Dr's Blog 
Dr. Johnston's Blogs
Our office now offers 6 Month SmilesWednesday, January 13, 2010
Why or When Would I Want 6 Month Braces?
Six Month Braces are best for correcting spaces, gaps, crooked, or crowded teeth. If the teeth that show in your smile aren't straight, 6 Month Braces may be the perfect solution for you.
Heres a thought: Straight teeth
in the time it takes between your regular check-up and cleaning visits!
Are 6 Month Braces the Same As Regular Braces?
Yes and no. 6 Month Braces are similar to conventional braces as it pertains to brackets and wires being used. The mechanism of moving the teeth is the same. The difference between the Six Month Smiles™technique and conventional braces is the goals of the treatment. With 6 Month Braces, we are focusing only on the teeth that show in your smile. The goal of 6 Month Braces is to give you a smile you can be proud of in a reasonable amount of time.
Most people have no trouble chewing. Their teeth function well, and their bites work fine. Six Month Braces can be finished more quickly than traditional braces because we aren't focused on changing your bite. Rather, we are focused on what you want. Usually, that's improving the appearance of your smile. Traditional adult orthodontics go beyond that, to perfecting your bite in your back teeth.
Are You Moving My Teeth Faster Than Normal Braces?
No, we are simply moving teeth in a direction that the body can handle the timely movement.
Will It Damage My Teeth?
Six Month Smiles™ uses very light and safe forces to move teeth at the same rate as traditional braces. We are not moving them faster. The difference between Six Month Braces and traditional braces is that we are simply ending treatment sooner. Your front teeth (that show when you smile) move faster than your back teeth. Traditional braces take longer because there is an additional goal of perfecting the bite in your back teeth. 6 Month Braces is not concerned with perfecting the bite in your back teeth, so we simply stop once the front teeth are positioned in a cosmetically pleasing arrangement. So, the rate of tooth movement is the same, but the total treatment time is faster - about 6 months. That's the difference!
Will 6 Month Braces Be Uncomfortable? Will It Hurt?
Most patients tell us that they feel some temporary "tightness" in their teeth. We recommend over-the-counter medications like Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) for those rare cases that need some relief. But, so far, none of our patients have actually needed to use any medications. They tell us they "get used to them." The good news is they will only have to be "used to them" for about 6 months!
What About Those "Invisible Braces" I Hear About On TV?
What's the difference?
Naturally, there is no "magic bullet" treatment that applies to everyone. Each method has its advantages. The advantage of the "Invisible Plastic Braces" (as seen on TV) is that they are, well... Invisible. And, they truly are. You can't see them.
The disadvantages of "Invisible Braces"
as seen on TV are:
Treatment takes more time.
The cost are significantly higher.
You have to remember to put the trays in and take them out.
Fine tuning the result is more difficult and time consuming.
The advantages of Six Month Smiles™ are:
Shorter treatment time.
Lower cost.
You don't have to remember to do anything except see us once a month for an adjustment.
Fine tuning the result is easier and faster.
They are nearly invisible.
She is wearing the braces.
I've Got Crowns (or Veneers). Can I Still Get Braces?
Yes. Modern braces can be bonded to Ceramic Crowns and Veneers just like natural teeth.
Will I Have To Wear A Retainer?
The short answer: Yes. That is true with any kind of braces. But, the good news is that with the Six Month Smiles™technique, you can have a permanent retainer bonded out of sight, behind your teeth. So, you won't have to remember to put one of those old-
fashioned retainers in every night when you go to bed. With a permanent bonded retainer, it's always in, but you won't notice it.
How Much Will This Cost?
Depending on your needs, the cost can vary. However, it compares with traditional braces (perhaps a bit lower), while it is considerably less than "Invisible Braces" (as seen on TV). And, Six Month Braces cost far less than Porcelain Veneers. Our office offers different types of treatment plans. The best way to find out is to come by and let us take a look! The confidence this will give you throughout life is definitely worth it
We are excited to become a part of this movement known as cosmetic braces or short term orthodontics.
