Dr. Bernstein's Blog

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2010-04-21T12:43:00.001-07:00

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Ryan's all new smile

2010-04-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

Ryan came in wanting to conservatively improve his smile before his upcoming wedding. Ideal treatment would have been orthodontics but he decided to postpone ortho until after the wedding. By doing porcelain veneers on his 2 front teeth, Ryan got exactly what he was looking for. And judging from the note from his mom (below) she was very happy, too!

Dr. Bernstein thank you so much for Ryan's beautiful new teeth! He sent me pictures and they look great! You did a great job and we are so pleased! We would like to get the bottom ones done as soon as we can. His wedding photos should look great with those teeth! Ha! Thank you so much! Barbara Treece

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Thank you, Rachel, for your review on DoctorOogle!

2010-03-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

The following review was posted on www.DoctorOogle.com, a website dedicated to reviews of dentists. Rachel is an prominent Emergency Room Physician who had some frustrating problems with her bite and with wear on her teeth. Thank you, Rachel, for your glowing review!

I ended up at Dr. Bernstein's office after a colleague of his decided my case was beyond his own capabilities. Dr. B had been his instructor at the Las Vegas Institute.

By the time I arrived at Dr. B's office I had completed over 1 year of orthodontia plus about 6 months worth of procedures with the dentist who referred me to him. I'm in my forties and have had life-long problems with acid reflux and grinding that resulted in shrinking yellow teeth with no enamel and numerous fillings. My primary interest was preservation of my teeth, not cosmetic appearance. However, the yellowing and dark fillings did bother me some - I could not tolerate any whitening procedures because the lack of enamel on my teeth made these procedures extremely painful.

Dr. B has a great bedside manner. He explains everything thoroughly and wants to be certain that you understand and feel comfortable. I have never had a fear of dentists but, if I did, Dr. B would be my #1 choice. He is calm, warm, and reassuring. He provides medication which relaxes you, reduces pain, and makes you forget the time you spent in the chair.

While cosmetic appearance was not my primary goal, I am thrilled with the outcome. My teeth are beautiful!

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Thanks for your Yelp review, Cindy!

2010-03-18T09:58:00.001-07:00

The following review was posted on Yelp.com by one of our patients, Cindy, who recently had some cosmetic and restorative work done on 8 of her front teeth.

I was just complimented again yesterday on my teeth... something that never used to happen, and I decided to send over my review about the guy who has provided me with this enjoyable change.

Dr. Bernstein is the reason for my compliment and he truly is an amazing dentist. I went to him because I had a broken front tooth that needed a second root canal and my front teeth had been capped and I had some problems with enamel loss on surrounding teeth and some gum issues. I had had some very painful prior experiences working on these teeth and was not looking forward to it again.

I chose Dr. Benstein because I'd heard that he had great pain management options and did quality work. I had heard correctly. I met with he and his staff and went over all my options. He was great at letting me decide the extent of work I wanted done and I never felt he was suggesting extra work... I had another dentist view my mouth and his recommendation for work entailed a lot more time, money and what I thought would be pain... Dr. Bernstein came up with excellent solutions and I was in and out of his office in just a few visits with an incredible smile. The best part of it was the absence of pain... and wow! that was a new experience for me... and the level of comfort and care that he and his staff provided (the cozy blanket and soothing music along with the medication definitely works). He has a very caring and genuine personality that puts you at ease. It was a very easy process to go through.

They gave me some different payment plans and have been consistently following up with me and I am exceptionally pleased with my new smile.

My daughter unfortunately broke the same front tooth that I did and presently has on braces, however, once she is out of them... well it goes without saying that Dr. Bernstein will be my choice of dentist to replace her front tooth and finish off her smile. I highly recommend Dr. Bernstein as a professional that I think everyone would be pleased with.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Janet's all new smile

2010-03-09T14:05:00.001-08:00

Janet had veneers placed on her front teeth many years ago, along with a crown over a root canal on her right lateral incisor. She didn't like the position or the look of the crown and she felt like her veneers weren't white enough or shaped the way she wanted them. It was important to Janet that her teeth look very natural so that no one really noticed a major change in her appearance. In 2 visits, we replaced the crown and the veneers, giving her the all new, very natural smile she has been wanting.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Breathe Right Strips Make Dental App'ts More Comfortable for Mouth Breathers in our Piedmont offfice for patients in Piedmont, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Moraga, Dan

