Monterey Smile Doctor's Reflections on Smiles

HOW TO GET GREAT RESULTS WITH TEETH WHITENING?

2011-06-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

The longer I deliver cosmetic dentistry in Monterey, I find that the best results come less from the products (for example, Zoom Teeth whitening, or Nite-White teeth whitening gel), and MORE from great communication with our patients.

For example, earlier today, I received an online question from a cosmetic dentistry patient in another state. She had Zoom Teeth Whitening and wound up with a fairly serious chemical burn on the gum of her front tooth. While she will probably be fine, I’m sure it was scary and alarming to have a big white ulcer on the gum next to her front tooth.

Candidly, anytime you are dealing with the human body, there is a (small) potential for a complication. I find that these surprises or disappointments can almost be 100% avoided by good communication before, during and after the procedure.

Later today, I had the chance to see one of my favorite patients who is starting to whiten his teeth. We talked for quite a few minutes about how to stay comfortable during the process and also a lot about what exactly to expect.

After more than fifteen years as a cosmetic dentist in Monterey, I have found we consistently get great results, by first, seeking to understand exactly what our patients want, then tailoring one of the many options to deliver results. Then we tell our patients what to expect each step of the way.

Oh, and we encourage constant input and try to have great accessibility to any questions they have along the way.

Problems and disappointments with teeth whitening (or other cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers, bonding, or smile makeovers), can be avoided!

2011-05-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

RAISINS: BEAUTIFY YOUR SMILE!

These sugary, sticky treats were once thought to cause cavities, but recent research done at the University Of Illinois reveals the opposite is true: Raisins actually bolster your protection against tooth decay and even gum disease.

They’re a top food source of oleanolic acid, which protects tooth enamel and gum tissue by scrubbing away plaque buildup and, even better, preventing it from sticking in the first place!

Raisins are very good for promoting dental health as they are rich in calcium and boron.

Raisins also have antibacterial compounds that prevent gingivitis, an inflammatory gum disease that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, since germs in the gums can find their way into the bloodstream.

What's On Your Dental Wish List?

2011-04-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

A cosmetic dental consultation is informative and enjoyable. As the patient, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your goals and expectations. If this is your first visit to the practice, you’ll discover how comfortable you feel with our dentist and other members of the treatment team. Cosmetic dentistry consultations help us provide the highest level of Monterey Peninsula dental care.

This is the time to ask questions about possible procedures such as teeth whitening. You can look at pictures of actual porcelain veneer patients and dental implant recipients. Our cosmetic dentistry patients really get excited when they see images of the possible results for their teeth.

By listening effectively and asking the right questions, Dr. Jeanette Kern can fully assess the many variables unique to your needs.

Dr. Kern thoroughly examines teeth, gums and biting function. Complete x-rays are taken. Existing dental work, tooth color, tooth alignment, and gum condition are taken into consideration. Medical history and lifestyle are also important factors. Cosmetic dentistry costs are outlined.

Taking the first step by scheduling a cosmetic dental consultation is your key to understanding your options and preparing to make decisions. Learn about the possibilities for your smile at Jeanette Kern DDS, “Perfecting Smiles – Enriching Lives”; give us a call at 831-372-8011.

Where Will You Take Your Smile Today?

2011-02-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

YOU TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF and you put different clothes on. But when it comes to your smile, you take it EVERYWHERE you go. Do you like your smile? If you could… Is there some little thing you’d change? Some big thing you’d change?

NEWS FLASH!!
Today’s smile design techniques and materials, combined with the artistic skills of Dr. Jeanette M. Kern, make having a drop-dead-gorgeous smile easier and more affordable than ever. If you’re a little unfamiliar with some of the terminology behind smile design, here’s a short course:

Whitening - Sometimes called “tooth bleaching”, smile whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. While many whitening options are now available—including over the counter products—dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.

Contouring - Contouring is sometimes called “tooth reshaping”. Contouring can sometimes be used to correct minimally crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or an overlapping tooth. It’s a procedure of subtle changes and is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of teeth.

Bonding - Bonding is a process in which enamel-like dental composite materials are applied to a tooth’s surface, then sculpted into shape and polished.