Cleanings only?Friday, November 6, 2009
We have had a number of calls to the office asking us if we did cleanings only, as a new patient. When our reply is no, they get upset, say their goodbyes and move on. I want to take a moment and explain why our office doesn't do cleanings only.If seen as a patient for the first time, total dental care is our responsibility the moment you walk in the office. If we do a cleaning only, its possible an abnormal dental condition could be overlooked. We take dental radiographs to aide in the detection of abnormalities. If dental radiographs are not taken, again an abnormal dental condition could be neglected to be detected.
It is in your best interest to have a exam and dental radiographs completed with your first visit with us, as this is the only way we can give you an accurate diagnosis and description of your dental health. We want you to receive the best care possible with us and to know we treat everyone individually as we are all unique. We ask for your understanding. It is for these reasons, our standard of care is set to involve dental radiographs and an exam with our cleanings. If there are further questions on this subject, don't hesitate to contact us for further information.
See you in the chair
Jeff Johnston, DDS
FDA approves safety of metal fillings, but increase its handling risk to moderate.....Wednesday, July 29, 2009
This is big news in the dental world, I will let you read the article about the ruling below...FDA Issues Final Regulation on Dental Amalgam
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a final regulation classifying dental amalgam and its component parts – elemental mercury and a powder alloy—used in dental fillings. While elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures, the levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients.
The regulation classifies dental amalgam into Class II (moderate risk). By classifying a device into Class II, the FDA can impose special controls (in addition to general controls such as good manufacturing practices that apply to all medical devices regardless of risk) to provide reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device.
The special controls that the FDA is imposing on dental amalgam are contained in a guidance document that contains, among other things, recommendations on performance testing, device composition, and labeling statements.
Specifically, the FDA recommended that the product labeling include:
A warning against the use of dental amalgam in patients with mercury allergy;
A warning that dental professionals use adequate ventilation when handling dental amalgam;
A statement discussing the scientific evidence on the benefits and risk of dental amalgam, including the risks of inhaled mercury vapor. The statement will help dentists and patients make informed decisions about the use of dental amalgam.
Dental amalgam is a “pre-amendment device,” which means that it was in use prior to May 28, 1976, when the FDA was given broad authority to regulate medical devices. That law required the FDA to issue regulations classifying pre-amendment devices according to their risk into class I, II, or III. Although the FDA previously had classified the two separate parts of amalgam – elemental mercury and the metal powder alloy – it had not issued a separate regulation classifying the combination of the two, dental amalgam. During this time, however, dental amalgam has been subject to all applicable provisions of the law.
Today’s regulation also reclassifies the mercury component of dental amalgam from Class I (low risk) to Class II (moderate risk).
Over the past six years, the FDA has taken several steps to assure that the classification of dental amalgam is supported by strong science.
In 2002, the agency issued a proposed rule to classify dental amalgam and identify any special controls necessary for its safe and effective use.
Due to a high number of comments on that rule, the agency held an advisory committee meeting in 2006, inviting dental and neurology experts to review existing scientific data on dental amalgam, especially with regard to its toxicity in pregnant women and children.
The agency drafted a review of recent and relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature on exposure to dental amalgam mercury. The advisory committee asked that the agency conduct an even deeper review of the scientific literature on this topic. In all, the agency considered some 200 scientific studies.On April 28, 2008, the FDA reopened the comment period on the 2002 proposed classification in order to elicit the most up-to-date comments and information related to classification of dental amalgam. Today’s rule reflects the years of agency review on this topic."
After reading this, it still leaves a bunch of questions. This is the most controversial issue dentistry, and has been for years. In dental school from 2000-2004 metal fillings were taught and pushed. After dental school, in private practice, I learned that the public does not want metal fillings. Insurance companies do not provide coverage for tooth colored fillings, they "downgrade" them to the metal filling price, leaving the difference in cost up to the patient. (Thats a whole other bag of issues) My views on this subject have changed in the last few years. (For dentist in the state of Colorado, it is illegal to say metal fillings provide a health risk and you should remove all the metal in your mouth.)
