Smile South Florida provides extra assistance to patients who are traveling long distances to take advantage of the practice’s services. The staff at the office can help make travel and hotel arrangements.  The practice has special arrangements with top-quality hotels and can recommend area spas, attractions, fun activities, and businesses.  It is all part of the office’s VIP service which includes warm and cold beverages, snacks, blankets, DVD movies while waiting, and relaxing music on an iPod. “We want to make every patient’s visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible,” notes Miami cosmetic dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham. “International patients have done a lot of traveling, so they have a better experience if they are comfortable and at-ease when they get here.”

Visitors from the U.K. come to Smile South Florida for a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services.  The most popular is veneers, followed closely by porcelain crowns and teeth whitening. Veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-colored laminates; each is custom made for the patient in a professional dental laboratory. The dentist attaches a veneer to each tooth’s front surface to improve its appearance. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile, correcting teeth that are stained, damaged, crooked, or misshapen.

Getting veneers can give your smile a total makeover.  Smile South Florida can provide a full set of veneers to a patient in just ten days.  The office makes every effort to expedite the services to accommodate the schedules of international patients. Sometimes they combine the initial diagnostic visit with the first step in the treatment. Other times they travel to Florida for a first visit, go home, and then return later for the second visit.

“Many British patients feel that they don’t have a lot of choices for quality cosmetic dentistry in the U.K. and the services which are available are expensive,” says Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentistDr. Nottingham. “They know that we provide superior results. Many of our patients are repeat patients or have been referred to us by friends and family.”

Dental tourism is a growing trend and South Florida is a popular destination for visitors from the U.K.  “Some visitors are snowbirds with houses here,” remarks Dr. Nottingham. “Many patients come and enjoy the beach or visit DisneyWorld.  You can have a great vacation and go home with a beautiful smile.”

Learn More:

To learn more about Smile South Florida, visit www.smilesouthflorida.com or call (954) 721-6950 to speak with a team member to learn more about Smile South Florida’s free consultations.

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry:

The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. They specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

“On the most basic level, the photographs get attached to a patient’s file so that the staff can remember what the patients look like and identify them.  But it digital photography also serves some important diagnostic and clinical purposes,” explains Dr. Nottingham, a Miami cosmetic dentist.  “I can use the digital photographs to show the patient –right on the computer screen in the office – precisely what is happening with their teeth. We can manipulate the digital image and demonstrate what the patient’s teeth will look like after our treatment.  The patients find it extremely valuable to visualize the results of the treatment.”

With some dental problems, there are several potential solutions – each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Nottingham can show digital photographs which demonstrate how other patients responded to similar treatments.  “Patients are far more comfortable when they can look at images” explains Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Nottingham.  “You’re no longer asking them to make a decision with limited information; they have a much better idea of what they’re signing on for.”

Digital photography is also a fast, easy, and very accurate way to document treatment. Dentists can take before and after pictures so that records will accurately reflect the care the dentist has given.

Smile South Florida uses a Canon 60 D Camera with twin flash and a macro lens.  The 60 D is a popular camera for digital dental photography since it can instantaneously convert RAW images in-camera into JPEGs that can be displayed on the computer screen.  The macro lens and flash allow the dentist to get crisp, detailed images of the inside of the mouth, even zooming in for a close up shot of a single tooth. The Canon and its accessories allow for even lighting, accurate color, and no shadows – factors that are very important in designing a diagnosis and treatment.

Dentists can also use digital images to enhance their practice.  They can record the results of various treatments and evaluate the efficacy of different clinical options. Digital photography is also invaluable for doing studies and documenting the results of treatments, so it contributes to dental research and education.

Learn More:

To learn more about Smile South Florida, visit www.smilesouthflorida.com or call (954) 721-6950 to speak with a team member to learn more about Smile South Florida’s free consultations.

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry

The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. They specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

Digital x-rays offer several advantages to patients. Gone are the days of waiting for X-rays to be developed.  The cosmetic dentists can view the X-ray images instantly and review them with patients on the computer screen right away. Patients spend more time discussing their teeth with the dentist and less time waiting for the x-rays to be ready. Viewing digital x-rays with our Miami dentists and Fort Lauderdale dentists also means patients will have a better understanding of their dental needs and will be able to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Dexis digital x-rays are more environmentally friendly and expose patients to less radiation than other systems. The system is ergonomically designed to maximize patient comfort. The Dexis patented WiseAngle Cable Exit makes procedures more comfortable for patients and provides cable flexibil­ity to reduce stress on the equipment and increase its reliability.

“The Dexis system is a very affordable and effective x-ray option,” says Nottingham, a South Florida cosmetic dentist. “It gives me very precise and clear images, allowing me to make accurate diagnoses. It’s cost effective and it saves me time, which also lowers my costs. I’m able to pass those savings on to my patients in the form of lower charges.”

