April 10, 2014
Thank you to all of you who participated in our 5th annual March Madness Tournament! Here are our top 4 winners:
First place with 850 points: Michael M.
Second place with 830 points: Ruchin P.
3rd place with 810 points: Conrad R.
4th place with 800 points: Scott B.
April 1, 2014
Having gaps in your smile can make it difficult for you to be confident in your smile. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and when you are not secure, it can leave a damaging effect. Though dentures and partials may have crossed your mind as solutions, you may want something more permanent to your smile woes. At Elmbrook Family Dental, we understand how you feel with wanting a full, beautiful smile, which is why we offer dental implants to our patients.
A dental implant is composed of a titanium screw and a crown. Once it is considered that you are a candidate, the screw will be embedded into your jaw, and will fuse with your natural bone over time. After the post, the tooth-resembling crown is placed on top, making your new smile look natural, beautiful, and vibrant.
Although we do not install the posts ourselves, we work closely with a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist who are more than capable of performing excellent dental surgery. Drs. Brunner, Taibl, or Tack will be able to attach the crown, perfecting your smile. Because dental implants resemble a tooth’s natural structure, you will not have to worry about special techniques you have to do, adhesives, or any other annoying routines. All you will need is wanting a change and our talented staff!
Elmbrook Family Dental is committed to providing state-of-the art dental care for you and your family from our Brookfield, WI dental office. Call us today to learn more or schedule your next appointment.
March 23, 2014
Many of our patients experience dry mouth to some extent, either short or long term. The most common cause of dry mouth is prescription medication. A patient taking drugs such as an anti-anxiety, anti-depressant or blood pressure medications are likely to experience dry mouth. Aside from being uncomfortable when you have a dry mouth, it may make speech more difficult and also puts you at an increased risk for tooth decay. Your dental hygienist and dentist may be able to diagnose if you experience dry mouth at your routine visits, but if you already know you are experiencing dry mouth, take a few simple steps to keep your risk of decay as low as possible.
Drink plenty of water and avoid liquid sugars like soda, juice and energy drinks. Think diet soda or black coffee is a safe alternative to these sugary drinks? Think again! Although these do not contain sugar, they are acidic and can be significant contributors to decay and dry mouth.
Chew xylitol gum or use xylitol mints in between meals. Xylitol is a sugar alternative that will help neutralize the pH in your mouth and increase your salivary flow.
Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to help keep oral tissues moist.
Talk with your friendly staff at Elmbrook family dental for suggestions on other dry mouth aids. There are many products on the market, and they would be happy to help you find one that is best for you!
March 17, 2014
We are excited to announce that we are hosting our Fifth Annual March Madness tournament for our current patients! It has been a hit every year, so if you have not participated in the past, we encourage you to join us this year. Here are this years prizes:
1st place: $150 Bartolotta Gift Card
2nd place: 4 Tickets to a Brewers Game (game date to be determined)
3rd place: Custom Whitening Trays and a $25 Bravo Gift Card
4th place: $25 Gift Card to Bravo
Here’s how it works: Go to http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/frontpage and create and account. Once you have logged in, click the “My Groups” link toward the top of the page. Type “Elmbrook Family Dental” into the search box. You can then enter the group password “TEETH” to join. Create your own bracket using your ACTUAL NAME (so we know who you are if you win!) and choose the teams you think will win. For more information, click the “How to play” link.
In order to play, your bracket must be complete by tip-off time of the first game on March 20th. You will not be able to choose your teams until the field is announced on March 16th.
The contest through ESPN is open to anyone, however you must be a current patient (seen within the last 12 months) in order to win prizes through Elmbrook Family Dental.
Good luck!!
Like everything in life, things are susceptible to wear and tear. Whether your favorite shirt gets a stain or your car’s tires need to be rotated, all things go through life’s little knocks, and it is important to make sure you take care of those things. Believe it or not, your smile is no different. A few chips here and a stain there can really start to take its toll on your smile, and you may think there is nothing you can do about it. Luckily, our doctors are able to give her patients a new smile with the help of cosmetic bonding.
