Our practice knows that image can be everything. May happens to be National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

We know one of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a visit to our office. Has your child visited our office in the past six months for his or her regular check-up? We invite you to give us a call to book your appointment!

See you soon!

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a 'green' office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

A Really Cool Case!

Today’s Dental has developed a reputation for innovative and cutting edge technology and treatment. One of the niftiest things we do; now pretty regularly, are one visit crowns. Today’s Dental uses CEREC® Technology to fabricate all porcelain crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. This week I would like to demonstrate a specific case.

No farfetched story; no fancy delivery; not a lot of esoteric web site links…

Just a routine grass roots useful application of an amazing treatment tool!

Our patient, who we can call Mr. Hippa, had some chipped upper front teeth. The chipping was starting to become decayed and sensitive. Mr. Hippa decided it was time to do something about his chipped teeth.

Well, since everything else was OK and Mr. Hippa was only interested in strengthening these two teeth we elected to do Porcelain Veneers.

The short story about Veneers is they are thin porcelain facings that permanently bond to the face of the teeth to; among other things: repair, reshape, mask stain and close gaps. Veneers can cover one tooth as an immediate response to an emergent situation (a tooth unexpectedly breaks) or all the teeth as a permanent, beautiful cosmetic smile make over.

Veneers are traditionally made in the Dental Laboratory; however they can also be made in the Dental Office using CEREC® Technology. This Blog entry is about the CEREC® veneers we did in the office this week.

We were discussing a second visit with the patient, initially scheduled for laboratory fabricated veneers on his middle two front teeth, when he expressed surprise that there would be another visit. He said he thought the treatment would be finished on the same day.

Time to change gears!

Without hesitation, after discussing the normal protocol issues about treatment we grabbed “Rosie” (that’s what we call the CEREC® computer and design center).

After routine veneer preps we were able to scan the teeth electronically.

The final design was sent to the in office milling machine.

And the final, thin, polished, permanent veneers were ready for placement on the teeth.

And voilà we have two esthetic, conservative, permanent, strong and comfortable Porcelain Veneers in one visit.

When I spoke to the patient the next day he said he couldn’t believe how comfortable and easy the appointment was and how much he loves his new CEREC® chairside fabricated Porcelain Veneers!

Dr. Michael Glass
michael@todaysdental.com

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, our team wants you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler.

• Make each and every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

A visit to the Dentist is a chore that everyone knows they have to do. I can’t say we always like it but we know we have to do it. What about when you mix the visit with a good dose of guilt?

Now, throw in those American traditions that send our Dental Guilt Meter through the roof…Valentine’s Day and Halloween!

OMG talk about falling off the healthy snack bandwagon by forgetting to avoid excess refined sugar in our diets!

Well, it is Valentine’s Day 2012; time to think about cupid’s arrow and loving each other and chocolate! Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. I have often heard people say that Valentine’s Day is a product of the greeting card and candy manufacturers marketing department. Well I guess it works because Americans send around a billion (yes that’s the 9 - 0’s billion) greeting cards annually. OK, that’s less than half the amount of cards sent around Christmas (2.6 billion says the Greeting Card Association), but it’s still a whole bunch of cards! It isn’t all the manufacturers fault, according to History.com. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. It wasn’t until the 1840s that Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures.

So let’s get back to the Dental Guilt stuff – here’s the good news: sugar does not cause cavities. There is a whole lot of other bad stuff refined sugar can be blamed for but not directly for decay on teeth. Dental caries (decay leading to breakdown of teeth) is actually caused by the bi-product of bacterial metabolism – acid. If we can get rid of the bacteria before it sits on the teeth long enough to cause decay then we can help to prevent cavities. Sugar helps the bacteria stick to the tooth and is among the list of different food products that provide nutrition to the bacteria. So throw out the dental guilt and grab a toothbrush and some floss and get rid of the bacteria!

Meanwhile this is Valentine’s Day and we should express our affection some way. Here at Today’s Dental we love to make people's teeth bright and white. Our Valentine’s Day promotion is the gift of Whiter Teeth. For the rest of the month of February 2012 the first patient (new or existing) that mentions this blog and one of our doctor’s: Dr. Michael Glass, Dr. Bradley DeMark or Dr. Howard Farran can receive a FREE GIFT CERTIFICATE for an in office Whitening Treatment after your teeth are checked and cleaned. The next five patients mentioning our blog (after the first patient) will get $50.00 off any of our whitening treatment systems they choose.

So get right back on to the healthy tooth bandwagon; call Today’s Dental for an appointment; let us know you saw this blog, take advantage of our offers and enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Lose the guilt & share the love!

-Dr. Michael Glass

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

–Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark, and our team

We all know that after the holiday shopping craze is over, life settles down just enough to throw out the boxes and recycle the gift wrap and then the commercials start to barrage us with JANUARY WHITE SALES!!

