ViziLite: Oral Cancer Screening

                           

Early detection of oral cancer begins in the dentist chair. This video demonstrates how a ViziLite cancer screening is performed using a vinegar-based mouth wash and a blue light to aid in detecting pre-cancerous cells.

Are you at risk? 
Risk factors include but are not limited to: 

• Tobacco use
• Chronic alcohol consumption
• Oral HPV 16/18 infection in increasing younger population,
• Age (40+)

An annual screening exam called ViziLite, used in conjunction with a standard visual exam, helps to identify and qualify abnormalities that can lead to cancer. Simply put, a ViziLite exam may turn your annual visit into a life saving experience.

                                    
                                                  What you see under normal light            What you see using ViziLite 

Above video from: Jay Grossman's youtube channel
Pictures from: http://www.zila.com/vizilite/

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Bedtime Bottles

It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It's best to keep bottles out of the crib.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Habits that Wreck Your Teeth: Cough Drops

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn't mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family DentistryGary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family DentistryGary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family DentistryGary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions

Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

 

Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the mouth. Click here to learn more.

Above article from KnowYourTeeth.com

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family DentistryGary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Halloween Tips

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a

chance to build up the stockpile of sweets for the winter. Being one of the most fun times of the year for families, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges.

The American Dental Association, America's premier source of oral health information, has prepared a list of 10 suggestions to help parents maintain good oral health for their children around the Halloween holiday and throughout the year.

1.     Consume Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals.
Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

2.     Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.
Besides how often you snack, the length of time food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to prolonged acid attack, increasing the risk for tooth decay.

3.     Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth.
The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay. 

Click here to read more tips.

Above article from: ada.org

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family DentistryGary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Don't Forget to Clean Your Tongue

Your oral health routine should always include brushing your tongue with your toothbrush or using a tongue scraper, which you can find in the dental products aisle at the drugstore. That’s important because foods can get stuck in the grooves of your tongue, causing bacteria to grow. Other oral health problems that can develop if you don't clean your tongue are a bad taste in your mouth, staining on your tongue, and bad breath, Abayon says.

Above article from EverydayHealth.com

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family DentistryGary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Join Our Team for Breast Cancer Awareness & Save the Date!

 

 

Join Our Team for Breast Cancer Awareness & Save the Date!

Click here to visit our TEAM's page:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=1514437&pg=team&fr_id=55737&fl=en_US&et=jWmsfaU7_bgayOzoJIJv9w

Thank you in advance!

 

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

 

Whitening

Teeth Whitening – Dazzling Results in Just One Visit!

Your smile is important. It’s one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile lends itself to a more youthful, healthy look and can help you feel beautiful and more confident. Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola, and red wine, or smoking. Whitening can get your smile looking its best. Non-professional procedures and clinically unproven teeth whitening tips can often lead to unsatisfactory results. You should look for a whitening procedure that is fast, long lasting, has low sensitivity, is safe, and is performed by a dental professional.

We have partnered with the leaders in teeth whitening to offer two options for our patients: ZOOM!™ in-office one-hour whitening and NiteWhite™ take-home whitening system. ZOOM! whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. You may have seen the ZOOM! process used on ABC’s Extreme Makeover.

How long does ZOOM! Chairside Whitening take?
The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period
followed by as little as 45 minutes of bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual
ZOOM! whitening session.)

How does the ZOOM! in-office system work?
The ZOOM! light-activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The ZOOM! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the ZOOM! lamp increases the effectiveness of the ZOOM! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.

What will I experience during the ZOOM! in-office procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

How long do the results last?
By following some simple post-whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with ZOOM! Weekender or NiteWhite gel. These are professional-formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Are there any side effects?
Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The ZOOM! light generates minimal heat, which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. You can also ask your dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to treatment.

What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The ZOOM! Chairside Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Is whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth-whitening product, ZOOM! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

Brilliantly White Teeth, in Your Own Home!

We are proud to offer our patients the NiteWhite Take-Home Whitening System™. Also known as “tray bleaching,” at-home professional whitening is one of the most popular methods of achieving a brighter smile. Professional at-home bleaching requires custom-made trays and professionally dispensed whitening gel you can only purchase through a licensed dentist. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, hydroxyradicals enter the tooth to naturally whiten the stains. Unlike strips, this process whitens all your teeth and provides maximum comfort with less sensitivity and gum irritation. This method usually takes 12 nights of tray wear and whitens your teeth about six to eight shades. 


Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Veneers & Lumineers Dentist Orlando FL

‘Smile Makeovers’ in as Little as Two Visits!
Are you proud of your smile? Do you look at magazine models and television stars wishing you had the same confident grins they have? If your front teeth are discolored and stained, chipped, cracked, slightly misaligned, or have metal fillings, you may want to consider veneers.

To see what your smile would look like with veneers, we recommend you review our extensive before-and-after gallery. We also offer digital imaging, a computer program that will create an image of you with your new veneers. These tools can help you decide if veneers would be a good choice for your smile. We custom craft each patient’s veneers. You can choose the shape, color, and style that best complements your appearance and the image you want to achieve.

What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that are custom crafted under magnification in a dental laboratory. They are then bonded directly to the front surface of the teeth to create a perfectly shaped, absolutely gorgeous smile. While your new veneers are being fabricated, you will wear a natural-looking temporary that will resemble your projected result. Typically, veneers are completed in two visits over three weeks. Both the preparation and cementation appointments will require mild numbing, and there is no down time.

