Posts Tagged ‘dentist 305’

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Miami Dentistry News Update: Gum Disease May Cause Anemia

Monday, May 9th, 2011

miami-dentistry-news-gum-disease-may-cause-anemiaThe Miami Dentist Blog has covered the relationship between oral health and wellness extensively.  We’ve explored studies that previously have shown gum disease to increase risk of heart disease.  We’ve also discussed the importance of holistic stress management, and the ways it helps to strengthen immunity to disease and overall health.  Now, recent research shows a possible connection between gum disease and the blood disorder anemia.  It is alarming, providing yet another word of caution to patients who do not take care of their teeth and gums on a daily basis.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The dangerous nature of gum disease is in the news again.  This time, researchers in Britain say gum disease triggers chronic inflammation that may significantly contribute to decreased red blood cell count, or anemia.  The study has been published in the Journal of Periodontology at the end of this past April, reigniting interest in gum disease and its effect on the rest of the body.  Findings show that patients with chronic gum disease exhibit red blood cell counts significantly below normal levels (i).

 

Further investigation points an accusatory finger at inflammation, or swelling.  Gum tissues become swollen, and often times bloody, in response to the influx of bacteria caused by gum disease.  Inflammation of the gums causes a drop in erythropoietin production, a hormone primarily responsible for controlling red blood cell production (ii).  Red blood cell production decreases, leading to the development of anemia in individuals with gum disease.

Miami Dentist Cautions Patients to Get Proactive

Of course, the best way to avoid both chronic gum disease and the serious illnesses it can trigger is to get proactive!  No—we are not talking face wash here.  We are talking about actively taking care of your teeth and gums, rather than re-actively brushing harder after your dental exam uncovers a few cavities (Side note:  Never brush ‘hard.’  While tooth enamel is incredibly strong, your gums are not.)

 

Proper tooth and gum care include the following:

 

Proper nutrition: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to satiate hunger and help suppress your natural sweet tooth.  Eating fewer sugary foods means there’s less to clean off your teeth, a win-win in terms of overall wellness and proactive oral hygiene.

 

Regular brushing: Individuals should brush their teeth twice each day, at a minimum.  Some may find it beneficial to brush a third time at mid-day, cleaning food debris from the teeth and gums following lunch or late-afternoon snacks.

 

Flossing: This is perhaps the most underappreciated and under practiced of all oral hygiene acts.  Flossing extracts the food particles that regular brushing cannot.  Failing to do so prompts the growth of plaque, bacteria, tooth decay, and gum disease.  It’s a slippery slope, so be sure to floss daily!

Holistic Dentistry:  Looking at the Big Picture

Holistic dentistry is characterized by its belief in the interconnected nature of the human body.  The oral cavity in particular plays a vital role in the delivery of oxygen, water, and other nutrients to the rest of the body.  In this way, the health of tooth and gum tissues tells a story about the overall health of the body.  Signs of poor hygiene, stress, and destructive habits are reflected through the mouth.  Holistic dental professionals are highly educated in identifying and diagnosing such signs, arming them with knowledge to help patients regain control of their health.

 

Schedule an appointment with Assure a Smile and learn firsthand how a holistic dental exams differ from traditional check ups.  Take advantage of our New Patient Cleaning Special and receive a full TMJ scan, professional teeth cleaning, dental x-rays, digital photos, and a comprehensive one-on-one holistic wellness consultation.

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Miami Dentistry with the iTero Scanner

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

miami-dentistry-with-the-itero-scannerMiami dental professionals have the advantage of practicing medicine in a hub for international research and technological innovation.  Often referred to as the Gateway to the Americas, the city of Miami is home to leading medical professionals and organizations from around the world.  The medical industry in Miami is exciting and fast paced, exposing local professionals to the latest and greatest high-tech toys.  This Miami dentist office is excited to introduce the newest member of the Assure a Smile family:  The iTero Scanner.

