About
Dr. Claire A. Whitney is a Dentist (Facial Esthetic Injectables). Practicing at a dentist practice in Calgary, AB, Dr. Whitney is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Whitney is licensed by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in AB. Dr. Whitney provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Whitney also offers facial esthetic treatments using therapeutic neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® for bruxism, TMJ pain, or cosmetic enhancement of the upper face such as frown lines and crow's feet) and/or dermal fillers to complement dental aesthetics, address facial harmony, and rejuvenate facial appearance, based on their specific certified training levels. Dr. Whitney provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), and related orofacial pain conditions (such as myofascial pain). Treatment approaches are often conservative and non-surgical, potentially including occlusal splints (night guards), patient education, therapeutic exercises, and, if certified, the use of neuromodulators for muscle relaxation or pain relief. Dr. Whitney serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at the clinic.
Dr. Claire A. Whitney earned a Dental Degree. Dr. Whitney brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Whitney offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with a Focus on TMJ, Bruxism & Orofacial Pain Management and General Dentistry with Facial Esthetic Services (Neuromodulators & Dermal Fillers). Dr. Whitney is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.
Key aspects of Dr. Whitney's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Whitney provides consultations in English.
Dr. Claire A. Whitney provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Orofacial Pain Conditions
- Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction in Head, Neck, or Jaw Region: Addressing persistent muscular pain and trigger points affecting the jaw, temples, and surrounding neck and shoulder structures.
- Chronic Headaches Potentially Linked to Dental Issues (e.g., TMJ Dysfunction, Severe Bruxism, Malocclusion): Investigating and addressing orofacial sources or exacerbating factors for certain types of chronic headaches.
Tooth Decay Cavities
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
Aesthetic Facial Concerns
- Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Exploring options like neuromodulators and/or dermal fillers, often in combination, to address various signs of facial aging or enhance specific features.
- Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Concerns about the appearance of wrinkles that become noticeable with facial expressions (e.g., frowning, smiling, raising eyebrows), seeking non-surgical treatments like neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) for a smoother appearance.
- Facial Volume Loss or Desire for Contour Enhancement (Cheeks, Lips, Jawline, Temples): Addressing undesirable changes in facial shape, proportions, or the appearance of static lines and folds with appropriately chosen injectable filler treatments.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Whitney. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
- Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
- Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
- Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Whitney. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.
All dental services by Dr. Claire A. Whitney adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
At Dr. Claire A. Whitney's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Whitney frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Patients frequently come to Dr. Whitney with concerns about a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover, making a positive and lasting return to their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain not just possible, but highly feasible.
- Dr. Whitney understands that dealing with a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues and feeling their best.
- Many people seek Dr. Whitney's professional help and expertise when dealing with an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
- When patients discuss their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral), Dr. Whitney outlines a path to feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Whitney, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Whitney is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Dr. Whitney's practice, a dental office in Calgary, is situated in the Downtown West End, Eau Claire neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects NW/SW and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In Alberta, provincial health plans like the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) typically do not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Whitney will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Whitney at the clinic?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Whitney and the team at the clinic will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Whitney will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Whitney for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Whitney will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Following Dr. Whitney's specific recommendation is important.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Whitney?
- No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Whitney for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.
215 - 9th Avenue S.W., Penn West Plaza, Suite 150
Calgary, AB, T2P 1K3
Phone: (403) 264-1736
Dr. Claire A. Whitney is a licensed Dentist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).
Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Whitney and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.