Willow Creek Dental Blog http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog.html en-us Fri, 25 May 2012 10:29:29 -0500 Fri, 25 May 2012 10:29:29 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Officite Development Scripting Migraine and TMJ Disorder Therapyhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/migraine-and-tmj-disorder-therapy.html
Do you experience frequent headaches or migraines? While you may attribute them to stress, they may be a symptom of TMJ disorder problems. Other signs and symptoms can include neck/shoulder pain, ear congestion, jaw joint pain/noise and more.

As you may have heard, Dr. Mark Braasch joined Willow Creek Dental in April. In addition to offering general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Braasch specializes in migraine therapy and TMJ disorder treatment. He has received extensive training in neuromuscular dentistry and has been able to successfully treat patients without surgery.

Most people who suffer from migraines or TMJ disorder have been dealing with pain and are looking for treatment options. Misalignment of teeth is relatively easy to correct and treatment options include adjusting the bite, orthotics, orthodontics, or restoring the teeth to their correct positions.

Click here to read testimonials from a few of Dr. Braasch’s patients that he has previously treated.

If you are interested in having a free consultation with Dr. Braasch to learn more about migraine or TMJ disorder therapy, contact our office today at 303-779-2797 or send him an email at drbraasch@willowcreekdds.com.

]]>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:06:03 -0500Welcome Dr. Mark Braasch to Willow Creek Dentalhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/welcome-dr-mark-braasch-to-willow-creek-dental.html I want to let you know about some exciting changes happening at Willow Creek Dental. As you may have noticed, we have grown a lot in the past year and have added many new faces to our office. In order to keep providing the exceptional patient care that you deserve, I have decided to add another dentist to my practice. Starting April 1st, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Braasch will be joining our office! Dr. Braasch recently sold his practice in Omaha, Nebraska and he is looking forward to being in Colorado and part of Willow Creek Dental.


Dr. Braasch is a fellow graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry and has received extensive training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He practices both general and cosmetic dentistry and his addition will allow us to expand our hours to better meet your needs.
 

After starting my practice over 14 years ago, I feel incredibly lucky to have developed such a loyal base of patients and I appreciate being part of your lives. I am excited to be working with Dr. Braasch and am confident we will still have the small office feel that you have come to know. As always, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me directly at 303-779-2797 or at drmary@willowcreekdds.com.
 

Dr. Mary Kissinger-Blakeley
 

]]>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:03:25 -0600Custom Made Mouth Guards Help Decrease Dental Injurieshttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/custom-made-mouth-guards-help-decrease-dental-injuries.html
When shopping for an athletic mouth guard, buying a stock or a boil-and-bite guard to save money at the counter might seem tempting. Custom made mouth guards cost more and require a dental visit, making it more work for you. While those beliefs might seem to be true initially, they might not seem as valid when a cheap mouth guard doesn’t protect you or your child’s teeth. Custom mouth guards can save money in the long-term by preventing dental injuries, therefore improving your quality of life over the long-term.

Stock mouth guards are the cheapest and least protective guards on the market. They come in generic sizes and can only be resized by cutting off edges. Stock guards will fall out if an athlete's jaws are not clenched at all times, making them highly inefficient and ineffective.

Boil-and-bite mouth guards are not much better. An athlete soaks the plastic guard in hot water for a few seconds and then places the warm guard in his or her mouth, sucking out all the air around the guard. The result is a molded piece of plastic that supposedly fits the athlete's mouth and protects the teeth during play of contact sports. However, boil-and-bite mouth guards wear out quickly, are often loose and ill-fitting, and often fail to cover all teeth.

When an athlete wears a custom-fit mouth guard, he or she reduces the risk of serious dental injury. Custom-fit guards are made by a dental professional to fit the teeth of an individual athlete rather than a generic mouth size. They fit well, cover all teeth, and are more comfortable than their cheaper counterparts. These guards also wear better, meaning that they should last a long time. A dentist will also take into account an athlete's dental history when making the guard so that all braces, crowns, and other such dental work will be factored in during the formation of the mouth piece.

