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Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

‘Tis The Season To Be Thankful!

November 25, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 6:09 pm

CAN YOU BELIEVE THANKSGIVING HAS ALREADY COME AND GONE!? Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we love this time of year and the wonderful spirit it brings. A whole day dedicated to gratitude and humility—what an amazing holiday to participate in each year!

Here are a few, fun “Thanksgiving Facts” that you may not know:

  • Turkey contains an amino acid that makes you sleepy—however, it’s the combination of that AND all the carbs and fats we consume that leave us all napping on the couch after our Thanksgiving meals!
  • The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade actually wasn’t the first department store Thanksgiving parade. The Philadelphia department store, Gimbel’s, sponsored the first in 1920. However, the Macy’s parade was launched four years later, and soon became a Thanksgiving tradition when it was made even more popular by the movie “Miracle on 34th Street” which was released in 1947.
  • Domesticated turkeys are slow birds that can’t fly. Wild turkeys are smaller, more agile, much faster, and can fly short distances.
  • Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to his daughter suggesting that the wild turkey would be a more appropriate national symbol for the United States than the bald eagle, as it was more respectable, a true origin of native America, and a bird of courage.
  • In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the short, jerky movements of turkeys inspired a ballroom dance called the Turkey Trot.
  • Native Americans used cranberries, now a staple Thanksgiving dish, for cooking as well as medicinal purposes.
Pretty cool facts, huh? Now, on to more serious matters!

In honor of this beautiful season, and the attitude of thankfulness that spreads across the country, we want to let you know how grateful we are for all of you—our wonderful patients and friends. Where would we be without your loyalty and support?

So, thank you. Thanks for making us excited to come to work every day. Nothing makes us happier than seeing your smiling faces each day in Lake Oconee Dentistry. You inspire and motivate us—and we love serving you.

We hope you had the happiest of Thanksgivings—and don’t forget to floss and brush after all that leftover turkey and pie! (We had to throw in at least one plug for oral care!)

What are YOU thankful for this year? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Let Us Alleviate Your Dental Fears!

November 16, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 10:10 am

WHAT MAKES A DENTAL VISITa feared chore? Why do thoughts of reclining plastic chairs and tiny handheld mirrors give some people the chills? Setting aside the high pitched, nails-on-chalkboard-sound one hears during a cleaning, what else do people worry about? Research shows that 10-20% of people avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety, and 5-10% of people have an actual “dental phobia”—meaning they’ll avoid a visit to the dentist at just about any cost. Some people who have extreme dental anxiety have good reasons.Perhaps it has come from a previous negative experience with a procedure or dentist. Or maybe you just don’t like having the dentist in such close proximity to your face. Some people feel anxiety over the lack of control they have while they’re lying in the chair. WebMD talks about some ways to help this kind of anxiety.

Simply put, the best way to alleviate your fears is to tell Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell, or a team member, about your worries. 75% of dental patients have some level of fear—it’s very common so you don’t need to feel alone. Our goal here at Lake Oconee Dentistry isn’t to scare patients—it’s to help keep them healthy and strong! So, if you hate tight spaces or want to understand what we’re doing in your mouth, it’s OK to let us know. In fact, we WANT you to tell us. It helps us help you.

We’re happy to explain each dental tool before we use it, and give you extra chances to swish. We can even try to stop asking you questions while you have all that stuff in your mouth if it helps!

By the way… Have you had a chance to “Like” our Facebook page yet? Here are three great reasons to do so:

1. Content That’s Relevant

Concise info and posts about your comfort, health, and appearance—things you’ll use and find interesting. Meaningful content at your fingertips without searching.

2. Take Advantage Of Exclusive Offers

Take advantage of promotions and offers ONLY available to our fans.

3. Being Part Of Our Practice Culture Is Easy And Fun

Fun? A dental practice… fun? YES! What’s cool about connecting with us is that it’s honest, transparent, and spontaneous. BE ASSURED you’re with the right dentist by getting to know us in this untraditional, and un-staged way. YOU’LL get to know our practice culture better, and WE’LL get to know YOU better too.

