12 Reasons to Visit the Dentist This Holiday Season

1. Spotting Decay
Sometimes there is decay in your teeth that only your dentist can spot and remove.

2. Avoid Losing Teeth
Avoiding your dentist will do more than cause decay, over time it could cause you to lose teeth.

3. Gum Disease
Although gum disease is most common in the elderly, it can start developing early. It is good have a dentist check for gum disease frequently.

4. Oral Cancer
Your dentist will be able to recognize any warning signs that might point to oral cancer.

5. Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are starting to show, the sooner you go in to the dentist the better. Everyone's different, and you should not take risks with your dental health.

6. Prevent Emergencies
Waking up in the night with a dental emergency is never fun. Seeing the dentist regularly can prevent this from ever happening to you.

7. Overall Health
Your dental health has been proven to affect the rest of your health. Gum disease can lead to strokes, heart disease, and even cancer.

8. Periodontal Pockets
Caused by gum disease, periodontal pockets are important warning signs only your dentist can evaluate.

9. Cleaning
Even if you have the healthiest teeth and eat right, no one can clean your teeth like your dentist. A routine cleaning will prevent cavities and other dental illnesses.

10. Better Breath
All types of things cause bad breath, only your dentist can tell you if it is dental related.

11. Maximize Dental Benefits

Most dental plans renew in January, so use your benefits before you lose your benefits!

12. Hear about the latest and greatest

Our staff is trained to help you make the best decisions regarding your oral health. We know the most effective products and will base our recommendations on your unique needs.

 

Don't have a dentist that you know and trust? We'd love to help!

Please give us a call to set up a reservation! 936-539-3636

or visit us online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

Use 'Em or Lose 'Em



 

Every year as the New Year rapidly approaches, it seems like patients begin trying to utilize remaining dental insurance benefits. Unfortunately, the demand is usually so high that there are not enough hours to take care of the influx of patients.

This is a friendly reminder to take action sooner rather than later if you would like to use your remaining dental insurance benefits for 2012.

 

Remember there is no carry over from year to year so you use them or lose them!

We look forward to seeing you and yours soon.

Breaking News!!!

There are some big changes going on around Dr. Gardner’s and Dr. Burch’s dental office. If you haven’t been by in a while stop in and ask Odelia, the friendly face at the front desk, for a tour. We have fresh baked treats daily at our new and improved coffee bar. We’ve also added larger TVs in the reception area for easier viewing.  And if you’ve never experienced our massage chair, you’re missing out!

Besides the cosmetic touches, we’re working behind the scenes to make sure you are getting the best experience you can. We realize that it can be a challenge to take off work for dental appointments. So we’ve decided to do something about it: We’ll be here Monday-Thursday from 7 am – 7 pm and Friday from 7 am – 4 pm to better serve you.  Give us a call ASAP to set up a dental reservation. As you can imagine those extended hours fill up quickly!

As of January 1, 2013 our practice will be known as Conroe Comprehensive Dental Center!  We believe this will alleviate confusion when our Montgomery practice opens, which will be appropriately named Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center. Plans for the new office are being finalized and construction is estimated to begin mid-2013.

We’re very proud to announce that Dr. Gardner has earned his fellowship from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute (LVI). This journey, which included over 278 hours of continuing education, was a long time goal of Dr. Gardner’s. There are only 271 dentists, worldwide, who have this type of training in neuromuscular dentistry, which focuses on head and neck issues created by the bite.

During the pursuit of his LVI Fellowship, Dr. Gardner also earned a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), which will be presented at their annual meeting in July 2013. Only about seven percent of AGD dentists nation- wide have received their fellowship.

If you have been putting off coming to see us do to fear or anxiety, don’t forget that Dr. Burch is our sedation expert! He’ll meet with you to discuss options and together find something that works best for you.

We also wanted to use this time to give you a gift for your friends or family. Enclosed you’ll find a $100 guest card. Please give these to someone who you think will benefit from our services. We’ll give him/her the same stand-up service that you’ve come to expect.  And don’t forget, the referral contest for the New iPad is still in full swing! The drawing will be held Friday, December 14, 2012.

We are embracing changes that benefit our patients while still remaining the same dental office you’ve grown to love. We’re excited about the future and happy to experience it with great patients like you.

See you soon,

Dr. Tim Gardner, Dr. Jacob Burch and Team

www.drtimgardner.com

 

FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION

If you could, is there anything about your smile you would change? We would like to present you with an opportunity to do a FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION!

