Health and Fitness | Dental Care

New Year. New Smile.

2012-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Here is the upside/downside of starting new year. The downside is that, like all of us, you will age another year this year. The upside is that you have a whole year to do whatever it takes to be the most youthful you possible. So, have you considered what cosmetic dentistry can do for you?

It‘s a familiar story by now. A new smile can be both rejuvenating and revitalizing. A new smile naturally makes people more expressive and emit more confidence. It can be a great start on turning back the clock.

So, what can you do this year to help present the most youthful you? Why not come in to visit me for a cosmetic consultation just to see the possibilities. In one consult, I can give you an idea of what I can do for you. It’s a new year and therefore the perfect time to think about making a positive, significant change that is all for you. Why not give me a call so we can talk about cosmetic dentistry?

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

It's the holidays season and I wanted to extend warm holiday wishes to you and your family. Most of us are aware of how thankful we are for good health. As you head into a new year, I'm hopeful that you have an eye on maintaining or restoring good health. Not only is this a blessing on yourself but it is also a gift to your loved ones.

The most basic way to achieve great dental health is to schedule regular cleanings and check-ups with me. This will keep your mouth, teeth and gums in healthy shape and ward off any issues early. This is also a step toward wellness. Diligent dental maintenance will keep your focus on your well-being. If you are having any persistent discomfort or pains, you will be more apt to check it out and seek relief.

In the case of my TMJ patients, this has led to the diagnosis and treatment of their TMJ which has changed their lives by taking away chronic head, neck and jaw pain. This treatment began with simply acknowledging that it was time to do something and seek help and treatment.

So, my message for the holiday season is to appreciate and seek good health. Let's all move toward better wellness in our lives in 2012. What can I do to help you make the next step in that direction?

Featured speaker at IACA Annual Conference

2011-08-18T08:12:00.001-07:00

Earlier this month, I attended and was a featured speaker at the seventh annual International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics (IACA) conference in San Diego, CA.

The annual conference provided me the opportunity to learn and interact with the most progressive leaders in aesthetic dentistry and its related professions. And I was introduced to the latest techniques and materials available today.

The IACA was established to foster dental education and is steadfast in its commitment to be a progressive, non-political, dynamic organization that is always on the cutting edge of clinical, practice management and technological advances in Aesthetic Dentistry. The organization is inclusive to all philosophies and ideas enabling professionals to determine what is best for their respective practices.

The IACA prides itself on being a scientific academy that affords its members the opportunity to become a leader in the health care community, while providing the best care possible for their patients. No other organization provides such a broad range of educational opportunities in advanced aesthetics.

I am proud to have been a featured speaker at this conference and am already looking forward to next year’s conference.

Sugar and Summer Foods

2011-08-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Watermelon, apple pies, lemonade, soft drinks and rich foods. They are all part of a normal summer for most. So, how has your summer diet been? Most of us have been enjoying the summer with family and friend, vacations and special times with the young ones, which can mean a lot of sweet and rich foods. There is nothing wrong with indulging in fun foods now and then. And, when you do so, you should take a little extra care of your teeth and gums.

Extra soft drinks and sweet treats means more sugar. And, if you do not brush following eating or drinking high sugar and high carbohydrate foods, you are inviting trouble. Brushing cleans away any remaining sugars left deposited on your teeth. And flossing daily keeps these remnants from building up between your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth will consume these sugars, creating an acid that can weaken and erode your teeth.

So, what easy rules should you follow? Brush following every meal and snack. Floss daily as well. And, watch out for some foods and treats that can fly under the radar. Mints such as tic-tacs and fruits are often refreshing for your palate and they taste good but both are high in sugars and can undermine your dental health plan.

So, have fun the rest of the summer and keep brushing.

What do you see in Facebook conversations

2011-06-22T13:32:00.001-07:00

Remember, one power of social networking is to help people by sharing your knowledge, experience and advice. On Facebook and on Twitter, it is not unusual for some one to complain or ask questions about a symptom. For instance, recently a friend told me about how one of his Facebook friends went in for an inconclusive MRI because of persistent headaches. The friend’s doctor has suggested it as a diagnostic measure because the headaches had been unexplainable.

My friend posted on their wall the question: “Do you also have jaw pain or grinding teeth at night?” My friend was wondering if the cause of her headaches may have been neuromuscular, a TMJ joint disorder. They knew about it from knowing a neuromuscular dentist… me.

This is why I think it is important to reach out to everyone I know and remind them of some important points. They are:

1) TMJ is hard to diagnose, especially for general practitioners. It is easy to prescribe pain pills for pain with diagnosis or order expensive testing which, as in this case, was inconclusive.

2) TMJ is a jaw joint disorder and pain is common in that area, but symptoms can range from migraine headaches, to shoulder pain, to back pain and more. If a head, neck or upper back pain cannot be identified, it very well might be linked to TMJ.

3) Neuromuscular dentists treat TMJ non-invasively.

4) Ask a friend who is showing symptoms to consider a visit me for an TMJ consultation. Worst case, we rule it out!

So, I encourage you to listen to what your friends are saying on social media and know the symptoms of TMJ. If you see someone suffering and frustrated because their doctors can’t figure it out or they are struggling with unnecessary pain medications, please refer them to me. At the very least, we can rule out TMJ for them.

TMJ and Inflammation

2011-04-12T13:00:00.001-07:00

This time of year, a lot of people suffer from allergies. With all the pollen of spring in the air, there are a lot of irritated sinuses and general inflammation. This is seasonal and often controlled with over the counter medication. However, if this sort of discomfort in the head and neck area exists for you beyond the allergy season, it may be time to be evaluated for TMJ.

TMJ or tempromandibular joint disorder (TMD) manifests itself with both pain and irritation in and around the head and neck. The jaw joint or the bite may not be properly aligned causing problems with the surrounding muscles and connective tissue. This can lead to all kinds of irritation beyond the standard jaw pain and jaw clicking and popping. TMJ can cause headaches, ringing in the ears, ear congestion and pain or discomfort in the face and neck area.

I am trained in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and I make a point of mentioning it frequently because many people tend to just live with TMJ pain or simply get pain medications diagnosed to deal with the discomfort and pain. If you have any persistent head, neck or jaw pain, including migraine headaches, please contact me today to be checked out for TMJ.

Thinking about cosmetic dentistry?

2011-03-02T08:25:00.001-08:00

There is something about this time of year that makes people get motivated. Spring cleaning is a few weeks away but the motivators seem to start now. The holidays are behind up and the summer is only a few months away. And, a lot of people are either waiting on their tax refund or know what the damage is there, so the pressure is off. In general, as we swing into March, it‘s a time when people start thinking about doing what’s next.

If you have considered cosmetic dentistry in the past, you might be thinking about it now. There are many great reasons to improve your smile. Sure, you can look at it from the viewpoint that a perfect smile can help with your career or give you an added edge socially. Or you can look at cosmetic dentistry as a way of giving yourself something long lasting, like the confidence to express your true self.

A lot of people have healthy teeth but they just do not like how they look. These people tend to shy away from smiling or being too expressive. And, it’s a shame when we don’t get to see their full personality because of this inhibition.

