What’s Trending in Dentistry? Insights from Your Northwest Ohio Dentist

What’s Trending in Dentistry? Insights from Your Northwest Ohio Dentist

Staying Ahead with Your Smile
When you visit a dentist, you want more than routine check-ups; you want care that grows with your family and keeps up with the latest advancements. Dentistry is constantly evolving, and patients are more curious than ever about the best options to keep their smiles healthy, bright, and confident. We see firsthand what patients are asking about most, and we’re here to share some of the top trends shaping dentistry today.

1. Brighter Smiles with Whitening

One of the most common requests in our office is for professional teeth whitening. People want to feel confident when they smile—whether it’s for a special event, a family photo, or just everyday life. While there are plenty of whitening products available at the store, patients often discover that the safest and most effective results come from a professional treatment at their local dentist. With professional whitening, the results are quicker, longer-lasting, and customized to your unique needs, all while minimizing sensitivity.

2. The Rise of Invisalign and Clear Braces

Many teens and adults are choosing clear aligners over traditional braces because they offer a more discreet and flexible way to straighten teeth. These aligners fit comfortably, can be removed for eating and brushing, and make it easier for patients to maintain their oral hygiene during treatment. We’ve noticed more patients asking about orthodontic care later in life as well—proving that it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

3. Making Dentistry Fun for Kids

Parents are more focused than ever on making their children’s dental visits a positive experience. At Dental Excellence, we go the extra mile to make appointments fun by offering hands-on activities like letting kids brush the dragon’s teeth and rewarding them with small prizes for doing a great job. These early positive experiences build confidence and help children feel comfortable at the dentist for years to come. We love seeing our youngest patients leave with smiles on their faces—not just because their teeth are clean, but because they genuinely enjoyed their visit.

4. Preventive Care First

Preventive dentistry continues to be one of the most important trends in oral health. More people are understanding that regular cleanings and exams aren’t just about avoiding cavities—they’re about protecting overall health, too. Visiting your dentist every six months allows us to catch small issues before they become big problems, saving patients both time and money in the long run. From professional cleanings to fluoride treatments and sealants for kids, preventive care is the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

5. Restoring Smiles with Dental Implants

Patients who have lost teeth are increasingly choosing dental implants as a long-lasting and natural-looking solution. Unlike dentures, implants function like real teeth and help protect the health of the jawbone. They not only restore chewing ability and confidence but also support the structure of your smile for years to come. We walk patients through the entire process with compassion and care, helping them feel comfortable and confident in their decision.

Compassionate Care, Every Visit

No matter the trend, one thing never changes: our commitment to compassionate care. We promise to provide the highest quality technical care while treating every patient with respect, courtesy, and understanding. Whether you’re interested in whitening, Invisalign, preventive care, or implants, our team is here to help you and your family achieve the healthiest smiles possible.

Ready to schedule your next appointment? Contact your trusted Northwest Ohio dentist today and experience the difference compassionate care can make.

Dr. Laura Lan

Dr. Laura will be in our office over the next couple of months. Dr. Laura Lan grew up in Los Angeles, California. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Laura made her way out to the Midwest to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

In her free time, Dr. Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and practicing yoga.

FUN FACT… Laura was a classmate of Dr. Rachel’s at Ohio State, and while Fara is a year ahead of Laura and Rachel, she is a close friend of Fara’s from dental school.

Steve M. Jones, D.D.S.

Senior Dentist Emeritus

Dr. Steven M. Jones is a graduate of Shawnee High School. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received his B.A. in Microbiology in 1986. Four years later he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (D.D.S.) from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Jones entered private practice in 1990 in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Jones also practiced in one of the first after hours dental emergency clinics in the country. After several years of private practice, he returned to his hometown of Lima, Ohio. Dr. Jones served as a clinical instructor at the Lima Technical College Dental Hygiene School and began planning a new general practice in the Lima area. In 2002 Dr. Jones opened the newly constructed Northwest Dental Center. Dr. Jones is a member of the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Northwestern Ohio Dental Society & Academy of Contemporary Dentistry in Columbus Ohio.

Dr. Rachel Salen, D.D.S.

Dr. Rachel Salen grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania until her family moved to Quincy, Illinois where she graduated from Quincy Notre Dame high school.

She then crossed the Mississippi River to study at Saint Louis University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Classical Humanities. Her family then moved to her father’s hometown of Warren, Ohio, leading her to choose The Ohio State University College of Dentistry for her post-graduate education where she would go on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Salen is very excited to begin her career serving the great people of West Central Ohio.

Dr. Salen will make a great addition to our patient-centered team by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including operative, prosthodontic, endodontic, and surgical treatments.

In addition to delivering great dental care, Rachel enjoys taking too many pictures of her cat, traveling across the Midwest and Northeast to visit her family and friends, and reading a good book!

Fara Hurt, D.D.S.

Dr. Fara Hurt grew up in Lima, Ohio. She is a graduate of Elida High school.

Dr. Hurt earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Fara worked for several years in the Columbus area, helping patients with their oral health needs and supporting patients with their periodontal care.

As a dentist, Dr. Hurt will make a great addition to our patient-centered team by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including operative, prosthodontic and endodontic treatments In addition to delivering great care, Fara enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, traveling, and attending football games.

Mary Wiechart, D.M.D

Dr. Mary Wiechart is a Lima native. She is a graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School. Dr. Wiechart earned a Bachelor of Science in Nature Sciences from Xavier University. She earned a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

Her practice includes operative, prosthodontic, endodontic and surgical treatments. In addition to delivering great care, Mary enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog, Bella. She also enjoys baking, golfing, traveling and listening to music.

Jill A. Miller, D.D.S

Senior Dentist

Dr. Jill A Miller is an Elida native and Elida High School graduate.

She is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 2009.

Dr. Miller provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages and strives to make patients feel comfortable. Her goal is to make going to the dentist a pleasant experience for children and adults.

Dr. Miller has served as externship site host for Ohio Northern University and has partnered with the University of Northwestern Ohio to provide emergency dental care to student athletes.

Dr. Miller is a member of the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Northwestern Ohio Dental Society, and the Ohio State University Dental alumni society.

In her spare time, Dr. Miller volunteers in the children ministry at her church, enjoys running and spending time with her husband, Zac, and their 3 children.