How a Trip to the Dentist Could Save Your Life

Using the force of Star Wars technology to spot rogue cells, dentists are on the front lines of the war against oral cancer – a disease that kills an American every hour. More than twenty-seven years ago, the country launched the Strategic Defense Initiative program, otherwise known as “Star Wars.” Today, some of the technology originally aimed at identifying enemy missiles is helping dentists and medical professionals identify a different kind of potential killer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year more than 30,000 people in the US are diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx. Since this form of cancer is typically discovered late in its development, the death rate is higher than that of many other forms of cancer, including cervical cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, of those diagnosed with oral cancer, less than half will still be alive five years later. Each year, this stealthy killer takes the lives of approximately 8,000 Americans.

Once identified, oral cancers are among the most costly to treat. It is not uncommon for the surgical and reconstructive procedures to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. More important than potential cost savings though are some simple precautionary steps that can be real lifesavers.

The first and most obvious step is to avoid all forms of tobacco. In the majority of cases, oral cancer is a preventable, “lifestyle” disease related to tobacco and alcohol abuse. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alcohol and tobacco cause approximately 80 percent of cases of cancer of the mouth and throat in men and about 65 percent in women. Additionally, the NIH reports that the combination of alcohol and tobacco can be especially dangerous, dramatically increasing the risk of mouth and throat cancer.

Yet interestingly, some 25 percent of oral cancer cases do not have an alcohol or tobacco risk factor. Consequently, people should take a precautionary step by seeing a dentist on a regular basis. It is not uncommon for a person to visit the dentist more often than the family doctor. This places the dentist in a good position to detect signs of oral cancer early on, when chances of successful treatment are most promising. And early detection is key, improving the survival rate from 57 percent to 81 percent.

That’s where Star Wars comes into play. Cold War image recognition technology that was designed to spot nuclear missiles among a sky full of decoys has been adapted for medical purposes and is helping identify well-hidden and dangerous precancerous and cancerous cells among an ocean of otherwise normal cells. Through a non-invasive test a dentist uses a round brush on the end of a small stick to collect cells from the inside of a patient’s mouth. These cells are then screened using a sophisticated computer system to identify cells that are suspicious. Within days, the dentist has information to know whether or not a potential problem exists, often before a patient notices anything out of the ordinary.

Just as with defensive military systems, there’s a point after which detection is too late and, in the case of oral cancer, delayed diagnosis can be deadly. That’s why it’s important to give dentists the opportunity to detect precancerous and early-stage cancerous lesions that often masquerade as innocuous-looking red or white lesions that can otherwise give people a false sense of security and delay a diagnosis.

People understand that a regular visit to the dentist can prevent the costly complications of tooth decay. As it turns out, a visit to the dentist just might save your life.

The not-for-profit Delta Dental Plans Association (www.deltadental.com) based in Oak Brook, Ill., is the leading national network of independent dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs to 54 million Americans in more than 89,000 employee groups throughout the country.

To learn more about oral cancer screening, 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.

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!

This oral cancer screening test takes minutes.  It is a swish of a liquid and invaluable.

I go to other physicians and I see their patients doing cancer testing for various reasons.  Some of these valuable tests consist of mammograms, paps, prostate blood work etc.

I have often questioned many people while waiting to see my own family physician as to why they were having their medical tests done.  We sometimes discussed the costs of their particular tests.   I am flabbergasted to hear their answers.   Many are indignant by my question.  Some typical answers go as such:  ” What are you talking about??  I must have my mamogram! I have my mammogram every year”

I too am a woman and I know the cost for such a necessary test.  I am also happy to shell out $150 or more to possibly save my life.  I lost my beloved sister to breast cancer 10 years ago.  Really, I get it !!

What I do not get is the lack of perceived value with regard to Dental oral cancer screening.  Currently our test is $65.  Hmm, I cannot go to dinner with my husband for less than that.  I ask myself why it is that patients disregard the importance of this test.  I feel that the dental healthcare providers and the medical media  need to have more discussions with regard to oral cancer and how to prevent and screen for it.

