A New Year, A New You!

2015 means a new year and a new you!

 

This year, don't let your New Years Resolutions slip!

 

Whether it's straightening your teeth or whitening your teeth, Glacier Dental does it all.

 

In addition, most dental insurances renew in January,

meaning more for you to spend.

 

There are several openings throughout the month of January to have your routine continuing care appointment or any treatment you may need.

 

Don't put it off any longer...This year's the year, you start thinking about yourself and your overall oral health.

 

920-235-3251

Schedule your check-up before the Holidays!

Glacier Dental has different office hours throughout the holiday weeks

 

Our Holiday Office Hours are:

 

December 23: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

December 24-26: Closed

December 27: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

 

New Year's Eve, December 31: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

New Years Day, January 1: Closed

 

There are still some open times available for continued care appointments as well as time to have treatment done with one of the Doctors. Call today to schedule your last appointment for the year, and use up the rest of your insurance!

 

920-235-3251

 

Happy Holidays!

Glacier Dental --The "One stop shop" voted Best in Winnebago County!

Often times, patients consider a "general dentist" as one who only cleans teeth, completes routine exams and possibly does a filling here and there.

At Glacier Dental, we are the "one stop shop". During your routine exam, Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter will thoroughly check your mouth for any cavities or cracks, examine your gums and in addition, the Doctor will also perform an oral cancer screening.

If treatment is needed, the cost and payment options are easily set up for you, and gone over thoroughly. If you have any questions or concerns, our treatment coordinators are happy to help.

At our state-of-the-art facility, the Doctors have the ability to do procedures such as: crowns in one day, implants, clear correct, wisdom teeth extractions, fillings and laser gum surgery. You no longer have to go to different specialty Dentists just to have one specific procedure done, we have all the high-tech equipment right here in office. Now you can stay with the same friendly faces throughout your entire dental experience.

Not only is Glacier Dental your "one stop shop" we are also very family friendly. Dr. Steckbauer graduated with a child's psychology minor and has three young children of his own. Dr. Carpenter also enjoys working with children. Both Doctors have plenty of experience with infants through teenage years, as well as adults. We look forward to helping you and your family with all of your dental needs. Call today to schedule your routine dental visit: 920-235-3251.

Want a "Silent Nite" this holiday season? Eliminate snoring!

 

If you snore, or sleep near someone who snores loudly, you know it can keep you up all night, causing a poor night's sleep. New research has shown a "Silent Nite" IS possible!

Now there is a dentist-prescribed solution to help reduce or even eliminate snoring throughout the night. In office, Glacier Dental will start the process to make you a custom Silent Nite sleeping appliance. Once the impressions are taken, it is shipped to a lab and takes roughly 5 days to have it returned and in the patients hands!

The new Silent Nite device is flexible and very comfortable to wear throughout the night. Not only is it thin and comfy, it is affordable as well. The appliance is $299 and provides a lifetime of snore-less sleep!

One of Glacier Dental's patients inquired about Silent Nites when she heard her sister tried it, and found it eliminated the snoring completely. Our patient now has a custom appliance created by one of our very own assistants. Call today for your Silent Nite consult! 920-235-3251

Fluoride? Why would an adult need fluoride??

More often than not, dental offices do not offer adults fluoride varnish treatments at their continuing care appointments because insurance companies typically only cover fluoride for children. However, adults truly do benefit from fluoride treatment,  sometimes more than children.

At Glacier Dental, the hygienists offer a topical fluoride varnish to all patients. The benefits of having the fluoride placed on your teeth include: strengthening the tooth from the outside in and reducing tooth sensitivity. It also adheres directly to the tooth and is not swallowed, in return not harming your body internally.

Similar to your skin, your teeth have pores all over them. After your routine cleaning, the fluoride would be placed on your teeth with a little brush, similar to a paintbrush. Your teeth absorb the fluoride through the pores and in return your teeth become stronger from the outside in. The fluoride itself feels like a coating on the outside of your teeth, once placed it is advised you don't eat anything crunchy or drink anything too hot for four hours, as it will scrape/melt the fluoride off your teeth.

Although it is recommended to have fluoride varnish placed at your six month cleanings, it is most effective for the first 90 days. If you're prone to getting cavities fluoride is a great option to help fight back. Recent studies have actually shown teeth that have very small cavities starting can actually be reversed with the repeated application of fluoride at your appointments. Glacier Dental also offers a take home tooth-paste with extra fluoride in it called Prevident. It is used just like normal tooth paste and helps gap the bridge between the end of the 90-day effectiveness and your upcoming cleaning appointment.