Cosmetic dentistry changes all that. The most common comment we hear following cosmetic dentistry is that the patient feels a new sense of confidence. They feel like they are free to smile because they know their teeth and smile are beautiful. And, when that happens, they let their whole personality out.

If you have ever felt this way, why not contact me today to discuss what cosmetic dentistry can do for you?

Watch Your Mouth! For Health Warning Signs, that is.

2011-01-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

As we head into the New Year, here is a list of general health-related conditions that show warning signs in your mouth. Sure you want to keep your dental health strong and many people know that gum disease is connected with heart disease. I encourage you to have more awareness of your dental health in the new year and that includes these warning signs.

Flat, worn teeth and headaches are signs of TMJ. People often grinLThis stress level, left unchecked, can lead to other physical and emotional issues. And, TMJ… you’ve seen plenty about TMJ treatment on my blog. If you have worn teeth and bruxism, please see me for a TMJ evaluation

Cracking teeth is a warning sign for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Stomach acid is a major factor in tooth erosion. Of course not brushing away sugars will cause your tooth enamel to erode, too. But if you take good care of your mouth with brushing and flossing and you still have tooth erosion, you may want to look for treatment for GERD.

A mouth sore that don’t heal is a sign of oral cancer. An oral cancer screening is part of your regular checkup and it is a good reason to keep your appointments for cleanings and check ups.

Gums that grow over teeth are a sign of issues with prescription medication. Your medication for seizures, heart disease or autoimmune diseases could be causing this reaction if the medication is not adjusted properly.

And, a dry mouth is a sign of diabetes. There are many early warning signs of diabetes and one small tip that you might need to see a doctor for a diabetes screening is a persistent lack of saliva.

Watch for these warning signs as you manage the home care of your dental health. Please see me regularly for check ups this year as well, so we can make sure your dental health is at its peak.

Best in Western Washington 2010

2010-11-08T12:26:00.001-08:00

I want to thank all of you who voted for my practice in the KING5 Best in Western Washington contest. And, I am so happy to have been voted The Best in Western Washington for the second straight year.

I am so happy to receive this award for a second time. With the recognition we received last year, many patients heard about us and our work with migraine and TMJ pain sufferers. It is my sincere hope that we reach more of those people this year.

I am fairly sure that offering advanced dental services such as Neuromuscular Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry is one of the reasons my practice was recognized for this awards. I think another reason we have won this honor twice now is how we treat people at our practice,” Dr. Norman said. “We see our patients as guests and we do everything we can to make sure they have a comfortable and serene experience when they see us for treatment. I think that makes a difference in patient care.

Thanks again for your support. I look forward to seeing you soon and helping you maintain excellent dental health.

Amy Norman, DDS, PS

If you have an FSA

2010-11-01T09:38:00.001-07:00

If you who have a Flexible Spending Account for your health insurance and are running out of time to spend your annual healthcare budget, here is something to consider. Why not replace those old black fillings now?

You are being presented with an opportunity to take care of an unhealthy condition many people simply ignore. Black or silver fillings are called amalgam fillings and contain metals that are toxic to the body. Over time, mercury from those fillings can leech into your system. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to replace amalgam fillings with white resin fillings or tooth colored inlays.

White fillings and inlays are more biocompatible and provide long-term support for a tooth. In addition, they blend in with your teeth so you do not have the look of dark fillings. Unlike amalgams which crack and weaken teeth, composite resin and porcelain reinforce the remaining tooth structure making in more resistant to fracture. This increases the likelihood that your teeth will last your whole life. Both aesthetically and from a health and wellness point off view, these more modern options are superior.

So, if you have a balance you must use in your FSA, please contact us today about getting those amalgam fillings replaced by the end of the year.

Healthy Gums

2010-09-30T11:03:00.001-07:00

Home care is important to maintaining healthy gums. You know the routine, brush following meals, regular flossing and proper brushing technique to stimulate the gums. That is what you can do, but regular cleanings from a dentist are important, too.

Deep cleanings like we provide remove the placque buildup in the hard to reach places that fall short in home care. And, since everyone is different, there are a multitude of places you might be missing even though you do an excellent job with home care.

I like to remind you to come in for a cleaning periodically because gum disease can be very harmful to your gums and teeth. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is entirely preventable but can cause major damage way beyond bleeding gums. And, gum disease has a proven link to heart disease. Managing your dental health and overall wellness includes healthy gums.

So, please call us to schedule a cleaning to make sure that your prevention of gum disease is complete beyond your home care.

Your Friends and Family

2010-08-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

They say presentation is everything. I take great care to offer a highly personalized experience to my patients. It’s a style of care that I know separates my practice from other dentists and it is part of the culture that goes along with practicing advanced dental procedures.

So, let’s talk about your friends and family. Do they receive the same experience or even this level of care? So many people just do not shop around dental services because they do not realize that you can get great dental services with greater value. I wonder what your friends’ reactions would be if you asked them how is their experience when they go to the dentist.

The dental and medical experience can seem very mechanical and impersonal. The practices aren’t trying to be that way, it is just how they manage their business. Dentists with advanced training in both procedures and practice management know that this way is old school and people do not like it. Patients have a choice and we want them to choose us because when you are in our care, we take care of you and treat you personally in a warm and comfortable environment. We don’t just shuttle you around where you need to go, perform your treatment and send you packing to get on with your day. That doesn‘t get people talking about how well you are treated.

And, that is what I am asking you try this month. Ask around. Ask your friends what kind of experience they have at their dentist. Then tell them about how we treat you when you come in for a visit. In many cases, you might be opening their eyes to a better way to receive their dental treatments. We are accepting new patients and I hope you can refer some friends who want a better experience.

A little something for you?

2010-07-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

When was the last time you did a little something for yourself? Since it’s summer, the kids are out of school and things are more generally relaxed, now might be a good time to consider doing a little something extra for yourself.

As a dentist, we have many conversations with patients each year about making cosmetic improvements to their smiles. Some are interested in whitening and some are interested in making major changes. It is in these conversations that patients often reveal their dreams for a more beautiful smile with a mouth full of perfect and white teeth.

It’s more common than you think. That is one of the reasons why I got into cosmetic dentistry. It is such an amazing and immediate way to help people positively change their lives. When I do a cosmetic reconstruction, or what most people consider cosmetic dentistry, I’ve seen the new porcelain veneers transform someone immediately. The first step in a reconstruction involves placing temporary crowns that resemble what the finished porcelain veneers will look like. This is the point when a patient first sees what their new smile will look like and that is always a highly emotional moment. It is this sort of life-changing transformation that makes cosmetic dentistry a popular wish.

Is cosmetic dentistry anything you ever considered for yourself? Of if you have had the experience of cosmetic dentistry already, do you know anyone who wishes they had that new beautiful smile? If so, please talk to me about it. I look forward to answering your questions.

Don’t ignore TMJ symptoms

2010-05-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Allergies are very common right now, so a lot of people are dealing with headaches, congestion and general discomfort in their head. And, this time of year, a lot of headaches and inflammation get excused as allergies. When the fact is, there is always a reason for that headache.

Chronic headaches are symptom of TMJ and the scenario I described above is one of the reasons people go to the doctor for medications rather than visiting a neuromuscular dentist for a TMJ exam.

