Getting Back to Gratitude

Thursday is Thanksgiving….a day to devote to family, football, enough food to give our stretchy pants a real challenge….including lots and lots of pie.

And, of course, gratitude.

Most of us probably don’t take as much time as we should to reflect on everything we are grateful for. If you have, you’ll perhaps agree that it can be uplifting and humbling at the same time. And long, if we’re honest.

Since much of what we do around here has to do with taking care of oral health, I thought it would be a good place to highlight for the upcoming holidays, even though we need it all year round.

Here is a partial list of gratitude, for mouth, teeth and everything in and around, that lets us:

Eat

food to grow and nourish

Smile

be friendly or show respect

Drink

be it water or wine

Kiss

show love love love

Breathe

to live and to meditate

Bite

teeth to eat food

Taste

the “sense” to enjoy

Laugh

humor, happiness and joy

Speak

to communicate, connect and of course, say thanks

And speaking of, I am supremely grateful for the wonderful ladies I work with, and the wonderful patients we get to serve.

How about you? I want to know what you’re grateful for! No matter how (if) you celebrate Thanksgiving, it feels great to take a minute and reflect on what’s made your life better this year. Let me know in a comment below.

(214) 522-3110                www.raodentistry.com

Image: verybestbaking

The Key Element Of Irresistable Personal Style

Think of all the things you do to look and feel good:

You exercise to stay in shape

You eat well to stay healthy

Get your hair done, and use make up to turn it up a notch

The right clothes that flatter your shape (Hel-lo)

You style it up with the right scarf, spiffy tie or that haute handbag

Don’t forget the shoes! (I LOVE shoes )

But what about your smile?

You know it’s part of your look right? The one you use to show confidence, greet a friend, show respect. You pull it out when you’re happy, but stop using…..a split second before you burst into laughter.

The one you wouldn’t be complete without.

Honey, you can be the whole package, the cat’s meeeeowwww, the apple of someone’s eye

But when you smile….

You are your best YOU.

This Smile-O-Gram was brought to you by: www.raodentistry.com         (214) 522-3110

We remind you to smile for better health and happiness. If your smile needs to get back on your list, call or email us for an appointment today.

Image source: Stuart Miles

Is It Possible To Like Going To The Dentist…Finally?

It’s no breaking news that the idea of going to the dentist is an unpleasant event.

While few are comfortable enough to think nothing of it, most people associate a dental visit with emotions ranging from utter dread to mild anxiety, even at the thought of something as routine as a teeth cleaning.

Such emotions often stem from unpleasant experiences in the past, “horror” stories from others and let’s face it–the thought of something sharp or a loud drill in your mouth doesn’t paint the most appealing picture.

Of course I’m biased (occupational hazard), but after years of encountering such emotions, I’ve learned that changing minds and perceptions–to some degree, at least–is entirely possible, yes, even about the dentist.

Changing Your Mindset

Don’t you do it already? If you’ve ever quit smoking, tackled your taxes yourself or even started a new exercise routine, you’ve changed a habit, which essentially starts with changing your mindset.

How?

By ignoring past setbacks, expecting success, and taking the first step. Then the next, and then another.

What keeps you going is the focus on the end result, the “prize” of being smoke-free, signing off your tax forms and looking better in the mirror. And yes, even getting that sparkling, healthy smile.

Liking The Dentist

While the common perception of dentistry is not flattering, many dentists who don’t fit that mold at all.

For example, in our practice, where we have systems set up to make patients feel comfortable, where we listen to what patients are saying, and focus on comfort in spite of the anxiety we know to expect, it’s not uncommon (for us) to change the old perception.

So what exactly is our m.o.? To invite the kind of folks who

• want and value great dental care,
• get that we love to make each person feel special AND comfortable
•  like to have fun doing it.

Each person on our team knows and believes in that. We have technology and tools, but all that stuff has one goal–to help you make your dental home with us for life.

Our hope is that you will perceive us the way we want: We want to make you feel good about dental care, and change a few minds along the way for those who don’t.

Are you ready…finally!….to like going to the dentist? Then call or email us for an appointment:

(214) 522-3110             www.raodentistry.com

Photo credit: Salvatore Vuono

How To Floss With Braces, The Right Way

The metal. The wires. The bands.

No, it’s not a rock party. I’m talking about full-on metal braces, the gear you sport on the way to…

a fabulous smile.

