The Oral-Systemic Connection

Why healthy gums should be part of your fitness plan... this article explains the importance: http://bit.ly/aPhwQn

Cosmetic Imaging

Smiles are infectious…they are a sign of happiness, joy, and confidence. Are you confident in your smile? If not, there are plenty of cosmetic options out there!

There are so many exciting and obvious benefits of cosmetic dentistry. And now there is a way to visualize the outcome of a proposed treatment… It’s called cosmetic dental imaging. Cosmetic imaging is a powerful diagnostic and treatment planning tool to help you see what cosmetic dentistry can really do for you.

Summer Sizzle Special

Here at Proud Smiles Dental, we are offering a FREE cosmetic consultation with a complimentary SmilePix image during the month of August! SmilePix is the tool we use to get digital smile simulations so you can see how your smile currently looks, and how it will be transformed. Take advantage of these "before and after" illustrations that are free with your cosmetic consultation this month!

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

Get a Smile Make-Over with Porcelain Veneers

Are you confident in your smile? If not, porcelain dental veneers may be a great option for you! Porcelain veneers are a gorgeous way to correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. They can completely conceal the imperfections of your front teeth, providing a total smile makeover!

Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.

Veneers are routinely used to fix:

• Teeth that are severely discolored
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth that are chipped or broken
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
• Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)

Dental flaws that may have been a source of embarrassment or discomfort for years can be corrected with porcelain veneers in as little as one or two appointments. If you are considering porcelain veneers and would like more information, please contact me at 404-257-0091.

Happy Patient Appreciation Month!

During the month of July, Proud Smiles Dental is thanking our patients by celebrating “Patient Appreciation Month.” We found a great way to say thanks for choosing us to be your dentist by instituting the Loyal Patient Reward System.

What is the Loyal Patient Reward System?

This no cost program is our way of thanking our patients, by which our patients earn Loyal Patient Rewards dollar amounts, allowing them to save on thousands of products and services. Here’s how it Works…Each patient will automatically receive $250 in Loyal Patient Savings to start, and $50 more in savings rewards every single month, plus even more savings for:

· Keeping their scheduled appointments

· Reactivating if they haven’t been in for care in awhile

· Using available patient financing

· Recommending their friends to Proud Smiles

· An extra $100 in rewards on their birthday

· $25 in rewards for extra savings holidays

. “Liking” Proud Smiles on Facebook

Loyal Patient Rewards will reward you for taking good care of your oral health, leading to a healthier lifestyle! To learn more about our Loyal Patient Reward System call us at 404-257-0091.

NuCalm: A Natural Alternative to Dental Sedation

Does going to the dentist make you nervous? Do you dread having dental treatments? I’m a dentist and even I get a sinking feeling in my stomach when I sit in the dental chair.

Many patients ask if they can be put to sleep for routine dental care. Sedation is not common in dental offices because it is heavily regulated. Oral sedation, IV sedation and Nitrous Oxide can carry health risk and additional cost for patients.

Here at Proud Smiles Dental, we are happy to now provide a natural way to relax at no cost to you. My patients feel relaxed and even rejuvenated from the NuCalm system. They leave feeling great without any risk or side effects, to go on with their day.

NuCalm places the body into the same deep relaxation it experiences as you fall to sleep. Using a combination of natural supplements, micro-current stimulation, nueroacoustic music and black-out glasses, your body naturally relaxes. Time passes quickly during treatment and you feel rested when you are done.

NuCalm has truly changed the dental experience. Check out www.nucalm.com to learn more. Give us a call to experience dental care in a whole new way!

Achieving a Bright White Smile

What is the first thing you notice when you meet someone for the first time? If you’re like many Americans, it’s their smile. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful -- it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression.

There are many things that contribute to stained or dull teeth such as drinking coffee, tea, soda or wine. Don’t feel like giving up your morning coffee? We don’t either! Not to worry…we have some options for you!

The first step in achieving that bright smile you’ve always wanted is to make regular appointments for cleanings. Yes—believe us it really does make a difference!

Do you need something to give you that EXTRA sparkle? If used correctly strips may be quite effective, but if you want an ultra-quick fix our Discus products may be for you. We offer Day White gel, which is a high powered formula for speedy take-home whitening or Zoom, our in-office option in which we use a combination of gel and a specialty light. These options are fast and convenient which are proven to be safe and effective.

