event on Monday, Nov. 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at its office in the Rainbow Plaza on Kaumualii Highway in Kalaheo. 

Would you like to work in a positive atmosphere where you can feel proud of the work you do and recognized for your efforts? Come and join our great team of appreciative doctors and staff whom provide excellent patient ...

In honor of National Children's Dental Health Month in February, Kalaheo Dental Group is hosting a Keiki Art Contest!

Just because we're all wearing masks these days doesn't mean we can't celebrate healthy and beautiful smiles. Use your most creative ideas to celebrate the smiles behind the masks and enjoy a sweet reward!

• All health conditions accepted
• You cannot be denied coverage
• No deductibles
• No waiting on pre-authorizations
• No hidden fees

Dear Valued Patients,

Have you lost dental insurance due to unemployment as ...

Join us for some post-Halloween fun!

Aloha to our valued patients,

At Kalaheo Dental Group, you never have to sacrifice good dental care because of financial concerns. Here are some options:

1. If you’ve lost insurance due to job loss and your former employer has over 20 employees, you may be eligible to keep your existing policy under the COBRA program, though ...

What is an x-ray?

An x-ray is a form of energy that travels through solid objects. Energy is absorbed by dense objects, like teeth or bone, and show up in x-rays as light-colored areas. While less dense objects, such as gums and cheeks, appear darker on an x-ray.

Why do I need an x-ray in Kalaheo?

A patient with a broken leg would ...

In this treatment, plaque and tartar that have caused infection to your gums are carefully removed down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. This treatment may be done over several visits, depending on your needs and insurance benefits. The tooth's root surfaces are then smoothed, or planed, to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. ...

Periodontal Disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth. Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. As the disease worsens, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are destroyed. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to ...

Flossing Technique

• Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process.
• Curve the floss into a C-shape as you slide it up and down along the side of each tooth.
• Don’t forget to floss the backsides of your back teeth on both the left and right of the upper ...

Here at Kalaheo Dental, we tend to get a lot of questions about caring for a custom night guard. The easy answer is: Keep it as simple as possible! Here is a simple list of "Do's" and "Do Not's" for night guard (NG) care and be sure to watch the instructional video for more information.

DO:

• Brush and floss before inserting your ...

We all know it can be a struggle to get those smallest members of our ‘ohana to brush their teeth! In this next series of videos, our hygienist Michelle will be reviewing and demonstrating four free brushing apps for keiki:

Rated 4.7/5 stars in the App Store

The first app we'll review is the ...

What is an implant?

Implants can replace one to a complete arch of teeth. Implants can be placed to fill in for one or more missing teeth, to replace removable dentures or partial dentures and even an implant bridge can be placed. Implants are an ...

WATERPIK

STEPS:

1. Fill the reservoir with warm water and place firmly on the base.
2. Select a tip and click into the handle.
   Note: If this is the first use, set the pressure control dial to high. Point the tip into the sink and turn on ...

Remember, brush your keiki's teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times a day! When an adult brushes their teeth, use a grain of rice- sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for keiki up to 3 years old and a small pea-sized amount for keiki ages ...

Aloha,

In light of COVID-19 developments as well as new recommendations from the Hawaii Dental Association, ...

Vaping, or electronic cigarettes, is fast becoming a concern for us, your healthcare providers. Due to virtually no regulation and the targeted marketing towards young people, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared it a “major public health concern.”

Overall Health

Limited research exists for this new fad, but what we do know is that most vaping products contain the addictive chemical nicotine ...

People ask us a lot about dental implants these days. Perhaps they’re self-conscious because of missing teeth or wear dentures that are uncomfortable. Unfortunately, they’re not alone. Nearly 200 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and almost 35 million are missing all of their teeth.

Missing teeth can affect the appearance of your smile, your quality of life, and ...

In honor of National Children's Dental Health Month in February, Kalaheo Dental Group is hosting a Keiki Art Content!

Theme: Things That Keep Your Mouth Clean and Healthy

• Art: Use the medium of your choice, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, or poetry. All 2-dimensional (drawing, photography, etc.) art must be submitted on an 8 1/2 x 11" piece of paper.
• Eligible: Kaua'i keiki ...