TMJ disorders can be very difficult disorders to diagnose. Often called the Great Imposter, its symptoms can appear in so many ways and can be confused for many other conditions. For a persistent headache, people see their general practitioner or eye doctors. For localized pain in the shoulders, neck or back, people might see their general practitioner or get referred to a specialist. Even ear aches or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can actually be TMJ related. When they cannot find the source of the pain, usually the prescription is pain killers or something to try to reduce inflammation. Neither is a proper treatment or cure for TMJ.

We want all of our clients to understand that pain in the head, neck, jaw, upper back and arms are all symptomatic of TMJ. If you or someone you know is living with these symptoms, seeing a neuromuscular dentist may help. With my training in neuromuscular dentistry, I can treat your TMJ condition with great success. Our non-invasive treatment is done without surgery.

Please let me know if I can help you or someone you know. One neuromuscular exam can make a life changing difference for someone with TMJ pain

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

We are all familiar with Spring Cleaning. It’s a great way to get yourself organized and back on track. Out with the old; in with the new. Time to straighten up for the rest of the year and get things looking good again.

While you are in the mood for Spring Cleaning, why not consider your dental health schedule for the year. As part of getting organized this spring, I suggest you make your schedule for cleanings and exams.

Regular cleanings are the best way to ensure that plaque build up does not damage your teeth or gums. Your daily brushing routine gives you a good basis for a healthy mouth but professional cleanings give you a deep cleaning necessary to avoid gum disease and weakened teeth enamel.

Your annual exam is important for a variety of health reasons. One of the most important reasons for regularly scheduled exams is to have a proper oral cancer screening. This painless screening for the first signs of oral cancer is just as important as any skin cancer screening you would get at your primary care physician or dermatologist.

So, as part of your Spring Cleaning and organization, why not plan out cleanings and exams for yourself and your family members? It’s a great way to prioritize your dental health. If you have any questions about any of this, especially oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact me today.

This blog has moved

2010-03-30T07:02:00.001-07:00

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Interesting trend in sports

2010-03-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

In my blog, I frequently talk about TMJ pain and the Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Normally, the discussion of TMJ or jaw alignment centers around the wide range of pains and discomforts caused when the jaw is not aligned. But, recently, anyone who has been paying attention to sports has seen the positive effects of aligning the jaw.

Many key players from the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints football team used a special mouthpiece designed with neuromuscular principles that aligns the jaw. Users of this appliance note a improvement in strength, speed, balance and agility. In the Olympics, US skier Bode Miller also used this sort of mouthpiece in his Gold medal winning performance in the Vancouver Olympics. Recent events have made this newsworthy but for the past several years, athletes seeking improved performance in their training and competition have utilized this simple yet effective technology.

Neuromuscular sceince and the recent sports success enjoyed by some of its users is a real lesson about neuromuscular dentistry. The alignment of the jaw clearly is critical to peak performance. If your jaw is out of alignment to the point where it is causing pain and symptoms of discomfort, you can imagine how much your potential is decreased just doing day to day tasks. If you or someone you know is suffering head pain, migraines, neck or jaw pain, please contact me today. This is a condition that can be treated with non-invasive techniques and you can see what you might consider a championship-level improvement.

Living with TMJ?

2010-02-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

Do you know someone who is making excuses about living with TMJ pain? It happens all the time. Whether it is the popping and clicking jaw, the soreness caused by grinding teeth during sleep, headaches or other pain in the head and neck area, for some reason people tend to avoid TMJ pain. So they take pain relievers or prescription medicines to mask the pain. However, it is not a cure and things tend to get worse if not treated.

One of the main reasons why people tend to put off treatment is that they think major surgery is needed to repair the problem. They may have read this in their research or have been told that by a doctor. If they are thorough in their research, they will also discover the non-invasive neuromuscular treatment. This is the treatment that neuromuscular dentists administer for TMJ that does not include surgery.

My neuromuscular training comes from the world’s leading post-graduate institute on the subject: The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Every day, TMJ suffers are treated successfully by LVI graduates without one jawbone being broken and reset. Our specialized treatment resets the jaw without surgery and places the jaw and all the interconnected tissues back to a normal, functioning position, eliminating the pain and discomfort.

And, I am proud to say that I have been recognized in this field. I am an instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and I have been asked to speak at the Myotronics Annual Seminar this summer which features presentations from the top dentists in the field.

Many of us know someone who suffers with this condition. They think surgery is the only option and therefore decide to live with their pain. Sometimes simply mentioning the non-invasive neuromuscular option is all that is needed to make a difference.

New Year’s Dental Resolution

2010-01-05T14:25:00.001-08:00

Here's a great idea for the New Year; put a little extra emphasis on  your health care in 2010. Isn't it time to do some of the little  things that can lead to better health? Ok... Good idea. So how about  starting with a New Year’s dental resolution?  

It is so easy to affect a more positive dental health. Most of the  steps can be routine. We all know brushing after every meal and  flossing daily are everyday tasks you should be doing. However,  rushing through brushing and skipping flossing can undo your efforts.  Done properly and regularly, brushing and flossing keep your mouth  clean but also stimulate the gums. Unhealthy gums are medically  connected to heart disease, which is something most people do not  realize. So, being more diligent with brushing and flossing can have  a huge impact on your health. So, maybe add that to your New Years  dental resolution.  Regular visits to see me for cleanings will also help nip emerging  problems in the bud. In deep cleanings, we make sure that the plaque  that causes tooth decay and gum disease is completely removed. I  strongly suggest making your cleaning appointments a priority in the  coming year.

  And, for anyone suffering from symptoms of TMJ, maybe this will be the  year when you have had it living with the pain and the headaches. If  you are ready to start the year headed toward a pain-free 2010, why  not schedule an appointment for a neuromuscular exam? I am trained to  treat TMJ pain with non-invasive techniques that change lives.  Treating TMJ can do much for your mental health as well if the burden  of the pain is affecting your functioning or your moods.  And, one last idea for your New Years dental resolution: If you or  someone you know snores, why not treat the sleep apnea that causes the  snoring? Sleep apnea can be life threatening and it clearly affects  how you function. Again, non-invasive neuromuscular treatments I  offer can treat sleep apnea and improve your overall health.  So, what sounds good for your New Years dental resolution? Email me  and let me know.

Looking your best for the holidays

2009-12-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach, holiday pictures, parties and social events come up on most of our schedules. It’s a time for your holiday dress, your new haircut or hairstyle and for a beautiful smile.

Keep in mind that you can give your smile an immediate boost with teeth whitening, which is the easiest way to quickly improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. If you want that little extra boost for your smile and your family photo or holiday party is right around the corner, we can brighten your smile in just one day. In fact, we can do it on your lunch hour.

If you are interested in a more dramatic and permanent improvement, why not take a little time during this holiday season to learn about cosmetic reconstruction. With my LVI (Las Vegas Institute) training, I have the finest education and experience with cosmetic reconstruction. Maybe you want to consider this as a gift for a loved one or maybe this is something you have always dreamed of for yourself. Either way, why not start asking some questions now. A new, beautiful, confident smile may be an important part of 2010 for you.

If you have been thinking about improving your smile, please contact me today.

