Our Newsletter for

Spring is quickly approaching!! It's an exciting time of the year. Soccer, baseball and basketball... when mouthguards are needed. Weddings, holiday celebrations... when you want your smile to be it's whitest! We hope this newsletter provides informative and educational information for you. We appreciate your feedback.

Here are a few techniques we are doing with terrific results!

Your Smile

Your smile can be the most eye catching feature of your face. Because of the many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped or misshapen teeth. You can take action to help make your smile an asset. Talk with us about the options for improving your smile.

Bonding

Bonding is a procedure in which tooth-colored materials are applied to the surface of a tooth. Bonding covers discolorations, repairs, chips, breaks and cracks and fills in gaps. It is a virtually painless procedure that is usually completed in one visit. Periodically, it may have to be recoated or replaced, since it usually last three to five years.

The bonding process involves etching the tooth surface with a conditioning solution that allows the bonding material (composite resins) to adhere. To match your teeth, various color resins are carefully blended so the bonded tooth will look completely natural. After application, the resin is contoured into proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural.

Veneers

Veneers are thin custom made shells made of tooth colored materials that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are fabricated by a dental technician, usually in a commercial dental laboratory, from a model provided by us. Veneers are used to close gaps or cover teeth that are stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked.

Enamel Shaping

Enamel shaping is a process of contouring a natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eye teeth appear too long, enamel shaping may be used to correct the flaw. Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create harmony and balance in the mouth. This more conservative process cannot solve all problems, however, crowded teeth may need braces. If so, Steve may provide treatment or refer you to a specialist.

 

According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually in this country by custom designed sports guards. While this is an impressive preventative figure, it is unfortunately estimated by the National Youth Sports Foundation that more that 5 million teeth will be knocked out in sporting activities this year.

In 1995, Dr. Raymond Flander's study on the high incidence of oral injuries showed that in football, where mouthguards are mandatory, only .07% of all injuries involved teeth and mouth. Conversely, in basketball where mouthguards are not worn, 34% of all injuries to players involved teeth and/or the mouth. Obviously, dental injuries could be significantly reduced if you and your children involved in the following sports wore custom fabricated mouthguards: soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, rollerblading, skateboarding, martial arts, boxing, hockey, kickboxing and mountain biking.

Not all sports guards are created equal! Comparing dentist fabricated, custom sports guards with stock or boil and bite guards, reveals significant differences. Generic sports guards do not fit as accurately as custom fabricated types so they often are uncomfortable and frequently interfere with the athletes breathing and speaking ability. At the first International Symposium on Dental Biomaterials in August 1993, Dr. J. Park, Ph.D. reported that boil and bite guards provide a false sense of protection due to the dramatic decrease in thickness when the athlete bites it into place during its softening state.

PLAYSAFE... The Leading Custom Fabricated Sportsguard Worldwide

Invented in 1982, Playsafe has become the top choice in custom fabricated mouthguards for athletes in Europe, Australia, and the United States. In 1985, Playsafe mouthguards were tested and recommended for endorsement by the Australian Institute of Sports. Additionally, in late 1994, Professor Robert Burford in the Department of Polymer Science at the University of New South Wales in Australia, found the breaking stress of the Playsafe sportsguard was 9.5 Mpa (Megapascals), which exceeded the values of all other custom mouthguards tested!!

Our office is among a select group of trained professional that offers Playsafe sportsguards. Ask Steve which version would be best suited for you or your child.

Make Your Smile Whiter and Brighter Than You Thought Possible!

We have the latest technology in tooth whitening! It is more effective, better tasting and can be used during the day or in the evening while you sleep. Day White is a dual component tooth whitening system. Its cool mint flavored gel is mixed with an activator at the time of application. The system contains a unique blend of natural soothers, conditioners and flavor enhancers.

Day White utilizes a mild solution which is dispensed to your by dentist, but is applied by you at home using a clear custom fit tray. Unlike the conventional take-home tooth whitening systems that require up to eight hours of daily wear time. Day White achieves the same results in only one hour per day!

Commonly Asked Questions About Whitening:

What is tooth whitening?

It's actually a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom fitted tray that is worn over your teeth.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Almost anyone. However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. Your dentist will determine if you are a viable candidate for the process through an oral examination and diagnosis. Day White is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.

How does it work?

The Day White gel is placed in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and lightens the colored substances. Only the tooth color is made lighter, while the structure of the tooth is unchanged.

Is the process safe?

YES!! Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under proper supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums. In fact, many dentists consider this whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available today.

How long does it take?

Results are often seen after the first three to four treatments.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. These symptoms usually disappear within 1-3 days after completion of treatment.

How long do the results last?

The teeth will always be lighter than they were. However, some patients may need periodic re-whitening for one or two days every one to two years, especially if they continue to use staining substances like tea, coffee or tobacco products.

If you have any questions about whitening your teeth, stop by or give us a call, we would be happy to answer any of your questions.