2010-03-04T11:58:00.001-08:00

Patients who have difficulty breathing through their nose are often very uncomfortable at the dentist. Because they are forced to breathe through their mouth, they have problems with gagging, choking, claustrophobia, impressions, cotton rolls, rubber dams, water spray, retraction etc. For many reasons beyond the scope of this post, it is important to be able to breathe through the nose, and an ENT referral is a good idea to help these patients. However, a simple solution at every dental visit for a mouth breather is Breathe Right Strips. Breathe Right Strips are like spring loaded Band Aids that are applied across the bridge of the nose. Once they are stuck on, they hold the nostrils open wider, allowing air to flow more freely through the nose. Professional athletes are often seen on the playing field wearing Breathe Right Strips to help them with maximum air exchange. Others with allergies, deviated septums, sinus problems or snorers use Breathe Right Strips every night for sleep. Try Breathe Right Strips for your next dental appointment if you are a mouth breather. You may even want to wear them every night for a better night's sleep.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

The Funny Side of Tracy Porter's Pure Power Mouthguard in San Francisco, Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton

2010-02-23T14:03:00.001-08:00

See what happens when Super Bowl Champion, Tracy Porter, lends out his Pure Power Mouthguard! If you want to improve your game the way Tracy Porter did, give us a call today!

http://espn.go.com/blog/sportscenter/post/_/id/32917/tracy-porters-mouthguard-will-improve-your-40-time-and-your-wpm

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions without CPAP in Piedmont, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, C

2010-02-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

As one of the few dentists in the San Francisco Bay Area that treats TMJ/TMD, I have learned something that is apparent in nearly every case. TMJ is a symptom of an underlying problem. That problem is almost always some form of airway obstruction. There are exceptions to every rule and the case of trauma is the exception here. But airway obstruction is a major underlying cause of TMJ problems. Airway obstruction affects oral development, and when the mouth doesn't form ideally, bite problems and TMJ are often the results. As I have come to recognize this, I have discovered an extraordinarily large number of patients who are at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea or who already have it. OSA is a serious condition that can be life threatening because patients stop breathing in their sleep. OSA patients are also at higher risk for heart attacks and stroke--and they have a 20% shorter average life span.

Until recently, the treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) have been:

1. UPPP surgery, where the back of the throat is treated to create more airway.

2. The Pillar Procedure, where tiny implants are used to support the soft palate to keep it from collapsing into the airway.

3. Jaw Advancement Surgery (MMA) where the upper and lower jaws are moved forward to create more room.

4. Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy to remove tonsils and adenoids to create more airway.

5. Sinus/nasal surgery to allow easier breathing through the nose.

6. C.P.A.P. machines to force air into the lungs during sleep. (Like life support.)

Some of these surgeries have high success rates. Some do not. And surgery always carries risk. Then again, so does OSA. CPAP machines are an effective non surgical option, but many patients don't like sleeping with a mask on, so they don't use their CPAP machine. So what is a nice non-surgical option that has a high success rate?

There is a dental appliance called the Somnodent, made by Somnomed that is very effective and is as easy to wear as a dental bite guard. Somnodent is a Mandibular Advancement Splint (M.A.S.). As you may have learned if you have taken C.P.R., one of the ways to open the airway is to jut the jaw forward. Somnodent opens the jaw slightly and brings the lower jaw forward, effectively opening the airway.

Somnodent is an excellent option for patients who snore or who have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is easy for the patient to have a Somnodent made here in our office. All it takes is simple dental impressions and bite records. For more information on Somnodent. Or just call our office.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

The Joy of Treating Older Patients in Piedmont, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton

2010-02-15T15:06:00.001-08:00

I love older dental patients. Now that I have a few clicks on my own odometer, I have a far greater appreciation for seniors than I did when I was a kid. In general, they are nice and polite. They have vast life experience, which they are only too happy to share with someone who is smart enough to listen. And they have a genuine appreciation for their teeth.

Today, I saw one of my senior dental patients, who I have been seeing for nearly 25 years. She has had quite a few health problems lately, including cancer and heart disease, not to mention a broken hip. I remember the jokes in dental school--and later--about similar patients who seemed to be in "God's waiting room." We were only supposed to "patch them up." (!) My patient today has some serious dental problems now as a result of her cancer treatment. She is a tough little thing and seems to be surviving against the odds.