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry:

The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. They specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

About Nottingham Consulting Group:

Nottingham Consulting Group (NCG) is a business consulting firm specializing in business management, business coaching, and marketing strategies. NCG’s award-winning team members use modern marketing techniques coupled with strategic planning to provide clients breakthrough results.

To learn more about how Nottingham Consulting Group can revitalize your business, visit www.nottinghamconsult.com or call 954-323-2220.

Sugar: Sugar, of course, is the #1 culprit in causing cavities. The worst offenders are sticky foods like lollipops, hard candies, and gum drops.  They give you a double whammy. Not only are they high in sugar, but they also stick to your teeth for a long time after you eat. Surprisingly chocolate is less like to be a culprit because it binds with fat molecules and doesn’t stick to teeth as well as other candies. If you do eat a lot of sugary foods, try to do so at mealtimes when increased saliva can wash sugar off teeth.

Starches: “Bread and potatoes are very popular parts of traditional holiday meals,” points out Dr. Nottingham. “But, the refined flour in white bread and the starch in potatoes are essentially sugars and so will affect your teeth the same way refined sugar does. So cut back on those rolls, mashed potatoes, holiday cookies, and potato chips.”

Alcohol: An occasional drink at a holiday party is okay. But excess alcohol wears away tooth enamel, discoloring teeth and making them vulnerable to cavities.

The good news is there are a lot of foods that are healthy for your teeth as well. “In general most fruits and vegetables help strengthen your teeth – as do a lot of foods containing protein,” says Dr. Nottingham.

Fruits and Vegetables: Any fruit or veggie with a lot of fiber will help out. Onions, celery, kiwis, parsley, and apples are all singled out by experts as being particularly good for your teeth. So look for holiday recipes that include these foods.

Dairy Products: In general cheese, yogurt, milk, and other dairy products (without added sugar), are good choices for the teeth. They help generate saliva which washes sugars off the teeth and they contain calcium, which strengthens them.

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry:

The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. They specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

About Nottingham Consulting Group:

Nottingham Consulting Group (NCG) is a business consulting firm specializing in business management, business coaching, and marketing strategies. NCG’s award-winning team members use modern marketing techniques coupled with strategic planning to provide clients breakthrough results.

To learn more about how Nottingham Consulting Group can revitalize your business, visit www.nottinghamconsult.com or call 954-323-2220.

“Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean properly, potentially leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss,” notes Dr. Charles Nottingham, a Miami dentist and Fort Lauderdale dentist.”A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, poor speech, and excessive stress on the jaw bone and gum tissue.”

Poor bites can also influence chewing and swallowing and food selection – leading to nutritional problems. Pain in the jaw or teeth can lead to pain in the head, neck, shoulders, or elsewhere in the body. Oral pain often leads to diminished activity, lost work days, depression, sleep problems, and missed school for children.

“In addition, problems with your teeth can be an indicator of whole-body health issues,” points out Dr. Nottingham, a South Florida cosmetic dentist.”Scientific research indicates a link between gum disease and many other overall health problems including: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, premature births and many more.”

Sometimes teeth can reveal a previously unknown health condition. Conditions that can be detected in the mouth include diabetes (causesgum infections), acid reflux (teeth are much more prone to decay), some auto-immune disorders (the soft tissue in the mouth and salivary glands can be affected), liver diseases (the soft tissue in the mouth is jaundiced) and many more.

On the other hand, teeth that are well-cared for have a host of psychological and physiological benefits. If you visit your doctor regularly you can avoid infections in the mouth that could spread to the rest of the body. “If your bite is well-aligned, your mouth will be comfortable, you’ll be able to speak easily, and you can eat anything you want,” says Dr. Nottingham.”A beautiful smile can increase your self-esteem and encourage you to smile more (something everyone could use!). And increased self-confidence generates success.”
About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry
The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. They specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

About Nottingham Consulting Group
Nottingham Consulting Group (NCG) is a business consulting firm specializing in business management, business coaching, and marketing strategies. NCG’s award-winning team members use modern marketing techniques coupled with strategic planning to provide clients breakthrough results.

South Florida Cosmetic Dentist Warns Against Badly Trained Cosmetic Dentists

Dr. Charles Nottingham, a dentist from Smile South Florida, describes the dangers of getting cosmetic procedures from dentists without advanced training and experience.

Nationally there are over 150,000 dentists, and the number is growing at a rapid rate. However, a staggering quantity of inexperienced students graduate from dental school every year and enter directly into practice. Some of these graduates go on to get specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, but many become general dentists who attempt specialized cosmetic dentistry without the necessary expertise.

A survey by Harris Interactive revealed that 11% of Americans annually (and the number grows every year) received an in-office cosmetic dental procedure to beautify their smiles. High-quality cosmetic dentistry can transform your appearance, but poorly executed dentistry can prove disastrous.

Here’s a shocking statistic from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry: over 25% of  Americans’ yearly expenditures cosmetic dentistry is spent re-doing and correcting unsatisfactory dental work from a previous visits. “While cosmetic dentistry can be transformative, badly performed dentistry can lead to a lifetime of pain and problems.” says Dr. Charles Nottingham, one of the best cosmetic dentists in Florida.