Little things you can do

2009-11-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Something as basic as regular dental cleaning can impact your health dramatically. It is so important that I am doubling my efforts to encourage everyone to schedule maintenance visits for their teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has links to heart disease, strokes, diabetes and more serious health issues. If you do not clean your teeth properly, you are inviting all the immediate symptoms of gum disease and increasing the risk of other health issues. Warning signs include bleeding gums, red gums and bad breath. Here are some additional facts about your risk of gum disease.

- Receding gums are a symptom of gum disease. If you have noticed your gums receding making your teeth appear longer, this is a warning sign.
- Tobacco use is a risk factor for gum disease.
- The older you are, the greater your risk.

The best thing you can do is to schedule your cleanings with me at the times they are recommended. Come in and have this nearly painless treatment completed so we can stay on top of your health.
We are also accepting new patients, so please encourage your friends to join us in our efforts to help all of our patients in their battle against periodontal disease.

Do you snore?

2009-10-07T12:02:00.001-07:00

Do you snore? If you do, this is an important blog for you.

We all know snoring is a major irritant because of complaints we receive from others. Your spouse, family members, house guests, and maybe even your neighbors have complained from time to time if you are a habitual snorer. And, while it might be offensive to them, it might be dangerous for you.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects breathing while you sleep. Habitual snoring is a classic symptom of sleep apnea. Snoring is not sleep apnea and it seems many people have that fact confused. However, it is a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disruption of your breathing when you are asleep. This is both dangerous to your health and it can affect your waking hours because your sleep is not restful.

The stoppage in breathing during sleep can cause oxygen deprivation. This can affect your overall health in the forms of heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, memory problems and more conditions related to oxygen deprivation. This is not to mention the irritability and radical behavior changes caused by restless sleep.

We are trained to recognize and treat sleep and breathing disorders. A good place to start with self-assessment is snoring. If you are a regular snorer, you have a primary symptom of sleep apnea. If this is the case, why not contact me for a consultation and we can screen you for sleep apnea? It is a good idea for your overall health and welfare.

Migraines and TMJ

2009-09-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from migraines headaches, you know it is an intense head pain that can last for hours or days. For some, it can be totally debilitating. If you have frequent headaches and the best your doctor can do is prescribe pain medication for your migraines, you should look into what neuromuscular dentistry can do for your headaches. The alternative might be migraines for the rest of your life and the need for dulling medications to live with them.

Migraine headaches are a common symptom of TMJ. This is a misalignment of the jaw that can cause numerous pains and discomforts in the head and neck. Most people think of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) as only a cause of jaw pain. However, migraine headaches are a very common symptom and, because of their severity, they are a major cause for people to seek out more advanced treatments. Informed family doctors will also recognize persistent migraines as a symptom of TMJ and make a referral to a neuromuscular dentist.

My training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies qualifies me as one of this area’s top professionals treating TMJ. The neuromuscular approach to treating TMJ is non-invasive. Through the use of measuring technologies, I am able to determine the proper alignment of your jaw to relieve the stress on the jaw joint. In turn, this eliminates all the issues that misalignment is causing on all the connected tissues. The neuromuscular approach is an effective and non-invasive way to treat TMJ and restore normal function to the jaw joint.

Along with normal function comes relief from TMJ symptoms including migraines. If you suffer from migraine headaches, why not ask me about how TMJ treatment works?

What is Bruxism?

2009-08-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Many people are not aware that they have a condition called Bruxism. But, if you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a headache, you may be grinding your teeth at night and that is bruxism.

This can be caused by short-term stress but it can also be part of a chronic, bigger picture issue such as TMJ. In high stress situation, we tend to bear down and grind our teeth. Most people do not realize when they do this during the day and they certainly don’t realize it when they are sleeping. The tension in the muscles from the grinding is what causes inflammation and pain.

If your bruxism is due to stress, stress relief techniques ranging from exercise to counseling to muscle relaxants are occasionally used but are often a short term fix. In the case of chronic bruxism, treatment for TMJ may be the relief you need. Treatments can range from custom fit nightguards to full treatment for TMJ is the bruxism is a symptom of the TMJ. It is important to treat bruxism to avoid putting undue stress on the teeth, which can lead to receding gums or damage to the tooth.

If you are grinding your teeth at night, causing stiffness in your neck and jaw or headaches, please contact me today about treatment for your bruxism.

Thinking of whitening your teeth?

2009-06-30T10:26:00.001-07:00

There are lots of reasons why teeth whitening is a topic this time of year. Summer is a time for weddings, family reunions, travel and outdoor fun. Generally it is a time when a lot of photos are taken and people want to look their best. That often means teeth whitening.

Whitening is a very common treatment that can be done a number of different ways. It is often the first step someone takes when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and it is also one of the easiest and quickest treatments you can have to improve your smile. That is why teeth whitening is so popular.

When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get over the counter products at your local grocery store or drug store. These over the counter products can be effective but lack the strength of the treatments you can get from a dentist. And, in this case, strength of the chemicals equates to the amount of product and time you need to achieve a result. And, in the end, it makes a difference in what kind of result you will see. Most people who are serious about whitening their teeth wind up at the dentist asking for options even after they have tried the over the counter products.

Most dentists have a take-home whitening kit that you can purchase. Generally, it is more effective than the over the counter products. However, when someone comes to me for whitening, it is usually all about in-office whitening. This is the two-hour whitening process we offer where we apply a special chemical to your teeth. That chemical reacts to a light source we place in your mouth and the results are whiter teeth.

If you would like more information on whitening your teeth for an upcoming occasion, please contact me.

Join our social network.

2009-06-03T13:20:00.001-07:00

We’ve started a Facebook page for our practice. If you haven’t tried social networking online, you should give it a try. It a great way to stay connected with people and share information with each other. If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a free service with a lot of important privacy options. Users will tell you that it is a good way to keep up with what is going on with friends.

You can expect to get a little nugget from us every now and then on Facebook if you become a friend. Such as, last week, when we posted this funny story that happened that day.

FUNNY STORY!! We just had a wonderful couple come in today as new patients and they shared with us that their house was recently broken into (TRUE STORY). Now for the punch line.... The only thing that was stolen was their ULTREO toothbrushes!!!!!! :0) Now that is truly understanding the value of healthy teeth and gums!! Hope they grabbed new toothbrushes heads too because that would be just GROSS!

This is why we are making a Facebook page for my practice. As you, know, my practice is not your average dental practice. We make all kinds of efforts to ensure your comfort and to keep you posted on the important advancements in dentistry that can be of benefit to you and your family. Our Facebook page will allow us to do that even better, so we want to encourage anyone who is not on it to join up. We’ll be out there looking for you to become a Facebook friend really soon.

Headaches - The Dental Connection

2009-05-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

Headache is one of the leading causes of physician visits by patients and accounts for an enormous annual expenditure for pain relief medications. Yet few people think of going to a dentist for headache treatment. You probably know that what we dentists call occlusion is what most people refer to as their “bite” – the way their teeth come together. What many people do not know is how far-reaching the impact of a poor bite can be.

For example, did you know that a poor bite can be the cause of pain almost anywhere in the head and neck area? Headache is a prime example. Yet, headaches in the temple region are very commonly related to the bite and, correcting the bite often does away with the headaches.

