Dental Care Stamford https://dentalcarestamford.com/ Family Dentist in Stamford, CT Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:14:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://dentalcarestamford.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/DCS-Favicon.png Dental Care Stamford https://dentalcarestamford.com/ 32 32 Unlock Your Best Smile: 4 Smart Ways to Invest Your Tax Refund https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/4-ways-to-invest-your-tax-refund/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/4-ways-to-invest-your-tax-refund/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:15:52 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28789

QUICK! Maximize Your Tax Refund: 4 Smart Ways to Invest in Your Smile

With tax season in full swing, many people are eagerly awaiting their refunds. While it’s tempting to splurge on a vacation or new gadgets, why not consider investing in something that will benefit you for a lifetime? Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and using your tax refund to improve it can have long-lasting benefits for your confidence and overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore three smart ways to invest in your smile using your tax refund.

Maximize Your Tax Refund for Lasting Benefits: Here are the 4 Key Ways to Enhance Your Smile and Dental Health:

1.) Invest in Recommended Dental Treatments:

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings lay the groundwork for a healthy smile, but true dental wellness goes beyond these routine visits. Invest your tax refund in recommended dental treatments, such as cavity fillings, gum disease management, or necessary root canals. Don’t delay—tackling dental concerns early can prevent future complications, saving you both time and money in the long run. Make your tax refund work harder for you by prioritizing your smile’s health and longevity.

2.) Achieve your Smile Goals with Cosmetic Dental Treatment:

If you’ve been self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, now is the perfect time to explore cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth, straighten misaligned teeth with braces or clear aligners, or repair chipped or cracked teeth with bonding or veneers, there are various options available to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile. Investing your tax refund in cosmetic dentistry procedures can boost your confidence, improve your self-esteem, and leave you smiling more brightly than ever before. Learn More

3.) Orthodontic Treatment for Children or Teens or Adults:

Using your tax refund to invest in their smile or yours is a decision that will pay dividends for years to come. Orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, or bite misalignment can not only affect the appearance of their smile (or yours) but also impact their oral health and overall well-being. By investing in orthodontic treatment, you can help your child or yourself achieve a straighter, healthier smile that they can proudly show off for a lifetime. Learn More

4.) Use it to Fund Your Health Savings Account (HSA):

Take a proactive approach to your dental health by depositing a portion of your tax refund into a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA). With an HSA, you can contribute funds tax-free and use them to cover a wide range of medical expenses, including dental treatments like check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and more. By leveraging the tax advantages of an HSA, you not only invest in your smile’s health but also maximize your tax savings. Plan ahead for future dental needs and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy for years to come with the flexibility and financial benefits of an HSA. 

As the tax filing deadline approaches, now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll use your refund. Instead of frittering it away on temporary pleasures, consider investing in something that will bring you long-term benefits and happiness—your smile. Whether it’s further improving your dental health, exploring cosmetic dentistry treatments, investing in orthodontic treatment for your children or yourself, or using it for there are numerous ways to use your tax refund to improve your smile and boost your confidence. Take advantage of this opportunity to invest in yourself and your oral health—you’ll be glad you did and your smile will thank you too!

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It May Not Hurt YET! 3 Types of Pain at the Dentist and How to Avoid Them https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/how-to-avoid-pain-at-the-dentist/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/how-to-avoid-pain-at-the-dentist/#respond Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:18:11 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28770

What You Don’t Know CAN Really Hurt!

At Dental Care Stamford, we recognize that dental visits can be a source of concern for many individuals. However, delaying dental care can lead to three types of discomfort: physical, emotional, and financial. Being proactive now can help you avoid these three pains at the dentist!

The 3 Types of Pain at the Dentist to look out for:

1. Physical Pain: It’s crucial to understand that symptoms like cavities may not immediately cause pain. If you start feeling discomfort, it often means waiting too long. Don’t let physical discomfort disrupt your sleep or daily activities. Take action now to ensure a dental experience free from pain.

