atlanta cosmetic dentist Archives - Page 2 of 7

May 7, 2012

Keep Your Smile Healthy in the Workplace

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, people who smile are more popular and more successful than their non-smiling peers. A healthy smile in the workplace can improve your appearance, confidence, and performance. In honor of Employee Health and Fitness Month, Dr. Pate would like to discuss how to keep your smile healthy on the job.

Brushing at the Office

More than three-quarters of professionals eat at their desk at least twice during the day. However, only 53% of women and 37% of men brush their teeth after eating at work. The Academy of General Dentistry suggests leaving an extra toothbrush at the office to increase your likelihood of brushing by about 65 percent. Research also shows that people who practice healthy hygiene behaviors are more motivated and more likely to pay attention to details, thereby improving work efficiency.

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April 27, 2012

The Advantages of Invisalign

Filed under: General Dentistry,Invisalign — Tags: atlanta clear braces, atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta invisalign, buckhead dentist, clear braces atlanta, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist lenox, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, invisalign atlanta, lenox dentist — dr_pate @ 4:08 pm

Crooked teeth are embarrassing, but a mouth full of metal may be even more humiliating for professional adults. Fortunately, Dr. Pate offers Invisalign clear braces—a cosmetic alternative to straighten your smile. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the benefits of Invisalign.

1. What color are Invisalign braces?
a. Silver
b. White
c. Clear

2. How long do you wear each set of aligners?
a. One month
b. Two weeks
c. One week

3. When should you remove Invisalign?
a. For eating and cleaning
b. For sleeping
c. Only at the end of treatment

4. Which of the following is associated with Invisalign?
a. Wires
b. Brackets
c. A custom fit

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April 22, 2012

Oral Piercings and Dental Health

Filed under: General Dentistry,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist lenox, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, lenox dentist, lip piercing atlanta, oral piercings atlanta, tongue piercing atlanta — dr_pate @ 9:11 pm

Some people think oral piercings are fashionable, but Dr. Pate views them as potential dental disasters. If you’re considering a lip or tongue piercing, take the proper precautions to avoid damaging your teeth, gums, and oral health.

Stay Sterile

More than half of the bacteria in your mouth live on the surface of your tongue. When your tongue is punctured, your oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart problems and other oral-systemic conditions. Additionally, if not sterilized properly, the piercing needle can carry bacteria and increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome, blood poisoning, hepatitis, and other health problems. Furthermore, research shows that stainless steel studs collect more bacteria than plastic studs. To prevent infection, be sure your piercer is using a clean needle and practices proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean.

Healthy Healing

A piercing takes a long time to heal. It’s important to take proper care of your mouth during the recovery process to prevent infection and restore the healthy tissues. Immediately following your piercings, your tongue, lips, and gums may swell. Swelling can make it difficult to speak, eat, drink, and swallow properly. Furthermore, excessive inflammation may block your airway. To promote quick recovery, consume plenty of vitamin C, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic, and avoid acidic items that could irritate your mouth. You should also visit Dr. Pate to check that your piercing and oral tissues are healing safely.

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April 21, 2012

Healthy Smiles for Teenagers

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Family Dentistry — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, childrens dentist atlanta, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dentist atlanta, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, invisalign atlanta, wisdom teeth atlanta — dr_pate @ 6:16 pm

If you’re a high school senior, you’re probably looking forward to prom, graduation, and college. Now is a perfect time to visit Dr. Pate to brighten your smile for these special occasions. Behavior and lifestyle changes during the teenage years can affect your oral health. Let’s take a look at the common dental problems that affect teenagers, and the treatments Dr. Pate can use to restore the issues before the big day.

