Is Invisalign For You?

Do you have teeth that need straightening or have a gap that may need closing? If you answered yes to these questions, then orthodontics may be in your future. If this is something that you have thought about and know that it would make you have the perfect smile, but the thought of having the metal braces is holding you back, we have the answer for you. Invisalign. What exactly is invisalign? It is a form of orthodontic treatment. Instead of wearing the traditional metal braces, you would wear something that is like a clear retainer. Every few weeks, based on your personalized treatment, you would come in and have your retainers or invisalign trays switched out for a new pair. At the end of your treatment you will have the smile you have always wanted without the monthes of having metal braces. This procedure is very appealing to adults. Make an appointment with your dentist to see if you would be a good candidate for invisalign.

Laser Treatment for Your Gums

In the past, gum surgery has been used to treat periodontal disease. Now, there are is a new technique offered to help fight against the disease. Just like lasik surgery is now being performed on eyes, laser treatment is being performed on the gums. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums and bone around the teeth that can lead to the loss of teeth. The laser procedure can reverse the process of periodontal disease. The procedure is alot less painful than the traditional gum surgery. Instead of cutting into the gum to get to the infection, the thin laser gets between the tooth and the gum and cleans away the infection. There are no stiches and a shorter recovery time associated with the laser treatment. This treatment is not practiced at all dental offices because it is a new procedure. Suwanee Dental Care, being up to date with the latest procedures for their patients, does use the laser treatment technique to treat periodontal disease. We would love to help get your gums healthy again.

The Truth About Root Canals

Root canal. Just hearing those two words make most people have an awful feeling. People tend to for some reason associate bad things with root canals even if they have never experienced having one themselves. Understanding the need and process of a root canal can help relieve some of the anxiety that go along with hearing the words. The number one thing that most people are afraid of is that the procedure will hurt. The truth is that the most pain you will feel is getting the anesthetic in the beginning of the procedure. You shouldn't feel anything else because the anesthetic will make you numb in the area. Most root canal procedures can be completed in one to two visits. After having a root canal, it is very important to schedule to have your tooth permanently restored. Having the crown will help protect your tooth from fracturing in the future. I hope knowing a little about the process will make you feel more at ease if you are ever told that you need a root canal.

Halitosis

Are you afraid of your breath? Bad breath or Halitosis is caused by bacteria. This bacteria can be contributing to tooth decay or periodontal disease. The gaseous bacteria can accumulate under poor fitting dentures or partials, in between your natural teeth or on your tongue. Talk to your dentist or hygienist. They can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing and suggest oral rinses or sprays that can eliminate "VSC" or Volatile Sulfur Compounds.
Certain health conditions and medications can contribute to dry mouth which can also cause halitosis. Stay hydrated by drinking water which will also help wash away any bacteria.

Dental Implants Save Face

Reproducing the natural look, normal feel and function of your lost teeth may seem difficult to achieve. At Suwanee Dental Care, many people have come to us because they sensed from their own dentists that this was the case. What they were pleased to find out was that there are good alternatives for almost every type of situation that can be successful.

Photo: Dr. Bill Williams visits with Dr. Matt Milner, one of the Kenya Mission Alumni and also a resident of the LSU Implant Prosthodontic Program in New Orleans at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry annual session in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth that have been lost due to dental caries or to periodontal disease. In many cases, the bone can be regenerated and an implant placed in its ideal location to maintain the health and beauty of the mouth. The problem with missing teeth is that it can be detrimental to your body’s overall general health as well as to the structures inside your mouth. It’s a well known fact that tooth loss leads to being a dental cripple with one tenth the biting power and ten times the facial wrinkles compared to people who have their own teeth….or dental implants.

Just as atrophy occurs with muscle disuse, so atrophy occurs in the jaw bones as teeth are lost. Excessive atrophy leads to excessive aging and weakness of the jaw and facial muscles. One of our goals at Suwanee Dental Care is to educate the patients we have to not lose teeth, to not allow missing teeth to remain in that detrimental state for long and to replace those that are missing with the best available option, bone-saving and bone-stimulating dental implants (as opposed to dental bridges, partial or full dentures). While those options are better than nothing (toothlessness), they pale in comparison to dental implants for longevity, function, and, most of all, the ability to preserve bone. For those who are missing teeth, dental implants are the absolute superior way to replace them. There is no bridge that is as good as a good dental implant for restoring a single tooth. The successful dental implant, over a lifetime, will be much less expensive to place and maintain than the average dental bridge or partial denture, too. Many people will look at the initially higher cost of a dental implant, abutment and crown on that implant and consider it too expensive compared to a dental bridge or partial denture. This is actually shortsighted because the complications and remakes of traditional bridges and partials are much higher over time. And, when bridges and partial dentures have to be remade every ten years or so, and when the implant is still functional after the same time span, the cost of the implant begins to look like a total bargain.

Dental implants have been around for over 50 years as a common part of the dental list of options for patients. While not too many dentists placed them in the early days and many implant systems have been come and gone, what is now used in dental implants by the highly trained dentists such as those at Suwanee Dental Care, are extremely reliable and have a highly favorable track record. Because of this fact, dental implants as an option for our patients, have risen from the bottom of the list in 1975 to the top of the list of options in 2011. We place them confidently and often and can say that they are well tolerated and enjoyed by hundreds of our patients. In fact you have probably met several of our team who have dental implants in their own mouths…Angie our treatment coordinator and myself! I had a dental implant placed to replace a missing permanent tooth in 1986 and it’s as good today as it was back then…perfect in form, function and comfort to this very day.

Yes: A Two Minute Exam Can Save Your Life

A Velscope cancer screen can save your life! It takes 1-2 minutes and is completely non-invasive. April is Oral Cancer awareness month and Suwanee Dental Care is offering the exam for $22. Come see us and save your life!

