For an Incredible Cause

The team at Conroe Comprehensive Dental Center feels very strongly about serving those who serve us and have made sacrifices for our country and freedoms. We have many service men and women in Montgomery County who have lost limb(s) or are paralyzed.

During the month of September, 10 percent of all treatment completed will go toward the purchase of Action Trackchairs for deserving, disabled veterans in our community.

The Action TrackChair bursts through the confines of a conventional wheelchair allowing the user to get outside and explore a variety of terrains and trek with ease through the woods, beach, mud, snow, etc. It also allows the individual to stand in the chair. The possibilities for these veterans are pretty fascinating. Please click the link below for more information.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/19/nonprofits-provide-veterans-track-chairs_n_3562727.html

"These chairs really allow the veteran to regain some of his/her freedom that he/she has fought so hard for us to have," Dr. Gardner said. 

If you have been putting off dental treatment, now would be a great time to help contribute to someone who has served you.  Remember, we’re open Monday-Thursday 7 am -7 pm and Friday 7 am – 4 pm to better suit your busy schedule! Dr. Gardner and Dr. Burch are also willing to extend hours further as needed to accommodate everyone desiring to participate in this cause.

We look forward to seeing you in September to support this wonderful cause and help us change lives!

For more information on Dr. Gardner and how you can contribute visit us online at www.drtimgardner.com or call 936-539-3636.

How to Be Teacher's Pet

Would you like this school year to be a breeze?

We've got 5 tips to help you win your teacher's heart.

1. Arrive to class 5 minutes early with a big SMILE!
2. Be attentive and ready to learn at all times.
3. Volunteer and answer questions with a SMILE!
4. Bring teeth-friendly snacks like apples. No teacher likes cavities!
5. Be in class every day!

 

How are you going to make those things happen? 

 

Make sure you and the rest of your family are current on your dental cleanings. With all that smiling you'll need your pearly whites in impeccable condition! A check up prior to the school year beginning will also make you less likely to miss school due to a dental issue.

Give us a call today and we'll set up a reservation for you. Remember, we have early morning and late evening appointments available to better suite your busy schedule.

For more information give us a call at 936-539-3636 or check us out online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

2013 Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry

Conroe Dentist Receives 2013 Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry

Dr. Gardner, below, with his wife, Dailene, and two children, James and Sarah.

 The Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD), a professional association of more than 2,500 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health education to the public, is pleased to announce that Timothy Gardner, D.D.S., FAGD of Conroe, Texas received the association’s 2013 Fellowship Award during the AGD 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, held June 27 to 30, in Nashville.

The Fellowship Award is presented to dentists who seek to provide the highest quality of dental care by remaining current in their profession. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Gardner completed 500 hours of continuing dental education, passed a comprehensive exam, and fulfilled three years of continuous membership in the AGD.

As a recipient of the Fellowship Award, Dr. Gardner joins more than 550 active TAGD Fellows who understand that providing great smiles and good oral health for their patients are the result of going above and beyond basic requirements.

“We are proud to honor Dr. Gardner for his commitment to the profession,” says AGD President Jeffrey M. Cole, DDS, MBA, FAGD. “He has distinguished himself professionally among his peers and is a role model to both his fellow dentists and to the members of the community.”

Dr. Gardner graduated from University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center in 1991 and currently practices dentistry in Conroe, TX. In addition to the AGD, Dr. Gardner is a fellow of the Las Vegas Institute, Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Orthodontic Society, and American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is currently pursuing his mastership from the Las Vegas Institute, as well as his diplomat status in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Gardner and his wife, Dailene, have two children, James and Sarah.

The Texas Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a professional association of more than 2,500 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health education to the public. TAGD members stay up-to-date in their profession through a commitment to continuing education. Founded in 1961, the TAGD is the second largest dental association in Texas, and it is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and overall coordination of services related to patients’ oral health needs. For more information about the TAGD, visit www.tagd.org.

 

For more information about Dr. Gardner please visit us online at www.drtimgardner.com

Something Special for YOU!!

Do you need a new grill in time for a Labor Day cookout?

Don't worry...we can help!

It always amazes us when patients ask if we're accepting new patients. The answer is ABSOLUTELY! What we've found is our best patients come from people like you. In effort to reward you for future referrals, we have a Weber Spirit 3-Burner Gas Grill we'll be raffling off just in time for your Labor Day festivities.