If you have any other questions regarding fluoride, be sure to ask your hygienist at your next continuing care appointment!

Glacier Dental in the Community!

Did you see us?

 

Last Thursday Glacier Dental took part in the Oshkosh Holiday parade! As an office, we strongly believe in a well-rounded and blooming community. We are very thankful for all the local business who help make Oshkosh a wonderful place to be in.

 

In addition to the Holiday Parade, Glacier Dental is also helping a local food pantry this month and we're doing a toy drive next month. This month, we are collecting any and all non-perishable food items to and then we will spend some time at the food pantry to help stock the shelves. Next month we will be donating the toys to children in need.

We love giving back to the area, when we can and where we can.

 

If you know of anywhere in the community that is searching for volunteers, give Glacier Dental a call or email scheduling@glacierdental.com and we'd love to see what we can do to help out.

 

We also just want to say thank you to all the small businesses in town! Within the next few weeks make sure you check your mailboxes for a thank you letter with a special offer just for you and your team!

Glacier Dental donates to local food pantry!

To help out the Oshkosh community,

Glacier Dental is collecting non-perishable food items

to donate to a local food pantry!

 

We are asking any patients who

have upcoming appointments

to bring any items they'd like to donate,

and in return we have an extra

special gift for the patient!

 

Anyone in the community is

 welcome to drop off

canned goods. The pantry is

looking for canned soups,

canned peas and canned

meats, such as tuna.

 

At the end of November, Glacier Dental team members will

head out to the food pantry and help stock the shelves!

We truly appreciate everyone's donations to

help the less fortunate

have very fortunate holidays!!

 



Inexpensive Cold Sore Treatment at Glacier Dental!

If you've ever had a cold sore, you know how painful and annoying they can be. A cold sore similar to a group of small blisters. When they first form they are reddish yellow and when they break open a clear liquid is present. This clear liquid can be contagious, so it's important to treat a cold sore as soon as it is detected. Without treatment a cold sore will scab over and take several weeks to heal.

The cold sore virus usually stays in the person's body forever. Often times they appear at times of stress, sickness, or even being in the sun too long.

An over the counter remedy to cold sores is viroxyn. This is a liquid medication that is dabbed directly on the cold sore to help reduce pain in about three days. It also helps reduce the risk of spreading the cold sore.

The best option to help treat a cold sore, is by coming to Glacier Dental and allowing Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter to use the Periolase on the infected area to kill the virus. The Periolase helps prevent the eruption of cold sores, make them less painful, and make them heal faster. It is a very quick procedure and only costs $10 per treatment. As an added bonus, it does not require numbing or injections of any sort.

In addition to treating an existing cold sore, if one is found before it starts to turn color and become a noticeable blemish, the Periolase can help treat it and prevent it from forming at all. So if you have a reoccurring cold sores, stop by Glacier Dental for your Periolase treatment today!

920-235-3251

How veneers can change your smile!

Did you know, many celebrities have veneers to help hide any discoloration in their teeth, change the shape of their teeth and cosmetically change their smile? 

Veneers are made of a thin, porcelain,  tooth-colored material and is bonded to the front of each tooth. They're a great alternative to crowns to hide tooth discoloration from tetracycline (staining of teeth from different prescriptions) or even fluorosis (fluorosis is common when there is a lot of fluoride in your drinking water. Your teeth become very white in some spots and very stained yellow in others).


Veneers are known to have longevity and are very comfortable. Many patients can't even tell they have them after the process is complete. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, "this procedure can greatly enhance your smile and can heighten self-esteem." They act as your natural teeth and should be treated as natural teeth when it comes to brushing and flossing. Although staining on veneers is greatly reduced, it is still highly recommended to brush after having red wine, tea, soda, coffee or marinara sauce.

The veneer process takes about three appointments to complete. The first step is an initial consult to see if the patient is a good candidate to have veneers put on. If the patient is, the process begins with impressions of the teeth that the veneers will be placed on. At Glacier Dental, we send these impressions off to a lab to have them make some models. When the models are returned to us, the patient is brought back in the office for preparation of the permanent veneers.

The second appointment is a little longer that the first because the teeth need to be lightly buffed
and the temporary veneers need to be created and placed. At this time, more molds and paperwork is sent off to the lab for the final steps of the process. Once the permanent veneers return from the lab, the patient is called back in for the final stage and the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth. The above picture is a great close-up example of how amazingly veneers transform a smile.

