Be Healthy!

February 1, 2017 Blog

Life is too short to be worried, scared, or angry. Choose to be healthy and take care of yourself is my rant for today. My awesome patient was truthfully honest about not being committed to brushing twice a day and flossing. We laughed, as I said, well we brush the teeth that we want to keep right? Brushing helps rid of dangerous bacteria that enter the body through the mouth. It practically is the dirtiest part of your body. Can you imagine these bacteria invading your blood stream, organs and entire body?

Research has linked cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and numerous health issues with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of your gums. It causes odor, bad breath, loose teeth, spaces between teeth and bleeding. When you are healthy your gums do not bleed. So do the simple task of brushing for at least two minutes a day and floss, to have a healthy mouth. I recommend get your teeth cleaned a minimum of twice a year. And for those who don’t brush and floss twice a day, you are in active disease. You need to see the dentist at least four times a year. And when you say it’s too expensive, consider that you spend more on your cell phone and entertainment. Paying for your dental health is a part of life. And ps, if you have insurance, consider yourself lucky and not take it for granted. Health is a responsibility, not a privilege. Always do your best. -Dr Linda Ma

Laser Dentistry at Smile Innovations

October 7, 2013 Blog

waterlase

When we think about lasers, we think James Bond or Star Trek where a laser can zap you or kill you. Dental lasers are used in a very different way. They both are used to save the world.( Just Kidding)

People are constantly changing, and the way we think, our beliefs and behavior have changed. Our diets have evolved, and so has our dentistry. We are consuming more and more sugars, eating more meats and processed foods, drinking more soda and alcohol, and smoking. Growing trends in our society are increases in obesity, depression, sleep apnea, heart disease, and hypertension just to name a few. These behaviors correlate to more cavities and periodontal/dental disease.

A few weeks ago, I attended an amazing conference on dental lasers in Seattle to improve the quality of dental care for my practice and my patients. I met many knowledgeable and respectable dentists who have dedicated and made commitments to improve the way we practice dentistry. Dentistry has come a long way with new techniques and procedures using lasers. From low level laser therapy, to laser bacterial debridement, and simple fillings and baby root canals with no anesthesia, desensitizing teeth, or treating herpetic lesions and ulcers, whitening, releasing tongue ties on babies so they can breast feed and have a normal facial development, and sleep apnea and its consequences was pretty awesome. Here is a glimpse of what I learned.

Lasers promote significant healing for patients with periodontal disease. From a microbiological standpoint, studies have shown that bacterial counts are reduced significantly, and the body is able to regenerate bone and tissue attachment. Bacteria in the mouth that produce endotoxins and biofilms are seriously destroyed.

Releasing Lingual ties on newborn babies that make it virtually impossible for them to breast feed to develop a good palate and maxilla for facial development, allow our kids to grow up with betterlooking faces and less neurological complications such as ADHD and obstructive sleep apnea.

Treating cold sores, ulcers and herptic lesions to promote faster healing. Patients will have less pain.

For patients who have small cavities and are fearful, it is comforting that we can place a filling without an injection and the terrifying sound of the drill.

Whitening teeth with a laser produces less sensitivity and a fast result.

This list goes on for procedures preformed with a dental laser.

I am grateful that I can practice dentistry in a day a age where my treatment can make huge difference on overall well being of my patient. Dentistry is no longer just filling and drilling. We can produce better outcomes with the use of new technology. Dentists can promote the overall health and wellness of our patients by making patients look better, feel better and live healthier longer lives.

SureSmile, The Clear Alternative to Braces

August 9, 2012 Blog

Is there something that you don’t like about your smile? Have you ever considered having straight teeth? Well, SureSmile is a clear alternative to braces. SureSmile is a series of clear trays that reposition teeth to make your teeth look straighter and better.