2. Financial Pain: Neglecting dental concerns may escalate into more significant issues, leading to higher treatment costs. Don’t let financial worries hinder your oral health. Our team is ready to guide you on budget-friendly measures to maintain a healthy smile.

3. Emotional and Time Pain: What may initially seem minor can quickly escalate into multiple dental issues requiring numerous visits– consuming valuable time and energy and causing stress and anxiety. With preventive care, these complications can be easily avoided, ensuring a smoother and more efficient dental experience

Now that you know what types of pain are, here are 3 Ways to Avoid Pain At The Dentist:

  1. Prevention is Key: One of the most effective ways to avoid dental pain is through prevention. Regular dental check-ups allow our team to detect any issues early on, before they escalate into major problems. By scheduling routine appointments, you can stay on top of your oral health and prevent the need for extensive treatments down the line.

  2. Address Emotional Distress: We understand that dental anxiety is a real concern for many patients. That’s why we encourage open communication with our team. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns and fears with us – we’re here to listen and provide support every step of the way. Whether you need extra reassurance or are interested in sedation dentistry options, we’ll work with you to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. Learn More

  3. Don’t Wait For Insurance: At Dental Care Stamford, we understand that many patients face financial barriers when it comes to visiting the dentist. But, delaying treatment can lead to more extensive and costly issues down the road. Take care of dental problems early on to avoid unnecessary expenses. Our office offers affordable treatment plans and flexible payment options tailored to your budget. Don’t let the fear of high dental bills hold you back. Learn more. 

By following these tips, you can avoid the pain and stress often associated with dental visits. At Dental Care Stamford, we’re committed to providing our patients with exceptional care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Say goodbye to dental pain and hello to a healthier, happier smile – schedule your appointment with us today!

Remember, your dental health is an investment in your overall well-being. Don’t wait until pain strikes, by then it may be too late. Take proactive steps to protect your smile and enjoy a lifetime of optimal oral health. With the right preventive measures and support from our team, you can look forward to stress-free dental visits for years to come.

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New Year’s Resolutions: What is a S.M.A.R.T. Goal and Why Does Making One Matter? https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/new-years-resolutions-what-is-a-smart-goal-and-why-does-making-one-matter/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/new-years-resolutions-what-is-a-smart-goal-and-why-does-making-one-matter/#respond Wed, 27 Dec 2023 20:12:37 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28715

Let’s start at the beginning:  What is a New Year’s Resolution?

A New Year’s Resolution is a goal that you set at the start of the year with the intention of completing it at some point throughout the year. Yet it is estimated that less than 10% of New Year’s Resolutions are achieved (psychologytoday.com*).  


How to Make a Resolution That Will Be Achieved: 

One challenge may be that our goals are not always SMART: meaning, they are not..

  1. Specific,

  2. Measurable,

  3. Achievable,

  4. wRitten,

  5. and have a Timeline. 


Now that we understand S.M.A.R.T. goals, let’s see a common New Year’s Resolution some people may have.  A real-life example would be to have a better smile. A recent poll found that people do judge a person’s overall health and other factors based on that person’s smile. So many people tend to wish to improve their smile as their ‘New Year’s Resolution’.

Meet Jane. She knew she wanted to improve her smile but did not know where to start. So she came to the right place.. the experts!  She is a real patient, treated at Dental Care Stamford. 

For example, let’s meet Jane. In January 2022, Jane’s New Year’s Resolution was to have a healthy, impactful smile: a valid goal, but not a SMART goal. With no timeline:  it probably wouldn’t be achieved.  Here is how she made her goal S.M.A.R.T.

Research shows that writing your goal helps achieve it. (see Forbes, below).  Jane wrote in 2022 that she was committed to having a great smile, with straight, white teeth that are free of cavities, with a timeline of December  2022.  A Much better goal Right?!

