Cosmetic Dentistry with Invisalign®

The Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville Cosmetic Dentistry Blog Series

Invisalign® clear orthodontics is a convenient and effective treatment option for adults.  The Invisalign® process uses clear plastic aligners to perform pre-calculated tooth movement.  The aligners are barely noticeable when they are worn, eliminating the distraction of metal braces hardware (a common concern for adult patients).  And, because they are removable, the patient is not limited in the foods they can eat, and it is easy to maintain regular brushing and flossing habits.

Visit our web site to watch Videos about Invisalign clear orthodontics and other cosmetic dental services 

Doug Booth, DDS is a certified Invisalign® provider.  Our Invisalign® patients enjoy the convenience of the aligners, and they love the results.  Adults that have been reluctant to pursue orthodontics, or, had orthodontic treatment as a teenager and have experienced crowding or other tooth movement are so appreciative of having an alternative to metal brackets and wires!

Not only does a straighter smile look and feel better, it can also improve your oral health.  Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, which helps prevent plaque and tartar accumulation and gum inflammation.  

In most cases, the Invisalign® process can be completed in 18 months or less.  Some cases only require 6 months!

Find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign by scheduling a Complimentary Consultation* with Dr. Doug Booth at the Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville.
*consultation does not include x-rays

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening

The Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville Cosmetic Dentistry Blog Series

Teeth whitening, or teeth bleaching, is a simple and safe dental procedure.  We have two teeth whitening options in our practice:  

ZOOM!® in-office teeth whitening is a service that we perform in the dental treatment area.  After isolating the teeth, a special whitening gel that lifts stains away is applied to the tooth surfaces to make them several shades lighter.

• The ZOOM!® whitening process takes a little over an hour. We make you comfortable with a magazine or music headphones while we complete the whitening treatment.  
• Over time, dark beverages such as coffee, tea and cola can stain your teeth again. We have touch-up whitening gel refills available for purchase to keep your smile beautifully bright.

Take-home whitening is accomplished using custom mouth trays and professional teeth whitening gel.  We make your trays by first taking a quick dental impression.  

• Using trays at home for about 30 minutes a day, you can generally expect to see results in 2-3 weeks.  Repeating the whitening treatment periodically will help maintain your results. 

A word about over-the-counter whitening products:  At the Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville, our professional dental whitening products are formulated for less sensitivity and maximum results, and, the customized manner in which they are applied is specific to YOUR teeth. 

• By isolating the teeth for ZOOM!® whitening or using custom trays for home whitening, we create an environment that maximizes tooth surface contact with the bleaching gel.
• Over-the-counter products use a variety of ingredients and the application process itself is not as consistent as what you can expect from a professional dental office.

Watch our Videos about Teeth Whitening and Cosmetic Dentistry

Are you ready to make changes to your smile?

Contact Us to schedule a Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation with Doug Booth, DDS at the Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville.  

*consultation does not include x-rays

What’s New in Cosmetic Dentistry?

The Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville Cosmetic Dentistry Blog Series

At the Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville, general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Doug Booth and his team love helping patients improve their smiles with cosmetic dentistry.  

We continue to see the development of materials and technology that make dentistry more convenient, comfortable and affordable, and most importantly, help patients keep their teeth healthy for a lifetime. 

For most people, the term “cosmetic dentistry” makes them think of services that are elective, like the  “smile makeovers” we see on television.  While those are also a part of our practice, we know that years of research have proven that having a healthy, appealing smile that we feel good about plays a significant role in individual self-confidence.  Your personal satisfaction with the appearance of your smile is an important concern to Dr. Booth and the Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville team.

Where Cosmetic Dentistry meets Oral Health
All dentistry solves a “problem”.   Whether it is tooth pain, broken teeth or a gum infection, there is a dental treatment for virtually every conceivable dental problem.  Even extractions deal with the problem of a non-salvageable tooth.

Cosmetic dentistry becomes part of the equation in dental problem-solving.  When Dr. Booth performs a comprehensive exam to identify potential issues, it makes sense that a crown, bridge, filling or denture should look like natural teeth.  This is cosmetic dentistry at its best!

Watch videos about cosmetic dental procedures on our web site.  

It is important to remember that no smile is ever “hopeless”; we help our patients solve problems that seem overwhelming, every day.  All you need is a plan.  

In our Cosmetic Dentistry blog series, we will share some of the procedures that we provide to help our patients keep their teeth healthy and beautiful.  

We offer Complimentary Cosmetic Consultations* at Cosmetic Dental Center of Huntsville.  If you are interested in what cosmetic dentistry can do for your smile, we invite you to Contact Us.