Effective immediately: Refer family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc., to our office and receive entries

into a drawing for an awesome grill. (See below.)

The more you refer, the more you're rewarded. Here's how it works:
Refer one person and receive 1 entry.

Your second referral will earn you 4 entries into the drawing.

A third referral will earn 10 entries.

Referrals 4 and above will score 15 entries per referral.

The drawing will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2013 which gives you just enough time to buy

burgers and hot dogs to throw on your new fire!
We hope to be giving YOU a Weber grill soon!

For more information about our practice, visit us online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

Giving Back in a Big Way

Is education just what the doctor ordered? That seems to be the case for Conroe Comprehensive Dental Center.

This year marks the 4^th annual Timothy E. Gardner, D.D.S. Scholarship Award. The $1,000 scholarship was eligible to graduating seniors attending local high schools who are attending college in the fall of 2013.

Dr. Gardner and Dr. Burch presented the scholarships personally at each high schools’ senior awards night. The recipients were Morgan Darby and Ryan Mascheri, Montgomery High School, Mattie Cutaia, Conroe High School, and Macey Tickner, Willis High School.

“Our goal going into this was to choose students who were able to balance academics with extracurricular activities, community service, etc.,” Gardner said. “We wanted to reward students who are motivated, giving and determined. The students we chose demonstrated all those things and more.”

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.

For more information on the scholarship, as well as Dr. Gardner, please visit www.drtimgardner.com.

 

 

What affects facial development in kids?

Continually stuffy noses affect Face Development

Parents, does your child's nose always seem to be stopped up? Did you know that this could affect the way he or she looks, even as an adult? Have you seen children and adults with long faces? Not sad faces, but actual long faces? Have you noticed that they often have difficulty breathing through the nose? Often their mouth will be open slightly because it's easier for them to breathe that way.

There is a connection between mouth breathing and improper development of the bones of the face. So, does the breathing pattern cause the long face or does that long face cause the breathing problem? The answer is both. Actually, in this case, the continual breathing problem can in fact cause the bones of the face to grow differently. How does this occur? When a young child continually mouth breathes, the jaw rotates downward to open the mouth. Over the years, this causes the joint to actually grow differently, resulting in the jaw growing more downward and less forward.

Another results of the mouth being continually slightly open is that the tongue does not rest in the roof of the mouth. The tongue is a very powerful orthodontics and orthopedic force. Proper tongue position is necessary for proper teeth position and proper growth of the palate. Results are often a long, narrow palate with flared upper front teeth.

When the palate is narrow, the nasal passages also tend to be narrower and more easily clogged. Thus the "vicious cycle" is completed. Even as adults, these folks are more prone to constant blocked nasal passages due to their constricted size.

Now doesn't heredity provide the main input in the facial development? Yes, but it's not the only factor. If the child's genese say "short, round face" then no noticeable damage will likely be seen. If the child's genes already say "normal" or "long, narrow face" then mouth breathing may have a negative effect.

In summary, if your child is always stuffed up, talk to his or her physician. Don't worry about an occasional cold or sinus infection. The constant problems are usually allergy related. Reduce allergy producing things in the house (including smoking). See an allergy doctor if you need to, but try not to let the problems go untreated.

We are trained in orthodontics which can easily expand a growing child's palate and help redirect the direction of jaw growth. Once growth is complete, the surgery is usually needed to help correct the problems.

For more information or to find out if your child is a good candidate please give us a call at 936-539-3636.

X-Rays are better than you think!

These days, computers are really changing the way we live and work. You've probably experienced their impact in your own home. And believe me, technology is also helping raise our dental practice to a new level of safety, accuracy, and comfort.

Keeping up with all these advances is a full-time occupation that's as important as my work at chairside. One of the most promising of these breakthroughs is an improvement on the oldest evaluation technology we have - dental x-rays.

For close to a century, dentists have used x-rays to detect cavities and damage invisible to the eye. We've long been aware of the drawbacks. Though x-ray radiation is slight, many patients find it a cause for concern. And reading the negative requires a skilled, professional eye-which means my patients can't see what I see.

That's why my office uses digital x-rays. A computer enhances a "photo" of your teeth and shows it instantly on a screen. This new system requires 80% less radiation than the old film x-rays, and can magnify the image up to 300 times. It's as easy to read as a snapshot. When I discuss something I see in your mouth, you'll be able to view it right along with me.




