A report by the Surgeon General found that over 39 million people, or 22%, experience some kind of oral-facial pain in a given six month period. The report estimates that 12.2% of Americans suffers from toothache, 5.3% from jaw joint pain, and 1.4% from face or cheek pain.

Founder of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, Ronald E. Goldstein estimates that 50% of American dental work is spent on cosmetic procedures. Undoing other dentists’ shoddy work accounts for an estimated one-seventh of the over $80 Billion spent on dentistry in the U.S. In a 2004 Wall Street Journal article, various cosmetic dentists estimated that re-doing others’ work accounts for 25% to 50% of their work.

“You need to be a careful consumer of dental services,” Dr. Nottingham, a South Florida cosmetic dentistry provider,  points out. “Do your research and make sure you choose a reputable doctor with a lot of experience in your procedures.”

What can go wrong:

Tooth Failure: Before inserting crowns and veneers, all the decay must be properly removed or massive decay can form says Dr. Nottingham, one of Florida’s best dentists. Not only would that mean that the cosmetic work needs to be redone, but it can also cause root canals, structural tooth failure, or tooth loss.

Jaw and Mouth Pain: If, during a cosmetic dentistry procedure, the jaw is not properly aligned by a dentist who is an expert in bite alignment, the crowns, veneers, or bridges can crack, wear away, or fall out over time. Patients can also develop a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disfunction (TMJ or TMD) from a poorly aligned bite. If the restorative porcelain is spaced too close together and doesn’t permit sufficient air passage, patients can experience speech impediments and changes in the formation of some sounds.

Waste of Time: Cosmetic dentistry is usually lengthy and involved, necessitating multiple visits to the dentist. A typical cosmetic treatment takes at least three appointments, and more than 5-10 hours in the dentist’s chair. Just think what would happen if this work is performed poorly and needs to be redone. Patients will need to take off more time from work, and often not at a convenient time.

Expenses: In addition to losing time, you could lose a lot of money. “You get what you pay for” is particularly true for cosmetic dentistry. Many people go cost shopping for dental procedures, but often the dentists who charge less are general dentists who market themselves as cosmetic dentists without putting in the necessary years of experience and continuing education. They may also use poor quality dental labs and cheap materials (such as crowns made in China). So, when you’re considering price, think about the long-term costs as well.

Loss of Initial Investment: If you’re trying to rectify a mess in your mouth, you usually need to start over – from scratch. So, all the money you spend for the initial work is completely lost. This may sound like a rare situation, but it happens every day. “We have seen patients who have spent $30,000 to $50,000 whose mouths were so bad that the only answer was to completely do it over,” Dr. Nottingham, one of South Florida’s best cosmetic dentists.

So what can you, as the patient, do to avoid these situations from occurring and find a highly trained dentist and dental office? Do your research!

Smile South Florida’s main focus for its website is the ease and usability of which its clients can find what they need. With so many of our patients coming from abroad, Smile South Florida needed to be able to speak to these patients needs too. “We are seeing such a large number of international patients,” says Heather, who is the New Patient Coordinator for Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry. “Many patients want to take a trip to south Florida for vacation/holiday, and get their cosmetic dental work done at the same time, or receive treatment while they come here for a business trip,” Heather mentioned.  “In all cases, people are more than willing to travel a great distance when it comes to their long term dental health and the aesthetics of their smile.”

To accommodate a broad range of clientele, the dental practice has added a new feature on our website called the ‘language bar.’ This language bar can be found on the left hand side in the navigation area of our website. It can be easily spotted as a bar that consists of several colorful flags. Each flag is representative of the language of origin for that specific country. When you click on each flag, the website will automatically change to display that language. For example, if you click on the flag of France, the website will be translated into French for you. Currently, the dental practice website can be translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Italian.

This makes it much easier for someone to read about the office, the services, and obtain contact information. Having a tool like this is very useful because it reaches across nations. Smile South Florida is helping patients everyday from all over the world achieve the smile of their dreams!

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry

The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide patients Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. The dentists specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

About Dr. Charles Nottingham

South Florida Dentist & Miami Cosmetic Dentist, Charles Nottingham, D.D.S., Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, is an internationally and nationally renowned cosmetic dentist. He has been creating dazzling, healthy smiles for his patients since 1974.

“I have never seen a smile gallery as extensive as Smile South Florida’s and where the final result of every case is of such a high standard. “

Craig Galbraith
daVinci Dental Studios
ABC’s Extreme Makeover Dental Lab

Want to see the results produced by the professionals at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry? The proof is on the walls.

Nothing seems to show what a dental procedure can do for an individual like before-and-after photos.

With that in mind, Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale created a Smile Gallery to show patients the great results that can be achieved through cosmetic dentistry.

