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Assure a Smile Exclusive: Potassium and Heart Health

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

miami dentist exlusive sodium potassiumAs the center of the circulatory system, the heart is often hailed as one of our most vital organs.  Function would not be possible without this involuntary pump, which sends oxygenated blood throughout the body to facilitate everything from basic muscle movements to complex mental cognitions.  When it comes to extending the life of you heart, new research suggests that the mineral Potassium is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

As a Holistic Dentistry practice, Assure a Smile goes to great lengths to help patients stay on top of health news and medical research.  We believe that “staying in the know” is a critical component of making informed health decisions.  In this edition of the Miami Dentist Blog, we will explore new research that explains the role of Potassium in increasing overall heart health.

Sodium, Potassium, and the Heart

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal reported on a study lead by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that has been a whopping 15 years in the making.  Throughout the study, researchers followed over 12,000 participants and measured the diet and cardiovascular health of each.  In short, the study showed that (i):

 

1. High Sodium intake was associated with a higher rate of premature death from any cause, and

 

2. High Potassium intake was associated with a lower rate of premature death from any cause.

 

Researches took the study further, however, in an attempt to examine the specific relationship between sodium intake, potassium intake, and overall heart health.  They found that:

 

1. Sodium intake alone was not tied with higher premature death rates,

 

2. High Potassium intake was linked with a lower incidence of heart related fatalities, and finally

 

3. Consuming more Potassium than Sodium significantly reduced premature death.

The Sodium-Potassium Ratio

In the wake of the Center for Disease Control’s most recent findings, it is safe to assume that decreasing Sodium intake while increasing Potassium intake may help prevent the chances of developing high blood pressure, heart problems, and even premature death.

 

To do so, researchers suggest that adults reduce daily Sodium intake to about 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) while increasing Potassium intake to about 4,700 milligrams per day.  Some of the best sources for Potassium include:

 

Potatoes, 700-900 milligrams per serving

Spinach, 500 milligrams per each 100-gram serving

Prune Juice, 528 milligrams per 6 oz serving

Raisins, 598 milligrams per ½ cup serving

Bananas, 422 milligrams

Miami Dentist Blog Related Articles on Heart Health

Our Miami Dentistry Office has produced numerous online articles to help patients proactively increase their heart-healthiness.  The following articles are recommended for those patients interested in learning more about the health of the heart and the circulatory system from a holistic wellness perspective:

 

Holistic Dentistry Links Periodontitis with Heart Disease:  Periodontitis, better known as gum disease, is an infection that afflicts the gum tissue of the oral cavity.  Leading researchers say that the same bacteria that causes Periodontitis may also cause heart disease.

 

Holistic Wellness and Brown Rice:  The health benefits of brown rice are plentiful!  In this edition of the Miami Dentist Blog, read more about this healthy carbohydrate’s ability to reduce blood pressure.

 

A Heartfelt Plea for Mercury Filling Removal:  Dental amalgam, or traditional silver fillings, contain dangerously high levels of mercury.  Join the Miami Dentist Blog for this article on mercury poisoning and the cardiac system.

 

Miami Dentist Asks Patients About Heart Disease:  University of Minnesota Professor Mark Herzberg shares research with the American Association for the Advancement of Science on the link between gum disease and heart disease.

 

Dentistry News:  Brushing Habits Tied to Heart Health:  Are you brushing and flossing regularly?  If not, you may be placing your heart at risk!

 

(i) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304584404576440233075168872.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

 

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Miami Invisalign: Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Miami Invisalign Prevents Tooth DecayDo you fear that a Miami Invisalign treatment may give you tooth decay?  It is true:  patients who wear Orthodontic treatments, those things we call braces, are more likely to develop tooth decay than are patients without braces.  What’s more, individuals who develop tooth decay while wearing braces are particularly susceptible to developing gum disease!  The Invisalign Invisible Braces system greatly reduces the chances of developing both tooth decay and gum disease, however, giving Miami residents one more reason to love the Invisalign treatment system.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Orthodontic treatments, or braces, are very common among both children and adults.  This is because both children and adults may experience teeth alignment issues as they grow and age.  There are many schools of thought on this subject, and a growing number of medical professionals are linking irregular teeth development with diet and lifestyle.

