:)

"Thank you Dr. D for taking out my 2 teeth for the tooth fairy!"

Tongue Piercings Linked to Gap Between Teeth

The Study Suggests that tongue piercings could be a major cause of unnecessary orthodontic issues.


"Playing" with a pierced tongue stud could lead to a gap between the front teeth, according to a new study conducted at the University at Buffalo in New York. The study suggests that tongue piercings could be a major cause of unnecessary orthodontic issues.
The report claims that those with tongue piercings were likely to push the metal stud up against their teeth and consequently cause gaps and other problems. Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr. Nigel Carter, said the study highlighted the risks that tongue piercings have on oral health. In addition to causing an apparent gap, oral piercings can also lead to chipped teeth. Lead author of the study, Sawsan Tabbaa, DDS, MS, said that "force, over time, moves teeth" and the results caused by people playing with their studs crop up in a "very high percent of the cases." A professor of orthodontics at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Tabbaa explained that tooth damage was common in both past and current case studies.
The current study featured a 26-year old female patient and showed that a space between the upper front teeth had appeared during a period of 7 years, as the metal bar pushed against and between the teeth. The patient provided researches with photographs to show that she had no diastema before having her tongue pierced. It was strongly thought that the cause of the midline space between the front teeth was the positioning of the tongue stud between the maxillary central incisors. The only solution was for patient to wear a fixed brace for an extensive period of time. The author concluded that tongue piercings could result in serious injuries, not just to teeth, but have also been associated with hemorrhages, infections, trauma to the gums, and, in the worst cases, brain abscesses. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.

(Source: British Dental Health Foundation news release, August 4, 2010. Visit the web address buffalo.edu/news/1158 to view the original news release from the University at Buffalo in New York.)

Research: implant tooth replacement better than root resection

Sep 22, 2010
By Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD

Two groups of patients were studied in the retrospective project. Fifty-six mandibular first or first and second molars were treated by hemisection and crowns. In a second group, molars were extracted and first or first and second molars were replaced with implants. All patients were observed for at least four years.

Sixty-eight percent of the hemisected teeth and 89% of the implant group remained free of complications. The hemisected group had a higher incidence of unsalvageable complications. (Gregory-George Z et al. Mandibular molar root resection versus implant therapy: a retrospective nonrandomized study. J Oral Implantol. 2009; 35(2):52-62)

Dr. Gordon Christensen comments: We have observed this same comparison over many years of clinical practice. When adequate bone is present for implants, implants appear to be the most adequate treatment. When inadequate bone is present and extensive grafting is not acceptable to the patient, hemisection and splinted crowns are a good alternative.

Nov./Dec. 2009 Guide for Preferred Clients
Vol. 14, Issue 6

Fall whitening special!

Click below to view our FALL WHITENING FLYER!

Then, call in to our office to make your appointment!

We look forward to hearing from you

Does smokeless tobacco cause recession?

Click below to get a better look at the truth smokeless tobacco and recession

New Links Found Among Oral Health, Heart Disease, and Diabetes

Click the image below to enlarge and read about some new links found among oral health, heart disease and diabetes!


From the August 2010 edition of AGD Impact.

Before and After: Veneers

These BEFORE and AFTER photos demonstrate the dramatic difference Veneer treatment can make on your smile!

Call us at (818) 242-1708 to schedule an appointment for a consultation so we can get started on restoring your beautiful smile.

BEFORE...

AFTER!

S. Brett DeLawter, DDS, Inc.
1025 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 210
Glendale, CA 91202

Before and After: AOA/Adult Ortho

AOA is a service we offer in the office to provide adult orthodontia. Using a series of clear trays that you wear all day and night (except while eating) you can see a noticeable difference in your teeth!
These are before and after images of a patient who used our AOA trays to correct the lower teeth. This treatment took place between November 2008 and June 2009. As you can see, the change is dramatic and took less than one year!

November 2008

June 2009

Yelp!

For those of you unfamiliar with the website Yelp, it "is the fun and easy way to find, review and talk about what's great - and not so great, in your area."

This means you can share your open and honest opinions about shopping, restaurants, bars, spas, automotive repair, health and medical facilities and more, with people living in or visiting your area!

Dr. DeLawter has created Yelp page for the office here at 1025 N. Brand Blvd, Suite 210 in Glendale, CA, and we encourage all patients to share their experiences and overall opinion of the office with others!

We're always seeking honest reviews from our valued patients, so we can continue to improve your dental office experience. So click HERE to visit our Yelp page and leave your review. We, of course, appreciate it!

New Service: ClearCorrect 101

This is a short, informative and entertaining new ad for ClearCorrect: a new service we are offering here at the office!