Just click on the logo below:

 

And, as always, THANKS for being our valued patient!

The Remarkable Benefits Of A Healthy Mouth

November 9, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 11:20 am

GOOD NEWS! Taking care of our mouths actually improves our smiles! In fact, today’s research continues to connect the dots between your healthy mouth and your healthy body. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we know that it’s never too early to start teaching children about the importance of consistent dental care. Healthy habits learned at a young age pay off in the future!So, here are some of the ways that taking care of your teeth affects your body.Good oral health…– can boost your confidence and self-esteem

  • Gum disease and decaying teeth can lead to LOTS of problems—including an unsightly smile and foul breath. This can be so bad that your self-image is affected. If you keep your mouth healthy you’ll be much more inclined to smile!

– has been directly linked to lowering your risk of heart disease

  • Gum disease can cause inflammation that can be directly associated with cardiovascular problems.

– can preserve memory

  • Believe it or not, in recent studies show that adults with gingivitis actually performed worse on cognitive skills/memory tests than those without gum disease. Those with gingivitis are also more likely to have delayed verbal recall.

– reduces risks of inflammation and infection

  • Poor oral health is linked to the development of infection in other parts of the body. Eat a balanced diet, visit Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellregularly, and practice good oral hygiene to reduce bacteria and gingivitis.

– helps keep your blood sugar stable

  • Those with diabetes are more likely to develop gingivitis, making it more difficult to control sugar blood levels. Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health can help you regain better control of your blood sugar.

– helps pregnant women carry a baby to term

  • Gingivitis becomes a greater risk to women when they are pregnant. Unfortunately, there may be a connection to gum disease and pre-term infants, so be sure to visit Dr. Dentist as part of your prenatal care.

Well, there you have it. Keeping your mouth healthy really can improve your overall health and well-being. Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about the benefits of preventive care.

Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebooktoo! We look forward to connecting with you there!

Straighten Your Smile With Zero-Reduction Veneers

November 2, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 11:05 am

FOR SOME OF US, THERE MAY BE A SIMPLER, YET EFFECTIVE way to have a drop-dead gorgeous smile. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistrywe offer a leading-edge “prepless” veneer solution that answers the concerns some people have had about smile makeovers.

Traditional veneers require a considerable amount of tooth reduction—that is, the size of your teeth must be reduced in order to “cap” or cover your teeth with a veneer. Unlike traditional veneers, our prepless veneers are extremely thin (generally about 0.2 to 0.4 mm) and require little to no reduction of your tooth enamel. Plus, they’re unbelievably strong!

Prepless veneers are also aesthetically pleasing because they block out undesirable colors and allow the beauty of the natural teeth to shine through. Because all of the color is built straight into the veneer instead of added onto the surface, Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell are able to make the most of the available space.

Though the simplicity of a prepless veneers procedure makes it one of the most appealing of our cosmetic dentistry options, it is not always the best solution for everyone. Because the veneers are so thin they are best suited for patients whose teeth are a little smaller or slightly spaced out. The only way to really determine if you are a good candidate for prepless veneers is to visit with Dr. David Bradley or Dr. Patti Bradley or Dr. Boswell And keep in mind… Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are typically not the best candidates for prepless veneers as those activities could cause the veneers to chip or crack.

If you are wondering whether or not prepless veneers are the solution for you thenset up a smile consultation today! Our doctors would love to go through your options with you.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Not All Dental Habits Are Good Ones

October 25, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:50 am

YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: brush your teeth daily, floss regularly, and have your regular checkups with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell twice a year. For the most part, getting in the habit of completing these simple tasks will keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, there are a few less-than-desirable oral habits that can override your good habits and compromise your dental health!Here are some tips to help you avoid those dental habits that can damage your teeth:1. Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping

After slurping down that ice cold and refreshing beverage, try not to crunch the leftover ice between your teeth. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can cause your teeth to fracture. Be careful when eating popcorn too!