Dental Lasers

Dental Lasers are Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser technology has been used in many medical procedures for years. An increasing number of dental offices are using dental lasers as technology increases and improves. We have used dental lasers at Suwanee Dental Care for years. The doctors here are firm believers in advanced technology to provide our patients with the best and most comfortable dental care. We have lasers for hard tissue decay removal and crown procedures, soft tissue pocket sterilization, bleaching and laser cavity detection. Let us enlighten you with the most advanced and comfortable dental treatment.

Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea

We all know someone that snores. If they keep us up at night, we often give them a hard time about it. Snoring is something that they can't help and really don't know that they are doing it. Snoring can be a sign of a serious health issue called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing during sleep. Each time the stops breathing during sleep, apnea, the amount of oxygen intake is decreased. This causes the brain to send a signal to the rouse the body in an effort to start breathing again. This causes a low quality of sleep which causes daytime fatigue and irritability. If left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Often people aren't aware that their dentist may be able to help with this problem. Yes, Your dentist! Your dentist may be able to provide treatment for sleep apnea through the use of oral appliances. If this sounds like it may benefit you or someone that you know, call your dentist office today and set up an appointment. Begin to enjoy a good night's sleep again.

April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer is a word that many people just do not want to hear. It is a terrible disease that affects so many different people. Young or old it doesn't matter. Cancer is real and almost everyone's life has been touched by this disease in some way or another. Early detection of this disease could be a life saver. We have mammograms, pap smears, and prostate screenings to detect certain kinds of cancer. Another type of cancer that we have a screening for now is for oral cancer. A majority of oral cancer cases aren't discovered until the later stages because most cancer lesions can't be seen during traditional screenings. A screening here at Suwanee Dental Care with our Velscope will help to detect any cancer lesions that are present. This screening will allow us to detect any lesions that may be in the early stages and favoring a higher survival rate.

The month of April is National Oral Cancer Awareness month. Suwanee Dental Care is offering our oral cancer screening with the Velscope at half price. We think this is a very important screening to have. We would love for any one, patient or not, to call and schedule an appointment for this screen. Please make all of your friends aware of this and just how important a simple screening could be.

Broken Braces or Wire

For someone in active traditional orthodontics, a broken appliance or poking wire can become a dental emergency.

If the broken piece can be easily removed, go ahead and take it out, to avoid the potential swallowing or choking. A sharp or protruding wire can be covered with orthodontic wax, chewing gum or gauze.

A wire that is stuck in soft tissue; like the cheek, gums or tongue, requires immediate dental treatment. Do not try to remove.

Broken wires or appliances not bothering someone usually can wait until the next orthodontic exam. When in doubt, call the office.

Barbara King, one of the lucky 2011 Deserving Diva Winners

Meet 2011 Deserving Diva Winner Nancy Reaves

Meet our 3rd Deserving Diva, Shefjie Lika.

Liquid Smile

Liquid Smile Professional Whitening Pen

Liquid Smile - 12% Hydrogen Peroxide Tooth Whitening Pen, 30 Applications

Liquid Smile Professional Whitening Pen is a new way to "paint" on tooth whitener and whiten your smile in one hour.
1 Hour whitening can achieve up to a 10 shade improvement.
Liquid Smile Whitening Pen has all the benefits of whitening and is very convenient.
It is simple to use. It takes 30 seconds to apply.

No messy, uncomfortable trays or strips. Liquid Smile is more effective than any strips (Strips are hard to position correctly, do not cover crooked, uneven or large teeth properly, must be used for up to 4 weeks and can result in uneven whitening).
No gagging, spitting and bulky trays that prevent you from talking.

Directions are for NIGHT use. Brush and floss your teeth. Dry your teeth with a tissue or soft cloth. Using a mirror, paint a thin layer on the front tooth surfaces you want covered. Wait 30 seconds, relax your lips and go to sleep!
Whitening at night is best because the saliva flow is decreased and the gel will stay on your teeth better, working at full concentration bubbling away stain fast.

Do you have Sensitive Teeth?

When the dentin layer below the enamel of your tooth is exposed, you can experience sensitivity. What causes your enamel to breakdown? Common things we do like whitening our teeth, consuming sodas and sports drinks, and grinding our teeth.

If you have sensitivity, we can help you at Suwanee Dental Care. Our hygienists use polish called NuPro that can aid in the transmission of pain to the nerve of your teeth. We also have a variety of prescription toothpastes with fluoride you can purchase to help. Call our office at 770-614-7300 and let us know you would like help with your sensitive teeth!

Heart Health

February is a month of Valentines and hearts. Is is also Heart Health month.
Know your numbers: blood pressure and cholesterol.
Know CPR: the American Red Cross has changed it's recommendations; heart compressions can save someone's life. You don't have to do mouth to mouth. Get certified!
Know the symptoms: Women have different symptoms then men. Pain in the jaw, arms, indigestion and chest pain can all mean a heart attack. Call 911, don't hesitate!

Does Having Your Wisdom Teeth Make You Wiser?

The old saying that we have all heard is that if you have your wisdom teeth, you are a wise person. Let's talk about if this is true or maybe just a funny little saying. Your wisdom teeth are considered to be your third molars. Some are born without them. Most dentists reccommend that if you have your third molars, you should have them evaluated to see if they are doing more harm than good. The extraction of your third molars maybe discussed to protect the overall health of your mouth. Extraction is usually reccommended when the wisdom teeth are only partially erupt. Wisdom teeth that are partially erupt leave an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Wisdom teeth that ar impacted are generally reccommended for extraction also. Impacted wisdom teeth can continue to grow without enough room causing movement of the adjacent teeth. Extractions can be performed by your general dentist or if you are in need of a dentist, we here at Suwanee Dental Care would love to welcome you as a patient. Our dentists will evaluate and help you decide if this is a route you should take.

