Kalamazoo, MI — According to a recent study from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 99.7 percent of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset. However, similar studies from the AACD report that over half of Americans are unhappy with their smile, a statistic Kalamazoo dentist Dr. Brett Magnuson says has contributed to an increasing number of aesthetic dental procedures requested at his practice. Dr. Magnuson says patients are now turning to advanced cosmetic dentistry techniques like porcelain veneers to help them achieve conservative smile makeovers that enhance the appearance of their teeth without sacrificing natural structure and strength.

Focused mainly on prosthetic reconstruction and cosmetic dentistry in Michigan, Dr. Magnuson’s practice offers a wide variety of treatments ranging from teeth whitening to dental implants. Likely a result of the economic downturn, he says he has seen a growing demand for procedures that provide noticeable, effective results without the large price tag typically associated with cosmetic dentistry. Thanks to an innovative approach to performing porcelain veneers and other cosmetic bonding treatments, Dr. Magnuson says he has been able to produce a beautiful outcome that is both affordable and long-lasting.

“The advantage of the conservative approach is that it is minimally invasive thereby preserving more of the natural tooth,” says Dr. Magnuson. “By preserving enamel and as much of the natural tooth as possible, we can achieve a natural-looking result that will provide stronger structure and last longer.”

Dr. Magnuson says he uses several different types of dental veneers with varying thicknesses to help create a customized fit restoring function and a perfect smile for each patient. He says “no-prep” veneers are often used when the teeth are in good condition but the patient needs straightening or covering of imperfections and discolored teeth. “Minimal-prep” veneers are designed to help correct chipped or worn-away teeth by smoothing out the surface and providing a clean surface on which to bond the veneer. Dr. Magnuson says although these techniques can address a number of patient concerns, sometimes a more involved cosmetic procedure may be needed in the event of highly rotated teeth. However, he says the goal is to implement the most conservative techniques possible in order to achieve the desired results.

“Either approach can be used to achieve beautiful looking teeth and restorations,” he says. “With a traditional, invasive approach, the patient can end up with teeth that are no longer strong enough for a lifetime of function, whereas with a conservative approach, they can end up with stronger, longer-lasting results and less complications.”

Regardless of which method patients determine is the right fit for their needs, Dr. Magnuson says anyone considering cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers or dental implants should be sure to consult with an experienced and qualified dentist. He recommends conducting extensive research into a practice and looking at before and after pictures of actual patients to see if the results are actually indistinguishable from natural teeth before undergoing any treatment so as to ensure the safest, most effective outcome.

About Brett Magnuson, DMD

Dr. Brett Magnuson is a graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and has dedicated numerous hours to his continued education. He is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, as well as an Accreditation Examiner for the AACD and a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Magnuson has been selected as one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer’s Research Council, and regularly volunteers his time and services to help local and international charity organizations.

Located at 2901 S Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo, MI, Magnuson Dental Design can be reached at (269) 290-7275. It can also be contacted online via the website michiganbeautifulsmiles.com or facebook.com/MagnusonDentalDesign.

Dr. Magnuson was recently quoted in an article regarding fluoride in drinking water. Just click on the image below to download the pdf and read the entire article.

Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Contributes to AACD Conference and Give Back a Smile Program

Kalamazoo, MI — The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is hosting its 28th Annual Scientific Session from May 2-5, 2012 at the Gaylord National in Washington, DC. In anticipation of the upcoming event, Dr. Brett Magnuson, a cosmetic dentist in Kalamazoo, has announced he will be lecturing at the conference and says he is looking forward to further engagement with the dental community. The annual meeting will feature a diverse itinerary of lectures, course workshops, live demonstrations, and educational activities to help attendees hone their skills and stay up-to-date in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Magnuson will be delivering a lecture on “Digital Photography for Dentists” as well as teaching two half-day “Hands-on Workshops” at the event. Dr. Magnuson, who also volunteers regularly in the AACD-sponsored Give Back a Smile program for helping restore the smiles of domestic violence survivors, says his commitments to the AACD are both rewarding and essential for his pursuit of the highest quality care for his patients.

At his Kalamazoo cosmetic dentistry practice, Dr. Magnuson focuses on a wide variety of procedures ranging from teeth whitening to dental implant restorations. Through opportunities like the AACD annual meeting and the Give Back a Smile program, he says his practice is able to not only stay on top of the latest advancements in techniques and technology, but also play an active role in bettering the community. Whether it be teaching a course on a cosmetic procedure like porcelain veneers or giving back to the community through restorative treatments such as dental implants, Dr. Magnuson says he is honored to be a part of the AACD’s efforts and hopes to continue to interact with the educational opportunities and the outreach efforts.

Launched in 1999, the Give Back a Smile foundation is designed to offer cosmetic restorations to the victims of domestic violence at no charge. Volunteer AACD dentists perform procedures such as porcelain veneers to help survivors re-establish normalcy and healing to their lives and their appearance. Dr. Magnuson says his practice’s ability to participate in the treatment of patients such as these is an experience he is most humbled and thankful to be a part of:

“Through the Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, AACD members assist survivors by treating their dental injuries that were sustained from domestic violence, so that they may reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem, and, ultimately, their lives. Because more than 5 million people are affected by domestic violence every year in the United States and Canada, there is clearly a need for a program like GBAS to help survivors rejuvenate their lives through the caring hands of a local dentist.”

Regardless of their motives for coming to his practice, Dr. Magnuson says his goal is to treat each patient with the utmost respect and personalized treatment. He says involvement in the AACD and their subsidiary programs has equipped him with a multitude of tools for enhancing his patient care and helping patients feel confident in the appearance of their smile.

