This blog is where we will post new information that is relevant to our valued patients. You will find information about a variety of topics, from dental health updates to information about our practice. We will keep this updated with topics about new services, technologies and special offers so our patients can stay informed. We hope you will include this page in your "favorites" and check back occasionally to see what's new.
February 3rd, 2012

Hello Arlington TX friends of Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry! Thanks for stopping by the ultimate cosmetic dentistry blog. Today we are talking about personal transformation. Many Arlington TX men and women want to reinvent themselves in at least one aspect of their life.
Some Arlington TX people are training for a new career. Some local men and women have made a healthy lifestyle a priority by making better food choices and working out on a regular basis. Some Arlington TX people are dedicating more attention to their personal relationships.
At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Stephen Ratcliff skillfully uses advanced cosmetic dentistry to transform lucky patients with complete smile makeovers.
A comprehensive smile redesign involves more than applying four or six porcelain veneers to the upper front teeth. Though veneers can dramatically improve a smile, a complete smile makeover is a total smile transformation.
Dr. Ratcliff evaluates the condition, size, shape, alignment, and color of the teeth. These elements are created, meticulously refined, and integrated in perfect harmony. The procedures Dr. Ratcliff adeptly uses are dental crowns, inlays/onlays, clear braces, dental veneers, prosthodontics, teeth whitening, and dental implants.
Like any artistic masterpiece, a perfect smile is far more than the sum of its parts.
If you have a vision for your smile, it can become a reality at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Schedule a restorative dentistry consultation today by calling 817-200-7323 or visiting http://www.allansthomas.com/meet_the_doctor.php.
January 27th, 2012
Hello! Today’s dental article is for Fort Worth people with stained teeth. Do you think your teeth are too stained for teeth whitening to have any effect? Think again. At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fort Worth, we are whitening smiles for patients with both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
Extrinsic stains are caused by dark colored foods and drinks, smoking, and normal aging. Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry patients with extrinsic stains achieve great results from both in-office and take-home teeth whitening systems.
Intrinsic stains form on the inside but can be seen from the outside. Tetracycline, excessive fluoride, trauma, and aging can cause intrinsic staining for unfortunate Fort Worth family dentistry patients. Though these stains are harder to remove, many Fort Worth patients with intrinsic staining can whiten their teeth with take-home whitening kits. The process often takes longer, but with persistence, intrinsic stains can be lightened.
In addition to teeth whitening, we provide a full menu of cosmetic dental procedures at our Fort Worth office. With porcelain veneers, you can correct the shape of your teeth in addition to brightening the color. If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the solution. Call 817-200-7323 for a dental implant or smile design consultation.
If you are embarrassed by a less-than-sparkling smile, let the team of dental professionals at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry help you lighten up.
Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1007 W Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, Texas 76012
817-200-7323
http://www.myarlingtoncosmeticdentist.com/meet_the_doctor.php
January 20th, 2012
Hello friends of Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Welcome to my Arlington TX cosmetic dentistry blog. This site is for my patients and anyone in the Arlington TX area who doesn’t have a regular family dentist.
I invite you to call 817-200-7323 to schedule an evaluation.
I’m not talking about an ordinary dental evaluation, although I will certainly examine your teeth and gums thoroughly and advise you on any necessary preventative or restorative dentistry needs. I invite you to perform your own evaluation of me and my dental practice.
I encourage you to evaluate:
- My education, experience and cosmetic dental skill
- The variety of services we provide at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
- My recommendations about your dental needs
- Before and after photos of my smile makeover patients
- My philosophy of preventative dentistry
- The length of the wait time for your appointment
- My office atmosphere and attentiveness of my professional dental team
- All the extras that make your dental visits pleasant and comfortable
- My ability to explain the technical details of procedures and characteristics of restorative materials
- The many services available at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry including general dentistry, smile makeovers, and teeth whitening
- My Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry website at http://www.MyArlingtonCosmeticDentist.com
Fair enough? I will evaluate your dental needs and you can evaluate everything about me and my practice. I am confident that you will like what you find.
Dr. Stephen Ratcliff
Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1007 W Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, Texas 76012
http://www.MyArlingtonCosmeticDentist.com
January 13th, 2012
Hello Fort Worth dental blog visitors. Whether you stumbled upon this blog by mistake, or clicked here on purpose, welcome!
I am Dr. Stephen Ratcliff. My cosmetic dental practice is called Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We are located at 1007 W Randol Mill Rd, near Fort Worth. You can find information about my practice, services, and professional Fort Worth area dental team at http://www.MyArlingtonCosmeticDentist.com.
In my Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry dental blog, I post informative articles about dentistry including new Fort Worth cosmetic dental treatments, preventative dental care, and news about my dental practice. Many of my patients visit my blog regularly and I hope you will also find useful dental information here.