• On a Worldwide scale, their are over 450,000 new cases of oral cancer.
• Did you know that an oral cancer patient dies about every hour in the Good ole USA?  I feel that the fight to stop this nightmare must begin with the Dental care professional.  The goal, obviously would be to stop it before it starts.
• Not enough media attention is given to this disease.  While I feel that it is the Dental care providers responsibility to educate, encourage and provide this simple test, we the patient must be pro-active in our own healthcare.
• Think about it.  Sixty five dollars to give me peace of mind.
• Do not think that we do not find oral cancers in our dental practice.
• Most of us know some of the risk factors, such as smoking, and others.  While it is not as common as many other cancers, it is still CANCER.  Our office currently offers Vizilite.

Please help save a life.  Tell a loved one to get tested.

Going to the dentists office can be a scary thing for anyone, no matter what gender or age you are.  Imagine if you wanted to have major cosmetic work that you would possibly be making a large investment on – both financially and aesthetically.  Would you trust your smile to just anyone?

I like to compare dental work (or any other cosmetic procedure for that matter) to a relationship:

(1) It needs to begin on a solid foundation
(2) It is a major decision that involves a great deal of thought, research, and
(3) You want to choose the right person

Choosing the wrong dentist that lacks experience, in exchange for price shopping, so-called “good deals,” and to-good-to-be-true offers can leave you in pain, in debt, and could cost more money out of pocket in the long run!

When going to a dental office, ask yourself what really matters to you, and what would you want for your long-term care? Most patients have little to no knowledge of what is involved in the treatment of their mouths.  It is best to leave it up to the professionals to gear you toward several treatment options for you.  Most of the better quality dental offices will not quote a price, or even an estimate, without first being seen by a cosmetic dentist for a consultation/evaluation.  There are just too many variables involved to guess.

A patient must also consider that this is a long-term investment for their health and confidence.  Sometimes the better dental offices charge slightly more, because the materials and labs used are of a higher quality than their competitors.  Also, make sure to thoroughly research the dentist and their credentials.  A very important indicator of good cosmetic dental work, is a dentist that has a large portfolio of work that they have done over the years.  If you visit many websites and see no credentials, only see a minimal amount of before and after photos, or no photos and only testimonials; be weary.

Many dentists also use what are called “stock photos” on their websites.  These pictures are not their own, but they are photos of models that anyone can purchase online to put on their smile galleries.  The photos that Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry use are all of our actual patients that have given us expilcit permission to use their images.

The reason the Smile South Florida offers complimentary cosmetic consultations is because we are confident in our dentists, our staff, and the exceptional treatment that we provide.  The consultation (which is valued at $200) is a great way for our future patients to (1) visit and tour our offices, (2) meet with our friendly staff and dental team, (3) discuss their concerns and case with one of our skilled cosmetic dentists, and (4) get a basic idea of the cost and time frame that their treatment will need.  The appointment is generally 20-30 minutes, and you will fill out paperwork like a regular patient.

Some patients that travel in from out of town/state/country opt to combine their initial cosmetic consultation with their exam, x-rays, and sometimes even their case presentations (if time is a concern).  If you wish to combine appointments, let the office know when scheduling.  This appointment can range anywhere from 1 hour, to several hours if a case presentation is involved.

What are good questions/topics to ask the cosmetic dentist?  What can you do for me cosmetically?  What are my treatment options?  How long will the treatment take (approximately)?  What is the rough estimated cost?  What cases (photos) do you have to show me that are similar to mine?  What lab and materials will be used?  What are the benefits of this treatment?  When can I get started?

The road to beautiful teeth and an amazing smile are not out of reach for anyone.  We have helped numerous amounts of patients, see the way toward a smile that they are proud to show off.  Let us find out how we can help you with your Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation.  Call or email our office 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.

The reason for this posting is a result of our discussion. While Michelle was doing the cleaning, I asked her what a cavitron is. She said a cavitron is a dental tool that uses high frequency sound waves to clean teeth.

She explained that the cavitron breaks up the plaque layers, which allows her to hand scale the rest of my teeth.

I then asked her what plaque is. She explained that plaque is a type of bacteria that lives in our mouth.

While she was removing my plaque, she instructed me not to swallow the plaque. I was wondering why. She explained that the plaque is the same material that builds up in one’s arteries.

I never made this connection.