Cosmetic bonding is simple yet wonderfully convenient, as it gives you the ability to have a seamless smile in nearly no time at all! Cosmetic bonding can help those who have misaligned, misshapen, chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, making it one of the easiest and most convenient ways to transform your smile. It works by mixing a bonding liquid and a plastic resin, then placing it on your teeth. Once the bonding is set via a light, we will smooth and polish it to look like your natural tooth! At the end of the procedure, you are left with nothing but a flawless, beautiful smile!
One of the benefits to cosmetic bonding is the fact it can restore the confidence you may have lost feeling insecure about your smile. When you are not completely confident in your smile, you may find it hard to be around others or make a memorable first impression. With this effortless procedure, you will be able to be secure in the fact that your smile is perfect, and you will never second guess yourself again! If you are interested in cosmetic bonding and how we are able to help, call our office and we will be more than happy to assist you!
Elmbrook Family Dental is committed to providing state-of-the art dental care for you and your family from our Brookfield, WI dental office. Call us today to learn more or schedule your next appointment.
March 8, 2014
We are excited to announce that we are hosting our Fifth Annual March Madness tournament for our current patients! It has been a hit every year, so if you have not participated in the past, we encourage you to join us this year. Here are this years prizes:
1st place: $150 Bartolotta Gift Card
2nd place: 4 Tickets to a Brewers Game (game date to be determined)
3rd place: Custom Whitening Trays and a $25 Bravo Gift Card
4th place: $25 Gift Card to Bravo
Here’s how it works: Go to http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/frontpage and create and account. Once you have logged in, click the “My Groups” link toward the top of the page. Type “Elmbrook Family Dental” into the search box. You can then enter the group password “TEETH” to join. Create your own bracket using your ACTUAL NAME (so we know who you are if you win!) and choose the teams you think will win. For more information, click the “How to play” link.
In order to play, your bracket must be complete by tip-off time of the first game on March 20th. You will not be able to choose your teams until the field is announced on March 16th.
The contest through ESPN is open to anyone, however you must be a current patient (seen within the last 12 months) in order to win prizes through Elmbrook Family Dental.
Good luck!!
March 2, 2014
Gum recession is exposure of the roots of the teeth that occurs as either a loss of gum tissue or when the gum tissue retracts. Many of our patients have recession to some extent. So, if you have cold sensitivity or sensitivity during cleanings, be sure to discuss the possibility that you may have gum recession.
Recession commonly comes from clenching and grinding, brushing too hard, acid reflux or a history of wearing braces. Prevention of further recession may include treatment with a night guard, a change in your brushing technique or treating acid reflux. Unfortunately, once recession occurs, your gums will not “grow” back. So, in minor cases we simply do our best to ensure that it does not get worse. In severe cases, a referral to a gum specialist may be necessary.
Not all patients who have recession experience sensitivity. If you’re one of the lucky ones who is asymptomatic, it is still important to understand that there are risks. Because the root surface is so soft, you can actually start to scrub your roots away over time! Be cautious of heavy handed brushing. The roots are then also more susceptible to decay.
If sensitivity is an issue for you, there are some options! Using a sensitive toothpaste on a daily basis can help to seal up small tubules on your roots. An in-office treatment called a fluoride varnish can also be placed after your cleanings. This varnish protects and restores roots as well as seals them away from cold sensitivity. A varnish treatment twice a year can really decrease your sensitivity! If localized areas have been worn away, your dentist may recommend placing a small white filling in that area. This can also aid in reducing sensitivity and reduce your risk of decay reaching the nerve.
We measure and monitor your recession for you on a yearly basis, so it is important for you to see us for your cleaning and check ups. Together we will work hard at keeping your smile beautiful and pain free!