Join our patient, 3-time World Champion Tandem Surfer Krystl Apeles, on her Invisalign journey to straighten her teeth and enhance her beautiful smile. The process will take approximately 12 months, and she’ll provide us with updates along the way. Here’s what Krystl has to say as she begins the Invisalign process:

"My name is Krystl, and I’ve been going to Kalaheo ...

Please join us in welcoming Kalaheo Dental Group's new dentist Dr. Robert Stebbins, DDS. A University of the Pacific School of Dentistry graduate, he owned a private dental practice for 11 years in Oregon. Prior to that, Dr. Stebbins practiced as an orthopedic surgery physician assistant in San Francisco and spent two years in Bulgaria as a missionary.  He has ...

Choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth is a decision that has long-term benefits. A dental implant is the healthiest tooth replacement because it acts just like a real tooth. And just like the rest of your teeth, your dental implant requires proper care to maintain it.

When you get one or more dental implants in Kauai, your dentist will ...

Children today can have full schedules just as adults do. School, soccer practice, music lessons—the last thing you want is for them to miss out on them because of dental problems like cavities. One of the easiest ways to help your keiki maintain a happy, healthy smile is with dental sealants. 

A significant part of family dentistry in Kalaheo is ...

Teens make choices that can have a lifetime of consequences. Oral piercings may “look cool” as a form of expression, but they have serious risks:

• Infection, pain and swelling: Your mouth is home to huge amounts of bacteria, and an ideal place for infection, which can become life threatening if not treated promptly. It’s also possible for a piercing to cause ...

You want your teeth to last a lifetime, but healthy teeth don’t happen by accident. That’s why at Kalaheo Dental Group, we recommend starting with good oral health habits young. The following four tips can help provide your child with dental success for the rest of their life.

Choose the Right Toothbrush

The bristle in your toothbrush can damage your enamel ...

At Kalaheo Dental Group, we speak often about the link between oral health and overall health. This is especially relevant when talking about oral cancer. According to the American Dental Association, “Approximately 51,540 people will be diagnosed with cancers of the mouth, throat, tonsils, and tongue this year.” Here are the top 5 risk factors:

1. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually ...

Is it time for your next dental cleaning, but you just can’t find time in your day to schedule an appointment? Are you tempted to skip the cleaning because your teeth don’t hurt and you brush and floss well anyway?

New patients at our Kalaheo dental office sometimes think that these six-month exams and dental cleanings aren’t necessary, but that’s ...

Your routine dental cleanings in Kalaheo support your oral hygiene efforts and are an essential part of keeping your family’s smiles healthy.

But you should also view these appointments as an opportunity to talk to your dental hygienist about your oral hygiene routine and see if there’s room for improvement. 

Before your next dental cleaning, consider asking these four basic questions ...

We Offer Solutions For Missing Teeth

If you are struggling with tooth loss and are searching for options to replace your natural teeth, our Kalaheo, HI dental office is excited to welcome you to our ohana.

At Kalaheo Dental Group, we work hard to help our patients feel at ease during difficult times. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is always ready ...

Only a few more days to submit your art for the art contest!

Here are four tips to help keiki Malama their Mouth:

1. Make it Fun! To get kids brushing and flossing for the recommended two minutes, two times a day, use that smartphone at your fingertips. Choose a fun, two-minute tune and let kids rock out while they brush. Brush alongside them to model great technique.

2. Go to the Dentist! Dental problems ...

In honor of National Children's Dental Health Month in February, Kalaheo Dental Group is hosting a keiki!

Art Contest

Theme: Tooth-Art

Teeth (molars, canines, incisors) come in all shapes and sizes. Show us your interpretation of tooth-art. Use the medium of your choice, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, or even poetry, to create your contest ...

Are you an adult who wants to straighten your teeth but have too much going on in your life to deal with metal braces? Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is an excellent alternative because the system is designed with your busy adult lifestyle in mind.

Benefits of Invisalign Compared to Metal Braces

There are numerous benefits to choosing Invisalign over metal braces:

• Won’t mar ...