How durable are porcelain veneers?
Veneers, also called laminates, are long lasting and stain resistant. Once bonded into place, a veneer will perform like a natural tooth. Under normal chewing activity it is unlikely that a veneer would come off. Patients who have veneers are advised not to use their teeth as “tools” and to be slightly more cautious when biting directly into something such as an apple or an ear of corn. Sporting activities or a direct impact that would damage a natural tooth will affect a veneer in a similar fashion. Most patients that have porcelain veneers wear a small bite guard while they sleep to protect the teeth from unconscious clenching or grinding. 

How long will my veneers last?
The average life of a veneer can be 10 - 20 years or more. Many factors can affect the overall lifespan.    The restoration is adhered to your natural tooth. If neglected, your tooth can develop problems and compromise the veneer. Diet, age, genetics, poor oral hygiene, lack of regular dental visits, and noncompliance with prescribed bite guard are some of the factors that could affect how long your veneers will last.

Can any dentist do a veneer?
Any dentist can call him or herself a cosmetic dentist. Dentists receive limited exposure and opportunity to cosmetics in dental school. It is up to the individual to seek out advanced hands-on training and continue to re-educate with regular frequency. Preparing and cementing veneers requires precision, expertise, and experience on the part of the dentist. Without advanced training and experience, the overall result will most certainly be less aesthetic and could have a shorter lifespan.

Will they look like real teeth?
Making your teeth look natural is a joint effort between an excellent clinical dentist and an exceptional dental laboratory. Dr. Michaelson has a 14-year relationship with a ceramist at a renowned dental laboratory and extensive advanced training in the field of cosmetic bonded dentistry. Restorations created by Dr. Michaelson will blend in seamlessly with your natural dentition and will absolutely look real. The materials and training available today allow us to provide beautiful, strong, long-lasting restorations.

Care of your new veneers
Dental care for veneers is not much different from regular dental care. Brush and floss your new smile daily. Always use a soft toothbrush, apply light pressure, and be thorough. Refrain from using smoker’s toothpaste, baking soda toothpaste, and whitening toothpaste, as they are all too abrasive. Visit us on the recommended recall schedule we specifically design based on your needs.

Most veneer patients see us every four months for cleaning and yearly for exams and X-rays. In our office, each team member is aware of the protocol for cosmetic bonded restorations. If you move away from our practice and have to be treated elsewhere, advise your new dental team of your restorations. Be sure to request the least abrasive polishing paste and advise not to use the ultrasonic cleaner on the veneers. If you have any questions about caring for your veneers, don’t hesitate to call.Make Over Your Smile

Are you hesitant about porcelain veneers because of the necessary tooth reduction prior to placement? Lumineers™ require minimal and sometimes no tooth reduction to enhance your smile.

Lumineers, just like traditional veneers, can correct many aesthetic dental problems, including stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, misalignment, crookedness, sharp teeth, spaces, and other imperfections.

Patients that choose traditional veneers must undergo some tooth reduction to make room for the restoration. Tooth reduction makes a bonded veneer appear natural, lying flat, in line with existing teeth. However, when natural dentition is removed, it cannot be replaced.

Case selection on the part of the dentist is very important. Not everyone is a candidate for Lumineers. Dr. Michaelson has had extensive training in the field of cosmetic dentistry and is a certified Lumineers provider. We will evaluate your smile and take all your concerns into consideration, and recommend the cosmetic solution that best suits you.

Lumineers are typically bonded to the enamel of the tooth rather than the dentin. Enamel bonding is slightly stronger than dentinal bonding. Little to no tooth reduction is needed to place Lumineers.

If you’re concerned about tooth reduction, but you want a dazzling Hollywood smile, ask us about Lumineers at your next office visit.

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with or sponsored by Den-Mat Holdings/LUMINEERS.

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

Smile Makeover Dentist Orlando FL

Don’t Hide Your Smile – Remake It!

A beautiful smile used to be something reserved for Hollywood’s rich and famous. Today, cosmetic dentistry offers many conservative options to improve your smile. Dr. Michaelson has had hands-on post-doctoral training in cosmetic and bonded dentistry from the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He stays up to date on the latest advances in the field to offer patients natural, conservative, and long-lasting dependable restorations. Before any cosmetic procedure, we discuss patient goals and desires. We then develop a plan of action that will create a unique smile to complement the patient’s overall appearance. We take into consideration many factors, such as facial symmetry, the size of features, and skin tone.

Whether you want to brighten your smile with single-appointment whitening, close a space with cosmetic bonding, or get a picture-perfect veneer smile, Dr. Michaelson and his team are ready to help you. We have helped many patients achieve the beautiful smiles they deserve, and they rave about the results!

Tooth Recontouring – Enamelplasty

Enamelplasty is done to smooth and even edges of teeth. This simple procedure of reshaping is done with a dental drill and no anesthesia. It can be used to make very minor changes and is often times combined with other cosmetic procedures. In some cases minor changes to the edges and contour can make an impact.



Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247

12 foods that naturally whiten your teeth

We've all been told to avoid red wine, dark berries, and black coffee in our quests for pearly whites, but what about foods that actually brighten your smile? Try these natural solutions for a brilliant beam. | By Julia Marino

Strawberries
They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration, says Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

Apples
The loud crunch you hear when you bite into this hard fruit may be annoying, but it's also good for your choppers. Apples' crispiness strengthens gums, and their high water content increases saliva production, dispersing and neutralizing colonies of bacteria that lead to bad breath and plaque, says Smigel.

Water
Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile bright, advises Smigel, who recommends sipping and swishing between glasses of wine and when eating dark, pigmented foods to prevent staining. However, while water reduces the acidity in your mouth and the resulting damage to your enamel, Dr. Smigel warns against imbibing too much sparkling water, which has greater potential to erode enamel and harm teeth.

To view all 12 foods go to: Yahoo - http://tinyurl.com/p6mru46

Above article by: Julia Marino

Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Gary Michaelson, DMD
1870 North Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
Tel: (407) 374-0247