Make Dental Health Fun for Kids

Is it a chore to get your kid's to brush their teeth? Every morning and night should not begin with, "Oh, mom. Do I have to?" February is children's dental health month. It is the perfect time to talk about how important their dental health is and try to make it fun at the same time. One idea is to do a toothbrush painting. Have your child use their old toothbrush to paint a fun picture and then take a trip to buy a new one. Let your child pick out what color they would like to make them feel special and a toothpaste that will hopefully get them excited about brushing. This will allow you the perfect opportunity to talk about how important brushing your teeth can be and the effects of not brushing your teeth. Communication can open all kinds of doors with your child. Help get them excited!

Children's Dental Health Month

February is Children's Dental Health Month.
The concept of the Registered Dental Hygienist was to create a "School Dental Nurse" to prevent childhood dental problems. The Dental Hygienist, employed in the schools, would do a dental exam and cleaning, provide a fluoride treatment and teach basic home dental care.
Alfred Fones was the Dentist that created this unique profession. Some states in the Northeast still employ Hygienists in the school system.
Show your children how much you love them by taking them to see a Registered Dental Hygienist.

2011 Divas

One of our 2011 Divas, Barbara King, will be featured on Saturday, February 12, at 11:30 on "Atlanta's Home And Style". It will be the second feature.
"Atlanta's Home And Style" is on the WATC network, which is channel 2 on Comcast, channel 57 on satellite and 13 on Charter.
Watch and see why we choose Barbara as our Diva.

Miss North Gwinnett Middle School Pageant

Suwanee Dental Care takes great pride in being a part of the Suwanee Community.

Come see some of the prettiest smiles in all of Gwinnett County at the Miss North Gwinnett Middle School Pageant, Saturday Evening, February 19th at 6 PM. The Pageant will be held at North Gwinnett High School. Proceeds from the event go to Relay for Life-Crown With A Cause.

Meet Our Deserving Diva's 2011

Meet Nancy Reaves! She is one of our 3 Deserving Divas! Yes, that's right, we are going to have 3 ladies this year! We got to tell Nancy yesterday that she will be the recipient of a smile makeover this year! Nancy won the caregiver of the year award as she is the full time caregiver for her mother who is in the 4th stage of alzeimers. Nancy, like Dr. Williams and his wife, takes regular mission trips overseas to give back internationally. She is the wife of a minister and they currently pastor a church in Cumming. What a wonderful lady!

Our 2nd Deserving Diva this year is Barbara King! Barbara has an incredible story and we are honored to have the opportunity to give her the smile she has always wanted. She has been an incredible pillar in the community and has been a great source of strength for her family. With a wonderful daughter who is cystic fibrosis, they spend more days in the hospital then at home. You would never know it when you meet Barbara, she is a bright star.

Last but certainly not least we have Shefije Lika.. a single mother of five incredible kids. Shefije had so many people nominate her, they told us she is so deserving of this and after meeting her, we think so too. She has given back to her community whether it's by working with Autistic kids, tutoring the underprivileged she is committed to teaching kids life skills.

We are proud to announce to you the three ladies we will be giving a smile makeover this year. We can't wait to share their stories, bios, videos, blogs and more! Stay tuned for updates on your Deserving Diva's of 2011! Check our "Deserving Diva" facebook page!

Cranberries

Cranberries may inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth, helping to prevent gum disease and cavities. One cup is only 51 calories and is loaded with vitamin C which is also great for the gum tissue in your mouth! Go ahead and eat cranberries, avoid the juice which is full of sugar.

Dr. Williams on GPB Radio

Georgia Public Broadcasting's radio station out of Demorest, Ga. hosted by Candice Felice--WPPR 88.3--is featuring Dr. Williams on Friday, Jan. 28th. He'll discuss Suwanee Dental Care, Kenya Medical Outreach and our 2011 Divas!

Listen in on 88.3 FM on Friday, Jan. 28th at 1:30 PM.

The Right Toothbrush For Your

Do we always put alot of thought into choosing what kind of toothbrush we use. Well, as a general rule, I would have to say no. Most people are mainly interested in the color of toothbrush they purchase. Many family's have a system where every member has a color that has somehow been assigned to them. This way no one uses the wrong toothbrush. This is great, but when picking out our toothbrush, we need to start thinking about what we are getting it for. The job of a toothbrush is to reach and clean most areas of the teeth. The bristles of a toothbrush are very important when deciding on which one is the best for you. Soft bristled toothbrushes should be chosen as opposed to hard bristles which tend to cause gingival recession. Soft bristles are just more flexible and clean beneath the gingival margin without causing damage to your gums. We should also notice the size of the head of the toothbrush. The head should be small enough to get to the hard to reach areas of the teeth. We should replace our toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles start to wear. You should also change your toothbrush after a cold, flu, sore throat, or mouth infection. Maybe this information will help you and the health of your mouth the next time you purchase a toothbrush.

Invisalign Express

Invisalign is clear dental braces. Invisalign Express is Invisalign for not so severe orthodontics. Traditional Invisalign may use up to 20 aligners on the upper and lower jaws. Invisalign Express uses 10 and under aligners. Invisalign Express is about half the fee of traditional Invisalign. Invisalign Express is wonderful for previous orthodontic cases that have relapsed.
If you are interested in moving your teeth without the metal look come see us for a consultation on options. We have just the right look for you!

Can Stress Affect Your Dental Health?

