"I REALLY don't want braces!"

If you're not happy with your smile braces may be the way to go. I don't offer braces in my practice, but do offer Invisalign. However, Invisalign is not always the best option. I have seen patients with severe malocclusions (bad bites)and severe crowding that cannot be predictably treated with Invisalign.

If you REALLY don't want braces, but your teeth are beautiful but are in the wrong place, the most conservative treatment is... you guessed it, BRACES.

Nowadays, our amazing local orthodontists can provide you a straight new smile in less time than ever before. New wires and brackets move the teeth so smoothly and comfortably that it's a no-brainer for many patients. If you are worried about the "Brace Face" comments, my advice to you is "Get over it!" I'd much rather see my family member endure some harmless teasing while wearing braces than have to cut healthy tooth structure down with my burs and place crowns to give the appearance of straight teeth. PLEASE - be conservative with your teeth if you are young and GO GET BRACES! In a little over a year in most cases, you'll have a new smile you can be proud of for a lifetime.

Okay, now I'll get down off my soapbox.

New Office Sign Ideas

I'm trying to brainstorm ideas for a new sign for my office. We are located up against the Maple Ave. overpass across from Wal-mart, so my visibility is limited. I can get a pole-mounted sign that stands up tall for the drivers on Maple to see, and can be seen within my parking lot.

I'm thinking I need the word "Dentistry" in big bold letters at the top. Website address of www.RedmondTeeth.com should be easy to remember. Any other opinions or thoughts would be most welcome. I just need people to know there's a dentist here, so simple is better.

2011 - Rejuvenate your smile

Start your year off right with Teeth Whitening! We offer in-office whitening with Zoom! Advanced Power, which takes about 1.5 hours total chair time. You can also whiten at home with our Day White system, for only 15 minutes a day for 2 weeks. Same results either way, but Zoom! seems to be preferred by most since it is fast and you don't have to wear their trays other than for touch-up whitening every 4-6 months for a couple of days.

It is amazing what whiter teeth can do for your self-esteem and confidence.

If you have mild crowding or a crooked smile, porcelain veneers can simultaneously straighten and enhance your smile. Sometimes this is marketed to the public as "Instant Orthodontics." I personally like to be as conservative as possible, so sometimes Orthodontia is still the best option, which is Invisalign in my office. Straightening teeth first will give the longest lasting result, as it is easier to keep your gums and teeth healthy. However, mild crowding and spacing can be corrected in as little as 2 visits with gorgeous, natural looking porcelain veneers or crowns. Come and see me for a free cosmetic evaluation. We can discuss your options and come up with a payment plan that fits your budget.

Christmas Morning with Dr.D's girls

Cute video from this weekend - just click the title. No tomboys in my household. They are girlie-girls all the way.

Bye Bye 2010

2010 brought a couple of milestones for me personally. One was my 5th year anniversary of opening my practice here in Redmond. That took place in October. AND, my oldest daughter Sophia celebrated her 5th Birthday on December 22.

Changes wrought in our office this year are numerous. We have implemented CariFree products in our office (www.CariFree.com), meaning we can actually cure the bacterial infection that causes cavities. We are selling WaterPiks from the office so we know when you leave you are taking big steps in improving your gum health. We are making Emax porcelain crowns with our new porcelain sintering oven, which are as strong as metal crowns. These are still completed in a single visit, saving you a 2 week wait and the need for a temporary crown. We can even fabricate veneers for cosmetic rejuvenation of your smile.

I can't believe how time flies. We have enjoyed the ride, with all the ups & downs. If these past five years are any indication, then the next five will go by even faster.

Happy Holidays to everyone, and have a safe New Year's Eve. We will see you in 2011!