Veneers - Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain laminates that are bonded directly teeth. They’re an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that do not respond well to whitening procedures. Sometimes, tooth reduction may be necessary.

Minimal Prep Veneers - The popularity of prepless veneers is being driven in part by increased patient desire to prevent removal of healthy tooth structure. But not all cases are right for minimal-prep veneers.

The best way to determine what’s right for you and your smile? Simply talk to Dr. Kern. I'm passionate about people’s smiles. Our office has seen beautiful smiles make a huge difference in people’s social lives and careers. It feels good to not be embarrassed to smile. We look forward to visiting with you! Call us at 831-372-8011.

DNA Periodontal Testing

2010-12-07T21:40:00.001-08:00

DNA testing for Periodontal disease: Am I Going To Lose My Teeth Just Like My Mother?

My mother lost her teeth at an early age.
Am I going to lose my teeth and need dentures too?

Years ago this may have been the case, but I’ve seen good hygiene and routine dental care do remarkable things in helping people keep their natural teeth over the years I’ve been practicing dentistry. There are some people, however, that no matter how hard they work at their home care, they can’t get quite as healthy as they would like.

There is new technology that allows us to test our patients for genetic predisposition for Periodontal Disease. The risk for periodontal disease increases 3 to 7-fold and for tooth loss 3-fold in individuals who test positive for these new tests. Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention and early intervention efforts. For those patients already affected with periodontal disease, the PST Genetic Test assists clinicians in creating a personalized treatment plan.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an estimated 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. It’s a known fact that periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal Disease, or gum disease, is a common condition that varies in severity from person to person and usually starts when people are in their 30’s or 40’s. Symptoms may include:

Red, swollen, tender gums; receding gums; bleeding while brushing and/or flossing, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad breath, dentures that no longer fit, pus between the teeth and gums.

Are you at risk? When might we suggest DNA testing for you?

When you have early signs of periodontal disease, despite a fairly good effort with your home care.

You’re considering cosmetic or advanced restorative dentistry, such as veneers or implants and we want to know that we don’t have any factors “working against us” as we perform treatment.

A new patient or someone who hasn’t seen us in a while and needs a lot of dentistry to get healthy again, and they tell us of a family history of periodontal disease, diabetes, heart disease or stroke.

Clinical signs of infection (red, swollen, or bleeding gums with bone loss around teeth and periodontal pockets) are around important teeth that we critically need to save to keep our patient from having to get a denture.

Have a family history of periodontal disease? Need extensive periodontal care? Have loose teeth? Lost teeth?

Confirmation of your oral health is needed prior to major medical surgery.

You have other medical / systemic conditions that make you more susceptible to periodontal infections.

A screening tool to access your periodontal health and genetic risk to oral infections.

Do you have chronic bad breath even though you’ve done everything we’ve shown you to manage the problem?

WHAT ARE THE TESTS?

MyPerioPath Test: Identifies and measures certain bacteria that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
MyPerioIDPST test: Determines if you are likely to be more susceptible to gum tissue infections.

These revolutionary tests deliver detailed information that will enable us to better determine the appropriate treatment regimen for your specific needs. The testing procedures are quick, non-invasive, simple and easy to perform.

If both tests are done, the total cost is around $300, plus the cost of any antibiotics (from the pharmacy) possibly needed for treatment.

Dentistry continues to make some amazing strides in that it’s providing people the opportunity at having enhanced overall health. As I’ve said frequently lately, I’ve been in dentistry for over 30 years, and there’s not been a more exciting time that right now for all the things that dentistry can offer my patients. Whether it’s sedation for the fearful patient, implants for those that have missing teeth or dentures and can’t really chew their food, or DNA testing for those who REALLY want to keep their teeth, I’m thankful for the profession I’m in being so interesting and fun the last few years.

2010-11-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Here is my 7-minute, nightly program to protect the teeth, gums, and throat from infection.

When you are done eating for the night is a good time to do this, so that you have an 8 to 12 hour stretch of reduced plaque. Plaque is the sticky layer of germs and food particles on teeth that leads to periodontal (gum) disease, cavities, and bone damage.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Water pik all surfaces of your teeth to rinse out larger food particles and increase circulation to your gums. The water pik that does the best job for me is made by WaterPik.

