Optimal care comes from unique standards: careful listening, honest advice and treatment planned around you, not around a clock. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, those standards shape every visit. Here is what they mean for you, from your first phone call to the day you see your finished smile.
A dental studio, not a dental factory
We often think of our practice as a studio. To us, each smile we improve is a piece of work worth doing well. That idea shapes how we plan our days. Appointments are long enough to do the job right. A routine cleaning, for example, is a full 60 minutes. Treatment is planned in steps that make sense for your health, your goals and your budget.
We are a full-service office. That means you can have preventive care, repairs and cosmetic work under one roof, with one team that knows your history. You do not have to start over with a new office every time your needs change.
Experience and training behind your care
Your care is led by Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, who has more than 35 years in practice. Dr. Haywood's background includes:
- A DDS degree, cum laude, from the University of Detroit in 1987
- An advanced residency with the US Air Force
- Cosmetic training through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum
- Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Status as an Elite Invisalign Provider
Dr. Haywood's cosmetic work has also been seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. Training matters, but so does judgment. Years of experience help a dentist know when to treat, when to wait and watch, and when the simplest option is the best one. You can learn more on our Meet the Doctor page.
A relationship built on trust
We want to care for you for years, not just for one appointment. That kind of relationship starts the moment you contact our office.
We listen first
At your first visit, we ask about your concerns, your goals and your dental history. Some patients want a healthier mouth. Some want a brighter smile for a wedding or a new job. Some simply want to stop worrying about a tooth that has bothered them for months. Your goals guide the plan.
We explain everything
We show you what we see, using photos from an intraoral camera and digital X-rays. Then we explain your options in plain words, including what happens if you choose to wait. You will never be pushed into treatment you do not understand.
We help with the practical side
Kelley Fisher, our Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, walks you through treatment plans, insurance questions and financing. We are out of network with every insurer: you pay at the visit and our office files the claim so your plan can reimburse you. CareCredit and Cherry offer payment plans. See our financing page for details.
We make the visit calmer
We know that a dental visit can be stressful for some people. We have taken extra steps to make the office calmer and the care gentler:
- Sedation. Oral sedation can help you relax through treatment. Read more about sedation dentistry.
- Quieter tools. Air abrasion and the Picasso laser can make some procedures more comfortable than the traditional drill.
- Time to talk. We explain each step before we begin and stop whenever you need a break.
Technology that helps you see your options
Good care starts with a clear picture. Our dental technology helps us find problems early, plan treatment precisely and show you what to expect.
- Computerized smile imaging. With cosmetic imaging, you can preview a possible new smile before any work begins.
- Oral DNA tests. A simple saliva test can identify the bacteria linked to gum disease, which helps us choose the right treatment.
- Digital X-rays. They use up to 90% less radiation exposure than traditional film.
- iTero Element 3D scanner. A digital scan replaces most messy impression trays.
- Green CT 3D cone beam imaging. A 3D view of your jaw helps us plan dental implants and other complex care.
- DIAGNOdent. This tool helps detect early decay hidden in the grooves of your teeth.
Cosmetic and restorative care under one roof
Because we focus on both cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry, your smile is planned to look good and work well. A crown is not just strong; it is shaped and shaded to match its neighbors. A veneer is not just bright; it is made to fit your bite.
Some of the services patients ask about most:
- Same Day Smile makeovers for patients who want a big change in less time
- Porcelain veneers and crowns to repair chipped, worn or discolored teeth
- In-office laser teeth whitening for a brighter smile in a single visit
- Gum disease treatment to calm inflamed gums and protect the bone that holds your teeth
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth with a strong, natural-looking result
- Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth without metal braces
We also run a mercury-free office. We do not place silver fillings. Instead, we use tooth-colored, BPA-free white fillings that bond to your tooth.
Prevention is part of the standard
The best dentistry is often the dentistry you never need. Small problems found early are easier, quicker and more comfortable to treat, and they protect more of your natural tooth. That is why prevention is at the heart of our care. Thorough cleanings, careful exams and an oral cancer screening with ViziLite, a blue dye rinse and OralCDX help catch problems while they are small.
We also offer choices that fit your values. Holistic patients can have remineralization varnish, and fluoride is available for patients who want it. Whatever you choose, we will explain the reasons behind our advice.
Between visits, your daily habits do most of the work. We will show you the brushing and cleaning methods that suit your mouth, point out any spots you tend to miss, and suggest tools that make the job easier, such as interdental brushes or a water flosser. If you have a dry mouth, grind your teeth or snack often during the day, we will talk about simple changes that lower your risk of decay and wear. Small habits, kept up every day, protect the work we do together.
Experience our standards for yourself
If you are looking for a dental home in Shrewsbury, York, southern York County or northern Baltimore County, MD, we would be glad to meet you. Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 4 S. Main St, Shrewsbury, PA 17361, and new patients can find what to bring on our new patient info page.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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