17 · Thursday, January 19, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com How technology has transformed dentistry! The thought of visiting the dentist often meets with varied expressions of pain, fear and anxiety. Many people do not want to visit the dentist unless their teeth are on fire. However, with technology invading every sphere of our lives and changing it for good, it isn't a surprise that technological advancements in dentistry have come to give us a better, more pleasant dental experience. In this editorial, we'll look at how five new technologies are making your visit to the dentist more comfortable and pain-free. CEREC-3D: Cerec 3D helps restore teeth in a matter of minutes. It helps make veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays right before your eyes, thus reducing a multiplevisit treatment to a one-visit appointment. This is not to say that machines can now do it all and individual expertise no longer matters. On the contrary, the dentist's training and artistic eye are more important than ever. Invisalign Clear Braces: Metal braces were once considered the only option to straighten teeth. Today, computer-generated, clear, removable and invisible aligners are a popular option among adults and teens. Clear aligners are not for everyone, the dentist's understanding of malocclusions (bite problems), jaw growth and development are important in determining your candidacy for this technology. Laser Dentistry: Today, the use of lasers in the treatment of periodontal gum disease, teeth whitening, tooth decay and pain relief are well established. Lasers improve the way current care is delivered and enhance the patient's dental experience. Procedures that once required scalpels and sutures are now performed with laser technology that minimizes bleeding, pain and promote sterilization and faster healing. The dentist's ability to integrate this technology with your particular treatment is essential to reducing dental fear and anxiety. Oral Cancer Screening: New technologies have been introduced to enhance the detection of pre-cancer conditions for oral cancer. VELscope for example, looks for abnormal cell growth that when detected allows the dentist to more precisely locate risk areas and do a more thorough assessment. Digital X-Rays: Dental x-rays are now digital and hence easily accessible and mobile. Digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure, are more comfortable and environmentally friendly. The creation of a beautiful and healthy smile is both a science and an art form. Dr. Arun Narang has been practicing family, cosmetic, orthodontic, implant and laser dentistry since 1984 and is a graduate of the University of Toronto's faculty of dentistry. His clinical expertise in solving all types of dental problems has been crafted out of his passion for dentistry and helping people. His Oakville Dental Arts office is equipped with the latest technological gadgets; the clinic offers a pleasant spa-like dental experience and welcomes new patients and referrals. To make an appointment or for more information contact Oakville Dental Arts, located at 1344 Cornwall Rd, suite 400, Oakville. Phone number 905-337-3511. Happy Smiling! What to do when you're feeling SAD (NC)--Most people get the winter blues, especially in February when days are short and warmer weather seems like it will never come again. While many of us may feel down, for some, winter can have an even more disabling affect. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression most commonly occurring during these cold winter months. Typical symptoms of this condition include: sleeping too much, overeating (especially carbs and sweets), loss of energy, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating. And people in colder climates, like Canada, are more likely to experience SAD. Dr. Robert Auger, a psychiatrist at Mayo Clinic, offers these tips to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout winter: · Get outside. There is no substitute for natural light. If you work during the day, try to go for a walk during a break or lunch. · Light therapy boxes can help to boost your mood when you're unable to get outdoors. · Get regular exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes. · Stay social. Interact with family and friends on a regular basis. Dr. Auger points out that many people will periodically experience elements of SAD. It is important, however, to seek professional help when symptoms begin to affect one's ability to perform at work, or when they start to take a toll on personal relationships. Individuals with SAD will be counselled to seek clinical help when feeling hopeless, thinking about suicide, or turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation. More health-related information is available online at www.mayoclinic.org/canada. Out with Gout: Liberate yourself NC)--Gout is a disease that people, for too long, have been living with quietly. It is a form of arthritis which affects three per cent of Canadian adults today, taking a significant toll on their quality of life. The old "go-to" method of treating gout involved maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the consumption of rich foods, limiting alcohol and taking medication to help control hyperuricemia, the underlying cause of gout. Hyperuricemia, a condition of high levels of uric acid (a natural waste product), occurs if the kidneys do not eliminate enough uric acid from the body. For the first time in over 40 years, a new treatment option is available in Canada. This option works by lowering uric acid and has shown long-term results in reducing gout attacks. "Modifying your diet and lifestyle to treat gout does not work for everyone. Newer treatments, such as Uloric, actually work to stop the body from converting purines into uric acid, targeting the source of the problem," says Dr. Philip Baer, Chair of the Section of Rheumatology, Ontario Medical Association. "Coupled with lifestyle changes, patients can and will experience a decrease in recurring attacks of gout." Other tips to proactively manage gout include stretching to keep your joints moving and reduce stiffness. Developing good relaxation and coping skills can also give you a positive outlook and a greater feeling of control over gout. Remember, gout is treatable. Speak with your doctor about treatment options available to help you manage gout and regain your quality of life. www.newscanada.com We Welcome This AD is RCDS approved Designed by Identity Namebrands · www.identitynamebrands.com · 2012 · Makeovers,Veneers, Crowns Crowns & & Bridges Bridges · Smile Smile Makeovers,Veneers, · Same-Day Porcelain Porcelain Onlays Onlays & & Crowns Crowns · CEREC CEREC Same-Day · (Invisible Braces Braces for for Adults Adults & &Teens) Teens) · Invisalign Invisalign (Invisible · Teeth Whitening Whitening · ZOOM! ZOOM! 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Oakville Dental Arts 1344 Cornwall Rd · Unit 400, Oakville, ON www.oakvilledentalarts.com 905.337.3511 3038 Hurontario St.· Unit 4, Mississauga, ON www.smilebydesign.com 905.897.1166