One of the assistants at Glacier Dental, Liz, had veneers placed for her wedding about seven years ago and loves them. She said she tried several whitening options with no luck, and veneers were the best solution for her. Dr. Steckbauer did all of Liz's cosmetic work for her in office and the results are fantastic. Call today to schedule your veneer consult at 920-235-3251!

Insurance: Use it before you lose it!

We all know insurance can be confusing, but Glacier Dental is here to help. Typically insurance companies set a maximum dollar amount per year that each person on the plan is allowed to use. It's usually around $1,000. If you don't use it in that year, you lose it. The next year your maximum starts back over.

For example, if you only used $400 of your $1,000 max, you still have $600 to use towards any treatment. Once the end of the year hits, you lose that $600, and your maximum starts over at $1,000.

It's highly recommended patients use this insurance to take full advantage of their insurance plans. It's also better to have your treatment done sooner rather than later. It's never going to hurt less or cost less than it does today!

Keep Glacier Dental in mind when you have a toothache, especially when the end of the year is nearing! We'd love to do a complimentary benefits check to see what is still available for you, and help you with any restorative work your teeth may need! Give us a call to make sure you take full advantage of your benefits today! 920-235-3251

How to get your children to take excellent care of their teeth!

Routine hygiene appointments are important for your preventative care, but when should you bring your child to their first dental visit? According to American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry  it is "recommend that you take your child to the dentist within six months after his first tooth erupts, or by his first birthday, whichever comes first."

Glacier Dental is willing to bet it's difficult to get your child to brush his or her teeth twice a day and floss at least once. In order to have your child's first dental visit to go smoothly, dental care at home is a must. To help get your children more engaged and excited to clean their teeth at home, here are a few tips.

You know when you buy a new pair of running shoes and you just can't wait to get to the gym to try them out? Buy your child(ren) a new toothbrush or toothpaste. This will make them want to brush their teeth.

Other ways to help make brushing twice a day more exciting include changing up the brushing routine. Challenge him or her to brush with his or her left hand or have them try flossing before brushing their teeth. You could also try setting  a goal. If your daughter brushes her teeth well for 10 days, maybe she can have an extra dessert one night after dinner. These new ideas may help your children become more excited about daily flossing and brushing.

Another issue that may arise is your child's first dental visit. It can be scary having a stranger peek inside your mouth for the first time. A great way to help your child overcome this fear is by bringing them to your dental visits. While at the dentist, you can help explain what is going on and even have them sit on your lap throughout your cleaning appointment. Getting your child in the chair and introducing them to Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter prior to their first visit on their own is a great way to help ease that first visit.

In addition to that, Glacier Dental has TVs in the continuing care rooms. The hygienist can easily flip to a cartoon for your child to watch at the initial check-up. Depending on how well your child does at this visit, Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter will do a full mouth exam and look at each tooth. If there is any decay or cavities the Doctor will inform you and let you know what the next best step to take would be. It is crucial to have any cavities filled or teeth pulled, even on baby teeth, because if there is any is deep decay or infection, it well effect the permanent adult tooth.

To avoid cavities and tooth extractions at young ages, make sure you keep your children excited about brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. This will help ensure your child only has to visit two times a year for cleanings versu
s more visits for treatment.  Call today to schedule your child's first visit at 920-235-3251.

Glacier Dental-Home of Dental Implants!

Everyone knows, if you lose an adult tooth, more likely than not you will never have another tooth grow there again. But what options do you have if you do lose an adult tooth, besides have a gaping hole in your smile and be forced to chew food with the other side of your mouth?
 
Dr. Steckbauer has been practicing in the dental field for over 13 years and has had advanced training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. So to Dr. Steckbauer, a missing tooth? No problem.
 
A great option to replace a tooth is a dental implant. An implant mainly consists of a steel implant bar, abutment and a crown. The steel implant bar is placed in the bone of the jaw, where the tooth is missing. The abutment is the central connector. It attaches to the steel implant as well as the crown. The crown is the piece of the implant that resembles the tooth.

An implant, or a few implants are aesthetically superior to any bridge or denture. On of the assistants at Glacier Dental recently had an implant done on one of her front teeth and loves it. She said she sometimes forgets it's not her real tooth. You also don't have to worry about "misplacing" your denture because it is always in your mouth...unlike a denture.

Not only do implants look and feel great, they save your other teeth too. Since an implant is not attached or anchored to any other teeth, there is no risk in harming another tooth.