Contrary to what some dentists might think, this patients does not want extractions and dentures. Nor does she want "patchwork" dentistry. The chemotherapy took it's toll and she has lost a few teeth. She may lose a few more. But she wants to save what she can and replace the missing ones with dental implants. In short, she wants the best. As we get older, and our recreation and entertainment options become more limited, eating what we like remains one of life's great pleasures. Being able to eat with your own teeth adds immeasurably to the enjoyment of our senior patients.

Lucky, the patient I saw today has the moral support of her family in taking care of her teeth.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Cosmetic Dentistry is Alive and Well in our Piedmont office serving Piedmont, Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Hayward, Walnut Creek, San Leandro, Moraga, Lafayette, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, San Ramon, Concord, Pleasant Hill, El Cerrito

2010-02-10T11:05:00.001-08:00

While many dentists are reporting that the economy is inhibiting patients from seeking out the Cosmetic Dentistry they want, we have noticed that the patients who really want to improve their smiles are doing it. From aging baby boomers to brides-to-be to job seekers, patients are getting the smile they've always wanted. "In this economy? What about affordability?" you might wonder. Even before The Great Recession, many of our patients chose to make low monthly payments for dentistry of all varieties, from crowns to fix broken teeth, to complete smile makeovers with porcelain veneers. Using Springstone and Care Credit, patients are able to get their dental care with no down payment and low monthly payments. Today, we consulted with 3 patients who are interested in getting porcelain veneers and all of them are looking into making affordable monthly payments. To get the smile you've always wanted or the regular dentistry you've been needing, call or click today. High quality dentistry is surprisingly affordable.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Tracy Porter's Super Bowl interception with a Pure Power Mouthguard! Neuromuscular Dentistry in Piedmont, Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Moraga

2010-02-08T13:39:00.001-08:00

Dr. Bernstein provides Makkar Pure Power Mouthguards and Neuromuscular Dentistry in Piedmont, Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Alameda, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville and throughout the entire Bay Area.

Tracy Porter's interception and touchdown were the highlight of the Super Bowl! His reaction was instantaneous, he had lightning speed, and that touchdown sealed the victory for the New Orleans Saints. Tracy Porter is an outstanding athlete along with every single player on the field. So what gave him--and the entire New Orleans Saints squad--an edge?

The New Orleans Saints wear the Makkar Pure Power Mouthguard. The PPM, as its known, is proven in a Rutgers University Study to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. The PPM places the jaw in an optimal physiological position neuromuscularly. Neuromuscular Dentistry has been used for decades to solve TMJ problems and improve the function of the jaw. Recently, it was discovered how this optimal position translated to improved performance in athletics of all varieties.

Are you interested in improving your game with a simple mouthpiece? Call us today at 510-601-7645 to see how you can benefit from the science of Neuromuscular Dentistry. And if you are suffering from jaw or bite problems, explore how Neuromuscular Dentistry can help you.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

"If I had known it was this easy, I would have done it years ago!"

2010-02-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

We provide sedation dentistry in our Piedmont office for patients in Piedmont, Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

I am constantly amazed at how wonderful sedation dentistry is. A great new patient of ours came in recently with a chipped wisdom tooth. It was clear that all of his wisdom teeth needed to come out. He had been putting off the inevitable because he was nervous about the procedure and the recovery.

He decided that if he was going to have his wisdom teeth out, he wanted to be sedated--which was a great decision. On the day of his visit, he took a sedative at home one hour before his appointment, then his wife drove him to our office.

When he arrived, he was still quite alert, so we gave him another sedative. I promised him that we wouldn't do anything until he was completely relaxed and comfortable. Before long, he looked very relaxed, so we began.

After numbing him thoroughly, his wisdom teeth came out uneventfully, and we kept him under observation until he was ready to go home. His wife stayed with him and took care of him the rest of the day and evening.

When I saw him the day after his extractions for a post-op visit, he was thrilled! He said the last thing he remembered was taking the sedative here in the office. He didn't remember a thing about the procedure! He said he only required Advil and Tylenol for mild discomfort--not real pain--and he didn't have any swelling.