Do you currently have a Fort Worth dentist? If you are in need of a dentist or are not happy with your current family dentist, I invite you to visit my office, meet my warm and friendly staff, and discuss your dental needs with me.
My approach to my profession emphasizes you, the patient.
My first priority is exceeding my patient’s expectations. Before I can provide dental treatment, however, I must become familiar with each patient. That is why your first consultation will take some time. We can’t get to know each other in five minutes.
How are you doing? What is the current condition of your teeth and gums? What are your fears and expectations about dental treatment? Do you have financial concerns regarding your dental needs? I recognize that each one of my patients has a unique set of circumstances.
At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we emphasize preventative dental care. When restorative dentistry is necessary, I recommend the most conservative procedures. If you have pressing dental needs, let’s talk about your options and consider the long term consequences of each treatment. If I believe it is best to refer you to another specialist, I’ll do so without hesitation. I am committed to your well-being and want you to receive the best possible care.
If you are interested in Fort Worth cosmetic dentistry, I can also help you. I pursue continual training in the latest cosmetic treatments and have extensive experience performing individual tooth restorations with dental implants, complete smile makeovers and everything in between. Did you know that I can completely redesign your smile if that is what you desire? Miracles are possible withFort Worth cosmetic dentistry.
Please call us at 817-200-7323 to book a consultation. I am confident you will feel good about choosing Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for your dental care.
January 6th, 2012

Teeth whitening has really taken off in Arlington TX. It has become a popular dental procedure and can provide excellent results if done properly.
There are a lot of options when it comes to teeth whitening. You can choose from a selection of over-the-counter options that you can get at your local pharmacy, or can go to a professional to get a complete teeth whitening solution.
It is a good idea to consult with your family dentist before a tooth whitening, regardless of whether you choose to use an over-the-counter product. Your dentist will be able to help you understand the results you can expect, and can help recommend a product that will work for you.
There are many variables when it comes to teeth whitening. The color of your teeth at the beginning of your treatment will make a difference for your ending result. Different tooth whitening treatments will each produce a different result. Your Arlington TX cosmetic dentist has experience with tooth coloration and the types of treatments available.
In many cases, your Arlington TX dentist will be able to provide you with a tooth whitening solution that you can take home with you. In some cases, your Arlington TX dentist may recommend a professional Zoom teeth whitening treatment that is done at the dentist’s office.
Professional tooth whitening can produce dramatic results in a single treatment, and is often done over a few treatments.
Tooth whitening is less expensive than it was in the earlier days of tooth whitening technology. Today, tooth whitening treatments are very affordable, and don’t take the time they used to.
If you are interested in a tooth whitening consultation in the Arlington TX area, please call Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and make an appointment to see me. I will be happy to give you a check up, assess your tooth color, and recommend tooth whitening treatments that may be right for you.
-Dr. Stephen Ratcliff
December 30th, 2011
Arlington TX teeth whitening treatments have advanced significantly. The team at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is trained on the safest and most effective products and systems. If you need the latest dental info on Zoom teeth whitening or other whitening options, schedule a consultation by calling 817-200-7323.
At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington TX, we are excited about new light tooth whitening systems. If you are worried about tooth whitening sensitivity, light whitening systems may provide a great solution. It is important to avoid at-home whitening smile products if you are concerned about tooth whitening sensitivity. We recommend administering whitening bleach in a tightly controlled, professional environment such as our dental office in Arlington TX.
Don’t take chances with something as important as your teeth.
Arlington TX orthodontia patients will appreciate the range of choices now available in clear braces,too. Clear braces bring teeth into alignment without the bulky metal of previous types of braces. If you weren’t able to get braces for crooked teeth when you were a kid, it is not too late; with the latest teeth straightening treatments in Arlington TX, you can finally transform your smile without bulky or inconvenient braces. Come to our Arlington TX family dentistry practice and we can show you before and after braces photos, and discuss your options.
Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 1007 West Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX in Arlington, Texas 76012.
Give us a call at 817-200-7323, or visit us on the web at our cosmetic dentistry website located at http://www.MyArlingtonCosmeticDentist.com.
December 23rd, 2011
It’s not just about looks. According to a recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a healthy and attractive smile makes you appear more intelligent, successful, friendly and interesting.
Our smile makeover patients who have undergone cosmetic and restorative dentistry at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry near Fort Worth have experienced this phenomenon firsthand. They have expressed that they not only feel great about their looks, they are more confident in professional and social situations. Another benefit: they also feel more appealing to the opposite gender.
I’m Dr. Stephen Ratcliff of Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry near Fort Worth. I get great satisfaction in using my years of specialized experience to provide premium cosmetic dentistry for my patients in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. I am passionate about developing a custom treatment plan for each Fort Worth area family dentistry client. Some of my Fort Worth patients had lived with misaligned or crooked teeth for years. Others had been self-conscious about missing or stained teeth.