 

Whatever the reason, it is important to realize you are not alone!  There are an estimated 5 million Americans who are currently straightening their teeth (i).  More and more individuals are realizing the benefits of a beautiful smile.  In fact, the following A-lister celebrities have had a braces treatment of some kind since 2002 (ii):

  • Tom Cruise
  • Danny Glover
  • Gwen Stefani
  • Alyssa Milano

One major problem, however, is that braces often lead to tooth decay.  Tooth decay, in turn, increases a patient’s chances of developing gum disease.  This is an important issue, and not just because patients don’t like getting cavities!  Gum disease has been linked with other serious illnesses like heart disease and anemia.  This has Miami residents wondering:  is there a way to straighten my teeth without increasing my chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious illnesses?

Miami Invisalign:  A Removable Solution That Prevents Tooth Decay

Invisalign in Miami has become more popular over the past decade because it offers a removable teeth-straightening solution.  The main benefit of Invisalign is that the system uses clear plastic aligners to gently shift the teeth into parallel alignment.  While a majority of professionals offer Invisalign because the system’s aligners are clear and inconspicuous, a growing number of Miami dentists are recommending the treatment because it helps patients keep their teeth and gums clean.

 

Invisalign offers convenience to patients.  Individuals who wear Invisalign have the ability to remove their “braces” (really, they are aligners that resemble thin mouth trays for both the upper and lower teeth).  Removing Invisalign aligners to eat a meal, a snack, or prior to brushing and flossing gives patients two advantages over those with metal braces.  First, the patient is free to eat normally.  This means that sharp metal brackets will not agitate their cheek and gum tissue; more importantly, it means food will not get stuck in the tiny spaces between braces brackets, wiring, the teeth, and the gum line.  This greatly reduces the possibility of developing tooth decay, as fewer food particles are left wedged throughout the teeth and gums to fuel the creation of plaque and bacteria.

 

Second, Invisalign patients are free to remove their aligners to brush and floss as if they were not wearing braces at all.  In this way, patients are able to clean their teeth thoroughly.  The likelihood that a patient will miss bacteria-causing food particles is greatly reduced, and the chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease are consequently reduced as well.

Miami Residents:  Do You Wear Invisalign?

Are you a Miami Invisalign patient?  We would love to hear your thoughts on the Invisible Braces system!  Send a Tweet to the Dentist305 Twitter account and share your experience with Assure a Smile!

 

(i) http://www.neatorama.com/2011/05/05/biting-facts-about-braces/

(ii) http://www.bodycare.becomegorgeous.com/top_to_toe/celebrities_wearing_braces-1064.html

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Miami Invisalign Treatment in 2011

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Miami Invisalign 2011 Miami Invisalign professionals encourage patients to consider an Invisible braces system over traditional metal models.  The new braces system uses two clear aligners that are designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, gradually shifting teeth into beautiful alignment.  But why choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces?  Professionals say Invisalign offers comfort, confidence, and real results to patients in search of a inconspicuous means of straightening their teeth.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentists recommend teeth straightening treatments to patients for many reasons, most of all to increase patient happiness and health.  To illustrate, consider a 2008 study of nearly 10,000 Australian residents that researchers say indicates “Everything else being equal, if you are happy and satisfied with your life now, you are more likely to be healthy in the future,” (i).

 

As a Miami dental professional, I recommend Invisalign to my patients because it is a minimally invasive, comfortable, and effective dental treatment.  What’s more, the removable nature of Invisalign allows patients to clean their teeth thoroughly.  This convenience helps to reduce tooth decay among Invisalign patients, which is particularly important in a world where nearly half the population skips out on nightly teeth and gum care (ii).

 

Most importantly, however, I recommend Invisalign to help patients create smiles of which they are proud to show.  Over 75% of Americans are embarrassed to smile, yet nearly 80% of Americans know that smiling is intricately tied with overall health (iii).