Feel free to watch the video and call in to schedule an appointment or consultation!
We would love to see you in the office!

TESTIMONIAL: Snore Guard

Carole and her husband are long time patients of Dr. DeLawter, and recently became interested in investing in a "Snore Guard" that we offer here at the office. Her husbands snoring became a serious problem. After 1 month with the snore guard, here is what she had to say:

"I am very pleased with the snore guard. He used to sound like a fog horn…now its very moderate if he even snores at all! He sleeps better, feels more rested, and doesn’t “gasp” like he did with his sleep apnea. I can sleep now…It’s benefitted both of us! I would recommend it to anyone; it’s made a BIG difference."
-Carole F.


Here is some additional info on snoring and snore prevention:

What causes snoring?
During sleep, the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax making the breathing airway smaller. This decrease in airway space increases the velocity of air flowing through the airway during breathing. As the velocity of required air is increased in the constricted space, soft tissues, like the soft palate and the uvula, vibrate. The vibrations of these soft tissues in the mouth and throat result in what is called "noisy breathing" or generally referred to as snoring. It should also be noted that sleep studies have shown that excess body weight, heavy alcohol consumption and other sedatives have been shown to increase the severity of snoring.

Surgical techniques to remove respiration impairing structures, such as the uvula, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, have been among the many attempted snoring remedies. These soft tissue surgical procedures have shown only moderate success rates (e.g., 20 to 40 %). At certain levels of severity, complete blockage of the airways pace by the soft tissues and the tongue can occur. If the period of asphyxiation lasts longer than 10 seconds, this is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA can be a serious medical condition and your dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist. For the majority of snorers, however, the most affordable, non-invasive, comfortable, and effective snoring solution remains the dentist prescribed oral snoring preventative device.

CALL to schedule an appointment at the office for a consultation! You can get your snore guard in just about 2 weeks!

July Newsletter: SUMMER SMILES!

Celebrating Independence Day

Ask most kids to talk to you about Independence Day and you’re likely to get a discourse on the 1996 Will Smith movie regarding the earth battling invading space aliens. Or they may tell you it’s the day you get to watch the fireworks, catch a ballgame or eat hotdogs. I’m a firm believer that it is the role of parents and grandparents to ensure that our children/grandchildren are well aware of what this wonderful day means. With that in mind, let’s pause for a moment to consider the magnitude of America’s founding.

In the mid-1700s the sentiment among the Colonists was that they should not be paying taxes to England and King George III. It was the event now known as the Boston Tea Party (1773) that largely brought the 13 colonies together to oppose this taxation without representation. An English-owned tea company in India had been losing money, compelling England to levy a tax on tea sold in the colonies. One of the great heroes of the Revolution, Samuel Adams, along with several other Bostonians, dressed as Indians and hurled the India Company Tea cargo into the Massachusetts Bay. King George III was livid; but he was stubborn and refused to lift the tax. Later, in Boston Harbor, as the colonists threw stones and taunted British soldiers, the soldiers fired into the crowd, killing some of the people.

The theme of war was quickly in the air. My beloved Virginia was the first colony to call for independence, voting to establish a committee to speak for the colonies. They called it the First Continental Congress and they met in September 1774, where members sketched out a record of grievances against England. The great George Washington, later to become our first president, was given command of the Continental Army and combat soon broke out in Massachusetts. It was the onset of an eight-year Revolutionary War.

As the war raged on, the men who would come to be known as our Founders gathered in
Philadelphia. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress penned a second draft of the grievances against England. John Hancock, the president of the Second Continental Congress, was the first to sign this document – the Declaration of Independence – his signature outsized and flamboyant so King George would quickly recognize it. In total, 56 courageous men placed their signatures on the document. England saw this declaration as an act of treason, and the 56 men who called for independence from the Crown expected that their very lives were now in harm’s way. And they were right. Five of them were later captured by the British, tortured and killed. Nine died in the war. Twelve lost their homes. Two lost their sons in war. All of them paid a heavy toll for their action. But these men embodied the heartfelt words of Patrick Henry who said on March 23, 1775, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” We can never imagine the pain and suffering that came to these men and their families. But they invested in the future of an adored nation and in the future of freedom that we embrace today.

After the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, it was read aloud in the public squares, stirring the Colonists to celebration and a determined commitment to independence. One year later, in Philadelphia, our nation celebrated what would become an ongoing tradition, a pre-Independence Day we might call it since independence was far from secure. The Colonists rang out the bells of the city, and ships in the harbor fired off their great guns. Firecrackers and candles were lighted in the streets. And the people joined together in hope and prayer for a swift end to the war and a foundation for their freedom.