Would you like more information? Watch my Web MD video on teeth whitening!

INVISALIGN® DAY Celebrate who you really are with a beautiful smile!

What is Invisalign?

Have you considered getting braces, but cringe at the thought of the traditional ones? Do you have nightmares of all of the food that you will inevitably be fishing out of your braces?

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using custom made aligners created just for you. The virtually invisible aligners are made of smooth clear plastic and are placed over your teeth. You receive a new aligner every couple weeks to gently move your teeth to the appropriate position. The best part about this modern approach is there are no metal brackets or wires-just aligners that you can pop in and out of your mouth!

Join us for Invisalign Day

Wednesday, May 18th 2:00pm - 7:00pm, I will be providing FREE consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. If you have wondered if Invisalign is right for you, make an appointment for this special event.

Here are some perks you can receive

• $500 off treatment
• Complimentary whitening with Invisalign treatment
• Financing options
• Reimbursement under FSA plans

Hurry…the space is limited to the first 25 appointments! Give me a call at 404-257-0091.

Snap-On Smile

Marketed as the Hollywood Smile, Snap-On Smile provides a beautiful smile for anyone. This affordable removable dental appliance requires no numbing or drilling. It is a custom made patented acrylic covering for your teeth that creates an ideal look. Together, we choose your new tooth color and shape. Snap-On Smile fits over your teeth providing a natural smile you can eat and drink with during your daily activities. Snap-On Smile has been a wonderful treatment option for some of my patients at Proud Smiles Dental.

Checkout some of the ways I have used Snap-On Smile at my practice …

• Snap-On Smile was used for a patient whose teeth were damaged severely over the years by acid reflux and tooth grinding.
• Snap-On Smile was used for a patient whose teeth were overly small leaving spaces between her teeth.
• Snap-On Smile was used for a young adult whose teeth were not responding to whitening
• Snap-On Smile was used for a young adult who lost a tooth and hated the black hole look of the gap.
• I have a teenage actress considering Snap-On Smile until her natural smile matures.

There are so many reasons to consider Snap-On Smile as an alternative or interim treatment to more expensive cosmetic dentistry. Please call to find out more from Proud Smiles Dental--(404) 257-0091.

Which Foods are Most Beneficial for Good Dental Health?

Factors to Consider

Did you know that changes in your mouth start as soon as you take that first delicious bit? Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods you eat to acids, and it's the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. Beware…you expose your teeth to decay every time you eat!

The Healthy Choice

The smartest food choices for healthy teeth are: cheeses, meats, nuts, and milk. These foods protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to re-mineralize teeth after being exposed to harmful acids.

Some additional smart food choices include: apples, pears, and crunchy vegetables. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars that turn into acids causing the weakened enamel. They also stimulate the flow of saliva which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and buffering the acid.

Between Meals

Chewing sugarless gum is actually beneficial to your teeth as chewing helps extricate food that becomes stuck to your teeth. Sugarless Gum also increases saliva flow to wash away mouth acids. When you’re parched, AVOID sugary juices and sodas! The smartest beverage choices include water, milk, and unsweetened tea.

By being mindful and making the right decisions, you can minimize the acid produced by sugary foods and eliminate tooth decay!

Visit my Website to learn more about my practice.

-Brenda Paulen, D.M.D

The Future of Health Care

I participated in a panel discussion last month at the Sandy Springs Chamber of

Commerce Women's Business Network's Luncheon: "What you need to know

about Health Care right now." There was a lot of uncertainty on what the future

holds for us in light of the changes that are occurring and proposed by Health Care

Reform.

Mergers: Are they a good idea?

We are seeing mergers and consolidation of medical practices, hospitals and labs.

In the news last month there was talk of a sale of a large ambulance/emergency

services company. Will these changes be good for us as patients and consumers?

Insurance Exchanges & Taxes

What will insurance exchanges and taxes on Cadillac health plans do? Will this

put more control of services into the hands of corporate Insurance entities? The

independent insurance agents were concerned about reduction of product choices.

The medical practitioners were concerned about Insurance companies being even

further installed between the doctor and the patient.

