Trust the ADA and its Official Seal When Choosing Dental Products

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Dental professionals and consumers have recognized the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance as an important symbol of a dental product's safety and effectiveness for more than 125 years. The ADA Seal of Acceptance program began in 1930. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave the Association a certificate of commendation for the outstanding self-regulatory efforts of its Seal program.

Americans recognize the ADA Seal of Acceptance as the gold standard when it comes to evaluating the safety and efficacy of dental products. Look for the Seal when buying toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash and even chewing gum. Other products include denture products, cosmetic whitening bleaches and water filters that don't remove fluoride.

Products eligible to apply for the ADA Seal are those that have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for market directly to consumers, regardless of whether the company elects to market the products over-the-counter or exclusively through oral health care professionals. The Council on Scientific Affairs evaluates consumer dental products and their elements such as therapeutic agents, drugs, chemicals, materials, instruments, and equipment that are employed in the treatment or prevention of dental disease. 

The ADA Seal database has over 300 consumer products that have passed their rigorous screening process and received the Seal of Acceptance. For a full shopping list of consumer products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance go to adaseal@ada.org.

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Glenwood Meadows Dental

40 Market Street, Suite A

Glenwood Springs, CO  81601

970-947-1717

www.gmeadowsdental.com

Put Your Best Smile Forward With Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

A smile can be the most noticeable feature of a face. With dentistry's many advances even in the past two decades, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. Now there are procedures—that are often surprisingly inexpensive, painless and comfortable—that can help everyone smile with confidence.

Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. Talk to your dentist about the options most suitable for you, what your expectations are and the fees involved. Some may be covered by as much as 50 percent by your dental insurance plan. At Glenwood Meadows Dental, consultations for cosmetic and restorative dental work are complimentary.

Some cosmetic options include:

• Tooth whitening, or bleaching, which brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office, or your dentist can set you up with custom trays and whitening gel for you to use at home.

• Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied, or bonded, to the tooth surface.

•  Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth to improve their appearance by removing or contouring enamel. The process, which often is combined with bonding, usually is quick and comfortable and the results can be seen immediately.

• Veneers are thin custom-made shells designed to cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped or worn, permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked.

• Braces are not just for kids. Orthodontics may be needed if teeth are crooked, crowded or do not meet properly. Sometimes, this changes as we age, and braces become necessary later in life. If your dentist thinks you should see a specialist for treatment, he or she will refer you to an orthodontist.

Positive self image and self esteem can be associated with the confidence of looking good; and an attractive smile can be a part of it. Your dentist can help you evaluate all your options for cosmetic dentistry and help you put your best smile forward.

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Glenwood Meadows Dental

40 Market Street, Suite A

Glenwood Springs, CO  81601

970-947-1717

www.gmeadowsdental.com