Sipping sugary soda is also bad for your teeth. The constant exposure to the acids and sugar can lead to tooth decay.

Solution: Switch to crushed ice & drink your soda through a straw!!2. Using Your Teeth As “Tools”

Some people rely on their teeth for odd jobs like opening a tightly screwed bottle of nail polish, tearing open a bag of chips, straightening a bent fork, or ripping a price tag off a new article of clothing. These actions are actually quite hard on your teeth and can even cause a weakened tooth to fracture or chip.

Solution: Keep some simple tools like scissors and pliers handy and leave the dirty work to them!3. Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth wears them down and weakens them.

Solution: During the day, be more aware of what you’re doing with your teeth when you feel stressed or anxious. Notice if your jaw muscles are often sore. For those of you who grind at night, ask Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellabout custom mouth guards.4. Using A Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

It may be surprising, but a firm toothbrush is actually worse for your teeth than a soft-bristled one. A brush with bristles that are too firm can wear down tooth enamel more quickly and may irritate your gums and make your teeth sensitive.

Solution: Stick with soft-bristles and ask one of our team members about the best type of toothbrush for your particular mouth.5. Not Brushing Or Flossing Properly

Though you may brush and floss everyday, if you aren’t doing it correctly it could cause harm as well as good.

Solution: Make sure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes TWICE a day. Be gentle. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and consider purchasing an electric one. Ask one of our team members the most effective way to floss. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.If any of these bad habits apply to you, overcome them and develop a healthier oral routine! We promise you’ll see results and have more reasons to smile!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook!!

Take Extra Care Of Your Teeth This Month!

October 18, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 10:20 pm

HERE AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, WE LOVE OCTOBER. Why, you ask? Well, it’s no secret that October ushers in pumpkin-carving contests, frightful haunted houses, spiced apple cider, spooky costumes, and yummy treats.

But, did you know that October is alsoNational Dental Hygiene Month? It’s true! This month of sweets and treats is also a season for learning more about, and celebrating, your own oral health!

Here are four useful, easy tips from the American Dental Hygienists Association to help you keep your mouth clean!

1. BRUSH…

for 2 minutes, twice a day. Studies have shown that following this guideline is the most important step we can take to reduce plaque buildup, oral diseases, and other problems including cavities and gingivitis.

2. FLOSS…

daily. Floss is able to reach those places your toothbrush can’t! We know this is the hardest guideline to follow, but we promise it will pay off. Keep some floss in your purse, briefcase, or backpack so you always have it on hand. Your oral health will improve and you won’t be stuck helpless when that stubborn piece of black pepper gets stuck in between your front teeth!

3. RINSE…

with mouthwash. Brushing and flossing loosen up and remove bacteria from your mouth, but mouthwash kills that leftover bacteria that your toothbrush might not have caught. Fight gum disease!

4. CHEW…

some sugar-free gum after eating. It’s clinically proven to stimulate saliva and improve oral health!

So, have fun at those Halloween parties and enjoy (a little bit of) your trick-or-treat candy—but don’t forget about your dental hygiene!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about the best way to keep your teeth healthy and strong!

Happy October!

At Our Practice, Your Smile Is A Work Of Art

October 11, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 11:51 pm

Answer: The Principle of Divine Proportion

DID YOU KNOW THAT HIGHLY SKILLED COSMETIC DENTISTS LIKE DRS. BRADLEY AND DR. BOSWELLoften use Leonardo da Vinci’s “Principle of Divine Proportion” when designing new smiles? It’s true.

When it comes to smile design, many factors must be taken into account including the patient’s age, lifestyle, and physical characteristics. In addition, there are other truisms associated with your teeth themselves that Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell and the rest of Lake Oconee Dentistrymust consider—including the fact that our teeth tend to get shorter with age as they wear.