Comparing Invisalign to Metal Braces

Assure a Smile has created the following list to compare Invisalign Invisible braces to traditional metal ones to assist patients in finding an ideal teeth-straightening solution.

 

Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic.  For patients, this gives two major benefits over traditional metal braces.  First, clear braces give patients confidence through every day life.  You may wear Invisalign and rest assured that most others won’t notice that you are straightening your teeth!  Moreover, clear plastic aligners are more comfortable to wear than are metal braces.  Invisalign patients do not have to worry about sharp metal edges and wiring agitating the delicate areas of their inner mouth.

 

Invisalign is removable.  Again, this gives patients two direct benefits.  First, patients may remove their Invisalign aligners when eating.  This adds comfort and familiarity to mealtime, eliminating the annoyance of food particles becoming wedged throughout traditional braces.  A second benefit results:  patients are able to more easily maintain oral hygiene while using Invisalign.  Individuals may remove Invisalign aligners to brush and floss their teeth as normal.  Patients with metal braces, on the other hand, must buy unique tools to help them carefully clean around brackets, wires, and soft gum tissue.

Invisalign in Miami:  Many Problems, One Solution

The Miami Dentist Blog has covered several specific conditions that Invisalign may solve for patients.  We will review them here, as well as provide links to prior articles that explain these conditions in-depth.

 

Miami Invisalign Treatment for Overcrowded Teeth:  Most common in children, overcrowded teeth are those that grow close to one another and overlap.

 

Bring Teeth Closer Together with Invisalign:  There are several reasons that explain why an individual may develop spaces between their teeth.  Read about them here, and discover how Invisalign helps to close the gaps.

 

Consult Miami Invisalign Providers for Crossbite Treatment:  A Cross-bite is created when teeth are irregularly spaced horizontally.  Invisalign may help to correct this problem, offering a comfortable solution for misaligned teeth.

 

Treating an Overbite with Invisalign:  When the teeth of the upper jaw fall too far over those of the lower jaw, an overbite exists.  Patients are encouraged to read this article about overbites, Invisalign, and the creation of healthy smiles.

 

 

(i) http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20080829/happiness-satisfaction-boosts-health

(ii) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/227763.php

(iii) http://www.prweb.com/releases/Miami-dentist/Invisalign-Special/prweb5047924.htm

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Miami Dentistry: Eat Healthy for Healthy Teeth

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

miami-dentist-eating-for-healthy-teeth

Growing up you always heard about all of the things to avoid eating to keep your teeth healthy.  Candy will rot your teeth.  Gum is bad for your teeth.  Soda destroys your enamel.  Well, there is a flipside to the conversation.  Have you ever heard about what to eat for better dental health?  Today this Miami Dentist is going to continue coverage of National Nutrition Month with some insight on foods that will help create healthy teeth and gums for life.

 

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

As a holistic dentistry practice, it is our belief that certain lifestyle changes increase oral health.  By adjusting our diet, we can reduce tooth decay and give our mouths a fighting chance of retaining our teeth throughout our lives.  Take a moment to review the following foods, and note how they benefit the teeth and gums in particular.

As always, please message feedback to our @dentist305 Twitter account!

What to Eat for Healthy Teeth

Citrus Fruits: You should be consuming lots of fruits that are high in vitamin C.  Vitamin C is extremely important for your dental health because it holds together the collagen network of your gums.   When this network falls apart, your gums become tender and vulnerable to periodontal disease.  Look for foods like strawberries, kiwis, and oranges.

 

Apples:  The tart flavor of apples causes an increased flow of saliva.  The saliva rinses away bacteria and keeps your mouth moist.

 

Vegetables:  Most vegetables are high in vitamin A.  This vitamin is responsible for the formation of tooth enamel.  This is obviously important to you dental health.  You can find a good amount of vitamin A in carrots, brussels sprouts, peas, pumpkins, spinach, and broccoli.  The crunchy vegetables have an added benefit of cleansing and stimulating your gums.