Sports are supposed to be fun, but fewer things are less fun than a painful dental injury that can cost an athlete and his or her family thousands of dollars to remedy. Such an injury would feel all the more painful because the wounded athlete would know that the damage might have been prevented by the use of a custom made mouth guard. Dental injuries can have long-lasting effects on both an athlete's teeth and bank account, making custom fit mouth guards important.

 

]]>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:55:08 -0600Affordable Cosmetic Dentistryhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/affordable-cosmetic-dentistry.html

A smile is one of the first things you notice about another person. When a person has a big smile, it shows that he is happy and self-confident. Less than perfect teeth, however, can deter a person from smiling. Some people may think that fixing their teeth costs too much money and is not worth it. However, cosmetic dentistry options are more affordable than ever, and some insurances may even cover part of the cost.

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options are porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can transform crooked teeth into straight, beautiful teeth. They can also help fix teeth that have gaps in them, broken teeth and discolored teeth. A great aspect of porcelain veneers is that they are very natural looking. They are made from a mold of your actual tooth. Another benefit of porcelain veneers is that they are stain resistant. Additionally, some insurances will reduce the cost of veneers.

Invisible braces are another popular cosmetic dentistry option. They help straighten your teeth without being noticeable. Invisible braces are a great option for adults who are looking to straighten their teeth, but are too embarrassed to wear regular braces. Many major insurance companies are willing to cover part of the cost of invisible braces.

Another cosmetic dentistry option to consider is teeth whitening. The foods and drinks you consume can stain your teeth, leaving them with a yellow appearance. If you get your teeth whitened at your dentist’s office, your teeth will look whiter than ever and you will just want to keep smiling. The good part about teeth whitening is that you will get instant results. After approximately 90 minutes, you can leave the dentist’s, and show off your bright, new smile to everyone.

Do not neglect your smile just because it will cost you a little extra money to fix it. In the grand scheme of things, fixing your smile is not all that expensive when you consider that it is part of your first impression with every person you meet. It will all be worth it in the end when you have a big, beautiful, confident smile to show off to the world.

 

]]>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:27:49 -0600Getting a Tax Return? Treat yourself this year.http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/getting-a-tax-return-this-year-treat-yourself-this-year.html
It is that time of year again--tax season! While some people approach April 15 with a sense of dread, some actually look forward to it because it means they are getting money back from the government. If you are lucky enough to be getting a tax return, consider investing in yourself and spending it on your dental needs this year.

Many of us have dental work we know we need but have been putting off for financial reasons. It can be hard to justify spending money on ourselves when other family or household expenses seem to take higher priority. That is completely understandable, however, neglecting your own health can also have expensive consequences. Simply put--it won't get better on its own and will only get worse and more costly as time goes on.

If you don't need dental treatment, perhaps you have always wanted to get some cosmetic work done but didn't have the extra money. Whether it is invisible braces to finally get straight teeth or a few veneers to fix a gap or something as simple as teeth whitening--now may be your opportunity to finally put yourself first.

So no matter what you may need or be interested in, consider using your tax return on yourself this year. Dr. Mary is always happy to sit down and talk with you about what you want done. Feel free to call us anytime at 303-779-2797 to set up a free consultation. 

]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:43:08 -0600Willow Creek Dental now offers Free Wi-Fi!http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/willow-creek-dental-now-offers-free-wi-fi.html To make your experience more enjoyable, we now offer Free Wi-Fi! So come relax, have a cup of coffee, tea, or water and surf the web while you wait. Just one more reason to actually like going to the dentist office!

]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:25:21 -0600Give Kids a Smile! Day was a Snowy Success!http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/give-kids-a-smile-day-was-a-snowy-success.html We were proud to participate in our first Give Kids a Smile! Day last Friday, February 3. Although Mother Nature made it challenging with over a foot of snow, we were still proud to offer several children without dental insurance free exams, cleanings, and x-rays. We look forward to participating in the event again next year and cross our fingers that the weather will be more accommodating for everyone!

For more information about the nationwide program, visit the Colorado Dental Association's website.

