Picture Perfect Smiles

Which Toothbrush Should You Choose?

When you were little, choosing a toothbrush was easy. You simply picked blue instead of green, or pink instead of yellow. Simple.  As you grew older, and had more freedom and responsibility, you had to face the daunting task of choosing between Smurfs and Snoopy. As a college student, you probably just looked at the price tag and chose the cheapest you could find.

But now, you have to make choices for yourself and your kids. There are more choices now than ever…choices that extend far beyond which cartoon character you want to see first thing in the morning. Let’s take a look at some things to consider when choosing a toothbrush.

Size

One of the first things you should consider is the size of your toothbrush. Just like Goldilocks, you should concentrate on finding one that fits just right. A child using an adult toothbrush won’t be able to control it, and thus his/her teeth won’t get clean. Also, the bigger head on an adult’s toothbrush won’t allow a child to reach all of the nooks and crannies in their mouth. Once you find the right size, just choose a brush with a handle that is comfortable and easy to hold, and you’re in business.

Price

Unless you’re shopping on some obscure eBay store or at a party favor outlet, it’s rare to find toothbrushes that aren’t approved by the ADA (American Dental Association). Chances are the toothbrush you’re considering meets the needs of cleaning your teeth and gums, so one of the most important things to look at might just be the price. Cheaper toothbrushes will get the job done, but may not be as comfortable. They also might not last as long. So take price into consideration only after you’ve found a style and brand that fits your needs.

Electric vs. Traditional

The biggest debate on toothbrush style might be between electric and traditional styles. There are pros and cons for each, but both will get the job done. Here are some things to consider.

While electric toothbrushes are more expensive, they do have some great benefits. They do a great job of reaching tiny crevasses that are a little more difficult to reach with a traditional brush. They also massage the gums gently and without applying too much pressure. Electric toothbrushes are also a great alternative for people with physical limitations that make using a traditional brush difficult. As a bonus, kids like the “technology” and may be more inclined to be excited to brush their teeth with a newfangled gadget.

Traditional brushes, on the other hand, are a tried and true way to achieve consistent oral health. They may not be flashy, but they are priced right, they are great for travel, and easy to replace if they fall into the toilet. Traditional brushes are also probably the best bet for those with sensitive teeth, as you can find extra soft bristles that aren’t always available in the electric variety.

The Bottom Line

The best toothbrush? The one that you will use! It’s more important to actually brush your teeth properly than to spend hours choosing the right brush. When it’s time for your next cleaning, we’d love to see your smiling face. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment. Who knows, maybe we’ll have a Snoopy toothbrush for you.

Dear Dr. Ladd,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU again for giving me my self esteem back and for going above and beyond.  You are THE BEST DENTIST EVER!
Val

Dear Dr. Williams,
Thank you for helping with my teeth.  You are the best Dentist I ever had.  You are the best.  You are so cool!
Matt

Thank you so much for making the visit go smooth, I was nervous at first but your staff made me feel very comfortable.
Dan

I will never go to anyone but Ladd again.  My entire family has gone to Ladd for the past several years.  He is extremely skilled and does amazingly breathtaking work.  He has drilled, filled, capped, whitened, crowned, etc. my teeth and made them perfect!  Other previous dentists would cause pain, and even when I chipped a front tooth during childhood, drilled my other REAL tooth to match it.  My last dentist kept having to redo his work every 6-18 months; costing hundreds-possibly thousands in inconvenient appointment fees.  Ladd on the other hand is always available on my schedule and if something needs to be tweaked (in my 3 instances where my chipped tooth broke off within 18+ months apart) its usually free.  Ladd has also helped my father a great deal.  Not ever having braces, his teeth had gaps and many broken poorly done crowns – and now his teeth are beautiful and flawless – now dad smiles all the time and you can see how much his self esteem has exploded!  Something that is just priceless to me!  His staff is also extremely friendly and they take time to get to know you and memorize your name and face, family, etc!  The new office beautiful with a fountain, tv’s for every patient, free water, home cooked goodies, massage chairs in the lounge – a total plus!!!!!
Stephanie

I can’t remember when I have ever felt that comfortable in a dentist’s office before.  His staff are the most delightful people I have ever met in any Dr’s office in my life.  Dr. Williams was great and never once made me feel like he was not interested in what I had to say.  He sat and listened to me and then gave me an examination.  I have to be honest.  I am looking forward to going back, even though I have some unpleasant work that needs to be done.
Raymond

This is my and my families’ General Dentist for restorative and preventative dentistry.  We have been going to Dr. Williams for about 10  years now.  He is a great doctor and is extremely knowledgeable.  He is very polite and pleasant as well as his staff.
Martha

Dear Dentist,
You and your staff are the best.  You did exactly what I needed done.  We went home and had a drink and tipped our glass to you.  Thanks a lot.
Lucylle

Ultrasonic Cleanings
Sounds like something from one of those sci-fi movies, right? Well, ultrasonic cleanings may be the wave of the future, but you can take advantage of them right now. Our hygienists are trained to use the latest equipment and methods to make your teeth as clean and healthy as they can be. But why ultrasonic cleanings? Can’t you do the same thing by handscaling?

