Dubuque Cosmetic Dentistry Blog
May 8th, 2013
Whiter teeth are everywhere!
With summer weddings, school graduations, and other events approaching soon, people want to know how they can get whiter teeth now.
Many teeth darken over time due to the aging process. Teeth also stain from drinking coffee, tea, wine, dark sodas, or from eating pigmented foods like berries, spaghetti sauce, etc.
Your Teeth Whitening Options
In our Dubuque dental office, Dr. Ted Murray and Dr. Kristen Berning offer two options for teeth whitening. The first is ZOOM whitening which is done in office in less than a couple hours. The second is tray whitening which can be done at home over the course of a couple weeks.
About ZOOM whitening
ZOOM whitening is ideal for anyone seeking immediate results. The procedure starts with a brief preparation to protect the lips and gum tissue. A special whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and then activated by the ZOOM light to enhance the whitening effect. After three or four 15-minute sessions, the ZOOM procedure is complete.
People appreciate the convenience of ZOOM whitening. Custom trays are made for the patient to take home if additional whitening is needed right away for certain cases. More commonly, these custom-fit trays are used for future whitening touch-ups. Often times 1-2 years later, a patient will desire to do a one night session of bleach in the trays for a brightening boost. Additional syringes of professional strength bleach can be purchased from our office at any time.
Below are photos of an actual patient of Dr. Kristen Berning’s before and after ZOOM whitening. The patient was very happy with the results!
About home tray whitening
Some patients choose to do at-home whitening with custom trays made by our Exceptional Dentistry team. This treatment option is also very effective. The trays are often worn at night, for a couple of weeks, to achieve a brighter smile. Patients might choose this option if their schedule doesn’t allow them to be in office for a longer appointment.
About tooth sensitivity
With both the ZOOM and the at home tray whitening, patients may experience tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity often subsides after a few days. A sensitivity toothpaste can help, as well as avoiding very cold food and drinks. For other frequently asked questions, please refer to our whitening FAQ page.
Maintenance of your whiter smile
After bleaching, no special maintenance of your teeth beyond regular brushing and flossing is required. But keep in mind that daily consumption of pigmented foods and drinks may gradually re-stain the teeth. Professional cleaning can remove much of it. So don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning every six months to keep your smile looking its best! 
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, tooth whitening, implant, orthodontic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, Dubuque Dentist, family dentist, Teeth bleaching, Teeth whitening
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March 22nd, 2013
Dental implants are becoming a standard of care in modern day dentistry to replace missing teeth. Here at Exceptional Dentistry in Dubuque, Iowa, we try to stay up to date on the latest advancements in implant dentistry. With advancing technology, modern materials, and ongoing research, implant dentistry is an area of dentistry that is always changing and keeps getting better.
Attending Continuing Education as a Team
Today Dr. Ted Murray, Dr. Kristen Berning, and four of their team members attended a one day lecture given by Dr. Dennis Tarnow at the Grand River Center in Dubuque. Dr. Tarnow is a world-renowned expert on dental implants and shared a lot of great knowledge with us. He showed many excellent cases where an implant was used to replace a front tooth in the smile.
Our three hygienists enjoyed hearing Dr. Tarnow’s advice on keeping implants clean and free from dental plaque so that gum tissue infection does not adversely affect the dental implant. They are excited to use this information when they clean around implants and educate our patients on how to perform the best oral hygiene.
Dr. Ted Murray attends Hands-On Surgical Implant Course
Dr. Ted Murray also recently attended a six day intensive implant course at BIOMET 3i Institute for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry. At that course, Dr. Ted Murray placed several implants and learned the most up to date information on 3i implants, the system we use most in our office at this time.
Indications for Dental Implants
Teeth can be lost for many reasons including trauma, infection, fractures, and resorption. Especially when the adjacent teeth are in good condition, a dental implant is an excellent choice for a replacement of a tooth. Unlike a bridge, which requires treatment on the adjacent teeth, an implant stands alone and does not rely on other teeth. Implants can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or to stabilize a denture.
Implant supported dentures are great options for people who need more stability for their denture when chewing and speaking. Most patients in our office are choosing an implant supported denture instead of a conventional denture since it greatly improves the quality of their life and helps maintain more bone support over time.
The image shown is an implant case by Dubuque dentist Dr. Ted Murray, one that Dr. Tarnow would be proud of .