]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:03:34 -0600ZOOM! Whitening Sale in Februaryhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/zoom-sale-in-february.html During the month of February, we will be offering ZOOM! professional in-office teeth whitening for $350. That is a $200 savings off our regular price of $550. Simply call 303-779-2797 to schedule an appointment today. Saving money and getting a whiter smile--what a great combination!

]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:04 -0600Give Kids a Smile! Dayhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/give-kids-a-smile-day.html We are excited to participate in the Give Kids a Smile! nationwide event on Friday, February 3. We will be offering free cleanings, exams, and x-rays for young children that do not have insurance or access to dental care.

The event will be held at our office in Highlands Ranch and we are currently scheduling patients up to age 12. An appointment is required and the schedule will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call 303-779-2797 if you know a child who would like to participate.

]]>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:55:32 -0600Dental Benefits Have Renewedhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/dental-benefits-have-renewed.html If your dental insurance plan runs on a calendar year, your benefits will have renewed on January 1. That means your annual benefits maximum will have been reset and you may be eligible again for a regular cleaning and exam.

If you have been holding off on scheduling your dental work because you used all of your dental benefits last year, now is the time to move forward! What a better way to start off the new year than with a healthy smile.

Additionally, if you have any questions about how your insurance works or what your maximum coverage or deductible levels are, give us a call and as a free service we will contact your insurance company on your behalf. Simply call us at 303-779-2797 to get started.

]]>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:31:12 -0600Give the Gift of Teeth Whitening this Holiday Seasonhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/give-the-gift-of-teeth-whitening-this-holiday-season.html November 30th, 2011

Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one? Consider giving the gift of professional teeth whitening. Willow Creek Dental offers ZOOM! in-office professional teeth whitening that will result in a brighter, whiter smile after just one visit. Not only is it quick and easy, it is also affordable. So make your loved one’s holiday extra special with a gift they will truly smile about. Call us at 303-779-2797 to buy your gift certificate today.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Halloween Candy To Eat or Not to Eathttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/halloween-candyto-eat-or-not-to-eat.html October 12th, 2011

It’s that time of the year again! Kids will soon be dressing up as their favorite superhero, princess, ghost, or goblin to go trick-or-treating for Halloween. Their eyes will light up in excitement with each handful of candy dropped into their pumpkin basket. And parents know that the Candy Battle will soon begin.

What is the Candy Battle, you ask? It is simply the ensuing argument you may have with your children over how much and what kinds of candy they are allowed to eat. They, of course, want to eat everything in their basket that night. You, on the only hand, want to allow only a couple pieces and then throw the rest of it away. So how about a compromise?

A lot of parents ask Dr. Mary for advice on candy at Halloween. There are essentially two schools of thought–let them eat as much candy as they want over a short period of time (2 – 3 days) or allow your child to pick 1 or 2 pieces a day for a longer period of time (couple weeks).

The pros to the first strategy is that any remaining candy will be thrown away after just a couple days. Your kids get to enjoy Halloween without getting into a regular candy habit. The downside is that most kids will eat candy until they make themselves sick.

The latter strategy allows you to control your child’s candy intake on a daily basis and still let’s them enjoy their treats. The downside is that your child is having extra sugar and candy over a prolonged period of time.

So what is better? Actually either strategy is just fine. We just suggest that you first go through your child’s candy and throw away the candy that is particularly hard on their teeth. This would include hard candy that your child will want to bite into (jaw breakers) or hard chewy candy (taffy) that will stick to their teeth. No matter what candy you choose to keep or throw away, make sure that your child drinks a glass of water and brushes their teeth after eating it. If you keep that healthy habit, Halloween can be a fun event for you and your child and not require a future dental visit!

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Great Patient Reviews of Willow Creek Dentalhttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/check-out-these-great-patient-reviews-of-willow-creek-dental.html October 3rd, 2011

At Willow Creek Dental, our patients are like family and we work hard to make them feel comfortable and relaxed when they visit us. Nothing makes our day more than when we get a great review from a patient!

Click here to read what over 60 of our patients had to say about their recent dental experience. Thanks for the great comments!