“It’s one thing to tell patients what we can do for them,” said Dr. Charles Nottingham, a cosmetic dentist who is the senior partner at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry. “It’s another thing to show them.”

Nestled within each elegant bronze frame that lines the newly renovated hallways, are two (8-inch x 10-inch) photos of patients’ smiles- one before photograph displaying their dental procedure and one after.

“The patients love it,” said Office Manager Marianne Taylor. “This was the best thing to ever happen because patients see these photos and seem to feel encouraged that they are going to leave here with their desired results.”

When Taylor discusses procedures such as laminates or porcelain veneers with patients, she can walk them through the hallway and point to a visual of how the completed procedures look.

Several types of procedures are featured in the Smile Gallery.

Congenital Malformation

It is not uncommon for people to be born without certain teeth. More than five percent of people lack upper second incisors or second premolars. One example of this in the Smile Gallery shows how a patient’s missing anterior teeth were restored using two fixed porcelain Lava Bridges. The premolars were restored with porcelain veneers.

Overlapped, Crowded and Crooked Teeth

Teeth that are overlapped, crowded or crooked can cause oral health problems, such as periodontal disease, cavities and uneven wear. One example pictured in the Smile Gallery shows how a patient’s smile was restored by placing porcelain crowns on the upper teeth to give the patient a straighter, wider smile than her original upper arch, which was too narrow and tilted inward.

Poorly Shaped Teeth

Photos in the Smile Gallery show how natural teeth that are oddly shaped and pointed in different directions can be improved with porcelain restorations.

Reverse Smile and Small Teeth

An imaginary line around the incisal edges of the upper front teeth should follow the superior border of the lower lip. This is called the “smile line.” When the centrals appear shorter than the canines, this is referred to as the “reverse smile line.” Smile Gallery photos show how this problem can be corrected by using porcelain veneers and crowns to create longer central teeth, a wider arch and improve the shape of the teeth.

Spaces, Stains and Failed Fillings

One dramatic Smile Gallery photo shows how proper fitting and anatomically correct porcelain crowns were used to close the spaces between teeth, decrease the flair of upper anterior teeth and re-contour the teeth.

“The Smile Gallery not only shows patients various types of dental improvements achieved through cosmetic dentistry, it gives patients confidence to follow through with suggested procedures”, Taylor said.

Taylor recalled a recent patient who was so self-conscious about her teeth; she feared showing them to the dentist. Once Taylor walked the patient through the smile gallery and showed her the ‘before’ pictures of several other patients, the woman felt less self-conscious.

“This woman thought she was going to be the absolute worst case the doctors had ever seen,” Taylor noted. “One trip through the Smile Gallery showed her this was not true.”

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry

The dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and serve patients from Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The dentists specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.

About Dr. Charles Nottingham

South Florida Dentist & Dentist in Florida, Charles Nottingham, D.D.S., Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, is an internationally and nationally renowned cosmetic dentist. He has been creating dazzling, healthy smiles for his patients since 1974.

Our goal is to educate patients on some common misconceptions in dental marketing that can be misleading and not give the entire story.  One such example is with the popular brand Lumineers by Cerinate.

Lumineers are considered a type of porcelain veneer “smile shaper” that boasts catch phrases such as “no reduction of tooth structure (no filing down of teeth), no shots, 2 easy dental visits, permanently whitens” and many others.  While these statements can have some string of truth behind them, in most cases this will not be the situation –not if you ask any top cosmetic dental professional.

While the popular Lumineers can, in very few situations, be completed in 2 easy visits with little to no pain, drilling, and preparation, this is not going to be necessarily true for everyone. It all depends on the condition of the teeth, and what the best treatment scenario would be to give the best aesthetic outcome.  If a patient has very bulky teeth and wanted to place even the “contact lense thin” Lumineer shell over the tooth, some preparation and drilling would be necessary for the outcome to have a better, less bulky look.  There are other situations where the patient would not be a candidate for Lumineers.  It would all need to be determined by a cosmetic dentist.

As far as the color and shade of the Lumineers, there is not a variety of color choices like traditional veneers. Veneers colors and shades are specifically selected by the doctor and the patient together so that the best result is achieved.  With Lumineers, there is no variation so everyone will get the same result regardless of what the best color/shade would be for each individual person.

If you look at the before and after photos featured on the Lumineers website, you will see some improvements in the look of the teeth after Lumineers have been used.  I am not discrediting that they can make a change in people’s dental aesthetics; however, compared to traditional veneers and crowns, the differences are very substantial.  If you look at our smile galleries and the before and after pictures, you can compare the dramatic differences in the quality of the aesthetics for our patients.

We are not telling patients to overlook Lumineers as an option, we are just encouraging people to do their research when it comes to making an informed decision, and consult a dental professional that has done extensive quality veneers cases.

At Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a complimentary cosmetic consultation for our patients to come in and discuss all of their options with one of our skilled dentists.  Call or email us for more details!

New guidelines have been issued by the AHA ( American Heart Association) regarding premedicating for dental work and cleanings.