This is Specific [straight, white teeth that are cavity-free,] Measurable [via photographs] Achievable [we chose a six-month smile-accelerated orthodontic system with clear braces that works gently and quickly,] wRitten [she wrote it down] and there is a Timeline [by December 31st]

Now how did Jane follow through with her S.M.A.R.T. Resolution?

Here are Jane’s steps (consider saving  and applying the format, for whatever your Resolution):  

Jane scheduled an appointment on January 8, 2022: 12 months before her deadline.

  1. During her consultation Jane was informed of the possibilities for Jane’s Smile, including what goals she wanted to achieve. We diagnosed several cavities that required treatment; and then based on the consultation, recommended the Adult Accelerated Orthodontic Program.  
  2. During the two weeks it takes to make her clear, nearly invisible, braces Jane got her dental cleaning and fixed the two cavities so she could start her treatment with a clean slate.
  3. On February 14, 2022, we placed her braces on. 
  4. Jane came for adjustments approximately every two weeks until her final appointment. Between each visit, she followed at-home instructions perfectly. 
  5. On December 6, 2022, her smile was looking great and she returned on December 12 to remove the braces.
  6. Jane’s New Year’s Resolution was Completed.  Jane shared she felt a significant confidence boost and a sense of accomplishment

This example shows how to follow the S.MA.R.T. SYSTEM [  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, wRitten and have a Timeline.] People may achieve any goal, big or small, by following this example of creating measurable timelines. My gentle suggestion is to start this New Year by examining what matters most to you: what are your goals for 2024? Then set some SMART steps, filling in the details.  Then start taking action.  “Baby steps are the key to achieving goals,” wrote author David Ramsey. 

It’s never too late to achieve the goals you want.  If those goals include a healthier, more impactful smile – don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
It’s 2024, It’s your time for a brighter, better smile than before!

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5 Reasons to Rethink DIY Orthodontics https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/think-twice-about-diy-orthodontics/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/think-twice-about-diy-orthodontics/#respond Thu, 21 Dec 2023 18:07:47 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28710

Think Twice About DIY Orthodontics, Do This Instead: Opt for the Pros!

By Jerry Simon, D.D.S

Today, let’s dive into a trending topic – DIY at-home aligners or any other orthodontic treatments. For a while now, this method of ‘improving your smile’ has gained popularity among young adults. However, with Smile Direct Club recently making headlines for less-than-optimal reasons, it’s time to reconsider why taking a chance on any at-home orthodontics might not be the right move and certainly not a healthier one. Instead, let’s explore the 5 reasons why DIY is not such a good idea and why you should trust a dental expert instead!

1. A Straighter Smile is Not Just for Appearance

Straightening teeth isn’t just about looking good; it’s about nailing that perfect bite. DIY might seem tempting, but trust us, it’s a tricky game that goes beyond a surface-level glow-up. Learn more

2. Risks of Doing it Yourself

Think of DIY orthodontics like attempting to fix your car without the right tools – a potential disaster. It could lead to bite issues, crooked teeth, and even problems like food traps and decay. Or your chosen DIY company could shut down right in the middle of your treatment! Who needs that kind of drama?

3. The Importance of Consulting Professionals

Before you embark on your smile journey, consider this: professionals are like personal trainers for your teeth. With a complete assessment, you’ll have a roadmap for your transformation. It’s like having a skilled guide for your smile makeover at every step of the way during your treatment. At Dental Care Stamford, we provide you with all your options and present a treatment plan designed precisely for your smile goals and desires. We also coach you on how to achieve the best possible outcome. 

4. Why You Need to Work with an Expert

Orthodontists and Cosmetic Dental Specialists are the experts behind the scenes of your smile transformation. They’ve spent years perfecting the art of moving teeth with finesse. They’ve gone through extra years of schooling to improve and hone their skills and education. These are the experts who ensure your smile journey is smooth, flawless, and ends with the best results. Forget the DIY guesswork, with professionals, you will have their expertise to bring out the best in your smile. Professionals keep you on track, whereas with DIY, mistakes can happen, and you don’t have an expert in your corner to fix them right away.