Are you battling stress in your life? These days it is more like who doesn't have some sort of stress in their life. It seems that there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all that we "think" we need to get done. A recent stress in America Survey found that nearly 40 percent of adults experience wakefulness at night because of stress. Stress can have many different side affects on our bodies. It can also have an impact on our dental health. One common side affect of stress is teeth grinding. Some people grind their teeth at night during their sleep and not even realize they are. This can cause headaches, sore jaws, or pain when biting. Making small changes in your lifestyle can reduce stress levels. Eating healthier would be a great place to start. Until your stress becomes more managable, there is an appliance that can help with your teeth grinding. A mouth guard. It will act as a cushion for teeth when you are grinding. This will take the pressure off of your teeth which is causing your discomfort. The dentists here at Suwanee Dental Care can evaluate and determine if teeth grinding maybe the cause of your pain and discomfort. Come in today and get on your way to feeling better.

Why Choose Us

Are you tired of being part of a herd? Managed care and list dentists work on volume. You are one of many. If you want optimal dental treatment with attention to care, where you are a person not a number, come visit us.
Check out our mission statement at the enclosed link.

New Year's Resolutions

It is the start of a new year. Many look at this time of year as a fresh start or a new beginning. A lot of people make "new year's resolutions" for things they would like to accomplish during the upcoming year. Many start a new diet, others exercise more, and some spend more time with family. There are so many things that we could do for ourselves in the new year. Have you thought about the oral health of you and your family this year. This is a great time of year to find a dentist. Simple dental health routines like visiting the dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings can help people minimize their risk for things such as periodontal disease. Some things that can be done at home are brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. This will be a resolution that will benefit you for years to come.

Children's Dental Exibit

Looking for something educational and fun to do with the kids? Check out the Toothasaurus Dental Exhibit in Wilmington, NC.
Dental Hygiene topics are presented in fun and innovative ways. There are hands on exhibits and games.
Children's Dental Hygiene can be fun!

Hate to floss

We have a simple dental philosophy: Only floss the teeth you want to keep.

For those that hate to floss and are just not going to; we have other methods. There are disposable flossers and flossing handles that will let you floss without having to wrap the floss around your fingers. Toothpicks and soft piks can also clean between your teeth when used appropriately. An electric, rotary, toothbrush called Rotadent has been proven to be an electric flosser. Independent research shows that it can get below the gum line and in between the teeth up to 3 mm when angled correctly. This is the same thing that proper flossing does.

The goal of flossing is to remove loosely attached plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. This helps to prevent decay and gum disease.

If you are just not going to floss, let's find something you will do.

We want you to keep all your teeth for a lifetime!

Anti-Aging

Did you know that by updating and improving your smile you can look 10 years younger?
It can be something as simple as bleaching and smoothing some rough edges to orthodontics or veneers.
Having a heathy, beautiful smile can be a non-surgical facelift. Come in for a smile analysis and we can show you your options!

Make your Christmas Bright

The Christmas season is here and the parties begin! It is a very fun and festive time. Getting together with loved ones and friends that we may not see other times of the year. We love to laugh and smile. If you may feel self concious about your smile because your teeth may not be as white as you would like them to be, we here at Suwanee Dental Care can help you with that. We offer several different types of teeth whitening. If you are looking for a quick change in the color of your smile, we have in-office whitening. You would come into the office and have three sessions of whitening or bleaching and leave with a brighter smile than you came in with. If you do not have time to come into the office, we also offer home whitening kits. The end results can be the same. It just takes a little longer to ger there. You would receive bleaching trays and the bleach to reach your goal. Another option is an at home bleaching pen that you would brush on your teeth at night. There are several options available to help you get the smile you want. Call us here at Suwanee Dental Care and we can help you decide which would be the best option for you. Your friends and family will notice a difference in your smile.

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer

If you are like me, you have that certain someone who has everything that they could ever want or need. It makes Christmas shopping a difficult task, because you want to get them something that they could really use. Coming up with an idea can be a challenge. We here at Suwanee Dental Care have the answer for you. Our gift cards are now 10% off. It is a great gift for someone who needs to have some dental work done or maybe just wants to pamper themselves with some cosmetic dentistry. The discount is great for you also. There is no expiration date on the gift cards. So, you don't have to worry about them not being able to use them after a certain period of time. We would love to help make someone's Christmas one that could make them smile all year round.

Toys for Tots

Suwanee Dental Care is proud to be a Toys for Tots donation center again this year. Without this wonderful program, many children would go without presents this holiday season. Spread the spirit of this Christmas season and make a child's wish come true by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to Suwanee Dental Care between December 1st - 20th.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Don't Let Your 2010 Benefits Slip Away!

The holidays are here and New Year is quickly approaching--that means your insurance benefits will soon renew! If you have benefits remaining, now's the time to take advantage of them.

Remember, regular visits to the dentist are key for not only maintaining your oral health but also your overall health. And delaying treatment often results in more serious problems and greater expense.

Don't let your remaining benefits for 2010 slip away! Call us today at 770-614-7300 to schedule your next appointment.

Special Toothpaste

Toothpaste is big business. There is a toothpaste for whitening and brightening, tartar and stain, sensitivity, children, and now, enamel-saving.
What do we really need?
The most important ingredient in commercial over the counter toothpaste is fluoride.
Some people are sensitive to extra added ingredients. The simpler the toothpaste the less chance of irritation.
If your dentist determines you need enamel saving, a prescription toothpaste with calcium and phosphate alone or calcium phosphate and extra fluoride will be dispensed.
Ask your dental professional what you really need.

Brushing with Braces

Our practice offers traditional and Invisalign Orthodontics. We also provide oral health maintenance while in braces with professional in office cleanings and tools and techniques for home use.
We want to keep you healthy while we move your teeth into it's perfect smile.
Watch the link so see proper brushing with a Sonicare Toothbrush.