I do not do metal fillings. Here is my story. One day while practicing in Longmont, CO, which is next to Boulder, CO, I was asked by a patient if I enjoyed posioning people by doing metal fillings. We got in a lengthy heated discussion and she walked out. After many previous long discussions (over an hour) with previous patients and this poisioning episode, I told the assistants, put it all up, we are done with metal fillings.
As a doctor, I am suppost to know what is right and what is wrong for you. However, this is a subject everyone seems to know what they want, and have done their own research, coming to their own conclusions. Its their body and I am ok with that.
If you have any other questions about this subject, don't hesitate to email or call me.
Dr. Johnston
http://www.ascentdental.com
Tooth RemineralizationTuesday, June 9, 2009
The month of June 09' is our 10th month since the opening of Ascent Dental Group. The last 10 months have been a blast! We have met many people and continue to gain ground in establishing our business. We have helped many people with their dental needs! We are still enjoying the new patients reactions to the office, its staff, and how comfortable we make them feel. We know dentistry is a thorn in most every ones side, but we are here to prove to you it does not have to be!In 2009, the dental field has so much to be proud of! Dental materials continue to improve in many areas such as strength, esthetics, and function. Today, dental porcelains are stronger and more natural looking than ever. Bonding products are getting stronger, allowing restorations to be more durable and last longer. Dental implants are having very high success rates and are lasting a lifetime. Laser dental therapy is being accepted and is achieving results far beyond traditional techniques. Research studies in tempromandibular jaw joints and its disorders are leading to better treatment.
With all of these advances, none are as important as the advances in preventative dentistry. The dental field is learning about fluoride ions in conjunction with calciumphosphate ions are teaming up to produce a term called remineralization. Remineralization is the process in which the tooth can actually regrow its outer layer of enamel. If the decay or cavity of the tooth is limited to the enamel, they are showing that the enamel can regrow or the tooth can fix itself. This process only works if the cavity or decay in the tooth is very small. We here at Ascent Dental believe that preventative dentistry is very important, as we are only given one set of teeth, and no matter what material we put in your mouth, nothing is as strong as what we were originally given. We feel strongly about prevention and if cavities are caught early and cannot be remineralized, a micro restoration can be placed saving healthy tooth structure, allowing the tooth to not lose strength.
We look forward to meeting with you and allowing us to set up a win-win relationship with you to provide you dental care that is custom fit to your needs.
See you in the chair,
Dr. Jeff Johnston, DDS
http://www.ascentdental.com
Oral CancerWednesday, November 12, 2008
Most of us are familiar with cancer. Its crossed our path in one way or another during our lifetime. We don't necessarily know why we get it but unfortunately it happens.We don't know why we get it but we do know how. Cancer (all forms) is mainly caused by problems with cell replication. Daily our cells which form our tissues undergo death and replication which is all a very complex process involving many stages that have to work precisely. Tissues with higher than normal replication cycles include but are not limited to: skin, breast, GI tract, genital, oral.
Lets take this discussion and focus on oral. Oral tissues involve tongue, lips, mucosal lining of mouth (including hard and soft palate), salivary glands, tonsils, beginning of throat.
Daily, we eat and drink, most of us three times a day or more. What do we eat or drink? Everything and anything. Sometimes we don't even know whats in the food we eat or the things we drink. The things we place in our mouth sit on our tongue, our oral tissues, or teeth. Things we place in our mouths can be cold, hot, spicy, salty, sweet, acidic, basic, and even toxic! As you can see the tissue in our mouth undergoes many cycles. Daily we loose and rebuild cells in our oral tissues at a higher rate that other parts of the body.