I’m glad you asked. While there is nothing wrong with handscaling, take a look at some of the benefits you’ll receive when you have an ultrasonic cleaning:

A Deeper Cleaning
The ultrasonic scaler uses vibration and water to dislodge even the most stubborn calculus on the tooth. The vibration helps to dislodge particles that otherwise might take much longer to remove. The deep cleaning ensures that your teeth and gums remain healthy for many years to come.

Better Efficiency – Better Results
The water used in the ultrasonic scaler helps to flush away debris and any bleeding so that the hygienist can more clearly see affected areas. The technology allows for greater efficiency, and greater efficiency allows for better results. Plus, since the debris and blood don’t stay in the mouth so long, you don’t get such a bad taste in your mouth (literally and figuratively) after being in the chair.

Bye Bye Bacteria
The motion of the scaler, along with the consistent flow of water, helps to produce tiny bubbles that explode violently (on a microscopic level…no need to fear). These explosions tend to break down the cell walls of pesky bacteria that like to hang out in your mouth. So not only do your teeth get visibly cleaner, the invisible threats are addressed, too.
It’s time you stepped into the future. Come in for your next cleaning at Picture Perfect Smiles and see the difference ultrasonic cleaning can make. We can’t wait to see you!

So what exactly is TMJ? A Tribute to Michael Jackson? A Time Machine Jeep? The name of that sleazy gossip show/website?

TMJ might be the least understood dental disorder around. And while it has nothing to with TMZ (the real name of that sleazy gossip show/website), but they can both bring severe discomfort…

TMJ (or TMJD) actually stands for Temporomandibular joint disorder. It occurs when there is inflammation in the joint that connects the mandible to the skull. The result is often severe pain in the jaw and chronic headaches. Patients suffering from TMJ may also have difficulty chewing or biting, earaches, neck and shoulder pain, and even hearing loss.
But there is hope. Patients who experience TMJ can find relief with proper treatment.

Headaches can often be treated with Botox. This new treatment has been proven time and time again to eliminate headaches associated with TMJ.

TMJ is often caused by teeth that have become misaligned over time. Treatment for this scenario can include orthodontic treatment. The recent advances in Invisalign systems have opened the door to a wider range of treatment options.

Grinding of the teeth (especially at nighttime) can also lead to TMJ. Specially designed mouth guards can be used to correct the bad habit and eliminate the pain.

Another cause of TMJ is improper shape of teeth, bridges, or crowns. If misshapen teeth are not allowing the mouth to close properly, the jaw will eventually start to suffer. Treatment for this scenario includes tooth reshaping to allow for the proper closure of the mouth. It may also involve orthodontic treatment.

TMJ isn’t something you just have to “live with.” There are viable treatment options available that will end the pain once and for all. And while you may have to put up with commercials for those sleazy gossip shows, you don’t have to put up with jaw pain. Come see us today for a free consultation.

We get this question all the time: “What is better, Invisalign or traditional braces?” And if one is looking for a one or two word response, they’ll typically be disappointed. The short answer is “it depends.” But since you haven’t caught me in an elevator or at the concession stand of the ball game, I can give you the long answer here.
Let’s take a look at some of the major considerations, and in the end, you’ll get a better picture as to which method of orthodontics is the best choice for you.
Orthodontics is the general term we use for straightening teeth to a more ideal position to look better and function better (and be healthier). Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays to accomplish this movement, while traditional braces use metal wires to achieve the movement.
Braces have been around for years, and they do the job of straightening teeth very well. They are very predictable and can be adjusted regularly with little effort. Since they are “fixed” to the teeth, they are often the best choice in extreme or unusual circumstances.
Braces are also “easy” to wear – since they can’t be taken off, patients with traditional braces don’t have to exercise as much discipline as Invisalign patients. But since the braces are always on, children (and sometimes adults) often have difficulty keeping their teeth clean. It does take extra discipline to brush and floss regularly.
Invisalign is a quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional braces. While Invisalign doesn’t have the flexibility and heavy-duty moving power of braces, it can typically be used for all but the most serious straightening jobs.
Invisalign trays can be removed for eating, thus making cleaning and hygiene much easier. Patients may also use the orthodontic trays as a method to whiten teeth while they are being straightened. There are no brackets to cause irritation and the trays won’t be damaged while eating popcorn, candy, and other foods that damage traditional braces.
Invisalign treatment also provides a clear (pardon the pun) benefit in the cosmetic arena. The trays are barely noticeable and provide working professionals and others a discreet way to complete orthodontic treatment.
It is important to note that patients who do not regularly wear their Invisalign trays will not see results. For this reason, many school-age children find the “captivity” of traditional braces to be a more sure thing. Parents can decide whether their child will have the discipline to consistently wear their trays.
In the end, it is great to have options. No matter which method you choose, you will have a healthier, more beautiful smile. Get with your doctor to determine the best plan of action for you. Call Picture Perfect Smiles at 480-964-9020 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ladd Williams.