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the implant process itself is not too bad either. The first step is an initial consult about implants with Dr. Steckbauer if you have not had one already. Once the implants are diagnosed, a few x-rays may be taken of that area.

When you decide you're ready to have the implant placed, you'll come in and have the tooth extracted first. After, whether you had a tooth there or not, Dr. Steckbauer may place some bone grafting in the extraction site, or the area where the tooth is missing. Bone grafting has similar qualities to cement. It is a powder mixed with some dental materials to make a thick liquid and once it's placed in the extraction site it hardens and help with bone growth and strength. This allows for the implant post to have stability once placed. Usually after bone grafting is placed, the site is ready for the steel implant to be inserted right away.

The abutment and temporary crown are also placed the same day the post is placed if it is a front tooth. If it's a back tooth, no temporary crown is placed unless Dr. Steckbauer sees fit. After roughly three months of heal time, the final and permanent crown is ready to be placed.

The process itself is fairly easy, with only little discomfort after the implant is placed. Call today for your free implant consult with Dr. Steckbauer at Glacier Dental. 920-235-3251

Why ClearCorrect is the best option for you at Glacier Dental!!

You'll never see a ClearCorrect package this amazing anywhere else except at this

one-time event at GLACIER DENTAL!

 

Attend our ClearCorrect open house on

THIS SATURDAY from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You will get all the answers to your ClearCorrect questions

and see how clear braces can change your smile!

 

So many adults have wanted a straighter and whiter smile,

but are too embarrassed to have a mouth full of metal.

Here's your opportunity to have clear braces...your friends will have to squint to see them!

 

ClearCorrect is a great alternative to traditional metal braces because...

A. The series of practically invisible, custom ClearCorrect fit your mouth perfectly and..

B. After a few tray adjustments with Dr. Steckbauer, your smile will be transformed!

 

Special package pricing for attendees:

-ClearCorrect trays

-Exam

-X-rays

-Before and After photos

-Sonicare electric toothbrush

-Opalescence whitening

 

Attend early on October 4 and receive an *extra special* gift from Dr. Steckbauer, quantities are limited!

 

920-376-9926

Introducing Custom Sport Mouth Guards at Glacier Dental!

          Now introducing, custom sports mouth guards at Glacier Dental. Not only are mouth guards highly recommended to help protect teeth during contact-sports, coaches are beginning to require athletes to have mouth guards that are custom to the player.

         A cheap and easy route for mouth guards is to purchase a boil-and-bite guard at a local store, however these mouth guards are not the best protection for your athlete. Boil-and-bite guards, if not made correctly, are bulky and easily become loose in the player's mouth. As a result, they do not provide protection to the teeth and head. It also makes playing, talking and drinking much harder for the athlete.

  

        There are several benefits to custom athletic mouth guards, including protecting the teeth as well as the entire jaw. Not to mention the process to make this type of mouth guard in office is quick and easy.

 

        Sport related injuries can be very serious and something as simple as a mouth guard can help prevent concussions and high dental expenses. In addition to protecting the entire mouth, a custom mouth guard fits much better in the mouth, and in return the athlete can breathe and perform better.

 

       At Glacier Dental, our custom mouth guards have consistent thickness and protection all throughout the piece and fit snugly to the patient. No matter the age of the patient or size mouth, we are able to create a custom mouth guard for anyone.

        Whether your athlete is in hockey, football or horseback riding, call Glacier Dental for his or her custom mouth guard, now in Wisconsin Badger or Packer colors! These mouth guards last much longer than the boil-and-bite and allow for all athletes to communicate better on the field and perform better as well! Call today, 920-235-3251.

 

 

 

Clear Correct Open House at Glacier Dental, Oshkosh

You'll never see a ClearCorrect package this amazing anywhere else except at this

one-time event at GLACIER DENTAL!

 

Attend our ClearCorrect open house on

Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You will get all the answers to your ClearCorrect questions

and see how clear braces can change your smile!

 

So many adults have wanted a straighter and whiter smile,

but are too embarrassed to have a mouth full of metal.

Here's your opportunity to have clear braces...your friends will have to squint to see them!

 

ClearCorrect is a great alternative to traditional metal braces because...

