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Dental Imaging | Peoria Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:28:00 +0000

My entire staff & I at Desert Smiles strive to bring you the best in Phoenix cosmetic dentistry. One of the helpful tools we employ is dental imaging. At your initial visit we will take what we call records. This consists of a series of digital photographs, study models and necessary x-rays. We will also spend time finding out what your goals are for your smile and dental health.

After we have had the time to evaluate your records and complete a smile analysis, we will have a second consult appointment, usually in a few days. Dr. Wilcox will review your goals for you smile and together you will formulate a treatment plan that meets your goals, your time frame, and your budget. With the before photos, we can show you how your smile might look if enhanced with cosmetic dentistry. Whether you have spaces, broken teeth, discolored, crooked or irregular teeth, we can show you how wonderful you can look with a new smile designed for you. Below are examples of the imaging Kim does for our patients. If you would like to see what is possible for your smile, give us a call.

This is an example of imaging, where the teeth were worn and uneven. These imaging photos can really give our patients a great idea of what their smile might look like before they proceed with cosmetic dentistry. It also helps our patients make up their own mind how they want to enhance their smile.

With cosmetic dentistry by Dr. Wilcox you can have the smile you have dreamed of. Using a combination of porcelain veneers, whitening and bonding your teeth can be reshaped and recolored with a great deal of artistic flare. This is an example of replacing missing teeth, realigning his teeth and all is done with our computer program. This is the smile, before we imagined his teeth with our software that allows us to put in a new smile for him to see.

We added a bridge and veneers and straightened and whitened. All this was done with our software program by Kim. Who can show you how your smile can be enhanced.

Have a great day!

Dr. Donald Wilcox

I Hate CPAP! | Sun City Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:25:00 +0000

If you have attempted treatment with a CPAP device , but could not tolerate it, you are not alone. Even though CPAP is the gold standard for the treatment of sleep apnea, only 30% of people with sleep apnea are a succesful user of CPAP. If you can not tolerate the CPAP device due to:

- mask leaks
- unable to get the mask to fit properly
- discomfort caused by the straps and headgear
- disturbed or interrupted sleep caused by the presence of the device
- noise from the device disturbing your sleep and/or bed partner's sleep
- CPAP restricts movements during sleep
- CPAP does not seem effective
- pressure on the upper lip causing tooth related problems
- a latex allergy
- claustrophobic associations
- an unconscious need to remove the CPAP apparatus at night
- you travel a lot

Let Us Show You Comfortable Oral Appliance Solutions for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Sleep magazine reports untreated patients with an apnea index >20, had a 36% decrease in 8 yr. survival rate.

Your health is too important

Dr. Donald Wilcox

Desert Smiles CE: Implant Surgery | Glendale Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:45:00 +0000

We recently took a course on Implant Surgery taught by Dr. Leo Malin at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Malin is one the foremost experts in Implant Dentistry. He teaches an advanced placement technique using Cone Beam Technology (3 dimensional Cat Scans) to design and place implants with extreme accuracy.

Sophisticated software programs use the three dimensional images to design surgical guides which allow us to place implants precisely where they will best serve long term and look the best when restored.

We prefer this method of placement over the “free hand” methods many surgeons employ which can sometime lead to implants being placed in less than desirable positions to restore. We are pleased to be able to provide this advanced service to our patients at Desert Smiles.

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:28:00 +0000

Sleep apnea is a very serious condition. There are more and more studies all the time showing the health risks of the disorder.

"A new study suggests that even mild sleep apnea may boost mens' risk of stroke, HealthDay reports. Researchers studied more than 5,400 adults over nine years. They found that men with moderate to severe sleep apnea were almost three times more likely to have a stroke than men without the condition. Men with mild symptoms were also at higher risk of stroke. In women studied, however, only severe sleep apnea appeared to heighten stroke risk. "Overall, the increased risk of stroke in men with sleep apnea is comparable to adding 10 years to a man's age," said lead author Susan Redline of Case Western Reserve University, according to HealthDay. The findings appear online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

In August, U.S. News's Lindsay Lyon wrote about 7 things sleep doctors say can exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea or put people at risk for the nighttime breathing disorder. More than 12 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing, and many are unaware, Lyon wrote. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, memory loss, obesity, parasomnias, and insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes."