Pay Attention & Stay Involved

We should each be proactive in our own health. Exercise, eat natural foods, and

do not smoke. We can affect our own health profoundly to avoid obesity, diabetes

and heart disease. Always see your dentist on a regular basis to avoid bacterial

infections and gum disease. Have a relationship with the medical practice of your

choice. Learn and advocate for yourself and loved ones. We must take personal

responsibility, not place our health in the corporate Insurance world or onto the

government.

Green Is In

Global warming seems to be at the top of everyone’s minds. Many people have set forth new efforts in living a greener lifestyle, and I am no exception. I am very environmentally conscious of my impact on this world. At home, I am the Green Queen and my habits are now transpiring to my kids. They think twice before throwing anything away and are turning off lights and computers when they are not in the room.

This consciousness has been brought to my practice and is catching on to others in my industry. We are going above and beyond recycling and energy conservation!

Here are some ways we at Proud Smiles reduce waste and pollution:

• Use digital imaging. This reduces the radiation we emit and the chemicals we would use to develop X-rays and the putty of impressions.
• Recycle the metals we remove from patients mouths so they don’t pollute the city water system.
• Use hospital grade, reusable sterilization items to reduce the amount of paper and plastic we throw away.
• Support our suppliers in reducing packaging.
• Order supplies only monthly to minimize our shipping carbon footprint.
• Recycle old equipment.
• Use nontoxic, biodegradable disinfectants and cleaners.
• Clean our water lines regularly with biodegradable enzymatic cleaners that are environmentally kind.
• Use the computer extensively for our medical records to reduce paper.
• Use email for reminders and billing.

Please give us feedback and support our efforts as we at Proud Smiles Dental continue to pursue and implement environmentally friendly measures.

Let’s Celebrate Children's Dental Care Month

When should I begin brushing my child’s teeth? Are baby teeth really important? When should my child begin flossing?” These are some of the questions I am often asked by parents when it comes to their children’s dental care. Since February is National Children’s Dental Month, sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), I am offering advice to stem the dramatic increase in cavities among preschoolers between the ages of 2 and 5.

It’s a disturbing trend that’s directly related to the increase we’re seeing in obesity rates among the same age group. Our young children’s diets are filled with dried fruits, juice boxes, candy and soda, and it’s setting them up for more cavities over their lifetime. I suggest parents take the lead by teaching their children how to develop healthy dental habits.

My best advice: Have children visit a dentist beginning at age one; let children pick out their own toothbrush; and help them brush until they can do it by themselves. It’s also important to replace sugary foods and drinks with fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

There is definitely a connection between oral health and overall health. Having healthy teeth and gums leads to a decrease in such health concerns as diabetes and heart disease in adulthood. It’s a lesson we need to teach our children as early as possible.

If you would like to experience a more personal health-centered approach to dental, care give me a call: 404-257-0091. I would love to hear from you!

Let Your Teeth Twinkle This Season!

The holidays are here! As you prepare to see family and friends you may not see very often, we know you want to make the best impression.

What better way to present yourself than with a bright, shiny smile?

Stained and discolored teeth are common in adults of all ages. Whether it’s from coffee, red wine, soda, tea, tobacco or medications, there are ways to erase this discoloration and improve your smile.

If you do have stained teeth, don’t make the common mistake of brushing more rigorously. This can cause erosion of enamel from your teeth causing worsened coloring and even serious dental problems.

One way some people choose to whiten their teeth is with over-the-counter whitening products. Although these can be effective, their results are only temporary because they lack the prescription strength of a professional teeth-whitening procedure.

It’s also important to trust this procedure to a dentist so they can ensure the discoloration is actually just staining, not a symptom of an underlying cause.

The key to a long lasting, bright, white smile is to have them whitened by a cosmetic dentist before discoloration becomes too severe. And you’re in luck because we’re offering a professional whitening service for only $99 through the end of the year!

To impress everyone this holiday season and have a shiny start to the New Year, give us a call at 404-257-0091 or learn more about us on the Web.

A Health-Centered Approach to Dentistry

Have you ever heard the saying, “Your mouth is a window into your body?”

Dr. Brenda Paulen takes this to heart and could save you multiple visits to other doctors just by paying attention to symptoms in your mouth.

