If ridges on tooth surfaces look flat or you occasionally wake up with jaw soreness, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep.

Nighttime teeth grinding is a habit of one-third of Americans and employs ten times the force of normal chewing. Not surprisingly, it contributes to problems such as loose teeth, headaches, and pain in the temples and jaw.

To keep your upper teeth from rubbing against lower teeth, a custom-made mouth guard is recommended. This gives an exact fit so it is comfortable for sleeping. The firm plastic material of which it is constructed often eliminates the urge to grind.

If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, or hear grinding from your spouse, call our Michigan Cosmetic Dental office at (586) 739-2155 or mention your concerns to Dr. Barbat at your next visit.

Dr. Barbat completed extensive training in advanced full-mouth reconstruction.

The intensive 48-hour course is the highest level of training possible through the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. One of a few dentists in the country to achieve this level at the Institute, Dr. Barbat qualified for this advanced course through previous accomplishments.

“By blending artistic design and predictable science, we can give a smile the ideal size, shape and color while enhancing function and resolving discomfort,” she states. Full mouth restoration recreates a natural form and function to those with crooked or missing teeth, gaps, discoloration, and symptoms of pain. Cosmetic dentistry has become an increasingly popular way adults can experience improved appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. Full-mouth restoration goes a step beyond cosmetic dentistry by also restoring a natural bite to promote good health and improved well-being. If you are interested in a smile makeover visit, call, or email our Metro Detroit Cosmetic Dental Office.

A best friend adds much pleasure to your life. Their very presence can bring a smile.

For Mona Cottick, her friend helped her find a beautiful, new smile!

Mona and her husband relocated from Oakland County to Macomb County nearly two years ago. Being closer in proximity to her friend, Mona inquired about a dental office. Dr. Ban Barbat was recommended highly. When Mona arranged the appointment, she was somewhat reluctant at first. An unpleasant prior experience with periodontal care left Mona concerned about a similar ordeal. She quickly learned she had nothing to fear.

At her initial appointment, Dr. Barbat conducted a thorough exam. During this time, she showed Mona a digital image her oral health status. This technology allowed Mona to see areas of decay in teeth she had assumed were fine. Together, they structured a program to restore Mona to optimal oral health. Dr. Barbat also placed crowns to protect several back teeth from further breakdown. As Mona grew more comfortable with dental visits, she discussed the appearance of her smile with Dr. Barbat.

During adolescence, Mona wore braces, twice. Yet, she felt her smile was not flattering. Prior dentistry had patched front teeth with tooth-colored fillings that were becoming more obvious as she aged. Her teeth were also stained and unevenly aligned.

Dr. Barbat explained today’s options for smile enhancement, particularly porcelain veneers. During the discussion, Mona expressed concerns about having work done on front teeth due to her Multiple Sclerosis. She feared a lengthy procedure on front teeth would cause too much anxiety while in the chair. Dr. Barbat suggested One-Pill Sedation so Mona could doze through the procedure comfortably and totally relaxed. “I remember taking the pill an hour before the appointment and telling my husband on the way there ‘This isn’t working’,” Mona states, “but all I remember was walking in and sitting down in the chair for treatment. The next thing I knew, I was finished!”

During this time, six of Mona’s front teeth were prepared for porcelain veneers. She returned home and napped before actually looking in the mirror to see her new smile! “I had beautiful, new teeth!” she exclaims. Mona and her friend met for breakfast the next morning. “I have never smiled as much!” Mona states. “I smile more and feel so much better about my smile. These look so natural!”

Porcelain veneers were recommended by Dr. Barbat for several reasons. In addition to providing a highly-natural look, durability is also better than most materials used in aesthetic dentistry, which enhances longevity. “I can eat anything,” Mona adds.

A retired teacher, Mona knew smile enhancement would be “quite an investment”. Yet, she was pleased at how the office was able to structure her care to be manageable to her budget.

Mona has much to smile about these days. She recently became a grandmother for the first time. In her free time, she enjoys creating stained glass and mosaic artwork. And, she has a best friend who regularly shares a smile she truly loves! “I smile everywhere I go now!” Mona says.To discuss today’s smile enhancement options, call our Metro Detroit Cosmetic Dental office to arrange a consultation appointment or ask at your next visit.