About Brett Magnuson, DMD

Dr. Brett Magnuson earned his dental degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for which he has also served as an Accreditation Examiner. Dr. Magnuson is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry and has been named one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer’s Research Council. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International College of Implantologists, the Chicago Dental Society, and several other professional organizations. In addition to the Give Back a Smile program, Dr. Magnuson also volunteers with the AACD Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, helping those affected by hurricanes, tsunamis, and wildfires.

Located at 2901 S Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo, MI, Magnuson Dental Design can be reached at (269) 290-7275. It can also be contacted online via the website michiganbeautifulsmiles.com or the Magnuson Dental Design Facebook page.

Contact:
Rosemont Media
Stephen Lintner
stephen@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

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Magnuson Dental Design is honored in helping share in the mission to Kenya by donating tooth brushes, tooth paste and floss.  Dental hygiene will be taught to students of Kenya.  Thank you Kalamazoo Christian School for initiating this missions.

Accreditation from AACD Essential According to Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist

According to the most recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the number of male patients undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure increased to 40% of the total patients in 2011 and the number of patients age 20 and under has grown by 12% since 2007. Michigan cosmetic dentist Dr. Brett Magnuson says with the popularity of cosmetic dentistry shifting to a younger, more balanced demographic, patients need to be aware of the importance of choosing a dentist with extensive experience, noteworthy credentials, and accreditation from the AACD.

At his center for cosmetic dentistry in Kalamazoo, MI, Dr. Brett Magnuson says he is seeing a growing popularity in cosmetic dental enhancements amongst younger patients. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) confirms his observations, reporting in its latest study that the number of patients age 20 and below has increased by 12% since 2007. The study also shows that males are undergoing more aesthetic procedures, with men rising to 40% of the total number of patients in 2011. Dr. Magnuson says as the younger population continues to seek cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers in Michigan, consulting with an accredited member of the AACD is essential for receiving the best results. He says the popularity of cosmetic procedures amongst a younger generation necessitates continued dedication to the advancement of dental techniques and technology, whether it be in cosmetic dentistry or a related field such as sedation dentistry in Michigan.

Dr. Magnuson says the accreditation process provides a thorough and calculable system for assessing the qualifications of dentists based on a written examination, clinical case submission, and an oral examination. As an AACD examiner, he administers oral examinations to dentists seeking accreditation from the AACD, evaluating case selection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. “The individuals involved are those seasoned examiners that have been involved with the clinical submissions. Typically this involves 6 examiners.”

Whether patients are seeking porcelain veneers or teeth whitening, Dr. Magnuson says all patients will benefit from systems of qualification and evaluation such as the AACD accreditation. He says patients should be sure to research a practice thoroughly before undergoing any procedure. Dr. Magnuson also adds that he is thankful for the opportunity to promote cosmetic dentistry and quality patient care through his participation as an AACD examiner. “It is a way of taking my years of experience and giving back to the academy as well as the profession.”

About The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Oral Examination

According to the AACD, there are two reasons for the oral examination on the way to accreditation with the organization. First, the oral exam allows the dentist to defend and verify past casework. Second, the exam provides the potential AACD member with the chance to demonstrate their treatment planning abilities. AACD oral examiners scrutinize each case and rely on their experience and expertise to ensure the new members of the organization continue to meet the highest cosmetic dentistry standards.

Dr. Magnuson will participate in the next round of oral examinations, scheduled to take place Friday, January 20, and Saturday, January 21, 2012.

About Brett Magnuson, DMD

Dr. Brett Magnuson received his dental education from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is one of only ten dentists in the state of Michigan and 302 dentists worldwide to have received accreditation from the AACD. Dr. Magnuson is an accredited member and Accreditation Examiner for the AACD, as well as a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Implantologists, the Michigan Dental Association, and several other professional organizations. He has been named one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer’s Research Council. Dr. Magnuson also contributes to the Give Back a Smile Foundation for victims of domestic violence and also the AACD Foundation Disaster Relief Fund to aid those affected by the hurricanes of 2005, the tsunami of 2004, and the California wildfires in 2007.

Located at 2901 S Westnedge Ave in Kalamazoo, MI, Dr. Magnuson’s practice can be reached at (269) 290-7275. It can also be contacted online via the website michiganbeautifulsmiles.com or facebook.com/MagnusonDentalDesign.

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My son or daughter knocked out a tooth, what should I do now?

Knocking out a tooth from an accident can be scary and traumatic for both the individual as well as the parent. Time is of the essence and it is important to take immediate action at the scene of the accident. Here is a description of what you can do to help preserve the tooth.

First, find the tooth, then verify that the tooth is permanent. Primary (baby) teeth should not be replanted. Hold the tooth by the crown (The part of the tooth that you normally see) and AVOID touching the root. If the root is dirty, gently rinse with cold water, saline or milk for 10 seconds. Do NOT rub or scrub the tooth. For the best immediate treatment, have the individual or parent reposition the tooth into the socket. If you are unable to put the tooth back in or reposition the tooth, carry the tooth in your mouth, just inside your cheek. Other solutions for transport to our office include storing the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. AVOID storing in water or letting the tooth dry out. Call our office immediately and get here as quickly (and safely) as possible.

Dr. Magnuson will be attending Continuing Educational classes at both the American Equilibration Society (AES) and the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) in February from the 23-26, 2011. This is a time of educational growth with members of CDS, AES and AACD.

Dr. Magnuson recently took part in an article featured in S.W. Michigan Wellness Directory. The piece examines the connection between oral cancer and the human papilloma virus. Dr. Magnuson lends his expertise and a dental perspective to this important topic. He also discusses the use of dental technology to detect oral cancer as early as possible.

Please click here to read the full story.