In past years, it was believed that IE (Infective Endocarditis) was caused by bacteria in the blood also known as “Bacteremia”. It was believed that after dental procedures, the bacteria in the bloodstream could settle on susceptible areas such as prosthetic valves and so on. New evidence has found many variances.

Previous AHA guidelines on the prevention of IE were largely based on opinion and limited studies. The most recent recommendations were devloped through an evidence based approach that was made after 20 years of extensive review. The new recommendation reduces the number of conditions that need premedication. Guidelines went under review due in part to the risk associated with a widespread immunity to antibiotic treatment.

Patients with these conditions NO LONGER require prophylactic antibiotic:

• Mitral valve prolapse
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Bicuspid valve disease
• Calcified aortic stent
• Congenital heart disease, like ventricular septal defect, atrial defect, and hypertophic cardiomyopathy

The new recommendation does suggest antibiotic treatment for the patients with the following conditions:

• Prosthetic cardic valve
• Previous infective endocarditis
• Congential Heart disease(CHD)
• Unrepaired cyanotic CHD, including pallative shunts and conduits
• Completely repaired congential heart defect during the first 6 months after the procedure
• Cardiac transplant pt who devlop cardiac valvulopathy

Patients with any of these conditions should consult a medical doctor and bring a letter with your physician’s recommendations to keep in your dental file. For more information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call or email us today.

Our Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry Team is dedicated to making sure that each and every patient that comes into our office, whether it be for a large cosmetic treatment or a routine hygiene cleaning, is educated on, and offered Oral Cancer detection tests. According to the ADA, “it is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for the cure is great. Only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.” (www.ada.org)

Here are some of the important things that you should know:

• Oral Cancer can begin as a tiny, unnoticed white, or red spot, or sore anywhere in the mouth.
• Oral Cancer most often occurs in those who use tobacco in any form (chewing tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, etc.)
• Alcohol use combined with smoking greatly increases risk.
• Oral cancers can occur in people who do not smoke and have no other known risk factors.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun without any sunscreen can increase the risk of lip cancer.
• Oral Cancer is more likely to strike after age 40.
• Studies suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may prevent the development of potentially cancerous lesions.
• It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.

Other warning sign can include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
• A color change of the oral tissues.
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area.
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
• A change in the way the teeth fit together.

Oral Cancer Screening is something that should be emphasized as a part of every dental hygiene visit and checkup by the dentist. At Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry, we make strong recommendations on why we believe each patient should get tested. In our office, we use the ViziLite testing kit. This is just one of many methods that dental offices can use to detect early signs of Oral Cancer.

Most dental insurance companies will not cover an Oral Cancer Screening Test, but at $65, it is considerably inexpensive for having peace of mind. If you would like to find out more information on how you can get tested at Smile South Florida, call our office or email us today!

• Severe Infection- The mouth has a substantial amount of bacteria which is worsened by oral piercings. The bacteria traps around and under the piercings. Piercings are the breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Prolonged Bleeding- Piercings can cause damage to the tongue’s blood vessels which can cause blood loss.
• Swelling and nerve damage- Because the tongue is in always in motion the healing process is long and drawn out. During the healing process it is customary to have swelling. The tongue has an abundance of nerves which can be very risky. If the nerves are damaged it is usually permanent.
• Bloodborne disease transmission- Oral piercings have been identified by the National Institute of Health as a possible factor in transmissions of hepatitis B, C, D, and G.
• Deterioration of the gums and enamel- In some cases the placement of the oral piercings can have a negative effect on the gums and enamel. Constant contact with the gums can cause recession. Bulky metal piercings banging against the teeth can cause the teeth to chip which causes unnecessary repair expenses.

The moral of the story is check out all the negative factors involved in oral piercings. Spread the word to your children and friends to help discourage them from making a mistake.

So how is a patient to choose the best dentist to meet their needs when the field is filled with talented professionals?

The professionals at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry became aware years ago that in addition to selecting an experienced professional, patients in need of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry services should be able to like and trust the dentist they choose to perform the needed procedures. That is why they adopted the Homoly Method within their practice.

The Homoly Method is named after Dr. Paul Homoly, a comprehensive restorative dentist and leader in dental education for more than 20 years.

In a sense, the Homoly Method is incredibly obvious, said Dr. Charles Nottingham, a cosmetic dentist who is the senior partner of Smile South Florida. It simply involves meeting with patients on a friendly level to set them at ease and ensure their comfort. It is a concerted effort at strong customer service and good old-fashioned friendliness.

“As dental professionals, it’s easy to get caught up in speaking in scientific, logical terms to patients about the procedures and options,” Dr. Nottingham said. “But we have found that reaching out to the patient on an emotional level has done more to set patients’ minds at ease about their procedures.”

In turn, patients have become more amenable to undergoing much-needed procedures to improve their dental health and restore their self-confidence.

Dr. Nottingham attributes this to the feeling of hope he and the other doctors at Smile South Florida instill in patients.