I am excited to say that I am currently in SureSmile. Hip hip hooray! I have had in braces twice in my life, and the third times a charm, right? Most people who see me say “Dr. Ma, your teeth look straight already”. But I know that my teeth have repositioned itself. The first time I had braces was in 7th grade and the second time was 10 years later in dental school, and now 10 more years later, I am in SureSmile. And yes, I did wear my retainer AND I had a lingual bar on the backs of my teeth. Teeth will continually move throughout your life and the wire in the retainer will not last forever. If your body changes, your teeth will too!

I remember my metal braces in grade school because my teacher gave one of my classmates detention for calling me brace face. I remember looking goofy, food getting stuck in my braces and my lips and cheeks getting scratched from the wires. I carried wax with me to cover the areas where the wires would rub. I constantly brushed my teeth after every meal because food would be stuck everywhere. The second time, in dental school, I had clear braces. I looked like a teenager. LOL

Treatment times for braces was 2 years each time, so being that I had braces twice, I spent 4 years of my life in braces. This time my SureSmile treatment time is six and a half months. Was I happy the first time in 9th grade when my braces were removed? No, my teeth were flared, straighter than before I had braces but not quite straight. My mom accused me of not wearing my retainer because the orthodontist said my teeth relapsed from not wearing my retainer. I did wear my retainer. There are great orthodontists but not all of them have the same skill level. My orthodontist in dental school, however, was great. She made my teeth perfectly straight. But after a few years, my teeth shifted again. Now flash forward to the present time, I am in SureSmile. I love this product because it is very predictable. I have a short treatment time, it is barely noticeable and is very comfortable after you get used to it.

Having straight teeth is a constant battle, and maintenance is the key. SureSmile offers a retainer after treatment and should be changed every few years. SureSmile is a great way to align teeth, and can help most people. Come visit us to see if you are a candidate. I will help you align your teeth so that you will have a beautiful smile.

Dr. Linda Ma DMD

Ten Reason To Get a Dental Implant at Smile Innovations

June 28, 2012 Blog

Missing teeth, dentures that move, not chewing your food well, not smiling in public? If you ever considered getting a dental implant, here is my top ten reasons to get a dental implant at Smile Innovations.

10. You want to eat better. You can chew more efficiently and properly. You will enjoy your meals. Get ready for steak and hard foods.

9. A dental implant will make you look and feel great. Missing teeth causes bone loss and premature aging. When you have a missing tooth, your bone shrinks, your face sinks in, becomes shorter and causes you to have more wrinkles because the skin will lose support from bone, muscle and tissue.

8. You will smile more! Our dental implants are placed aesthetically so it will look and feel very natural. No one will know that you have ever lost a tooth

7. You will have more confidence. You will not have to worry or feel embarrassed from having a gap or hole in your smile.

6. At Smile Innovations, we use top of the line dental implants. Our dental implants are custom made in Germany, are titanium and biocompatible with your body.

5. Dr Boyd Patummas is an awesome dentist. He is very well trained and knowledgeable in placing your dental implant. He is very charming, patient and polite.

4. We pride ourselves in using and learning the latest technology. We utilize a the Gallileos, which is a 3D scan which is used for computer guided surgeries. Your dental implant will be placed more accurately, precisely and safely. The 3D scan gives us more information than traditional X-rays.

3. Our dental Team is amazing. They are wonderful, knowlegdeable, and care about you. They are intelligent, delightful are here to help you.

2. At Smile Innovations, we are committed in providing the highest quality dental care. We pay attention to details and want our patients to be happy and smile all the time.

1. We will help you will your dental goals and help you maintain good oral health. We are honest, care and listen to your needs. We appreciate everyone who supports us in doing our best.

By Dr Linda Ma DMD

Straight White Teeth is Amazing

May 23, 2012 Blog

I wonder why, when I see a gorgeous looking person that does not smile because they do not like their teeth or smile. You know who those people are, the ones that cover their mouths when the speak, or have bad breath, or never smiles. You can look at their photographs, and see that the picture is a missing smile. I hear excuses like I’m too old, or I don’t have money, or I don’t care, or I don’t have time, or I’m afraid of the dentist. These excuses prevent people from being happy, feeling good and looking their best.