She further mentioned that people with severe periodontal (gum) problems are at greater risk of developing heart problems resulting from the plaque growing in their mouths and affecting their heart. This is very interesting and also quite disturbing. The link is called the heart and mouth systemic link.

Even though my father is a dentist, I am often quite skeptical as to the affect dentistry has on other bodily functions. I see the value of cosmetic dentistry, but I did not realize that hygiene and healthy gums were essential to long-term general health.

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:

Anyways, the first step to begin tray whitening is that I got an exam with my dentist (my dad) and a cleaning one of our hygienists. After being approved, an assistant took my impression to create a tray. Then, Dr. Anenberg, another one of our dentists, cut my tray nicely so it fit.

I was then instructed by Jessica, our assistant office manager to brush my teeth with Fluoridex for a couple of weeks. Now, I am ready to begin the tray whitening treatment.

Here is a picture of me before… (Dr. Nottingham has to email my my before pictures) Let’s see what happens later.

For your convenience, I am attaching the DayWhite instructions for Whitening: [it would be cool if I attach pictures... ]

1. Floss and brush your teeth. Twist off the clear plastic cap from the syringe and replace with the mixing nozzle. Place a small “treadrop” amount of gel in each tooth compartment in the tray.
2. Place the tray with the gel in the mouth.
3. Remove excess gel with your finger or dry toothbrush. When inserting the tray, be careful not to push the gel out, but be sure that the tray is completely seated. You may see “bubbling” within your trays while wearing them. This bubbling is actually part of the whitening process.
4. Wear trays for at least 30 minutes, but not longer than 60 minutes.
5. After whitening, remove and rinse the trays with cold water. Hot water may damage the trays. If necessary, use a toothbrush to remove any residual gel. Place the trays in the storage case, and store them in a cool, dry place. Rinse and brush excess gel from the teeth.

Wait for after pictures!

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.

Smile South Florida partners Dr. Charles Nottingham, D.D.S., F.A.G.D ., and Dr. Kenneth Anenberg, D.M.D., proudly offer the da Vinci Veneers. This state-of-the-art dental lab was featured on both ABC’s Extreme Makeover and Fox’s The Swan. Impressed by the quality of their work, the owners asked dental Smile South Florida for a full-mouth reconstruction on their mother.

Upon completion, one son commended to the dentists, saying, “If the Extreme Makeover show was filmed in Florida , I am sure you would be the providing dentist.”

Once bonded onto the sturdy substructure of your teeth, the new veneers are strong, durable, easy to maintain and resistant to permanent staining. Best of all, your new veneers will appear entirely natural as they replicate the translucent appearance of your original teeth.

THE PROCESS BEGINS

This restorative process requires three appointments, consisting of diagnosis and planning, preparation of your teeth, and final bonding.

The dentists of Smile South Florida believe it’s critical each patient be intrinsically involved in designing their perfect smile. They’ll work closely with you to decide on a plan of action, help you understand the corrective limitations of the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

PREPARATION

Preparing your teeth for da Vinci Veneers will require a one-to two-hour visit, during which you may receive a local aesthetic. Your dentist will begin by lightly buffing your teeth to allow for the slight, added-thickness of your new veneers. Usually, only a half millimeter of tooth structure is removed.

Your dentist then will take a mold of your teeth, which the da Vinci dental lab will use for the fabrication of your new veneers.

You’ll be fitted with temporary veneers during the roughly two weeks required to fabricate your permanent veneers.

BONDING

Your next appointment also will require about one to two hours. Your dentist will lodge your new veneers into place with glycerin or water to check the fit and ascertain the appropriate color. Before bonding, he’ll ask for your input as to your desired shade.

To prepare for the final bonding, your dentist will clean your teeth with a special dental cleanser to ensure a firm and permanent bond. The special cement then will be applied between the veneer and tooth. The color of this cement will decide their final appearance. Finally, your teeth will be exposed to a visible light beam that will harden the cement.

MAINTENANCE

You’ll experience a week or two of adjustment as you get used to your new veneers. Your tongue may find it impossible to constantly probe the new size and shape of your teeth. Your also may experience some transitory changes in speech. Once you become used to your new da Vinci Veneers, however, you’ll barely notice them.

It’s important to follow-up with proper dental hygiene. This includes daily brushing and flossing and following-up in one or two weeks with your dentist.