 

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The iTero Scanner represents an exciting achievement in modern dentistry.  Convenient, comfortable, and incredibly accurate, the iTero Scanner is capable of creating a digital “map” of the mouth to help dental professionals serve patients more effectively.  This digital map can be used to create crowns, bridges, in-lays, and more with nearly flawless precision that makes for a comfortable fit every time.  The iTero Scanner has also revolutionized the way dental impressions are taken:

 

Out with the Old

Traditionally, taking impressions of a patient’s oral cavity is time consuming and uncomfortable.  It required clenching large metal trays of liquid plaster against both upper and lower jaw, with extra liquid plaster spilling over the impression trays and into the patient’s mouth.  This part of the process was most uncomfortable, with many patients feeling anxious over the danger of gagging, swallowing, or choking on the excess plaster “goop.”

 

In with the New

Patients no longer have to endure the discomfort and anxiety of old impression-taking methods.  The iTero Scanner takes digital images of the oral anatomy of the mouth, eliminating the need for liquid plaster entirely.  Patients may watch as these images are gathered on the in-office computer display, gaining insight on the structure of their teeth and gums like never before.

 

After the iTero Scanner gathers images of the entire oral cavity, the images are used to construct a 3-dimensional landscape of the patient’s oral cavity with unparalleled detail and accuracy.

 

Patients may now sit comfortably while their dental professional takes digital images of their teeth and gums, one section of the mouth at a time.  Patients may break from the procedure periodically to rest, if they choose to do so, and pick up right where they left off.  All in all, the scan takes only 5 minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About the iTero Scanner*

What does the name “iTero” mean?

The word “iTero” is Latin in origin and means “to repeat.”  Align Technology Corporation, the proprietors of this revolutionary new device, coined this name to symbolize its ability to exactly replicate the oral anatomy of a patient’s mouth.

 

Is receiving a dental impression from the iTero Scanner comfortable?

Absolutely.  Studies conducted with patients indicate that iTero scans are more comfortable and less time consuming than traditional impression methods.  With the iTero Scanner, there is no need for a patient to clench cold metal trays in their mouth for long and uncomfortable periods of time.  Instead, the patient simply opens their mouth as if they were receiving a typical examination.  Digital images are taken of each section of the upper and lower jaw area.  Once those images are recorded, the patient may relax!  The iTero computer software will finish the impression process by constructing a precise replica of their unique oral anatomy.

 

Why would a dental professional choose to use the iTero Scanner over traditional impression trays?

It’s all about precision.  The iTero Scanner uses advanced digital imaging technology to create a map of the tooth and gum tissues of the mouth that is much more accurate than traditional impression methods.  This helps to create crowns, bridges, and surface in-lays that fit almost perfectly within the patient’s natural tooth and gum landscape.

 

Are patients exposed to radiation during the iTero digital impression?

No, the iTero Scanner does not emit any radioactive waves whatsoever.  Rather, the scanner uses visible light to take digital images.

 

 

*iTero FAQ courtesy of http://www.cadent.biz/itero/itero.php?section=Patient&page=FAQs

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Buxism: The Harmful Side of Teeth Grinding

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

miami-dentist-bruxism-harmful-side-of-teeth-grindingMiami dentists have seen an increase in the number of patients who grind their teeth regularly.  Children, especially, exhibit weakened tooth enamel and stress fissures along the molars.  These two telltale signs of teeth grinding are alarming for Miami dental professionals for several reasons.  Teeth grinding leads to poor oral health and larger health issues in both children and adults.



Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

The signs of teeth grinding usually go unnoticed by parents because they are hard to notice without an up close and detailed examination of the teeth.  Dental professionals, on the other hand, are capable of seeing the signs of teeth grinding during dental cleanings and checkups.  These signs include stress fractures in the molars, fissures, and other damage to the outer enamel of the teeth.  Assure a Smile has seen an increased number of young patients whose teeth exhibit these signs of damage.  It is alarming to see the signs of teeth grinding in children for at least two reasons.  First, it means the child is grinding their teeth, either consciously or unconsciously.  Children who grind their teeth grow into adults who grind their teeth, and adults who grind their teeth increase their chances of developing mild to severe oral health problems.  Second, teeth grinding habits may be hard to break, especially when they are unconscious.