Free Orthodontic Consultation

Offer expires: 12/31/2012 * Some restrictions apply

Come in for a free consultation, which includes x-rays and impressions, to see the amazing ways orthodontics can enhance your smile. We have many solutions, including Invisalign, to give you the smile you have always wanted!

Take advantage of this offer next time you visit.

This limited time offer is for patients of record and is also being extended to new patients. Come on in and see what we're about! We'll give you a smile your dimples will be jealous of!

Give us a call or check us out online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

Dentist Celebrates Veterans' Day

Dr. Tim Gardner’s 1^st Annual Dentistry from Veterans event Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3, proved to be a success. More than $26,000 worth of free dentistry was performed on 35 Montgomery County veterans.

            Veterans were asked to make a screening appointment prior to the event to diagnose

 

necessary treatment. Procedures done free of charge included cleanings, fillings, crowns and

 

extractions. Their mission was to take care of any infections present and catch issues before they

 

became painful.

            Volunteers included Dr. Jacob Burch (associate of Dr. Gardner) and all of Dr. Gardner’s hygienists and staff.

            The event proved to be very rewarding for volunteers and patients alike. Staff and volunteers thank patients for their patience and understanding throughout the day

            Dr. Gardner has always held the military in high regard and created this event to give back to those who have given so much to our country.

            For more information please visit www.drtimgardner.com.

 

Looking for an exciting career??

Would you like to work in a fun, challenging environment with a great group of people?

Do you like advancement opportunities?

 

 

We may be the right fit for you!!

 

See below for position we're looking to fill soon.

 

Front Desk
We’re looking for someone who is accountable, responsible, eager to learn, a team player, has excellent communication skills and an overall positive attitude. A person in this position must be able to multitask, welcome and check out patients, stay organized, follow through on tasks and learn quickly.

Patient Concierge
This position is perfect for someone outgoing, eager and friendly! A person in this role must have excellent communication skills and the ability to make patients feel comfortable. The person must be entergetic, positive and a multitasker. This position relies heavily on patient interaction.

 

 

If either of these positions sounds like something that you would enjoy and thrive at please send a brief e-mail to drtimgardner@consoldiated.net explaining why this is a good fit for you and any salary requirements.

 

For more information and to meet the rest of our team please visit us online at www.drtimgardner.com 

Free Dentistry for Veterans

Dr. Tim Gardner, of Conroe, armed with staff and volunteers, is out to change lives by offering free dentistry to the veterans of Montgomery County as he hosts the 1st Annual Dentistry for Veterans event.

The event will treat those who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces. There will be no cost to those who show proof of military service. Procedures include, but are not limited to, cleanings, exams, extractions and simple fillings.

“I hold our military in very high regard,” Gardner said. “Without them we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. This is just a small way to give back to a great cause.”

The event will take place Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3, 2012, at the office of Timothy E. Gardner, D.D.S., at 2210 North Frazier, Suite 120 in Conroe. Prescreening is preferred and those who qualify are asked to call to make a reservation prior to the event. Walk-ins are welcome as well, but there is no guarantee of treatment.

Please contact Dr. Gardner’s office at 936-230-5447 with any questions or concerns or visit them online at www.drtimgardner.com.

Give 'Em Something to Smile About....

We've all heard about how wonderful it is to smile and how it can really make someone's day, but there's nothing like reading it written beautifully.

 

We've complied some of our favorite smiling quotes for you...enjoy!

 

And keep in mind...if you're smile isn't all that you want it to be, we can help!! Check us out online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com or by calling 936-539-3636

 

"A smile confuses an approaching frown." - Author Unknown

 

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." -Phyllis Diller

 

"No matter how grouchy you're feeling,
You'll find the smile more or less healing.
It grows in a wreath
All around the front teeth-
Thus preserving the face from congealing"
-Anthony Euwer

 

"Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available." -Jim Beggs

 

"A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home." -Author Unknown

 

"If you smile when noone else is a around, you really mean it." -Andy Rooney

 

"Everyone smiles in the same language." - Author Unknown

 

"Life is a like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it." -Author Unknown

 

 

"Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles." -George Eliot

 

"Smile- sunshine is good for your teeth." - Author Unknown

 

"The shortest distance between two people is a smile." -Author Unknown

 

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." - Mother Teresa

 

"Everyday you spend without a smile is a lost day." -Author Unknown

 

