Start Smiling

Call 404-255-6782 for a complementary consultation to see what we can do for your smile! Models and movie stars learn and use this technique and Bill Clinton (politics aside!), is an absolute master of this type of smile presentation. The technique is an open mouth posture, showing upper front teeth and only a slight smile. It gives Bill Clinton a younger, friendlier image and this has greatly helped in his quest to make others like him. There are many types of smiles: beautiful, sexy, poutie, mysterious, etc. Clinton has copied the “sexy smile” you routinely see in virtually every fashion magazine. The smiles of models trying to look sexy always have their mouth slightly opened with their teeth showing. The more their mouths are opened, the sexier the mages. Clinton has done this for years and it is undeniable that his smile has greatly enhanced his popularity. Many studies prove this! It is easy for you to learn and just takes a little practice. First – open your mouth slightly and practice keeping your teeth apart, just about the width of your tongue. It may seem awkward and a little uncomfortable but keep trying. Now, just raise the corners of your upper lip to display a little more of you upper front teeth. This is not a full smile; it is only a very subtle “slight smile.” Congratulations, that’s it! That is what Bill Clinton, models and movie stars have done masterfully for years to help give them a positive image. Professionally speaking, I guarantee that if you show your teeth you will look happier, younger and project a more positive image. Smile Presentation will take practice, but the more you do it – well, who knows what will happen. You could become a model, movie star or president and you definitely will be smiling like one! Smile Whitening It is a fact - dark or discolored teeth are unattractive and make you look older. Coffee, tea, colas, smoking and many foods take their toll on the white teeth of our youth and this is why dark, yellowed teeth are associated with aging. Unlike many products claim to whiten teeth, there are two methods that consistently achieve immediate and lasting professional results. The first method is Brite*Smile or Zoom. These patented teeth whitening systems uses a special light and solution that takes just about an hour in our office. With the included follow up booster kit, your teeth will remain many shades whiter and younger looking, for many years to come. Professional whitening can also be done at home in about two weeks. We take impressions of your teeth and make custom fitted trays of your upper and lower arches. Depending on your type of staining, we will determine what type of solution works best for you. Then for about two weeks at home - for about an hour a day - you wear the trays with the solution in them. A booster of one hour, once a month will ensure they stay white and younger looking. Cosmetic Contouring: Harmony and Balance with Just a Few Touches of Dental Magic For many patients, contouring is all that is necessary to make their smile all it can be. Uneven, chipped and broken teeth can be magically corrected by the sure touch of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Front teeth longer than the rest of your teeth, uneven teeth and teeth that have too square or too rounded of an edge can be contoured to achieve a more harmonious balance with the face. Contouring is quick, painless and anesthetic is not necessary. It is an inexpensive way to correct problems that many people thought they just "had to live with." A smile consultation is all it takes for us to tell you what we can do for your smile through the magic of cosmetic contouring. Smile Makeover: Reshaping Your Teeth, Enhancing Lips and Smile Genetics, injuries, medications and aging can all take a toll on your smile. Some people are born with their dad's teeth in their mom's face with a disproportionate – too long, too short or uneven - result. Others may have had Tetracycline staining or injuries that leave teeth deformed and unsightly. Aging also shortens teeth through a wearing down process that can make you look much older. Whatever the reason, today's cosmetic dentistry can fix virtually any problem and is frequently referred to as "ten day orthodontia" for its ability to straighten and beautify smiles. To the right are just a few examples of what a Smile Makeover can do for your smile. Procery All-Ceramic Crowns on Front Teeth Depending on the chosen technique, this can usually be done in either one or two visits to the dentist. Another added bonus of a Smile Makeover is a Smile Lift. As a result of the natural aging process, the upper lip thins somewhat, loses support, and then lies farther down on the teeth, hiding the shortened teeth even more. Veneers and porcelain crowns can be strategically built and placed to effect facial muscles and tone, creating a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Would you like to see how you would look with longer, shapelier and younger looking teeth? During a smile consultation, we can temporarily construct materials that when placed over your teeth will show you what your smile can look like. All it takes if for you to decide that you are ready to have a perfect smile and we are ready to give you the perfect Smile Makeover. When people ask me what I do, I like to tell them I am in the business of helping people make a great first impression. When they learn I am dentist, instead of the usual negative response, they are genuinely interested in learning more about how I do this. I truly