2. Floss your teeth to remove plaque from under the gum line. Do not snap the floss into the middle of the ‘V’ of the gums between two teeth, as this can damage and compact the gums. Move the floss as far as possible under the gum surface at the base of each side of the tooth. Once you are under the gum, scrape against the tooth surface on the way out to remove plaque. Use a mirror and keep scraping until all the plaque that can be seen is off. Use clean sections of floss as you move around the mouth.

3. Use a Sonicare toothbrush (Sold in our office --- we have the one with an Ultraviolet container to kill germs on the brushes.) to brush remaining particles off the teeth, gums, and tongue. (The tongue usually has more germs than other parts of the mouth.) Sonicare is the toothbrush least likely to lead to gum recession as it is the most gentle yet effective toothbrush.

4. Put your Sonicare brush head into the UV box and turn it on. Or, once a week, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a small glass and soak your toothbrush in it over night.

5. Sometimes, bacteria and food particles can slip under a filling. To reduce bacteria in these areas and help whiten teeth, hold a mouthful mixture of half water and half 3 % hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for a minute. Spit out the mixture and rinse out with water.

Reducing infection in your mouth helps reduce stress on your other organs, such as your heart and gut as well!

2010-11-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

The word ‘LASER’ is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser device emits a powerful, highly-concentrated beam of light. (Didn’t we all love the amazing laser weapons in ‘Star Wars?)

Lasers are used in hundreds of applications in almost every California industry including communications, researching, manufacturing, entertainment and medicine.

Lasers are now used in some technologically-advanced Peninsula dental practices on both hard (tooth) and soft (gum) tissue. Lasers allow a cosmetic dentist a degree of precision that was previously impossible.

How does laser dentistry benefit our dental patients?

•Fewer stitches (some surgical procedures require no sutures)

•Shorter healing time

•Decreased chance of infection

•Less damage to surrounding tissue/bone

•Increased patient comfort – anesthesia is often unnecessary

Dentists use lasers in crown lengthening, decay detection, bacteria removal in root canals, gum recontouring, biopsy, lesion removal, and tooth whitening.

If you are interested in any of these procedures, call Jeanette Kern, DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at (831) 372-8011. Our practice has been providing unsurpassed general and cosmetic dentistry since 1995.

The latest dental technology is useless without the skill and experience necessary to deliver the best possible outcomes. Let us show you some photos of the results we routinely achieve.

Dental Cavities- Prevent Them

2010-10-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dental cavities are infections in your teeth. They are avoidable. If you had regular bladder or lung infections, you would work to prevent those. Your teeth are no different.

Cavity-prevention suggestions:

1. Keep your diet alkaline with a large volume of raw vegetables. An alkaline pH is unfriendly to infection.

2. Avoid highly processed, sugar and flour products, as they strip away the minerals and vitamins that keep teeth strong.

3. As soy demineralizes the body and teeth, it should be avoided.

4. Make your mouth an unfriendly environment for infection. Keep your teeth
brushed and flossed daily.

5. Follow your dental hygienist’s advice on care of your teeth.

6. Above all, know that, regardless of anyone else’s viewpoint, teeth can be cavity-free.

Strong, healthy teeth are a joy!

Dr. Kern

2010-09-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mercury is an extremely toxic and destructive substance.

Symptoms of excess mercury include mental dysfunction, fatigue, poor memory, decreased senses of touch, hearing and vision, depression, emotional problems, neurological and muscular disorders, kidney and gastrointestinal problems, infertility and heart disease. Effects can include coma and death in some cases.

Research has shown that "Early signs of mercury poisoning in adults are nervous system effects, including narrowing of the visual field and numbness in the extremities. Exposure to mercury in utero and in children can cause mild to severe mental retardation and mild to severe motor coordination impairment."

Some sources of mercury include silver dental material, vaccines containing thimerosal, seafood, some fish oils, some water, some hemorrhoid preparations, skin lightening chemicals, instruments (thermometers, electrodes, batteries), some fertilizers and the paper and gold industries. Mercury is used for the manufacture of industrial chemicals and electrical devices. An increasing amount is used as gaseous mercury in fluorescent lights.