 

Dark Chocolate:  I’m sure you’ve always been told to avoid sweets for the sake of your dental health.  However recent studies have shown that dark chocolate has chemicals in it that fight plaque buildup.  If you are going to eat dark chocolate, do so in small portions and opt for at least 80% cocoa.

 

Milk and Yogurt: Getting enough calcium is important for strong teeth and bones.  Unsweetened milk and/or yogurt can boost your calcium levels for healthy teeth.  The low acidity and low sugar properties of milk and yogurt help to slow tooth decay as well.

 

Cheese: Another milk product chock full of calcium.  Cheese balances the pH levels in your mouth, fights bacteria in your teeth and gums, rebuilds tooth enamel, and produces saliva.

 

Green Tea: Green tea contains substances called catechins that kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath and is responsible for turning sugar into plaque.  Some green teas even contain fluoride which prevents tooth enamel decay.

 

Sesame Seeds:  These seeds help by naturally scrubbing the plaque off of your teeth and contain high amounts of calcium.

 

Water:  Water keeps your gums hydrated, washes away food particles stuck in your teeth, and helps stimulate saliva.  Saliva is your body’s strongest defense against the bacteria that threaten your dental health.

Foods That Are Bad for your Teeth

Just as a refresher, let’s review the most harmful foods for teeth and gum health:

 

Sugary Candies:  The bacteria that forms plaque uses sugar as its energy source.  Don’t feed this bacteria!  If you are going to have a sweet, avoid candies that last a long time in your mouth (caramels, cough drops, lollipops).

 

Starchy Foods:  Foods like breads and potato chips have a habit of getting stuck in the back of your teeth.  Bacteria in your mouth can use these carbohydrates as an energy source as well.

 

Soft Drinks:  Soft drinks are almost always loaded with sugar.  The phosphoric and citric acids also do a number on your tooth enamel.

 

Lemons:  The acidity in a lemon is known to erode tooth enamel quickly.

 

Alcohol:  Alcohol has plenty of sugars and also dries out your mouth.

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Teeth Grinding

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

miami-dentist-teeth-grindingTeeth grinding is most common among children.  However, grinding teeth is also a problem faced by many adults.  This habit, referred to as bruxism by medical professionals, involves the grinding and clenching of both the jaws and teeth.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentists and medical professionals are increasingly concerned with the prevalence of teeth grinding among both children and adults.  Grinding of the teeth is common among children; however, this habit can be detrimental to overall health if it persists.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Several things contribute to the formation of this habit.  Typically, teeth grinding is an unconscious attempt to reshape the alignment of teeth.  This is most evident in children because baby teeth tend to be misaligned.  Other causes include:

  • Stress. Many health professionals feel that stress is the number one cause of teeth grinding.  These professionals feel that grinding of one’s teeth is a means of de-stressing.
  • Anger suppression. Other health professionals feel that teeth grinding is a method of anger suppression.  Just as one may clench a fist when angry, so too may they clench their jaw.
  • Aggression. Another widely held view is that individuals clench their jaw and grind their teeth as an unconscious way of intimidating another individual.  This view holds that teeth grinding is a byproduct of showing aggression.
  • Misalignment of Teeth. This view, most common among Miami dentists and other dental professionals, holds that individuals grind their teeth because they simply do not fit together comfortably.  Individuals who undergo dental procedures that leave their teeth misshapen or uneven may grind them into alignment slowly, often in their sleep.

Effect on Overall Health

Teeth grinding may cause several health problems because it involves a large portion of the overall head area, specifically the teeth and jaw.  Headaches are a common side effect of persistant teeth grinding.  However, this link is not quite clear because stress may be the underlying reason for teeth grinding, headache, or both.  Individuals who grind their teeth habitually may also develop pain in their facial muscles.  TMJ disorders are also likely to develop in patients who exhibit periods of prolonged teeth grinding.  Most importantly, consistent teeth grinding will damage tooth structure.  Those who grind their teeth slowly destroy the outer enamel of the tooth.  Once destroyed, teeth become particularly susceptible to plaque formation and decay.