Childhood Cavities are Chronic Disease

Did you realize that tooth decay is the most common childhood chronic disease in the USA? Cavities affect one in four between ages 2 and 5 and half of kids ages 12 to 15.
Prevention is the best line of defense.
Brush at least two times a day with a fluoridated toothpaste when your child can spit. Children under 4 to 5 years may tend to swallow toothpaste so they should use a non fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss one time a day. Disposable flossers in different animal shapes and bright primary colors can make this easy.
Children should visit the dentist twice yearly for preventative cleanings and fluoride treatments starting at the age of three.
Seal the permanent teeth as soon as they erupt.
These simple stratagies can make your child a lifetime member of the "No Cavity Club".

CBS Atlanta Features Deserving Diva

On November 9th CBS Atlanta featured Deserving Diva Heather Trompke and Dr. Williams on their morning news show. Click on the image above to view the clip!

The Puck Stops Here!

Suwanee Dental Care is proud to be the team dentist for the Gwinnett Gladiators. Call us at 770-614-7300 and mention the Gladiators for a free at home whitening system with any New Patient Exam!

Best of Gwinnett 2010!

Thanks to all of our patients, we have done it again. Suwanee Dental Care has been voted Best of Gwinnett for the 8th year in a row! We truely appreciate the support of our patients and are very thankful for you. We are honored to receive this award and want to continue to give you the service you deserve in the future. Thank-you Gwinnett!

Deserving Diva

Do you know a Deserving Diva?
We are still accepting nominations for our 2011 Deservng Diva Contest. We are looking for someone with dental needs, that is a giver in their community, for a complete, free, dental makeover. Please send your nominees' story to andrea@suwaneedental.com in 250 words or less!
Contest deadline is November 30th.
Scroll down to check out our 2010 winners before and after pictures.

2010 Brighter Smiles for Brighter Futures

Brighten your smile and help in the fight against breast cancer! The Gwinnett Medical Center has kicked off their annual breast cancer fundraiser and Suwanee Dental Care is proud to be a part of this wonderful program again this year. We are offering a complimentary take home teeth bleaching program in exchange for a $250 donation to The Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation.

Call 770-614-7300 and make your appointment today! The 2010 Brighter Smiles for Brighter Futures campaign runs through January 31, 2011.

For more information about Brighter Smiles, visit http://www.brightersmiles.org/.

It’s the Season of Giving

Suwanee Dental Care is currently accepting donations of non-perishable food items. These items will be distributed to the food pantry of Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church for families in need.

Donations will be collected September 28th—November 10th. Thank you in advance for your generosity! It’s always wonderful to see our community coming together to help the less fortunate. We truly appreciate anything you can give.

Gum Disease

Has it been a while since you have visited your dentist? The information I am about to describe to you may get you in to see him pretty quick. In recent studies, it has been discovered that gum disease in the United States may be a great deal higher than previously estimated. Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) shows that the occurance of gum disease may have been underestimated by about 50 per cent.
You may be wandering, why should I be alarmed by this news and exactly what is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is chronic inflammation that affects the gums and other structures that support the teeth. It can lead to the loss of teeth if left untreated. Periodontal disease can also be associated with other diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The best way to determine if you may have periodontal disease is to have a soft tissue examination performed by your dentist. Here at Suwanee Dental Care we are thorough in our examinations. If the dentist finds that you have periodontal disease as a result of your examination, there is hope. There is treatment that can be done to help fight against gum disease. Some signs that you can look for on your own are bleeding gums when flossing or bad breath. If you feel that you may have periodontal disease, please don't wait any longer. Your life could be depending on it.

Skipping Mouth to Mouth Saves Lives

CPR chest compressions only, save more lives then traditional mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions, a new study published in Journal of the American Medical Association shows.
Traditional CPR with mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions is still the prefered method for small children, near drowning and drug overdose victims, instances where lack of breathing caused collapse.
Contact your local American Heart Assocition or American Red Cross and learn how you can save a life!

The Big Seminar: Internet Business Course

Learn to Build your Business like we do. Armand Morin's The Big Seminar in Las Vegas is November 5-7, 2010. I will attend and have a special offer for you to attend with me for half price if you wish. Let me know today.

Bill Williams, DMD

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

Are you embarrassed by your smile or avoid smiling all together because of a missing tooth in your mouth or a denture that slips? You may not be as social as you would like to be. There is a solution to your problem that will give you your smile back. Dental implants may be the answer you have been looking for. Dental implants may make it possible for you to eat and smile again with confidence.
The spaces you have in your mouth may be from teeth that were lost, removed, or simply never grew in. There are other options besides dental implants to fill the space like bridges. These aren't always the best solution though. In order for a bridge to fit, the structure of the surrounding teeth have to be sacrificed. Dental implants use another method. The surrounding teeth aren't touched. Dental implants anchor prosthetic, or artificial, teeth into your jawbone to provide a secure fit. Whether you are missing one or several teeth, dental implants are a great option.
If dental implants sound like something you would be interested in, give us a call here at Suwanee Dental Care. Dr. Williams or Dr. Golik can discuss a treatment plan with you that will best suit your needs after an evaluation is done. We want to help you feel good about your smile again.

Halloween Candy

No, I am not one of those houses that gives out toothbrushes. Candy is not the cause of cavities. Diet is.
Every time you put something into your mouth, the PH becomes lower, more acidic, to help break down food. This is part of the digestive process along with chewing. It is a combination of how frequently we eat and drink along with what we eat and drink.
The worst culprit, soda. Even sugar free or diet soda. Soda has phosphoric acid to create bubbles. Lighter or citrus flavor sodas also have citric acid. We use citric acid in dentistry to roughen tooth surfaces to bond filling material.
Sports drinks are also very acidic and cause problems when sipped on over a long period of time. Water is the best to rehydrate.
Cookies, chips and pretzels are long chains of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are sugar. When cookies, chips and pretzels get wet with saliva they get sticky and stay in the grooves of the teeth.
Chocolate, within moderation, is actually a better snack. The fat in chocolate make the tooth slick so it does not stick to it.
We hand out chocolate for trick or treats!