To be sure, there are other causes of headache and head or neck pain. Most patients with this type of pain have already seen a physician to rule out other possible causes such as tumors, eye-strain, etc. With the post-graduate training our staff has completed, and state-of-the art equipment that we have acquired, we are able to scientifically rule in (or rule out) your bite as a possible source of pain.

I hope that you have found this information of interest. If you have questions our office would be more than happy to provide you with further information. If you have friends or loved ones that you suspect may be suffering from these conditions, you would be doing us, and them, a favor to pass this information along.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman

Headaches - The Dental Connection

2009-04-27T12:54:00.001-07:00

Time for some Spring cleaning

2009-04-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

It’s spring and people are getting organized for the warm weather ahead. One of the things you want to complete on your To Do list is to schedule your annual exam and cleanings. Making appointments now will help you prioritize this important task and get it on the schedule!

Annual exams are so important to avoid costly long-term dental issues. One of the things we do in an annual exam is an oral cancer screening. This is a short, painless, almost unnoticeable procedure but it is vital in early detection of oral cancer. It is one of the primary reasons you should be regular with your annual exams.

Thorough cleanings will give you the best chance to avoid long-term problems like gum disease. This is important to do a few times each year in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Gum disease can also lead to other system-wide physical problems including heart disease and strokes. So, if you are eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle to avoid health problems, you should realize that dental health is part of that picture.

So, why not get a leg up on your scheduling plans for the spring? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Avoiding Tooth Erosion

2009-03-03T12:43:00.001-08:00

Yes, you should be maintaining a regular cleaning and check-up schedule for your dental health and the dental health of your family. We are always happy to see you when it is time for a cleaning or check up. However, sometimes it is important to review the things you can be doing at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Everything you eat has some affect on your teeth and it is important to make sure you maintain healthy teeth by avoiding what is commonly known as tooth erosion. This can lead to cracked teeth, discoloration, sensitivity and more. Basically tooth erosion is just like it sounds, where the teeth are work away by the acids in what you eat.

Keeping this in mind makes it easy to avoid contributing to the problem. When you eat acidic foods or drinks, simply rinse out your mouth with water to neutralize the remaining acid in your mouth. This simple step is probably the most effective easy thing you can do to avoid tooth erosion. Of course cutting back on carbonated drinks and acidic foods helps, too. When you do eat or drink something that is high in acid, swallow it quickly to avoid it remaining in your mouth a long time.

Brushing is important in avoiding tooth erosion, too. Using a soft toothbrush reduces the friction on teeth that can contribute to erosion and waiting at least an hour to brush following acidic foods helps as well. This gives teeth the chance to remineralize after being exposed to the acids you just ate or drank.

Remembering these simple tips will contribute to your dental health by helping you avoid tooth erosion. If you have any other questions regarding your dental care, please contact me any time. I look forward to seeing you on your next appointment.

Congratulations, Judy!

2009-02-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

Dr. Amy Norman’s dental practice celebrated a rare event this month. February 8, 2009 marked the 30th anniversary of Judy Jenny’s employment with the practice. And, in that time, she has never taken a sick day.

“Judy is an amazing employee because she doesn’t have one year of experience 30 years in a row; she has 30 years of improvement and growth.” Said Dr. Amy Norman. She is not here because of habit, she is here because she essential to the success of the business.”

Judy credits a healthy and positive work environment to her reliability and longevity. Ironically, she was initially hired for only a six-month term of employment. Part of her secret she says, is that she looks forward to spending time each day with her co-workers and their patients. Now that Dr. Norman built the new office all on one level, she laughed and said “I may never retire!

Dr. Norman also credits Judy with demonstrating and inspiring work ethic among the entire team. Following her example, none of Dr. Norman’s full-time employees have ever taken a sick day. Said Tiffany Norton, Dental Assistant, “No one wants to let down the team or the patients.”

Big Smiles for the New Year!

2009-02-02T09:15:00.001-08:00

It is a new year and a good time to talk about new advantages for a new year. And, the biggest advantage is a bright, beautiful, healthy smile.

As a cosmetic dentist, I see the changes all the time when people get a beautiful, new smile. Both men and women choose to improve their smiles for many reasons. Some reasons are personal and some reasons are for business. More and more it is because of health and the awareness of the connection between the health of the mouth to the health of the whole body. The bottom line in all cases is that the patient wants to make an improvement. They want long-lasting improvements, not just a short-term fix.

With newer materials and technology, long-lasting improvements mean long-lasting investments. This is because investing in the health of your teeth, gums and smile, saves time and money in the long run.

So whether you want a beautiful smile, healthy gums or to just have your teeth last your whole life, you are in well-qualified hands. My team and I are committed to helping you achieve your goals. And if you want a beautiful smile, know that our additional training and use of state of the art materials will ensure that it will be long lasting. Pretty teeth, no gum disease, long-lasting…your goals are our goals.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman, DDS

Happy New Year

2008-12-29T09:06:00.001-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a happy new year. Going into 2009, you are assured to get the same high-quality attention and dental care from me and my team. Each year, we all do our best to improve our skills and our practice to offer you the best dental service in the area.

And, as we head into the new year, I’d like to remind you to make sure and prioritize dental health for you and your family. The little things you do for home care and with your regular cleaning and prevention visits are very important.

Best wishes for the new year. I hope that you will continue to tell your family and friends about our practice and let people know about the excellent dental care your receive from us.

Back to basics

2008-12-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

It is definitely one of the themes you are hearing a lot about lately. People are refocusing on the basics on a lot of topics. And, one that should be top of your list is dental care.

Dental care could be one of the easiest parts of your day. Simple brushing and flossing can keep your teeth in good condition and help you avoid long-term problems. But it is also important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings, screenings and care.

One of the basics you should be considering right now is ensuring good dental health for yourself and your family. If you have not had your regular appointment in more than six months, you need to put that on your calendar. If it has been more than a year since you have visited me for oral cancer screenings and a check for gum disease, this should be placed as a priority, too.

Remember the basic warning signs, too. Sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and bad breath are all signs that you should be addressing some of your basics when it comes to your dental health.

Holiday Gift Idea

2008-11-04T20:27:00.001-08:00

With the holiday season just around the corner, I am sure that you have had some thoughts already about how this might affect your holiday gift-giving.

When you are considering gifts that are long-lasting and meaningful, you should think about teeth whitening for teenagers and adults. We offer a number of options for teeth whitening and it can be a gift that affects lives for years. Improving a smile with whiter teeth can make a professional difference for a person, as well as personal differences. Plus, it can make people happier.

Judy has also pre-wrapped some Ultreos, Sonicares, and Hydrofloss packages for Christmas giving. If you’ve tried one of these state-of-the-art products then you know how they have revolutionized home care of your teeth.

Begin your holiday planning now. If you want a gift that keeps on giving, consider teeth whitening or a fun new product.

Congratulations, Tiffany!

2008-10-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

One of our dental assistants, Tiffany Norton, was among the first dental assistants in the state of Washington to earn the state’s new licensing distinction. Tiffany is also trained in Invisalign Invisible Braces and is an operator of the Myotronics K7 diagnostic equipment used to treat TMJ and related disorders such as Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD) and Headaches related to the bite. We are all really happyer for her on her continued successes.