As a Miami dental professional, I strongly urge adults to stay aware of teeth grinding and the damage it causes.  Parents are smart to talk openly with children about grinding of teeth, as the habit typically forms at an early age and becomes more difficult to break over time.

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Better Hygiene with Invisalign Invisible Braces

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

miami-dentist-better-hygiene-invisalignInvisalign is just as effective as traditional metal braces for most, and comes with the added benefit of convenience!  Invisalign aligners can be removed before eating, brushing, and flossing, helping patients to straighten their teeth without neglecting their oral health.  Patients may brush and floss as normal, significantly lessening the likelihood of developing serious oral health problems straightening your teeth.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

My Miami dental experience tells me that my patients are primarily concerned with two things:  comfort and convenience.  This is nothing out of the ordinary;  in fact, I expect most people I meet to be concerned with both comfort and convenience.  These two concerns receive particular attention when it comes to dentistry.  The mouth is a sensitive area, and it can be tricky to keep clean.  That is why patients looking for a teeth-straightening solution must consider Invisalign Invisible braces.  This braces system is unlike most traditional metal braces in the following ways:


- The Invisalign braces system is comprised of two trays, to be worn on the upper and lower sets of teeth, instead of metal brackets and wires.


-  Invisalign trays, called aligners, are removable.  Patients may remove the aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing.


- Invisalign aligners are clear, making it nearly impossible to notice when they are being worn.


It is these unique differences that make Miami Invisalign providers one of the most sought-after professionals in the Miami area.

Better Hygiene with Invisalign

As if convenience, confidence, and effectiveness weren’t enough, Invisalign offers patients an added benefit:  better oral hygiene.  Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients receive the added advantage of easily brushing and flossing their teeth as normal.  To illustrate, consider the extended-care that patients must give their teeth when wearing metal braces:

1) Patients must limit brushing to only 1 to 3 teeth at a time.

2) Patients must angle their brushes to clean both the tops and bottoms of each bracket on each tooth.

3) Normal flossing is impossible with metal braces.  Patients must use special orthodontic floss, as well as a threading device, to carefully thread floss in between each tooth.

4) Patients must remain alert for plaque buildup along the brackets, enamel, and gum line in the mouth.


Patients need not worry about extending their oral hygiene routine when using Invisalign.  Instead, they simply remove their aligners to clean their teeth normally.  This allows for plaque and bacteria to be removed from the mouth at a much greater rate, significantly reducing the chances of developing tooth decay, gingivitis, and tooth demineralization.


From now until February 28th, Assure a Smile is offering $500 off Invisalign and $500 off Zoom Teeth Whitening to new Invisalign patients!  These two specials make it easier and more affordable than ever to create a healthy and beautiful smile.  For more information, contact Assure a Smile today!

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Why Yogis Will Love Holistic Dentistry

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

miami-dentist-why-yogis-will-love-holistic-dentistryYogis and holistic dentists have at least one thing in common.  Each concentrates on the big picture at hand.  For Yogis, this includes using stretches and breathing techniques to unveil the connection between the mental and the physical.  In the same way, holistic dentistry seeks to connect oral conditions with the overall health of a patient’s body systems.  Both practices seek to understand cause and effect relationships and recognize that the genuine change—be it mental or physical—requires more than mere reactionary quick fixes.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Yoga has split into several unique sects of ideologies over the years.  Each has a common ancestry, however, having been born in ancient India.  References to yoga poses and practice have been discovered on tapestries dated as early as 1700 BC.  Despite its revolution into so many different styles, most yoga practice still has a common goal:  to unite the mind and body as one.

The mind-body connection is at the root of yoga practice.  Yogis, avid yoga practitioners, believe that uniting the mind and body is the key to overall spiritual wellness.  In this way, yoga seeks to combine the tangible body with the mysterious and intangible mind.

Modern medicine supports this seemingly strange idea that our minds have a profound affect over our bodies.  Researchers at the University of Illinois, for example, write of a link between high levels of stress and the immune system.  Their research indicates that as physical stress increases, the ability of the immune system to function decreases (i).  Mental stress, it seems, has the ability to affect physical change.