A recent study indicates that there is a statistically significant association between type two diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the REM sleep cycle. Dr. Kamran Mahmood and his colleagues from the University of Illinois in Chicago and colleagues evaluated a multi-ethnic sample of 1008 patients including Caucasians (16.9 percent), African Americans (66.9 percent) and Hispanics (14.9 percent) for OSA using polysomnography, an evaluation of brain waves and other body functions during sleep.

Dr. Mahmood states “Type 2 diabetes is a multi-factorial disorder. REM-related OSA and its metabolic effects need to be investigated in more depth, and this can provide another unique avenue for intervention and control of type 2 diabetes.” The prevalence of type two diabetes was 30.1 percent in patients with OSA compared to 18.6 percent in patients without OSA

“We believe that REM-related OSA is a marker of early OSA, especially in women and patients younger than 55 years,” Mahmood noted in a prepared statement. “Generally, OSA is worse in REM sleep compared to non-REM sleep because of neurologically mediated impairment of skeletal muscles of upper airway and ventilation. This may be the reason for closer association of REM-related OSA and type 2 diabetes.”

Does your signifigant other complain about your snoring? Do you wake up in the morning feeling drained and unrested? Dr. Ban Barbat may be able to help. OSA also know as sleep apnea is a serious problem that your dentist can help you with.

Source: Reuters

“Anyone wishing to be successful should develop their whole person, including their personality.”

– Jessica A. Rickert

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame was opened in 1987 on the anniversary of Michigan’s ratification of the Women’s Suffrage Amendment. This center displays exhibits on the cultural and historic achievements of Michigan women. It also is home to the Belen Gallery, which displays the work of Michigan women artists and photographers. Nominees are sorted into one of two categories – contemporary or historical – and are assessed for their achievements in a variety of areas, including community service, civil rights, entertainment, politics and business. Jessica A. Rickert is one of the contemporary honorees for 2009.

In 1975, Rickert became the nation’s first American Indian woman dentist. Rickert will be joining more than 200 inductees including Rosa Parks, Betty Ford, Lily Tomlin, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Aretha Franklin and Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Levi Rickert, her brother, nominated her in 2008 to be placed into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. On October 21, 2009 she was inducted in East Lansing, along with nine other women being honored for their societal contributions.

A founding member of the Society of American Indian Dentists, Rickert is only the third American Indian dentist in history. Ms. Rickert descended down from Chief Whitepigeon for whom the town of White Pigeon, Michigan is named. She has helped erect dental clinics for two Michigan tribes and authors a dental column read in many prevalent American Indian newspapers.

Rickert hopes that more American Indian women will be nominated to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. “When my brother nominated me he told me that the three American Indian women in the Hall of Fame are all deceased; there were no living ones represented. I couldn’t believe that was possible because in the state of Michigan there are all kinds of accomplished American Indian women.”

To be a success in the health field, according to Rickert, you have to be a hard worker with a good work ethic. “You need a great character and good heart and should always strive to be as straightforward and truthful as you can be. You have to have a certain personality to be in the health field and be willing to help other people out. Anyone wishing to be successful should develop their whole person, including their personality.”

Commonly associated health hazards for chronic periodontitis (gum disease) go way beyond your mouth. People have been warned for years that persistent periodontitis can be one of the causes of heart disease. Gum disease may also be a risk factor for many other cancers of the head and neck a new study suggests.

The journal: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, the study included 207 control subjects & 266 patients with cancers of the head or neck treated from 1999 to 2005.

Dr. Mine Tezel, The State University of New York, Buffalo, & his colleagues noted: “Alveolar bone is the ridge of bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth, holding them in place. Loss of this bone is typically seen with severe periodontal disease.”

The report indicates every millimeter of alveolar bone loss increases the risk of head and neck cancer more than 4 times. (One millimeter is about the size of a pinhead.) This was also noted in subjects who never used tobacco or alcohol.

We aren’t just Cosmetic Dentists but here at Dr. Ban R. Barbat’s Dentist office we’re committed to go above and beyond in periodontal health. We want our patients to live a long and healthy life. By helping a small problem now you can avoid a lot of trouble in the future. Promote your overall health. It’s the time

We want to make you aware of this very important study. If you do not take care of your gums, you are not just harming you mouth but your entire body.  Make sure to brush, floss and have regular checkups.  You may say “I don’t have the time” but think of all of the time and money one of these horrible diseases will cost you.