The State of Washington recently established the new licensing distinction for dental assistants. The RDA or Registered Dental Assistant credential. Applicants had to pass additional training and complete the application process.

We are very proud of Tiffany. We take a lot of pride in our team and the work they do to offer Everett the best dental experience possible.

What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

2008-10-01T13:01:00.001-07:00

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small does into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email me today.

2008-09-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love to hear when my work as a cosmetic dentist has so much positive impact on a patient’s life. Here is a thank you I got from a patient and a look at her before and after photos.

Dear Dr. Norman, Thank you so much for my new smile! It’s hard for me to find the words to tell you what you have done for me and how my life has changed since coming to you for help with my teeth. Not only are you a true artist and a compassionate doctor you are someone who believes in her patients even before they sometimes do. You have done more for my confidence and sense of well being than you will ever know… not only did you give me a beautiful smile but you helped me believe I deserved one; and for that I am truly indebted. My new smile is like having a new beginning in so many ways… when I think about how many years I spent feeling self conscious about the way my teeth looked I just can’t believe how good it feels to no longer have that burden. I am now able to smile without trying to hide my mouth or my first thought going to what the other person is thinking about how bad my tooth looks… it’s such a sense of freedom that touches every moment of my day. Since seeing you and having my teeth done I can’t count how many times people have complimented me on my smile. On a weekly basis I get comments like “you have such a nice smile” or “your teeth are so white”. I literally had one person (whom I had never met) walk across a crowded room to me and say “Wow, you have the most gorgeous smile, your teeth are so beautiful”…. I nearly fell of my chair in delight! You and your staff are amazing, your work is exceptional, and I am so thankful to you for everything. Warmest regards, Whitney Hausske

Proud to be featured in Catalyst Magazine

2008-09-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty proud moment. Here I am on the cover of Catalyst, a national industry magazine for the dental field. It is a pretty big honor to be featured. You can see the cover and the article beginning on Page 22.

http://www.burkhartdental.com/images/stories/Burkhart/Resources/Catalyst/catalyst_q308_web.swf

Ringing in the ears… might be TMJ

2008-09-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I am reminded how random the symptoms of TMJ can be. As you know, I am a neuromuscular dentist and I treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorders TMJ/TMD). Is this always characterized by straight up jaw joint pain? Absolutely not.

It takes a neuromuscular dentist to recognize that Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be another symptom of TMJ that is commonly misdiagnosed and often goes untreated or is treated ineffectively. In many cases ringing in the ears is one of the results of having a strained bite in which the jaw is not aligned. The jaw area of the face is a complex network of muscles and nerves, and when the bite is misaligned muscles and nerves throughout the head, including the ears, can be affected.

Tinnitus can also be one of the most alarming and hard to live with conditions a person can have. If you are experiencing a ringing in your ears, please make an appointment with me for a TMJ screening.

Of all the symptoms of TMJ/TMD that we can treat, Tinnitus is the most dramatic. When we relieve a patient of this chronic, irritating, sometimes maddening condition it can be life-changing.

One Year Anniversary

2008-08-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe but we just celebrated our one year anniversary in the new 41st street location! Over the past year, we transitioned to the new office and even stopped driving to the old office first (admit it—some of you did that too!). The biggest difference, however, is the convenience for our patient’s. We’ve so enjoyed the comments from all of you about the ample parking, great location and access from the freeway, and the comfort and privacy of the treatment studios. In our ongoing effort to provide a superior dental experience, we will look for more ways to pamper our guests. We welcome any comments or suggestions to improve your care. dreamteam@dreamsmile.com or drnorman@dreamsmile.com

Exciting News!

2008-08-07T13:20:00.001-07:00

With the completion of the 41st Street Interchange completed, work has begun on the 41st Street and the overpass which will connect 41st with Lowell River Road. When completed, the changes will include a wider 41st Street, new signals and several safety and traffic flow improvements. While under construction, 41st will be reduced to 1 lane each direction. We notice that this is more of a traffic delay in the afternoons. Additionally, the Broadway ramp up to 41st is being rebuilt. So the best way to access our office is from the Colby entrance between Super Supplements and Baskin Robbins. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give the Dream Team a call.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman

Fourth Annual YWCA Working Wardrobe Clothing Drive

2008-07-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

This fall we will have our fourth annual clothing drive to benefit the YWCA Working Wardrobe. The event will take place the third week of September from Tuesday, September 16th to Thursday, September 18th. Thanks to the support of our patients and the community, we know we will have another incredibly successful drive. We want to give you advanced notice, so that you can start setting aside appropriate donations in anticipation of this event.

Donations of gently used clothing will be accepted on behalf of women needing appropriate clothing to re-enter the workforce. Items sought for donation include clean, pressed suits, dresses, blouses, sweaters, slacks, jackets, shoes and accessories.

Appropriate, well-fitting clothes are like a confident smile…they allow you to go into work or an interview knowing you are looking your best. This clothing drive helps women take those first steps back into the workforce with that same sort of confidence.

For more information, contact:

Judy or the rest of the Dream Team at 425-258-6429 or 1-866-Dr-Norman

Showing some passion for your smile and dental health.

2008-07-01T13:55:00.001-07:00

As a dentist, my passion for my patients’ smiles and their dental health is pretty apparent. If I did not love what I did and I did not think it was important, you would feel like just another patient with just another mouth when you visit me. However, part of the reason I write this blog and part of the reason why my team works so hard to make you feel at home in our office is because we have that passion for your smile and dental health. A healthy beautiful smile not only makes you happy and confident but it can help you to live longer.

One of the reasons I have taken advanced training as a dentist is to make the experience as beneficial as I can for all my patients. I believe in the saying that “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” This is why I pursued cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry and it is why I invest in the latest treatments and training. It is all part of a passion to offer you the best. My team makes the extra effort and time to make sure that when you visit us you feel like a guest and that you are appreciated.

Now it is your part. Since you care as much about your dental health and smile as we do, share this passion with a friend today! So many people do not prioritize their visits to the dentist. And, even more do not think of what a little cosmetic work could do for them. White, straighter teeth… a healthier smile… any little pains or discomforts in your mouth treated…. Many people want these things but are not doing anything about it, join my team in showing a little passion and talk to your friends about their dental health.

Invisalign Feature

2008-05-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Starting this week and through the month of June we are featuring Invisalign: The Invisible Way to Straighten Teeth

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners unique to each patient. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and gradually moves your teeth.
Average treatment time is only about a year. Because the aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods while brushing and flossing normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Invisalign is a wonderful way to improve problems such as lower anterior crowding which can lead to difficulty flossing, gum disease and even tooth loss. Straight teeth are simply easier to clean!

Treatment in our office includes free whitening and 3 extra retainers (great if the dog gets hold of one or if you accidentally throw one away)!!!

Call Judy today to set up an appointment. Refer a friend and receive a special token of our appreciation.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman, Judy, Karolyn, Angie and Tiffany

Diet and Dental Health

2008-05-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here and I have a great summer project for you. That project is your health!

I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your health over these summer months. That might provide you with an idea of just exactly where you and your family members are when it comes to your overall health.

