Monday, December 29, 2008

Happy New Year

I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a happy new year. Going into 2009, you are assured to get the same high-quality attention and dental care from me and my team. Each year, we all do our best to improve our skills and our practice to offer you the best dental service in the area.

And, as we head into the new year, I’d like to remind you to make sure and prioritize dental health for you and your family. The little things you do for home care and with your regular cleaning and prevention visits are very important.

Best wishes for the new year. I hope that you will continue to tell your family and friends about our practice and let people know about the excellent dental care your receive from us.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Back to basics

It is definitely one of the themes you are hearing a lot about lately. People are refocusing on the basics on a lot of topics. And, one that should be top of your list is dental care.

Dental care could be one of the easiest parts of your day. Simple brushing and flossing can keep your teeth in good condition and help you avoid long-term problems. But it is also important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings, screenings and care.

One of the basics you should be considering right now is ensuring good dental health for yourself and your family. If you have not had your regular appointment in more than six months, you need to put that on your calendar. If it has been more than a year since you have visited me for oral cancer screenings and a check for gum disease, this should be placed as a priority, too.

Remember the basic warning signs, too. Sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and bad breath are all signs that you should be addressing some of your basics when it comes to your dental health.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Holiday Gift Idea

With the holiday season just around the corner, I am sure that you have had some thoughts already about how this might affect your holiday gift-giving.

When you are considering gifts that are long-lasting and meaningful, you should think about teeth whitening for teenagers and adults. We offer a number of options for teeth whitening and it can be a gift that affects lives for years. Improving a smile with whiter teeth can make a professional difference for a person, as well as personal differences. Plus, it can make people happier.

Judy has also pre-wrapped some Ultreos, Sonicares, and Hydrofloss packages for Christmas giving. If you’ve tried one of these state-of-the-art products then you know how they have revolutionized home care of your teeth.

Begin your holiday planning now. If you want a gift that keeps on giving, consider teeth whitening or a fun new product.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small does into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email me today.

Monday, September 15, 2008

A Beautiful New Smile





I love to hear when my work as a cosmetic dentist has so much positive impact on a patient’s life. Here is a thank you I got from a patient and a look at her before and after photos.

Dear Dr. Norman, Thank you so much for my new smile! It’s hard for me to find the words to tell you what you have done for me and how my life has changed since coming to you for help with my teeth. Not only are you a true artist and a compassionate doctor you are someone who believes in her patients even before they sometimes do. You have done more for my confidence and sense of well being than you will ever know… not only did you give me a beautiful smile but you helped me believe I deserved one; and for that I am truly indebted. My new smile is like having a new beginning in so many ways… when I think about how many years I spent feeling self conscious about the way my teeth looked I just can’t believe how good it feels to no longer have that burden. I am now able to smile without trying to hide my mouth or my first thought going to what the other person is thinking about how bad my tooth looks… it’s such a sense of freedom that touches every moment of my day. Since seeing you and having my teeth done I can’t count how many times people have complimented me on my smile. On a weekly basis I get comments like “you have such a nice smile” or “your teeth are so white”. I literally had one person (whom I had never met) walk across a crowded room to me and say “Wow, you have the most gorgeous smile, your teeth are so beautiful”…. I nearly fell of my chair in delight! You and your staff are amazing, your work is exceptional, and I am so thankful to you for everything. Warmest regards, Whitney Hausske

Ringing in the ears… might be TMJ

Every once in a while, I am reminded how random the symptoms of TMJ can be. As you know, I am a neuromuscular dentist and I treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorders TMJ/TMD). Is this always characterized by straight up jaw joint pain? Absolutely not.

It takes a neuromuscular dentist to recognize that Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be another symptom of TMJ that is commonly misdiagnosed and often goes untreated or is treated ineffectively. In many cases ringing in the ears is one of the results of having a strained bite in which the jaw is not aligned. The jaw area of the face is a complex network of muscles and nerves, and when the bite is misaligned muscles and nerves throughout the head, including the ears, can be affected.

Tinnitus can also be one of the most alarming and hard to live with conditions a person can have. If you are experiencing a ringing in your ears, please make an appointment with me for a TMJ screening.

Of all the symptoms of TMJ/TMD that we can treat, Tinnitus is the most dramatic. When we relieve a patient of this chronic, irritating, sometimes maddening condition it can be life-changing.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

This is a big honor!