5. Concerns and Warnings that Come with DIY Orthodontic Treatment

Any DIY might seem like a budget-friendly option, but it could end up costing you more. Imagine taking control of a plane without proper training – you wouldn’t do that, you let the experts handle it AND you should do the same with your smile! You only get one set of teeth in your lifetime; don’t risk them! Just ask those stuck in the middle of treatment or dealing with less-than-stellar results. Not the vibe we’re going for!

So, think twice about DIY orthodontics and opt for the pros instead. We are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! If ‘affordable’ is the only reason you are considering DIY, reconsider and give us a call. We will work within your budget and offer amazing payment plans. Start with a complimentary consultation, we will show you what is possible. Call 203-324-6171.

Our Patients Say it Best:

Easily my favorite dental office for all occasions. Whether it's wisdom teeth removal, braces, teeth cleaning, etc, the level of professional attention, care & consideration is ALWAYS present for every visit for either myself, my wife or my kids. I HIGHLY recommend this dental office for all dental inquiries. "
Arnold C.

Transform Your Smile

Real Cases, Real Patients, Real Smiles Treated at Dental Care Stamford

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Finding Headache and Migraine Relief in Stamford, Connecticut – Dental Care Stamford Can Help! https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/finding-headache-and-migraine-relief-in-stamford-connecticut-dental-care-stamford-can-help/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/finding-headache-and-migraine-relief-in-stamford-connecticut-dental-care-stamford-can-help/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:33:26 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28670

Are you tired of dealing with frequent headaches that seem to interrupt your life? Have you sought help from various doctors, yet still haven’t found a solution to your pain? You’re not alone! We all know that Headaches and migraines can be incredibly debilitating. But what if we told you that the source of your pain may could be the result of an uneven bite? In fact, right here in Stamford, Connecticut, Dental expert Dr. Jerry Simon has been transforming the way people perceive and treat headaches for decades. In this blog post, we will explore:

  1. the link between dental health and headache relief,
  2. how correct diagnosis is key,
  3. and how Dr. Simon’s innovative approach is helping patients find lasting relief.

Let’s Start with Understanding Your Headaches:

If you are told that your headaches are due to stress or tension, then you’re not alone. Surprisingly many individuals share this misconception, but the reality is quite different. Stress is not the root cause of headaches. As a matter of fact, over 75% of headaches, neck or facial pain is the result of overworked head and jaw muscles. The reason you are overworking head and jaw muscles is because of a bite imbalance. In other words, the source of your pain could be from an uneven bite.  So, yes, as a result, your headaches may very well be dental-related.
 
If you suffer from headaches and have not yet found a solution, then request a consultation! Let’s see if the cause of your pain is from your bite. We are here to help!

The Link Between Dental Health and Headaches:

Headache specialists agree that muscles are a common trigger for headaches. Unfortunately, not only do traditional solutions, such as pain medications, provide only temporary pain relief but also cause undesirable side effects. The primary focus should be on making a correct diagnosis. Dr. Jerry Simon uses his FDA-accepted Best-Bite Discluder to diagnose your specific issue. This quick, non-invasive, 5-minute test can determine if your bite is the underlying source of your pain. If the test results show a bite imbalance, then Dr. Simon will present treatment options.

Correct Diagnosis is Key:

It’s essential to understand that headaches are not normal. If you’ve visited multiple doctors without finding a solution, it’s possible that you’ve been misdiagnosed. Unlike many other health issues, there are no medical tests to definitively diagnose the root causes of headaches and migraines. Doctors rely on the symptoms you describe, making these conditions challenging to diagnose and treat. That’s why finding a dentist like Dr. Simon, who specializes in bite-related issues, can be a game-changer in your quest for relief. Call today (203) 324-6171

Our Patients Say it Best:

"Dr. Simon was helpful in diagnosing my misaligned jaw as the root cause of chronic cervical issues and headaches. All my questions and concerns were addressed. I am finally optimistic about alleviating eight years of constant discomfort"
Ernesta
TMJ Patient

If you’re experiencing frequent headaches or migraines, despite the lack of trying.  It’s time to consider an alternative approach to diagnosis and treatment. Dental Care Stamford offers a unique perspective on headache relief. By addressing the connection between dental health and headaches, Dr. Simon provides a path to long-term relief that many other providers often overlook. Don’t let headaches hold you back any longer. Contact Dental Care Stamford to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a pain-free life. Relief is possible, and you don’t have to go it alone.