This patient had a root canal done on her front tooth many years ago. The tooth abscessed due to root canal failure, and was no longer savable and had to be removed. Dr. Ted Murray used his expertise to plan the case from start to finish so that the final result would look very natural, like a real tooth. He teamed up with a local oral surgeon, Dr. Mike Dalton, who placed the implant. Then after enough time passed for healing, and after using the appropriate provisional restoration, the tooth was finally restored with a porcelain crown. The result was exceptional!
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, implant, orthodontic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: broken tooth, continuing education, dental implants, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, Dubuque Dentist, family dentist
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February 19th, 2013
“Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.” ♥♥
National Children’s Dental Health Month and “Give Kids a Smile” Program
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and it is ”Give Kids A Smile” day in our office today. And it feels so good for so many reasons. Wonder why?
Well, the American Dental Association (ADA) focuses on children’s dental health during February, and this year is the 10th anniversary of its Give Kids A Smile program! Through the Give Kids a Smile program, dentists are encouraged to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children.
Here in Dubuque, Iowa, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) along with local school nurses, screen and identify children who are in need of dental services and are underserved for various reasons. Many children have not been to a dentist in several years due to financial reasons, no dental insurance assistance, or other family hardships. Some of these children have cavities or toothaches and need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Local dentists who sign up to particpate in Give Kids a Smile are connected with these children to provide dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, and treatment such as sealants or fillings.
Our office participation in Give Kids a Smile Day
Dr. Kristen Berning has been participating for the last few years by providing dental treatment in their Dubuque family dental office. Today, Dr. Berning and the Exceptional Dentistry Team provided $1389 in dental treatment to 2 children in need. The children were excellent patients today and each received a dental exam, professional cleaning, panoramic and bitewing radiographs, sealants, composite resin restorations, and topical fluoride application. They left with a new toothbrush, floss, and a healthier smile. Their mother was very appreciative.
We are happy to use our talents today to help these Dubuque children in need of dental care.
We all possess talents to share. Together we can better our community with one positive act at a time !
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: brushing kids teeth, community service, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dubuque Dentist, family dentist, Give Kids a Smile, healthy teeth, kids and cavities
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February 6th, 2013
Dubuque Dentist Team Update
In January, 2013 we added a new member to our Exceptional Dubuque dental team!
Introducing Stephanee…
Stephanee had already been filling in and helping us in our Dubuque dental office for the last few years, so it was a pretty seamless transition.
Stephanee began her career as a dental hygienist in 2004 in Illinois after graduating from Parkland College. She has worked in many areas of dentistry, including assisting, giving her 15 years of experience in the field. She brings lots of knowledge from working in many different offices over the years and holds dental hygiene licenses in the states of Illinois, Wyoming, and now Iowa. She is so excited to join the Exceptional Dentistry team permanently and help provide “the best patient care possible with the latest technology and highest treatment standards. One of my favorite parts of dental hygiene is getting to know all the wonderful patients.”
She is pleased to return home after living in Wyoming for 5 years, where she met her husband, Nate. They have two children, Kendall and Kody, who keep them very busy. When she is not busy with work or being a mom, Stephanee enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family in Illinois.
We’re excited for you to meet Stephanee at an upcoming visit! :)
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: advanced dentistry, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, Dubuque Dentist, family dentist, healthy teeth, modern dentistry, oral hygiene, periodontal disease, Stephanee
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February 1st, 2013
Dubuque Family Dentists- Dr. Kristen Berning and Dr. Ted Murray
So your little one has teeth? Congratulations! :)
February is Dental Health Month, and here is our advice on how to care for your child’s teeth:
Thank you for caring for your child’s dental health! Our goal is to keep your child on the right track for a healthy smile. “Baby” teeth need to be kept healthy, clean, and free of cavities to avoid unnecessary pain and infection. Some of the “baby” teeth are not lost until age 12.
Before the first tooth comes in, clean your child’s mouth daily with a clean, damp cloth. The American Dental Association recommends that children are seen by a dentist at age 1, and Dr. Kristen Berning welcomes you to bring your child in for this exam. This first visit is to establish a positive relationship with you and your child, do a dental exam, and provide education on oral hygiene and nutrition.
Teething should not make your child sick. A temperature of 101°F or higher is not due to teething. If desired, use cool teething rings. Do not use any numbing creams or gels. Never put sugar or honey on a pacifier.
