Thursday, February 24, 2011

What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dental Excellence than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask one of our dentists the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Enjoy a Cavity-Free Valentine’s Day!

Today is a day where we take the time to express our appreciation to our loved ones. As we all know, it is also a day filled with delicious sugary treats. Our team at Dental Excellence thought we’d take a moment to provide some tips to make sure that today doesn’t also become the day you develop a cavity.

Here they are:

Floss: After you have indulged in chocolate and other sweets, remember that these foods can easily find their way between your teeth. Flossing at least once a day will help prevent cavities as well as gum disease.

Drinking sugary drinks with a Straw: Coffee could be a common Valentine’s Day gift this year and many coffee drinks contain syrups that are high in sugar. Using a straw when drinking these and other sugary drinks, is a great way to avoid cavities.

Snack wisely: We know that this will be especially hard today, but when you have the option, choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

Schedule Regular Checkups: Last, but definitely not least, it’s always important to consistently schedule regular checkups with Dr. Carr, Dr. Hawkins, Dr. LaBarca, Dr. Smith, or Dr. Wiley (approximately every 6 months). During your checkup, the doctor will be able to check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, and treat oral health problems early.

We hope you find these tips useful.

-Happy Valentine’s Day from Dental Excellence!!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

More Patient Reviews!

Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith, Wiley and our team, serving greater Independence, deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make dental treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Did a great job with my teeth and told me exactly what I needed to do to keep my teeth in great shape."
-Jonathan F.

"I used to be scared when I went to the dentist and needed the laughing gas and music and any other distraction they could give me. But, they are so good they've taken my fears away and I don't need the distractions anymore. They are gentle, explain everything as they are going and just put me at ease. I highly recommend them."
-Curt

"My family has been going here for several years (My previous dentist who retired recommended it). The dentists and staff are very experienced and professional. They make sure you have a pleasant and comfortable experience. They also have top notch oral surgeons on staff. Filing insurance with them is also a breeze. My family definitely recommends Dental Excellence."
-Kent L.

"I have nothing but praise for the entire staff at Dental Excellence. I had cracked my upper plate and was seen as soon as I called and the repair was done with in 24 hours. Your made to feel like more than a customer."
-Shannon

If you have any questions about Dental Excellence or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

It's National Children’s Dental Health Month!

For the past 61 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, our doctors from Dental Excellence and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Our doctors and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Dental Excellence the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!