The last thing he said to me was, "If I had known it would be this easy, I would have done it years ago!" Oh, he did say one other thing--that he was going to recommend us on Yelp!

If you are interested in Sedation Dentistry for any type of dentistry--from cleanings to smile makeovers, from fillings to crowns, from implants to root canals, and yes, for extractions, too, please click on one of our websites below. Or just call us at 510-601-7645.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Don't Extract Teeth for Orthodontics!

2010-01-31T17:23:00.001-08:00

Does Extracting Teeth for Orthodontics Cause TMJ and Sleep Apnea?

Our Piedmont practice treats orthodontic cases with Invisalign for patients in Piedmont, Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek and throughout entire San Francisco Bay Area.

Because my dental practice is one of the few offices in the San Francisco Bay Area that treats TMJ problems, I have a unique perspective on orthodontics. Many of the TMJ patients I see were not suffering until an orthodontist treated them. Why is this happening?

First of all, I have to say that orthodontists are very conscientious. They are doing exactly what they have been trained to do. They go to continuing education and they care a lot about their patients.

In my opinion, orthodontic research that hard-working orthodontists are following is not paying close enough attention to the importance of airway, tongue space, and some technical biting principles. Research also seems to be ignoring certain clinical realities.

In my practice, nearly every TMJ case I see has some form of airway obstruction problem—from mouth breathers to patients on CPAP machines for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Proper oral posture during development causes proper oral development. Ideal oral posture is when the lips are together and the tongue is resting gently just behind the upper two front teeth. When the tongue is at rest and the cheeks are at rest, the jaws grow normally.

If a patient cannot breathe through their nose due to allergies, sinus problems, enlarged adenoids etc., they breathe through their mouth, causing the tongue to posture forward and the cheeks to collapse inward. The tongue and cheeks provide their own orthodontic forces causing a narrow mouth, crowded teeth and a bad bite. This is a common cause of orthodontic problems.

However, the problem gets worse when the traditionally trained orthodontist sees the crowding and decides to extract 2 or 4 bicuspid teeth to "make room." This makes room for the teeth as the dental arch is constrained, but decreases room for the tongue, exacerbating the larger problem. With further crowding of the tongue, the problem repeats itself if the patient does not wear their retainers.

Because too much space between the teeth is often created by the extractions, the orthodontist frequently has to angle the teeth inward to close the gaps. When the teeth are angled inward they bite together at an off angle, not parallel to the long axis of the root of the tooth. This can be very painful to the muscles in the face as off-angled biting skews the jaw in micro movements in various directions. When the upper front teeth are angled backwards, the lower jaw becomes trapped too far back, leading to jaw muscle fatigue.

When the bicuspid teeth are extracted, all the front teeth are typically moved backwards, along with the jaws and this is what crowds the tongue. The airway is sandwiched between the tongue and the spine, so if the jaws are set too far back, the mid airway can become compromised to the point of blockage. This is a common cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

When the jaws are set back, when the tongue is crowded, when the teeth are angled improperly, TMJ problems develop. Most TMJ problems are muscular in nature—that is where it hurts. If you consciously pull your tongue backward toward your throat as you're reading this, you will feel your lower jaw move backward and the muscles near your jaw joint become tense. If a patient is in this state constantly, chronic muscle fatigue can develop and become quite painful in the form of headaches, facial pain and a number of other symptoms. Additionally, when the jaw is being pushed backward constantly if that is the way the teeth fit together, the ball aspect of the joint is too far back in the socket, allowing the disc to pop forward when it is supposed to act as a cushion between ball and socket. Without proper jaw joint function, the disc and the joint can wear out.

The general solution to this problem in my opinion is to expand the dental arch, rather than constrict it, whenever possible. Generally avoid extracting teeth for orthodontic purposes. Align the teeth so that they are upright and angled ideally, directing biting forces along the long axis of the root of the tooth. Make sure that patients can breathe through their noses and that all other possible obstructions to breathing are properly addressed by qualified professionals.

A significant obstacle to proper treatment is that orthodontic research says that you cannot expand the jaws or the palate after a certain age. The fact is that many dentists practicing orthodontics, who are aware of the problems described in this article, are successfully expanding jaws and palates with orthodontic appliances. Is the research wrong?