Now you’re free to enjoy your perfect smile, so open wide and show those pearly whites.

LEARN MORE
Call Smile South Florida today or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry.

Carbohydrates, particularly starches and sugars are the primary cause of tooth decay. That’s because these foods encourage plaque, a sticky form of bacteria that forms on teeth and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of these carbohydrates helps bond the acids to the teeth and, after many such attacks, the enamel breaks down and, voila, you have a cavity.

The history of cavities, also known as “caries,” reveals just how major a role sugar plays. Tooth decay, no doubt, has been a problem throughout history; but the institution in the 1700s of American sugar plantations spread the disease throughout the New World. This led to extensive cultivation of sugar beets in Europe in the 1800s, creating a widespread epidemic.

Thanks to modern oral-hygiene technique, the incidence of cavities has greatly reduced. Toothbrushes may have been the single-most-important factor in slowing the epidemic. With time, additional new treatments and hygiene techniques came along to give people even greater control over their oral health.

We all know the drill: Brush, floss, rinse, etc.; but it doesn’t hurt to review the specifics of good oral hygiene.

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a good, fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use an interdental cleaner daily to remove foods and plaque
• Visit your family dentist twice a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning
• Reduce your sugar intake and avoid between-meal snacks
• Ask the dentists at Smile South Florida about “dental sealants,” which protect the teeth with a plastic coating of your chewing surfaces.

Carbohydrates and poor oral hygiene aren’t the only determining factors. Additional contributors include:

• smoking
• drinking non-fluoridated water
• low saliva production, also known as “dry mouth”
• some antidepressants antihistamines, asthma inhalers and other prescriptive medications
• illegal drugs, including methamphetamines, Ecstasy and heroin

Keep in mind that untreated tooth decay can weaken the entire structure of your tooth, which can result in a root canal or loss of the entire tooth.

LEARN MORE
Call the cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida today or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry.

The more than 40-million Americans who suffer from halitosis spend billions on such over-the-counter remedies. Few are aware, however, that these treatments only attack the symptoms, and not the root causes.

You can treat some causes of halitosis on your own while others require professional intervention. The dentists at Smile South Florida can diagnose the cause of your halitosis and recommend the proper treatment.

VOLATILE SULFUR COMPOUNDS
VSCs found in such foods as garlic, onions, and cabbages are the primary culprit behind bad breath. When we eat, these compounds are absorbed by our digestive system, where they move into the bloodstream and from thence to the lungs.

Obviously, avoiding such foods should rid you of this form of bad breath, as will good dental hygiene. This includes a regular program of brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is your best defense against most causes of bad breath. This includes

• Brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice a day;
• Using a fluoride toothpaste;
• Daily flossing using the proper method; and
• Regular visits to your dentist for a thorough teeth cleaning.

The doctors at Smile South Florida can recommend a suitable mouth rinse, should one be needed. New products now available on the market can attack and neutralize VSCs while they are still in your digestive system or bloodstream.

PLAQUE
Dental plaque is a soft deposit on the surface of teeth that contains many different forms of bacteria. It’s most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, a poor immune system, chemotherapy, and diabetes.

PERIODONTAL (GUM) GINGIVAL DISEASE
Periodontal and gingival diseases are inflammations of the tissues surrounding your teeth, which pull your teeth away from the gums. This creates pockets in which bacteria and plaque can accumulate. A professional periodontal cleaning is required to remove accumulated deposits. More serious cases may require intervention by a Smile South Florida dentist.

XEROSTOMIA (DRY MOUTH)
Saliva helps naturally cleanse your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. Reduced saliva flow allows bacteria to grow more rapidly. Chronic dry mouth may be caused by a disorder of the salivary glands and some medications.

TOBACCO
Obviously, the primary remedy for “ashtray mouth” caused by smoking tobacco products is to stop smoking.

INCREASED HORMONES
An increase in hormones boosts protein production in your saliva. Women are most susceptible to this condition for several days out of the month.

SYSTEMIC DISEASES
Bad breath may signal such serious medical disorders as diabetes; respiratory-tract infections; postnasal drip; hiatal hernias; chronic sinusitis or bronchitis; and liver or kidney ailments. Another cause may be such gastrointestinal disturbances as reflux, indigestion.