To find out more about sleep apnea, its causes and cures, contact me at my Peoria Cosmetic Dentist office today!

Source: www.usnews.com

Desert Smiles CE: Cone Beam Imaging | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:41:00 +0000

At Desert Smiles we recently did some continuing education on Cone Beam Imaging – taught by Dale Miles, DDS. Dr. Miles is one of the most highly dental radiologists in the world. The course was held at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health.

The advances in Cone Beam Imaging were discussed along with the use of these new imaging systems in the diagnosis and placement of implants and their ability to diagnosis oral pathologies that traditional x-ray systems can’t detect.

As we expand our ability to place implants for our patients this technology makes an extremely accurate diagnosis and placement much more predictable and successful. Three-dimensional guided surgery is the state of the art in implant placement, which we have now incorporated into our patient services.

Desert Smiles CE: The Ogram System | Arizona Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:27:00 +0000

The Ogram System – The Atraumatic Micro-Motion Approach for Tooth Removal

At Desert Smiles we keep up to date in the latest and greatest dental techniques. We recently did some continuing education on the Ogram System. Gunnar Philipp, a recognized international lecturer who has designed atraumatic microsurgeries for the dental and medical professions, taught us. He is considered the leading international specialist for atraumatic exodontia.

These new techniques have been shown to have over 85% success of non-impacted teeth extracted being trauma free to surrounding tissues compared to 9% using conventional tooth removal protocols. This surgical technique and new instrumentation also has been shown to have an average bone loss post surgery of .2 mm vs. 2.6 mm with traditional removal techniques.

As we expand our implant placement options for our patients, this allows implant success to increase due to the bone preservation and decreases the need for our patients to undergo expensive bone grafting procedures prior to implant placement. When teeth have to be removed it also allows us to provide a much less traumatic procedure with less postoperative discomfort and faster healing.

Desert Smiles featured on "Only On Fox" Friday April 2, 2010 | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:14:00 +0000

Join me at 9 p.m on the KSAZ FOX10 Phoenix's “Only on Fox” segment Friday, April 2. My dental office, Desert Smiles, treated FOX10's weatherman for his snoring problems. He and his wife are extremely happy about the results (especially his wife).

Fox visited Desert Smiles to do a story on the sleep apnea appliances that were used to help the weatherman. You can see the interview I did for the show on sleep apnea, snoring, and the appliances (Somomed). We hope that you enjoy it.

Sedation Dentistry Success Story | Glendale Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:09:00 +0000

For many Americans, going to the dentist is a frightful event, even though dentistry has changed so much in the past years. Unfortunately, this is not enough for over 100 million people who avoid the dentist due to fear. Dr. Wilcox has provided sedation dentistry for many years with his hospital training background in general anesthesia.

We routinely provide oral sedation in our office successfully for patients who are apprehensive about dental care as do the other outstanding providers on this site. I want to share a testimonial from a patient. He literally had to be sedated to walk in the office for his first visit/consultation. Hopefully this will give hope to skeptical patients that they can overcome the fear that is preventing them from having the smile and or oral health they desire and need.

"Thank your entire staff for negating my dental phobia. Special thanks for the empathy and caring regarding my fear to Kimberly. You were fantastic. If any new fears ever present themselves, I want you at my side. This does not diminish the efforts of the best Dentist I know however, I was sleeping during most of his abilities. 50 YEARS OF FEAR ARE GONE. Thank you all." Jerry W.

Dr. Wilcox was recently re-certified by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for a section 1303 Oral Conscious sedation permit. This involves a comprehensive site visit by two examiners to inspect our facility, equipment, records, drugs, emergency preparedness and sedation procedures. It also included an in depth oral interview with Dr. Wilcox to test his competency in dental sedation techniques and handling possible emergency procedures.

If you, a friend ore loved one is avoiding needed dental care, please know there is an outstanding alternative available. Call our office if we can provide you with any information regarding sedation dentistry.

Have a great day!

Dr. Donald Wilcox

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Treatment Course | Arizona Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:14:00 +0000

As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine I was recently invited to attend the "Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Treatment Options" course that was given by Dr. Michael J. Breus Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Sleep Specialist & Pain Management., fellow member of American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Expert for WebMD, & Author of "Beauty Sleep". This course was mostly to educate primary care physicians in the causes, dangers, and prevalence of sleep apnea. It also went into the manifestations and diagnosis, sleep studies (PSG & Ambulatory studies), and various treatment options including oral appliances. I was honored to have been one of only two dentists that attended the event.

Ceramic Veneers: A Brighter Choice | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:55:00 +0000

Veneers are customized to bond with the higher level of your enamel. Ceramic veneers are extremely thin and resemble a false fingernail. They can be attached for many reasons including whitening issues, damaged or chipped teeth, gaps, misshaped teeth, and overlapping teeth.

A patient that has veneers can expect for them to last many years if they are take care of. Oral care, dental visits, good diet, and good dental hygiene help the veneers last. They are a great option for many of our patients.

To find out more about veneers and our other cosmetic dental options contact my Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Office at Desert Smiles today.

Source: http://healthday.us

GlaxoSmithKline Stops Making 3 Super PoliGrip Products Because of Zinc Risks

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:57:00 +0000

The risk of zinc poisoning prompted GlaxoSmithKline to announce it would voluntarily stop manufacturing and advertising three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip denture cream products on February 18,2010. The products affected by this announcement are: Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' and Extra Care'. The products are currently being reformulated and the new versions should be in stores in Mid April 2010.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, recent research suggest that long -term excessive use of zinc-containing denture creams like these may lead to the development of neurological symptoms. These may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance and blood problems such as anemia.
Consumers using these products for several years in greater amounts than directed on the package or more than once a day, or have concerns or symptoms must:

Stop using the product
Talk to your DDS or MD
Use a zinc-free alternative

An even better alternative is to see Phoenix implant dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox about the elimination of loose dentures through surgical guided implant support. For more information about cosmetic and sedation dentistry in Glendale visit www.DesertSmiles.com.

Patients can also call Glaxo toll free at 1-866-640-1017.

Glendale Sleep Apnea Dentist Dr. Wilcox Attends Update

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:43:00 +0000

Dr. Wilcox recently attended a course given by Dr. Michael Breus on "Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment Options. Dr. Breus is a Sleep Specialist and Pain Mgmt. Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is the sleep expert for WebMD and the author of "Beauty Sleep". Dr. Breus practices part time at the Arrowhead Health Clinic, www.arrowheadhealth.com. The lecture was for primary care physicians to educate them in the causes, dangers, and prevalence of
sleep apnea, its clinical manifestations and diagnosis, sleep studies both psg(lab studies) and ambulatory studies such as we provide at DesertSmiles for our Glendale sleep apnea and snoring appliances. Dr. Wilcox, a Phoenix sleep apnea dentist, who is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry, was one of only two dentists attending. For the finest in cosmetic and sedation dentistry in Glendale and Phoenix visit www.DesertSmiles.com for more information.

Makkar Pure Power Mouthguard Gives Saints The Edge For Super Bowl Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:43:00 +0000

Neuromuscular Dentistry Gives Saints An Extra Edge

"With the Saints getting to their first Super Bowl in the team's 44-year history, Makkar said he feels the results speak for themselves.
"Early on there was a lot of criticism; people who said it was just a placebo effect and that it didn't work," Makkar said. "So it's nice to see that criticism go away."
One of the biggest steps in that direction happened on Nov. 1, while Makkar was at the Super Dome as the Saints hosted the Atlanta Falcons. John Gruden, a former NFL coach turned Monday Night Football analyst, bragged about the mouthguard on the telecast and showed clips of Saints players making big plays in that game.
"I've played the Saints twice a year,
I've coached against these guys. I've never
seen these guys jump higher, I've never seen these guys play like this," Gruden said on the telecast.
"That was one of the biggest things for me," Makkar said. "He told the world about it."
Later in the season, on Dec. 7, the Colts players, including tight end Dallas Clark, placed orders for theirs.
The Saints dropped their final three games of the regular season, finishing 13-3, but Makkar said he wasn't concerned.
"It's hard to go 16-0," he said. "They had some injuries and they had already made the playoffs so they rested some guys so I wasn't really surprised.
"But they shot back pretty good in the playoffs. It was all strategy by the coaching staff."
But no matter what happens on Sunday, Makkar said he's already overwhelmed with how the season has shaken down for the Saints.
"It's already a great achievement," he said. "This was their first NFC Championship and if they won their first Super Bowl it would be the icing on the cake.""

If you would like to increase your athletic performance and be the best athlete that you can be contact our Sun City Cosmetic Dentist Office today.

Source: http://www.trurodaily.com

Does you Phoenix Dentist office accept my insurance? How can I pay for better teeth?

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Patients need to know what type of payment plans are available so they can make the best choices for themselves. While our office is not a HMO or PPO provider (except Delta Premier) we can help you file with your insurance companies plan.

We want to giver you the best dental care available as soon as possible. We strive to make your investment the most affordable that we can.

The payment for your visit are due at the time of the treatment. Cash is always accepted but we know that cash is not an option for some patients so we offer a few different payment options for you, our valued patient.

We offer the following plans:

Monthly Payment Plans
1) 3, 6 and 12 month interest free accounts, no payment required at time of service, easily established, and can be used repeatedly for future treatment.

2) For need beyond 12 months, payment can be extended up to 5 years at a competitive interest rate, easily established, and no payment required at time of service. To apply, click Here for Chase Health Advance and Here for Springstone

Cash Discount
1) 5% reduction on amounts over $200 if paid in full with cash, check or credit card.

Are Veneers The Right Choice For You? | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:06:00 +0000

Veneers can help our patients get that perfect smile that they have always wanted.

Have you ever looked at people with veneers and wish that you could change any aspect of your smile? Porcelain veneers aren't just for Hollywood stars anymore. You can enjoy the benefits of veneers also.

The technology of veneers is very innovative.

They can be placed on all of the patients teeth or just the most visible ones. Veneers can last up to 20 years if they are taken care of but can crack or chip just like the original set of teeth. They are more resistant to plaque and stains but this does not mean you should take any less care of them than your other teeth.

If you are interested in veneers there are different payment options and credit lines to help more and more of our patients to be able to makeover their smile.

To find out more about your options contact our friendly and knowledgeable Phoenix Cosmetic Dental Office today at Desert Smiles.

Source: http://www.seniorfitness.com

Durathin Veneers (High Quality Alternative to Lumineers by Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:08:00 +0000

Durathin veneers are a non-prep technique which has been popularized by advertising of Lumineers you may have seen on TV or in print advertising. These are US made and not outsourced to China as much dental laboratory work is these days to cut costs. We will never compromise quality at DesertSmiles. Only 20% of patients have a situation that can be treated entirely with a no-prep technique without seriously compromising results. But we are doing more hybrid cases where as many teeth as possible are left unprepared and those requiring preparation are treated as conservatively as possible. For more information about Lumineers and non-prep alternatives by Glendale cosmetic dentist Dr. Don Wilcox, visit our smile gallery at www.DesertSmiles.com. For the finest in Glendale and Peoria sedation and implant dentistry, or Arizona snoring and sleep apnea treatment visit our Glendale cosmetic office DesertSmiles.

Total Smile Makeover with Implants, Porcelain Crown and Veneers by Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:06:00 +0000

These two pictures do not appear to possibly be the same person. After orthodontics, implants were placed where teeth were missing and porcelain crowns and veneers were placed for a total smile makeover. A laser tissue lift allowed teeth to be a more pleasing length. These are the cases that make being a Phoenix cosmetic dentist like Dr. Wilcox extremely satisfied. For more information about our Glendale implant and dental sedation office visit www.DesertSmiles.com. For the latest in Arizona guided implant surgery by Dr. Wilcox call 602-978-1790.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Makeover by Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:58:00 +0000

With neuromuscular dentistry we have the ability to restore a collapsed and worn bite to its physiological position. The results show not only in a beautiful smile with porcelain veneers and crowns, but in facial features with a more youthful looking appearance from restoring muscles to their proper function. See more life changing results by Phoenix cosmetic and implant dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox at www.DesertSmiles.com. Check out the information on snoring and sleep apnea treatment at our Glendale cosmetic dental office. It could save your life.

Bonded Bridge and Veneers Transform Smile - Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Wilcox

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:55:00 +0000

Missing teeth, retained baby teeth and misaligned teeth were all corrected with porcelain veneers and porcelain bridges. From wearing a removable flipper and being self conscious and unable to eat well with the flipper to this terrific smile in only two visits. For the finest in sedation and implant dentistry, snoring and sleep apnea care in Phoenix, visit Glendale cosmetic dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox at DesertSmiles. See more examples of our life changing smiles at www.DesertSmiles.com.

Olympics and Neuromuscular Dentistry equal a Gold Medal for Bode Miller | Arizona Neuromuscular Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:15:00 +0000

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver B.C. Bode Miller won the gold medal for the slalom run. As pictured below, Bode uses a Pure Power Mouth Guard to enhance his performance. Neuromuscular dentistry fixes your bite and jaw to the best position. This improves athletic performance & increases strength, endurance and flexibility.

Our Neuromuscular Dentistry office, Desert Smiles, is versed in the latest techniques and testing to fit you for a PPM & similar mouthguards. It’s an easy process and EVERYONE should have their bite checked out.

"Proven benefits of Neuromuscular Dentistry include:

Improved Sleep

Improved Athletic Performance (New Orleans Saints, NBA players and Professional Golfers have all had success with the PPM)

Weight Loss

Improved work performance

Improved Cardiovascular Function

Reduce or Eliminate Migraines

Improve Posture"

PPM MOUTHGUARDS BIG PART OF SAINTS SUPER BOWL VICTORY

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:20:00 +0000

As many as 30 of the New Orleans Saints were fitted during this NFL season for the PPM mouth guard. Terry Porter made the decisive interception against Payton Manning. Listen to what he has to say about the PPM during an interview on ESPN radio with Mike and Mike. http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=4923403&utoplay=1&c
For more information about the PPM, snoring and sleep apnea treatment visit Glendale cosmetic dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox or see www.DesertSmiles.com. Also visit www.ppmmouthguardphoenix.com.

Dental Veneers: Perfect Smile | Peoria Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:43:00 +0000

Dental Veneers: Reach Your Perfect Smile

Our patients love to smile. When people have imperfections with their teeth they are less likely to have smile confidence. Dental veneers can help a patient receive the perfect smile that they have always wanted.

Veneers can replace a chipped or broken tooth, worn down teeth, gapped teeth, oddly shaped teeth, and discoloration.

A patient can expect their veneers to provide a natural appearance that fits in with the rest of the teeth. They are stain resistant and can last up to 10 years.

Are veneers the right choice for your smile? Contact Dr. Donald Wilcox at his Peoria Cosmetic Dentist Office today to learn more about your dental veneer options.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

Phoenix Arizona Cosmetic Dental Makeover Combining Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:16:00 +0000

Almost no tooth preparation was required in this Glendale smile makeover by Phoenix cosmetic dentist Dr. Don Wilcox. Two porcelain veneers were place on the upper arch with the remaining teeth being bonded. The lower arch was restored with a non-prep bonded bridge and dental bonding of the remaining teeth. This case could have been done with all porcelain veneers but the combination of including bonding made it more affordable and fit with the patient's budget.
As we strive to provide the finest in Phoenix and Scottsdale cosmetic dentistry, Glendale sedation dentistry and snoring and sleep apnea treatment, these results are common. See more at www.desertsmiles.com.

Dental Implants: Say Goodbye To Dentures & Bridges | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Wilcox DDS) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Dental implants are a great dental innovation that replaces the old options of Dentures or Dental Bridges. Dental bridges are attached to the jawbone by a process called “osseointegration. Once attached to the jawbone the implants are just as strong, if not stronger, than your original teeth. This allows patients to enjoy confidence in the fact that their teeth will remain in place while talking, eating, and enjoying life…unlike its older counterparts.

Dental implants also never decay and they eventually fuse with the jawbone so bone loss is not a problem in general. When cared for correctly dental implants can last indefinitely.

To find out more about your dental implant options contact our friendly and helpful dental staff at Desert Smiles today.

Source: http://www.aaoms.org