Much like a fine oil painter working on a canvas, our doctors take their artistic inspiration and experience and transforms them into awesome smiles. In some cases, procedural and design techniques include tooth lengthening or shortening. Veneers are also considered sometimes to widen your teeth or broaden a smile. Crowns can bring subtle, yet totally different dimensions to a patient’s facial proportions. Most people are surprised with the stunning difference even the smallest of adjustments can make. It’s a fusion of science and art.Just for kicks, take a few minutes, look into a mirror and ask yourself the following questions:> Can I draw a vertical line from my pupil to a corner of my mouth?> Does my face divide horizontally into thirds?> Does the lower third of my face divide into thirds again (from nose to chin)?> Does my face divide into fifths vertically (5 times the width of one eye)?

It’s exciting to see mother nature’s “divine” and intricate connections to artistic principles!

Cosmetic dental procedures are absolutely worth the investment in altering or restoring the ideal proportions for your own physical characteristics. There’s nothing more fulfilling for our team, than witnessing the often life-changing transformation that takes place for many of our patients through smile makeovers.Have you ever wondered how your life would change if you fixed your smile? How would your self-confidence be affected? What would that newfound confidence do to your relationships or career? If you’re curious, come in and visit with us.Chances are, after we’re finished, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Also, be sure to click on the logo below to like us on Facebook and keep up with everything going on in our practice that directly affects you and your family’s oral health. Thanks!

Improve Your Smile With Clear Aligners

October 4, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 9:23 pm

INTERESTED IN STRAIGHTENING YOUR TEETH WITHOUT having to commit to all the metal? Here at our practice we offer Invisalign, and it may be just the thing for you! With this state-of-the-art solution to crooked teeth, you can have the smile you’ve always dreamed of through a process that is practically invisible!The word “invisalign” may sound familiar, but what exactly IS it?

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that you switch out approximately every two weeks. These aligners are individually manufactured to fit your smile through Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell’s exact calculations so that your teeth will gradually shift into place. This creates a smile that truly fits your personality and facial features.

Invisalign can help with:

  • Crowded Teeth—when there’s simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally.
  • Widely Spaced Teeth—with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. If teeth are missing, this can also be caused by the other teeth shifting to fill extra space.
  • Crossbite—when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned.
  • Overbite—when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. This is typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth.
  • Underbite—when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth.

However, Invisalign isn’t necessarily the perfect solution for everyone. There are many factors that our experienced team must evaluate to determine what the best solution is for you including your bite, the position of your back teeth, whether or not your canine teeth and premolars need rotation, and whether or not your new smile will need vertical movement. So, come in and spend a few minutes in consultationwith us. We’d love to have that visit with you.

For many people, Invisalign IS a great tool for accomplishing a gorgeous smile.

If you have a friend, family member, or coworker who you think would be a good candidate for invisalign, send them our way! We appreciate your passing along the good news!

As always, THANKS for being our valued patients and friends.Click on the image below to LIKE our Facebook page:

Vote For Us!!

September 28, 2011

Filed under: Blog — @ 7:07 pm

Dealing With A Toothache?

September 27, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 7:07 pm

DO YOU HAVE A TOOTH THAT HURTS WHEN YOU CHEW OR WHEN YOU EAT SOMETHING TOO HOT OR TOO COLD? Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we understand that toothaches are no fun. Sometimes a simple toothache may be caused by a number of minor factors—including sensitivity. But if you’re unsure, or if the pain continues, it’s probably a good idea to visit with us. We have a great deal of experience treating toothaches. Come in and see Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell or a member of our team as soon as possible so the problem doesn’t get any worse.

Toothaches are often caused by dental cavities, a cracked tooth, an exposed root, or even gum disease. However, issues with the jaw-joint can also cause toothaches. Through a simple x-ray procedure,Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellcan help determine the cause so that the issue can be treated.

As temporary relief for a toothache before you are able to visit our office, rinse your tooth with warm water and make sure that nothing is lodged between teeth. Apply an ice pack and/or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling.

Don’t let a toothache bother you any longer—come see us! You have the decision-making power to take control of your lifelong oral health each day.

Feel free to learn more about our practice on our website or our Facebook Page. We look forward to connecting with you there!

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