Our Detroit Dental Blog

Straight Smiles Make a Big Difference: Study

blogger — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 23:33:19 +0000

Many Americans were born with good genetics that gave them ideal smiles; that said, countless others have crooked teeth that make them feel introverted and insecure. In fact, new research suggests that about one-third of all Americans are unhappy with the look of their teeth. This same research clearly shows the importance of a straight smile by offering some compelling statistics.

Convincing Proof

Wakefield Research has released a new study that reveals just how important our teeth are when it comes to how others perceive us. Conducted on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the research involved 1,000 respondents who shared their feelings about how they view others based on the condition of their smiles. In the end, the study found that:

More than 33 percent of participants said they believed their social lives would be richer if their teeth were straighter.
About three-quarters of female respondents said crooked smiles turned them off more than receding hairlines.
50 percent of participants between 18 and 24 years of age said they would untag any Facebook pictures that featured their smile.
Three-fourths of respondents said they associate wealth and success with people who have straight smiles.

Overwhelming Evidence

With so many people unsatisfied with their crooked teeth, it seems natural that many would reach out for assistance from an experienced cosmetic dentist. In reality, many refuse to look for help, because they think metallic braces will make them look silly.

On the other hand, invisible braces can fix teeth discretely, so people can attain the smile they’ve always wanted without having to feel insecure or embarrassed during the process. To find out how Dr. Serra can provide you with a beautiful, straight smile, contact his office today.

Can the Imagination Help Relieve Pain?

blogger — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:29:09 +0000

We’ve all heard of home remedies that provide relief from things such as head colds, insomnia and depression; however, usually, these things tend to have no scientific merit. That said, new research suggests even ineffective remedies could prove beneficial to people who suffer from chronic pain as long as they possess the power of belief.

The Placebo Effect

A recent study suggests that, when people believe an ineffective therapy is providing pain relief, they actually experience real pain relief. Published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, the study recruited 50 subjects who all suffered from some type of chronic pain. While some participants received a pain relieving medication, others received a saline-based placebo. Interestingly, the subjects in the placebo group didn’t just report a reduction in pain; their bodies’ natural pain suppression mechanisms appeared to kick into high gear, with each participant showing increases in opioid-like chemicals, which the brain releases to provide pain relief.

What Does it Mean for TMD?

This recent study may indicate why some people claim to receive benefits from things, such as acupuncture, meditation, and herbal pain-relievers, while others notice no benefits. That said, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder, any sort of placebo effect won’t be enough to provide noticeable long-lasting relief from TMD pain.

People who suffer from TMJ disorder don’t need to hear that they can blunt their pain by using their imaginations; they need real TMD relief that will eliminate pain by fixing the problem at its source. Dr. Serra’s patients enjoy long-term pain relief when they receive a bite splint that corrects their misaligned bites. To learn more about how this simple TMD remedy can improve your life, contact his office today.

Root Canal Treatment: The Myths and Realities

blogger — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 17:12:50 +0000

The term “root canal” brings grimaces to many people’s faces; however, more often than not, this is due to a lack of understanding regarding the procedure itself and the important benefits it offers.

When a tooth suffers serious damage or becomes infected, root canal therapy may be the only way to save it. If the tooth is lost either through voluntary or unavoidable extraction, serious problems can result. Often, adjacent teeth will begin to shift, which can result in unattractive alignment, temporomandibular joint disorder and further tooth loss. Fortunately, root canal therapy can salvage the natural tooth to prevent these potential problems.

Debunking Common Myths

Many people fear root canal therapy, because they’ve been exposed to a lot of misinformation, including the following two myths:

Myth #1 – It is painful.

Years ago, this may have been the case; however, modern advances now make the vast majority of root canal treatments easy to tolerate. In short: root canal therapy doesn’t cause pain; it relieves it.

Myth #2 – Extraction is a good alternative.

Although it may appear to be a cheaper option, in the long run, extraction can be much more expensive. In many cases, extraction ultimately leads to the need for a replacement implant or bridge to prevent shifting. Additionally, losing a tooth can become a major problem for older adults by causing them to have difficulty chewing certain types of foods. This is especially true if future dental problems compromise more teeth. In the end, you can’t predict the future of your oral health, so it’s best to work hard to maintain your existing teeth whenever you can.

Understanding the Procedure

Root canal treatments are a godsend for people who might otherwise lose their precious natural teeth. To better understand how the procedure works, view the following video:

Good oral hygiene can help prevent the need for a root canal; however, sometimes cracked teeth or tiny, unseen cavities can make this valuable treatment necessary. If you think you may need a root canal or you just need a checkup, contact Dr. Serra’s office today.

Sleep Issues Can Hurt Relationships

blogger — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:26:12 +0000

In an ideal world, couples would sleep well together in the same bed without enduring disturbances that prevent one from resting comfortably. That said, in real life, people have varying habits or medical issues that make it hard for their partners to sleep.