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Use your Dental Benefits before they Expire!http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/use-your-dental-benefits-before-they-expire.html September 9th, 2011

It is hard to believe that fall is already here. Time flies so fast that it will soon be the end of 2011 and your dental benefits for the year will be expiring.

As a reminder if you have dental treatment you have put on hold, now may be a good time to schedule an appointment to maximize your insurance benefits and use any remaining flex account dollars you have.

To help make your portion more affordable, we have also added some internal financing options for your convenience. Call us today at 303-779-2797 to schedule your appointment.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Save up to $300 off Invisible Braces in Augusthttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/save-up-to-300-off-invisible-braces-in-august.html August 17th, 2011

Just in time for fall, we are offering up to $300 off ClearCorrect invisible braces in August! Save $300 off full and $200 off limited versions. Contact us today at 303-779-2797 to schedule your free consulation to determine if you are a candidate. Financing and payment plans also available!

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Have a Night Out on Us!http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/have-a-night-out-on-us.html July 14th, 2011

We love supporting local businesses and events! So for every new patient you refer in July, you’ll be entered to win a ticket package to the annual Art & Ale Brew Festival at The Wildlife Experience. The package includes:

  • Two tickets to the Art & Ale Brew Festival
    Friday, August 19 from 6pm – 10pm at
    The Wildlife Experience
  • Hotel stay at the Hilton Garden Inn
  • Breakfast for two
  • Transportation
  • Approximate $150 Value

Drawing to be held August 1, 2011. Must be 21 to attend the event.

Don’t forget, you will also get a $25 gift card for every new patient you refer!

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Anxious about the Dentist? Relax, Willow Creek Dental can help you.http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/anxious-about-the-dentist-relax-willow-creek-dental-can-help-you.html July 13th, 2011

We know that most people don’t look forward to going to the dentist. Don’t worry, our feelings are not hurt. We understand that for various reasons, many patients experience severe anxiety at just the thought of stepping in the door. When patients tell us they would rather give birth than go to the dentist, we know these are some very real feelings.

At Willow Creek Dental, we work hard to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. From our calm, soothing office environment to our spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, we want to make our patients feel welcome. Each of our chairs offer a gentle massage and patients always have the opportunity to wear headphones and listen to music to help them relax. For patients that need a little extra help to reduce their anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide to help them ease their fears.  Most of all, however, our staff takes extra steps to make sure you are comfortable. From explaining the procedure and always giving you an opportunity to let us know if you are uncomfortable, we want you to have a positive experience. You might even start looking forward to coming to see us!

If you have questions or any fears you want to discuss, please call our office at 303-779-2797. We look forward to making your experience as relaxing as possible.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600School is starting soon…Schedule your child’s appointment today!http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/school-is-starting-soonschedule-your-childs-appointment-today.html July 12th, 2011

As hard as it is to believe, classes will be starting again next month for many students in the South Metro Denver area. Summer is the perfect time to get them into the dentist for their regular cleaning before school and sports schedules get too hectic again. Call us at 303-779-2797 to schedule an appointment today and you’ll thank yourself later.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Hungry? Get a $25 Gift Card for Referring a New Patienthttp://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/hungry-get-a-25-gift-card-for-referring-a-new-patient.html July 11th, 2011

When an existing patient refers a new patient to us, you’ll get a $25 gift card for EVERY person you refer. That includes co-workers, friends, and all family members. We’ll send your gift card after their first visit. So start referring and Have Dinner on Us at Macaroni Grill®, Chili’s®, On The Border®, or Romano’s Macaroni Grill®!

Brinker International® is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this promotion.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600Thank you for following Us on Facebook and Twitter!http://www.willowcreekdds.com/blog/post/thank-you-for-following-us-on-facebook-and-twitter.html June 30th, 2011

Thanks to all of you who have taken time to ”like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter. We will periodically make announcements or post special promotions and you’ll be the first to know.

Additionally, a special congratulations goes out to Ray Montano. He won the Facebook/Twitter contest in June and took home a $150 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Have fun shopping, Ray!

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:20:34 -0600