(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Dr VanderMolen with WTAX’s Bob Murray Talking About Halloween Candy Buyback 2013
October 30, 2013
Dr VanderMolen has the opportunity to speak with Bob Murray of WTAX about this week’s Halloween candy buyback.
You’ll find the short clip here:
http://wtax.com/podcasts/local-dentist-will-play-for-candy-after-halloween/
Common Dental Health Issues for Teens
October 28, 2013
There are a number of common dental concerns that occur in teens. From oral hygiene issues to crooked and crowding teeth, from cavities to wisdom teeth pain, preventative care and early detection can make these common problems much easier to deal with and solutions faster for your teen.
Lacking the proper knowledge on preventative oral care is an issue many teens face. It is vital that they understand the importance of good oral health and how it is vital for their overall health. Developing good habits of brushing and flossing on a twice daily basis will greatly reduce the likelihood of cavities and plaque building up around teeth and gums. Lack of proper brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases or more serious dental issues. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been linked to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in America.
Cavities are one of the most common concerns among teens. The good news is that cavities can be prevented through good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing, and incorporating a healthy diet. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks such as candies or soda pop will also help with cavity prevention and can improve overall gum and tooth health.
Common orthodontic concerns that occur in teens such as teeth growing irregularly, crowding, crooked or gapped teeth are often treated with braces.
Some teens may be uncomfortable with the appearance of their smile if there are spaces, crowding, crooked or chipped teeth. This can affect their overall self-esteem. Additionally, misplaced teeth can make it more difficult to clean properly, which may result in problems later on. If the problem does not require orthodontic treatment, there are many cosmetic dentistry options such as veneers, bonding and crowns that can help your teen find their beautiful smile and the self confidence it brings.
Wisdom teeth often cause problems for teens as this is a common time for the wisdom teeth to begin to emerge. Wisdom teeth generally require being removed as they can cause pain and problems to molars. Wisdom teeth which are not removed can also contribute to diseases of the gums.
Regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups will help teens maintain a healthy, happy smile and will remind them of the importance of oral health. Call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment. Our friendly professional staff at Advanced Dental Care is ready to get your teen on the path to beautiful healthy teeth!
Halloween Candy Buyback 2013
October 24, 2013
This Halloween, Dr VanderMolen and the team here at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield are quite literally putting our money where our mouths are. We’ve decided to participate in a program called the Halloween Candy Buyback.
This program gives trick-or-treaters the opportunity to exchange some or all of their Halloween haul for cash. The collected candy will then be sent to Operation Gratitude in California where it will be sorted and repackaged and then distributed to troops serving overseas.
Each child is eligible to receive $1 per pound, up to a five (5) pound limit, for all unopened, uneaten candy. We also encourage the children to draw pictures and/or write letters or notes to include in the packages to our troops.
We will be collecting the candy on Friday, November 1st, the day after Halloween, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, and again on Saturday, November 2nd from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (217) 546-3333 or visit our Facebook page HERE.
Here’s Some More Information About the Event:
- A news release announcing the event
- Halloween Candy Buyback website
Cash For Candy – Taking a Stand Against Sweets For a Good Cause
October 23, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: STEVE KUCHURIS
Phone: 217-546-3333
Email: Steve@SmileSpringfield.com
CASH FOR CANDY!
Local Dentist Takes a Stand Against Sweets this Halloween
— Earn cash for your candy and support a soldier —
One local dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Advanced Dental Care of Springfield and receive $1 per pound. Dr. Matt VanderMolen and his team have joined the movement to reduce gingivitis and anti-decay by giving away dollars, prizes, and local favors in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.
“Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. VanderMolen. “Sure, they can have a few treats on Halloween night and maybe even keep a couple more for later in the week. But we’ll take the rest of it and pay them for it! Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well. “
“Our dental practice chose to participate in the Halloween Candy Buy Back to help parents who want to limit the amount of damage that can be done to their children’s teeth. We want to encourage and teach preventative care and healthy habits, while supporting our troops overseas,” says Dr. VanderMolen.
Kids should still dress up, go out, have fun, and yes, even eat some candy. But after picking out the best of their stash, they will probably have about 10 pounds left, and nobody needs that much candy!
Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken and damaged braces.
Candy will be collected at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield on Friday, November 1st, the day after Halloween, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 2nd from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The candy will then be shipped to Operation Gratitude in California where it will be sorted and repackaged and then distributed to troops serving our country overseas. Each child is eligible to receive $1 per pound, up to a five (5) pound limit, for all unopened, uneaten candy. We also encourage the children to draw pictures and/or write letters or notes to include in the packages to our troops.
Plus, there will be door prizes as well as a raffle of items donated by local businesses!
Dr. VanderMolen and his team at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield work hard to raise public awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and great dental hygiene and they offer affordable and convenient dental care to Springfield and surrounding areas. For more information, contact Steve at 217-546-3333, or visit www.SmileSpringfield.com and www.HalloweenCandyBuyBack.com.
Options Available in Cosmetic Dentistry
October 14, 2013
I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?
If you have crooked teeth or you wish your teeth were more attractive; changing their shape is possible with a number of different cosmetic dentistry treatments. Smile enhancement procedures are common, safe and easy. A change of shape can be achieved by these popular methods:
Crowns
A crown is a dental restoration in which the whole tooth is capped or covered. The crown is fabricated from materials like porcelain. Crowns can cover many problems including cracked or otherwise compromised teeth.
To attach the crown, the tooth has to be prepared. It is trimmed down to create space needed to accommodate the crown. Once preparation is over, impression of the prepared tooth is taken and the cast made out of it is sent to the lab for crown fabrication. Finally, the dentist glues the crown to your prepared tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of restorative material that are adhered to the teeth to change their shape or to obscure discoloration. They are a treatment of choice for people with dental problems like mild to moderate fluorosis, small gaps and shape adjustments. Veneers cover only the outer or the facial surface of the teeth. Most commonly, the upper front teeth are veneered as they are the most prominent teeth while smiling.
Some amount of tooth reduction is required but lesser than the extent required for crowns. Once the teeth are trimmed down, the impression is made and the casts are sent to the lab for fabrication. The finished veneer is adhered to the prepared tooth surface.
Bonding
Bonding is one of the simplest and less expensive types of dental restoration which can be used to modify the shape of the teeth. A tooth-colored resin material is used for dental bonding.
The teeth are etched to allow the resin to bond. A coat of resin is applied and cured with curing light. Layer by layer application is performed meticulously by the dentist to give the teeth the desired shape. Finally, finishing and polishing is done for a smooth glossy surface.
You can trust Dr. VanderMolen to help you get the perfect smile you are looking for. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact us now at (217) 546-3333. We can help you smile confidently in no time.