It’s that time of year again! Halloween is right around the corner, and if you and your kids are like most, dressing up in costumes and parading from house to house looking for sweet treats is an event you cannot miss. However, too much of a “good” thing can ultimately lead to unhealthy smiles and upset tummies. To avoid the potential for sugar overload this time of year, here are three tips to help you and your kids maintain optimal oral health even while enjoying a few pieces of your favorite Halloween candy.

At Elmbrook Family Dental, we always want our patients to be aware of updates as they occur. Today is just one of those days, and we’re very excited to announce the addition of Dr. Patrick Clancy! Before we get into his introduction, we do want to remind everyone that Dr. McGinn will be seeing patients only at the Executive Drive location starting on November 1st. Meanwhile, Dr. Clancy will be seeing patients exclusively at the North Barker Road location. With that said, we hope you’ll take a moment to learn a bit more about Dr. Clancy ahead of your next appointment! Dr. Clancy has always believed that dentistry is a two-way street. Not only is building dedicated relationships with his patients incredibly important to him, but it’s one of his favorite aspects of the job! Through this approach to care, you can expect far more relaxing appointments and a more enjoyable experience overall.

If you have dental insurance, you might be thinking about what you can do to take advantage of your policy before your benefits reset in 2022. One of the first things you should do is find a reliable, well-reputed dentist who is willing to accept payment from your insurance company. But how can you save the most? Does it matter whether you visit an in-network or out of network practice? Let’s talk about these important questions.

Are your teeth slightly crooked? Do you have a minor misalignment that is causing embarrassment and keeping you from embracing new opportunities? While it might seem that the only option is to pursue traditional braces and spend the next two to three years watching your teeth move into their correct position, there is another solution. Known as “instant orthodontics,” veneers can easily improve the look of your smile without investing the same amount of time as regular braces. Read on to learn more about how these customized restorations can transform your appearance in only two appointments.

Dental implants are known as the gold standard for tooth replacement. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they can offer far greater benefits that allow for improved oral health, jawbone stimulation, and longevity. Not to mention better functionality and a natural-looking appearance. With all these advantages that come with these permanent prosthetics, why not start the placement process this summer? Here are 3 reasons it’s better to move forward with treatment now instead of waiting until later.   

Elmbrook Family Dental is hosting our 11th Annual March Madness college basketball tournament for our current patients and for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

To sign up, go to http://fantasy.espn.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2021/en/and create your account. Once you have logged in, click the “My Groups” link toward the top of the page. Type EFD East and West in the search box. Our group password is EFD#1. Create your own bracket, and please use your actual name (not your team name, so we know who you are for the prizes!) and pick who you think will win.  In order to qualify for prizes and donations, you must be a patient seen in our practice within the past 24 months.  For prize details, see our blog page on our website, elmbrookfamilydental.com, or our Facebook page.

Nearly nine months ago, our lives were forever changed as the novel COVID-19 virus spread into a global pandemic. As we’ve been adapting to practicing social distancing and wearing face masks daily, researchers have been extensively studying the intricacies of the virus and those it has affected, providing us with valuable insight. For example, a recent survey conducted by the American Dental Association found that less than 1% of dentists nationwide have tested positive for COVID-19 (which is significantly less than other healthcare professionals). Here are a few safety protocols that your dentist has implemented that make that impressive statistic possible.

Just this month, dental offices across the country have started reopening their doors so patients can continue their preventive, cosmetic, and restorative care. However, due to the emergence of COVID-19, they changed up their daily sanitation and disinfection practices to ensure patient and staff safety. If you have an upcoming checkup and cleaning, here’s what you can expect at your appointment.

Dental pain can come in many forms, so it can be hard to tell if the underlying issue is something serious. During this period of social distancing, knowing what your pain means can save you from making an unnecessary trip to your dentist or local emergency room. Read on to find out what signs you should be looking out for to determine if you’re facing a true dental emergency.

From December 2nd to December 20th, Elmbrook Family Dental will be hosting our 3rd Annual Ronald McDonald House Toy Drive!

Stop in during business hours to donate new, unopened toys or gift cards to the children of the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House assists sick and injured children and their families in their time of need. Please help us make this Holiday special for these children by donating new toys purchased within the past 3 months or gift cards for the older children. (Toys cannot be opened nor gently used)

Each toy or gift card donated enters you to win a gift basket from Elmbrook Family Dental valued at over $200!

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

~Elmbrook Family Dental Partners, S.C.