When it comes to maintaining a healthy, confident smile, there’s more to it than just brushing twice a day. Gum disease and tooth decay are two of the most common oral health issues adults face—and when left untreated, they can do far more than dull your smile. They can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.

At ClevelandSmiles, Dr. Steve Marsh and his dedicated team combine world-class cosmetic dentistry with a focus on prevention and wellness. That means not only treating gum disease and decay but rebuilding your smile with beauty and function in mind.

Here’s how they can help you take charge of your oral health and transform your smile—step by step.

The Problem: Understanding Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Gum disease (periodontal disease) and tooth decay (dental caries) are caused by harmful bacteria that thrive in plaque and tartar buildup. Without proper brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings, this bacteria can inflamed gums and erode tooth enamel—leading to:

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gum recession and tooth sensitivity
  • Cavities and tooth pain
  • Loose or missing teeth

Both conditions progress silently, so many patients don’t realize they have a problem until damage is done. That’s why early detection and regular dental visits are key.

Dental Hygiene: The First Line of Defense

At ClevelandSmiles, prevention is the foundation of everything we do. Our hygiene team is specially trained to catch issues early, clean where your toothbrush can’t reach, and importantly educate you on how to care for your teeth at home.

Our dental hygiene protocol includes:

  • Gentle but thorough cleanings
  • Periodontal charting to monitor gum health
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Education on proper flossing and brushing techniques
  • Recommendations for fluoride, rinses, and products tailored to your needs

When you visit us regularly, we help you avoid small issues becoming bigger problems—saving you time, money, and discomfort in the future.

Cosmetic Dentistry: More Than Just Esthetics

Once your oral health is stabilized, it’s time to restore what may have been affected by disease or decay. At Cleveland Smiles, our cosmetic dentistry isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about lasting, life-changing results!

Let’s explore how our most popular treatments can help.

Tooth-Colored Fillings and Bonding: A Seamless Fix for Cavities and Chips

Gone are the days of silver fillings. We use composite resin—a tooth-colored material that bonds directly to your natural tooth and blends in beautifully. Whether you need a small cavity filled or want to replace old metal fillings, this is a conservative, natural-looking solution.

Additionally, dental bonding can be used to repair small chips, close gaps, and improve tooth shape. Dr. Marsh sculpts the resin to match your natural enamel, hardens it with a curing light, and polishes it for a seamless finish—all in a single visit.

Great for:

  • Small cavities
  • Minor chips or cracks
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Uneven edges

Bonding is one of the easiest ways to improve your smile quickly and painlessly.

Crowns and Veneers: Beauty Meets Strength

If decay or damage has compromised the strength of a tooth, a porcelain crown can reinforce and protect it. A crown acts like a protective cap, preserving your natural root structure while restoring shape and function.

Meanwhile, porcelain veneers are ideal for patients who want a major visual upgrade. These thin, custom restorations are bonded to the front of your teeth to mask stains, chips, or irregular spacing. The result is a brighter, straighter smile—often in just two visits.

Crowns are ideal for:

  • Teeth with large cavities or cracks
  • Teeth after root canal therapy
  • Heavily worn or damaged teeth

Veneers are ideal for:

  • Gaps, uneven edges, or worn teeth
  • Deep stains that don’t respond to whitening
  • Minor misalignment

Every crown and veneer is crafted with artistry and precision to give you a natural-looking result that lasts.

Gum Contouring for a Balanced, Healthier-Looking Smile

Gum disease can cause uneven gum lines, excessive gum tissue, or gum recession—all of which affect your smile’s symmetry and proportions. With laser gum contouring, Dr. Marsh can gently sculpt the gumline to create balance and improve both aesthetics and oral hygiene.

This minimally invasive procedure uses advanced laser technology, so there’s little to no bleeding and a fast healing time. Whether you’re looking to reduce a “gummy smile” or reshape areas impacted by recession, gum contouring helps your smile shine.

Gum contouring can:

  • Reshape uneven gum lines
  • Reveal more of your natural teeth
  • Get rid of a “gummy” smile
  • Improve symmetry
  • Prepare the mouth for veneers or crowns

It’s a small change that can have a big visual impact—and many patients see immediate results.

Smile Makeovers: Transform Your Smile, Transform Your Confidence

If your smile has been affected by years of gum disease, decay, or wear and tear, you may benefit from a comprehensive smile makeover. This custom treatment plan combines multiple cosmetic and restorative services to rebuild your smile step by step.

Your journey starts with one-on-one consultation and digital imaging. Dr. Marsh then develops a personalized plan based on your goals, schedule, and budget. Your makeover might include:

The end result? A smile that not only looks fantastic—but feels strong, healthy, and truly you.

Why Patients Trust ClevelandSmiles

At Cleveland Smiles, we treat more than just teeth—we treat people. Dr. Steve Marsh has been restoring smiles in the Cleveland area for over 45 years with a combination of advanced techniques, an artistic eye, and a genuinely warm approach to care.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Individualized treatment planning
  • A full range of cosmetic and restorative options
  • Modern technology for comfort and precision – including digital (no “goop”) impressions
  • A caring, no-judgment team
  • A passion for helping patients smile with confidence again

Whether you need help addressing gum disease, restoring damaged teeth, or transforming your entire smile, we’re ready to walk with you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re struggling with bleeding gums, cavities, or just want to love your smile again, they’d  love to meet you. Dr. Marsh and the ClevelandSmiles team can help you protect your health, restore your teeth, and regain your confidence.

Call  today at 440-461-1003 to schedule your consultation or contact them online!