I feel when people have decay, gum disease, bad breath, or missing or crooked teeth, they are embarrassed, discouraged, or lose confidence and feel less attractive. They stop smiling, talk less, and avoid eye contact and become old. These behaviors can lessen their chances for a better job, a good relationship, or new friendships.

It is also unhealthy when there is an infection in the mouth. It is extremely painful when the tooth’s infected. Many women tell me that they rather give birth than have tooth pain. Then why wait to go to the dentist? Being healthy should be a powerful motivator to see the dentist.

I notice that when people whiten their teeth, or get veneers, or get dental implants, or finish their invisalign treatment ( the clear alternative to braces), they smile much more. I think they have more self confidence, more self esteem, and feel more attractive. Dentistry has revolutionized in the last ten years. With all the technologies and new innovative products, dentists can give their patients a great smile. A great smile goes along with a great attitude. People who finish their dental treatment and maintain their oral hygiene are healthier and happier. They are perceived to be friendlier, kinder, younger, intelligent and more successful because they smile more frequently. If you would like to improve your smile, you will always be welcomed at Smile Innovations, your Tempe Cosmetic and Family Dentist

Don’t let those excuses prevent you from living a great life. Find an awesome dentist who can create that beautiful smile so that you can smile in your pictures, and not have bad breath and gum disease.

Love your Dentist and Dental Team

May 1, 2012 Blog

Its very exciting and interesting when I meet new people and they find out I’m a dentist. They either try to run away, ask ten thousand dental questions, or cover their mouth. Once in a blue moon, someone will say ” I love the dentist!”. People either have bad experiences, are embarassed, self concious, or curious about their teeth. Many people are unhappy and don’t like their teeth or smiles. They tell stories of how bad their old dentist tramatized them or did something bad to them or how expensive it is. People fail to realize that dentists help stabilize your teeth, make sure that your teeth are healthy and that you can smile till the day you die.

Dentistry has changed dramatically within the last ten years. We have digital x-rays, anesthesia, lasers, clear braces such as invisalign, dental implants,whitening and so forth. Dentists help people smile more by keeping teeth looking good, strong and healthy. If you had a negative experience with a dentist, you should not let it discourage you from going to a great dentist. There are thousands of great dentists that will help you with the dental treatment you need. It is also your responsiblily to take care of your teeth when you are at home.

Let’s talk about expense. Dentistry is expensive when you do not take care of your teeth. What you are paying for is the cost to maintain your teeth. Dental materials, dental supplies and the dentist’s and staff’s time is all part of maintaining your teeth. Once cavities and infection are removed, you are responsible to take care of your teeth. Maintaining a healthy diet and excercise, and brushing and flossing are the keys to good oral health. So simple, yet people blame the dentist for their dental problems.

Dentists can help you achieve your goals, whether it is whitening your teeth, getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, straightening your teeth, cleaning your teeth and so much more. The bottom line is that dentists are here to improve your smile and help you eat better. The final note is to remember to treat your dentist well. Find a dentist who will listen and address your concerns. He/she should be working on your behalf.

Dr. Linda Ma

Your Tempe Cosmetic and Family Dentist

April 4, 2012 Blog

Hello world! This is Dr Linda Ma DMD, from Smile Innovations, your local family dentist. I would like to thank our team and patients for helping us build our new office at 6326 S. Rural Rd suite 101, Tempe Arizona, 85283. If you would like to contact us, please click here. This is my first blog so bear with me. I will be discussing new and interesting topics in the future. Enjoy our new website. I will be looking forward to updating everyone on their dental health and concerns. Please email me at smileinnovations@hotmail.com for topics you would like me to talk about.

Dr Linda Ma and Dr Boyd Patummas