Assure a Smile has prepared the following as a reference for parents of children who grind their teeth:

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the technical term for teeth grinding.  Typically, the condition is characterized by a conscious or unconscious grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw.  Night Bruxism occurs at night while the individual is unconscious and sleeping.  Bruxism may also occur during the day, most often as jaw clenching.

What are the dangers of Bruxism?

Bruxism affects each individual differently.  Some exhibit very mild symptoms that last only a short period of time.  Others, however, exhibit severe teeth grinding habits for a long period of time.  In the case of the latter, the individual risks a heightened chance of chronic headaches, jaw disorders, and inflicting tooth damage.

How do I know if my child has Bruxism?

It is hard to tell if and individual has Bruxism because it most often occurs while they sleep.  However, be attentive to the following signs:

Dull and persisitent headache, especially in the morning hours.

Dull pains in the jaw.

Stress fractures or fissures in the molars.

Chipped teeth.

Overwhelming feelings of stress or anxiety.

Diagnosing and Treating Bruxism

Bruxism can be diagnosed by your dental professional.  Assure a Smile recommends you ask your dentist about Bruxism during your next cleaning or checkup.  Treatment of Bruxism varies, depending on intensity and individual needs.  However, it is a habit that needs to be broken through both technology and lifestyle changes.  Night guards, for example, may be worn to keep teeth from grinding into one another during the night.  To supplement this safeguard, however, the individual must also make efforts to break their teeth grinding habit.  Individuals may consider stress management, reduced caffeine intake, and consciously watching for clenching or grinding of the teeth during the day.  Engaging in each of these precautionary measures will help individuals to slowly break the teeth grinding habit.

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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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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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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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Holistic Wellness Requires Detoxing!

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

miami-dentist-holistic-wellness-requires-detoxingThe Miami Dentist Blog has covered heavy metal toxins before.  These metallic chemicals are everywhere, and we ingest them more frequently then we think.  To make matters worse, heavy metals accumulate in the body.  Over time, this accumulation may lead to serious health conditions.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is thought of as people dentistry.  The idea that a patient is a complex, interconnected puzzle is at the very core of the holistic approach to dentistry.  Not surprising, this approach involves an assessment of the nutrients an individual ingests.  The things we eat have a profound impact on the overall wellness of our bodies, an impact that extends far beyond the teeth and gums.

It is important to remain attentive to the foods we eat.  Unfortunately, heavy metal toxins are abundant in the water and processed foods we consume most often.  This is bad:  heavy metals are being linked to serious illness.  With increased exposure to heavy metals comes an increased risk of developing lung cancer, impaired respiratory system, anemia, liver damage, and stomach or intestinal irritation (i).

Holistic Dentistry Guide to Heavy Metals

The first step in limiting exposure to heavy metals is to know what they are and where they come from.  Three of the most common heavy metals include aluminum, lead, and mercury.  Assure a Smile has posted this quick reference guide to help you identify these metals in their most common forms (ii):


Aluminum

Aluminum is a chemical element of the Earth’s crust.  It is most recognizable in the kitchen; sold in rolls, aluminum foil is often used to cover food before refrigeration.  The material is also common in sporting goods like baseball bats and golf clubs.  However, this metal is also prevalent in a number of consumable goods including antiperspirants, milk, table salt, seasonings, American cheese, and bleached flour.


Lead

Lead is another one of the Earth’s natural elements.  This material is used in building construction, weights, and lead-acid batteries.  This metal is extremely dangerous and has been linked with nervous system and brain disorders.  What many people will find surprising, however, is how many sources of lead there are in our environment:  car exhaust, lead based paint, canned fruits and juices, and even toothpastes.


Mercury

Mercury is one of the most toxic materials of which we know.  Increased exposure to this material may cause serious illness as well as nervous system defects in developing babies.  Of great concern to holistic dentists is the use of mercury in dental amalgams.  Dental amalgam, or silver fillings, may be as much as 60% mercury.  Safe amalgam removal is highly recommended for patients who have this dangerous chemical in their teeth.


Once identified, these common sources of heavy metals can be avoided.  Limiting exposure to unfiltered drinking water, food seasonings, canned foods, and lead paint is the only way to safeguard against the development of serious illness.  Dental amalgam removal is further advised by holistic dentists to rid patients of a major source of heavy metal exposure, limiting long term health risk.