This is a pretty proud moment. Here I am on the cover of Catalyst, a national industry magazine for the dental field. It is a pretty big honor to be featured. You can see the cover and the article beginning on Page 22.

http://www.burkhartdental.com/images/stories/Burkhart/Resources/Catalyst/catalyst_q308_web.swf

Monday, August 11, 2008

One Year Anniversary

It is hard to believe but we just celebrated our one year anniversary in the new 41st street location! Over the past year, we transitioned to the new office and even stopped driving to the old office first (admit it—some of you did that too!). The biggest difference, however, is the convenience for our patient’s. We’ve so enjoyed the comments from all of you about the ample parking, great location and access from the freeway, and the comfort and privacy of the treatment studios. In our ongoing effort to provide a superior dental experience, we will look for more ways to pamper our guests. We welcome any comments or suggestions to improve your care. dreamteam@dreamsmile.com or drnorman@dreamsmile.com

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Exciting News!

With the completion of the 41st Street Interchange completed, work has begun on the 41st Street and the overpass which will connect 41st with Lowell River Road. When completed, the changes will include a wider 41st Street, new signals and several safety and traffic flow improvements. While under construction, 41st will be reduced to 1 lane each direction. We notice that this is more of a traffic delay in the afternoons. Additionally, the Broadway ramp up to 41st is being rebuilt. So the best way to access our office is from the Colby entrance between Super Supplements and Baskin Robbins. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give the Dream Team a call.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Fourth Annual YWCA Working Wardrobe Clothing Drive

This fall we will have our fourth annual clothing drive to benefit the YWCA Working Wardrobe. The event will take place the third week of September from Tuesday, September 16th to Thursday, September 18th. Thanks to the support of our patients and the community, we know we will have another incredibly successful drive. We want to give you advanced notice, so that you can start setting aside appropriate donations in anticipation of this event.

Donations of gently used clothing will be accepted on behalf of women needing appropriate clothing to re-enter the workforce. Items sought for donation include clean, pressed suits, dresses, blouses, sweaters, slacks, jackets, shoes and accessories.

Appropriate, well-fitting clothes are like a confident smile…they allow you to go into work or an interview knowing you are looking your best. This clothing drive helps women take those first steps back into the workforce with that same sort of confidence.

For more information, contact:

Judy or the rest of the Dream Team at 425-258-6429 or 1-866-Dr-Norman

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Showing some passion for your smile and dental health.

As a dentist, my passion for my patients’ smiles and their dental health is pretty apparent. If I did not love what I did and I did not think it was important, you would feel like just another patient with just another mouth when you visit me. However, part of the reason I write this blog and part of the reason why my team works so hard to make you feel at home in our office is because we have that passion for your smile and dental health. A healthy beautiful smile not only makes you happy and confident but it can help you to live longer.

One of the reasons I have taken advanced training as a dentist is to make the experience as beneficial as I can for all my patients. I believe in the saying that “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” This is why I pursued cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry and it is why I invest in the latest treatments and training. It is all part of a passion to offer you the best. My team makes the extra effort and time to make sure that when you visit us you feel like a guest and that you are appreciated.

Now it is your part. Since you care as much about your dental health and smile as we do, share this passion with a friend today! So many people do not prioritize their visits to the dentist. And, even more do not think of what a little cosmetic work could do for them. White, straighter teeth… a healthier smile… any little pains or discomforts in your mouth treated…. Many people want these things but are not doing anything about it, join my team in showing a little passion and talk to your friends about their dental health.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Invisalign Feature

Starting this week and through the month of June we are featuring Invisalign: The Invisible Way to Straighten Teeth

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners unique to each patient. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and gradually moves your teeth.
Average treatment time is only about a year. Because the aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods while brushing and flossing normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Invisalign is a wonderful way to improve problems such as lower anterior crowding which can lead to difficulty flossing, gum disease and even tooth loss. Straight teeth are simply easier to clean!

Treatment in our office includes free whitening and 3 extra retainers (great if the dog gets hold of one or if you accidentally throw one away)!!!

Call Judy today to set up an appointment. Refer a friend and receive a special token of our appreciation.

With Smiles,
Amy Norman, Judy, Karolyn, Angie and Tiffany

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Diet and Dental Health

Summer is almost here and I have a great summer project for you. That project is your health!

I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your health over these summer months. That might provide you with an idea of just exactly where you and your family members are when it comes to your overall health.

Here is the project I propose. Take the next three summer months to keep a food journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and when you eat it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.

In terms of your dental health, you may want to look for how and when you eat certain foods. Look for times when you eat certain foods. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack or treat. This cuts down on the amount of time the sugar will attack the teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. On a food journal, you will see when you routinely leave yourself open to greater effects of high sugar foods.

Also, watch for those isolated snacks. Foods that are eaten as part of meal cause less harm on teeth because more saliva is produced during a meal. This helps wash foods from the mouth, thus lessening the effect of sugars on the teeth.

You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer food journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and if you want to bring it in to review with me on your next cleaning visit, then I will be happy to help you interpret the results and, hopefully, help you continue good oral health.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

What are you doing with your tax rebate?