Holistic Dentistry:  Mouth/ Body Connection

Holistic dentistry shares a common ground with yoga.  Yoga sees the mind as an integral part of overall health, with mental problems being manifested through the body.  By the same token, holistic dentistry sees the overall health of the patient as being intricately linked to both their mental and physical wellness.  A stressed and anxiety-prone patient, for example, may exhibit stress fractures, poor diet, and a corresponding predisposition to tooth decay.  While traditional dentists view a patient with these symptoms as an individual who needs a filling or two, holistic dentists see something different.  They see a patient who needs help with stress management, eating well, and oral hygiene education.

Think ‘Holistic,’ and Achieve Overall Wellness

Of course, just because you enjoy yoga does not mean you will enjoy visiting a holistic dentist.  There is a significant overlap in ideology, however, so you may want to consider it!  At Assure a Smile, we refer to our approach to dentistry as people dentistry.  The professionals at Assure a Smile are primarily concerned with the overall wellness of the patient, just as Yogis are concerned with the overall well being of their mental and physical bodies.


(i) http://www.econ.uiuc.edu/~hanko/Bio/stress.html

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Dentistry News: Brushing Habits Tied to Heart Health

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

miami-dentist-news-brushing-habits-heart-health Dentists in Miami have written many articles on gum disease, heart disease, and the link the two diseases share.  According to research, those with gum disease are place at higher risk of developing heart problems than are those without gum disease.  Now, it seems, the problem may start well before gum disease takes shape.  New research indicates that your habit of brushing may significantly affect your chances of developing serious heart disease.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is beginning to see some of the spotlight when it comes to new age medicine and research.  Bodies of evidence are mounting, indicating that each of our body systems is connected.  The role of the mind and the affect it has over physical health is just one example of this school of thought.  Another example is the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body.  The mouth is a gateway, providing easy entryway for disease and bacteria alike.  A new study from the University College London asserts that teeth brushing is an important piece of this equation, significantly lowering the chance of serious disease among those who brush their teeth regularly.

Miami Dentists Look at Oral Hygiene

If the mouth is the gateway through which bacteria and disease may enter the body, then oral hygiene is a critical factor in determining overall health.  Bad oral hygiene leads to many different health problems.  Most dental patients are aware of the most common:  cavities.  Cavities result from an excessive accumulation of plaque on the surface of teeth.  This plaque allows acid-producing bacteria to grow on the teeth, slowly eating away at the enamel of the tooth over time.  In this light, bacteria is one of the most harmful foreign agents that may enter the mouth.


Bacteria accumulation may cause more than cavities, however.  The 150th meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science declared a potential correlation between the bacteria that causes gum disease and the bacteria that causes heart disease.  The bacteria, according to research, seemed to be identical.  In other words, the same bacteria that causes gum disease may travel from the oral cavity to other major organs by way of the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses.  When the bacteria reach the heart, for example, it may cause swelling that contributes to artery blockage and heart disease.


This new research places added emphasis on the importance of sound oral hygiene.  Brushing and flossing are more than just ways to prevent cavities.  Keeping your mouth clean is proving to be instrumental in maintaining long term health and wellness.

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Valentine’s Invisalign Special in Miami

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

miami-dentist-valentines-invisalign-specialAfter an incredibly successful Miami Invisalign promotion last fall, we’re at it again!  The Valentine’s Invisalign Special is here, and there has never been a better chance to create a picture perfect smile for you or a loved one.  Starting today, February 1st, patients who enroll in an Invisalign treatment will automatically receive $500 off their Invisalign procedure and a special $500 credit towards a complementary teeth whitening treatment!



Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Last fall’s Invisalign special substantially grew the Assure a Smile family.  We are excited to have so many new patients with our practice!  In honor of Valentine’s Day, we are creating another Invisalign promotion.  This time around, expect more than a great deal on Invisalign clear braces.  We’ve revamped the special to include the perfect complement to a new smile:  a teeth whitening procedure!   From today until February 28th, patients who enroll in Invisalign will receive a special $500 off their Invisible Braces system.  At the conclusion of the treatment, patients will receive the added bonus of a teeth whitening procedure at an additional $500 off!

