DENTAL HEALTH – SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Looking to make a positive first impression in your personal relationships or professional circles? While you can dress to impress or craft the perfect “elevator speech,” nothing creates a bigger impact than an attractive smile.
According to a new survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly half of American adults (48 percent) believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone. Fewer adults are likely to remember the first thing a person says (25 percent) or how they are dressed (9 percent). The survey also revealed that some respondents view people with crooked or stained teeth as less attractive (37 percent) and less confident (25 percent) than those with perfect teeth.
Whether you want to improve your appearance, health, and relationships, or boost your self-esteem and professional success, a beautiful smile can go a long way. No matter how many dental problems you have, metro area dental professionals can improve your smile using more comfortable techniques and in less time than you would imagine.
With CEREC CAD-CAM technology, beautiful and strong ceramic restorations can be made while you wait. No more goop-filled trays or second appointments needed. Replacing silver mercury fillings with tooth-colored, bonded restorations will look aesthetically pleasing, and will help to seal teeth from decay. Comfortable, permanent dental implants to replace missing teeth can enhance your smile and your quality of life.
Don’t neglect your smile. You only get one chance to make a great first impression.
Cosmetic Dentistry Institute
Q: I HAVE A MOUTHFUL OF DENTAL PROBLEMS. HOW DO I GET A HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL SMILE?
A: To assure that your new smile is picture-perfect, seek an exceptional dental practice.
Drs. Craig and Marcy Goldin, of the award-winning Cosmetic Dentistry Institute, have set their practice apart from others by offering nothing less than excellence. They provide all phases of general, cosmetic, sedation, and implant dentistry, so you can have all your dental problems treated in one office.
Recognized nationally as the Cosmetic Practice of the Year, and chosen by their peers as Hour Detroit Top Dentists since the inception of that honor, the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute delivers the highest level of patient care and comfort.
“Whatever your dental needs are, your visit will be relaxing and painless as well as efficient and high-tech,” says Dr. Marcy Goldin, an adjunct clinical lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
Cosmetic Dentistry Institute dentists are dedicated to ongoing education, which leads to the best treatments for their patients. Dr. Craig Goldin is one of only 300 dentists worldwide who are accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has advanced training and certification in IV sedation.
“If you are missing one or more teeth we can replace them with beautiful, natural-looking implants that allow you to smile, chew, and speak more confidently, for a better quality of life,” he says. “Sedation dentistry is wonderful for people who may be apprehensive or would like all of their dental work completed in as little as one or two visits.”
“Our beautiful new office is nearly 6,000 square feet of the most advanced dental technology in a soothing, spa-like setting,” Dr. Marcy Goldin adds. “We are proud to have received the American Dental Association’s ‘Dental Office Design of the Year’ award.”
“Everything we do,” Dr. Craig Goldin says, “is driven by our pledge to go above and beyond for our patients.”
Nick S. Palmer, D.D.S., M.S., P.C.
Q: CAN ADULTS BENEFIT FROM ORTHODONTICS, LIKE THEIR CHILDREN?
A: Nearly 1 million adults — more than ever before — are wearing braces today, and the potential for adult orthodontics has never been greater. Many adults whose parents were not able to provide orthodontic treatment for them when they were children now have the resources to finally correct that bothersome smile. By age 35, three out of four adults have some form of periodontal disease, and crowding often begins to occur in the lower front teeth, making teeth harder to keep clean. Over time, those issues may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment can result in better dental health. Research shows that patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment are better dental patients and are more likely to have good hygiene. Another common problem, a bad bite, can result in abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and cause difficulty in chewing; a bad bite can also damage the supporting bone and gum tissue. Sometimes crooked teeth and incorrect bites may contribute to TMJ pain and associated headaches. Orthodontic treatment often costs less than you would pay to treat more serious problems caused by bad bites. And with all the new options of less visible braces, adults can feel comfortable about they way they look while in treatment.
West Bloomfield Dental & Associates, PLLC
Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY TEETH HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL?
A: Cleanings and gum care are the first steps to a beautiful smile.