If you are looking for an orthodontic approach to avoid TMJ problems, to maintain or improve airway, and to retain healthy natural teeth, please call our office. Many of these cases can be treated in our office with Invisalign. For those cases that cannot, we can provide you a referral for orthodontic care consistent with our approach.

We treat orthodontic cases with Invisalign for patients in Piedmont, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek and cities throughout the Bay Area. For more information please call our office at 510-601-7645 or go to http://www.allnewsmiles.com/invisalign.html.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Are Dental Implants Easy for the Patient

2010-01-27T16:01:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, we delivered a dental implant case in which we replaced 3 missing back teeth for a great patient I've been treating for nearly 25 years. After he left, I was struck by how far dentistry has come in the 25 years I have been practicing. In 1985, dentists who did implants were ridiculed in much the same way cosmetic dentists were.

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is just as commonplace now as cosmetic dentistry. Placing the implants themselves is a minor surgical procedure that's about as easy on the patient as a simple tooth extraction. The implants replace the root of the tooth in the bone of the jaw. After the implants are in and healed, replacing the teeth themselves does not even require numbing. The new teeth are simply screwed into the implants.

Implant supported teeth do not get decay, they can be flossed like your own teeth, they are strong, and they feel most like your own teeth. If you have missing teeth, replacing them with dental implants may be worth looking into.

I have helped patients throughout the East Bay area with dental implants including patients from Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Emeryville, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga and San Francisco. If you are interested in dental implants and live anywhere in the San Francisco area, please call us today at 510-601-7645.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Invisalign for Teens

2010-01-25T15:36:00.001-08:00

Lately, several people have called, saying they heard that Invisalign does not work on teenagers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Teenagers are some of our best Invisalign patients.

Teenagers do not like metal braces for many reasons.

1. Braces are hard to clean.
2. Braces are embarrassing to wear.
3. Some teens are allergic to the metal in the braces.
4. Braces can be painful during sports.
5. Braces are generally uncomfortable.
etc.

Invisalign is cool which is why so many teens are doing it. Straight teeth without braces? Yes! Invisalign is fast, effective, invisable, comfortable, easy to clean, and hypoallergenic.

If you want your teenager to have straight teeth, but your teenager does not want braces, Invisalign might be just the treatment. Call or click today to schedule an appointment with us to see if Invisalign is the right treatment for your teen. Our office number is 510-601-7645 or click on http://www.allnewsmiles.com/invisalign.html.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Israelis Save Lives in Haiti

2010-01-20T07:57:00.001-08:00

While other countries, including the United States, are still gearing up to assemble their field hospitals in Haiti, Israel has had a MASH unit in full operation since just a few days after disaster struck. For a spot of good news out of Haiti, click on the following link to see how the Israeli MASH saved a young mother and her premature baby.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9591907

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Israelis Save Lives in Haiti

2010-01-20T07:56:00.001-08:00

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Straight Teeth for Teens and Adults Without Braces or Extractions

2010-01-18T10:42:00.001-08:00

Everyone wants straight, white, beautiful teeth, but who really wants braces?

Teens and adults, who are already self-conscious about their crooked teeth, usually don't want to add to their embarrassment with a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. And who really wants to have perfectly healthy teeth removed to solve crowding problems?

Invisalign enables us to design your new smile on the computer using CAD/CAM technology. Then, rather than using braces to straighten your teeth, Invisalign provides us with a series of invisible clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten your teeth--and correct your bite.

Here in our office, our orthodontic approach is to preserve perfectly healthy permanent teeth rather than remove them or shave them down to solve crowding problems. Expanding the teeth, rather than extracting them, helps to avoid

1. that collapsed face appearance,
2. snoring, sleep apnea and airway obstruction,
3. TMJ problems such as joint noise, headaches and sore jaw muscles.

Straight teeth in the same time or shorter time as traditional appliances (helpful with overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbite, and underbite). Clear aligners that are subtle and difficult to notice. Invisalign orthodontics has become very popular with so many patients, and nobody wants to have healthy teeth removed. This is why our approach to Invisalign is now a rapidly expanding service here in our office--for teens and adults alike.

Invisalign is not for everyone, but it may be right for you!
So if any teens or adults that you know would like straighter teeth without braces or extractions, please tell them to call our office today to schedule an appointment. Our office phone is 510-601-7645. Or click here.