Suggestions:

1. Remove all silver dental material from your mouth ASAP.
2. Eat these fish once a month or less: tuna, orange roughy, sea bass, mackerel, marlin, shark, swordfish, tilefish, bluefish and grouper. Alaskan salmon can be eaten frequently as it has the lowest level of mercury.
3. Use mercury thermometers with a protective plastic sheath sold in drugstores. 4. Make sure any fish oil you take has been tested by an independent lab for mercury.

2010-08-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

It turns out that tongue piercings can be bad for one's teeth. While this is hardly a surprise to any dentist, it's been confirmed by a recent study from New York's University of Buffalo.

Researchers had previously found that teens with pierced tongues tend to "play" with the barbell-shaped piercing, often pushing the end of the stud against their front teeth — a habit that might leave them needing braces to fix the damage.

In this particular case study, a young woman who had had her tongue pieced for seven years developed a gap between her front teeth from pushing the barbell into the space between the teeth.

It's already known that a tongue piercing can increase the risks of chipping or cracking teeth, wearing down tooth enamel, receding gums, and more — now it's time to add orthodontic damage to the list.

Heartwarming Business Testimonials

2010-07-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a few of the wonderful testimonials that I have received doing what I love so much and being with such a talented team!

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I trusted Dr. Kern to remove thirteen metal fillings (yes, 13) and replace them with beautiful, healthful composites. With her upbeat, take-action style, you don't have to wait around for Dr. Kern. She knows what she's doing, is informed and trained in latest dental techniques, and she specializes in cosmetic dentistry, so even when doing basic dentistry, with Dr. Kern you benefit from her eye to detail in creating a more beautiful smile.
Her staff is well-trained, very friendly, and work well together for the benefit of each patient. The office has a spa-like atmosphere, so for anyone concerned about the stress of visiting the dentist, Dr. Kern and her staff take care of it for you by providing music, warm pillows, calming essential oils, and if you want, homeopathic remedies for stress-relief. All of these I have taken advantage of to make my visits to "the dentist" more pleasant. My experiences with Dr. Kern and her team have helped me view dental visits in a new, more positive light, plus I have the peace of mind knowing I have a dedicated, educated, smart, and skillful dentist. Christina G.

I always feel welcome and appreciate the name recognition as soon as I step through the door. I have NEVER had to wait for an appointment (cleaning or otherwise). That is just unheard of, so thank you! As I sat for my cleaning yesterday I thought back to my first visit and how terrified I used to be of the dentist office. Your welcoming and nurturing environment has turned my fear around completely. THANK YOU! Deena T.

Dr. Kern's office is the most magical dental office with staff that treat you like royalty. I can't imagine improving anything in that office. Thank you...Moojan D.

Jeanette.... thank you not only for your excellence in the field, but also for being a true healer. Dr. Rita G.

Are You Possibly A Tooth Grinder??

2010-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Are you frequently waking in the morning with sore cheek muscles, loose or temperature-sensitive teeth, a headache, earache, or jaw pain? If so, you may be grinding your teeth or habitually clenching your jaw in your sleep (or even during waking hours). Known as bruxism, this is a fairly common problem caused by a misaligned bite (malocclusion). It can also be a symptom of nervous tension or suppressed anger. Left untreated, bruxism can eventually wear down your teeth.

If your dentist has found your bite to be normal, you may be stressed or internalizing your anger. There are a number of healthy ways to relieve tension or rage: Biofeedback training specifically aimed at reducing jaw muscle tension can be especially helpful. Breathing exercises are another effective stress-reliever. Daily physical activity, such as a brisk 20-minute walk or practicing tai chi or yoga can also make a big difference. In addition, avoid consuming alcohol late at night. It has been shown to promote bruxism.

You might also ask your dentist for a plastic mouth guard to wear while you sleep. This can help to ease some of the side effects of bruxism. Use it in conjunction with stress-reduction practices for best results.