Here is the project I propose. Take the next three summer months to keep a food journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and when you eat it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.

In terms of your dental health, you may want to look for how and when you eat certain foods. Look for times when you eat certain foods. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack or treat. This cuts down on the amount of time the sugar will attack the teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. On a food journal, you will see when you routinely leave yourself open to greater effects of high sugar foods.

Also, watch for those isolated snacks. Foods that are eaten as part of meal cause less harm on teeth because more saliva is produced during a meal. This helps wash foods from the mouth, thus lessening the effect of sugars on the teeth.

You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer food journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and if you want to bring it in to review with me on your next cleaning visit, then I will be happy to help you interpret the results and, hopefully, help you continue good oral health.

What are you doing with your tax rebate?

2008-05-06T12:05:00.001-07:00

Last week, the first tax rebate checks started to arrive. So, what are you going to do with your piece of the economic stimulus? Many people are taking care of some basics that have been put off. If your dental health or appearance has fallen into that category, this could be your opportunity to care for yourself a little.

In the past few months, I have blogged about replacing black or grey fillings with white resin fillings. This has a direct relation to you long term health. If you short-term dental health needs include cleanings, routine checkups and screenings or if you have been putting off asking me about a pain or problem, why not spend a little of your rebate on your dental health.

If you are up-to-date on your dental health maintenance, are feeling now jaw, neck or head pains that could be associated with TMJ and you generally feel good, you may want to consider visiting me to whiten your teeth. If you have never tried it or if you are ready for another whitening after a few years, just contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Lead-Free Domestic Dental Labs

2008-03-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

You may have heard recently the coverage about lead poisoning from crowns and bridges made overseas. Below is an excerpt from a recent newscast in Florida.

This a great opportunity to brag about the unsung heroes that help to make us look good: Our Laboratory Technicians. All of our restorations are Made In America by Master Technicians and Highly Experienced Ceramic Artists following the strictest protocols.

We strive to use the most bio-compatible materials and our goal is to recreate nature. Together with the artistry of these important partners, we are meeting this goal. Please visit our website to view our smile gallery for examples of their work.

The excerpt:

“There are concerns that the lead found in Chinese toys may also be showing up in implants, crowns and dentures from China and India. The imports aren’t strictly regulated and have made some people sick.

Some implants coming from overseas are also contaminated. Dental Technician Buddy Wester follows strict regulations when building implants or molding partials. He says overseas labs don’t have the same regulations.

“If the restoration comes in from overseas, and it has some type of hazardous material unbeknownst to the dentist and the patient and the patient become ill, then there’s no way to track that restoration.”

The cases stem from lead based dental work. Lead is strictly prohibited in domestic dental labs.”

Have you thought about Cosmetic Dentistry?

2008-03-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Our patient’s appreciate the value of a clean, healthy and attractive smile. That is why we continue to upgrade our technology and education to offer latest techniques to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. A beautiful smile can dramatically enhance inner confidence, improve social interactions and increase job performance.

The easiest and quickest way to enhance a smile is whitening. If you have never whitened or if it has been awhile, this is a great and quick pick me up for a whiter, brighter and healthier looking smile. We now offer several different professional strength whitening products and services so that we can customize a whitening program for you.

Porcelain veneers are a great option if whitening alone has not given you the smile you want. Besides unlimited color correction options, porcelain can be used to straighten teeth without braces, add length back to worn or chipped teeth and close gaps.

Invisalign Invisible Braces are a wonderful option and are very popular with adults who don’t want the traditional metal braces to correct alignment issues. Besides a more attractive smile, patient’s chose this option to correct crowding which can lead to gum disease.

If you or someone you know is interested in any of these services, please call our office and schedule a complimentary consultation.

The Cosmetic Channel™

2008-01-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry? Ask at The Cosmetic Channel™.

We start off the new year with a new way for you to use the Internet at TheCosmeticChannel.com. By now you have seen the new videos on our web site brought to you by The Cosmetic Channel™.

Last week, The Cosmetic Channel™ unveiled a new web site that includes a Chat Community. You can see links posted to this chat board on Craig’s List and it is beginning to get some questions and comments about both cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic surgery. You can visit the chat at www.TheCosmeticChannel.com/chat.html.

If you or someone you know is interested in gathering information on cosmetic dentistry or cosmetic surgery procedures, this is a good place to ask questions. Cosmetic dentists and cosmetic surgeons are being recruited to monitor the chat and answer your questions.

And, you know you can always contact me directly if you have any questions.

Successful Clothing Drive!

2007-11-18T20:44:00.001-08:00

Our third annual clothing drive to benefit the YWCA Working Wardrobe just finished and was wildly successful. Many women will be able to “shop” for an entire working wardrobe to help them gain the confidence to interview for and hold down a living wage job. The donated clothes were amazing and the accessories donated this year were the best ever. It felt so good going into the store and talking with the volunteers. They expressed their appreciation for this support and emphasized that many women will be helped. A huge and sincere “Thank You” to all of you who got the word out and donated. A tip for the upcoming year that worked really well for me…every time I got clothes back from the cleaners or out of the laundry, I put them in at the left side of my closet. When it came time to pull out clothes for the drive I started at the right side of my closet where the less worn items had worked their way down. It made for a quick sort. The YWCA volunteers let me know that they need shopping bags from department stores (Macy’s, Nordstrom, etc) to help complete the “shopping” experience. They also need more suits in size 14’s and up. So please keep this in mind as you save items for next year, or if you have items that you would like to donate throughout the year, feel free to bring them in and we will take care of delivering them. Once again thank you for supporting our community in such a meaningful way.

Annual Clothing Drive for Women

2007-10-30T13:29:00.001-07:00

It’s time for one of my favorite team activities of the year. The Dream Team and I will be hosting our 3rd Annual Clothing Drive on November 6-9. Our goal with our clothing drive will be to make a great contribution to the YWCA Working Wardrobe Clothing Drive.

This worthwhile cause helps properly clothe women who are re-entering the workforce. Your donations of clean, pressed suits, dresses, blouses, sweaters, slacks, jackets, shoes and accessories are welcome for this cause. Women who receive these donations will be able to interview with confidence and know that they are well prepared for their new jobs.

You can drop off your donations at our new location: 1704 41st St., Suite A-1 in Everett.

I ask you to participate with donations of gently used work clothing.

Thanks for the honor!

2007-09-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I was featured in The Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the young business leaders in the community. The annual 40-Under-40 feature supplement in The Puget Sound Business Journal honors 40 young business owners in the area. It is a real honor to be considered.

I think this is an excellent time to recognize my wonderful team. Every day, we work together to make my vision of a patient-centered practice a reality. I hope that you, as my patients, notice the difference in how you are treated at my practice. I was recognized by The Puget Sound Business Journal; I hope you will join me in recognizing my team the next time you get a chance.

Headaches and TMJ

2007-09-04T11:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know migraine headaches can be caused by TMJ issues? A misaligned jaw can be the reason for many pains and discomforts.

Normally, you would not think of taking your migraine headache issues to a dentist. Most people go to the doctor and get medication if the need persists. Or, they just live with it and ride out the headaches. It takes some research, a heads-up referral, and often a lot of frustration before some migraine sufferers finally seek out a neuromuscular dentist.