“Hope is an incredibly motivating emotion,” Dr. Nottingham said. “I have an opportunity every day to give my patients hope that they can smile again with confidence and they can put to rest their feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness once I restore their smiles.”

Reaching patients on an emotional level goes beyond explaining a procedure to a patient. It involves the atmosphere of the office and the way each patient is treated by the entire staff, not just the dentist, said Office Manager, Marianne Taylor.

“Going to the dentist can be scary,” Ms. Taylor said. “We do what it takes to make the patient feel comfortable and relaxed, whether it’s the way our staff greets them when they arrive, or the chair and neck massagers they get to experience in the treatment rooms.”

“Some patients find comfort in something as simple as the lush greenery and baskets full of magazines in the waiting room,” Ms. Taylor said. “Other times it is found in the little things in the treatment rooms, such as warm towellettes in lemon and lavender scents that patients use to clean their faces after a dental procedure.”

For some patients, the refrigerator stocked with various drinks and snacks is what sets them at ease and makes Smile South Florida the dental practice where they want their procedure performed.

“Patients need to be treated special,” Ms. Taylor said. “There are numerous ways of showing that we care about our patients on more than just a professional level, and we strive every single day to demonstrate that to our patients.”

The way Invisalign works is a series of snap-on aligners that can be removed and are custom fit to your teeth. Multiple trays get the job done by applying the appropriate amount of force, until you will put a new tray in. The process begins with a dentist like Dr. Anenberg taking pictures of your teeth. Invisalign then computer generates the process of what your teeth will look like when the process is complete. That is awesome technology! Align Technologies, Invisalign’s manufacturer, then takes this computer progression and makes aligners or trays to match the result of the images.

You switch trays every two weeks. You don’t have to go into the dentist to do this; they usually will give you all of your trays and ask you to come in about every 6 to 8 weeks for continual process involvement and to make sure the aligners are straightening properly. Side note: Once your treatment is complete you will be most likely required to wear a “clear” retainer, also made by Invisalign. Dr. Anenberg and Smile South Florida will discuss their actual treatment recommendations and progressive dental visits.

The cost of Invisalign is not cheap, but it is comparable to other devices worn to straighten teeth. Dentists will charge different amounts for Invisalign braces, because Align technology sells individually to each dentist. This causes you to have to shop more and make sure you understand why the dentist charges so much. Invisalign Express is also a great option for milder Malocclusions. In order to find out what your treatment will cost your best bet is to talk to Dr. Anenberg or come in for a consultation.

You can take your aligners out when eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. The more people take them out and the less you wear them, the worse off you will be. Sometimes people have had to go back a few trays in their Invisalign treatment stalling their progression. So don’t make it a habit to take them out and when you do only leave them out for a half hour.

We let you know about cost, the process, the trays and treatment. Now it is time to fix those teeth. Your best bet to see if the Invisalign treatment is a good direction for your issue is to have a consultation with Dr. Anenberg or a dentist in your area. Keep in mind this is not the holy grail of teeth straightening. There will still be discomfort and visibility. You will have speech issues the first week, and before your mouth gets used to it you will salivate a lot. Consulting your dentist or Dr. Anenberg is the best way to resolve these issues and to talk about getting the Invisalign Treatment.

Article Written for Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry by Blake Abel

Mr. Abel is the lead editor at http://www.antibraces.com. Mr. Abel’s website is committed to informing the public about Invisalign and seeking out the best Invisalign dentists to provide this procedure.

With so much film, media, and magazine exposure these days, Hollywood celebrities are zero-ing in on making every aspect of their physical exterior an image of perfection. Their smiles are certainly no exception!

Advances in technology over the past years have allowed dentists to create flawless grins for people, while still looking and feeling natural. These celebrity smiles can range from a few thousand dollars for a minor adjustment, to the extreme makeover cases of $50,000 or more for their toothy treasures.

And while some celebrities use their signature snaggle-teeth to their advantage, in most cases their new cosmetic dental work is a vast improvement as they jolt into super stardom. Here are a few examples of some celebrities that had smile makeovers:

(1) Elliot Yamin

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers

This past American Idol contestant was once known for two things. An amazing voice, and terrible teeth. Now, with the help of cosmetic dentistry and over $50,000 in porcelain veneers, his career has soared into an oblivion of success. Now, when we see him in his videos and performances, his fabulous voice is accompanied by a celebrity smile.

(2) Miley Cyrus

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers

This “Hannah Montana” superstar is idolized by kids and their parents alike. She is considered the next generation of media moguls that is taking our world by storm. Once she began gaining popularity in her show and concerts, she opted to make the switch to a more sightly smile. She is believed to have gotten veneers and a surgery to elongate the teeth and fix the “gummy smile” look.