"Wear a smile - one size fits all." -Author Unknown

 

"You're never fully dressed without a smile." -Martin Charnin

 

"A smile is a universal welcome." -Max Eastman

 

"Smile! It increases your face value." -Robert Harling

 

"A smile is something you can't give away; it always comes back to you." -Author Unknown

 

"It takes a lot of work from the face to let out a smile, but just think what good smiling can bring to the most important muscle of the body...the heart." -Author Unknown

Top 10 Reasons Not to Dodge your Dental Cleaning Appointment

 

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know it can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That 2 o'clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It's a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.
2. It Wards Off Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions.
3. It's About More Than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to your dentist every 6 months could reduce your risk of serious health problems!
4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.
5. It's Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We've already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. Which sounds worse: A 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the knife?
6. You Want to Know You're Doing it Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren't keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.
7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.
8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you're already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.
9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!
10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in the waiting room and chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life and just relax. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you're given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

If it's been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your us at 936-539-3636 or visit us online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com to schedule an appointment today!

Avoiding Big Dental Costs

It may be hard to believe, but we want to help our patients before problems occur, which saves time, effort and money!

Whoever warned against being "penny wise and pound foolish" must have been thinking of times like these. When the economy is just limping along (and dollars are tight at home) it's natural to look for ways to cut down on unnecessary expenses. Too often, cutting back on today's unnecessary expense leads to far greater costs just a ways down the road. And that's especially true of dental care.
Of course, your dental practitioner recognizes that every household economy goes through its own ups and downs. But they also believe that maintaining a high level of health is the cheapest form of insurance. So they'll work with you to get the dental care you need - when you need it.

When you wait too long, a lot can happen.

• Gum problems don't hurt at first, so you may not even know you have disease lurking. And periodontitis can flare up despite conscientious home hygiene.
• Old fillings can leak at the margins where filling and tooth meet, inviting decay under a filling. If you let it go, it's crown time.
• A fractured tooth is often invisible and may require a root canal to save it. Waiting for it to heal usually results in dental bridges.
• If you're missing a tooth, your neighboring teeth will grow disrupted and loose.
• Topical fluorides and sealants are a good idea for children - even adults.
• Early orthodontics can save you a bundle later on.

Another wise philosopher pointed out, "There's a time in the life of every problem when it's large enough to see...and small enough to solve." By catching dental problems before they grow, you'll be spared both money and discomfort.

We can help get you and your family back on track! Call us today at 936-539-3636 or check us out online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

Our Docs know what's up!

Dr. Timothy Gardner has earned the designation of Fellow

from LVI Global (LVI).

To be considered an LVI Fellow a doctor must participate in the LVI CORE curriculum, which includes a minimum of 278 continuing education hours of training in advanced aesthetics and neuromuscular sciences. They must also successfully complete the comprehensive examination to reflect an understanding of the clinical skills and principles taught in this series.

Only 271 dentists nationwide have earned LVI’s prestigious title of Fellow, one of which being Dr. Tim Gardner.

This accomplishment means a lot for our patients. Dr. Gardner is trained on not only recognizing, but treating chronic headaches, neck and shoulder pain, jaw pain, TMJ problems, etc. Resolving such issues help patients live a better, longer, more meaning full life free from chronic pain.

Dr. Gardner has set himself apart by choosing the path of lifelong learning and undergoing elective, continuous training at LVI. He has exemplified a desire to maintain the best clinical ability in order to offer a high level of aesthetic neuromuscular dentistry. This dedication distinguishes Dr. Gardner by proving his dedication to quality of care and a desire to master complex procedures in order to provide the best comprehensive care for his dental patients.

For more information on Dr. Gardner's accomplishments please visit www.drtimgardner.com

For more information on how neuromuscular dentistry can change your life visit www.lviglobal.com

Is education just what the doc ordered??

This year marks the 3^rd annual Timothy E. Gardner, D.D.S. scholarship award. The $500 scholarship was eligible to graduating seniors attending local high schools who are attending college in the fall of 2012.

Dr. Gardner and Dr. Burch presented the scholarships personally at each high schools’ senior awards nights held on May 21 and 22, 2012 . The winners were Landon Van Alstyne and Ryan Durham, Conroe High school; Jonathan Sanderson, Montgomery High School; Rhea Lobo, The Woodlands High School; and Sara Rene Adamik and Evelyn Gomez, Willis High School.

