Hi everyone, it’s Michelle, one of the Dental Hygienists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry.

Although we take many steps to ensure your comfort during dental cleanings, we know it is not the most natural experience.  The good news is there are ways you can participate in your overall experience. 

I highly recommend bringing an IPOD or walkman.  Listening to music you enjoy can be a major help in keeping you relaxed and passing time during your visit.  Some other suggestions may be sunglasses or audio books for your music player.  We also can provide (upon request) blankets and neck pillows.  We look forward to seeing you at your next dental cleaning.  Any questions regarding homecare or other hygiene issues please email me at Michelle@smilesouthflorida.com.  Call or email to schedule your appointment today!

I recently began the process of Invisalign to straighten my teeth and I wanted to document my experiences step-by-step.  Hopefully, this will help future patients feel comforted and become informed as to what they can expect.

First Aligners Delivered

Today, I had my aligner delivery appointment.  My Invisalign upper and lower aligners arrived in my Invisalign Starter Kit (which includes a red and blue case for storage of the aligners), and an instruction pamplet for how to clean and properly care for the aligners.

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I recently began the process of Invisalign to straighten my teeth, and I wanted to document my experiences step-by-step. Hopefully, this will help future patients feel comforted and become informed as to what is involved and what they can expect.

Exam, X-rays, Photos, and Impressions

Today, I had the second phase completed on my way toward straighter teeth. I had my exam, x-rays, photos, and impressions taken.

The first step was for Sandy, Dr. Anenberg’s assistant, to take my full series of x-rays (FMX) and pano. The FMX consists of 18 films of x-rays (to get all of the teeth at all angles) and pano, which is a panoramic x-ray of the teeth and mouth. The purpose for both of these is to be able to see the placement of the teeth and bone in the mouth. Sandy is an amazing assistant and took great x-rays. I am usually very squeamish when it comes to this whole process, but she made it fun, educational, and painless. Time frame for all x-rays: approx. 30 min.

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I recently began the process of Invisalign to straighten my teeth and I wanted to document my experiences step-by-step.  Hopefully, this will help future patients feel comforted and become informed as to what is involved and what they can expect.

First Visit: Complimentary Invisalign Consultation

Today, I had my complimentary Invisalign consultation.  I wanted to find out if I was a candidate for the Invisalign process since I really did not want to get traditional braces.  My upper teeth were mostly straight, however, my lower teeth have been extremely crooked (especially the lower front) since childhood.

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There are several ways to choose a dentist, but how do choose the best cosmetic dentist?

Sometimes insurance companies list dentists. Sometimes neighbors and relatives. Well I’m here to tell you that you must look carefully at your neighbor’s and families teeth. If they are Denture-minded or Mr. Or Mrs. Cheapskate, take it for what it’s worth. Pretty yellow page ads, and such are just that.

For me I know that with the Internet thriving the yellow pages has become a thing of the past. There is some danger in looking at the Internet Dentists also.

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I often wondered why it is that people put off dentistry. I think I now have some answers to this age old dilemma.

I have a husband who loves Dr.Nottingham and Dr. Anenberg. Somehow it is literally like pulling teeth to get him to the dentist. In his case it is always job related. I know this for a fact. Yes I do, I was there to witness this fiasco.

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I just used my trays with the Day White applicator provided to me by my dentist. This is powerful stuff!

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I am about to begin my first tray whitening experience. I have never professionally whitened my teeth before. However, as a good dentist’s son, I must experiment for the benefit of potential patients. I guess I am a guinea pig. Please do not ask me about my experience with the Magic Wand, which was supposed to deliver just enough Novocaine. I prefer lots of Novacaine.

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Tamarac, FL, February 16, 2007 — Dr. Charles Nottingham, cosmetic dentist for Smile South Florida, visited Tamarac Elementary (which is in Broward County near Coral Springs) to educate and entertain a class of kindergarden and first graders. Accompanying Dr. Nottingham was his furry assistant Spunky the Donkey.

Dr. Nottingham began talking about what a dentist does and what equipment a dentist uses. The doctor explained that he has to wear gloves, a mask, and a coat in order to protect the patient and himself from germs. The children loved Dr. Nottingham’s magnifying glasses and thought the glasses looked funny. Dr. Nottingham exclaimed that the glasses were necessary to see very close up.

Then, Dr. Nottingham showed a video and strongly insisted that it was important that everyone brush their teeth. The doctor showed pictures of patients with plaque and the large cavities that resulted from not brushing one’s teeth. Dr. Nottingham asserted that children and adults should not eat sweets because bacteria feed off the sugar.

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