“Stopping inflammation will make a huge difference in your smile,” says Dr. Sharon Castro, D.D.S. “Routine dental care, which includes regular cleanings, will brighten your smile and enhance the way you feel.”
There are many ways to enhance a smile. Often, patients are unaware of what services are needed. Dr. Castro always evaluates her patients’ specific needs, and provides suggestions and alternative dental options.
“For example, a patient might come into the office with a concern of discolored teeth and indicate to me, ‘My coworker has a great smile due to bleaching.’ For this patient, however, bleaching may not be appropriate at that time,” Dr. Castro says. “I provide a complete examination, including X-rays and cleaning, before I give a specific recommendation. If there is a need for bleaching, we will go ahead with it.”
Dr. Castro and her staff are dedicated to providing services for complete patient satisfaction. Furthermore, her staff enjoys helping every patient achieve a healthier, more attractive smile.
“Regular examinations will reduce serious problems,” she adds. “We encourage patients with diabetes to have more than two checkups a year.”
West Bloomfield Dental provides a full array of preventive and restorative services, as well as cosmetic dentistry. Treatments range from basic cleanings to periodontal care, crowns, bridges, whitening, Invisalign braces, oral surgery, and implants.
Joseph R. Nemeth, D.D.S. & Associates
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH?
A: “The advantages are many and great. Dental implants never get decayed and never need a root canal. They are meant to last a lifetime and they usually do,” says periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth. “Patients have more self-confidence with a stable, permanent implant. They don’t have to worry or feel embarrassed about a denture sliding around when they smile or talk or chew food. Patients are extremely happy with the way their implant looks, feels, and functions.”
If a bridge is used instead of an implant, the teeth on either side of the empty space must be ground down and fitted with caps. The teeth that have been ground down may be lost to decay, which can get under the caps, or the patient may need a root canal because the nerves have been damaged by the grinding.
“When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area progressively shrinks, which may alter facial contours,” Dr. Nemeth explains. “When you place an implant in that area, it stimulates the bone and helps to maintain appearance and function, for a better quality of life.”
One of the most exciting developments in the use of dental implants is the All-On-Four™ technique, which utilizes four strategically placed implants to securely hold a complete set of upper or lower teeth in place, permanently. “People walk in with no teeth or unhealthy teeth that need to be removed, and they walk out the same day with a full set of beautiful, functional, permanent teeth. It’s a life-changing procedure, and our patients who have had the All-On-4™ have been extremely pleased with the result,” Dr. Nemeth says.
Timothy A. Mayer, D.D.S.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BONDED RESTORATIONS VERSUS SILVER MERCURY FILLINGS?
A: Dr. Timothy Mayer hasn’t given a patient a silver mercury filling in more than 20 years.
“For the health of my patients, I only do bonded cosmetic restorations. I won’t put silver mercury fillings in my mouth or in the mouths of my family because they’re 50 percent mercury. After five years, 50 percent of that mercury is gone,” he says. “Ninety-five percent of all silver fillings I’ve removed had decay under them. They leak.
“Bonded cosmetic restorations seal the tooth from decay, they cause less temperature sensitivity, they strengthen your teeth, and they decrease the fracturing of teeth, which helps to prevent the need for crowns,” Dr. Mayer explains. “When we remove silver mercury fillings, we are very careful and follow a strict protocol to protect our patients as well as our staff.”
A graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Mayer offers a full range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services.
Oakland MRI
Q: WHAT IMAGING TOOL CAN HELP DIAGNOSE MY TMJ-RELATED SYMPTOMS?
A: A new study conducted by University of Minnesota researchers found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide an unprecedented look at both the hard structures and soft tissues of teeth, offering dentists better opportunities to fight oral diseases that are known to cause pain.
An MRI is also the most important tool for diagnosing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions and diseases, as it provides high image contrast between the mandibular nerve and the bony dental structures. Oakland MRI has a dedicated coil specifically for this kind of imaging.
The next time you need excellent and convenient imaging services from compassionate, courteous professionals, remember that you can choose the testing facility. Choose Oakland MRI. Experience the difference.