2010-06-05T11:38:00.001-07:00

The Smile Is The Window To The Soul: Final Installment

As a cosmetic dentist, we go to work each day cognizant of our philosophy. Colleagues remind each other that it is appropriate to dig deeper, to question standard practices, to pull back the layers of our profession and look at the truths we reveal. Maybe that makes us mavericks, but we don’t necessarily see it that way.

What we see is people coming through our doors. Some of those people have something locked inside that hasn’t quite found a way out. We have the power to help bring it out.

Brightly, soulfully, vividly, truthfully, we help bring it out.

This is why Creating Beautiful Smiles everyday is my Passion! I truly believe that the Smile is the Window to the Soul. And I love helping people bring out their soul with a beautiful smile.

2010-05-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Smile Is the Window To The Soul: Part 3

My philosophy has developed from my education and training in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

The Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s stand: We, as a dentist, must think twice before erecting a new smile without regard for the human being to whom that smile belongs. The disconnected, disembodied smile is the result of an approach neither safe nor esthetically responsible. Just as a home renovation must take into account the home’s origins and intentions, a smile renovation must be based on something deeper than a set of rigid right angles and the most garish shade of white available through modern cosmetic technology.

Be esthetically responsible! For us, the learning and exploring of our field has never stopped, and it’s led us to believe that responsible esthetics means dealing in a beauty that’s deeper than skin-deep. It means striving for a smile that connects. Resonates. Rings like a bell.

2010-05-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

Part 2 continued from May 9, 2010...

Now, that sounds a little intense—after all, it’s just a smile, but that’s only because we take the smile seriously. It is, after all, our business. We are dentists, and passionate ones at that; the smile is our field of expertise, our chosen avocation, our life’s work. We think about it. We analyze it. We consider its personal, social, and ethical implications.

And we defend it. We defend the true smile against the fake smile. The fake smile is a fearful thing, roughly as warm as fluorescent lighting and about as believable as a politician. Faintly ominous, entirely unnatural, and more like a sensory assault than a show of confidence.

Needless to say, that’s not our thing.

The smile is the window to the soul: Part I

2010-05-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry session in Dallas, Texas. We have a new logo and more important, we have a new statement about what we do. “We have the Power to help bring it out.” Brightly, soulfully, vividly, truthfully, we help bring it out.” Of course we are talking about Beautiful Smiles.

Ever heard someone say the eyes are the window to the soul?

Well, maybe it’s because we are dentists, but we beg to differ. Nothing against eyes, but if you really want a glimpse into someone’s soul, it’s their smile you should be looking for.

Yes, their smile. Not an anatomical part, per se, but a moment—an expression. A smile is a brief pulling apart of the clouds, a clearance through which light and levity, humor and humility, kindness and compassion may all simultaneously pass. It’s a complex cocktail of personality distilled into one fleeting instant when defenses fall and guards drop and the truth of a person is laid bare for all to witness.

To be continued…

2010-04-19T20:54:00.001-07:00

Where is my crown from? Does my dental crown have lead in it?

You may have heard recent news reports about lead in dental crowns made in Chinese labs. Who knew? Who would have thought, right? Most Americans have probably never given any thought to where their dental restorations are being made. Most probably assumed they were made here. And, historically that has been true.

The new global economy is changing everything, and that includes the dental profession... or SOME of the dental profession. Cheap overseas labor and shrinking profit margins have forced some dentists to outsource their lab work to foreign labs. These dentists are typically those who participate in low-fee "managed care" insurance programs such as HMOs or DMOs. When a dentist signs a contract with these plans, he or she must agree to the insurance company's fee schedule, which is typically 50% or even LESS than their normal fees. Ultimately, to remain in business, corners MUST be cut if you're reducing your fees by 50% or more. One way to lower expenses is by sending lab work to China where the costs are pennies on the dollar compared to American labs.

The potential problem is quality control. At least in the U.S. there is accountability. If a lab used contaminated or poisonous materials, there would be significant liability. If a lab in China does it, what is the American consumer to do? What recourse can we have with a lab 7,000 miles away? Is there some regulatory body in China whose purpose is to protect American consumers? Of course not. In the U.S., the materials used by dental labs in making dental restorations must meet very strict quality standards.