Last week, the first tax rebate checks started to arrive. So, what are you going to do with your piece of the economic stimulus? Many people are taking care of some basics that have been put off. If your dental health or appearance has fallen into that category, this could be your opportunity to care for yourself a little.

In the past few months, I have blogged about replacing black or grey fillings with white resin fillings. This has a direct relation to you long term health. If you short-term dental health needs include cleanings, routine checkups and screenings or if you have been putting off asking me about a pain or problem, why not spend a little of your rebate on your dental health.

If you are up-to-date on your dental health maintenance, are feeling now jaw, neck or head pains that could be associated with TMJ and you generally feel good, you may want to consider visiting me to whiten your teeth. If you have never tried it or if you are ready for another whitening after a few years, just contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Lead-Free Domestic Dental labs

You may have heard recently the coverage about lead poisoning from crowns and bridges made overseas. Below is an excerpt from a recent newscast in Florida.

This a great opportunity to brag about the unsung heroes that help to make us look good: Our Laboratory Technicians. All of our restorations are Made In America by Master Technicians and Highly Experienced Ceramic Artists following the strictest protocols.

We strive to use the most bio-compatible materials and our goal is to recreate nature. Together with the artistry of these important partners, we are meeting this goal. Please visit our website to view our smile gallery for examples of their work.

The excerpt:

“There are concerns that the lead found in Chinese toys may also be showing up in implants, crowns and dentures from China and India. The imports aren’t strictly regulated and have made some people sick.

Some implants coming from overseas are also contaminated. Dental Technician Buddy Wester follows strict regulations when building implants or molding partials. He says overseas labs don’t have the same regulations.

“If the restoration comes in from overseas, and it has some type of hazardous material unbeknownst to the dentist and the patient and the patient become ill, then there’s no way to track that restoration.”

The cases stem from lead based dental work. Lead is strictly prohibited in domestic dental labs.”

Lead-Free Domestic Dental labs

You may have heard recently the coverage about lead poisoning from crowns and bridges made overseas. Below is an excerpt from a recent newscast in Florida.

This a great opportunity to brag about the unsung heroes that help to make us look good: Our Laboratory Technicians. All of our restorations are Made In America by Master Technicians and Highly Experienced Ceramic Artists following the strictest protocols.

We strive to use the most bio-compatible materials and our goal is to recreate nature. Together with the artistry of these important partners, we are meeting this goal. Please visit our website to view our smile gallery for examples of their work.

The excerpt:

“There are concerns that the lead found in Chinese toys may also be showing up in implants, crowns and dentures from China and India. The imports aren’t strictly regulated and have made some people sick.

Some implants coming from overseas are also contaminated. Dental Technician Buddy Wester follows strict regulations when building implants or molding partials. He says overseas labs don’t have the same regulations.

“If the restoration comes in from overseas, and it has some type of hazardous material unbeknownst to the dentist and the patient and the patient become ill, then there’s no way to track that restoration.”

The cases stem from lead based dental work. Lead is strictly prohibited in domestic dental labs.”

Monday, March 3, 2008

Have you thought about Cosmetic Dentistry?

Our patient’s appreciate the value of a clean, healthy and attractive smile. That is why we continue to upgrade our technology and education to offer latest techniques to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. A beautiful smile can dramatically enhance inner confidence, improve social interactions and increase job performance.

The easiest and quickest way to enhance a smile is whitening. If you have never whitened or if it has been awhile, this is a great and quick pick me up for a whiter, brighter and healthier looking smile. We now offer several different professional strength whitening products and services so that we can customize a whitening program for you.

Porcelain veneers are a great option if whitening alone has not given you the smile you want. Besides unlimited color correction options, porcelain can be used to straighten teeth without braces, add length back to worn or chipped teeth and close gaps.

Invisalign Invisible Braces are a wonderful option and are very popular with adults who don’t want the traditional metal braces to correct alignment issues. Besides a more attractive smile, patient’s chose this option to correct crowding which can lead to gum disease.

If you or someone you know is interested in any of these services, please call our office and schedule a complimentary consultation.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Cosmetic Channel™

Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry? Ask at The Cosmetic Channel™.

We start off the new year with a new way for you to use the Internet at TheCosmeticChannel.com. By now you have seen the new videos on our web site brought to you by The Cosmetic Channel™.

Last week, The Cosmetic Channel™ unveiled a new web site that includes a Chat Community. You can see links posted to this chat board on Craig’s List and it is beginning to get some questions and comments about both cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic surgery. You can visit the chat at www.TheCosmeticChannel.com/chat.html.

If you or someone you know is interested in gathering information on cosmetic dentistry or cosmetic surgery procedures, this is a good place to ask questions. Cosmetic dentists and cosmetic surgeons are being recruited to monitor the chat and answer your questions.

And, you know you can always contact me directly if you have any questions.