believe that cosmetic dentistry has the power to change people’s lives by giving them a beautiful smile they will want to share. When you feel good about your smile – you smile more. And I believe that creates magic in your business, family and personal relationships. Call today to see how we can make the magic of a more youthful, beautiful smile happen in your life. What is beauty? Poets, writers and artists have tried to describe it, anthropologists and philosophers have tried to understand it and now scientists are finally discovering just what determines our perception of beauty. Their research is also revealing something else – beauty equals power. While we know intellectually and personally that beauty is only skin deep, recent studies reveal that success, fame and wealth are based, in part, on four pillars of timeless beauty. These beauty tenets are true throughout all of nature, according to beauty researcher Dr. Nancy Etcoff in her book, Survival of the Prettiest. The Four Pillars of Timeless Beauty are: Clarity- unblemished skin Symmetry- perfect balance of facial features Harmony- all facial features are in exact proportion to each other Vivid Color- a vibrant healthy glow The Four Pillars of Beauty and Your Smile There is a reason you frequently see the adjective “winning” describing someone’s smile. In most cases, it is because these four elements have come together and beauty is perceived. Clarity Clear, unblemished teeth that are similar in shade and color and with even and smooth edges Tooth blemishes such as uneven color or shades, chipped or broken teeth and old, black mercury fillings can be replaced with tooth colored ceramic restorations. Chipped and broken teeth can be repaired with cosmetic contouring and/or bonding and veneers. Symmetry Right and left sides of teeth are symmetrical In nature almost everything is made symmetrical; your right side is a mirror image of your left. Reality is often not so kind, and missing or broken teeth often distort this symmetry. With today’s cosmetic dentistry and the use of crowns and bridgework symmetry can often be restored to the smile Harmony. Tooth size corresponds to the shape of your face and height/width ratio matches. There is an ideal proportion of the size of each tooth to each other in relationship to the face. When these proportions are met, your smile fits your face and achieves harmonious beauty. Bonding and veneers can often restore these proportions in those cases where the teeth and face do not match due to genetics, medications or injuries. Vivid Color Teeth are a bright color that shines and are reflective – giving a healthy glow. Look at most children’s smiles and you will see this. Years of colas, coffee, tea, smoking and just the natural aging process can take its toll causing a darker, dull and frequently yellow smile. Zoom or Bright Smile in office whitening can restore your smile back to vivid color in about an hour. Smiling uses many different facial muscles that add a vivid, healthy glow to the entire face, and the better you feel about your smile – the more you smile. So, if nature has not provided you with a winning smile, it is easy to let the cosmetic dentist nurture it for you! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in our culture today, perfect teeth and smiles incorporating the four pillars of beauty are valued and equal power. Fortunately, with today’s cosmetic dentistry, you too can achieve a perfect, beautiful smile. What are all porcelain crowns? All porcelain crowns are shells of ceramic, which are either bonded or cemented to your natural teeth. Currently the brands we use in our office are Empress and Procera. They are an ideal choice for improving the appearance of your teeth and give you a bright and natural smile since they have no metal under the porcelain. They have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years, and thousands have been placed to strengthen broken down teeth, mask discoloration, brighten teeth, and to improve a smile. How are they different from other crowns? Traditional crowns have a shell of ceramic that is fused to a high noble metal (usually gold). The result is generally a “flat” look with a gray tone underneath the porcelain. Often after the traditional crowns are placed, the metal edge around the gum line becomes visible, resulting in a dark appearance of the tooth and gums. The all porcelain crowns have no metal so that you get a more translucent, natural look and no metal edges. They can also match the color of your natural teeth more effectively than traditional crowns. The life expectancy for both types of crowns is generally five to twenty years depending on the health of the tooth, and the patient’s home care. Patients with periodontal disease or whose teeth are severely broken down are not ideal candidates for all porcelain crowns and may need crowns with additional metal support. Some teeth that have had root canal treatment may also need traditional crowns. Smile Planning: It’s critical that you take an active role in the smile design and spend time in the decision making and planning of your smile. While all porcelain crowns are a wonderful way to enhance your smile, it is important to have realistic expectations. If several teeth are involved, we may want to have a consultation in order for you to feel comfortable with the final appearance. The consultation includes an evaluation of the present conditions, a visual examination and sometimes x-rays and models. We then take before photographs and use wax on the models to give