What does that mean anyway? How did “White Sales” start? I did a little “research” on Google, Wikipedia and About.com and learned that the white sale was invented by John Wannamaker a Philadelphia department store entrepreneur and owner in 1878, to increase sales of linen (which was predominately white). Although a white sale can happen any time of the year, initially they were in January at a time of the year when retail sales were traditionally weak. Later on in the 1950’s bed sheets in all different colors became popular and nowadays there are even companies promoting healthy lifestyles as a white sale effort- but the marketing technique remains the same: “White Sales”. (By the way, a little digression; recently, when reading a novel, I read a line in the text that sums up a lot about today’s pop culture; a Harvard professor is the lead character in the book and he tells his students that “Google” is not synonymous with “research”!! (The Lost Symbol; Dan Brown; Doubleday; 2009). Oh well, I hope you don’t mind that I will continue to do my “research” on Google at least for this blog).

Anyway, back to business, I thought about White Sales and realized what is one of the first things people associate with “White”?… Well, WHITE TEETH of course!! Naturally the best place to have a White Sale is in the Dental Office!

So, it’s time to make the appointment and set up (or check your calendar to see when your appointment is already set-up) for your semi-annual periodic check-up with one of the Doctors; Dr. Michael Glass, Dr. Bradley DeMark or Dr. Howard Farran and for your cleaning with our Dental Hygiene team to make your teeth as white and healthy as you can. We look forward to seeing you and your family! While you are at it why not treat yourself and get your teeth professionally whitened? Mention you saw this blog and we can make a deal:

You ready yet?

OK, the first patient (new or existing) that mentions this blog and one of our doctor’s names can receive a FREE in office Whitening Treatment after your teeth are checked and cleaned. The next five patients mentioning our blog (after the first patient) will get $50.00 off any of our whitening treatment systems they choose.

How can you go wrong? Free or discounted Whitening Treatment, clean and healthy teeth and happy patients all in celebration of the greatest “White Sale” we can imagine!

Dr. Michael Glass
Feel free to email me at michael@todaysdental.com or call the office (480) 893-CARE (2273)

Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark and our team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Today's Dental that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or our doctors?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page, or by giving us a call!

In this festive season, our entire team at Today's Dental and the majority of our patients are sending seasonal greetings to each other all the time. It is amazing how many sugar containing holiday treats our patients, specialists, co-workers, and friends send to the dental office during the winter holiday season. It is a good thing we know how to brush and floss after a sweet treat to keep our oral hygiene up to the same standards we strive to help our patients maintain! I really think we have to order more floss this time of year as we seem to need it more often than usual!!

Well, it is also becoming more challenging to keep up with all the appropriate greetings. The other day, I met with a patient during a routine periodic check up and prophy visit. I took this as an opportunity to be festive and I innocently inquired of the patient how he and his family might be celebrating the holiday season this year? Expecting the routine answers of Christmas, Chanukah or Kwanza this patient caught us off guard saying that his family has already finished their celebration of the Hindu: Diwali. Inquisitive minds need to know, so I asked if he could briefly explain what Diwali was, he said no… because it is a complex celebration and widely varies among the various Hindu cultures. Simply, it is the Indian "Festival of Lights". I thought that was interesting because Chanukah, the rededication of the Jewish Temple (long story made very short) is known as the Jewish "Festival of Lights". Christmas is filled with the glory and splendor of holiday decorations also featuring sparkling and often elaborate lights initiated by the use of candles attached to the "Christmas Tree". And Kwanza also uses the lighting of candles to help commemorate the significance of that holiday which is a celebration of the seven principles of African Heritage. I am not really trying to give an accurate analysis of the winter holidays commonly celebrated (thanks to Google for some help with understanding. There are certainly so many more holidays and cultures that I am not even touching now). I am just making the observation that this can be a season filled with joy and happiness and meaningful light as well as sugar!

Oh, don't think I forgot this blog started as a reminder to enjoy all the sweet and delicious holiday treats that you care to, but don't forget to brush and floss to get rid of all that sugar sitting on your teeth. And focus the lights of your holiday on the joy of the season and so you can see the teeth all the way in the back of your mouth!

May you and yours celebrate this Holiday time of year in Sweet Peace and Happiness; Health, Safety and Prosperity and with the Light of the Season shining upon you.

-Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark, and our team

Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark and our team at Today's Dental want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

With the start of the busy holiday season right around the corner, Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark, and our team wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you and your smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

At Today's Dental, our team knows the way you care for your teeth at home doesn’t just affect your oral health – it can impact your overall health as well. In recent years, researchers have found clear links between the mouth and other parts of the body, and the evidence is especially impactful for people with diabetes.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, and a great time to learn about how keeping your mouth healthy is vital to your overall health, too. If you are one of the nearly 26 million Americans currently living with diabetes, there is some good news: you can protect your gums and teeth from the effects of diabetes by visiting our Phoenix dental office, also serving Ahwatukee and Chandler, for regular check-ups and cleanings. Most people should have at least two dental appointments per year, but those folks living with diabetes may require additional visits to make sure their dental health remains in top shape. Many insurance plans provide expanded benefits for diabetic patients. Dr. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, and Bradley DeMark can tell you how often you need to come in for your dental visits.