Our dentists may recommend you see your physician for a complete physical examination to rule out any possible medical condition.

LEARN MORE
Call Smile South Florida today or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry.

If you’ve ever envied those perfect smiles, you may have done your own research and found the myriad of cosmetic dentistry options a bit bewildering. No doubt you’ve heard many mentions of porcelain veneers and Lumineers®.

“Ever since ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover, we have noticed a marked increase in patients asking about veneers, and more recently, Lumineers,” said Smile South Florida cosmetic dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham. “Many people have some confusion about the differences and similarities between the two. Basically, a Lumineer is a type of veneer that requires less preparation and little or no removal of the tooth structure.”

In addition to being made of thin, porous porcelain, both products:

• cover only the visible portions of teeth;
• repair minor tooth imperfections;
• straighten and lengthen teeth;
• conceal stained or discolored fillings; and
• are stain proof, natural in appearance and highly resilient.

Of course, as Dr. Nottingham noted, there are distinct differences between these two popular, cosmetic-dentistry procedures. Veneers, also known as “dental porcelain laminates,” are wafer-thin shells that bond to teeth. They are permanent, custom-shaped and require the removal of roughly .5 mm of the original tooth to allow space for the new veneer. Lumineers are thinner; roughly the thickness of a contact-lens.

“Lumineers are ideal for minor cosmetic adjustments, but I would not recommend them for major extreme-makeover and instant-orthodontic work, “said Dr. Nottingham. “For example, I would suggest a patient add a couple Lumineers to extend small teeth, fix a minor chip, or change color. For patients who want to close a diasema (wide gap between teeth) without using metal braces, I would suggest traditional veneers because it allows me more flexibility in molding the veneer to create the best aesthetic look. One size does not fit all.”

ABOUT DR. NOTTINGHAM

Dr. Charles Nottingham was featured by ABC’s Extreme Makeover Dental Lab (da Vinci Studios) in Dentistry Today Magazine as the pinnacle of dental quality. Besides his commitment to the very best in dentistry, he also strive to provide his patients with the highest level of service for a lasting dental experience.

LEARN MORE

Call Smile South Florida today or visit our homepage!

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Copyright © 2007 Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry. All rights reserved.

Not only do Americans perceive those with pearly white teeth as more attractive, but they are perceived as more interesting, intelligent, successful and wealthy. That’s a lot of reality.

The independent study was conducted by Dr. Anne Beall, a social psychologist and market research professional from Beall Research and Training. Participants viewed before-and-after photos of eight individuals and were asked to make snap judgments on the basis of 10 characteristics. Additional characteristics included happiness, friendliness, kindness, sensitivity and how interesting the subjects appeared.

The 528 participants were evenly divided between men and women, with half viewing the first set and the second half viewing the second set. Two of the photos were of people with mildly improved smiles; two had moderate improvements; and four had undergone major makeovers.

Respondents were not told they were to judge the photos on the bases of their smiles, but rather on the overall appearance. The scale ran from one to 10, with one representing “not at all attractive” and 10 as “extremely attractive.”

“Based on a lot of interaction with happy patients, we were expecting this type of difference in attractiveness and popularity with the opposite sex,” said AACD President Dr. Marty Zase in a press release. “(B)ut to have (the largest) gains in how successful, intelligent, interesting and wealthy patients appeared after cosmetic dentistry caught even us by surprise. We’ve been telling people that a beautiful smile was a great investment in their futures. Now we have independent evidence.”

The study revealed the following increases in perception after a smile makeover:

• Attractive = 130% increase
• Popular With the Opposite Sex = 120% increase
• Wealthy = 100% increase
• Successful in Their Career = 90% increase
• Interesting = 70% increase
• Intelligent = 60% increase
• Friendly = 50% increase
• Sensitive to Other People = 50% increase
• Kind = 40% increase
• Happy = 50% increase

Other studies have shown people make quick decisions about people in the first 10 seconds of meeting them, reinforcing the results of the AACD study. Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, it’s much easier to change this perception, and thus reality.

LEARN MORE

Call Smile South Florida today or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry, including smile extreme makeovers, porcelain veneers, and tooth whitening.