What Couples Argue About

Recently, Premier Inn conducted a survey of more than 2,000 couples to find out what spurred arguments in the bedroom. Surprisingly, most respondents cited disagreements over which side of the bed to sleep on. Overall, 80 percent of participants said they slept on the same side of the bed every single night, with more than ten percent complaining that they disliked their side, because it resulted in a poor view of the television or placed them too close to the radiator.

Bigger Worries

While some complain about sleeping positions, numerous couples have bigger concerns. Quite often, husbands and wives cannot sleep because their partners snore. Although it may seem like a laughable problem; in many cases, this can result in chronic sleeplessness which can take a toll on a relationship.

A Worrisome Problem

Studies indicate that co-sleeping difficulties related to loud snoring can often predict the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers recently demonstrated that, when one partner consistently awakens someone due to loud snoring, the latter tends to have sleep apnea an astounding 84 percent of the time.

Unfortunately, OSA doesn’t just result in snoring; it is associated with a host of medical problems, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. If your loved one has complained that you snore at night, it’s time to get tested for obstructive sleep apnea.

Contact Dr. Serra to find out how you can get tested for this dangerous disorder. If you receive a positive diagnosis, Dr. Serra can provide a simple OSA treatment that will allow both you and your partner to sleep peacefully at night.

Crooked Teeth Hold Us Back: Study

blogger — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 00:02:23 +0000

It may come as no surprise to learn that teeth make a difference in the way people perceive one another. Most of us accept that women tend to prefer men who have straighter teeth and vice versa. That said, a new study suggests the advantages don’t just end there.

Survey Telling

A study conducted by Invisalign has shed light on the importance of straight teeth, when it comes to gaining social acceptance. After questioning 1,047 respondents, researchers found that Americans tend to perceive people who have straighter teeth as being happier, more successful and more desirable. In addition, the survey revealed the following:

- About one-third of Americans notice people’s teeth first upon meeting them, while a quarter say teeth are the primary thing they remember when they think of someone.

- People who have straighter teeth are 38 percent more likely to be seen as smart, 47 percent more likely to be viewed as healthy and 21 percent more likely to be seen as happy.

- If you have a straight smile, you are 58 percent more likely to be viewed as successful, as well as 58 percent more likely to be seen as wealthy.

Getting Real

If you’ve been living with crooked teeth, you may have convinced yourself that no one really cares. While it’s true that straight teeth don’t guarantee happiness, studies are showing that they do give us a leg up in numerous social and professional arenas.

Let’s face it: teeth matter. That said, many adults refuse to get braces, because they think they look juvenile and/or unattractive. Fortunately, modern advances now allow almost anyone to acquire straight smiles inconspicuously, thanks to clear braces. Dr. Serra can help you get straight teeth using Invisalign at his Novi dental office serving the Detroit area. Contact him today to learn more.

Men Have Higher Pain Tolerance than Women: Study

blogger — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:24:41 +0000

For decades, women and men have argued over sex superiority, whether it’s regarding driving skills, the ability to multitask or manage stress. That being said, one of the most controversial topics of debate revolves around who can better tolerate pain. According to new research, one sex does seem to have an easier time coping with pain, and it may not be the one you think it is.

Men More Pain-Tolerant Than Women?

According to British researchers, women are more likely to show the effects of pain when compared to men. Appearing in the European Journal of Pain, the study subjected 200 female and male participants to an array of pain tests. In the end, the researchers discovered that, while each subject demonstrated signs of distress when they experienced pain, females tended to tally lower scores for pain endurance when compared to their male counterparts.

Is it Real?

Although they say they cannot be sure, researchers theorize that, although men find pain unpleasant, they could be less willing to express these feeling thanks to social pressures that call for them to appear tough. Ultimately, this pressure to act masculine could force them to withhold their true pain response.

Don’t Hide Your TMJ Pain

Countless Americans endure pain associated with TMJ disorder. Unfortunately, whether they are men or women, many of these sufferers feel they have to put up a tough front, because people simply don’t understand what they are going through.

Nowadays, you can get TMJ pain relief with the help of a simple bite splint. Don’t spend your days toughing out your TMJ pain; reach out for help, so you can enjoy the same quality of life as your friends and family. To learn more, contact Dr. Serra’s office today.

Can Poor Oral Health Steal Our Memories?

blogger — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:14:33 +0000

Since we were children, we’ve heard why it’s so important to take care of our teeth. Obviously, a healthy smile is more attractive, and restorative dental treatments aren’t always particularly pleasant. That said, as time goes by, more and more studies are finding that good oral hygiene may have the power to keep our minds and bodies healthy as we age.

Big Implications

Researchers have unveiled the power of our oral health, and the results are astounding. Past studies have found that gum disease is linked to cardiovascular problems that could potentially take lives. Additionally, poor oral hygiene has been linked to low fertility in women and even certain forms of cancer. To the surprise of many, poor oral health has even been linked to cognitive problems that could steal the memories we hold so dear.

