Night guards help those suffering from chronic teeth-grinding during sleep, otherwise known as bruxism. Night guards issued by your dentist are often the highest quality you will find as well as the most superior fit as they are made in a special laboratory from an impression of your mouth carefully taken by one of our dental experts. This is normally a much more comfortable and reliable device than what you might find from an over-the-counter option. A night guard’s main function is to prevent the surfaces of your teeth from grinding together, causing you to chip and crack your teeth and strain your jaw muscles.
Patient Forms
Please print and fill out these forms so we can expedite your first visit:
- New Patient Registration Form
- New Patient Medical History
- Confirmation and Fees Protocol Letter
- Payment Consent
In order to view or print these forms you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Click here to download it.
What To Expect
Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all of the needed information to provide the best possible care for you. It also will help relieve any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling. Educate yourself on your symptoms by reviewing the content on this Web site. Also, take some time to review our staff page and familiarize yourself with the doctors. We look forward to your first visit.
Your first visit to Brian C. Rau, DDS establishes a vital foundation for our future relationship. We first make sure to obtain important background information, like your medical history, and give you time to get to know the doctor. There’s also background information about our committed staff and our first visit procedures. You can even save some time at your first visit by printing out and completing the patient forms in advance of your appointment.
Mission Statement
Our practice is working together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry.
To fulfill this mission, we are committed to:
- Listening to those we are privileged to serve.
- Earn the trust and respect of patients, profession and community.
- Exceed your expectations.
- Ensure a creative, challenging and compassionate professional environment.
- Strive for continuous improvement at all levels.
Appointments
We know you have many choices when choosing a Dentist in Milwaukee, WI so we have made requesting an appointment a simple process. If, for any reason you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, or will be delayed, please call us as soon as possible.
Insurance and Billing
We accept most traditional insurance plans, contact our office to verify acceptance of your plan. Brian C. Rau, DDS does not participate in Health Management Organizations; however, we will be happy to file your insurance claims for you. Please see our Financial Coordinator for details. We are happy to file insurance for your reimbursement as long as you are free to choose your own dentist.
Payment Options
We accept checks, cash or credit cards. We also offer a flexible payment plan. Please see our financial coordinator for details. We are happy to file insurance for your reimbursement as long as you are free to choose your own dentist.
Financing Options
CareCredit is here to help you pay for treatments and procedures your insurance doesn’t cover. We offer No Interest* financing or low minimum monthly payment options so you can get what you want, when you want it. You can even use CareCredit for your family and favorite pet.
With three simple steps, including an instant approval process, it’s easy to apply for CareCredit. After you’re approved, you’re free to use CareCredit for the services you choose including LASIK, veterinary, dentistry, cosmetic, hearing aids and more.
CareCredit is endorsed by some of the most credible organizations specific to each healthcare profession we support. And CareCredit is a GE Money Company, so you know you can count on us. For over 20 years, we’ve been helping over five million cardholders get the healthcare treatments they want and need. Now you don’t have to worry about saving up for the procedures you want and need. With CareCredit, the decision’s in your hands to get what you want, when you want it. For more information or to apply online, visit carecredit.com
Facilities and Equipment
- Digital X-rays
- Invisalign
The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side.
Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:
-arthritis
-dislocation
-injury
-tooth and jaw alignment
-stress and teeth grinding
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.
Invisalign clear aligners apply carefully controlled forces to move your teeth into a better position without using metal wires and are made of invisible plastic, offering a discreet option. Unlike cemented metal or clear braces, the clear aligners are completely removable for everyday use such as eating, or brushing and flossing.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable. They last many years, and can be tightened if affected by normal wear and tear.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What does getting dental implants involve?
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself on to the bone for up to six months.
After a period of healing time, the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. After healing, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth and good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will even further extend the life of your new implant.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is normally painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.
The sooner you treat gum disease the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning followed by daily brushing and flossing.
There are many successful treatment options available for gum disease of any stage – losing teeth doesn’t have to be an option. Our dental professionals will help decide which method of treatment is best for you, getting you your smile back to the way it once was.
Many people at some point or another will need some form of specialized dentistry. Our dental professionals have undergone additional training so we are able to further help our patients with specialized treatments and procedures.
In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, and beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence.
Dental bonding is an efficient, affordable process of bonding tooth-colored resin to the teeth to hide imperfections like small gaps, minor chips, and discoloration. Along with cosmetic benefits, bonding can also be used to fill cavities. Over time, the bonding may need to be touched up or replaced...
