October 30th, 2009 admin
Dr Timmerman is certified to offer Botox therapy. The use of Botox has amazing effects. Some creams that people apply, trying to reduce wrinkles work very similar to the emperor’s clothes. Not really, but nobody wants to admit that it doesn’t work.
Botox is different.
By disabling some of the muscle function, muscle tonicity is reduced, and wrinkles go away. It IS temporary, so if the effects are not as desired, within a few months everything is back to normal. If you LIKE the results, maintenance is needed.
Call 206-241-5533 to learn more!
Tags: cosmetic dentist, headache dentist, TMJ
Posted in TMJ | 1 Comment »
October 29th, 2009 Dr. Timmerman
At the end of 2005, Dr Timmerman moved his Renton Dental practice 2 miles to a much more accessible location. The Tukwila location was more functional and more convenient, but it IS a new city and the extra stop light made the drive an extra 4 minutes for some.
The drive is worth it. With all of the modern conveniences that the new office offers those 2 miles are an afterthought. Dr Timmerman is a family dentist and can treat the entire family, not just adults seeking cosmetic enhancements.
If you are in Renton and want a family dental practice that can “offer just a little more”, call 206-241-5533
Tags: cosmetic dentist, dental crowns, dental hygiene, family dentist, general dentist, implant dentist, sedation dentist, sleep dentist, white fillings
Posted in General Dentistry | 2 Comments »
October 25th, 2009 admin
Botox has many uses. Popular amongst the cosmetic people, there is also a very therapeutic use. While the goal of TMJ care should be the elimination of the problem, relief of symptoms is a goal as well.
For some people, the process to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders is beyond what they want to do. Therapeutic use o botox, in the masseter muscles and temporalis muscles, can provide relief. Botox effects WILL wear off over time, usually within 3-6 months.
If you would like to know more about Botox and how it can help you, call 206-241-5533.
Tags: botox tmj, botox tmj 98055, botox tmj 98056, botox tmj 98058, botox tmj 98148, botox tmj 98168, botox tmj 98178, botox tmj 98188, cosmetic dentist, headache, TMJ, tmj headache, tmj pain
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, TMJ, cosmetic dentistry | No Comments »
October 25th, 2009 admin
Dr Timmerman has many patients that want to avoid mercury in any form. Why is that? Mercury is a neurotoxin, in any dose. The debate rages on regarding the safety in amalgam fillings, with many convinced that “acceptable levels” are not acceptable.
Regardless of the mercury content, mercury free alternatives are readily available. These alternatives are typically bonded in place, resulting in a stronger tooth and look better too.
If you don’t want mercury in YOUR mouth, or your KID’S mouth, call 206-241-5533 today!
Tags: cosmetic dentist, family dentist, general dentist, mercury free dentist, mercury free fillings, white fillings
Posted in General Dentistry | No Comments »
October 24th, 2009 admin
As time has gone on, people have developed allergies to metals. People with old fashioned crowns called PFM’s (porcelain fused to metal) that have been in service for many years suddenly have inflammed gum tissues. Replacing these restorations with metal free alternatives allows the tissues to return to normal, proving that the metal was a primary factor.
Mercury amalgam fillings in the past were the only choice when filling decayed cavities. With bonding technology developments, mercury amalgam fillings are no longer necesary, and composite resin fillings can be used.
Dr Timmerman replaces many mercury amalgam fillings but never places them. Some dentists offer both, but since Dr Timmerman would never place them in his daughter’s mouth, he feels that the same level of care should be given to his patients.
If you have metal restorations and would like an upgrade, or if you are facing treatment that includes metal restorations, call 206-241-5533 today to find out your options!
Tags: mercury free dentist, mercury free fillings, replace fillings, white fillings
Posted in cosmetic dentistry | 1 Comment »
October 21st, 2009 admin
In the past, mercury amalgam fillings were the only choice when filling decayed teeth. This level of technology was developed around the time of the Civil War, so it stands to reason that dental care has come a long way. Many dentists continue to use mercury amalgam exclusively when filling teeth.
Today, tooth colored composite fillings are a great alternative. Dr Timmerman has been placing composite fillings exclusively (never places mercury amalgam fillings) ever since graduating from dental school. Mercury amalgam is a material that he would never place in his daughters teeth, and offers the same level of care for his patients.
Modern composite fillings are not only better looking than mercury amalgams, but better for your teeth. Since they bond to the tooth, they support it (unlike amalgams, which often cause fractures to the teeth). The bond also prevents microleakage along the margins, meaning recurrent decay is not an issue, like it is with amalgam. The wear rate is similar to tooth structure, so composites mimic natural teeth better than amalgam does.
If you want to upgrade your amalgams, or need a filling and don’t want amalgam, call 206-241-5533 today!