You know, the one that boosts your confidence, makes your pictures come alive, and lets the whole wide world know that you have straight teeth.

Alas. Beauty comes at a price.

And part of that price is the work it takes to get there.

With all that hardware, keeping your teeth and gums healthy can seem like a daunting task.

If you’re a parent, you know all this already.

You also know that the last thing you want is gum disease or a mouthful of cavities after a couple of years in braces, because the teeth and gums weren’t given the TLC they needed.

But getting your child to take an active interest in his or her oral care while in braces….well, let’s just say it’s nice to get some help.

Here is a handy video (courtesy Bracesquestions.com) via YouTube that, in 3 minutes, shows how to floss the right way when you have a mouthful of braces:

Have questions? Ask us in the comments. We’ll get them answered, or tap on our friendly neighborhood orthodontist’s shoulder to help out

(214) 522-3110        www.raodentistry.com

Who’s Falling In Love With Your Smile?

February 14th, the day of Valentine,

A time to gift, to romance, to dine oh-so-fine.

To celebrate this lovely day in style

No look is complete without a fabulous smile

To that end, I offer you 3 tips

Fresh breath, white teeth and soft, kissable lips

Easy to do just a few days ahead

Brush and floss super well for minty fresh breath

White, bright teeth look so sexy oh yes!

Never do they ever fail to impress.

As for the lips, to smooth and soften

Drink lots of water, and do it often

There you go, a perfect smile

Just in time for Valentine

But if you need more, more oomph, more “WOW”

Don’t hesitate to call Dr Rao

CAREFUL! If things go too well, ahem….just remember

Two may turn into three by November!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

(214) 522-3110        www.raodentistry.com

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7 Tips for the Best Teeth Whitening Experience, Ever

You want a smile that dazzles.

That entices.

A smile that gleams, that lights up your face and the room.

And you can get it.

Teeth whitening may be the only thing standing between you and that bright, white smile you desire. Luckily, there are plenty of options available today.

Your first stop may be partaking the offerings of the drug store i.e. whitening strips. If that gets you results, great. Mission accomplished.

If that doesn’t quite do the trick, head over to your dentist’s office for the next level of whitening pizazz.

From your dentist, the take-home kit is (in my opinion) THE way to go. It includes trays made to fit your teeth that you keep for good, and enough whitening gel to get started plus a few touch ups. For the money, it’s the best bang for your whitening buck.

This option is truly individual, and can be used as much or as little as needed to get the result to you want.

Once you get home and get into DIY mode, however, following through the process can be confusing.

So, to avoid getting a bald spot from scratching your head (pass the Rogaine), here are some tips to help make it a comfortable, convenient and easy experience:

1. The best time to whiten your teeth . . .

. . . is right after you get your teeth cleaned professionally (cuz your 15 seconds at home isn’t “professional”). It’s not critical, but this is when your teeth are their squeakiest clean, with all external stains scrubbed off.

2. The all-important PREP

Before you start whitening, start brushing your teeth with a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Crest Sensitivity. This prepares your teeth for whitening and keeps sensitivity ‘zings’ to a minimum. Continue using it during and a few days after you’re done.

3. Follow the instructions

Your dentist will go over some do’s and don’ts regarding how long to wear your trays and for how many days. Different brands means times can vary. This is simple, but easy to forget.

4. Less vs. more

Many people make the mistake of using too much gel in their trays. Result: waste of gel and more sensitivity. Only use a pea-size amount, primarily for your front 8 teeth (top and bottom). Most people don’t show any more when they smile (unless you’re Julia Roberts), so whitening your molars waaay back there is unnecessary.

5. Keep ‘em clean

Remember to keep up with flossing, and preferably brush with an electric toothbrush, which minimizes surface stains. And don’t forget to brush the inside of your trays to keep them clean. If they get gunky, they’ll smell funky. Eww.

6. Keep ‘em cool

When not in use, put the gel and trays together in a plastic baggy in the fridge. This helps prolongs the shelf life of the gel, and keeping everything together prevents them from getting misplaced (yes, that happens more than you might think).

7. Don’t fall for the hype

No matter how easy the TV commercials make it look, whitening is not a one time deal. Maintenance, i.e., “touch ups” are needed periodically to keep your pearly whites gleaming. Over time food and drink can dull your teeth, so stay on a regular schedule (once a month or few months, depending on how white you want your teeth). It’s like working out-you have to keep doing it to get the results you want.