How can I straighten my teeth without making it obvious to everyone around me? Ask us about Invisalign, an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses custom made clear plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth to their correct positions. Most people won't even notice you are wearing them!

Invisalign Advantages

* Much more comfortable than braces
* Much easier to clean your teeth during treatment
* No problems for people who are allergic to metals
* You can take them out whenever you need to-- to eat, to drink, for a big social occasion or whenever you need a break
* Custom made just for your teeth
* A beautiful smile
* A better, healthier bite

Josh Bernstein, DDS
Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy
http://www.allnewsmiles.com
http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com
http://www.comfortacademy.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1eTrwCfu5Y

Whitening/Bleaching a Tooth that's had a Root Canal in San Francisco, Piedmont, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, San Jose, Concord, Danville, Dublin, San Ramon, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro Kensington

2009-12-28T12:11:00.001-08:00

When a tooth has had a root canal, it often becomes darker than the teeth around it. This is especially a concern with front teeth that are not crowned or capped after the root canal.

In the past, an "internal bleach" or "walking bleach" procedure was done using 35% hydrogen peroxide with sodium perborate sealed in the tooth for about a week. The problem with this technique is that it doesn't work very well.

There is a new technique that works much better but not too many dentists know about it. First, we make a bleaching tray, exactly the same as the bleaching tray we would use to bleach all the teeth. Then we make an opening in the back of the tooth, just like the opening that was made to do the root canal. We place a tiny filling over the sealed root canal below the level of the gumline. We then leave the tooth access opened so that the bleach can bathe the tooth inside and out for a week as the patient uses home bleaching gel in the bleaching tray.

This technique whitens the root canal treated tooth very effectively. Once the tooth is as white as desired, a simple filling is placed back over the access opening.

If you have a front tooth that has become dark after a root canal, please call our office at 510-601-7645 to schedule a consult to see about whitening your tooth with this new technique.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

Implants Then and Now using Guided Implant Surgery in San Francisco, Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Emeryville, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Kensignton, Montclair, San Jose

2009-12-21T17:06:00.001-08:00

When a patient loses a tooth, there are 4 options:

1. Do nothing and simply live without the tooth.

2. Replace the tooth with a removable partial denture

3. Replace the tooth with a fixed bridge (as long as there are strong teeth on either side of the empty space)

4. Replace the tooth with an implant supported crown.

A dental implant replaces the root of the missing tooth and allows the dentist to attach a crown (or cap) to an area where there is a missing tooth. Implant supported crowns are widely regarded as a long lasting solution that is the most like your own tooth. You can floss it, you can chew whatever you want, it looks very realistic, and it won't ever decay.

In the past--and even in many practices today--a typical implant procedure goes like this. The gums are cut open and peeled back, exposing the jaw bone. The implant is then placed into the bone and the gums are sutured closed. After several months of healing, the gums are opened again, exposing the top of the implant so that the dentist can attach a crown, and more sutures are placed. The problem with this approach is it involves 2 surgical procedures instead of 1, there are sutures to remove after the procedures, and there is more post op discomfort than is really necessary--as you will soon discover.

With the advent of low-dose digital CT technology, the jaw bone can be accurately visualized on the computer in 3 dimensions, just as if you are holding the person's jaw bone in your hand. The CT is to proper scale for accurate measurements. The data from the CT is integrated into implant design software that allows the dentist to drag and drop--on the computer--the implant of choice into the exact location in the jaw bone that works. Vital structures, such as the trigeminal nerve and the maxillary sinus, can be accurately identified, located--and avoided--prior to surgery. With this information, a surgical guide can be made, that allows the surgeon to place the implant exactly as pre-determined in the design software. This is called Guided Implant Surgery.

An added advantage to Guided Implant Surgery is that only a small hole the width of the actual implant needs to be made to secure the implant into place. There is usually no need to make a large cut into the gums or to peel them back, or to suture them at all. (The exception is when bone grafting needs to be done.) Since there is so much less trauma to the patient during this procedure, there is much less post operative discomfort. The implant is placed in one easy--pre-planned--procedure.

