Cosmetic Dental Blog

One of the most positive developments in dentistry during the last decade is the increase in the success and popularity of dental implants to replace missing teeth. In this article I intend to outline, in ordinary language, what dental implants are and what they are used for. Dental implants are pure titanium cylinders that are […]

In my experience, the topic which causes the most misunderstanding in dentistry is dental insurance. My goal in this series of articles is to give you some basic information to help you understand this often confusing issue. First of all the term “insurance” is really a misnomer in the context of dentistry. The word “insurance” […]

I recently returned from the annual conference of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Boston. This meeting, more than any other, re-ignites my passion for dentistry and gives me a higher vision of what is possible to achieve. The lectures and workshops I attended were first rate, and the knowledge and skills I acquired […]

In the last decade tooth colored fillings have become a very popular alternative choice to traditional silver/mercury amalgams. The latest insurance company statistics show that 65% of the fillings placed in the US are tooth colored composites compared to 35% amalgam. If you prefer tooth colored fillings, there are some things you need to know. […]

Bisphosphonates are medications commonly used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (a thinning of the bones) or as part of cancer treatment. Some bisphosphonate medications (such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva) are taken orally (swallowed). Others, such as Aredia, Bonefos, Didronel or Zometa, are administered intravenously (injected into a vein). In rare instances, some individuals receiving bisphosphonate […]

According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually in this country by sports mouthguards. While this is an impressive preventative figure, unfortunately many teeth will still be damaged because failure to wear a proper sports mouthguard exposes an athlete to a 60 times greater chance of dental injury. In […]

I see patients in my office who have previously committed significant amounts of time and money to have their teeth restored. They have replaced missing teeth, repaired damaged ones, straightened them, and enhanced the appearance of their pearly whites through a variety of cosmetic procedures. Most of these folks recognize the importance of follow up […]

Walking really does your body good from head to toe. Not only will it help keep your heart and legs strong and your waist trim, but it may protect your pearly whites, too. It all has to do with the aerobic fitness benefits that walking confers. In a recent Japanese study, the folks who were […]

As you set goals for your personal health this year, don’t forget to include your teeth and your smile. There is a growing body of scientific research that shows a significant connection between oral health and systemic health in general. So, if you goal is to be healthier in 2011, taking care of your smile […]

Valley Dental Works invites you to adopt a hat. Stop by and pick a fun, stylish winter hat. Then show it the world. If you send us images in your hat, we will enter you into a drawing for a flat screen TV at the end of 2011.