We’ve all been taught to take care of ourselves physically, and we know what to avoid: tobacco, aerosol spray cans, rush hour traffic, and any foods found at the State Fair. But that is only half the battle. Sometimes we focus so much on what not to do that we forget about the things we should be doing.

It’s these health “sins of omission” (things like failing to exercise regularly, cutting back on nighttime sleep, or forgetting to floss every day) that get us into the real trouble.

I know what you’re thinking…is forgetting to floss really on the same level as eating a bucket-full of unhealthy foods? Yes. No one disputes that poor eating habits can indeed shorten your life…but let’s set the record straight about oral health and its effect on our longevity.

Failing to brush, floss, and get regular dental check-ups and cleanings can (and almost always does) lead to gingivitis and more severe periodontal disease. Just by itself, periodontal disease is not good. It comes with a variety of symptoms including bleeding, bad breath, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. But those symptoms pale in comparison to the overall health concerns that accompany this gum disease.

The bacteria that infect the mouth as a result of periodontitis can often spread throughout the body at a rapid pace. The inflammation found in the gums can also trigger inflammation responses in other parts of the body, including the heart.

In fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (also called heart disease). In addition, recent studies have shown that periodontitis is linked to diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and even pre-term birth.

There is little doubt that the effects of periodontal disease extend well beyond “simply” losing some teeth. It does indeed shorten your life.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let gum disease get far enough to threaten your life span. Simple treatment, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can all but guarantee your oral (and overall) health. If you do have periodontal disease, medications and surgeries are available to stop or minimize the damage.

So put down the deep fried Twinkie, put on your running shoes, and go for a nice little jog. But before you go, take a few minutes to brush and floss. Your life may depend on it!

Cosmetic Dentist J. Ladd Williams – Mesa, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, Arizona

Dr. J. Ladd Williams is an experienced cosmetic dentist practicing in Mesa, Arizona who provides his patients from Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas with efficient, high-quality dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Using the most advanced dental technologies available, Dr. Williams performs a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry procedures to help his patients achieve optimal dental health and a beautiful smile. To help make every patient’s visit to our office comfortable and relaxing both in the waiting room and during treatment, Dr. Williams and his professional staff offer a wide spectrum of amenities. Dr. Williams also offers sedation dentistry to ease the fears of patients who associate dental care with anxiety and discomfort.

Dr. Williams and his staff believe in the importance of quality over quantity in dental care. This philosophy is expressed in two ways. First, Dr. Williams prefers to see fewer patients so that he is able to treat each person with the care and attention to detail an individual deserves. Second, as a responsible cosmetic dentist, he prefers to perform only those procedures truly required in each case, and to perform them correctly the first time. This translates into fewer complications and return visits for his patients. If dental work is done the right way initially, normal brushing and flossing should be sufficient to ensure continued health in the future.

Contact Dr. Williams

If you are seeking a cosmetic dentist in the Phoenix, Mesa, or Scottsdale, Arizona areas, Dr. J. Ladd Williams can provide the expert care you need. As an experienced general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Williams’ meticulous attention to detail in every phase of treatment sets him apart. Contact Dr. Williams today to experience the unique quality of care he and his staff provide.

Meet Doctor J. Ladd Williams, D.D.S., P.C.

Dr. Williams began practicing as a cosmetic dentist in 1994. Since that time, he has performed thousands of aesthetic dental restorations. Dr. Williams considers a cosmetic dentist’s work to be as much art as medicine, and his patients in Phoenix , Mesa, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities agree that Dr. Williams has an artist’s touch.

Dr. Williams graduated from the University of Washington Dental School in 1994 as valedictorian. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and numerous other professional organizations.

Learn more