For more information on how we can help, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Happy Veterans’ Day! Today is a day to thank all military veterans and the men and women currently on active duty that put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veterans’ Day, Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans’ Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans’ Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans’ Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans’ Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas!

Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark, and our team hope you had a fun and safe Halloween! Here’s a great photo from this year’s Halloween at Today's Dental.

We would love to see what kind of costumes you or your children came up with. Share your Halloween 2011 photos with us by posting on our Facebook page.

Here's a great photo of Dr. Michael Glass and his two assistants, Chris and Millie, at an advanced CEREC continuing education class at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry.

At Today's Dental, with the help of CEREC technology, we are able to offer damaged teeth restoration that can be completed in a single visit to our Phoenix office. During your appointment, you and your doctor will discuss the details of the procedure. Then your doctor will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special 3D imaging camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using CEREC's proprietary software, your restoration will be designed according to your tooth's appropriate form and function. Then, CEREC will use a diamond bur to create your restoration out of a piece of ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

If you would like to learn more about CEREC technology, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Howard Farran, Dr. Michael Glass, or Dr. Bradley DeMark.

Dental sealants are a plastic resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on your tooth's surface. When a tooth is sealed at Today's Dental, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective.

In this video, we show you the process of applying dental sealants.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Howard Farran, Dr. Michael Glass, or Dr. Bradley DeMark, please give our Phoenix office a call!

Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark, and our team, serving Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler, deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make dental treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what one of our patients had to say!

"My everlasting thanks to the great team at Today's Dental - especially Sandy, the Office Manager with a heart of gold! The temporary crown (from another dentist) came off less than 12 hours after my visit. I was at their door early the next morning to have them put it back on, only to find the door locked - they were closed! There was no note, and the outgoing voice message indicated that they should be open. This was a Thursday, and the sign on the door DID state that they were closed Friday through Sunday. In great distress (and very hungry) I went to work and appealed to my coworkers for advice. That's when I was put in touch with Today's Dental and they told me to come over just as soon as I wanted to. I did not have to wait more than 4 minutes before the Hygenist called for me and the temporary crown was cemented back on. No pain and I could finally eat! I could not have asked for a more convenient, professional or gracious experience. Thank You!!" -April L.

At Today's Dental, we are dedicated to your overall wellness and are committed to offering the very best that dentistry has to offer. Give our Phoenix office a call to schedule your appointment, today!

Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, and Bradley DeMark, your Ahwatukee, Phoenix, and Chandler dentists, are situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about our community? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Arizona?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Arizona.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and visit Dr. Farran, Dr. Glass, or Dr. DeMark every six months, but did you know that rinsing with fluoride — a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay — also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong?

At Today's Dental, our preferred method fluoride application is fluoride varnish. Below you'll find two helpful videos with our very own dental hygienist, Brandy, that explain why we use fluoride varnish and how it is applied to our patients' teeth. If you have any additional questions about fluoride treatment with Today's Dental, or if you need to schedule your next appointment, please give our Phoenix office a call!

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Today's Dental than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health.

Here’s how:

Healthy Gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Howard Farran, Dr. Michael Glass, or Dr. Bradley DeMark the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Does the sound of a drill make you flinch or cringe? Do you worry about your twice-yearly dental checkup? Trust our team at Today's Dental when we say you’re not alone! In fact, the Journal of the American Dental Association has estimated that 30 to 40 million people have a fear of visiting the dentist.

To eliminate some of that fear, we’ve put together six steps to help you or your child overcome your dental anxiety before visiting our convenient Phoenix office.

1. What are you most afraid of? Is it the sound of the drill? Do you have needle phobia? Have you been traumatized by previous dental visits? Write down your fears, one by one.

2. Don’t wait. The more frequently you visit our office, the less work needs to be done at any one visit. Simply having your teeth cleaned professionally by Drs. Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass or Bradley DeMark twice a year prevents many, if not most, problems.

3. Bring a distraction to your appointment. Bringing along an iPod is a great idea. Just plug in those earphones, close your eyes, and get lost in the music. Listening to music can also be a pain killer.

4. Relax. Inhale slowly, and count of five. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly to the count of eight. Repeat. Concentrate on making out every word of the lyrics. It's easier if you're not totally focused on the work going on inside your mouth.

5. Ask. Before any procedure, ask one of our assistants why we’re using the tools we’re using. Ask us what we're doing, what the tool is used for, and how it will benefit you during the appointment. Also, please ask about anti-anxiety medications that we may prescribe to help you relax during your appointment

6. We are here to help you. Remember, we are health care professionals who want to improve your oral health, and will never judge you or the state of your mouth. Our team at Today's Dental will do all we can to ensure a trauma-free and pain-free experience!

We hope this helps! For more on dental anxieties, we encourage you to visit this helpful article or ask us during your next visit to our convenient Phoenix office! Or, ask us on Facebook!