*consultation does not include x-rays

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

During April, our dental team joins dental professionals around the globe to raise awareness about oral cancer.  Oral cancer is more common that we might think – in the U.S., 1 person dies per hour, every single day, 365 days a year from oral cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer usually begins as something most of us would ignore: an unusual white or red patch or small ulcer in the mouth, hoarseness that lasts for a long time, or a bump or mass inside the mouth or neck.  The key is if these or any pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or bumps/masses last for more than 14 days, they should be checked to rule out oral cancer or cancers of the head and neck. 

The most common areas for oral cancer to occur are on the tongue and on the floor of the mouth.  

This is why regular dental screenings are important.  Dr. Booth will visually examine the soft tissues of the mouth, the tongue and roof of the mouth during regular hygiene visits.  We also use Vizlite screening technology to take a closer look at small bumps or discolorations.  If Dr. Booth has any concerns, he will involve a specialist to follow through on testing to make sure there is no danger. 

The Changing Faces of Oral Cancer

10 years ago, the most common cause of oral cancer was smoking and heavy alcohol use, and the predominant victims were men over the age of 50.  Today, however, oral cancer is linked to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), which can occur in young adults.   The percentage of women that are diagnosed has increased to a ratio of 2 men to 1 woman (from 6 men to 1 woman) in the past decade.  And, smokeless tobacco use is also a proven cause of oral cancer.

Treatment for Oral Cancer

It is possible to treat oral cancer and survive, early detection is crucial.  Like most forms of cancer, treatment is specific to the stage/location of the cancer, and is a combined approach of surgeons, specialists and dental professionals. 

Our goal as your dental health care team is to inform you of the risks of smoking and smokeless tobacco products, as well as monitor your oral health through regular examinations during your cleaning visits. 

Please help us fight oral cancer, and share this information with your loved ones.  If you have not been screened within the last year, please Contact Us to schedule an appointment. 

TOGETHER WE CAN STOP ORAL CANCER.

Dental Pre-Medications Guidelines Changes

Have you been told in the past that you should pre-medicate with antibiotics prior to dental treatment?  If so, you should check with your doctor to see if this is still a recommendation for you. 

For years, patients that have certain medical conditions and prosthetic joint replacements have taken a regimen of antibiotic medication prior to dental treatment to prevent the risk of infection.  

The American Heart Association,  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Dental Association have updated these guidelines in recent years, and in some cases, the need for pre-medication for dental treatment is no longer necessary.  

Of course, we always recommend that you talk with your physician about any medications that you should or should not take, and feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions.


References
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/Infective-Endocarditis_UCM_307108_Article.jsp


American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Dental Association (the 2012 Panel). Joint Study
http://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)00019-1/fulltext?nav=rotatorJanmain

Dr. Booth's Summer Project

Slab table for JW…..
John Wilson and four buddies are renting a house for their sophomore year at Bama; our furniture contribution for the house was to be a kitchen table.  JW told me he thought it would be cool to make a living edge slab table; a table with the edges being the unfinished bark side from a tree.  I reluctantly, since I had never made anything like that, agreed to make one.

We went to a sawmill in Scottsboro and after much looking chose “wormy maple” wood and cut slabs from the massive logs of a maple tree that JW picked out for its character and beauty.

We brought the slabs home and got started! First step involved joining the pieces together for the table top since there was not a single piece wide enough; this would later cause me mucho trouble!
Read more...

Sweet on Summertime

Lindsey's Peanut Butter Cup S'Mores Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of butter, softened

1/2 cup of packed brown sugar

1/4 cup of sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 1/4 cups of flour

1 cup of graham cracker crumbs

16 peanut butter cups, regular size (or more for minis)

1 1/ 2 cups of marshmallow fluff

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, coat lightly with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer on low, stir in the flour, baking powder, salt and graham cracker crumbs until mixed.

3. Spread 2/3 of the dough on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lightly press the peanut butter cups into the dough, then spread the marshmallow fluff on top.  Lightly spray a cutting broad and use to press the remaining dough out into an 8x8 shape square and place on top of the mixture in pan. Lightly press down.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Allow to cool for at least 2 hours to give bars time to set and cool.  Cut and serve, and enjoy!!!

CEREC Dental Crowns in 1 Appointment!

Have you been told that you need to have a tooth protected and restored with a dental crown?  Dr. Doug Booth, Huntsville dentist has helped many patients in the same situation with 1-visit crowns using CEREC® CAD-CAM technology (computer aided design – computer aided manufacturing). 

With over 30 years of clinical use, CEREC is a standard option in restorative dentistry.   And, because CEREC is completely digital, it has become a platform for integration with 3D cone beam imaging technologies to aid in the restoration of dental implants.