you an idea of what the final restorations will look like. Preparation of teeth: This appointment will take from one to three hours depending on how many teeth are involved. Dr. Sayeg will remove any old restorations and shape the remaining teeth to fit under the crowns. Several impressions will be taken of the teeth, which will be sent to a professional dental laboratory with a prescription and a detailed plan for how the permanent crowns are to look. The laboratory will then fabricate the crowns within a three-week period. Dr. Sayeg will make temporary crowns to protect the teeth during the interim, but since the teeth have been reduced, they will look a little different until your permanent crowns are delivered. Until your next appointment, you will need to avoid extreme temperatures and any hard or chewy foods. Delivering the crowns: This appointment will take about one to two hours depending on how many teeth are involved. First, we remove the temporaries and place the crowns in with a try-in paste to get a sense of the shade or color. We view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color, shape, and length. Using a full-face mirror, we will have you look at your teeth from different positions, under different lighting, while sitting and standing. If you are not pleased with the result it may be necessary for the lab to make adjustments on the crowns or change the color. This can usually be done in a few days. If you are pleased with the results we will then seat the crowns with permanent cement or bonding agent and polish the crowns. What can I expect after the crowns are delivered? For a week or two you may go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are now a different size and shape. It is also not uncommon to have some slight sensitivity to hot and cold for a short period of time after the crowns are delivered. If several crowns have been placed, Dr. Sayeg may want to see you three to seven days after the delivery of your crowns to check on the appearance, function, and the health of the surrounding gums. It will then be important to continue your routine home care of brushing and flossing daily, as plaque and food can cause decay around the gum line and under your crowns. You will also need to continue with your routine preventative visits two to three times a year. What are porcelain veneers? Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This virtually painless procedure requires little or no anesthetic, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of your front teeth. Veneers have become increasingly popular over the past 15 years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed to mask discolorations, brighten teeth, and to give smiles shapelier appearances. They are highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, and can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Why would you want a porcelain veneer? Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They can provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size shape, or close small spaces, while still maintaining the natural structure of the tooth. They are also a longer lasting restoration than bonding and give the teeth a more natural, translucent appearance. If you have slightly crowded or slightly tilted front teeth, they can be corrected with porcelain veneers if the back teeth bite correctly. However, they are not a substitute for braces, and patients with very crooked or crowded teeth should consider braces first. Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers? Patients with healthy gums and enough healthy tooth structure are excellent candidates for porcelain veneers. They would not be an option for patients with periodontal disease or whose teeth are severely broken down. If you clench or grind your teeth, porcelain veneers can fracture on their edges and you would need to wear an appliance at night to guard them while you sleep. Smile Planning: It is critical that you take an active role in the smile design and spend time in the decision-making and planning of your smile. Dr. Sayeg will first go over pictures of other smiles to get an idea of what you want your new smile to look like. We will then do a visual examination and take impressions, pictures and possibly x-rays of your teeth. We will use the impressions to make models of your teeth, and then use wax to show you how the veneers will look when finished. Preparing the veneers: After you have planned your smile, you will have a one to three hour appointment at which we prepare the teeth. Dr. Sayeg will remove a thin layer of the outer tooth, and take impressions for the lab to use to make the permanent veneers. Accompanied with a prescription and a detailed plan, the impressions are sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers, which takes about one to two weeks. During this time, Dr. Sayeg will make temporary veneers to be worn to prevent sensitivity and protect the tooth. In some cases where very little tooth was removed, it may not be necessary to place temporaries. Until your delivery appointment, you may have some sensitivity to extreme temperatures and will need to avoid hard or chewy foods. Delivering the veneers: After the lab has completed your veneers, you will return for about a two-hour appointment. First we will put the veneers in with try in paste to get a sense of the shade and shape. We will have you look at your veneers with a full -face mirror to evaluate their look and feel. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the bonding material to be used. Once the final decision on the shade is made, the tooth is cleaned and then bonded to the tooth. We will then contour the veneers to match the surrounding teeth and have the proper bite. How long will they last? Veneers are very long lasting and have a 93 percent success rate over 10 years. Many patients have veneers that are over 20 years old. With proper care, veneers will last for many years and have as good or greater life expectancy as crowns. Porcelain veneers achieve virtually invisible edges next to the gums, and remain almost undetectable, even if the gum line changes. How about maintenance? For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are a new shape and size. We will have you return about a week after the delivery to check the appearance, function and gingival health. You will then need to follow normal hygiene procedures by bushing and flossing daily and returning for biannual dental visits. The crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, Dr. Sayeg will need to restore it prior to preparing a crown. Teeth support the muscles in or faces, so anything less that a full tooth may affect the way you look. Second, a crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth (with cosmetic enhancements, if desired) and as a result will keep your jaw and bite aligned – it will also make sure other teeth do not shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing. Crowns (sometimes called Caps) have been the mainstay of the Dentist's tools for saving decayed, injured and discolored teeth. In the past, most of these restorations would look very fake and sometimes downright ugly. Today's porcelain crowns, when crafted by a skilled cosmetic dentist and a master ceramist will look like your natural tooth or teeth and in many cases even better! They are shells of ceramic porcelain, which are either bonded or cemented to your natural teeth and are an ideal choice for improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Traditional crowns have a shell of ceramic that is usually fused to gold. The result is generally a “flat” look with a gray tone underneath the porcelain. Often, after the traditional crowns are placed, the metal edge around the gum line becomes visible, resulting in a dark appearance of the tooth and gums. The all-porcelain crowns do not use metal thus you get a more translucent, natural look with no metal edges. They can also match the color of your natural teeth more effectively than traditional crowns. The life expectancy for both types of crowns is generally five to twenty years depending on the health of the tooth, and the patient’s home care. Patients with periodontal disease or whose teeth are severely broken down are not ideal candidates for all-porcelain crowns and may need crowns with additional metal support. Some teeth that have had root canal treatment may also need traditional crowns. All-porcelain crowns are a beautiful way to improve your smile and your dental health. Dr. Sayeg will consult with you and determine if this is the right restoration for you. The consultation includes an evaluation of the present conditions, a visual examination and sometimes x-rays and models. We then take before photographs and use wax on the models to give you an idea of what the final restorations will look like. The next appointment will take from one to three hours depending on how many teeth are involved. Dr. Sayeg will remove any old restorations and shape the remaining teeth to fit under the crowns. Several impressions will be taken of the teeth, which will be sent to a master ceramist with a prescription and a detailed plan for how the permanent crowns are to look. The master ceramist will then fabricate the crowns within a three-week period. Dr. Sayeg will make temporary crowns to protect the teeth during the interim and until your next appointment you will need to avoid extreme temperatures and any hard or chewy foods. Your return appointment will take about one to two hours depending on how many teeth are involved. First, we remove the temporaries and place the crowns in with a try-in paste to get a sense of the shade or color. We view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color, shape, and length. Using a full-face mirror, we will have you look at your teeth from different positions, under different lighting, while sitting and standing. When you are pleased with the results we will then seat the crowns with permanent cement or bonding agent and polish the crowns. For a week or two you may go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are now a different size and shape. It is also not uncommon to have some slight sensitivity to hot and cold for a short period of time after the crowns are delivered. If several crowns have been placed, Dr. Sayeg may want to see you three to seven days after the delivery of your crowns to check on the appearance, function, and the health of the surrounding gums. It is important to continue your routine home care of brushing and flossing daily, as plaque and food can cause decay around the gum line and under your crowns. You will also need to continue with your routine preventative visits two to three times a year. If you feel a need to make some improvement in your smile, it may help you to know that you are not alone. While an attractive smile is widely viewed as a social and business asset, is it interesting to note that half of all Americans are unhappy with their smiles. This is according to a survey commissioned by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you