Here's the bottom line: Ask your dentist where your dental restorations are being made. And, remember the saying, “The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory.” And, in the case of lead-contaminated dental crowns, that poor quality may have negative effects on your health. There are certain things for which you shouldn't shop for the lowest price.

At Jeanette Kern DDS, our dental crowns are made only in U.S. labs. Only certified, high-quality materials are used. Jeanette Kern DDS is located in Monterey, California. We can be reached at 831-372-8011, or visit our website at: http://www.jkerndds.com.

2010-04-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

As Spring begins, you may be reflecting on your health and how you are feeling. While your thoughts turn to being healthy, all too often, people fail to follow through with their resolutions once a busy and hectic life begins to get in the way.Perhaps the best way to ensure success is to commit to an attainable goal that has concrete meaning in your life. A perfect example would be a resolution to focus on maintaining proper dental health. Besides the obvious benefit of ensuring healthy teeth and gums, maintaining proper dental health also plays an important role in your overall general health. If your body is constantly fighting off infections in your teeth and gums, it can adversely affect its ability to fight infections, viruses, and bacteria elsewhere in your body.The first step to taking care of your dental health is to brush and floss regularly. By regularly, we recommend at least twice a day, although there is no harm in increasing your brushing and flossing regimen beyond this level. Furthermore, reducing your intake of sweets can also help prevent the development of cavities.While regular brushing and flossing will greatly improve your dental hygiene, it is not enough to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which ultimately leads to tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to visit our office at least twice a year for regular check-ups. This will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, and if any problems do arise, regular check-ups will enable us to treat the problem before it becomes serious.The Kern dental office offers excellent dentistry for people of all ages. We recognize that different stages of life present different dental needs. Therefore, we offer a variety of services that will treat the entire spectrum of dental health issues affecting different members of your family. The easiest way to ensure a healthy smile throughout your life is to maintain proper dental hygiene and go for regular dental check-ups at least twice a year. This is certainly an attainable goal. We hope it makes your list.

2010-03-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Get a Brighter Smile & Help Kids in One, Simple Visit.

For the fifth year in a row, we are taking part in Smiles for Life! Through Smiles for Life, the Kern Dental practice provides patients, their friends and families with Half-Priced Whitening Kits, then gives all of the money raised to help children’s charities.

Smiles for Life is a charitable giving campaign created by the Crown Council, an association of independent dentists dedicated to excellence in their field. With the Smiles for Life campaign, our practice creates custom, professional whitening kits at half-price.

Here’s How It Works:

Step 1 : We teamed up with Discus Dental, the nation’s premier dental products company, to get the best whitening materials for free.

Step 2: Our team donates their time to make your whitening kit.

Step 3: We give every single cent raised to children’s charities. It’s awesome!

With Smiles for Life, half of the money we raise stays right here in the community. For the fifth year in a row, Dance Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving underprivileged children though arts education is our designated recipient. The other half of the funds we raise are given to the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, to be spread around the nation, helping children who need proper nutrition, education and love.

If you have been thinking about whitening your smile, now is the time. Whiten with us now through June 30 and help kids here in Monterey County and all over the country!

http://jeanettemkern.forgreatdentalcare.com/

2010-03-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

My name is Dr. Kern. Have you been wanting to professionally whiten your teeth, but thought you couldn’t afford it? The demand for professional teeth whitening has risen dramatically in the last few years. Now, getting a brighter, healthier smile is easier and more accessible than ever!

More than ever before you now have the opportunity to transform your smile with safe, reliable whitening treatments. It used to be only the wealthy and glamorous that had dazzlingly white teeth, but now our Jeanette M. Kern DDS Inc. team is helping people in Monterey, as well as in surrounding areas like Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Pacific Grove, to have their smiles professionally whitened with 100 percent of the proceeds going to kids’ charities.

Nothing projects confidence, youthfulness, and health quite like a bright, attractive, whitened smile.

This March through the end of June, Dance Kids of Monterey County of Monterey will be receiving 50 percent of the donations raised to help children here and in our area.

So, improve a child’s life today by clicking on the big blue button on the right to make a whitening appointment, or to donate directly. Or, you can call our Smiles For Life office coordinator, Traci Bruno, directly at 831-372-8011.