Misaligned jaws can cause a number of issues beyond simple jaw popping and pain. This is how most people know TMJ, so to connect TMJ with migraines may seem a difficult jump to make. In truth, it is not. In layman’s terms, the muscles and nerves that surround the jaw area are affected when the bite it not right. A misaligned bite may cause localized pain at the jaw but the effects radiate out to nearby areas. Naturally, this can cause severe headaches and even migraines.

If you or someone you know has migraines, why not ask them to call my office for a TMJ test that will let them know if I can help their migraine problem. Better to treat the cause for a lifetime, than to continue to treat the symptoms for the moment with medications that may not always work.

New Guidelines for Heart Patients

2007-07-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

There was a recent article on The American Dental Association web site that published a recent revision in the recommended use of anti-biotics prior to a dental visit. These new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including teeth cleaning and extractions.

For years, The American Heart Association advised patients take anti-biotics just before a dental visit if they have certain heart conditions. The prevailing thought has been that doing so would prevent infective endocarditis, also known as bacterial endocarditis.

The latest guidelines published in the AHA’s scientific journal in April 2007 adjust their recommendation. In short, the AHA recommends that most patients with heart conditions not take short-term anti-biotics before a visit to the dentist as a precaution for endorcarditis.

Preventive anti-biotics prior to a dental procedure still are advised for patients with:

1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
* unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
* a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
* any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.

Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. They should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to the category that best fits their needs.

You can learn more about this at ada.org.

Crowns and Bridges Popular Choices to Repair Teeth

2007-07-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Restorative dentistry is just one of the specialized branches of cosmetic dentistry that focuses on repairing and/or replacing damaged or decayed teeth. Two very common ways that a cosmetic dentist restores damaged teeth are by making and placing crowns and dental bridges. The improvements crowns and bridges can provide to damaged teeth are astonishing.

What is a crown?

If your tooth is damaged to a degree where it cannot hold a filling, a crown may be necessary. A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is damaged or decayed. Crowns, also called caps, are made to look just like your teeth. Patients needing crowns generally have a tooth that is damaged quite extensively, and filling material cannot replace the missing tooth structure. Crowns can hold together parts of a broken tooth and can also be used to hold a bridge in place. Misshapen and badly discolored teeth can also be covered by crowns.

How are crowns made?

Some crowns are prefabricated and are made of plastic or stainless steel; prefabricated crowns can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is manufactured. Crowns can be all metal, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), or all ceramic. The metals used in making crowns are gold alloy, other alloys such as palladium or a base-metal alloy such as nickel or chromium. The all metal and PFM crowns are the strongest and are typically used for back teeth. PFM and all-ceramic crowns look just like real teeth. Crowns can last anywhere from approximately 7 to 40 years depending on how well they're taken care of.

How are crowns placed?

Since the teeth that need crowns are often decayed and damaged, endodontic (root canal) treatment is sometimes necessary before the crown is placed. However, not everyone who needs a crown will also need a root canal. To put a crown in place, your dentist must file down the tooth to make room for it. After filing down the tooth, he will use a piece of thread or cord to push the gum down around the tooth and then make an impression of the tooth. The impression material is removed after several minutes. The impressions are sent to the lab and the crown is made.

While your permanent crown is being made, you will receive a temporary usually made of plastic and made right in the office on the day of your visit. At your next visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown will be tested to check size and fit. Once the crown is ready, it is cemented to your tooth.

Placing a crown is a fairly simple procedure that typically does not cause any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity. If you do notice pain or sensitivity when you bite down, you should call your dentist as this usually means the crown is too high on the tooth and can be easily fixed.
If your crown becomes loose or chipped, you should call your dentist. If the crown comes completely out of your mouth, clean the crown and the tooth and call your dentist to get an appointment the next day to have this repaired.

What is a dental bridge?

Dental bridges are another cosmetic dentistry option to repair or replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth that is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the area left by the missing tooth. A bridge is essentially a group of interconnecting crowns used to stabilize your bite when you are missing one or more teeth. The bridge prevents further damage to your gums and teeth and gives you a new and improved smile.

One type of bridge is the fixed bridge. Fixed bridges are attached onto your teeth on either side of the false tooth, and fixed bridges cannot e taken out of your mouth. Another type of bridge is called a cantilever bridge; these bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space.

Bridges are very beneficial cosmetic dentistry tools as missing teeth can lead to serious problems; when teeth are missing, other teeth can begin to drift out of position. This movement of the teeth can lead to changes in your bite, tooth decay, gum disease and even severe migraine-like headaches.

If you would like to learn more about how crowns and dental bridges can be used to fix your damaged or decayed teeth, please visit the website of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

You can learn about the various cosmetic dentistry techniques and treatments and you can find a highly trained LVI dentist in the area in which you live. Cosmetic dentistry performed by LVI-trained dentists can be a life-changing experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Fugaro

Get Your Dream Smile With Braces NYC

2007-07-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt that something is missing in your smile and that is making your smile incomplete? It may be just because of your teeth, as teeth are the prominent aspect of dazzling smile. Now a day many people face dental problem of misaligned teeth, this can cause severe embarrassment when you are smiling. Misaligned teeth are biggest difficulty in having a dazzling dream smile. Using Braces NYC is the perfect way to overcome the problem of misaligned and unattractive teeth. New York is a dream city for everyone; it has various kinds of features which grabs attention. To deal with the problem of misaligned teeth, New York City has many dentists, who can give your smile the charm of glitters.

Braces NYC are the best feature provided by the dentists to overcome from the problem of distorted and unattractive teeth. Using braces is the permanent solution for misaligned teeth which takes a very short span of time to glorify your smile for lifetime. There is no age bar to adapt this technique; either you are a kid, youngster or 30+ person, you can easily go for braces to get well aligned teeth. Some people feel shy to use braces because they think that it will look bad, for them there is also a perfect solution and that is transparent or invisible braces NYC. In New York City You can see many people from every age group who are using braces to get better smile.

Like any other health product braces are also getting some up gradation which is making it more famous among people. Now you have many options for choosing the best braces NYC. Multicolor braces of rubber and invisible braces are also available in market now which is suitable for kids as well. Make sure that you take the advice of your dentist before you decide using braces on your teeth. The dentist has special qualification to decide what needs to be done to correct certain conditions. You will have to go through a proper procedure for using brace in which the dentist will first of all examine your teeth and conduct any further tests that may be required to know the exact condition of your oral health. After finding the problem dentist will suggest you the most suitable one as there are different types of braces with excellent results.

Once you start using braces, follow all the cautions and instructions suggested by dentist.

Always keep your teeth clean so that any further problem may not occur. Keeping your braces and teeth clean is one of the top most priorities and you must make sure that your teeth are clean at all times. You must open your braces after having meal and clean teeth properly. You can also use special flossier that are made for people who wear braces and use it to keep your teeth clean. So use braces NYC to align your teeth properly and gift yourself a brighter smile of confidence.

Erzana Jones has special interest in dentistry and health related topics.For more information about Dentist,Braces NYC or any kind of dental emergency visit www.manhattandentalspa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erjana_Jones