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NEW: Patient Referral Reward Program https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/patient-referral-reward-program/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/patient-referral-reward-program/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:50:10 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28663

Your story is the key to unlocking others’ potential for a world of possibilities.
Share your experience!

We’re excited to introduce our new Patient Referral Reward Program, exclusively for valued patients like you. Your journey with us not only transformed your smile but also brightened your life and we know with your help we can enhance someone else’s life too!

Option 1: Share Your Story [$50 Gift Card]

Invite your friends and family to join us for a cosmetic consultation at Dental Care Stamford. As a token of our gratitude, you’ll receive $250 for every referral who begins cosmetic treatment, in addition, they’ll enjoy a $250 credit toward their dental work. Make sure your referral mentions your name when scheduling their appointment!

Option 2: Smile Together - Invite Friends and Family and you both get rewarded! [$250 Each]

Invite your friends and family to join us for a cosmetic consultation at Dental Care Stamford. As a token of our gratitude, you’ll receive $250 for every referral who begins cosmetic treatment, in addition, they’ll enjoy a $250 credit toward their dental work. Make sure your referral mentions your name when scheduling their appointment!

Email Your Friend!

Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to see your friends and family join the Dental Care Family. Thank you for choosing us for your transformation journey. Questions? Call us! 203-324-6171

Program Disclaimer: Your submission includes your approval to allow Dental Care Stamford and its team to use it in our office, on social media, on web pages and any other marketing materials we see fit to use. ** This program is only for Dental Care of Stamford and any discounts cannot be combined with any other offers. *** Option number 1 is limited to one submission per person. **** Option Number 2 is for Adults at Dental Care of Stamford and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. There are no limits to the number of referrals you invite to Dental Care Stamford. Referral must agree to treatment in order for either party to be eligible for reward.  ***** This program is good for 90 days and may be extended at the discretion of Dental Care of Stamford.

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What you need to know about dental insurance https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/winning-the-dental-insurance-game/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/winning-the-dental-insurance-game/#respond Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:11:52 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28642

Winning the Dental Insurance Game:

Written by, Dr. Jerry Simon D.D.S (Founder of Dental Care Stamford)

 

We all have insurance of one sort or another;  for your car, for your house or apartment, for your stuff and even to protect your health.  Dental Insurance, on the other hand, is DIFFERENT. It is really NOT insurance at all.  

So stick with us to learn how to play the game.

Let’s start at the beginning.  So what is insurance?  

We all know that bad stuff might happen like a car accident or a fire that we know people want to avoid. It would  be a financial hardship for any of us, so insurance means we all contribute a little money in case of an emergency which the insurance group can help us pay for.  

How Insurance works:

  1. The money we pay for insurance depends on two things: how much it would cost if something goes wrong, and how likely it is that something will actually happen.

  2. The insurance company has to have employees and expenses and has to make a profit so they have a reserve to pay claims in the future so they have to know what their risk is and calculate the appropriate premium.  

In order to take in more than they pay out they have to evaluate the risk of loss. On one hand we might have a mature female driver who has a spotless driving record with no accidents and an older economical car that would not cost that much to replace.  The insurance company can see that the risk of loss can be estimated to be fairly low, so this driver can fairly pay a smaller premium than average.  Sounds fair.

On the other hand, another driver might be a young male who has had several accidents, a DUI charge and has an expensive sports car.  The insurance company would know this is a much higher risk so they would fairly charge them a lot more.  We understand that.