Here are some examples of symptoms in your mouth the can manifest into other, sometimes serious conditions in your body:

• Untreated gum inflammation and infection can affect or lead to heart disease, diabetes and infertility or miscarriage.
• The death rate for oral cancer is higher than many others we’re accustomed to hearing about. However, this is also one of the most curable when it’s caught early. Dr. Brenda regularly performs and recommends Vizilite cancer screenings for patients.
• Your dental occlusion (or bite) can affect you having headaches and lead to TMJ, which affects the temporomandibular joint that connects the mandible to the skull. It also can cause neck and/or shoulder pain.
• Worn teeth can cause your smile to look older and age your overall appearance.

Aside from these general health issues, good dental hygiene with the help of a knowledgeable dentist has many benefits. For example, keeping your natural teeth as long as possible can increase your longevity by 7 years. Dr Brenda is meticulous with dental restorations so they last and do not need to be redone over and over — this saves you the cost of frequent replacements. And of course, fresh breath and a healthy-looking smile are always attractive qualities!

For more information about specific health-centered dental care topics, take a look at our “Did You Know?” articles or call Dr. Brenda at 404-257-0091.

Get to know Dr. Brenda Paulen

Did you always want to be a dentist? What led you to dentistry?

I have been around dentistry my entire life. My dad graduated from Emory dental school when I was born, and I grew up in his practice. By the time I was 12 the staff put makeup on me and had me filing and answering the phone. By 15 I was helping clinically with patient care.

When I went to dental school I found it hard to believe there were kids there who had never worked in dentistry. Why would anyone think to do this for a living? I find it a rewarding way to help people be healthier, by sharing information and techniques to actually providing treatments they can’t do themselves.

If you weren’t a dentist, what else would you want to be?

Environmental issues are my passion. If I wasn’t a dentist I would like to be involved in public policy. There is so much we can achieve as an organized society through government and NGOs.

I am going green in my practice. Reducing the number of disposable products and using earth friendly chemicals. Digital technology reduces our need for chemicals.

What are some of your hobbies?

Hiking and reading. This summer I enjoyed “Eat, Love, Pray,” Nudge, Daniel Pink and Thomas Friedman books. I just started “Little Bee,” and I’m in middle of the Dragon Tattoo series.

Any children?

Jason and Steven are twins, 21.
Chana is 16.

With your special concentration of over 100 hours on treating occlusal (bite) conditions, what have you noticed as the biggest contributing factor toward occlusal problems?

• Many orthodontists align teeth into an aesthetically pleasing but non-ideal position. Teeth that are properly aligned do not scrape against each other during chewing. Dentists call this “anterior guidance.” Teeth under chewing stress will wear flat, crack, chip, shift out of line, become sensitive when eating or with cold temperatures. People who avoid ice and cold or crunchy foods are suffering from occlusal disease and may not even know it. A visual exam with photos shows so much.
• Acid Reflux slowly dissolves teeth via erosion. 30% of people never feel the heartburn. I have before pictures and get testimonial by 30 year old patients who had extensive damage by undiagnosed GERD. I referred him to a GI specialist who was incredulous that a dentist made him schedule. GI scope uncovered extensive esophageal damage without symptoms.
• Many prescription medicines have the side effect of causing tooth grinding, such as medicines for anxiety, ADHD and blood pressure.
• The acidic pH of most of the drinks on the market dissolve teeth. This is extremely damaging when grinding is taking place. Sports and Energy drinks along with sodas are all damaging. As a kid in grade school, I did a science fair experiment where I placed baby teeth in different sodas and recorded how many weeks it took for them to dissolve. I have never consumed a soda!

Would You Get Tested?

Recent reports suggest that 57 million people in America are at risk for type 2 diabetes and that the number of Americans living with diabetes will nearly double by the year 2034. These are staggering numbers for a much too common disease that is preventable with awareness and action.

The central feature of diabetes is elevated blood sugar levels due to insufficiencies of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and a key regulator of the body’s metabolism. In type 2 diabetes (which accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases), the body does not respond properly to insulin, a condition know as insulin resistance.

Now the connection to oral care: chronic gum infection changes your body’s immune system and thereby influences insulin resistance. Given that an estimated 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 have some form of chronic gum infection, awareness and action is certainly called for!

In an effort to heighten awareness and encourage recommended gum treatments, I am considering adding the availability of a quick and easy in-office testing procedure that would detect those bacteria in your mouth that are responsible for gum infection.

Here’s my question: Would you want this test?

Let me know your thoughts…