Dolores Baran, D.D.S.
Q: WHAT ARE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES TO SPEED UP DENTAL CROWNS AND TOOTH-STRAIGHTENING?
A: Using CEREC CAD-CAM technology, Dr. Dolores Baran can restore a patient’s tooth with a dental crown or a partial crown in just one office visit.
“There is no need to take messy impressions or send the patient home wearing a temporary while their restoration is made in a lab. And unlike the traditional method of crown or partial crown restoration, we don’t need to grind down the healthy portion of a patient’s tooth,” Dr. Baran says. “With CEREC, we take a picture of the prepped tooth and design the patient’s restoration on the computer screen. Within five to eight minutes, the CEREC machine makes a beautiful and strong all-porcelain restoration that we bond to the patient’s tooth.”
Dr. Baran uses Minor Tooth Movement (MTM) technology for patients who need just a little straightening of their teeth. By wearing the specialized retainer for a few months, patients avoid the need for a full treatment of Invisalign or braces.
Michigan TMJ Headache Institute
Q: HOW CAN I FIND A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO MY CHRONIC HEADACHE PAIN?
A: Dr. John Halmaghi has successfully treated thousands of people who had endured years of headache or migraine symptoms.
“People want to know what’s causing their pain and how to treat it. We give them the answer,” says Dr. Halmaghi, who utilizes leading-edge technology and advanced diagnostic methods to accurately pinpoint the root cause of the patient’s pain issues.
“The cause of the problem is the relationship between a dysfunction of the muscles, the nerves, the jaw, the teeth, and the neck,” he says. “We find out at what point the dysfunction comes into play and creates the headache or migraine. We take pride in being able to cure what other specialists cannot.”
Dr. Mindy Salzberg-Siegel
Q: HOW CAN YOUR REGULAR DENTAL VISIT SAVE YOUR LIFE?
A: We learn more every day about how our oral health is directly related to systemic health. As a dental professional, I know the importance of partnering with medical physicians to ensure that my patients have an excellent quality of life.
Often, I recommend oral DNA testing because it not only provides a window into better treatments for gum disease, but this screening tool can also test for the presence of HPV (human papilloma virus), the fastest-growing form of oral cancer — especially among those aged 40 to 55.
Having this screening, and knowing whether or not you are a carrier of HPV, are invaluable tools in the early detection of oral cancer. Dentistry is constantly changing, and by utilizing the most advanced technology, such as a low-radiation digital X-ray system, I can precisely detect problem areas in their early stages. This enables me to provide the most conservative treatments for my patients.
Heather Pranzarone Stratton, D.D.S.
Q: How Does Going to the Dentist Make Me Healthier?
A: “Most people believe that dentistry is important when it’s broken, it hurts, or they want the million- dollar, movie-star smile,” says Heather Pranzarone Stratton, D.D.S. “However, there is a much more important, potentially life-changing reason to visit your dentist regularly. That reason is overall health and wellness. You might be surprised to learn that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases — including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory diseases, and cancer — have oral symptoms. That’s right, 90 percent!”
The mountain of evidence that supports the oral health/overall health connection has seen incredible growth and advancement over the past few years. There is no longer a question about whether the soft tissues in the mouth are connected to the rest of the body, because we can easily find evidence of gum disease-causing bacteria that has created challenges in tissues throughout the body. The mouth/body connection is not limited to just infections in the soft tissues of the mouth, either — the impact of the mouth extends to such monumental things as blood flow to the brain.
“At our practice we don’t just look in your mouth, we look past your mouth to see the whole picture of you individually — physiologically, emotionally, and dentally,” Dr. Stratton explains. “Since every person does not react the same way to the same procedures, medications, or materials, why should we treat every person the same way? Your mouth is the window to your overall health and wellness, and the state of your oral health can offer clues about your overall well-being. Oral health and total health and wellness are more connected than you might realize.
“We do not just treat teeth and oral disease at our practice,” she adds. “We treat people. And in our experience, every person is unique and different in their own ways.”
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