Sunday 30 July 2017

Dental Veneers

‘Smile Makeovers’ in as Few as Two Visits!

You don't need braces for straighter-looking teeth. We can make the gap between your front teeth vanish, as well as remove the odd variations in color your teeth may have acquired. In fact, in as few as two visits, your discolored, chipped, cracked, or worn teeth can be painlessly corrected to appear nearly perfect. With veneers, crooked teeth can look like they’ve had years of straightening. It’s like instant orthodontics! Extremely thin, hard porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth in a way that makes them appear uniform. We can create the smile that will get you noticed.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Difference Between DDS and DMD

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools?
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

To read the entire article visit
MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about: 

  • Looking for a dentist? 
  • Interested in a dental career?

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Friday 21 July 2017

Foods That Stain Your Teeth: Tea and Your Teeth

Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

Tuesday 18 July 2017

3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

Stay on a routine 
Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime -or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.” 

Say no to sugary drinks and snacks 
As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals or nearly any community event. “Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice and soda,” says Dr. Hayes. “Consider sugary drinks treats to enjoy once in a while, and not often.” Instead, offer water (even better if it has fluoride) to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. And, don’t let summertime grazing damage your child’s smile. “Taking a break from snacking is healthy for your teeth,” says Dr. Hayes. “It allows time for saliva to bathe the teeth, wash away leftover food and get stronger.”  

Make your back-to-school dental visit early 
Some schools require back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these checkups can be a good way to be sure your child’s teeth stayed healthy. It is a good idea to make your child’s back-to-school appointment early in the summer to avoid the August rush and help insure you get the appointment time that works best for you. ìWe can help spot and take care of any issues, so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,î Dr. Hayes says. “Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.” 

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

  • Stay on Routine
  • Say no to sugary drinks and snacks
  • Make your back-to-school dental visit early\

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Sunday 16 July 2017

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? 
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? 
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.  

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com

Friday 14 July 2017

Headache and Migraine Treatment

Headache and Migraine Suffers – We May Have Your Miracle Treatment!

NTI™ is an FDA-approved device designed to relax the muscles under your scalp, which helps prevent migraine and tension headaches. In clinical trials, 82% of migraine sufferers had relief from their headaches and overall experienced a 77% reduction in their migraine events. The extraordinary results experienced by patients using the NTI device have received national attention, including interview discussions on Good Morning America and write-ups in People Magazine. Best of all, the device is fast, easy to use, painless, and inexpensive. If you have a history of migraines or know someone who does, be sure to ask us about this exciting new treatment.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS
928 S. Garfield Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 935-4872
GTSmileCenter.com

Tuesday 11 July 2017

Dental Anxiety: 3 Ways to Stop Fearing the Dentist

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find. 
Whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental and your emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay - or just don’t go - to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process - from making an appointment to sailing through it - much easier on many levels. 
Use these strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety and strengthen your smile. 

1. Speak up 
Anyone with anxiety knows sharing your feelings makes a world of difference. If you're tense or anxious, do yourself a favor and get your concerns off your chest. Your dentist and dental team are better able to treat you if they know your needs. 

2. Distract yourself 
Taking your mind off the exam may seem impossible when you’re nervous, but there are some things that that can help distract your thoughts. 

3. Use mindfulness techniques 
Relaxation starts in the mind. Try deep breathing exercises to help relax tension in your muscles. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

  • Speak Up
  • Distract yourself
  • Use mindfulness techniques

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Friday 7 July 2017

Feel "Back to Normal" After Your Dental Treatment.

No More “Fat Lips” or Numbness After Treatment!

Who wants to remain numb for up to five hours after their dental treatment? If you so choose, we can reverse the sensation of having a "fat lip." After your treatment is complete, OraVerse™ can reverse the effects of the anesthetic. It takes approximately fifteen minutes and then your mouth feels back to normal. Your comfort is important to us – both before and after your treatment!

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS 
928 S. Garfield Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686 
(231) 935-4872
GTSmileCenter.com

Tuesday 4 July 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'My Child Has a Toothache. Should I Call the Dentist?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Has a Toothache. Should I Call the Dentist?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS  
928 S. Garfield Avenue 
Traverse City, MI 49686  
(231) 935-4872 
GTSmileCenter.com

Sunday 2 July 2017

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:
  • Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
  • Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
  • Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity
At Home:
  • Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
  • Brush correctly and do not over brush
  • Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
  • Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface
There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Grand Traverse Smile Center  
Ryan Paulson, DDS   
928 S. Garfield Avenue  
Traverse City, MI 49686   
(231) 935-4872  
GTSmileCenter.com