custom mouth guard

Sports Mouth Guards: Protect Your Athlete

AACD SuperFact: Athletes are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard during athletic activities. More than 5 million teeth are “knocked out” in sporting activities each year. While this statistic is astonishing, the American Dental Association estimates that more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented every year thanks to the use of sports mouth guards.

The mouthguard I prefer to use in my practice is called the PlaySafe sports mouthguard. Customized to fit your mouth, statistics show that when worn properly, a protective mouthguard decreases the risk of injury by 99 percent. When worn properly, a mouthguard can prevent dental trauma such as fractured teeth or concussions.

While many sporting goods stores sell mouthguards, these versions are not as effective as the PlaySafe sports mouthpiece offered at Zimmerman Dental Care. This is because store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguards cannot be altered and require you to keep your mouth clenched for maximum protection. PlaySafe, however, is made using an exact duplication of your mouth and will stay in place with no effort. This allows the athlete to put their attention where it belong: on the game!

I personally use a PlaySafe mouthguard when I play basketball and highly recommend them for my patients.

snap on smile

Use It or Lose It!

It’s that time of year again!  Time for a friendly reminder that you may have pre-tax dollars (Flex Plan) or dental insurance benefits remaining for 2011.  Benefits that are not used by year-end may be forfeited.  If you have treatment that has not yet been completed or you are due for a routine cleaning and check-up, be sure to speak with us right away to schedule your appointment.

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Welcome to Z-Talk: Teeth Whitening

Welcome to Z-Talk! I am very excited to give you periodic updates on dentistry, our office and the services we offer. What a great way to stay in touch with my patients and friends. I am so grateful for my valued patients and exceptional staff in wonderful Centre Hall, PA.

With the holidays just around the corner many of you will be attending parties, family gatherings and of course taking holiday portraits. Did you know that one of the most economical and convenient ways to enhance your appearance is by bleaching or whitening your teeth? According to the American Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry, a brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a happy smile. If you are not happy with your smile, teeth whitening may be a good first step.

I first bleached my own teeth while in Dental School (over 21 years ago!) Even though the systems I used then were more cumbersome than the systems I use today, I was thrilled with the result and have been interested in whitening since that time.

There are several different bleaching systems available today, but I primarily use one that I think is the best for the patient. This system consists of a custom made bleaching tray that is worn with a bleaching gel inserted for 30 minutes per day for 10-14 days. This treatment is extremely effective, easy to use and reasonably priced. Tooth whitening can last for one or more years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth, and if you’re following up regularly with a home whitening product for regular maintenance.

Another method is in-office bleaching. I have taken courses on in-office bleaching and have decided I would not, at present, use this type of system on myself. Therefore, I won’t recommend this method for my patients. It requires the patient to sit for approximately an hour with their mouth open and a special barrier in place to protect their gums from the powerful bleach. Patients must also wear special glasses to protect their eyes from the bleaching light. I have known patients who have had sensitivity after in-office bleaching. In addition, some systems, such as ZOOM, require home bleaching trays to complete the bleaching process. Independent research has shown the special lights to have little, if any effect on the bleaching result and these systems can be much more expensive than the price of take home bleaching kits.

Call our office today if you are interested in whitening your teeth for the holidays or in purchasing a bleaching kit for a loved one. A beautiful smile is the gift that keeps giving! Become a fan of Zimmerman Dental Care on Facebook during the month of November and be entered in a drawing to be selected for a free in-home whitening kit. www.facebook.com/ZimmermanDentalCare

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Not satisfied with your smile? You’re not alone.

According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey, only one out of every two people is satisfied with their smile. If you are one of the thousands of people who are considering enhancing your smile, then it is important to find a qualified cosmetic dentist that will meet your needs. Here are some AACD guidelines to help you when selecting your cosmetic dentist:

  • Be sure to find a dentist who will listen to your needs. Many dentists offer consultations, which allow you to discuss your needs one-on-one. Be prepared to discuss how you feel about your smile and what changes you would like to make to achieve a desired outcome.
  • Ask to see the dentist’s before and after photographs.
  • Ask for references. Accomplished cosmetic dentists are proud to share with you the names of other patients who have received the benefits of similar treatments.
  • Ask the dentist how he/she keeps up-to-date with new techniques and technology.
  • Be sure to find a dentist that matches your personality.
  • Expect the dentist to recommend a comprehensive examination before any treatment begins. The dentist should be able to assess all aspects of your dental health, such as gum disease, tooth decay, overall oral function, and the potential longevity of the completed cosmetic treatment.
  • AACD members care about their patients’ satisfaction with their new smile. That’s why they join the AACD and have the opportunity to participate in
    the following AACD programs to enhance their clinical skills.
  • Annual AACD Scientific Session – Each year the AACD hosts the world’s largest scientific session based solely upon cosmetic dentistry. Dental professionals from around the world gather for a week of intensive continuing education courses intended to keep AACD members up-to-date and in-tune with the latest innovations in dentistry.
  • The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry – The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry is the #1 publication for cosmetic dentistry. Written and edited by experts in the field, The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry is the leading print authority for clinical procedures in cosmetic dentistry.
  • AACD Credentialing – Accreditation represents the acknowledgment of a dentist’s or laboratory technician’s excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Accreditation and the examination process are administered by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.