Sucking habits: Pacifier and finger sucking is considered normal in infants and young children. To avoid teeth misalignment, monitor any excessive sucking habits. If there is a choice between sucking a pacifier and a thumb, choose the pacifier as it will be easier to take away. Finger or thumb sucking beyond age 3 may affect alignment of the permanent teeth.
Toothbrushing:
- Once a tooth appears, start using a small toothbrush with water. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day.
- Children need an adult’s help until age 7, when they have developed the fine motor skills to do it without supervision.
- Spinning or electric toothbrushes are generally not recommended, as they can be too bulky to fit in small spaces. If used, a parent should follow up using a regular toothbrush.
Toothpaste: Start using a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste when your child is 18-24 months old and encourage them to spit it out. After they can spit (around age 3), use a “pea-sized” amount of toothpaste.
Flossing: Begin flossing your child’s teeth when adjacent teeth are touching (around age 3), to prevent cavities between the teeth. Have your child lay on a bed or couch, or with his/her head in your lap to make it easier.
Nutrition:
- Do not put your baby to bed (nap or bedtime) with a bottle. Improper bottle use can cause severe decay. The bottle is only to be used for breast milk or formula. Wean from the bottle around age 1.
- At age 1, your child needs 8 oz of fluoridated water daily to promote decay-resistant teeth.
- Use a sippy cup for juice or milk at meal and snack time only. Only offer water between meals. For ages 1-6, limit juice to 4 oz (or less) a day. Do not give your child soda pop, except as an occasional, special treat. Pop is a leading cause of cavities.
- Avoid sugary or starchy carbohydrate snacks that stick to the teeth and promote cavities. Offer healthy snacks including fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
Dental Care for Mom’s & Dad’s teeth: Keep your teeth healthy so you are a role model for your child. Cavities in children can be caused by the transmission of bacteria from an adult’s mouth to the child. Avoid sharing utensils (cups, spoons, etc.) with your child and do not clean a dropped pacifier with your saliva. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Avoid sugary beverages and snacks. Drink water in between meals. Schedule regular dental visits every 6 months.
Additional Resources: www.aapd.org, www.ada.org, oralhealth.deltadental.com/Children/General/
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: baby teeth, brushing kids teeth, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, Dubuque Dentist, family dentist, fluoride, healthy teeth, kids and cavities, oral hygiene
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November 8th, 2012
Indications for Cosmetic Bonding
This young lady came as a new patient to our office based on the cosmetic credentials earned by Dubuque dentists, Dr. Ted Murray and Dr. Kristen Berning. She was concerned with the space between her front teeth. Dentists refer to this particular space as a “black triangle.” If you look closely at the “before” photo below, you will see the front two teeth are actually touching each other toward the bottom. This means that braces cannot help to improve the situation. Her teeth are already straight.
This is a perfect situation for cosmetic bonding. At her initial appointment, we did a “cosmetic preview” to show her what we could accomplish and to determine what shade of composite resin material to use.
Everyone was excited about the cosmetic preview, so we reserved future time in our schedule to complete the procedure. This technique of cosmetic bonding is a very conservative way to enhance a smile. Dr. Berning added and shaped the composite resin so that it would blend with everything. After using a curing light to set the material, it was then polished to a high shine. A light amount of local anesthetic was used to keep her comfortable as we worked at the gum line. Many times no local anesthetic (or “novacaine”) is needed for these cosmetic bonding cases.
She was very happy with the results! What a beautiful smile
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: cosmetic bonding, cosmetic dentistry, dental bonding, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dubuque Dentist, porcelain veneers, space between teeth
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October 16th, 2012
Using the latest technology in our Dubuque dental office
Our office has been dedicated to the latest technology in dental hygiene since Dr. Ted Murray opened the doors to his Dubuque dental office in 1978. In other words, we have always wanted to help people have the healthiest teeth and gums possible.
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis and periodontal disease are serious matters as the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and calculus (tartar) lead to bad breath, bleeding gums, infected tissue, bone loss, loose teeth, and the possible loss of teeth.
In office laser training for hygienists
In June of 2011, our hygienists, Talia, Charity, Melissa, and Stephanee, completed a hands-on live patient experience and are certified by the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Our hygienists are using lasers daily. Lasers are used for a variety of procedures, including treating gum disease, periodontal disease, canker sores and cold sores.
Lasers reduce bacteria and promote wound healing. The laser light energy is collected in the mitochondria which “jump starts” the healing process.