But the wearisome war would carry on until 1783. When independence had finally been secured, many lives had been given for the cause. Those brave Colonists had made the ultimate sacrifice that we remember even today. In the year 1783, the Colonists celebrated their first official Independence Day. John Adams, our second U.S. president and one of signers of the Declaration of Independence, in a letter to his wife, wrote: “I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival ... it ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other. ...”

And so today we do celebrate the courage and valor of the men who secured our freedoms. In this age of rewriting history and ignoring the Judeo-Christian underpinning of our nation, I pray that those who love this nation will never let the truth of our founding die. This Independence Day, spend a little time with the young people and ensure that they understand what this wonderful day is really all about.

The Wise Woman
by Author Unknown

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a
precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him.
She did so without hesitation.

The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.

But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. “I’ve been
thinking,” he said. “I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone.”

July:
Independence Month

In the old Roman calendar,
July was the fifth month. The Roman senate named it for Julius Caesar, who reorganized the calendar in 46 B.C. and was born this month.

One of the big dates this month is July 4 when the US celebrates Independence Day. This recognizes the day the wording of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was approved by Congress.
The declaration was actually approved on July 2 and signed on August 2 but celebrations have been on July 4
since the outset.

July is a popular month for independence day or similar celebrations in other countries – including Canada (Canada Day, July 1), France (Bastille Day, July 14)

Packing for Vacation: A Guide

Packing for a vacation is every-one's nightmare, although many of us love to travel, very few of us love to pack! Packing usually comes at a bad day too - people often finish work one day and travel the next or even later that night!
Packing is squeezed into the time when you tend to be at your most stressed. As with most things - if you have a plan, things will be easier and less-stressed -- I'm sorry I can't promise stress free!
Efficient packing should ideally mean that you return from holiday having used everything you took more than once!

So let’s start with what to take:

1) Choose clothes appropriate for the climate. If you are going somewhere warm and leaving a cold climate consider leaving a set of warm clothes in the car if you are leaving it at the airport or with friends if you are being collected.
2) Make clothing items do double duty, men's shorts can be double as swimming trunks, a woman's tankini top can be an evening top. A shirt can layer over a dress in place of a jacket.
3) Prescription medicines and a copy of the prescription in case you loose your bags. If you need glasses to see make sure you have a back up: an old pair, contacts or prescription sunglasses.
4) If flying, don't take large bottles of liquid – you can not carry-on more than 3 oz. per container and the liquid will expand slightly as the lower pressures on the plane and leak.
5) Make sure your toiletries bag is actually waterproof - a surprising number aren't and bottles do break.
6) Credit cards -preferably two in case one is lost or broken or eaten by the ATM.
7) Details of your insurance policy. Important phone numbers or email addresses of medical specialists, family, work, anyone you may need to contact if something occurs to delay your return.
8) If driving, pack a spare set of keys just in case you lock your original set in car – avoid locksmith costs.

Did we leave out any vacation must-haves? Post a comment below to share your vacation necessities with us!

BEFORE and AFTER:

BEFORE treatment

AFTER veneer treatment with Dr. DeLawter

"Crowning Moment"

Dental Restorations restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth.


What is a crown?


A crown is a restoration that covers (or "caps") a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, which can strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth....A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing; it can also prevent a cracked tooth from further damage.


Will a crown look natural?


It can, depending on the type of crown you elect to have made....A crown can look just like a natural tooth when it is made with porcelain coverage.


How should I care for my teeth after I receive a crown?


To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. You should also avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you have crowns.


What do I do if I am still confused about these procedures?


If you are still unclear about the process of placing a crown or a post and core build-up, speak to your dentist.

BEFORE and AFTER:

BEFORE treatment with Dr. DeLawter

AFTER treatment with Dr. DeLawter

June Newsletter!

June Is National Dairy Month
Youth Trends: Less Milk, More Soda

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and several other health authorities, children and adolescents should consume 2 to 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk each day to support critical bone growth and development. Unfortunately, two new analyses show children are drinking far less milk and far more soda and fruit drinks.
One analysis examined data from national food surveys from select time periods between 1977 to 2006, and revealed a marked decrease in average milk intake for children ages 2-18, falling to only 5 ounces a day by 2003-2006. Over the same time period, calories from sugar sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks) for children and teens increased from 87 to 154 calories per day.
Similarly, researchers who conducted a 5-year study, Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), noted the trend among Minnesota teens of more sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption and less milk consumption. Researchers found that over the course of five years, higher consumption of white milk was associated with less weight gain. In a success story, on the other hand, a systemic change in beverage offerings was made in New York City public schools in an effort to decrease students’ fat and calorie intake while maintaining nutrient consumption, and was met with impressive results.
Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, school cafeterias phased out whole milk and replaced it with low-fat or fat-free white milk and fat-free chocolate milk. Based on purchasing data, it was estimated that the district’s milk-drinking students were served 5,960 fewer calories and 619 fewer grams of fat per student on average in 2009 than in 2004. In addition, chocolate milk accounted for more than half (approximately 60 percent) of the milk purchased both before and after the policy change.
Low-fat and fat-free flavored milk is a nutrient-rich beverage that provides the same nine essential nutrients as unflavored milk, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin (niacin equivalents). Read more about flavored milk and learn the latest facts on this important source of dairy nutrition for children in “Flavored Milk in Perspective.” Also, access National Dairy Council’s Child Nutrition resources to learn
more about the key role dairy foods play in child and adolescent health.