To summarize the advantages of Guided Implant Surgery:

1. Less surgical trauma

2. Less painful procedure

3. More comfortable recovery

4. More accurate implant placement

5. More ideal placement of implant supported crown

6. Fewer procedures

7. Less time spent at the dentist or surgeon

8. Safer

If you are interested in replacing a tooth and you have thought about getting an implant, please call our office at 510-601-7645.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

"Up in the Air" starring George Clooney

2009-12-17T16:28:00.001-08:00

The television trailer for "Up in the Air" depicts this fine film as a comedy, but the writer clearly points out the emptiness of a life without human connection. There are a number of funny scenes to be sure, however, the stark reality of George Clooney's dispassionate character--a professional job terminator--leaves one shocked and saddened by the consequences of his work, and the lonely life he leads. Rather than showcasing a Hollywood ending, or a Hollywood life, the characters in this film are real people, living real life, with its joy, tragedy, disconnection and the ultimate pain of George Clooney's character's failure to have built a life with real human involvement. "Up in the Air" provides outstanding writing, acting and directing for those who appreciate quality cinema. Just don't expect to leave feeling uplifted.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

Migraine Headaches, TMJ, Grinding Teeth, Vertigo, Facial Pain,Chronic Jaw Muscle Tension, Bite Problems, Malocclusion in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Emeryville, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek

2009-12-17T11:06:00.001-08:00

Every year, countless dollars are spent on over-the-counter headache medications such as Advil, Tylenol, Alleve, and Excedrin, not to mention the prescription medications such as Imitrex and others. Tension headaches are from tension in the muscles of the head and neck. So what makes these muscles tense?

One common cause is an unbalanced bite. The muscles in the head and neck operate the jaw. Since the teeth dictate the jaw's posture, if the jaw posture puts chronic excess tension on the temporalis muscles on the side of the head, patients can get persistent headaches.

This is why dental "orthotics" frequently solve headache pain. Properly trained dentists can find ideal jaw position, then record that position and make an orthotic to allow the patient to rest in that position. There are many other dental treatments to solve headache pain since headache pain is so closely related to the teeth and jaws. Bite adjustments, orthodontics, new dental restorations, and sometimes jaw surgery can help.

To find out more about the technology used to find the ideal bite and ideal jaw position, go to http://www.myotronics.com. And please feel free to call our office at 510-601-7645 if headaches are a problem for you--and your doctor has ruled out anything serious.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

Headaches, TMJ, Grinding Teeth, Vertigo, Facial Pain,Chronic Jaw Muscle Tension, Bite Problems, Malocclusion in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Emeryville, Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek

2009-12-17T10:19:00.001-08:00

In nearly every case of TMJ I have seen, there is some form of airway obstruction. Either a narrow airway in the throat, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, sinus problems, deviated septum or small mouth with limited tongue space. Many researchers believe that airway obstruction in one form or another is the underlying cause of TMD/TMJ. Why?

If the airway is compromised, the patient naturally alters their oral posture to ensure proper air flow for survival, usually by mouth breathing with the tongue and jaw forward. Ideal resting oral posture is for the lips to be together and for the tongue to be resting gently just behind the upper two front teeth. When the tongue is forward and the mouth is open on an ongoing basis, the tongue pushes the teeth forward, and the cheeks collapse inward, narrowing the jaw. In effect, the tongue and cheeks act as orthodontic appliances, moving the teeth to a position far from ideal. With the teeth out of proper alignment, the bite can become unbalanced, placing unbalanced force on the biting muscles, causing headaches, jaw pain, and other symptoms of TMD/TMJ.

What causes airway obstruction? According to Weston Price, it is our modern society's foods which, to many people, are allergens. The most common food allergens are wheat, dairy and chocolate--the things we all love to eat! Compounding the problem, when young patients get crowded teeth from this syndrome of mouth breathing and forward tongue posture, the orthodontic solution is often to extract the first bicuspid teeth to make more room. From a strictly orthodontic standpoint, this works nicely as the teeth can be moved so that they don't look crowded anymore. And if the patient wears their retainers, the teeth will stay that way. But what about the airway?

The tongue becomes more crowded with fewer teeth in a properly formed dental arch. The tongue then moves forward between the teeth, which can cause an open bite at the skeletal level, putting severe pressure on the rear-most teeth. Alternatively, the tongue is restricted by the retained teeth to the back in the throat, which can cause sleep apnea, a condition where the patient stops breathing many times during a night's sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is often accompanied by snoring and is very common in modern civilization. OSA can cause death and is closely associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and an average 20% decrease in lifespan. Many OSA experts believe that Tim Russert of "Meet the Press" and Billy Mays, TV pitchman, died because they had OSA. Not surprisingly, OSA patients commonly grind their teeth and have an un-ideal bite.