There has never been a better time to create a perfect smile for you or a loved one.  The Valentine’s Invisalign Special is available for both patients and friends of patients.  Miami residents:  don’t be shy about spreading the word on this promotion!  New patients need only schedule an appointment to meet with one of Assure a Smile’s Invisalign specialists.

New to Miami Invisalign?

For patients new to Invisalign, here is what to expect:

- First, schedule an appointment with a local Miami Invisalign specialist.  When you meet with your specialist, he or she will examine your teeth and provide an Invisalign treatment recommendation for best results.

- After deciding to move forward with Invisalign, you will visit your specialist and have a set of impressions taken.  These will provide replicas of your teeth that will be used to design Invisalign aligners.

- Your first set of aligners from Invisalign will be molded to fit your teeth almost perfectly.  The fit is “near perfect” because each set of aligners is designed to fit a slightly more straight version of your current teeth.

- Your teeth will gradually shift to fit more comfortably inside your custom Invisalign aligners.  Once your teeth fit your first set of aligners perfectly, you will receive a second set of aligners designed to shift your teeth even closer together.

This process is repeated under the supervision of your Miami Invisalign specialist.  The number of custom aligners you cycle through depends largely on your unique teeth arrangements and the results you and your dental professional set out to achieve.

The Finishing Touch

Don’t forget:  after completing your Miami Invisalign treatment plan, you are entitled to receive a $500 credit towards teeth whitening!  But hurry, because you must enroll between February 1st and 28th to receive the Valentine’s Invisalign Special!

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Dental Amalgam 101

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Dental amalgam is the proper term to refer to the silver material that is used in dental procedures like fillings.  This material is actually a combination of mercury and at least one other metal, like tin.  Invented in France in the early 1800s, dental amalgam has remained a popular filling agent because of its strength.  However, experts at the World Health Organization have made a clear assertion:  Mercury from dental amalgam feeds more mercury into a person’s body system than any other source combined, prompting many to seek safe amalgam removal.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

We know that arsenic is a powerful poison, used for years by farmers as a toxin to kill insects, bacteria, and fungi.  We think of lead as a toxic poison as well, remembering the massive recall of nearly 1 million Mattel toys that were allegedly tainted with lead-rich paints.  There is a delicate balance to achieve when dealing with poisons and consumers.  In the case of arsenic, very low concentrations can prove helpful, killing only insects while helping to grow healthy crops.  In the case of Mattel, however, a massive recall was necessary because the concentration of lead was far too great.  Dental amalgam falls in the latter category; dental professionals from around the world agree that amalgams contain high concentrations of mercury that inevitably finds its way into your body tissue (i).

Mercury Absorption from Dental Amalgam

Mercury is an extremely toxic poison that can kill when ingested in large amounts.  Alarmingly, the dental amalgam used in silver fillings may be composed of up to 60% mercury or more.  With this in mind, Dr. Gary Null and Dr. Martin Feidman of New York set out to test mercury absorption with relation to dental amalgams.  Their results were astonishing:  the mercury from silver fillings is ingested at a rate of 10-50 times the level deemed “safe” by the U.S. Public Health Service (ii).  Variance in absorption is due to individual filling composition and the personal habits of the patient.  However, their study clearly reflects the dangerous nature of silver fillings.

Safe Amalgam Removal

Many patients are turning to safe amalgam removal to ride themselves of their highly toxic silver fillings.  For South Florida residents, choosing a Miami dentist to have your silver fillings removed requires due diligence.  Ensure the dental professional you seek takes the proper precautions when removing fillings.  For example, dental dams are necessary to cover the oral cavity and prevent inhalation of amalgam fragments and mercury vapor.  Assure a Smile is one of South Florida’s leading holistic dentistry practices that specializes in safe mercury removal.  To learn more, please contact Assure a Smile today!


(i) http://www.yourhealthbase.com/amalgams.html

(ii) See above.

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