These simple yet often overlooked details can make a big difference, making a messy and cumbersome process into one that’s easy and comfortable enough to repeat as and when needed.

As far as I can see, a whiter smile is the easiest way to add some bling to yourself. What’re you waiting for?

Questions? Comments? Or are you ready to start? Call or email us at:

(214) 522-3110             www.raodentistry.com

Life Is Short. Smile More.

It’s an often-forgotten fact that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body.

When this simple little truth is forgotten, it skips your attention that it’s part of the whole I-need-to-breathe airway system, this is where each and every bite of your food enters.

You use it to smile, to laugh, to speak and communicate with someone else. It’s a place to put on your lipstick.

To kiss your lover, or blow out the candles on your child’s birthday cake.

If you have a serious health issue, your mouth knows it (even if you can’t see it).

Your mouth (more accurately, ‘oral cavity’) and it’s well-being is related to your overall health. It is, for sure, a part of your body, and if staying healthy is important to you,

it CANNOT, and should not, be ignored.

You don’t really need a new year to start getting healthy; you can start each DAY with that in mind–a walk, or wholesome not-stuffed-with-sugar food, meditation, by throwing that cigarette away.

You can also start each day with a deep breath . . . . and a pearly sparkle.

Image source: Those two are my munchkins.

(214) 522-3110           www.raodentistry.com

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SMILE! It’s Wacky Wednesday: A Picture Is Worth A 1000 . . .

. . . brushes?

To each their own, I suppose, but I’m guessing this is more mental than dental

Image source: Dentaltoons

www.raodentistry.com      (214) 522-3110

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Are Veneer Or We Far? Your Porcelain Guide Is Here

99 porcelain veneers on the wall, 99 porcelain veneeeers……

take one down and pass it around, 98 porcelain veneers on the wall!

Yikes! This song makes no sense whatsoever. You can’t put porcelain veneers on a wall.

They go on your TEETH.

And for a lot of people, veneers have given them the smile they’ve always wanted.  

Luckily, no human has ever been discovered with 99 teeth, so the good news is that they’re quite achievable. In fact, they can be a reality.

Your reality.

If mother nature did not bless you with naturally straight, even, white teeth (the nerve!), what is a guy or gal to do in the 21st century? If a prettier smile is what your heart desires, well, modern cosmetic dentistry can offer you some options.

Might you be a candidate for braces or Invisalign? It may take some time but getting your teeth all lined up may do the trick. Perhaps add a dash of whitening to glam them up.

Not enough? Well, next step up might be some tooth colored fillings or minor re-shaping that you’d be amazed could make a major difference.

If you need to make some bold changes, however, it would be advisable to have a sit-down chat with your dentist about veneers.

But what are veneers, aka “laminates”?

Veneers, my friends, are thin shells of porcelain (or sometimes tooth-colored filling material, called “resin veneers”) that are placed on your front teeth to improve their appearance.

If you have healthy but misaligned, severely discolored, chipped or uneven teeth, veneers could be a GREAT choice.

Typically, a minimal amount of enamel is removed from the front of your teeth, and 2 to 3 weeks later, veneers are bonded to your teeth. They can be made to match any tooth shade, and once placed; voila! Straight, even, white teeth are yours.

Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 5-10 years, sometimes longer, and are much less invasive than crowns. They look very natural, and your smile becomes a thing of beauty once again.

Before you decide on an option, a pro/con discussion is always advisable.

If your teeth have decay, you have gum disease, you clench or grind your teeth, you chew ice, or your bite is off kilter, you may need to drop veneers off your list.

Smile transformations are possible; miracles, perhaps not. Be sure not to force it, or else you’ll find yourself in the land of lamination damnation. *Shudder.

Costs vary, and most insurances don’t cover them. And no, you can’t skimp on brushing and flossing. If they chip or break, repairs are rarely possible, so you may need to wear a night guard to protect them.

Be honest, and realistic, with yourself and your dentist so you both pick what’s best for you.

But be careful; if you make the RIGHT choice, you may end up with a smile better than you’ve ever imagined, and won’t be able to help yourself giving it away, perhaps 99 times a day.

If you have questions, we have answers! Feel free to ask in the comments, or visit our website, or give us a call. See, lots of options!

www.raodentistry.com     (214) 522-3110

SMILE! It’s Wacky Wednesday: What’s Wrong With Me?

We all need a little help, sometimes.

www.raodentistry.com      (214) 522-3110

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