There has never been a better time to upgrade your smile. There are solutions for every kind of dental problem. If you are not familiar with the latest teeth whitening, crown restoration and tooth replacement procedures, it is time to find out. Call 817-200-7323 to schedule a consultation. Come in to our office on 1007 W Randol Mill Rd in Arlington Texas and see photos of our happy Fort Worth dental makeover clients who are enjoying their beautiful smiles every day!
Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1007 W Randol Mill Rd in Arlington, Texas 76012
Give us a call at 817-200-7323 or find us on the Web at: http://www.MyArlingtonCosmeticDentist.com.
December 16th, 2011
Hundreds of Fort Worth dental implant recipients have replaced missing teeth with jaw-bone anchored tooth implants. Unlike a dental bridge, a tooth implant consists of a titanium post inserted into the jaw bone. The bone meshes with the post to create a strong base for the natural-looking prosthetic tooth and dental crown that attaches to the post.
Dental implants are usually the ideal restoration for Fort Worth restorative dentistry patients who want to replace a missing tooth. There is a problem, however, if the jaw bone is too thin at the implant site.
When a tooth is extracted, the bone loses the blood circulation at the former site of the root. Consequently, bone recession often occurs. If the recession is extensive, there is not enough bone to hold the dental implant post.
Bone grafting can augment the bone at the implant site and provide the bone density necessary for a successful implant. This is usually effective, but it does require time for the new bone to generate. A new discovery may provide a quicker solution for regenerating bone.
Researchers at the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine have identified a protein that quickly stimulates the production of new bone. The research team, led by Dr. Ulf M.E. Wikesjo, implanted bone morphogenetic protein in test subjects and discovered that “more new bone formed within four weeks than with conventional bone grafting.”
This protein will require extensive testing before it is available for Fort Worth dental implant patients. However, I am pleased at the prospect of an additional method for making dental implants possible for my Fort Worth clients with missing teeth and jaw bone recession.
For information about tooth restoration options including tooth implants, dental bridges, and porcelain crowns, call Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 817-200-7323.
December 9th, 2011

Hello Arlington TX! Has your smile lost its luster? Are your teeth discolored? If flashing a pearly white smile is important to you I can help. My name is Dr. Stephen Ratcliff and I have been creating whiter, brighter smiles for patients in the Arlington TX area since 1990 at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Whether your teeth have been stained through sipping dark-colored drinks such as red wine or coffee or if smoking has left your teeth brown and dull, my staff and I at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can whiten your teeth and intensify your smile.
Maybe you have injured your tooth in some way causing it to turn gray. We offer several solutions to restore the color to your tooth. When you come in for a consultation we will determine which cosmetic dentistry procedure is best for your teeth.
Your smile the first thing people notice, I will make sure your smile is brilliant and absolutely unforgettable!
At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry we not only offer tooth whitening to our Arlington TX area patients, we also specialize in family dentistry.
If you or your family need restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, we invite you to come in for a dental consultation. We are located at 1007 W Randol Mill Rd in Arlington, Texas.
Invest in a white, bright smile!
Call Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington TX today at 817-200-7323 to schedule a teeth whitening appointment or visit http://www.MyArlingtonCosmeticDentist.com.
Thanks for visiting my cosmetic dental blog
- Dr. Stephen Ratcliff
December 2nd, 2011
If you are pregnant, your oral health may be the last thing on your mind. However, many Fort Worth women experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. This family dentistry article contains important information for expectant Fort Worth mothers and those planning to become pregnant.
Dr. Stephen Ratcliff recommends having a thorough dental cleaning early in your pregnancy. Lying in a dentist’s chair can be uncomfortable during the last trimester. A professional cleaning performed by one of the skilled dental hygienists at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, along with diligent brushing and flossing, helps prevent gum problems that are often triggered by hormonal changes. The American Dental Association has found a positive correlation between periodontal disease and preterm deliveries and low birth weight.
If you are currently pregnant and have sore, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment today by calling 817-200-7323. Once the baby is here, it will probably be harder for you to make time for a restorative dentistry visit.
If you receive dental treatment at Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry during your pregnancy, be sure to inform Dr. Stephen Ratcliff that you are expecting. This will affect decisions about X-rays, pain relievers, antibiotics, and conscious sedation.
Hormonal changes cause an increase in plaque production which can lead to decay. If you are eating many small meals during the day, take care to brush after eating. If you avoid sweet snacks, your teeth will be less likely to develop cavities.
Remember, your oral care, nutrition and lifestyle affect your baby. It is essential that you eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods. A poor diet can harm your baby’s tooth and bone development. Be sure to get enough calcium, iron, vitamins A, D and C, protein, and phosphorus. Your Fort Worth Ob/Gyn can give you specific recommendations for your age, height, weight and medical conditions.
At Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we take special care of our clients who are expecting.