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Squares
(Recipe created by 3-Every-Day™ of Dairy)

Makes 9 Servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 180 min
Ingredients:
1 cup crunchy wheat and barley cereal
3 cups fat-free strawberry yogurt
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen unsweetened strawberries (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light or fat-free whipped topping (optional)

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with foil. Sprinkle cereal evenly on the bottom of the pan; set aside.
Place yogurt, strawberries and condensed milk in a blender; cover and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture over top of cereal, gently smoothing yogurt mixture to edges of pan. Cover with foil (or plastic wrap) and freeze for 8 hours or until firm. Use edges of foil to loosen and remove from pan; let recipe thaw for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into squares, top with whipped topping, if desired, and serve.

Storage tip: Squares may be individually wrapped and frozen for single servings.
Note: Create your own variations by using other flavor combinations of yogurt and fruit.

(Nutritional Facts Calories: 200 Total Fat: 0 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Sodium: 150 mg Calcium: 20% Daily Value Protein: 7 g Carbohydrates: 42 g Dietary Fiber: 2 g)

Gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.

Periodontal disease attacks the slight gap (called a sulcus) between the tooth and the gum. This causes a breakdown in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues. When tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket which gets deeper as the disease develops.

The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is milder and reversible and only affects the gums. It may lead to periodontitis, which is more destructive.
There are warning signs that can suggest a possible problem:

• Gums that bleed easily or are tender.

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.

• Persistent bad breath or taste.

• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.

• Change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.


However, it’s also possible to have periodontal disease with no warning signs. It’s therefore important to have regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations.
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on how far it has progressed.

Good dental hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, eating a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist will help you reduce the risk of gum disease.

With Heartfelt Thanks for Your Referrals
There’s no question that I have the BEST patients on the entire planet. My business is built on word of mouth advertising and I’d like to thank all my patients who have been kind enough to
recommend my services to their friends.

Is Gingival Bleeding Serious?

Bleeding on probing is a standard part of a periodontal examination. Before we can even report the seriousness of their infection, some patients interject with "It's no big deal. My gums always bleed and my parents had bleeding gums too. It's just normal for me."

Is bleeding normal? Is bleeding a big deal or not?

Bleeding is a big deal.
Bleeding allows bacteria and their toxins to easily pass into the circulatory system and move to other parts of the body. It's a big deal.
We can teach patients to do a perio self-test daily. This involves simply rubbing a triangular toothpick between teeth four times, from the facial surfaces. Check for bleeding or inflammation, which can lead to other serious problems.

Such problems linked to gingival bleeding include gum disease, heart disease, and even pancreatic cancer.

If you are experiencing gingival bleeding, contact your dental healthcare provider to schedule a periodontal cleaning and examination.

Your dental health is VERY important to us!



Excerpts from "Is Gingival Bleeding Serious?"
by Trisha E. O'Hehir, RDH, BS, Hygienetown Editorial Director

Dr. Recommended:

The NEW Sonicare Essence Series rechargable power toothbrush removes 80% of coffee, tea, and tobacco stains. Only Sonicare combines 31,000 brush strokes per minute and extra-wide sweeping motion to create dynamic fluid cleaning action. Sonicare improves gum health by reversing gingivitis and shrinking periodontal pockets. Whiter teeth and healthier gums in 28 days guaranteed!

Link Between Bone Loss Around Teeth And Head And Neck Cancer

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Researchers have uncovered some startling new information about Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is the loss of bone around the teeth. It's already known to cause heart disease, but now, experts say it may also be a risk factor for cancers of the head and neck.

Researchers at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York studied 266 patients with primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as well as 207 healthy people.

They found that with each millimeter of bone loss, the risk of head and neck cancers increased more than four-fold.

Experts say the link was even seen in subjects who had never used alcohol or tobacco.
Researchers say more studies are needed to establish the impact of smoking on the increased cancer risk.

The study is published in the September issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention.