Millennium Family Dental Blog

Merry Christmas from Millennium Family Dental!

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Millennium

Christmas is a special time of year for celebrations with family and time away from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here at Millennium Family Dental, we want you to know how much we appreciate your support and loyalty. We love visiting with patients and we truly consider you members of our little dental family, and we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season with the people in your life.

Focus On Dental Health This Holiday Season

Christmas parties and holiday events are filled with new and exciting foods, but not every item is as friendly to your teeth as it is to your taste buds. Be mindful of your dental health by avoiding hard or difficult to chew foods, such as hard candies and nuts. Avoid heavily pigmented foods, such as cranberry sauce, punch, and red wine, which can allow dye to leach through your enamel and leave behind unsightly staining.

Also, keep in mind that dental damage needs to be addressed as soon as possible, so don’t be afraid to call over the holidays if you find yourself with a dental problem. Report problems like knocked-out teeth, dental fractures, loose crowns, damaged fillings, and bridge problems as soon as possible. Our clinicians will do everything in their power to see you the same day to take care of your dental issue.

Give the Gift of Dental Health

If you are looking for a fun way to jazz up those stockings or supplement a gift, consider offering dental items like new toothbrushes, fun floss, or even interesting toothpaste flavors that people might enjoy. It might feel like a silly gift, but giving your special someone a brand new powered toothbrush or a water irrigator could help them to enjoy better dental health all year long—saving them time and money.

Merry Christmas from Millennium Dental

For more information about our holiday schedule or arranging an emergency dental care appointment with your Meridian dentist, contact our office.

Cheerfully Yours,

Randall B. Smith, D.M.D.
Jake D. Gerard, D.M.D.
Brandon Pieper, D.D.S.

Posted in News

Finding the Best Dentist in Meridian

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Millennium

When it comes to finding a dentist in Meridian, you want to make sure you’ve made the best choice for you and your family. We know that finding a dentist can be hard, but having your eye on a few key qualities can help you narrow down the field.

Education

Look for dentists that excelled in their dental education. Check qualifications–the length of their education and any certifications they hold, for example. It is also important to find a practice that is committed to continuing education. Dentistry is a dynamic field; the technology and techniques are always changing. Finding an office whose staff is committed to following new research and fine tuning its craft will help you to feel confident that you’re getting the best dental care available.

Patient Reviews

Two people can have very different impressions of a dentist–but with dozens of opinions, it’s easier to spot patterns. Websites like Google+ and Yelp can help you find what other people have said about the dentists in your area and let you know if other patients were satisfied with the services they received. Look for a dentist with good reviews, especially one who seems to value what you value most in oral care.

Awards, Recognition, and Professional Involvement

Another way to determine if you’ve found the best dentist is to look at their history of awards and recognition. This can help you to understand what other dentists in the field think about your prospective dentist. Look for someone that seems to be valued by his or her colleges and is actively involved in dental associations and conferences.

As you’re looking for the best Meridian dentist, we invite you to put Millennium Family Dental to the test. Our doctors and staff provide excellent care and are attentive to patient comfort. We strive to make your visit a positive experience and build lasting relationships with everyone who comes through our door. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our dental philosophy.

Posted in Dental Tips

Invisalign

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Millennium

Crooked teeth can be difficult to care for, especially if they are crowded or overlapping. Crooked teeth experience more uneven bite forces, leading to a greater risk of damage, and if your teeth are misaligned, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance, even if your teeth are otherwise healthy. For a perfectly straight, beautiful, healthy smile, you should consider Invisalign®.

Invisalign® is an advanced method of teeth straightening which uses no metal brackets or wires. In fact, Invisalign® aligners are clear and comfortable. They are pliable, discrete, and fully removable, making them the most convenient and attractive way to straighten your teeth.

With Invisalign®, you get to eat and drink what you like, as the aligners are removable. Taking care of the aligners is a snap, as you can just use regular toothpaste or denture cleaner. They are virtually invisible, so most people won’t even know that you’re wearing them. Best of all, they usually straighten teeth in less than a year!

How Can I Get Invisalign®?

Come on in and see your Meridian family dentist for a consultation. Your friends here at Millennium Family Dentistry will examine your teeth to be sure that you are a candidate for Invisalign® braces. We will talk with you and make a plan together for how you want your teeth to look. Then we will take molds of your mouth and send them in to our lab. When your first set of aligners arrives, we will make sure they fit well, and you will be on your way to a straight new smile!

Come on in and see how creating an attractive smile can help boost your confidence, your relationships with those around you, and your overall quality of life. The way you feel about yourself radiates to those around you, and we want to help your smile to be as strong, healthy and beautiful as it can be. We look forward to serving you as your Meridian dentist! Make an appointment today!

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Millennium

Modern dental implants are designed to act as an independently supported tooth replacement, eventually fusing with your jawbone tissue and making your teeth look absolutely perfect. Customized especially for you, dental implants can be used to completely transform your smile or to blend in with the rest of your teeth. Here are some of the benefits of dental implants.

Improved Aesthetics

Simply put, dental implants look more realistic than other artificial teeth. Designed with porcelain crowns that have the same opacity and natural beauty as your teeth, and actually continuing below your gumline instead of sitting atop it, your new dental implants will look like you were born with them—even up close.

Protect Bone and Surrounding Teeth

Unlike other forms of artificial teeth, which typically rely on the surrounding teeth for support or are simply pressure-fitted into place, dental implants are anchored directly into your jaw bone with a small titanium post. Because they have a root, they stimulate your jawbone tissue, which helps to keep it healthy and strong. Also, because they don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support, you don’t run the risk of damaging those teeth, too.

Worry-Free Eating and Talking

One of the most powerful benefits of dental implants is that they give people the opportunity to worry less about eating normal foods and talking. After implants fuse with your bone tissue, they are strong and immovable. This means you won’t have to worry about things like slurred speech, lisps, or having your false teeth slip as you talk.

Easier to Keep Clean

Dental implants are easy to take care of because you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which have to be carefully removed and soaked overnight to keep them moist, dental implants stay healthy and moist in the natural environment of your mouth.

Made to Last

Last but not least, dental implants are incredibly durable. Some studies have shown that implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

Cost-Effective

Although dental implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options, they are more cost efficient because they last for so long. For example, dentures can cost thousands of dollars for a full set, but they only last between 3-5 years. Over time, regular replacements can cost more than dental implants, without the same benefits in the meantime.

If you are considering dental implants, make an appointment with your Meridian dentist today for a consultation. Millennium Family Dental loves to work with new patients, and we look forward to meeting you.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

What We Mean by Complete Health Dentistry

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Millennium

At Millennium Family Dental, we’re trying to get the word out that we are committed to providing complete health dentistry. But what does that mean?

It means we don’t treat your mouth as an isolated unit, because it’s not. It means we understand that oral health is inextricably linked to overall health, and that dental health issues can lead to conditions that manifest themselves in other parts of the body–and whole-body health conditions can show signs in the mouth. It means we know that the most effective dental approach treats you as a whole person, not a collection of disconnected parts.

Want proof that complete health dentistry matters? Here are a few ways that oral health and overall health intertwine in significant ways.

Diabetes

Studies have shown a correlation between diabetes and periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease in which bacteria in the mouth inflame and erode the gums. People with diabetes often have a decreased resistance to bacterial infection and are more susceptible to periodontitis. But the research also suggests that the correlation works both ways, because people with periodontitis also have a higher risk of diabetes. Gum disease can cause blood sugar to rise, making diabetes harder to manage. The good news is that controlling one can make the other easier to control as well.

Pregnancy

Someone with a periodontal infection is more likely to give birth to a low-birth-weight baby; conversely, hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy can actually increase susceptibility to gum disease.

Heart Disease

Though the exact reasons for the connection are unclear, the correlation is obvious: up to 91% of people with heart disease also have periodontitis. The two share several risk factors, including obesity and smoking. Many professionals believe that when bacteria find their way into your bloodstream through infected gum tissue, they can then travel anywhere and damage blood vessels throughout the body, including in the heart.

These are just a few of the ways oral health can impact and be impacted by whole-body health. Other conditions that have proven links to oral health include arthritis, osteoporosis, and eating disorders. When you consider these factors, we think you’ll see why it just makes sense for us to look at the condition of your entire body when we examine your teeth or create a treatment plan for you. So visit the dentists in Meridian, Idaho, who take a complete approach to your dental care. Contact Millennium Family Dental today.

Posted in Family Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry in Meridian, Idaho

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Millennium

Are you self-conscious about any imperfections in your smile? Perhaps you have stained, chipped, or crooked teeth? If so, then it’s high time that you stop feeling self-conscious about your appearance and consider cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses entirely on improving the appearance of your smile. From whitening your teeth to fixing chips or aligning crooked pearly whites, a good cosmetic dentist can help restore your confidence in your smile. Most importantly, you’re more apt to take care of a brilliantly white and perfect smile, meaning that you may have much better oral health than if you didn’t have a great smile.

With all that in mind, let’s look at a few of the procedures you can undergo when you visit your cosmetic dentist in Meridian, Idaho.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a great way to give your smile a “pick-me-up” and get back to feeling comfortable flashing your pearly whites in photos again. Over-the-counter whitening products work well for slight stains, but if your enamel – the hard outer layer of your teeth – is deeply stained, you’ll need professional whitening. Only dentists can provide the strongest teeth whitening agents, since these chemicals can be damaging to your health if used outside a professional’s supervision. For fast, powerful whitening results, come to Millennium Family Dental.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that sit right on top of your teeth. They’re a great option to fix chips in your teeth or very deep stains–or even minor crookedness and spacing issues. Best of all, veneers are long-lasting and stain-resistant.

Invisalign

Another way to fix misalignments–without the inconvenience of traditional braces–is with Invisalign clear aligners. These near-invisible appliances will give you a more beautiful smile in just a few months–without sacrificing your appearance today.

If you’ve been on the fence about cosmetic dentistry, act now. We promise you’ll feel better about yourself after fixing your smile. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation appointment.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Meridian Family Dental Practice

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Millennium

Raising a family is a difficult job. You want to know that the people you love are getting the best they can of everything–including the best dentist in Meridian, Idaho. Here at Millennium Family Dental, we understand that life can be hectic, and we strive to make every visit to our practice as easy and positive as possible.

At Millennium Family Dental, we treat your teeth gently and carefully while also keeping in mind your body’s overall well-being. Good oral health contributes to great overall health, and that’s our end goal: to provide our patients with the best overall health they can possibly achieve. Your risk of many diseases from diabetes and Alzheimer’s can be reduced by regular dental care, as can arthritis and migraines. While you may not see the connection, many studies have shown those health issues correlate with the periodontal disease and tooth loss that we can help you prevent. In addition to being focused on your overall health, we also offer cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, Invisalign, implants, sedation dentistry, and sleep apnea treatment.

When you visit our office, you’ll be treated to a friendly, warm experience. We want all of our patients to feel comfortable and at peace in our office. We know that fear of dentists is a real problem, as it keeps millions of Americans per year from receiving the dental treatment they need. At our office we strive to do what we can to make the experience pleasant, especially for children, so that everyone will want to come back.

We also place a heavy emphasis on education. We not only clean and treat your teeth, but believe in educating you about risk factors for certain oral problems you may be prone to, taking X-rays when necessary, checking your gums for signs of periodontal disease, and various other services that will teach you not only how to take care of your teeth, but why dental care is important.

If you’ve been struggling to find a reliable, patient-focused dentist in Meridian, you don’t need to look any further. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to serve you and your family!

Posted in Family Dentistry

Welcome to Our New Website

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Millennium

We at Millennium Family Dentistry are excited to introduce our brand new site for our family dental practice in Meridian, Idaho. Our site is now fresh, user-friendly, accessible on mobile devices, and better than ever. We wanted a site that reflected our commitment to excellence and innovation, and what you see is our desire to give you and your family the best.

You can now access information about common dental questions right on the site, from dental crowns and bridges, to sleep apnea and snoring. Just take a look at our services listed right on our menu bar. These pages explain not only our services, but common questions and concerns surrounding them. We also have our patient forms and information about our member’s savings plan easily accessible from the menu, to give you the information you need right at your fingertips. So go ahead and give it a whirl! We’ve been waiting for months to finally hand you the reins. If you have any questions or comments about our new website, feel free to contact us! We’re eager to hear your feedback.

What It Means to Be a Family Practice

It is essential to visit the dentist at least twice a year, no matter your age. Many dental practices focus primarily on treating adult patients or children, but here at Millennium Family Dentistry, we strive to create a dental environment suitable for the whole family. That means that we practice children’s dentistry to help your kids take care of their teeth and to teach them in an age-appropriate manner, and we also help parents and adults achieve a sparkling smile and healthy gums.

Oral health is linked to overall health, and visiting the dentist helps you and your family ensure that your oral health is where it should be. As a family practice, we make it convenient for you and your children to come in to the same location for checkups, and provide quality care for every member of your family. So whether you’re a new patient or you’ve seen us a hundred times, don’t hesitate to contact us and set up your appointment.

Posted in News

Millennium Family Dental Blog

Focus On Dental Health This Holiday Season

Give the Gift of Dental Health

Merry Christmas from Millennium Dental

How Can I Get Invisalign®?

Improved Aesthetics

Protect Bone and Surrounding Teeth

Worry-Free Eating and Talking

Easier to Keep Clean

Made to Last

Cost-Effective

Diabetes

Pregnancy

Heart Disease

Teeth whitening

Veneers

Invisalign

What It Means to Be a Family Practice

New Patient Online Offer