In our survey, we asked dentists from across the nation what percentage of their patients who initially request tooth whitening go on to have additional cosmetic dental procedures. Two out of three dentists reported a conversion rate of less than 40%. That doesn’t mean that tooth whitening “leads to more cosmetic dentistry”, but it means that it does lead to greater dental awareness for these patients with sufficient means to ask the very question in the first place.

“Whitening opens the door to more cosmetic dentistry,” commented one general dentist. Another disagreed, saying, “There sure aren’t as many patients beating down my door for cosmetic treatments like LVI and other gurus would have you believe. The kids’ karate lessons, the cruise, and the new SUV are all way more important.” Here are some better, even if not bigger considerations: 1 – Utah Dentists reported that 40-60% of patients who came in for whitening procedures requested additional medical treatments. 2 – In places where the economy was slowing, dentists found that just 20% of clients made up more than 60% of cosmetic dental procedures. While we don’t support the division of classes as such, we can understand why those with sufficient means ensure their toothy grin looks perfect, even in times when they may not have means sufficient to afford such dental luxuries. If they find the value, perhaps you might do so as well. 3 - Patients need to know the facts about tooth whitening - Tooth whitening is only temporary, and it has limitations. This has to be stressed to the patient. Cosmetic dentistry should only be done in the patient’s best interest. I have seen it completed on some patients who never needed it. A true doctor sometimes has to look beyond a patient’s teeth. There has to be a point when you say to a patient, ‘You don’t need it.’ Look at Michael Jackson. More doctors should have said no to him. Unfortunately, some doctors think they can do no wrong.

Consider these factors before making your decision. It is possible that there is no benefit to your future professional prospects that my require a crystalline set of pearly whites, or that the customers, distributors and investors would find no benefit either way. Only you can make these decisions. Regardless of your post in life, or the likelihood of your insurance to repay such expenditures, if you aren’t willing to part with your pearly white chompers, and you live in or around Snohomish County, you should take the time to talk to Dental Care Design in Lynnwood for a no-hassle, no obligation consultation to find out what is still possible, what possibilities still exist, and determine what your insurance might pay for them either way.

Periodontal disease is the chronic infection of the gums and bones that hold your teeth in place. If left untreated, the gums and bones holding your teeth in place can be damaged, leading to the very real and almost certain possible likelihood of tooth loss. However, there is help and that help may come in the form of Arestinâ„¢, but you’ll need to talk with your doctor to find out if it can help you.

Periodontal disease is very common, and affects an estimated 50 million Americans at any given time. Recent studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and other health complications, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and others.

Periodontal disease is treated using an effective protocol of drugs like Arestin. Scaling and root planning (SRP) is a procedure used to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from infected areas around your teeth. Arestinâ„¢ is a highly specific antibiotic that is easily place in the gums around the teeth to treat periodontal disease and help promote healing after SRP.

Arestinâ„¢ is a small amount of powder that is administered quickly, easily and painlessly. Application is comfortable, and no bandages are required, and best of all, it won’t leak, fall out or even be noticed by the patient.

Bear in mind that Arestinâ„¢ is indicated as an assist to scaling and root planning for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis, so it may not be for everyone. The most common side effects include headache, infection, flu syndrome and general pain, though all of these are very uncommon. Arestinâ„¢ contains monocyline, though, so it should not be used in children or in pregnant or nursing women.

This technology didn’t exist even a few short years ago, and now it does, and it can improve your outcome by a small margin or all the way up to a factor of ten, depending on your medical history. Imagine having a procedure performed at little risk, but a single application can reduce your risks anywhere from 5% to 95%, depending upon your circumstance. This is what medical technology has been busy doing these past twenty years when the laymen weren’t paying attention, and I have to say, it’s pretty spectacular all around.

Braces can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, and in some lines of work, it can be impossible to take the years needed to wear the braces and still do your job. If your smile is who you are, and you just can’t bear the thought of having that “braces smile,” you can still have straight teeth thanks to the revolutionary innovations of Invisalign.

Invisalign is invisible, removable, comfortable and convenient. Using 3D computer technology, Invisalign translates your dentist’s instructions into a series of nearly undetectable aligners. You then wear each aligner for about two weeks, removing them only to eat and brush your teeth, and they will gradually move your teeth until you’ve achieved the desired results. Think of it like a space age retainer, but without the hassle, inconvenience and slurred speech so commonly associated with the use of a retainer. Whether you have crowding or spacing, this can be an effective method of straightening teeth in teens and adults. It averages only 12 months from start to finish but varies depending on the severity of the case. 

Best of all, if your insurance covers braces, it will typically cover Invisalign to the same extent. If you’ve always wanted that straight-teeth smile but can’t have the stigma of braces or a retainer, there is finally an alternative to match even the most demanding of lifestyle.

We’re often asked if people really don’t notice when they’re being worn, and our answer is always the same. Most staff members at Dental Care Design have used this treatment system, and nobody has ever noticed it. One of our staff members was asked how discreet it is while she was wearing it! If you’re interested in Invisalign and want to learn more about cost, coverage, duration of treatment and whether or not you’re a candidate, set an appointment today and we’ll waive the cost of the initial consultation. Nothing to lose and everything to gain sounds like a pretty good prognosis to me.