An Update On Tooth Whitening Products

 

Are you tired of seeing the same teeth whitening products in the market over and over again? Yes, it is true that a lot of teeth whitening products have surfaced the market and they all promise you the same thing: that they will provide you with the most effective way to whiten those teeth of yours. But before you jump your gun and buy all the teeth whitening products available in the market for you to try, you have to take note of the ingredients first. You may be allergic to some of them. And even though these things aren’t ingested, you can’t help but ingest some when applying it so make sure you’re not going to have reactions first before buying it.

Comprehensive Esthetic Dentistry

If you want a movie star smile and don’t have oral health issues that need to be addressed, our office can explain options for achieving the celebrity smile you desire. To book a private consultation for a smile makeover, call 831-372-8011 today.


Dr. Kern has helped many people in the Monterey County area achieve the smile they have always wanted.

Whether you have damaged teeth, aging enamel, or teeth that need aligning or whitening, we can address your problem areas, provide you with an overall esthetic assessment, and discuss your specific concerns.

A smile makeover in typically involves two or more procedures, which may include: dental veneers, tooth implants, sculpting of gums, and teeth whitening or bleaching.

Sometimes the initial examination reveals dental treatments that are necessary to correct other problems involving bite alignment or bone structure issues that, when treated, provide added satisfaction and a natural look to cosmetic dentistry procedures.

When our dental practice redesigns a smile, the teeth are treated as an integral element of the patient’s face. The lips, gums, mouth, facial structure, patient’s age, and coloring are all taken into consideration. This unified approach to cosmetic dentistry has helped our office establish and maintain a stellar reputation in the Monterey County professional dental community.

Our dental office has years of experience in dental implants and porcelain veneers, helping patients leave our office with more confidence and a smile they are proud to show off.

We love helping people feel good about smiling again!

Award Speech For Monterey County's Outstanding Women's Event 2012

Monterey County’s 2012
Outstanding Women’s Event

Thank you for this incredible honor. Just being in the company of these four amazing women gives me such joy. All of us in our own way---whether it be big or small—are carrying out our passion to create a better community in which to live.

After I graduated Dental School at UCLA and I was asked to come back and teach, one of my professors told me—as an educator your job is to find and tell the students what they are doing Right. I think that the Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women is doing just that….educating us all by singly out women each year, honoring them and letting us know—You’re doing something Right. Keep it up.

Each of us are students in life. It starts with our families, our teachers and friends, our employers and then how we interact with our community. What we learn , is what we give.

I was raised in Los Angeles and escaped to the Monterey Peninsula with my young family in 1995. I am one of the lucky ones…I have a very loving and supportive family, I was allowed to go to college and follow my dreams, and I had enormous encouragement all along the way. Family support is paramount. The love, the cheers, the hugs—three essential components we all need to grow up.

Professionally, I followed the inside track---by that I mean, I worked as a dental assistant, a receptionist, and as a dental hygienist before returning to school to become a dentist. This meant full support from my loving husband, Kevin, loans from my family to help us keep our house and attend school full time, as well as student loans. My employers encouraged me to pursue my education through their letters of recommendation, mentoring and words of wisdom. People believed that I could do it; I just needed to do the work and get the education.

After our daughters were born, Kevin and I made the decision that we wanted to raise them in a better environment than L.A. We visited the Peninsula and felt comfortable and welcome. The dental community was small—only four women dentists out of 120. Dr. Chuck Linkenbach wanted to retire and he felt that I would be a good fit for his patients. So in April 1995, we had a ten month old, a two and a half year old and a baby practice…..Tag Team parenting, patient’s teenagers for babysitters, St. Angela’s Children’s Center, Parent’s Place, Dance Kids of Monterey County…We were a young family and a young Practice that thrived from the love, friendship, and support from this Community.

With my daughters grown and almost on their own, I have been able to give more of my time and support to Community projects. My heart and gratitude goes into programs for our children and women. For me, it’s about Encouragement, Opportunities and Education …..

When my girls were young we were involved with Dance Kids of Monterey County. Dance Kids exposes youngsters to Music, Dance and Performing Arts. I have watched The Nutcracker transform shy 4 and 5 year olds into poised, talented performers year after year. Such a gift for the children, the families and the audiences—a Holiday tradition of going to see the Nutcracker has been established for residents from King City to Watsonville. Through a charitable program called Smiles for Life, my office donates proceeds from teeth whitening to Dance Kids and Garth Brook’s Teammates for Kids. The Teammates Foundation money goes to national children’s charities. There is more information on my website or we have brochures if anyone is interested in supporting those programs.

As a mother and healthcare professional, I believe in PREVENTING crisis. I got involved with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center because I felt that Awareness and Education were keys to preventing sexual assaults. We can’t bury our heads in the sand and say it doesn’t happen here—it does. Programs for building young people’s self-esteem, how to deal with bullies or inappropriate behavior, and knowledge of where to find help are crucial for a safer community. I support MCRCC because they are working very hard in our schools on the Peninsula, as well as in South County and Salinas.

As a dentist-- I have had the opportunity to deal with Crisis Management. My team and I have restored the smiles of victims of Domestic Violence. Smiles are a crucial part of our self esteem and how we interact with the world. When these victims have been able to extricate themselves from their abusers, there are programs here to help them restore their lives. My role is to Give Back a Smile—my laboratory, team and I donate our services and help these victims—usually women, feel whole again. This has allowed them better presentation for job interviews and it rids them of the physical evidence of what they have experienced so they can move forward.

This community has given me and my family so much and I see it as my job to give back. Whether it’s supporting a graduating Monterey High senior in her journey with a scholarship, serving on non-profit and the Chamber of Commerce Boards, or giving money and time to causes that benefit women and children-----I’m just doing my part to continue to create this wonderful community.

Many of you have seen my commercials and you might think we focus on beauty, but true beauty comes from health. When we are well, emotionally, physically and spiritually we are at our most beautiful. I think the same goes for our community. When we are able to encourage harmony and happiness in place of misfortune, or lost opportunity, then we have a healthy, well and vibrant community.

For anyone who has benefitted from the support of others, giving back is not just an obligation; it is an honor. For me, my dental practice team and my family, we give a lot, but we think we receive even more.

Thank you all for helping to build and support such a healthy vibrant community for all of us.

HOW TO GET GREAT RESULTS WITH TEETH WHITENING?

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!

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?

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?

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

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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??

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.

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.

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.

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

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…

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.