(3) George Clooney

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, and Crown Lengthening

This self-proclaimed lifelong bachelor once made a joke about getting surgery done on his eyes to make him look younger. It seems like his teeth were a more immediate concern for both aesthetic and physical reasons. As quoted by Dr. Abenaim (starmagazine.com), he believes that Clooney was a tooth grinder which was one cause for the actor to seek a cosmetic change. Aside from the veneers, the Dr. also suggests that Clooney had crown lengthening surgery, a surgical procedure done that brings the gumline up to expose more teeth. This work is estimated at anywhere from $30,000-35,000. Now we love you even more Georgie!

(4) Keith Urban

Smile Makeover Method: Porcelain Veneers

Before his days of super stardom and being the arm candy for gorgeous wife Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban’s teeth were far from perfect. Doctor’s believe that Urban had porcelain veneers placed over his choppers to create a far more pleasing effect. He had what dentist’s refer to a diastema, or large space between his teeth. While the veneers have improved his look, his dentist did a good job creating a natural look and left a little signature gap in the front.

(5) Katherine Heigl

Smile Makeover Method: Invisalign®

When it came to looking beautiful for her on screen wedding in 27 Dresses, Katherine Heigl didn’t need to do much. For her own wedding, Heigl complained that she did not want to wed with crooked teeth. She decided to opt for Invisalign, a series of clear, removable aligners that are used as an alternative to traditional metal braces. As of April 2008, 730,000 patients have completed, or are currently in Invisalign treatment.

By now, most of us are aware that nicotine is very harmful to our health and bodies. However, some of us do not realize the damage that nicotine does to our teeth. Some nicotine stains can be removed by dental professionals and some are forever painted onto your smile.

4. Red wine

Red wine stains are the hardest to avoid. It is hard for us women to bring a toothbrush with us out on the town. It would be best to only drink red wine when you will be able to immediately brush your teeth when your finished. Try sticking to a blush or white wine when you are out.

5. Grape juice

Fruit juices are very high in sugar and have actually been more detrimental to the teeth of test animals than sodas! If you want to drink fruit juice, buy a juicer and make your own with organic fruit. It’s best to dilute a small amount of fruit juice with mineral water.

6. Soft drinks

Now that soft drinks are sold in almost all public and private schools, dentists are noticing a condition in teenagers that used to be found only in the elderly—a complete loss of enamel on the teeth, resulting in yellow teeth. The culprit is phosphoric acid in soft drinks, which causes tooth rot as well as digestive problems and bone loss. Dentists are reporting complete loss of the enamel on the front teeth in teenaged boys and girls who habitually drink sodas.

Normally the saliva is slightly alkaline, with a pH of about 7.4. When sodas are sipped throughout the day, as is often the case with teenagers, the phosphoric acid lowers the pH of the saliva to acidic levels. In order to buffer this acidic saliva, and bring the pH level above 7 again, the body pulls calcium ions from the teeth. The result is a very rapid depletion of the enamel coating on the teeth.

Artificial coloring is in many foods that are packaged or pre-prepared. It is hard to avoid this culprit on a daily basis because of time constraints. Because the dyes are mixed in with the solids it is not as concentrate as some of the other offenders on this list.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of teeth staining visit our website for a list of whitening procedures that can dramatically change your dingy smile into pearly whites. www.smilesouthflorida.com

Reference:

Certainly, the dentists appearing on ABC’s Extreme Makeover are talented dentists that likely have this advanced dental capability. But, how are they qualified? Who ascertains their ability as a dentist… producers or filmmakers?

How about the dental lab service of ABC’s Extreme Makeover, da vinci labs? The owners of da vinci dental laboratory had the ability to send their mother to any of the television extreme makeover dentists, but they did not. They chose a talented South Florida dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham.

The Extreme Makeover Dental Lab said the following about Dr. Nottingham:

“…your preparations and impressions exceed perfection [for our Mother]… If the Extreme Makeover show was filmed in Florida, I am sure you would be the providing dentist.” [Click here to view the entire testimonial]

This is a very high standard and certainly puts Dr. Nottingham in the same category as the extreme makeover dentists on television. Besides performing the restorative dental work for da vinci’s mother, Dr. Nottingham has treated heads of state, professional athletes, and executive business professionals.

Dr. Nottingham graduated New York University (NYU) Dental School and obtained a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. Shortly after graduating dental school, Dr. Nottingham completed his post graduate training at the Pankey Institute.

Dr. Nottingham is the lead cosmetic dentist for Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry. He continues to raise the standards of dental care for himself, his staff, and the entire dental community. Smile South Florida’s mission is to be the number #1 dental practice in South Florida with respect to quality and service.

The best way to judge whether a dentist really meets the level of an extreme makeover dentist, rather than just provide the title, is look at the dentist’s before and after photographs. Dr. Nottingham’s cases have been featured in Dentistry Today and Contemporary Esthetics. Here are the featured cases:

In conclusion, an extreme makeover dentist is one who has an advanced level of dental education and experience, third party accolades and accomplishments, and beautiful before and after photos.