Our 2010 Deserving Diva's Before & Afters

Gwendolyn Richardson

Heather Trompke

Patti Shiver

Debra Montgomery

Chewing Gum Prevents Cavities

Those four out of five dentists are correct. Chewing gum helps saliva to flow and wash away bacteria that cause decay. Sugar free gum with xylitol also helps reduce bacteria count.
So go ahead and chew sugar free gum!

New Patient Experience

Here at Suwanee Dental Care, we try to make your dental experience one like no other. We begin a new patient appointment by giving a tour of the office. It is very nice and comforting to see where you are going to be taken care of. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about the facility if you have any. After the tour, the doctor and the dental assistant talk with the patient to get to know about each other. The main concerns of the patient are also addressed at this time. This time spent with the patient seems to give them a since of comfort instead of just going straight to the dental chair and beginning the exam. We want to make our patients feel as comfortable as they can be. After meeting with the doctor, then we begin a very thorough evaluation of the patients teeth and oral health. The next appointment our patients typically have is with our treatment coordinator. This is when the patient will go over the treatment proposal that the doctor has put together for him/her. The patient is given the opportunity to decide what to do on the treatment plan and when it is best for their schedule. We would love to make Suwanee Dental Care your new dental home.

Dr. Williams is a Dentist to Know!!

Dr. Williams was recently featured in Gwinnett Magazine. In the article, Dr. Williams weighs in on how advancements in technology have shaped patient care and the important link between dentistry and traditional medicine. He also discusses how he decided dentistry was for him. Read the article here.

Nominate a DIVA!

Does Someone You Know Deserve A Smile Makeover? In 250 words or less tell us all about the DIVA you know and love! Women we are looking for will have strong character, community involvement and severe dental needs.

Suwanee Dental Care will choose one woman from nominations received to have a complete smile makeover done by our amazing dental team!

Self nominations are not accepted. Nomination deadline is October 31, 2010. Submit your nomination at http://www.suwaneedental.com/ or you may email andrea@suwaneedental.com.

Thank you in advance for sharing your stories with us! Suwanee Dental Care looks forward to finding our next DESERVING DIVA!

2010 DIVA stories and transformations coming soon to www.suwaneedental.com.

Sealants

Sealants have gotten some bad press lately with a link to BPA. BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical in some plastics. Human and animal studies have linked BPA to an estrogen like chemical that can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease in adults.
Minute BPA levels rise in the saliva in the first three hours after sealent placement and then quickly drop off. The benefits of sealants outweigh the potential risk of BPA exposure.
Sealants are a thin plastic covering placed on the grooves of the posterior chewing teeth or molars. Sealants prevent decay on the chewing surfaces by covering the skinny, narrow, cracks and crevices referred to in dentistry as "pits and fissures". This lessens the hiding places for the bacteria that cause cavities or "caries" and makes the back teeth more cleansible.
Dental materials cause far less BPA exposure then normal, daily, used consumer products such as plastic bottles and the linings of metal cans.

Does Your Athlete Need a Mouth Guard?

School has started and so has the fall sports season. Playing team sports are a wonderful experience for children. There are many physical and emotional health benefits.
There can also be safety and protection issues. Any sport can increase head and mouth trauma. Injury can not be completely eliminated but damage can be lessened.
Mouth guards can decrease the potential for harm by up to 60%.
Besides preventing permanent loss or disfigurement of the most visible, front teeth, mouth guards can prevent concussion.
The younger your child starts wearing a mouth guard, the more likely they are to continue through their sporting career. Custom fitting mouth guards allow your child to speak and breathe more comfortably, performing with the greatest confidence.

Announcing Our New Doctor!

We are very excited to announce the addition of our newest doctor!!! Dr. Golik has completed a comprehensive general practice residency specializing in IV sedation, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. He also has advanced training in the dental treatment of special needs children. We are proud to say Dr. Golik is now a part of our Suwanee Dental Care family. Dr. Golik is a warm and enthusiastic addition to our practice. Call our office at 770-614-7300 to make an appointment with Dr. Golik today!

Headaches Keeping You Down?

Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines and nothing seems to help them go away? If numerous trips to the doctor and different kinds of medication are not helping your headaches, we may have the answer for you. Here at Suwanee Dental Care, we treat people who have Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ). You may not have ever thought about TMJ problems being the cause of your headaches, but Dr. Williams understands the relationship between your body and your teeth. He is a member of the American of the American Equilibration Society and the American Academy of Head and Neck Pain and TMJ Orthopedics. These are international organizations of dentists and physicians dedicated to the study, prevention and treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, latest developments in TMJ research and treatment. Dr. Williams is also a Fellow (F.I.C.C.M.O) and a Master (M.I.C.C.M.O.) of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics, the premier body of TMJ practioners in the world. The members of these groups exchange information about the latest developments in TMJ research and treatment regularly. If you would like to see if this is the cause of your headaches, come let us help you here at Suwanee Dental Care.

Oral Cancer Screening Saves Lives

News was released yesterday that Michael Douglas, the actor from Wall Street, has throat cancer and will undergo 8 weeks of chemo and radiation treatment.
At Suwanee Dental Care we have early diagnostic equipment, Velscope, that can screen for oral cancer. It is a painless procedure that takes a couple of minutes to do as part of your oral health exam.
When oral cancer is discovered early there is a much higher success rate. We know you will appreciate Velscope's early screening and peace-of-mind.

Do you have bad breath?

Is bad breath a constant worry for you? Well, don't feel like you are the only one that has this problem. In fact, it is estimated that 25 million Americans suffer from this. Many people are unaware of their breath until someone has the courage to tell them. Once they know of the problem, it is something that is usually on their mind constantly. They will do anything to help avoid the embarrassment that bad breath causes. Millions of dollars a year are spent on mouth washes, mints, or flavoring agents. Chronic bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is definitely a serious social problem.