Tags: cosmetic dentist, family dentist, general dentist, mercury free dentist, mercury free fillings, replace fillings, white fillings
Posted in General Dentistry | No Comments »
October 16th, 2009 admin
Dr Timmerman doesn’t use the phrase “instant orthodontics” often, because it can be misleading. Orthodontics is moving teeth, either with brackets and wires or with retainers or Invisalign. “Instant orthodontics” is in quotes, because while the results are instant, the teeth are not actually moving.
By placing porcelain veneers, teeth can appear straight when in fact they didn’t move at all. Veneers allow the illusion of alignment as well as gaining proper shapes and desired color. If done right, the first visit can be so drastic that it looks like an instant change.
Porcelain veneer smile makeovers can be completed in as few as two visits, so if you would like to know more, call 206-241-5533 today!
Tags: cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain caps, porcelain teeth, porcelain veneers, seattle dentist
Posted in cosmetic dentistry | 1 Comment »
October 14th, 2009 admin
Beautiful smiles have an interesting affect on people. Some people have their self esteem affected when their smile is not what THEY feel is beautiful. A spiral effect happens, where the lower self esteem leads to other things. People in sales sell less. People in the dating scene date less often or with people that are less than they desire.
Dr Timmerman knows that everyone loves a beautiful smile. Popular shows like extreme makeover showcase how a nice smile can transform a person. People that work in sales report that their confidence increases and their sales improve. People in the dating scene share that prospects improve. Many people report that their self esteem increases. The value of a smile is personal and hard to measure.
So how much does that cost? What is that WORTH? The short answer is “It depends”.
Veneers take time and have lab costs involved. Less time and less lab means less fee. A truly artistic dentist with a fantastic lab, displaying their care and skills, take more time and have a higher fee. Materials used play a factor, as some veneers are made out of one material and yet other veneers are made from layering materials, creating works of art.
Dr Timmerman likes to give people choices. If someone simply wants a NICER smile, but not the BEST, there IS an option for them. No-prep veneers that take no time at all to create will have a lower fee, but they will NOT look as nice as layered porcelain veneers that required some removal of tooth structure.
Some people ask how much per tooth, yet smile makeovers are not only a factor of teeth involved. The fee to restore ONE tooth is not 1/10th of the fee to restore ten. The case complexity and lab work involved to restore ten teeth is exponentially more than one.
Depending on budget, number of teeth involved, materials, goals and expectations, you should plan to spend between $4000 up to $30,000.
Tags: cosmetic dentist, dental veneer cost, extreme makeover, porcelain caps, porcelain teeth, porcelain veneers, seattle dentist, smile makeover, smile makeover cost, teeth, veneers cost
Posted in General Dentistry | 2 Comments »
October 14th, 2009 admin
Dr Timmerman has invested in technology to make the dental visit comfortable. Even numbing the teeth can be a non-issue when computerization has taken control. The key to truly pain free injections is The Wand®!
Dr Timmerman has a special pharmacy fabricate a gel that makes the initial injection pain free. The Wand® then takes over. The computer with the Wand® controls the rate of fluid introduced, so it is slower than the human hand can offer.
If the “freezing” of the teeth is done correctly, dental care is easy and almost pleasant. If you feel that your dental care is not as comfortable as you would like, call 206-241-5533!
Call Dr Timmerman today!
Tags: Best Treatment, cosmetic dentist, dental anxiety, dental care, dental implant, pain free injections, painless dental care, painless dental injections
Posted in General Dentistry | No Comments »
October 13th, 2009 admin
The New York Times has an article stating that there is an increase teeth grinding with the economy as it is. Much of what is said is not NEW, but a reminder of some of the variables that contribute to bruxism and TMJ issues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/fashion/08SKIN.html?_r=1&ref=health
By CAMILLE SWEENEY
Published: October 7, 2009
WITH economic pressures affecting millions of Americans, dentists may have noticed a drop in patients opting for a brighter smile, but they are seeing another phenomenon: a rise in the number of teeth grinders.
“I’m seeing a lot more people that are anxious, stressed out and very concerned about their financial futures and they’re taking it out on their teeth,” said Dr. Steven Butensky, a dentist with a specialty in prosthodontics (aesthetic, implant and reconstructive dentistry) in Manhattan.
One of his patients lost hundreds of thousands of dollars invested with Bernard L. Madoff. Another reported that he had lost a job with a seven-figure salary. A third, a single mother with a floral design business on Long Island, said she was working twice as hard for half as much.
“All three are grinders, directly affected by what’s going on out there,” Dr. Butensky said, gesturing outside his Midtown office window.
Dr. Robert Rawdin, another Manhattan dentist with a specialty in prosthodontics, said he had seen 20 to 25 percent more patients with teeth grinding symptoms in the last year. And in San Diego, Dr. Gerald McCracken said that over the last 18 months his number of cases had more than doubled. They, along with other dentists interviewed for this article, chalk it up to the economy.
“We’re finding in a lot of double-income families, we have the people who have lost jobs and are worried, and then we have the spouse, who still has the job, with the added pressure and uncertainty,” Dr. McCracken said. “This can cause some real grinding at night.”