need a whole new smile, porcelain veneers are the way to go. Porcelain veneers are the most beautiful restorations made in dentistry today. Nothing exceeds porcelain for life-like beauty. It mimics natural teeth in color, translucency, and surface texture. In addition, its very high resistance to wear makes it very long-lasting. It does not discolor, even after many years. With porcelain veneers, you can have the smile you want. The teeth can be re-shaped and re-colored with a great deal of artistic latitude If you want teeth that are as white, radiant, healthy-looking and straight as possible, porcelain veneers are the ultimate. The unsurpassed way to change your smile is to use porcelain laminate veneers - thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the surface of the teeth. These veneers are carefully crafted by our experienced and artistic master ceramists to achieve the highest quality possible. Your veneers are matched to the exact shade of your other teeth to give you total control over every aspect of your smile. Porcelain veneers are as durable as your natural teeth and they are stain resistant. They can last anywhere from 15-30 years depending on your bite and how you chew. Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They can provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size, shape or closing small spaces, while still maintaining the natural structure of the tooth all in just a few visits – in fact they are sometimes referred to as Instant Orthodontics. Veneers provide the translucence necessary for a completely natural looking smile and there is absolutely no metal showing. And even the darkest teeth can become a beautiful, natural looking white. There is virtually no way to tell that the veneer is not completely natural – only your dentist knows for sure! The first step in your journey to the perfect smile using veneers is for you and Dr. Sayeg to work together to get the look you desire. It is important that all lines of communication are open between you, Dr. Sayeg and the master ceramist that will craft your veneers. Dr. Sayeg's expert knowledge of the shape that will fit your face best, the thickness of the veneers and the color that will look best on you is crucial but it is ultimately your decision on what you want for your smile that matters. Dr. Sayeg will show you pictures of many different smiles to get an idea of what you want your new smile to look like. After the consultation you will have a visual examination, impressions, pictures and possibly x-rays of your teeth and smile. With that information and with the impressions of your teeth, Dr. Sayeg will make a wax model of your new smile and then use wax formations on your existing teeth to give you a close idea on how the veneers will look on you when finished. Preparing the veneers: After you have planned your smile, you will have a one to four hour appointment at which we prepare the teeth. Dr. Sayeg will remove a thin layer of the outer tooth, and take impressions for the master ceramist to use to make the permanent veneers. Accompanied with a prescription and a detailed plan, the impressions are sent to the laboratory for the crafting of the veneers, which takes about two weeks. During this time, Dr. Sayeg will make temporary veneers to be worn to prevent sensitivity and protect the tooth. In some cases where very little tooth was removed, it may not be necessary to place temporaries. Until your delivery appointment, you may have some sensitivity to extreme temperatures and will need to avoid hard or chewy foods. Delivering the veneers: After the master ceramist has completed your veneers, you will return for about a three-hour appointment. First we will put the veneers in with try in paste to get a sense of the shade and shape. We will have you look at your veneers with a mirror to evaluate their look and feel. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the bonding material to be used. Once the final decision on the shade is made, the tooth is cleaned and then bonded to the tooth. We will then contour the veneers to match the surrounding teeth and have the proper bite. Veneers are very long lasting and have a 93 percent success rate over 10 years. Many patients have veneers that are over 20 years old. With proper care, veneers will last for many years and have as good or greater life expectancy as crowns. Porcelain veneers achieve virtually invisible edges next to the gums, and remain almost undetectable, even if the gum line changes. For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are a new shape and size. We will have you return about a week after the delivery to check the appearance, function and gingival health. You will then need to follow normal hygiene procedures by bushing and flossing daily and returning for dental visits twice a year to ensure proper maintenance. Click Here to see some of Dr. Sayegs actual Smile Transformations with Porcelain Veneers How does pregnancy affect my oral health? It’s a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth and “one tooth is lost with every pregnancy.” However you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary change is a surge in hormones- particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone. These causes the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque and in many cases can cause a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis. How does a build-up of plaque affect my Teeth and Gums? If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis - red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree, and generally begins to surface in the second trimester. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, an infection that can lead to a much more serious problem including stroke and heart problems and pre-term labor. Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors, inflammatory, benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. How can I prevent these problems? You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You should also floss thoroughly each day. If tooth brushing causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes. Good nutrition including a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of B vitamin and folic acid helps keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. We recommend more frequent cleanings, at least every 3-4 months to help control plaque and prevent gingivitis. When should I see my dentist? If you’re planning to become pregnant or suspect you’re pregnant, you should see a dentist right away. Otherwise, you should schedule a check-up in your first trimester for a cleaning. More frequent cleanings may be indicated in order to control the pregnancy gingivitis. Could Gingivitis affect my baby’s health? New research suggests a link between pre-term and low birth weight babies and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria, which cause gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream through your mouth (gums). If this happens the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor. Are there any procedures I should avoid? Non-emergency procedures generally can be preformed throughout pregnancy, but the best time for any dental treatment is the fourth through six month. Women with dental emergencies that create severe pain can be treated during any trimester, but your obstetrician should be consulted during emergencies that require anesthesia or when medication is being prescribed. Only X-rays that are needed for emergencies should be taken during pregnancy. Lastly, elective procedures that can be postponed should be delayed until after the baby’s birth. If you have any questions on dental care during pregnancy, please contact Dr. Sayeg. What is a sealant? A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolar, (the teeth directly in front of molars). Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of cavities and dental decay. Sealants are currently recommended by the American Dental Association for prevention of cavities in children, and are also beneficial for adults. How effective are sealants? 100% effective! Scientific studies have proven that properly applied sealants are 100 percent effective in protecting he tooth surfaces from caries as long as the sealant remains intact, caries will not develop beneath it. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually arrest cavities when placed on top of a cavity early in development by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the cavity. How are sealants applied? Sealant application involves first cleaning the surface of the tooth, the site is dried, and the sealant material is applied and a special curing light is used to set the material. Sealant treatment is painless and to application only takes about 10 minutes per tooth. How long will sealants last? Sealants should last two years, but can last as long as ten years. One study reported that seven years after application, and impressive 49% of treated teeth were still completely covered. Sealants are not permanent. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to keep track of the sealants’ effectiveness. Who should receive sealant treatment? Children, because they have newly erupted permanent teeth, receive the greatest benefit from sealants. We recommend them on the 6 year and 12 year molars. The chewing surfaces of children’s teeth are most susceptible to cavities and the least benefited by fluoride. Surveys show that approximately two-thirds of all cavities occur in pits and fissures of children’s newly erupted teeth. Many other patients also can benefit from sealant placement, particularly patients who have existing pits and fissures susceptible to decay, and those who, for a variety of reasons, may be at a high risk for dental caries. If by using sealants we can prevent the start of decay, we may prevent those larger restorations in the future that in some cases lead to more extensive dental care. Dr. Sayeg ~ Thank you for my white smile! I really appreciate the service. It has been a pleasure to shed light on Give Back a Smile – such an admirable organization! Best Wishes, Bre Edmonds (Points North Magazine) Dr. Sayeg,

Thank you so much for fixing the dark tooth (and that little tooth scar I had forever)! When I was told by my office that I had to be video taped, I got anxiety thinking that I would be shown on video looking like that, and it has been bothering me for such a long time. I also want to thank you for listening to me, I have been through a lot trying to get my teeth functional and spend a lot of money to achieve that goal. I just want my teeth to be functional, feel and look good. Thanks again! Chris C

For the first time in 35 years I am finally pain free! I have spent thousands of dollars on dental work in hopes of ending consistent and excruciating pain. Within minutes you diagnosed and corrected the problem. Dr. Sayeg, to you and your entire staff I say thank you for a job well done!!! With a grateful heart, Kayla M