Contrary to common belief, a root canal is the preferred method of treatment when compared with tooth extraction. Nothing can completely replace a natural tooth, according to the American Association of Endodontists, a trade group for dentists who specialize in root canal therapy. In addition, the association notes, many teeth with root canal treatments can last a lifetime.

One key to avoiding severe pain related to a root canal is to address the issue early on, as opposed to waiting to seek treatment until tooth pain is unbearable, said Dr. Charles Nottingham, a cosmetic dentist who is the senior partner of Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry.

“The fear of pain during dental procedures is probably the most common reason why people let toothaches go so long before seeking treatment,” Nottingham said.

Part of this anxiety may be due to public perception that a root canal is surgery upon a tooth’s nerve. Not so. A root canal addresses the “pulp tissue” portion of the tooth.

When do you need a root canal?
A root canal is necessary when the pulp is diseased or injured and is unable to repair itself. Cracked teeth or deep cavities are the primary cause of pulp death, as they allow bacteria to enter the pulp. These germs usually cause infection inside the tooth, causing pus to build up at the root tip. This pus-pocket is called an abscess, which can cause damage to the surrounding bone.

Swelling occurs if the infected pulp isn’t removed. Other aspects of the infection also can cause injury to the jaw bone. If left untreated, the entire tooth may need to be removed. That is why early detection and treatment is preferred, Nottingham said.

Treatment
One to three visits may be required to complete the treatment, during which an endodontist or other dentist removes the diseased pulp; measures the hole for creating a crown; fully cleans the pulp chamber and root canal; and fills the cavity with a flexible plastic material. The endodontist or dentist then places a temporary filling on top of the plastic material and tops it with a temporary cap.

A permanent filling is installed once the site is clear of infection, which usually takes less than a month.

“Once a root canal is performed, the tooth should last a lifetime, provided the patient maintains good oral hygiene,” Nottingham said.

Nottingham and his partner, Dr. Kenneth Anenberg, perform basic root canal procedures in their Broward County and Boca Raton offices . The dentists work closely with an endodontist to plan proper treatment.

Root canal procedures that leave teeth weakened or discolored, Nottingham said. He and Anenberg draw from their extensive expertise in cosmetic dentistry to give extra support to the tooth with crowns and posts to ensure the finished results are natural looking.

Learn More

Call Smile South Florida today to schedule an appointment and learn more about endodontics. Or visit their web site: www.smilesouthflorida.com .

The practice began offering the screenings in June, in light of the fact that about 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, said Dr. Charles Nottingham, a cosmetic dentist who is the senior partner of Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry. When caught at its earliest stage, oral cancer can be cured relatively easily.

“We opted to begin conducting the ViziLite Plus® exam because it will help us identify abnormal tissue that might develop into oral cancer,” Nottingham said.

An annual ViziLite Plus® exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer.
Although adults should be screened annually for oral cancer, Nottingham said, men older than age 40 who use tobacco products and drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day are at the highest risk of developing oral cancer.

“They certainly should consider the screening,” he said, adding, “Anyone who uses tobacco products should be screened for oral cancer.”

The ViziLite Plus® exam is painless, fast and non-invasive, according to the company’s Web site, www.vizilite.com.

The ViziLite Plus® exam is performed immediately following a regular visual examination. The first step is to rinse with a cleansing solution. Then, the overhead lighting is dimmed and the dentist examines the mouth using ViziLite Plus®, a specially designed light technology. This light technology causes abnormalities that may not be seen by the naked eye to glow a bright white.

If you would like to learn more about oral cancer screening or speak to a professional to determine whether you should be screened, call Smile South Florida today or visit our website at www.smilesouthflorida.com.

A recent study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting suggests that the bacteria present in gum diseases may trigger blood clots which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

This finding has prompted Dr. Richard Morrow, a periodontist at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry , which has offices in Broward County and Boca Raton , to educate his patients on the health risks of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes inflammation in the gums.

“Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections, and it can become a menace if left untreated,” Morrow said. “I strongly encourage people with gum disease who are at risk for cardiovascular disease to seek out a dentist experienced in treating periodontal disease.”

Others risk factors that are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of development of periodontal disease include tobacco use, general health conditions, medications, stress, genetics, hormonal changes and poor nutrition, according to the American Academy of Periodontology Web site.

Symptoms of periodontal disease may not appear until it reaches an advanced stage. That is why it is important to visit the dentist regularly and be screened by a professional, Morrow said.

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between the gum and the tooth
• Chronic bad breath
• A change in the way teeth fit together when biting
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Untreated gingivitis, the mildest for of periodontal disease, can advance to periodontitis, which is caused by plaque spreading and growing below the gum line. This further irritates the gums and breaks down the tissues and bone that support the teeth. If left untreated, teeth may loosen and have to be removed.

Periodontal disease does not need to advance to this stage, Morrow said. Once a cosmetic dentist or periodontist detects the disease, it can be managed through regular screenings and evaluations, treatment and professional maintenance.

Learn More

Call Smile South Florida today or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about treatments for periodontal disease.