So what can be done for prevention and treatment of TMD/TMJ? Aside from raising your children in the Australian Outback where Weston Price found no patients with this problem, there are some solutions. Awareness of the nature of the problem is most important. Everyone should be able to breath freely through their nose. If that is not happening, look into the problem as early as possible with an ENT Physician.

If you are considering orthodontics for crowding, in my opinion, I would request the orthodontist to expand the jaws, rather than remove teeth, decreasing the intraoral volume for the tongue. Many orthodontists will say that this is not possible after a certain age, but it is being done by those orthodontists and dentists that know how to do it. Once a patient is in a TMD/TMJ syndrome, orthodontics is often an option but it becomes even more important to follow principles that support an increase in airway. Sometimes, orthodontists work in concert with oral surgeons to solve these problems permanently.

While these solutions may sound drastic, TMD/TMJ treatment is often as simple as making a small adjustment to a new filling or making an orthotic/nightguard that places the jaw into a relaxed position for the jaw muscles. If the teeth are severely worn or damaged, dental work can be made to allow the jaw to relax in the physiologically most restful posture for the muscles.

Most importantly, seek the services of an experienced professional to guide you in prevention and treatment of TMD/TMJ. If we can help, please call our office at 510-601-7645.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

Somnomed/Somnodent Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea for those that can't tolerate CPAP in San Francisco, Oakland, Piedmont, Emeryville, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek

2009-12-16T17:17:00.001-08:00

Snoring is common but not normal. Snoring is often associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition where the patient stops breathing many times during a typical night of sleep. Many sleep apnea patients do not snore and are known as "silent" apnea patients. Here in our Piedmont office, we see a lot of patients with severely worn teeth from night time grinding. Sleep apnea patients are more likely to grind their teeth. Sleep Apnea is dangerous for the obvious reason that you must breathe to live. What is less well known is that people who have untreated sleep apnea have a 20% shorter life span on average than those who breathe normally during sleep. OSA patients typically have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). Until recently, the only effective treatment for sleep apnea was to wear a CPAP machine that is essentially night time life support. A CPAP forces air into the lungs through a mask worn on the nose or mouth. In the recent past, dental technology came up with so-called "snore guards," dental appliances that positioned the jaw to decrease or eliminate snoring. With research, innovative clinicians improved these "snore guards" to open the airway for sleep apnea patients. One of the best sleep apnea appliances is the Somnodent, made by Somnomed. If you (or you partner) are suffering from snoring or sleep apnea, or if you cannot tolerate your CPAP machine, there is help for you. Ask about a custom made Somnodent appliance here at our Piedmont office.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org

Sedation Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco, Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Alameda, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Moraga, Kensington

2009-12-12T16:16:00.001-08:00

Patients always appreciate a comfortable, painless, experience at the dentist. Whether you need emergency procedures, such as composite white fillings, crowns, root canals or extractions, to relieve toothache pain; or if you want elective cosmetic dentistry such as a smile makeover, porcelain veneers, Emax crowns, Empress Veneers, Da Vinci veneers, or Lumineers. Or even if you've been putting off general dentistry such as x rays, cleanings, tooth replacements, bridge work, partial dentures or dentures. Sedation dentistry may be right for you. Sedation at Dr. Bernstein's office in Piedmont ranges from very light sedation with nitrous oxide, laughing gas, Ativan or Valium, to moderate sedation with triazolam and hydroxyzine. We can even use our dentist anesthesiologist to provide I.V. sedation for you. Some patients can have even extensive procedures without sedation, while others need strong sedatives for a dental cleaning. No matter what your needs, we want your visit to be completely comfortable and painless. Call us today to arrange a consultation to find out how we can help you enjoy all the benefits of good dental health and beautiful teeth, without suffering needlessly as you may have in the past. Dr. Bernstein is licensed and experienced in sedation. Your comfort and safety are our highest priorities.

Josh Bernstein, DDS

Founder and President, Dental Comfort Academy

http://www.allnewsmiles.com

http://www.sanfranciscosedationdentist.com

http://www.comfortacademy.org