(i) http://www.tip2000.com/health/waterpollution.asp

(ii) Junger, Alejandro. “Appendix.” Clean. New York: HarperCollins, 2011. 292-93. Print.

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Perio Protect and Gum Disease

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

miami-dentist-perio-protect-gum-diseaseProper gum care starts at an early age.  Eating well, brushing, and flossing are all habits we’re smart to learn at a young age.  Sometimes, though, poor hygiene gets the better of us.  After some time, the accumulation of plaque can breed gum disease.  Have you noticed sharp pains in your gums?  This could be a sign that you need to see a Miami dentist soon.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our Valentine’s Invisalign Special is already generating buzz, but we nonetheless must turn our attention to a growing concern for many adults:  gum disease.  This disease affects a large population of Americans, leading to severely infected gums and tooth loss.  Moreover, a growing body of research links this disease with other serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease (i).

A Gum Disease Overview

Health professionals often refer to gum disease as periodontal disease.  This disease is bacterial, resulting from negligent tooth and gum care.  Most commonly, food particles that are left untouched form plaque between the teeth and along the gum line.  Once this plaque forms, swarms of bacteria breed, feeding on the plaque to grow and reproduce.  These bacteria do not stay on the surface, however.  They dive into the gums, affecting the roots of the teeth, spreading to the jawbone if left untreated.  Once bacteria forms and begins to infect the gums, patients may experience:

  1. Swelling of the gums, at or around the site of the infection.
  2. Bleeding of the gums around the gum line, usually noticeable when brushing.
  3. Sharp sensations of pain in the gums surrounding the affected area.
  4. Receding gums.
  5. An uncomfortable bite, signaling that teeth have separated from on another due to gum loss.

Perio Protect Treatment

Perio Protect is a system developed specifically to combat gum disease.  Over time, Perio Protect has the ability to reverse the signs of gum disease.  Depending on the severity of the condition, proper use of the Perio Protect system may fully restore gums to their natural condition.  Proper use of the system happens in two phases.


Phase one consists of a deep cleaning to remove existing plaque and tarter from the enamel of the tooth at the gum line.  The scope of a deep cleaning is much greater than that of a normal dental cleaning and is typically more time consuming.  It is well worth the time, however.  A deep cleaning has the potential to remove most of the plaque that accumulates and leads to gum disease.


Phase two marks the beginning of the Perio Protect portion of the treatment.  Your Miami dental professional will take impressions of your teeth and create a pair of custom mouth trays to fit securely around the teeth of your upper and lower jaw.  Once these trays are created, your dentist will prescribe a solution of antibacterial oxidants specifically formulated to combat your periodontal infection.  Clinical research indicates that the oxidative chemical structure of the Perio Protect prescription solution significantly reduces the biofilm on teeth (ii).


Translation:  This stuff works.


For more information on treating gum disease with the Perio Protect system, contact your local dentist in Miami today!


(i) http://www.perio.org/consumer/disease_facts.htm

(ii) http://www.perioprotect.com/research.asp

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Give Your Love the Smile of Their Dreams

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

miami-dentist-give-smile-of-dreams-1The 60 degree chill may have come to rest over Miami, but warmth still burns as Valentine’s Day approaches!  February 14th is just around the corner; this year, consider giving the gift of beauty and confidence.  Beginning January 15th, Assure a Smile will offer the Valentine’s Invisalign Special, your chance to enroll yourself or a loved one in the clear braces system that has created over a million smiling faces nationwide!


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our 2010 Miami Invisalign Special was a great success!  We are proud to welcome so many new patients to our practice, and we know you will enjoy your new smiles!  2010 may have ended, but our commitment to creating healthy and beautiful teeth is still alive.  Starting February 1st, new Invisalign patients will receive a special promotion:


$500 off Invisalign clear braces treatment, and a $500 credit towards a teeth whitening treatment upon Invisalign completion!