I was really pleased with my visit. I was brought back to meet with Dr. Sayeg at 2:00pm on the dot, the time of my appointment. The staff was very friendly and explained everything that was being done. I have never felt so welcomed at a medical office before in my life! I would recommend Dr. Sayeg’s office to anyone! : J Andrea A Everyone over there helps make my trip to the dentist a pleasurable experience. Todd G As always the service and professionalism is A+. Charita H If there is one thing I want to say, it is THANK YOU! You and your staff (including Rebecca and Lorie) are the best. And Shinny is a sweetheart! You have made every visit a "breeze." Thanks, Dr. Sayeg! You have a life long patient. Christina K My experiences with Dr. Sayeg and his staff has always been a pleasure! Everyone is very accommodating, courteous and friendly. As a matter of fact, I sent in a referral the other day, and I am proud to refer Dr. Sayeg to anyone that asks. Sincerely, Thumb and finger sucking is an instinctive, comforting way that babies relax and handle stress. When it continues into the toddler and childhood years it can then become a habit, which can have devastating dental and social effects. Many parents have expressed frustration in helping their children overcome this habit and much research has been done on the subject. From horrible tasting substances that can be applied the fingers, to hypnosis, there have been no shortage of suggestions on how to help your child to stop the habit. Pediatric dentists and psychologists have worked together for new techniques and have developed a new process, which includes the child, parents and dentist. When should the thumb sucking stop? Toddlers will generally stop naturally as they age or after a parent continually removes the finger with a gentle admonishment. But many children hang onto the habit as they would a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Studies show that any technique for stopping will probably not be successful unless the child wants to stop. Efforts should then be put towards helping the child want to stop versus making them stop. What are the new techniques? Dr. Steven M. Adair, chairman of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia has developed a new technique that involves wrapping a child’s elbow area from mid-forearm to mid-arm while a child is falling asleep. He has seen a success rate of about 60% achieved in children who want to end the habit, and have had positive reinforcement from their parents and calls from the dental office to the child incorporated into the process. What is needed to begin the process? Parents should purchase a 2- inch or 3-inch thick Ace Bandage (costing about $5 to $6) and give it to the child keep in their bedroom. The child also will need a calendar covering about six weeks, adhesive stars, and colored pencils or crayons. What is the child’s role? Explain to your child that the bandage is theirs, and every night after they brush their teeth they are to bring it to you. The technique will only be effective if done with out prompting, so refrain from reminding them! The bandage should then be wrapped snugly (but not too tightly) from the elbow to the forearm on the arm used for the habit. The hand is not covered and the bandage should not impede blood flow. Children will find they can still place the digit in the mouth. As they tire, however, the elasticity of the bandage will bring the hand away from the mouth. The next morning, the child should receive a star or check mark on the calendar for remembering the bandage and a second star is entered if the child believes he or she slept through the night without sucking the thumb. The program should be continued for at least six weeks. What is the parent’s role? Parents should not discourage the sucking habits during the day or comment about it. Instead, they should praise children whenever they are not sucking their thumb. Parents can give children small rewards after 14 stars are earned during treatment. If parents believe the habit is broken, they should monitor the child for a week while falling asleep and again after the child has been asleep for a while. If satisfied the habit has been broken, parents may bestow a final, bigger reward to positively reinforce the behavior. What is the dentist’s role? When the child expresses a wish to stop the thumb sucking, we will tell them about the program and let them know we will be calling them to ask how it is going. A member of the dental staff will then call the child at a prearranged time weekly and ask the child how they feel it is going. We will also provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. For over a century, dentistry has used a material made of mercury and silver to restore decayed teeth. While it has done a great job and saved countless teeth, it has weaknesses. The material can cause teeth to crack as it expands and restorations turn black as the silver in the material corrodes. Other restorations using gold also can leave a noticeable color as you smile. With today's composite resins, ceramics and bonding adhesives, Dr. Sayeg can restore your damaged teeth to as close to their original strength as possible and with a beautiful appearance. While over the counter products and whitening toothpastes can whiten teeth a few shades there are many drawbacks and most consumers become discouraged. By far, the most effective and efficient way to whiten your teeth is professionally at your dentist's office. We offer two professional ways to whiten your teeth: In office, one-hour Zoom Whitening and professional at-home whitening. In-Offi