There are many different causes of bad breath. Disorders of the oral cavity cause up to 85% to 90% of halitosis cases. The more common causes are dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, dental decay, gingivitis, or gum disease. Bad breath can also be a sign of a more serious disease. Diabetes is one of the best examples of this.

The first step in fighting halitosis is diagnosing the problem. Our Doctors here at Suwanee Dental Care can do this for you and help you through the process of having fresh breath again. Call today and put an end to your bad breath problems.

Receive Great Discounts!

Being rewarded for a job well done is always nice. Luckily, that is exactly the philosophy here at Suwanee Dental Care for employees as well as patients!

One way our patients are rewarded is through what we call our Loyal Patient Rewards Program. Each new patient receives a username and login for the program and can begin to accrue points immediately for simply coming into their appointments on time, referring new patients, having a healthy check-up and much more.

As patients receive Loyal Patient Reward points, they can easily login to their account at www.loyalpatientrewards.com and use points to purchase tons of great items. Patients and employees alike can purchase jewelry, hotel rooms, fashion, gift cards, movie tickets and more all with a discount using Loyal Patient Reward points. It is limitless to what can be found with Loyal Patient Reward points!

Recently, our staff took a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Everything was taken care of for the trip and staff just needed to find a hotel room in Tampa, Fla. Within minutes, staff had hotel rooms at a great place for a fraction of the price! I thought to myself, where do I sign up for my points! To my surprise, I learned everyone—patients and employees—automatically receive 250 points just for creating an account!

If you have any questions on your Loyal Patient Reward points, please give us a call at 770-614-7300.

Whiten Your Teeth with a Pen?

Yes! Suwanee Dental Care always keeps up with the latest technology and products to be able to provide our patients with the best care. One of our latest additions to our whitening treatments is a new take home product called LiquidSmile.

This new professional whitening pen is affordable and takes a minute to apply! It easily fits into your everyday oral care routine before bedtime. All you need to do is apply a thin layer of LiquidSmile on your teeth after you brush and floss—no strips or trays necessary!

We have four great flavors available: cola, lemon lime, root beer and mint. Give us a call today at 770-614-7300 to find out more and order. You can also come by the office to purchase.

Be on the cutting edge of professional whitening care!

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Ready, Set, Give!

Suwanee Dental Care is hosting an

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, August 13th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

To schedule an appointment, please call

Linda Smith: 770 614-7300.

There is a need for type O blood.

All donors may enter a drawing for a $1.000 gift card.

Become a VIP LifeSaver and receive recognition gifts!

Do You Have Invisable Decay?

Cavities Can Be Hiding.

Cavities can start on the chewing surfaces in microscopic defects of the tooth. These cavities are not felt with dental instruments. Once they progress through the hard tissue or enamel,they can grow very quickly.
The goal of preventative dentistry is to find these weaknesses while they are still microscopic, to maintain as much tooth structure as possible.

New technology in the form of a laser, called Diagnodent, does this. Suwanee Dental Care routinely uses this new technology on patients. The laser scans the teeth searching for microscopic decay. A reading greater then 20 indicates decay.

At Suwanee Dental Care we practice minimally invasive dentistry with the use of Diagnodent.

Is Invisalign Right For You?

Are you wanting staighter teeth, but not wanting the so called "metal mouth" look? We have the answer for you. At Suwanee Dental Care, we offer you the OrthodonInvisalign tic System. This system of care allows you to receive the orthodontic treatment that you want without worrying about your smile in the process. Invisalign is virtually unnoticeable to other people. You are able to acheive straighter teeth with a series of clear, customized aligners that are removable. No wires or brackets!

The process is simple. Your first step is to meet with one of our dentists here at Suwanee Dental Care. Together you will determine what it is about your teeth that you want to correct. Impressions and pictures will then be taken of your teeth. Your doctor will then plan your tooth movements throughout the entire treatment process. Treatment times can span anywhere from an average of 9-18 months, depending on the severity of spacing or crowding your teeth may have. Next, you will receive your aligners. Each aligner is to be worn for two weeks. Only remove your aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing. Your teeth will gradually move week by week until they reach the desired final alignment prescribed by your doctor. Then, you will want to smile all of the time!

If the Invisalign Orthodontic System sounds like the answer you have been waiting for, don't wait any longer. Come in and see us here at Suwanee Dental Care. We would love to help you acheive the smile that you have been wanting.

Sedation Dentistry

Does the hair on the back of your neck stand-up or do your hands get sweaty when you hear the word dentist? Well, you aren't the only one who has some sort of anxiety about going to the dentist. Some may have a natural fear of the dentist, and some may have had a traumatic experience in the past sitting in the dental chair. Whatever the case may be, about 30 percent of the population avoids the dentist because they are afraid. This fear, or "phobia", keeps people from coming to the dentist to receive routine dental care. Without routine care, more problems will begin to occur such as cavities or gum disease. Don't start feeling overwhelmed just yet. There is an answer to help you overcome your fears and come to the dentist. Sedation dentistry.

You may be wondering, "what is sedation dentistry?". That is a great question. Sedation dentistry is used to help you, the patient, have a relaxing and anxiety-free experience while receiving dental care. Through the use of sedatives, the patient is able to reach a relaxed and calm state. Oral sedation dentistry is the most common technique used to acheive this state of relaxation. The technique is great. No needles! Just to top it off, the medications create such a relaxed state for the patient that most do not remember the visit at all. It is almost as if they "slept" through the procedure. The patient in reality is not fully asleep. Oral sedation dentistry does maintain a level of consciousness in the patient so that the patient is cooperative and able to follow directions from the dentist during treatment.