A. The series of practically invisible, custom ClearCorrect fit your mouth perfectly and..

B. After a few tray adjustments with Dr. Steckbauer, your smile will be transformed!

 

Special package pricing for attendees:

-ClearCorrect trays

-Exam

-X-rays

-Before and After photos

-Sonicare electric toothbrush

-Opalescence whitening

 

Attend early on October 4 and receive an *extra special* gift from Dr. Steckbauer, quantities are limited!

 

920-376-9926

 

 

 

The Periolase at Glacier Dental for periodontal disease

LANAP, also known as laser assisted new attachment procedure, is a in-house procedure Dr. Steckbauer performs in office at Glacier Dental.

Often times patients come in for their routine cleaning and exams and are not familiar with why the hygienist calls out numbers. The numbers stand for your gum's pocket sizes. A smaller pocket size, 1-4, indicates healthy gums, usually due to excellent flossing and brushing. Larger pocket sizes indicates 5 and up means  not-so-healthy gums and loose teeth.

If your pocket sizes range from 5-8, scaling and root planing is highly recommended. At this point, the patient has periodontal (gum) disease. Scaling and root planning is performed by our hygienists, Kara, Ashley or Amanda, and they remove calculus (build up) and plaque from the teeth. The hygienist also cleans the pockets as well to get them back to health. In addition, each hygienist at Glacier Dental is certified to use the Periolase for help remove bad bacteria throughout the patient's gums. The results from the procedure are phenomenal. Patients return for their next cleaning appointment and are thrilled to find their pocket sizes have reduced to normal numbers.

Sometimes it is too late to have scaling and root planning performed and LANAP is the only option available. Dr. Steckbauer's office was one of the first to have the periolase and perform laser gum surgery in office. This laser is a light that removes harmful bacteria from under the gums, and does not cut the gums. Traditional gum surgery does require cutting of the gums as well as stitches. The healing process is much quicker as well. When Dr. Steckbauer uses the laser, the intention is for the laser to get bone regeneration to help with tooth stability. This reduces gum disease and also the risk of losing teeth because they are loose.

Throughout both procedures, scaling and root planing and LANAP, the patients entire mouth is numb, and the patient will only feel pressure throughout. Afterwards, the first 24 hours, the patient may feel the most tender, however with the amazing results that come from both treatment options, the minor pain is definitely worth the gain!

Call Glacier Dental to set up your consult and have Dr. Steckbauer look at the health of your gums today! Consult appointments are limited so call today in order to ensure your spot is reserved, 920-235-3251.

Why do I need a crown on my tooth??

Glacier Dental of Oshkosh was one of the first dental offices in Wisconsin to have an E4D. What does that mean to you? Well, this state-of-the-art technology allows Dr. Steckbauer and Dr. Carpenter to design a crown for our patients in one day. That means, only one visit for you.

Now the question may be, what exactly is a crown and why are they needed? A dental crown is basically a "cap" that is placed over a tooth after the Doctor removes any decay or poor tooth structure. It is tooth-colored and looks just like every other tooth. It helps restore the original tooth's strength, shape and size.

There are several instances when a patient may need a crown and a few include: to help protect a weak tooth that may be cracked, to fix a tooth that may have a piece broken off, if a cavity is too large and there isn't much tooth structure left a crown may be the best/only option, crowns can be used for cosmetic work to make a tooth visually look better or to cover up yellowing, or crowns are used when a dental implant is done.

Throughout the crown process, Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter will gladly answer any questions you may have. The patient is also numb throughout the process and will only feel pressure from the Doctor working ont he tooth. The doctor will then use a 3D imaging camera to take pictures of your tooth and use the E4D software to design a crown that will function perfectly in your tooth.

The newly designed crown will then be made in office out of a piece of ceramic, and while this is happening, the Doctor will prep the tooth and get it ready for the crown to be bonded to the remaining tooth structure in your mouth. Sometimes there may not be enough tooth structure for the crown and a buildup is needed. A buildup is made up of resin, or the material a dentist would use to fill a cavity, and gives the tooth more of a base to place the crown on.

Finally the Doctor will bond the crown to your existing tooth/buildup and adjust it so your bite is back to normal. After your appointment, you'll be able to eat and drink right away...that is..as long as you're not too numb!

A recent Glacier Dental patient had a crown done and said, "It's not as bad as I thought. There was great new technology and Dr. Steckbauer was very knowledgeable and made me very comfortable. It is important to take care of your teeth and Glacier Dental is a great place to be. You'll be in good hands." This same patient mentioned that prior to his appointment, he was extremely nervous and found any dental work to be uncomfortable because of his arthritis. But after the appointment, he realized it wasn't bad at all.