Just like other types of cancer, oral cancer has a good prognosis if detected early. For years dentist have detected oral cancer, but have detected it when they could visibly see it. Once you can visibly see oral cancer its likely to be in a lower prognosis. (stage 3 or 4)
Until 5 years ago, there was no other way for dentist to detect oral cancer other that visibly. Gynecologist detect cancer with a pap smear, but dentist never had a pre-visible disgnostic attack on cancer until now.
Enter the velscope. The velscope is a light that shines on the tissues and fluoresces normal tissue green. If the tissue does not fluoresce green, it needs to be looked at in greater detail. This technology allows dentist to actually look into tissues in greater detail and detect cancer in earlier stages. This technology is also moving to the gynecological circuit as they are hoping to reduce pap smears. (After all a pap smear caused you to rebuild cells that just got scrapped off)
Is this light safe? Completely! Its not a laser, its a normal light that is taken at a different spectrum to allow fluorescence.
Since the velscopes introduction, oral cancer is quickly on the rise. I believe this is due to dentists finally being able to detect it.
I encourage you to go to these following links and read up on oral cancer and the velscope.
We do have this in our office.
Everyday we learn something new and things seem to always change.
It is my job as a clinician to keep you informed. Till next time....
Have a great day!
Dr. Johnston
http://www.ascentdental.com
Oral cancer foundation
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/
Velscope
http://www.velscope.com/
Here we go!Friday, September 26, 2008
Well, we are finally off and running here at Ascent Dental Group. Its been a very long year for me and I have finally created a dental office I have dreamed about. It didn't come easy!After graduating dental school in San Antonio, TX, (2004) I decided to stay in San Antonio and work for a dentist as an associate. Things soon slowed down and the dentist could not keep me busy. After about 4-5 of these associate rotations with different dentist, I decided I needed a change! Having no kids, no wife, or nothing to hold me back, I moved to Colorado in Feb. of 2006, (why? skiing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, etc!) and started working for a private group office. As an independent contractor to this office, I was the only dentist in the office and was not any ones understudy anymore. I worked here for 2 and a half years. Finally, it came time for me to make a decision, the owner wanted me to buy into the office and I had decided not to, that I could establish a better office. After about a year of looking at rental spaces, spaces to buy, existing dental offices for sale, I decided to build my own and start from scratch. Not an easy road to take by any means! I picked the Cherry Creek area, because it was a central location in Denver, and my fiance and I live in a small condo in the area. (If your wondering, I am getting married Sept 19, 2009 hopefully in the mountains)
Why Ascent Dental Group? I pondered many many names, and everyone had their own opinion! I wanted an A- for alphabetical purposes, I also wanted something mountain, Ascent - like ascending the mountain. Group? Well lets just say I don't want to be by myself for long, this implies future growth.
In May of 2008, I signed a rather scary rental agreement and dug in. No, literally I dug in! The space I rented needed a slight remodel, so I started ripping down the walls and ripping up the floor, before I knew it I had done the demolition all myself! Construction commenced and finally finished (the contractor also allowed me to paint, to save money of course, so I enjoyed hours of painting fun!) Then the shopping began! I have hit every store in Denver I think to find the best deal for decorating, etc. Long story short, this summer (08') has been a wild ride with architects, contractors, dental equipment salesmen, marketing salesmen, many telemarketers, bankers, loaners, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, air conditioning guys, landlords, you name it! I have learned so much this summer of 08'!
Now we are open, and now I am learning patience! Its been somewhat slow, but we are getting people in. Its so exciting to see peoples faces when they come in the office! They are excited about seeing a TV above the chair, a couch in the reception room and the numerous other details I have put into the place to make your visit more comfortable. I think of this place as a result of all my past growing pains, from all the dental offices I worked in and for, a collaboration of all the ideas I have seen from these offices.
My enjoyment is getting to treat you, its even more enjoyable when I hear you say you had a great experience.
See you in the chair. (remember it massages!)
Dr. Johnston