Case Study of Laser Assisted Gingivitis Therapy
Pictured here is an actual case completed in our office where ultrasonic scaler and diode laser treatment were used to treat the gingivitis and periodontal disease and return the patient’s gum tissue to optimum health.
Notice in the BEFORE photo how puffy, swollen, and red the gum tissue is… ouch! His gums bled easily. As the tissue was damaged by the bacteria, the once healthy sulcus developed into a pocket. The “pocket depth” measurements were 5mm, which is unhealthy, because that is larger than the size of the Grand Canyon to a bacterium! (Healthy measurements are 1, 2, & 3 mm)
The AFTER photo was taken 6 weeks after the therapy was complete. See how the gums are now a healthy pink and are no longer swollen. Most of the measurements were now 2 mm, which is very healthy! He is very motivated to maintain this oral health and now flosses every day.
Laser assisted periodontal therapy is precise, comfortable, and can be used on every segment of the population regardless of age.
Dr. Ted Murray has been certified in laser dentistry since 2000 and Dr. Kristen Berning since 2009.
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: advanced dentistry, bad breath, dental team, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, Dubuque Dentist, family dentist, gingivitis, laser dentistry, oral hygiene, periodontal disease, ultrasonic scaler
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October 4th, 2012
On Friday, September 28th, Talia and Melissa, two of our hygienists, attended a continuing education course in Ankeny, Iowa. The course was about two of the instruments that our hygienists use everyday: Ultrasonics and Lasers. Talia and Melissa wanted to take full advantage of learning new information to share with our patients.
Ultrasonics in Dental Hygiene
Ultrasonics, or power instrumentation, is something we have been using as part of the professional dental cleaning since Dr. Ted Murray opened his dental practice in 1978. The instrument uses small ultrasonic vibrations and water to effectively clean teeth. Advancing technology has made new Ultrasonic tips available that improve the delivery of care. Ultrasonic instrumentation has been proven to be one of the most effective methods we can offer to treat periodontal disease, remove tartar deposits and stain, and assure a gentle and thorough cleaning.
Lasers in Dental Hygiene
Diode lasers have been used as an adjunct to treating periodontal disease and gingivitis. We have been using lasers for bacterial decontamination in the hygiene room for over a year, and this is gaining more and more popularity. Talia and Melissa thought it was interesting to see what other treatment we can offer with laser technology.
Our office has an exceptional group of dental hygienists who are dedicated to learning the latest and greatest!
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: advanced dentistry, Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, healthy teeth, laser dentistry, modern dentistry, oral hygiene, ultrasonic scaler
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August 17th, 2012
Research on effects of snoring
A recent study of over 200 children found that those who snore were more likely to have behavioral problems including aggression and hyperactivity. Researches surveyed the mothers of these children over several years to monitor snoring and behavior patterns.
The anatomy and physiology of snoring
Snoring or noisy breathing in children is a sign of resistance in the airway. This resistance prevents the child’s body from getting ample oxygen at night. Without enough oxygen for the brain, proper growth and development is hindered. This results in a grumpy child who may then have behavioral challenges.
Screening for sleep breathing problems in children
When Dr. Ted Murray and Dr. Kristen Berning examine the children in their dental practice, they are often looking for intraoral signs that children may have sleep disturbances. Sometimes a referral to an ENT doctor is necessary to address what resistance in the airway is causing the snoring. Some children even have sleep apnea, where they stop breathing at night.
A patent airway is important for proper growth and development of the brain, the entire body, and even the teeth and dental arches. Children who snore are sometimes more likely to grind their teeth, have narrow dental arches, and crowded teeth.
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: Dr. Kristen Berning, Dr. Ted Murray, family dentist, grind my teeth, nighttime mouth breathing
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August 17th, 2012
Here is another great Invisalign case completed recently by Dr. Kristen Berning.
This patient wanted to straighten her teeth without wearing metal braces. She did not like how her front teeth were overlapping each other and crooked. She was able to get a healthy, straight smile by wearing comfortable Invisalign aligners, which she changed every two weeks. People enjoy being able to take the aligners out to eat, then brush & floss, and put their aligners back in. No worries about flossing around braces.
What a beautiful smile!
Wondering if Invisalign will work for you?
To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign call our office at 563-556-2711 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation.
Exceptional Dentistry provides complete family, cosmetic, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ted Murray or Dr. Kristen Berning, please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.
Tags: braces, cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kristen Berning, Invisalign, metal free braces, straight teeth
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign | No Comments »
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