New technology at Art of the Smile!

The most beautiful and realistic looking crown is an all-ceramic crown. Dr. Tekin and his staff at Art of the Smile are committed to providing state-of-the-art, 21st century dentistry, and in doing so, move towards practicing metal-less dentistry.

There are several things inherently challenging with an old-fashioned porcelain fused to metal crown (PFM):
• Some people have metal allergies
• Metals blacken with time, and are unattractive
• The black metal must be opaqued to hide it’s color – natural looking translucency is very difficult to achieve
• Black lines are often visible at the gum line at the crown’s edge


Today’s All-Ceramic crowns are just as strong, if not stronger than their metal predecessor. Allergic reactions are virtually unheard of. The fit, durability and beauty of today’s All-Ceramic crowns make them the choice of tooth restoration at Art of the Smile.

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Tekin and his team at Art of the Smile reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays, and don’t forget to stay away from too many of those sweets!

--The Art of the Smile Team

Invisalign Tips

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.
--Dr. Brock Tekin, Art Of The Smile

New Patient Forms at Art of the Smile

We at Art of the Smile know that you have a busy schedule to keep up with, and we strive to offer convenient and prompt appointments for all your general and cosmetic dental needs. To save time for you, we offer all of our new patient forms on our web site, for you to print and fill out before your appointment. These forms have recently been updated, so be sure to check out the patient forms section of our web site!

Have a great weekend,

--Dr. Brock Tekin and the Art of the Smile Team

Dental Implants vs Bridges, a great article

Recently the New York Times published an article discussing the long term benefits of dental implants over bridges for tooth replacement. Check it out by clicking here.

Keep in mind that although implants can be a very effective solution to tooth loss, the process is a more involved one, and therefore need to be completed in stages.

We at Art of the Smile are able to provide dental implants on an outpatient basis, and the entire process can take anywhere from 3-6 months. While implants are a great long term solution for many patients, those with serious gum or jawbone deficiencies, osteoporosis, or uncontrolled diabetes may not be able to support a long-term implant.

Call us today at 404-963-8018 and schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Tekin to discuss your implant options. You can also visit our web site for more information about dental implants and other general and cosmetic dentistry options.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we at Art of the Smile are thankful for all our wonderful patients and friends that make each day extraordinary!

Since the holiday season is about to begin, what are you thankful for?

Share a response in the comments section, or head over to our Facebook Fan Page to join the conversation!

Happy Thanksgiving,

--Dr. Brock Tekin

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Tekin is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 404-963-8018.

TMJ Disorder and Treatment at Art of the Smile

So what exactly is TMJ?

"TMJ" is used to refer to problems associated with the jaw joint.
TMJ disorders are more common than you may realize in the United States. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that between 5 and 15 percent of people experience pain associated with TMJ. The initials TMJ actually stand for the TemporoMandibular Joint, which is where your lower jawbone and your skull connect. You have one joint on each side of your face, and you can experience pain in one without it being present in the other.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

Signs to watch out for are pain and discomfort in your jaw. Sometimes the pain spreads and you can feel it around your ears and throughout your face. You will probably experience difficulty chewing and swallowing. Oftentimes the joint will lock causing difficulties opening or closing your mouth. The joint can also make a clicking noise when you move your mouth. Left untreated, TMJ can also cause headaches, difficulties making facial expressions, and even make it painful to apply cosmetics to your face.

What causes TMJ?

The TMJ is one of the most complicated joints in your body because it moves up and down as well as side to side. TMJ problems usually involve a genetic predisposition which can be exacerbated by jaw clenching, teeth grinding, arthritis, or some kind of trauma to the joint.

How do you treat TMJ?

At [Practice Name], we start out by analyzing your symptoms and history to fully understand your condition and the potential causes. We will examine the joint and your range of motion to properly diagnose your condition. If you have TMJ, you are in good hands as we are equipped with the latest in technology at Art of the Smile. We can not only work with you to alleviate the causes of TMJ, but we can help you to minimize the stresses to the joint.

Our Special Invisalign Day is coming!

Mark your calendars for November 25th 8:30am-12:30pm. We are offering a free consultation and $500.00 OFF Invisaling treatment on the spot!!

We can start your program that very day and get you on the road to a Straighter Happier Smile!

Also with our new SmileDash Patient Portal you can track your Invisalign progress online from home! Simply go to www.Smiledash.com and create your account. Call and schedule your FREE consultation now, appointment times are going to go fast!
404-963-8018

Have a great day!

Art of the Smile

Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Tekin will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles

We at Art of the Smile want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting Dr. Tekin regularly.

Meet Dr. Tekin

Dr. Brock F. Tekin is a native of Atlanta. He graduated from the Lovett School in 1987 and maintains close ties with many of his classmates. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University in 1991. Dr. Tekin completed his dental education at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1995, where he received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD).

Dr. Tekin continues to learn and keep up with the latest advances in the dental profession by maintaining membership in the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, the Northern District Dental Society, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Academy of General Dentistry.

When he's not at the office, Dr. Tekin loves spending time with his wife Melissa and children Chase, Lily, Hudson, and Jack. He enjoys the HBO show "Entourage", likes the music of U2, and is a connoisseur of good wines and beers.