Body Development

As your body develops, so does your mouth. Your teeth may shift and become crooked, or your bite may become misaligned. Braces are a common option to restore your alignment. However, if you’re worried that a mouth full of metal will hinder your adult image, Dr. Pate offers Invisalign clear braces to straighten your smile without wires and brackets. As a bonus, they are removable so you can take them out during your prom or graduation ceremony. Additionally, your wisdom teeth begin to develop and erupt in the late teen years. Third molars often don’t have enough room to grow in properly, creating pain and crowding that cause the need for an extraction. Summer is a great time to schedule your extraction so you have enough free time to recover. Furthermore, puberty and menstruation cause hormonal changes in your bloodstream. These changes can increase blood circulation to your gums and may cause tender, sore, or swollen gums.

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April 9, 2012

Need Bonding or Veneers?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: atlanta bonding, atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, atlanta veneers, bonding atlanta, brookhaven dentist, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist brookhaven, dentist buckhead, dentist lenox, dentist sandy springs, lenox dentist, sandy springs dentist, veneers atlanta — dr_pate @ 2:22 pm

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are two common cosmetic procedures that Dr. Pate can use to brighten your smile. Both restorations are placed over your teeth to hide discolorations, chips, gaps, and other imperfections. At your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Pate, your Atlanta dentist will discuss all your options and determine the cosmetic treatment that meets your needs. Take this quiz to see if you know the difference between bonding and veneers.

1. What material does bonding use?

a. Porcelain
b. Composite resin
c. Amalgam

2. Who creates your porcelain veneers?

a. A dental ceramist
b. Dr. Pate
c. A periodontist

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April 4, 2012

Do You Need Dental Implants in Atlanta?

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dental implants, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dental implants atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist sandy springs, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, sandy springs dentist — dr_pate @ 3:24 pm

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Missing teeth can impair your appearance and ability to function normally. Fortunately, Dr. Pate offers restoration of dental implants — a comfortable prosthetic to restore your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Comfort: Dental implants are planted into your jaw bone and serve as the root of your missing tooth. As your mouth heals, your bone will grow around the implant post, creating a comfortable and sturdy finish.
Durability: Since dental implants are surgically placed in your mouth, they will stay in place without slipping and sliding. The prosthetic crown attached to your implant is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Space: With missing teeth, your adjacent teeth have the potential to shift into the open gap, creating bite misalignments. Dental implants, however, sit in the same spot where your tooth once was, holding proper spacing and alignment.
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March 27, 2012

Celebrity Dental Disasters

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, atlanta veneers, buckhead cosmetic dentist, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, cosmetic dentist buckhead, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, smile enhancement atlanta, veneers atlanta — dr_pate @ 3:27 pm

Has your favorite celebrity received a smile makeover? Cosmetic dental services can beautify your smile, but if not done properly by your experienced Atlanta dentist, treatments could leave your teeth looking unnatural and unhealthy. Let’s take a look at how a visit to Dr. Pate can help you avoid the following dental disasters.

Unnatural-Looking Veneers

After chipping her teeth on microphones, actress and singer Hilary Duff received a set of porcelain veneers to hide her imperfections. Unfortunately for Duff, her new teeth looked too big and too long. She later returned to her cosmetic dentist for a redo, and she now has the beautiful, natural-looking smile she flaunts today. To prevent an odd-looking, oversized smile, Dr. Pate will take impressions of your teeth and gums to create the perfect size and shape for your veneers. A dental ceramist will hand-sculpt your veneers to complement your mouth and face appropriately.

Over-Whitening Teeth

As you age, your teeth begin to show signs of wear, one of which is discoloration. Regis Philbin is just one of many celebrities who displays a bright white smile despite his years. Philbin’s smile, however, some people consider too white. If you over-whiten your teeth, it can cause sensitivity, irritation, erosion, and further discoloration. A pageant-white smile can look fake on an aging adult. Luckily for you, Dr. Pate offers professional in-office or take-home bleaching treatments to safely and effectively brighten your smile to the perfect shade. Some cosmetic dentists believe that Philbin’s blinding smile is the result of veneers—not bleaching—but either way, the shade of white you choose should look completely natural. (more…)

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