If you're concerned about a tooth that is broken, giving you pain or just doesn't feel right, give Glacier Dental of Oshkosh a call 920-235-3251! We'd be more than happy to schedule a consultation with you and go over any treatment you may need.


Below is a website with a great video to help you visualize how a crown is made in office: http://bit.ly/1Bbjxix

Glacier Dental Oshkosh, WI Dentist

At Glacier Dental, we are always looking for positive testimonials and reviews from our loyal patients. Often times we have new patients enter our office with a fear of the dentist. Testimonials and reviews are great tools to show these patients about the great experiences our current patients have and we need your help to do so.

 

Google is an awesome tool to use when looking up reviews for local businesses. The ratings, feedback and reviews customers leave for businesses are helpful when deciding whether or not you wish to give a facility your business. We would love for you to leave Glacier Dental a positive review on Google, by visiting http://bit.ly/1pI3EfW and clicking "Write a review".  This way you can share your wonderful experience with others throughout the Winnebago county.

 

Glacier Dental is also holding a $1,000 cash contest. If you wish to participate, simply send scheduling@glacierdental.com a video testimonial about your amazing experience at Glacier Dental. We will then post it to our Facebook page. For every 1 "like" you receive, you'll get 1 point. For every "share" your video receives, you'll receive 3 points. At the end of September, 2014 , the current patient with the most points will be given $1,000 CASH! Good Luck!!

 

We also really appreciate written testimonials. These are excellent for any patient that is hesitant about having any treatment done. It allows them to read how the well procedure went with other patients and helps them feel more comfortable about going ahead and getting the treatment done.

 

We appreciate all the feedback we receive, so please, help us out and give us a 5-star on Google!!

Www.glacierdental.com

Glacier Dental helps with Lip Ties

Image from cafemom.com

 

 

Lip tie awareness in infants is becoming more profound in recent years however several parents are still at a loss for a solution. Dr. Steckbauer has answers!

 

To start, having a child that is lip tied can make breast feeding a lot more difficult and there are other symptoms to knowing whether or not your child is in fact lip tied. Some of these include fatigue during feedings, poor weight gain and clicking during feedings. Lip tie and tongue tie is also common in adults and can be fixed at any age.

 

 

Now what can you do to help your child or yourself? Call Glacier Dental. Dr. Steckbauer's office was one of the first in Wisconsin to have a Periolase, which is state of the art technology. The periolase is a laser which allows Dr. Steckbauer to cut the gum attachment from the lip and gums easily and precisely. The technical term for this procedure is a frenectomy. Throughout the procedure, the  area is numbed, this way the patient can not feel anything.

 

Dr. Steckbauer has worked on infants as young as six months and has done tongue frenectomies on adults as well. All with exceptional results. Dr. Steckbauer and the assistants are excellent and well trained for the frenectomy process.

 

Healing time for this lip tie or tongue tie procedure is very short, with the first 24 hours being the most difficult. Because the mouth is so moist, the healing process is quick. One of our patient's mothers stated that, "latch improved, smile improved...and healing was super speedy." She also mentioned how well Dr. Steckbauer answered her questions and let her know all the details about the procedure.

 

Please give Glacier Dental a call to schedule your consult with Dr. Steckbauer and his team to discuss yours or your child's frenectomy appointment! 920-235-3251

Www.glacierdental.com

 

Patient Appreciation Event

We are so excited for our second

     Patient Appreciation Event on

            Sunday, August 24 from 1-4 p.m.

          at the Paine Art Center in Oshkosh!

 

            Join us for drinks, hors d'oeuvres,

               jazz music and entertainment!

 

     Here are a few pictures from last years

     event! There were so many giveaways,

             including a big flat screen TV!

 

Www.glacierdental.com

 

Which toothpaste should YOU buy?

When you walk down the toothpaste aisle, there are several options to choose from. They all claim they are "doctor recommended", but which one suits you best? Well it all depends on what results you're looking for.

If you have sensitive teeth, Dr. Steckbauer recommends using Sensodyne. Each line of Sensodyne toothpaste is designed to help protect against sensitivity and also help balance the pH (or acidic level) in the saliva to a more basic level. In return, acid erosion of the teeth is prevented. It's a great option to reduce sensitivity to hot and cold as well as keep your entire mouth clean.