Each year they present at least 4 scholarships to local area high schools. Our selection is based on academic performance, extra curricular activity and willingness to serve others. We are pleased to see that rising generation gives them hope for the future.

Applicants were required to fill out a scholarship form which included their GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteer hours, etc., as well as two short answer essay questions.

We are also desiring to give a full tuition scholarship, for any state school in Texas, to a student who has lost a parent in military conflict. Fortunately no one found themselves in that circumstance this year, but please let us know if you know of anyone in the future.

Education is something we're very passionate about and we look forward to helping others achieve their educational dreams in the future.

For more information on scholarship opportunities and Dr. Gardner please check out our webstie at www.drtimgardner.com

We gave them something to SMILE about!

Dr. Tim Gardner’s 4^th Annual Dentistry from the Heart event Saturday, May 19, 2012, proved to be a success. More than $24,000 worth of free dentistry was performed on the underprivileged of Montgomery County.

            Volunteers included Dr. Jacob Burch (associate of Dr. Gardner), Dr. Logan Wood, Mandy Hutchins, RDH and all of Dr. Gardner’s hygienists and staff. Lunch was provided by Rancho Grande and other donations were provided by Premier Wedding and Party Rentals and Concrete Contractors Supply of Texas.

            The event proved to be very rewarding for volunteers and patients alike. Registration began at 7:30 and patients were seen on a first come, first served basis. Procedures done free of charge included cleaning, extractions and fillings. Staff and volunteers thank patients for their patience and understanding throughout the day.

Dentistry from the Heart (DFTH) is a national non-profit organization with a simple mission: making people smile. DFTH was created to aid those in need, including the growing population of under-insured Americans.

            For more information please visit www.drtimgardner.com

A Clear Alternative to Braces

We’re proud to offer the Invisalign...
The Clear Alternative to Braces

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a virtually invisible solution, so you can smile confidently both during and after treatment. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign gradually moves your teeth toward the smile you’ve always wanted. And, almost no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them.

Invisalign is comfortable to wear and easy to live with. You visit our office ever month or two to check your progression and get new aligners. Average treatment time is about a year. Because aligners are removable, you can continue to eat your favorite foods. And you can brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Invisalign is able to treat a wide range of cases, ranging from crowding, spacing, overbites and underbites.

If you’re not convinced keep in mind the hygienic benefits of straighter teeth:
-Healthier Gums. Properly aligned teeth can help gums fit more tightly around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.
-Easier cleanings. With maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay or gum disease can be reduced.
- Decreased risk of abnormal wear. Properly aligned teeth can be less stressful on the supporting bone jaw joints.

If Invisalign sounds like something that you’d like to try, give us a call at 936-539-3636 or request an appointment online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com.

We’d love to get you in for a complimentary consultation to see how Invisalign can help you!

Education...just what the Dr ordered!!

We're proud to announce that we're accepting applications for our 4th Annual Timothy E. Gardner, DDS Scholarship Award.

The $500 scholarship is eligible to graduating high school seniors attending Conroe, Willis, Montgomery and The Woodlands High Schools, who are attending college in the fall of 2013. One senior from each school will receive the award at their high school's senior awards night.

Participants are required to fill out an application which includes their grade point average, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteers hours, as well as two short answer questions.

If interested students are asked to contact their school guidance counselor or e-mail us at drtimgardner@consolidated.net. All applications should be turned in through the applicant's high school.

We hope to be writing YOU a check soon!

For more information on our practice check us out online at www.drtimgardner.com

Don't get the wrong Impression

If you hate going to the dentist because of the goop and goo we put in your mouth to make the perfect crown you're going to absolutely love this (and hopefully us!)

We're proud to announce a new, wonderful addition to our office. No, not someone who can take magical impressions; we're talking about DIGITAL impressions! Your eyes haven't fooled you, it's the truth. No more gagging and uncomfortable trays; we've found the perfect solution for YOU!

With our new iTero machine, we're able to take "impressions" with a portable computer with a camera attached. We simply take pictures of the necessary teeth, send the images off to a lab and the pictures are turned into models.


The digital impressions are more accurate than the traditional impressions and much less of a hassle for our awesome patients.

What's not to love? If this sounds like something that would make your life easier, please give us a call. We'd love to see you soon! 936-539-3636

As always, for more information on the services we're proud to offer visit our website at www.drtimgardner.com.

For more information on the iTero machine and how it can benefit you please visit http://www.cadentinc.com/itero/itero.php?section=patient