ALSO, PLEASE HELP US SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH OTHERS by becoming a fan on our Dr. Kern Facebook Fan Page AND THEN sharing our page with all of your Facebook friends!

Thanks so much!

- The Jeanette M. Kern DDS Inc. Team

Choosing A Dentist On the Monterey Peninsula

2010-02-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist in Monterey. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in a Monterey Peninsula dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Monterey California area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Monterey dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist on the Peninsula. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Monterey, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas. I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. Jeanette Kern, DDS

(831) 372-8011

2010-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Afraid of the Dentist? Your Monterey Sedation Dentist Can Help

If you live near Monterey and experience severe anxiety when undergoing (or even thinking about!) dental treatment, oral sedation is for you.
Conscious sedation dentistry is available in Monterey at Jeanette M. Kern, DDS. We have been providing sedation dentistry in Monterey County for years now with excellent outcomes. Whether it is called relaxation dentistry, oral conscious sedation or anxiety-free dentistry, it is completely safe and very popular for our nervous cosmetic and restorative dental clients.

Though it may sound impossible, with oral conscious sedation, dentistry patients can actually relax during dental visits. In addition, healing times for restorative, periodontal and extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are actually shorter if the patient is sedated during treatment. Sedation dentistry is great for alleviating anxiety for our Monterey patients, and oral conscious sedation can be effective for treating or working with the following:

Teeth sensitivity;
Fear of needles;
A powerful gag reflex;
Difficulty controlling body movements;
Lengthy multi-procedure visits;
Difficulty becoming numb with traditional injections.

If you need dental work more extensive than a filling; such as a root canal, tooth implant, or crown replacement; call Jeanette M. Kern, DDS at (831) 372-8011. When you come to our office at 660 Camino Aguajito, Suite 201, in Monterey, Ca, we can give you more information about sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is only one of the services we offer at Jeanette M. Kern, DDS, where your smile is our top priority!

2010-01-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all!

While reviewing my calendar of 2009, I was inspired by how many learning opportunities I was afforded. The highlight was in April at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry meeting in Hawaii. The caliber of continuing education was very high due to the level of speakers, workshops, and learning venues offered. It was a very inspiring setting with dentists from all over the world and exchanging ideas on how to treat patients with the highest levels of excellence, but also how to teach that to each of our dental teams.
Always the curious thinker and consumer advocate I was reminded of an organization I was introduced to in the summer of ’09 called The Society of Technologically Advanced Dental Practices. As a result of discussions with my colleagues, I started an informal survey checklist to see just how the modern dentist delivers care. So here it is…

IS YOUR DENTIST A MODERN DENTIST?

1. Does your dentist have a clean office?

2. Does he/she take at least 50 hours of continuing education per year?

3. Does he/she have modern equipment such as digital radiographs (xrays), intraoral cameras, and/or paperless charting?

4. Does your dentist discuss implants as an option for missing teeth?

5. Is he/she involved in a study group?

6. Does the hygienist use a periodontal probe to measure your gums to evaluate the health of your gum tissue?

7. Does he/she offer an oral cancer screening test using a light?

8. Does he/she offer sedation for procedures to reduce anxiety?

9. Does he/she use ultra-modern reinforced ceramic restorations?

10. Does he/she use non-metal fillings?

11. Does he/she consistently use magnification with illumination to check your teeth and/or treat them?

12. Is there an intra-oral camera available to monitor the status of old fillings and other dental conditions?

13. If he/she says they are a cosmetic dentist, has a recent course about it been taken? Was it a “hands-on” course?

14. Does he/she have photos of their own work to show you?

15. Is your bite checked to help avoid cracks in your teeth, chips on the edges, or increased muscle tension?

16. Does he/she keep you informed about the connection between dental problems (e.g. gum disease) and the rest of the body?

Rate Your Dentist
15 – 20 – Your modern dentist is Jetson-like. Good job!
10 – 14 – Your dentist could definitely improve some things. Just ask.
0 – 9 – Your dentist make be working in the Flintstone-era.

I hope this helps keep your dental health and its care at it’s finest. As always, I look forward to your comments.

Keep smiling right.