*SOURCE: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, September 2009.

It is my hope that this blog will bring to light information about our practice for our patients of record as well as for potential new patients.  Not only will I be sharing news from the practice, I will also include information on special offers, tips, behind the scenes stuff, and some fun stuff too.

There will be LOTS to share!  So, please stay tuned as we get the ball rolling…

Until then, please feel free to catch up with previous newsletters or our Facebook page.

Ban R. Barbat, DDS

The quickest and most effective way to have whiter teeth right away is through in-office whitening.  We use the Zoom Advanced Power System which can give you a whiter smile within the hour!  The procedure is quick and easy.

The regular price for this procedure is $399.  For a limited time, you can get “Zoomed” for $99; that’s a savings of $300!!  This great deal is available to any new patient who has completed a new patient visit (which includes an exam, x-rays, and a cleaning).

Are you a patient of record wondering how you can get this great deal?  Just refer a new patient to use and we’ll extend to you the special price of $99 for Zoom.

This offer is available through October 15^th, 2008.  So, call us soon 586-739-2155 or contact us via our website.

Ban R. Barbat, DDS

Our practice has been using the K7 Evaluation System by Myotoronics since February of 2007.  Coincidentally, in that same month, Japan’s Health Ministry recognized the K7 Evaluation System as a requirement for orthodontists to receive payment from the National Health Insurance Program.  Also, all 29 dental universities in Japan have the K7 system and 23 of 60 medical schools have one as well.  This is significant recognition for the neuromuscular approach in managing a patient’s bite.

We use the K7 Evaluation System to help us treat patients with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pains such as migraines, headaches, facial pain, as well as head and neck pain.  Many of our patients who have undergone treatment with the K7 tell us that their headaches and pains are greatly reduced and/or eliminated.  Let me share some patient testimonials with you.

This testimonial was posted on Dr.Oogle (a website for patients to post reviews) no 7/26/08:

“After years of battling headaches & migraines and spending thousands in medical doctors & testing, my 16 year old son finally found relief with Dr. Dan Barbat. Her advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry quickly diagnosed & treated my son for a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Every week following Dr. Barbat’s TMJ procedures , my sons headache pain has reduced. I can’t thank Dr. Barbat & her staff enough for giving my son’s life back!”

This testimonial was mailed to us on 11/28/07:

Dear Dr. Barbat:

I just wanted to thank you for all your time and services to help relieve me of my migraine headaches.  I have been suffering with migraines for over 10 years, averaging a headache at least 5 times a week.  The orthotic that you recommended has truly been a blessing.

Thank you again for all that you did…

It is very gratifying for me to help my patients in this manner.  If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at (586) 739-2155 or on the web.

For many Americans going to the dentist is a frightful event, even though dentistry has changed so much in the past years. A visit to the dentist can now be relaxing and fun. Unfortunately, this is not enough for the approximately 145 million people who avoid the dentist due to fear.

Together with my caring team, I’ve recently completed special training to update our skills to allow us to treat these fearful people. Using a small pill, people can now have their dental care accomplished while they are totally relaxed and absolutely comfortable.

Since I started offering sedation about 8 years ago, I have learned that building trust takes more than a pill though.  You have to work with your entire team to be very sensitive to patients with high fear and apprehension.  It’s unfortunate that so many good people are avoiding needed care due to fear. I hope that these people learn about this safe and wonderful technique of anxiety-free dentistry.

I’ve been a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) since 2000.   The purpose of DOCS is to provide the education necessary for dentists to provide needed care to the large population of people who are avoiding the dentist and to improve their lives with better dental health.

Dentistry is very high tech today with all sorts of gadgets that get the job done better and quicker.  With anxiety-free dentistry, I can bridge the gap between technology and comfort. You should see the look on the faces of my patients when they complete their care and they have a healthy mouth – there aren’t words to describe it! That look is why I love dentistry. I helped to change someone’s life.

We are proud of this commitment to our community.

To experience serene care, call us soon 586-739-2155 or contact us via our website.

Ban R. Barbat, DDS