Losing Our Minds

A study out of University of Kentucky College of Medicine and College of Dentistry, Lexington found a surprising link between tooth loss and dementia. To reach their findings, researchers looked at 144 female participants between the ages of 75 and 98. Ultimately, they found that subjects who had fewer teeth (between 0 and 9) were at an increased risk of developing dementia when compared to subjects who had 10 or more teeth.

Minimizing Risk

Although researchers aren’t sure if poor oral hygiene promotes dementia or if it’s the other way around; it’s clear there is plenty of evidence that we can minimize our risk for future health problems by keeping our mouths clean. This means brushing, flossing and maintaining regular dental appointments.

A professional dental checkup and cleaning can keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Don’t risk your long-term health; protect your teeth and gums by scheduling a checkup with Dr. Serra. Call or email his office today.

Are Your Sleeping Problems Making You Fat?

blogger — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:01 +0000

More than one-third of all American adults are obese and millions more are overweight. Although weight gain is usually linked to poor choices; more and more research is finding that sleeping problems may also play a significant role.

Hormonal Changes

Research conducted at the Pennsylvania State University indicates that even partial sleep deprivation could cause weight gain by promoting hormonal changes within the body. It’s important to note that partial sleep deprivation is a term used to define abbreviated sleeping patterns amounting to fewer than six hours of sleep every night.

In conducting their study, researchers looked at several previous studies which looked at how weight gain might be related to abbreviated sleep. In the end, they found that this past research clearly showed that too little sleep seemed to alter a person’s leptin and ghrelin: two important hormones which are responsible for regulating appetite.

Pinpointing the Cause

Often, people have trouble sleeping because they make poor choices that leave them feeling wide awake at night when they should be feeling drowsy. That being said, numerous people simply cannot escape their abbreviated sleeping patterns, because sleep apnea keeps them awake at night.

Sleep apnea can be a serious problem for many people by affecting their health in more ways than one. Not only has this dangerous medical problem been linked to diabetes, dementia and cardiovascular disease; it has been shown to cause or worsen obesity, which has also been linked to all sorts of health problems.

To avoid health risks and get the sleep you need each and every night, you need help. Dr. Serra can provide a sleep apnea remedy that will let you get the rest you need on a nightly basis. To learn more, contact his office today.

Getting the Smile You’ve Always Wanted with Dental Veneers

blogger — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:11:59 +0000

Many people admire celebrities for their talents; however, a lot of times, they’re admired even more for their teeth. You may be surprised to learn that those perfect-looking smiles you see in the movies are often the products of cosmetic dental procedures. If you’ve always wanted a smile that gets attention for the right reasons, you should learn about dental veneers.

What Are They?

Veneers are thin sheets of a special type of porcelain that are bonded over existing teeth to promote the appearance of a natural, aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers don’t only look extremely natural, they are far more stain-resistant than natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for celebrities who find themselves spending a lot of time in the public eye, as well as for ordinary, everyday people who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their natural teeth.

Who Needs Them?

Veneers can improve the appearance of most any smile; however, they are highly effective for people who have the following problems:

Badly discolored or stained teeth
Broken or chipped teeth
Gaps between teeth
Misaligned, crooked or poorly shaped teeth

Caring for Your Veneers

Most people are thrilled with the appearance of their dental veneers; however, to keep them looking great, you will need to care for them. This means maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings. You will also need to be careful when eating very hard or crunchy foods, such as candies or popcorn, which could potentially damage your veneers.

That said, veneers are quite durable, and most people experience few issues when they receive their procedures from an experienced cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Serra. To learn how you can attain the smile of your dreams, contact his office today.

TMD Pain: Can Somatic Therapy Help?

blogger — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:26:51 +0000

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an unpleasant affliction that causes significant pain which can make life tough to handle. In search of help, many choose invasive, painful surgical options to try to relieve their symptoms. Unfortunately, quite often, surgery proves ineffective, resulting in a long period of healing time without any sort of lasting reward.

Because they are desperate to side-step the negative side-effects associated with surgery, some people decide to give alternative, holistic remedies a shot. In the end, these treatments tend to provide little – if any – relief.

Somatic Therapy

Brought to light in the 1970s by Thomas Hanna, somatics is a concept that refers to various techniques aimed at stimulating so-called body-mind integration. Supposedly, these strategies enhance psycho-physical well-being, which makes pain more manageable.

The following video features a somatic educator who uses a somatic technique to treat TMD pain. In truth, since this so-called remedy fails to treat the source of TMD pain, it can’t offer any real, lasting relief.

Treating the Source

Even if somatic treatments provided any sort of noticeable TMD relief, the results wouldn’t last. Contrarily, a TMD bite splint can provide long-term help by focusing on the source of TMD pain: a bad bite.

Disregard holistic remedies which do not focus on the central cause of TMD; instead, contact Dr. Serra to get permanent relief from TMD pain.