With or without economic hardship, 10 to 15 percent of adult Americans moderately to severely grind their teeth, according to Dr. Matthew Messina, a dentist in Cleveland and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.
Because it is a subconscious muscle activity, most grinders grind without realizing it, until a symptom such as a fragmented tooth or facial soreness occurs.
While many experts believe that genetics may play a role in bruxism (or teeth grinding), stress has long been known to set off clenching and grinding in some people, Dr. Messina said. “Recession breeds stress and our body responds to stressful events so in times like these, the incidence of bruxism goes up,” he said, adding that over the last year or so he had heard from dentists around the country who had seen an uptick in patients with bruxism while also complaining about financial stress. In his own practice, he said he had treated twice as many cases in the last year than in the year before.
“Stress, whether it’s real or perceived, causes flight-or-fight hormones to release in the body,” he said. “Those released stress hormones mobilize energy, causing isometric activity, which is muscle movement, because that built-up energy has to be released in some way.”
The most expensive option for rebuilding teeth damaged by grinding is with veneers, but this year, dentists say that many of their bruxism patients are requesting one of the least costly treatments: a night guard, also known as an occlusal splint. Manufacturers said sales of these devices had gone up. “Our night guard sales have increased 15 percent over the prior year,” said Greg Pelissier, a manager at Glidewell Laboratories, a maker of custom restorative, reconstructive and cosmetic dental products based in Newport Beach, Calif.
Stan Goff, executive editor of Dental Products Report, a monthly publication, wrote in an e-mail message that all this teeth grinding “may be playing a role in the introduction of several new products designed to not only prevent bruxism, but to help fight against tooth sensitivity” and other conditions that are aggravated by grinding.
While experts believe bruxism is not a dental disorder per se, but rather originates in the central nervous system, the condition can greatly affect the teeth and the entire craniofacial structure.
“Normally, we exert about 20 to 30 pounds per square inch on our back molars when we chew,” Dr. Rawdin said. “But teeth grinders, especially at night without restraint, can exert up to as much as 200 pounds per square inch on their teeth.”
Some nocturnal grinders will grind up to 40 minutes of every hour of sleep. The relentless wear and tear can quickly erode enamel (10 times faster than that of nongrinders), fracture teeth, affect bite and damage the temporomandibular joint at the hinge of the jaw, and the masseter muscle, which controls the jaws. Jaw and face pain, as well as earaches and headaches, may also occur.
“I kind of thought I was going crazy,” said Adrienne Lee Kornstein, 48, a patient of Dr. Butensky, whose floral design business in Jericho, N.Y., has suffered because of the economy. “A tooth broke for what seemed like no reason, and by the time I got to Dr. Butensky, I’d been to my physician, other dentists, even a dermatologist to try to get relief from migraines and facial pain I was taking painkillers for. I had no idea I was grinding or that grinding your teeth could even lead to all that.”
The most common treatment for the disorder is to wear a night guard, which may not only alleviate grinding but, in some cases, train someone to stop grinding altogether.
Fitted in the dentist’s office, a custom guard is usually a clear, hard plastic device that runs over the top or lower teeth from front to back and prevents the top and bottom molars from making contact. Although not cheap (the price can range from $350 to $1,000), most dentists prefer a custom guard to over-the-counter guards, which are usually made of softer material and can encourage chewing and exacerbate masseter muscle activity.
There are also smaller prefabricated splints that a dentist can customize. These are generally cheaper than the fitted full arch guards and require fewer adjustments. But some dentists argue they are not as effective as the full arch guards.
Many teeth grinders interviewed said they would not go to bed without their night guards.
“Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and having my guard in makes me more aware if I’m tensing my body or gripping my jaw, and I can just take a moment to relax,” said Alisa Fastenberg, 50, a graphic designer in Manhattan.
Other treatments for teeth grinding include acupuncture, medical massage, hypnosis and Botox injections into the masseter muscle to relax the muscle enough to stop it from going into spasms without changing one’s chewing function.
“Grinding is like body building,” said Dr. Alexander Rivkin, a head and neck surgeon at Westside Aesthetics in Los Angeles, who has also seen an increase in grinding-related cases this past year. “The constant workout of the masseter muscle, the largest in the head, builds up that muscle and that can cause a lot of pain, not to mention make the face appear more square.”
He added, “For, I’d say, 85 percent of the people who come to me complaining about headaches, jaw soreness and pain, Botox injections into the masseter muscle on both sides of the face is the answer.”
But even something as simple as taking time before bed to de-stress has been known to help.
“Good sleep hygiene goes a long way to keeping the mind relaxed and the jaws from starting to smack together,” said Dr. McCracken, who has studied the relation of sleep to teeth grinding. “We know that the stress center of the brain is directly next to the part of the brain that controls teeth grinding. We’re not sure how it relates to the disorder, but it’s intriguing. Lately, I even tell my patients, before they go to bed, not to watch the news.”
Tags: bruxism, teeth grinding, TMJ, tooth grinding
Posted in TMJ | 3 Comments »