If you have been afraid to visit the dentist and would like to have a better smile, sedation dentistry can help you feel comfortable during treatment. You can have a smile that you can be proud of. Sedation dentistry patients also are more likely to get on a regular schedule to receive routine care. This will help prevent the need for drastic dental procedures in the future. Your sense of comfort and security are important to us. We want you to receive the care that you deserve.

Childhood Teeth Grinding

When you watch your child sleep you see sweet dreams and peaceful slumber right? This sweet slumber is often disrupted by the sound of grinding or gnashing of teeth.

Believe it or not, 3 out of every 10 children grind their teeth at night, also known as Bruxism. This is common in children especially under the age of 5 but fortunately most children will outgrow this bad habit.

Although it is not known why kids develop Bruxism, there are several reasons thought to induce this behavior. Some kids grind because their upper and lower teeth are not yet aligned properly. Pain from erupting teeth or an earache can also be a common cause. Stress is also a known origin of teeth grinding or gnashing.

Bruxism can go undetected with little to no side effects in some children while other cases often turn into what is referred to as TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disease. TMJ is only developed when grinding becomes or persistent in a child.

Typically a child will not be aware that he or she is grinding their teeth so it is usually a family member who picks up on it.

Here are some symptoms you should look for:

1. Complaints of jaw joint or face pain from your child in the morning

2. Pain when your child chews

3. Grinding like noises when your child is sleeping

If you think that your child is grinding his or her teeth at night, take him or her to your family dentist. Any dentist can identify chipped teeth or wear on their enamel as well as any unusual sensitivity. By asking some key questions your dentist can identify whether the problem is psychological or anatomical which will help them develop a treatment plan that will be effective for your child.

While most children will grow out of Bruxism, it’s important that you keep a close eye on your child and maintain regular visits to the dentist in order to keep the problem in check. There are different approaches that may help your child such as a custom made mouth guard or basic stress relieving techniques before bed. Your dentist can help you identify what will work best for your child.

Suwanee Dental Care Diva Interview

Can a simple dental screening save your life?

Did you know that dentists are now performing early detection tests for heart disease and several other serious illnesses?

Recent studies of over a years worth of cases show that 1/5 of patients with periodontal disease who were tested with this FDA approved blood tests by their dental professionals were afterward diagnosed by their physicians with serious illnesses such as; pre-diabetes, diabetes, cancer, heart attack etc.

This is the bottom line, your dentist could save your life with a simple finger prick test!

Because people see their dentist more frequently then their doctor in most cases, dentist play a crucial role in the early detection of these serious conditions.

The most common warning sign of more then twenty serious illnesses is bleeding gums. Some of these conditions include; pre-diabetes, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss you need to ask us about this simple C-Reactive Protein test at your next visit!

Suwanee Dental Care Team

Suwanee Dental Care now offers OraVerse®, the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent

Numbness associated with dental procedures can be gone twice as fast!

We are now offering OraVerse to patients who don’t want that lingering numbness after local anesthetics. After administrating OraVerse, a patient can return to normal sensation twice as fast. In clinical trials, patients have reported a return as quickly as 30 minutes after receiving OraVerse. For details visit http://www.oraverse.com/

OraVerse is the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function for patients who want to avoid the unwanted and unnecessary lingering soft tissue numbness following routine dental procedures. The first-in-class product was officially launched earlier this year by the San Diego based company Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The average duration of soft tissue numbness following the use of a local dental anesthetic is 3-5 hours. Numbness can lead to functional deficits. These deficits can result in difficulty with speaking, smiling, eating, drinking, biting of lip or cheek and uncontrolled drooling as well as give the patient a perceived sense of altered appearance. OraVerse has been proven to return a patient’s normal sensation twice as fast.

OraVerse has an excellent safety profile. There are no contraindications and no known drug interactions with OraVerse.

Come see us and check out Oraverse!

http://www.suwaneedental.com/

Orthodontic Day for One Diva

Mistie and I placed braces on Heather today after she had her interview with Atlanta's CBS TV show, Better Mornings Show with host Tracye Hutchins. Heather has a bite problem, called a psuedo-class III, where the lower teeth hit the upper incisors and that causes the lower jaw to come forward abnormally when she closes, making it appear that she has a "bulldog bite" or as some say, a "Jay Leno bite". What she actually has is not an over-sized lower jaw, like Leno, but rather a deflecting contact on her tooth in the front that makes her jaw slide forward and just appear to be an underbite, bulldog bite.

We are correcting that with orthodontics....and it will be amazing to see the difference in just a few months. Imagine, a solution for a lifetime of biting off balance in just three or four months! In the photo to the right you can see us applying the blue gel that etches the surface of the tooth which in turn give us the ability to attach orthodontic brackets to the teeth for a period of time.

We also want to let you know that the Atlanta Channel 46 CBS video TV segment has been put on the calendar to air on Tuesday March 23^rd.

^{If all goes as planned it will air during the Better Mornings Atlanta show from 5am till 7am at about 5:50am. And the last ten minutes of each of the following shows… the 12noon, the 4pm the 6pm and the 11pm as well.}

Later that day there will be a link to the story on our website on this page…

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/gooddeeds/index.html

After we place the brackets on the teeth, aligning the slots of the brackets so that the teeth move in the desired direction once the flexible orthodontic wire is placed in the mouth, her teeth will begin to move to the correct position and her underbite will gradually be corrected as the teeth move through the bone. Orthodontics works because teeth move through bone when small, constant pressure is applied to a tooth. The jaw bone actually is resorbed on one side of the tooth and is laid down on the other side as the tooth

literally migrates through the solid bone.

Because the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth, we needed to bring the lower teeth back. This involved removing one tooth and making the size of the arch smaller, like having a smaller diameter circle in effect, so that the lower arch can fit inside the normal upper jaw. Make sense? Orthodontics is about spacial relationships, geometry and is one of the main reasons high school students have to know that stuff...in case they one day become dentists!