Have bad breath that won’t go away? The problem may be more than the type of foods you eat, so today we’re going to share some tips for keeping your breath clean and fresh.

We all experience bad breath occasionally, which is usually the result of eating smelly foods like garlic and onions. This can be embarrassing, but it’s not a ...

We Love Our Community

Our staff recently provided oral health presentations to the West Kauai Rotary Club and Boys and Girls Club Waimea Clubhouse. We would love to visit your school or community group. Presentations are customized depending on the topic the audience would like ...

Millions of people are affected by tooth loss; some estimates say that over 100 million people are missing at least one tooth and more than 36 million have no teeth.

Full and partial dentures have long been the go-to treatment for missing teeth, but today we also have dental implants, a tooth replacement option that is most like your natural teeth. ...

While you may have only recently heard about dental implants, you may know they’re innovative, but they’re not new. The first implant was placed in 1965, which means they have been in use for over 50 years! In that time, millions of patients have enjoyed their benefits to the point that they’re now referred to as the “gold standard” for ...

Most of us have become more health conscious in the past few decades; we tend to exercise more, make better food choices, and try to stay informed about things that affect our general health and well-being.

As part of our new awareness, many of us have concerns about the frequency of x-rays. Even though the level of radiation in an x-ray ...

Men are not always the greatest at staying up to date with their health checks and yet early detection and treatment for diseases and injuries are the best ways to stay healthy and live a long, happy life.

Join us in celebrating Men’s Health Week, June 11-17, a nationally observed week that leads up to Father’s Day. 

“The purpose of Men’s Health ...

Ask kids what their favorite time of year is and the answer is almost always summer. What could be better than summer on Kauai?

Follow these tips to help your keiki malama their mouth all summer long.

• Sun’s out, surfs up! C’mon, and get outside. Give the electronic devices a rest. Sitting around being ‘bored’ and snacking can cause weight gain ...

Few oral health conditions affect patients like losing a tooth – both physically and emotionally. Tooth loss poses so many questions about the future of your health and appearance, making the right decision might seem overwhelming. You don’t have to worry; our experienced dentists are here for you, helping you through the tooth-replacement process every step of the way.

Here are ...

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, Kalaheo Dental Group is hosting a Keiki Art Contest!

Theme: Malama Your Mouth!

Show us how you take care of your teeth, gums, and tongue.

• Art: On an 8 ½” x 12” paper, draw a picture that illustrates “Malama Your Mouth!” and include this theme on the drawing.
• Eligible: Kaua`i keiki 12 years old and ...

It’s holiday season on Kauai! Seems like it was just summer and now keiki have trick-or-treat candy, Thanksgiving pumpkin pies baking, and Christmas and New Year’s are right around the corner. A magical time of year on Kauai, no doubt, but the holidays can be humbug for our ohana’s dental health. We at Kalaheo Dental Group offer some tips for ...

Wednesday, November 1st, 2017

Get $1/pound of unopened candy, up to 5 pounds.

Prize drawing: $100 KUGA gift certificate.

The candy will be sent to our troops via Operation Gratitude. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 1,600,000 ...

Dental implants have been in practical use for decades and have restored the smiles of millions of people. However, in a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), researchers found that 25% of the patients surveyed never even heard of dental implants!

Implant Facts You Should Know

Considering the tremendous benefit they offer compared to other tooth replacements, ...

Aside from ruining your appearance, missing teeth lead to a host of dental problems. Fortunately, dental implants have had a tremendously positive effect on the lives of patients with missing teeth. They are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they so closely mimic the function and appearance of a natural tooth.

Smoking and Dental Implants

If you smoke more than a ...

In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, Kalaheo Dental Group is hosting a Keiki Art Contest using the theme: My Teeth Are Hungry For.... 

Keiki are encouraged to show us the non-sugary food and drinks that make for a healthy smile!

Art:

On an 8 ½” x 12” paper, draw a picture that illustrates “My teeth are hungry for…” and ...

Mahalo to KUGA (Kauai UnderGround Artists) for the generous gift certificate donation for our Halloween Candy Buy Back prize drawing! All keiki who donate candy at the event are ...