A jaw dropping, pure white smile is more affordable than ever this year, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

Many are hesitant to try Invisalign over traditional metal braces.  New technology usually causes apprehension; it is normal to hesitate.  After all, clear plastic aligners seem ineffective compared to heavy duty metal and wiring.  However, the company proudly boasts the creation of over a million smiles since its founding.  And it is easy to see why Invisalign is so popular.  The clear braces system offers many comforts that you simply do not receive when being treated with metal braces.  These include comfort, cleanliness, and effectiveness:


Comfort

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear polyurethane plastic.  These durable mouth pieces are safe to place in your mouth and, best of all, they do not agitate the insides of your cheeks and gums.


Cleanliness

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can brush and floss normally!  Simply remove the aligners in the morning, during the afternoon (if you brush in the afternoon), and in the evening to clean your teeth as usual.  The removable nature of Invisalign allows patients to completely clean the hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and gums with ease, decreasing the likelihood of developing excessive plaque and tooth decay during treatment.


Effectiveness

Many dentists, including myself, have seen patients achieve dramatic results with Invisalign.  For an additional professional opinion, we turn to Michael Ayzin, DDS.  Dr. Ayzin, a cosmetic dental professional operating in Orange County, California, reports that each patient he has treated with Invisalign has been “completely happy with their results,” (i).  Dr. Ayzin and myself are not alone.  Thousands of professionals  have helped patients nationwide to achieve the smile of their dreams with Invisalign.

Miami Invisalign Providers

Assure a Smile is a leader in providing Miami Invisalign services.  Our practice has a depth of experience in helping patients create healthy, beautiful smiles that breed confidence.  Beginning February 1st, take advantage of our Valentine’s Invisalign Special!  Don’t forget to Follow us on Twitter to keep in touch with future promotions and holistic health news!



(i) http://www.realself.com/question/does-invisalign-really-work

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Miami Dentistry News: Government Recommends Less Fluoride

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

miami-dentist-news-government-recommends-less-fluorideIt’s nearly everywhere:  in our water, mouth rinses, and now toothpastes.  Fluoride has been the go-to chemical for cavity prevention for over 50 years.  Now, however, the Center for Disease Control warns that the chemical may be too prevalent.  Too much fluoride may lead to serious oral health problems including hidden caries and fluorosis.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentists have warned patients of fluoride overload.  Our Miami Dentist Blog wrote of this issue in late November.  The article is titled Warning:  Too Much Fluoride and it serves as a good information source for further details on the effects of excessive fluoride intake.


The warnings have gone national; this weekend’s installment of the Wall Street Weekend Journal features an article on the harmful effects of excessive fluoride.  The Federal government now warns Americans that the mineral may cause fluorosis in young children, a condition whereby the enamel of the teeth becomes streaked with off-white discoloration.  This news is in light of a recent Center for Disease Control study conducted between 1999 and 2004.  The study found that a whopping 41% of children ages 12-15 exhibit signs of dental fluorosis.  This rate has nearly doubled since 1986, when levels were only about 23%.


Miami Dentistry Fluorosis FAQ

The Miami dentists at Assure a Smile have created the following Frequently Asked Questions guide to assist parents in learning more about fluorosis prevention:

What is fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a discoloration of tooth enamel.

What causes fluorosis?

Fluorosis is caused by excessive ingestion of the mineral fluoride.  The mineral is most readily available in unfiltered tap water, however, is becoming widely applied to a variety of dental products.

When is my child most at risk?

Children are most at risk around age 8.  This is a critical moment in the child’s life, as the permanent teeth are developing below the gums.

Am I at risk?

Survey your smile.  Those at risk of excessive fluoride intake will notice that their teeth have developed vertical, off-white colored streaks.  Also consider the frequency with which you use or consume the following:  tap water, fluoride supplements, fluoride mouth rinse, and fluoride enriched toothpaste.

What may I do to prevent fluorosis?

Limit your intake of fluoride.  Consider purchasing a water filtration device to remove the fluoride from your tap water.  Also, avoid toothpastes, supplements, and mouth rinses rich in fluoride.


Holistic dentists have been aware of the potential for fluoride overload for some time.  If you are searching for a dentist in Miami, you may wish to find a professional who takes the holistic approach to dentistry. 

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