Something to keep in mind when purchasing toothpaste is the health of your gums as well. Toothpaste that contains anti-microbial triclosan, such as Colgate total, helps clean deep in the gums to kill bacteria and keep your gum pockets healthy. If your gum pockets are not healthy, your teeth will become more mobile and possibly even fall out. When using a toothpaste that contains anti-microbial triclosan, scrub your teeth with your toothbrush in a circular motion and floss at least once a day. This will help minimize the pocket size.

In some areas, flouride is in the water, however if you're area does not have flouride in it, you may be more prone to having cavities. Prevident toothpaste is a brand Glacier Dental offers patients to purchase. Our hygienists recommend Prevident for patients that have dry mouth, patients that tend to have more cavities, patients with crowns and patients with a family history of having cavities. This toothpaste has more flouride to help strengthen the teeth from the outside in.  After you have flouride varnish applied at your next continuing care appointment, ask your hygienist about taking home a tube of Prevident.

Some toothpastes claim they whiten teeth. One of the best options that Glacier Dental sells in office is Opalescence whitening toothpaste. This is a great option to remove surface stains from various foods and drinks such as coffee, red wines or red pasta sauce. It isn't recommended to use for long periods of time, but it definitely will give you a brighter smile after using a tube of it.

If you're just looking for a year-round toothpaste to help fight decay and clean your teeth, Crest Pro-Health is a great option. According to menshealth.com, "Only one brand, Crest Pro-Health ($4), is accepted by the American Dental Association in six categories. It whitens, reduces sensitivity, and helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, plaque, and bad breath." It's offered at most stores and is a reasonable price.

No matter what type of toothpaste you use, make sure you brush 2 times a day and floss at least once! And next time you're at Glacier Dental getting your teeth cleaned by your hygienist, ask her what type of toothpaste she recommends for your mouth-type.

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Foods that you may want to think twice about!

By now we all know sugar and soda are not ideal for a healthy smile, however there are some fruits and other foods that cause cavities as well.

According to an article written by Tim Utton on dailymail.com, "dental erosion in adults due to diet is usually a result of excessive consumption of fruits and fruit juices." Unlike sugar causing tooth decay, erosion of the enamel on teeth is not as widely known about.

What is enamel and why is it important? Enamel is a thin shell around the outside of your tooth and is considered the hardest tissue in the human body. It helps protect the teeth from hot and cold sensitivity as well as chemicals that can cause tooth pain. Although it is very tough, it can chip and wear off. If this happens, you cannot get it back. Crowns, fillings and desensitizer are methods to help protect the teeth if the enamel starts to wear off.

Losing your tooth enamel is a scary thought, considering you can't get it back and you'd have to spend money on treatment to make sure your teeth are back to full health. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure you have a healthy, white smile!

Drinking soda and high sugar juices are okay once in a while. After you're finished, brush your teeth or rinse with mouth wash to help remove the sugars from your teeth. If you don't, the sugars will stick to your teeth and start to cause decay and discoloration. Saliva is helpful to break up food particles but toothpaste and mouthwashes are more effective when it comes to removing the sugars.

The carbonation in soft drinks also causes wear to tooth enamel, so if you drink soda every day, try drinking it through a straw to help eliminate the amount that actually touches your teeth.

In addition to fruit juice containing acids, some fresh fruits contain high amounts of acid as well, such as pineapple, tomatoes, lemons and limes and oranges. The acid causes erosion, so don't suck on these types of fruits for long. Other foods that have high acidity include pizza sauce, pickles, honey and wine. Again, if you choose to consume these, just rinse after or brush your teeth to help lower the acidity level in your mouth.

High-carb foods such as crackers, breads, pastas and chips can also be considered harmful. According to deltadental.com, "Starches made from white flour are simple carbohydrates and can linger in your mouth and then break down into simple sugars. Bacteria feed on these sugars and produce acid, which causes tooth decay." You don't have to eliminate these foods completely from your diet, just eat them in moderation and be conscious of any food particles that may be sticking to your teeth and causing erosion.

Now I bet you're thinking what CAN I eat without worrying about side effects? You have a lot of options. Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent because they contain a lot of calcium to help strengthen teeth and they also can stick to your teeth and prevent acid from sticking to your teeth.

If you drink a lot of water, be careful with your options. Bottled water is actually acidic and can cause wear, but some towns and cities have fluoride in the water. It might be more beneficial to you to drink tap water than filtered water. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth from the outside in.

Green tea and black tea is also a great choice to help remove bacteria from your teeth. Along with that, Spry gum and mints are also excellent. Spry products contain xylitol which helps balance the acid levels in your saliva, minimizing the effects of erosion.