“Dental Insurance” is different.  

In fact, dental insurance isn’t really insurance at all.  It is a tax-free benefit plan designed to help patients cover their dental expenses. Here’s how it works: Insurance companies often offer dental coverage to a big group, like a company does for all its employees. They do not examine everyone’s teeth in advance, they don’t know about their dental routines or if they go for regular checkups or not. In fact, unlike other insurance companies where people want to avoid claims, dental insurance companies are fully aware that when they enroll clients for dental coverage, those clients are likely to make the most of their insurance by scheduling more frequent dental appointments. That will result in more claims.

How can the insurance company prevent excess claims? Remember that they have a limited amount of money and have to be cautious with their resources to ensure everyone can access some benefits.  

Dental Insurance companies have to enforce limits and have lots of exceptions. There are several different dental insurance programs with different coverages. More comprehensive plans might be pricier, while your employer may have opted for a more budget-friendly option. The old saying says, “The large print giveth and the small print taketh away.”

Think of it this way: Imagine the “large print” in your dental insurance plan promises to cover things like gum treatments, root canals, and even crowns. But then, when you look at the “small print,” you find out they’ll only pay up to $1000 each year, no matter what kind of treatment you require or how often you need it. Plus, they usually won’t cover anything elective like cosmetic or teeth whitening. It’s like having a spending limit on your dental coverage.

In other words, if you had a car accident, your car insurance provider would not say “we’ll be replacing the bumper today, and we’ll have to wait until next year to replace the door.” With Dental insurance, that is exactly how it works.

So you might wonder, is dental insurance bad?  No, not at all, not as long as you understand what it does and does not do. And we’re here to let you in on a little secret.

The DOs & DON’Ts that you need to follow to win the dental insurance game:

(It can even save you money at the dentist!):

  • DO: Take advantage of the insurance and go for checkups and cleanings.  Most cover 2 x a year so you know what the state of your dental health is and catch problems while they are still small.

  • DO: Make sure the dentist does a thorough exam and tells you what needs to be done to keep your mouth healthy and decay free.

  • DON’T let problems get worse.  A small cavity is easier and cheaper to fix than letting it progress to need a crown or root canal

  • DO: Understand that insurance will not cover everything you might need to plan accordingly.  

    • This can get tricky.  If you have 4 cavities and your annual insurance maximum will only cover enough for 3 cavities what do you do?

      Scenario 1: If you have an annual plan that renews in January every year, and your checkup is in December, then fix the 3 now and next month in January, when the plan resets, do the last one. It’s like you doubled your insurance!  

      Scenario 2: If your checkup is in February you would have to wait another year to fix the last one… That might be a very bad idea since the cavity will continue to grow over the year and you might end up needing a crown and or root canal which can get more costly. So don’t wait, talk to us instead! We will help.
  • DON’T let your benefits go to waste. Benefits DO NOT roll over to the next year. 

Here’s a true story: A patient near retirement hadn’t seen a dentist in over a decade. He thought it was smart to use his dental insurance before retiring, assuming he had accrued unused benefits. However, like most people, he didn’t realize dental insurance is “use it or lose it.” With a $1500 annual allowance, he needed over $12,000 in treatment but could only access one year’s benefits since it all expires at the end of the year. As people celebrate New Year’s Eve, insurance companies also celebrate, profiting from those missing regular checkups.

Summary:

If you understand the game, you can win the game and save you time and money money at the dentist. 

  • Dental Insurance is a benefit plan that mostly comes from where you work and not really insurance at all.

  • Make sure your dentist gives you the tips to prevent larger dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Be sure to follow their advice. This will save you money!

  • Over 70 % of our regular patients rarely need extensive dental repairs versus over 80 % of our new patients who often need a lot of treatment because they did not keep up their checkups. Hence, going more frequently will reduce your costs and make your smile healthier! 

  • Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste! It is a “use it or lose it” game, so take advantage of it every year. 

  • Unfortunately Dental Insurance doesn’t  cover everything, but it is a whole lot  better than nothing.

  • Maintain regular dental checkups and address any necessary treatments promptly to avoid requiring extensive procedures that may surpass your insurance coverage.

  • If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t postpone treatment because a little cavity that is affordable and you can pay yourself will grow to needing much more extensive and expensive treatment that the insurance won’t fully cover! 

  • Inquire about our cost-effective alternative to traditional dental insurance, which many of our patients have found to be superior.

Want to learn more about how you can maximize your dental insurance? Call us, we are here for you 7 days a week!

Maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire
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Dental Anxiety and Fear? We can Help! https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/dental-anxiety-and-fear-we-can-help/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/dental-anxiety-and-fear-we-can-help/#respond Fri, 29 Sep 2023 22:32:05 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28632

Dreading the Dentist? How to transform your dental experience in just 4 easy steps. 

Written by, Dr. Jerry Simon D.D.S
(Founder of Dental Care Stamford)

For as long as I can remember, FEAR and DENTIST have nearly been synonymous. Unfortunately, FEAR is the reason why so many people avoid regular dental treatment. It turns into an ongoing loop where nothing gets done. The fear prevents them from having routine dental checkups, which are essential to tackle dental issues while they are minor and painless. Instead, they only come in when problems have escalated, further amplifying their dental fears.

Since the beginning of human existence our brain has one function above all others and that is to protect ourselves. If our oxygen gets low it makes us breathe faster. If we get too hot it makes us sweat. If we get too cold we shiver…. All on autopilot, but all that is good.

If our brains senses harm can come to us it jump starts the FIGHT, FRIGHT or FREEZE System. Our heart beats faster and our breathing deepens, our blood is diverted to our muscles and our metabolism is switched to release sugar in our blood stream for more energy so we can either fight, run away or petrify. And if you are someone who fears the dentist, your FIGHT, FRIGHT or FREEZE System kicks in, making it very difficult to go to the dentist.

Fear mostly comes from a horrible experience and then your brain says, “Hey! We don’t like that, don’t do that again!” For instance, if a kid goes to the dentist where they experience any pain or is very afraid, their brain develops a strong negative association with the word dentist– ‘going to the dentist leads to extreme harm.’ So the brain says, “don’t go there anymore!” And files that in the really important stuff part of the brain along any other strong fears that we refer to as phobias.

F.E.A.R… stands for
False Evidence Appears Real.

So now that kid grows up to be an adult and has carried that fear with them. Although that 43 year old adult knows that it is important to get regular dental care, they say to themselves with good intention, “Gee I really should get a dental checkup,” but their powerful unconscious brain slams on the brakes and says, “Stop, we could get killed there!”  Since we are not a little kid to pitch a fit, we just find excuses to rationalize why it’s okay to not to go to the dentist–We are too busy…. it is too expensive, or since nothing hurts it is really not necessary– but ultimately we are just avoiding it. 

Unfortunately, something bad will eventually happen…a tooth breaks, we sense our breath is not as fresh, or something starts a little twinge and you realize that it has been quite a while since your last dental checkup. So the battle begins again between your rational adult brain that says we really need to get this checked out and your all powerful primitive survival brain that goes into fight, flight or freeze mode.

So what can we do about this debilitating FEAR of the dentist? 

There are 6 layers in the “conscious-thinking” part of the brain that are separate, but connected to work together.  These bad memories as we mentioned above are stored in the top priority part of the memory and directly attached to the Fight / Flight / Freeze system. Logically, we all know the dentist is not scary, but our minds just have a strong way of telling us it is. So that is where we come in to help! With these 4 steps you can get your dental health back on track with no stress at all:

Step 1, Rewrite your bad dental experiences: We assure you that we will not hurt you. Let’s keep you out of the old scary dental movie…together we can make a new movie about “painless dental treatment.” So do the opposite of what you usually do.