How is CEREC® different from a traditional dental crown?

A traditional crown procedure usually requires two appointments:

• During the first visit, the tooth is prepared for a crown, and impressions are taken using mouth trays and putty-like dental impression material.   The patient is fitted with a temporary crown and sent on their way, and the impression is sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the crown. 
• In 2-3 weeks, the patient returns to the office for placement of the final crown restoration.

CEREC® Restorations

CEREC 3D Technology allows Dr. Booth to complete a dental crown procedure in a single appointment.   Here’s how CEREC works:

• After preparing the tooth for the crown , Dr. Booth is able to capture the tooth anatomy using a 3D imaging camera and create a “virtual” impression – this means no messy dental impression material!
• With a 3D model of your teeth, Dr. Booth can design a natural-looking ceramic restoration in a shade to match your other teeth.  He uses special software tools to create the final design and map out how your crown should fit within your overall bite.
  
• Dr. Booth approves the final design and the CEREC manufacturing system mills your ceramic crown restoration while you wait.
• CEREC saves TIME.  Your crown is placed over the prepared tooth and you are on your way with your new dental crown – no second appointment required!

Dr. Booth has been a CEREC provider since 2005.   In addition to dental crowns, he uses CEREC technology to create custom dental inlays, onlays and implant crowns.

While some conditions require the use of the outside dental laboratory, in most cases, a single tooth dental crown restoration can be completed in our office using CEREC technology.

Would you like to learn more about CEREC same-day crowns?  We invite you to Contact Us or stop by to see CEREC in action!

Save on Invisalign thru May 15th!

Take advantage of our Spring Invisalign Promotion!

Join us in supporting Girl Scout Troop 562 & Donate to the Huntsville Humane Society!

We are a drop-off point for donations for this wonderful drive to support Huntsville homeless pets.  Please bring any of these items to your next appointment with us:

Meet our CDC 

Family Dogs!

Dr. Booth and Team attend Hinman Dental Convention in Atlanta

Dr. Booth & Team are just back from continuing education at the Hinman Dental Conference in Atlanta. We advanced our knowledge of health information privacy and occupational safety, and, acquired new technologies including the Velscope® Oral Cancer Screening System and a new Laser Cavity Detector to enhance our ability to detect problems early.

And, of course, we loved trying out Atlanta's restaurants!

Dr. Booth's Biscuits & Gravy Recipe

Dr. Booth surprised us with this on a rainy spring morning - we loved it! 

  PRINT THIS RECIPE

  

You will need:

4    Cups Bisquick

1    Cup Sour Cream (I used LIGHT)

1    Cup Seven Up

1/2  Cup melted butter

Knead and fold dough until coated with your baking mix. Pat dough out and cut biscuits using a round biscuit / cookie cutter. Melt butter in bottom of cookie sheet pan or 9x13 casserole dish. Place biscuits on top of melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until brown at 425 degrees.

Sausage Gravy

1 lb sausage

2 Tablespoons flour

2 Cups milk

Brown and crumble sausage in large non stick fry pan.  Slowly add flour to pan stirring into grease until smooth. Add milk and bring to simmering boil stirring until thickened.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, we raise awareness about oral cancer during the month of April by sharing an update about this life-threatening disease, but we are diligently on the lookout for it all year long.

Once thought to be a cancer that only affected tobacco users, oral cancer has been linked to the HPV16 virus which also causes cervical cancers.   According to the CDC, HPV is the most common sexually transferred infection in the U.S. and between 50-80 % of the entire US population will have an HPV infection at some point in their lifetime.  (www.oralcancer.org)

  

Oral cancer typically appears as something we might otherwise ignore – a bump, raised area or discoloration of the tissues in the mouth, or unexplained, persistent throat irritation or hoarseness.  

As part of your dental examination visits with us, Dr. Booth and our Dental Hygienists will perform an oral cancer screening of the tongue and oral soft tissues.  We may also use a special oral cancer detection system, Velscope®.  This patented technology uses a combination of light detection and specially formulated staining solution to react to potentially cancerous cells.  If we see a bump or lesion that looks questionable, the Velscope® system can help us rule out oral cancer or be an indicator that we need to take a closer look.

Both teens and adults are at risk for oral cancer.  At home, pay attention to your tongue, cheeks and oral soft tissues when you brush and floss.  A good rule of thumb, if you see a spot in your mouth that looks and feels different for more than 2 weeks, it is time to call us.  Same rule applies if you have an unexplained persistent sore throat or hoarseness, give your physician a call.  As with any form of cancer, early detection can be life saving!

If you have questions about oral cancer or would like to learn more, we invite you to Contact Us.