February 17, 2014
When you are insecure about your smile, you may find it difficult have positive overall self-esteem. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and when you are not one hundred percent sure of your smile, it can really affect the way you look at yourself. Though many people are less than proud of their smile for many reasons, they may not think there is much they can do to rectify the situation. Lucky, our capable and experienced doctors offer their patients the smile makeover they need with the help of porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are a wonderful option for those who want to change their smile. Because it is a simple cosmetic procedure, it is becoming one of the most popular ways for people to revolutionize their smile in very little time. The process of porcelain veneers begins with a consultation with Dr. Brunner, Dr. Taibl, or Dr. Tack. There, they will be able to fully assess your smile in its current state, as well as ask you about your long term goals regarding your smile. You will also be able to bring up any questions or concerns you may have with the procedure.
If you are considered to be a candidate for porcelain veneers, we will create a custom set of veneers to match your smile exactly. Your natural tooth is prepared by removing a small bit of enamel, as to make room for your new smile. Once the teeth are prepared, your veneers are applied to your smile, and made permanent with dental resin cement. In as little as two appointments, your smile is able to be transformed from dull to dazzling.
Porcelain veneers are a wonderful opportunity to give back the confidence you may have lost being embarrassed by your smile. You can start to have the confidence to join your friends in a laugh, meet new people, and make that memorable first impression you have always wanted. If you’re interested in how we can help change your smile for the better, make an appointment with our amazing doctors, and we will be more than happy to help!
February 8, 2014
By now, most of society is aware that use of tobacco has many negative side effects, but have you considered its effects on your teeth and oral health? The most apparent side effect is dry mouth. Smoke inhalation causes salivary ducts and the tissue in your mouth to be dry and sticky. It can even change the consistency of your saliva! Lack of a little quality spit puts you at a higher risk for build up and decay.
It has also been shown that smoking is related to the failure of dental implants. Some oral surgeons may even recommend and patient try to quit smoking before implant placement in order to ensure the best results possible.
Smoking also causes vasoconstriction. This is the narrowing or shrinking of blood vessels which results in less blood flow to the tissues in your mouth such as your gums. A lack of blood flow means it is harder to get an inflammatory response in your gums. Think that it might not be so bad if your gums don’t get inflamed? Think again! Without inflammation, white blood cells cannot function to remove bacteria and control infections like periodontal infection. A healthy blood flow really does help aid in healing.
Using a smokeless tobacco? You’re at a much higher risk to develop oral cancer. If you’re not ready to quit, just be sure that you move your “chew” to a different place in your mouth each use. This will allow some time for your tissue to regenerate.
Quitting use of tobacco is a very personal decision. Be sure that when you decide to quit, you are the one deciding and that you’re ready for the commitment it takes. Your dental staff is trained to help you with this when you are ready!
January 29, 2014
Many people have mentioned lately that their employers are no longer providing dental insurance. With these comments in mind, we’d like to share a few things with you that may help as your start your search for privately purchased dental insurance.
Many companies offer insurance you can purchase directly rather than through an employer. When you call to discuss available benefits, it is important to weigh the cost of what you will pay for monthly coverage versus paying for care out of pocket. For instance, would your monthly payment cost more than your routine cleaning, exam and x-rays? Are you a higher risk patient needing fillings, crowns or other dental work? If you pay more for your benefits than you receive in services, consider paying out of pocket and receiving a discount for doing so instead. Our practice does offer a discount for those who pay out of pocket. Other important question to ask the insurance agent is if there are waiting periods on the plan. A waiting period is generally a 6 month to 1 year time in which you pay monthly for your benefits, but receive coverage only on cleanings, exams and x-rays until that waiting period is over. During this time frame, fillings, root canals or crowns may not be covered, yet your monthly payment remains the same.
Insurance can be confusing! So, call an insurance agent for options and details, then call our qualified front desk team to discuss any questions you may have. We are happy to help with anything that will keep you wearing a healthy smile!