Step 2, Take the steps to shift your focus: Keep your eyes open and pay attention to notice how it really feels.  Do not clench your hands, instead take slow, relaxed breaths.  We won’t let you see scary things.  In fact, we have a 4 foot TV on the ceiling overhead to change your focus.

Step 3, Create a painless dental experience. We use specially buffered local anesthetic that stings less. We will put the anesthetic in a little at a time so we can numb as we go, by the time we start treatment you won’t feel a thing! 

 

Step 4, Eliminate your Fear of the Dentist: So now that we have established  a ‘new movie’ — a set of new memories full of positive dental experiences— of what a real dental visit should be in layer one of the 6 layers,  the next step is to get a copy and paste it into the other 5 layers to  Eliminate your Fear of the Dentist. 

The way you do this is within 24 hours after your visit, you tell 5 people something unique and fun about your visit such as:

• The dental assistant showed you a picture of their new puppy. 

• Repeat the joke your dentist told you

• Something that one of the dental team did that made you feel comfortable and safe

The memory of your visit is stored in your mind. In order to tell the story of your dental visit, you have to access the memory file, leading the brain to duplicate and store it in an additional layer. After doing this five times, you’ll have a positive memory of the dental experience in all six layers of your brain.

Once this new positive memory takes root in all six layers, you’ll naturally access the file with the positive dental visit memory reducing your fears and anxiety, thus rendering the Fight/Flight/Freeze response unnecessary. 

You might think, does this actually work? After doing this exact method with my patients for over 30 years,  I can confidently confirm that it works!

At Dental Care of Stamford we understand that many people are anxious about going to the dentist. Our goal is to help guide our patients through their dental appointments with confidence and ease. Take a step toward a better experience by sharing your feelings and concerns with us. Together, we will find solutions that help you overcome your fears so that you can have the healthy, beautiful smile that you deserve. 

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Headaches: Can They Be Cured? https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/headaches-can-they-be-cured/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/headaches-can-they-be-cured/#respond Sat, 08 Jul 2023 16:04:10 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28553

Got Headaches?… Can they be Cured?

In 10 minutes we can diagnose your neck or facial pain to stop it with a 95% accuracy*

 

8 out of 10 patients who come to us tell us that they have seen so many doctors in hopes to cure their headaches, but have no luck finding a solution. While the doctors are doing their best, they may have just been diagnosing you improperly! Unlike other diseases, there are no medical tests for diagnosing these problems. Doctors have only the patient’s symptoms to make the diagnosis. In fact, headaches are often referred to as Medicine’s Great Imposter because they are so hard to diagnose and treat.

Dr. Jerry Simon, Headaches-TMJ Specialist and Founder of Dental Care Stamford, has written an informative article about the underlying cause for headaches and whether or not hey can be cured. Believe it or not, the source of your pain could be from an uneven bite. Click the link below to read the article to learn more!

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The Science Behind How We Create A Winning Smile https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/creating-a-winning-smile/ https://dentalcarestamford.com/blog/creating-a-winning-smile/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 19:50:02 +0000 https://dentalcarestamford.com/?p=28521

First impressions: What people notice first is your smile.

It is true, we can’t help noticing someone’s smile before we even get the chance to speak to them. It is in human nature to notice things that are slightly off…like food stuck between the teeth, a missing tooth, dark spots or discolored teeth, crooked teeth or wide gaps.  It is just something humans cannot overlook.

It is no secret that having an attractive smile boosts  confidence and increases self-esteem, but more importantly it also improves your overall health. When your teeth are straighter and are healthy it improves your overall health. Unfortunately not all of us are lucky enough to be born with a perfect smile, that kind of “perfect smile” is created.

When we create that perfect smile, there is a whole lot more to it than simply slapping on some wires to set your smile straight and it is definitely not just placing any size veneers to fill in some holes or gaps…There is science behind how we create a winning smile! Click the link below to learn how it is done!

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