MI Paste is also an easy option if you prefer more acidic foods and beverages. It's a toothpaste type paste that helps balance any acidity in your mouth. It's a small tube that can be easily stored in your pocket, purse or desk drawer. After drinking an energy drink, coffee or having some pineapple, rub a pea-sized amount of MI paste on your teeth and voila! your mouth is neutralized.

If you're interested in purchasing any Spry products or MI paste, swing by Glacier Dental and we can help you out!

Meet Dr. Heather Carpenter

Heather Carpenter D.D.S.

 

              Meet Dr. Heather Carpenter. She is Glacier Dental's newest associate. Currently she is working side-by-side with Dr. Steckbauer during her training period and starting August first, Dr. Carpenter will be working Tuesdays, some Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

 

                Dr. Carpenter was born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She recently moved back after completing dental school at Marquette University in Milwaukee. In her free time she enjoys gardening, cooking and baking, crafting and watching movies. She also enjoys bicycling with her husband.

 

             Dr. Carpenter is really passionate about giving back to the community and helping patients feel comfortable and at ease at their visit to the dentist. She also really enjoys working with children, as she plans to start a family of her own soon.

 

             We are thrilled to have Dr. Carpenter join the Glacier Dental Team. Visit us during our nights and weekend hours to meet our new Doctor!

 

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Red, WHITE and Blue!

Red, WHITE and Blue!

In celebration of Independence day, throughout the month of July, Glacier Dental is offering free whitening consults. In addition, we will be offering $50 off all in-house whitening. This special is good for new and current patients.

Summer is a great time to whiten your teeth. Not only are there weddings and other various family functions going on, senior pictures are right around the corner. Who doesn't want whiter teeth for pictures that will last a lifetime?

So now you're probably thinking, what whitening options are available to me? How long is this going to last? Am I a good candidate for this? All these questions can be answered at your free consult, but here's a little insight on the whitening Glacier Dental has to offer.

If you're looking for something simple and easy to take home, Treswhite would be perfect for you. This doesn't require any impressions or in-office work. You simply purchase Treswhite, take home your 10, pre-gelled trays, and wear 1 every day for 10 days for one hour. Although Treswhite are not part of Glacier Dental's whitening promotion, it is a great option for whitening your teeth fast.

Another great, in-house option, is Opalescence. According to opalescence.com, "Opalescence will give you a brighter, whiter smile in a way that fits your budget AND your lifestyle." After your consult, one of Dr. Steckbauer's assistants will take impressions of your teeth and make you custom trays. It typically takes about 1-2 days before your trays are ready to be picked up.

When you're ready to start using your trays, simply put a small amount of Opalescence gel in the trays and wear them for two hours, for two weeks. If you're interested in seeing before and after pictures, visit: http://goo.gl/BRbUlg.

The final option Glacier Dental has to offer is KöR. According the the KöR website, KöR is a great option for anyone ages 14-90 and offers nearly permanent results. The website also states, "KöR Whitening was ranked highest as the most effective, reliable way to whiten your teeth permanently, by a respected dental products journal."

To have KöR whitening done, again the assistants make you custom trays. You would use take-home gel for two weeks and you'd wear your trays over night. After the two weeks is done, you'd come back to the office and do the three hour whitening portion in-house. It's a comfortable and simple procedure and is safe for your gums and teeth. KöR is highly recommended if you want to your teeth to be whiter than ever! Check out the KöR website for some excellent reviews: http://goo.gl/SyjhRM.

After talking to Dr. Steckbauer regarding Opalescence and KöR, he said the results are excellent and will last quite a long time. He also mentioned if you do decide to use one of the in-house options, you wouldn't have to re-do the full cycle of whitening again. If you notice an returning yellow on your teeth, you just do touch-up whitening to get them back to bright white again.
We can't wait to see you in for your FREE consult at Glacier Dental. Please call our office at 920-235-3251 to schedule your consult reservation or email scheduling@glacierdental.com.

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Welcome to Glacier Dental

 

Dr. Wyn Steckbauer is dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care for healthy, beautiful smiles that can last a lifetime! Dr. Steckbauer received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

You'll love Glacier Dental's staff. They are friendly, gentle and caring with each and every patient, any current patient will tell you how much they love their Dentist! Mention this blog post today and receive a $75 New Patient Cleaning, Exam and X-rays. We can't wait to help you and your friends with any dental needs you may have and give you the best dental experience you've ever had!

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