In addition to x-rays, our office also utilizes intra-oral pictures. With this technology we use a small camera and take digital pictures inside your mouth. You get to see exactly what we see!

This is an exciting time to be a dentist. We're re-thinking and refining virtually every aspect of our dental practice, and I wanted to pass a bit of it along to you.

If you can think of anything we can do to make your visit more pleasant, please let us know! We're always improving!

For more information on all the technology available in our office visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

A Refresher Course on Flossing

How many times have you heard your dentist and dental hygienist tell you to floss? You nod your head and, maybe, you try flossing for a while. Then old habits take over. Well, it bears repeating: is one of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Bacteria accumulate between the teeth and where the tooth meets gum tissue. Every 24 hours brings a new batch. Brushing won't get rid of the bacteria, flossing correctly will.

Flossing before brushing should be a part of your home oral health care program. It doesn't matter which floss you use, and it doesn't require special skills, although practice makes perfect.

Here's a general routine to follow: wrap floss around your fingers, leaving five to six inches to work with. Keep the floss tight.

 

When the floss frays, re-loop the floss and continue flossing.

 

If you feel as if you're all thumbs, use a flossing threader. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how.

Choose a section of teeth; say your upper molars, which are most difficult to reach. Follow the curve of enamel on every surface, reaching wherever you can, with about three passes each time.

If an opening between teeth is tight, you may have to gently pull the floss toward the gum line. Be careful not to damage soft tissue.

Work from the back teeth toward the front while flossing, and then repeat the process on the other side. Rinse when you're done. The time you invest in plaque removal will pay real dividends at your next check up. Your dental hygienist will be proud!

For more dental tips visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

The Miracle of a Smile

Sarah's smile and Katie's smile

Dr. Tim Gardner and Dr. Jacob Burch have been so incredibly touched by the smiles of their daughters that they have decided to give the same joy to someone in need.

This year will mark the 2nd annual Sarah’s smile and Katie’s smile donation, which is named after the doctors’ daughters. Each doctor will choose one patient to do an Extreme Smile Makeover on at no charge.

Dr. Gardner, Dr. Burch and team are currently searching for residents of Montgomery County who are financially less fortunate and in need of dental services. The doctors would like to have residents nominate upstanding members of the community to receive an Extreme Smile Makeover.

If you know someone who is deserving of this gift please let us know by following the submission instructions below.

ONLY submissions recieved via e-mail will be considered. Submissions should be submitted to smilenominations@gmail.com.

Please include the following information in your e-mail:

Nominee's name, phone number, e-mail address and date of birth

Nominator's name, phone number and e-mail address

Dental concerns

A video or essay detailing the nominee's story and why he/she is deserving


The application deadline is June 15, 2013. The recipients will be contacted by July, 1. 2013.

Inquires only accepted via e-mail to smilenominations@gmail.com.

3 Reasons to Visit us Sooner, Rather than Later

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Having a great smile and avoiding toothaches are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good oral health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to consider.

First, dental health is part of your overall health. Second, choosing good dental care is a wise investment of your time and financial resources.

Finally, your emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about yourself. Your smile is a big part of your self image. Let's examine each of these areas more thoroughly.

Good Physical Health Equals Good Dental Health

It is easy to forget that your teeth, gums, and mouth are essential parts of your physical body. Periodontal disease, bone and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of your physical health. The ability to chew your food well helps digestion and reduces stress on the gastrointestinal system.

Like any physical system, each part of the body plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and gums is a part of an intentional plan for physical health. In collaboration with your dentistry team, you can create a dental plan that will contribute to your overall health plan.

A Good Dental Plan is a Wise Investment

There are two important resources that you use and allocate in your everyday life: your time and your money. When it comes to your dental care, they are closely related.

The time you take everyday to invest in your dental health is also an investment in your financial health. When treatment is necessary, dentistry is also an investment in your financial future. Proper treatment today prevents more costly complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow.

For those who seek to maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most value from the knowledge and skills your dentist and good dental care offers you.

Good Dental Health Equals Emotional Well-Being

How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional well-being, and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of good dental care and regular hygiene examinations reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.

Smile because good dental care can provide you with innovative and effective ways to create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to feeling good about yourself and your smile, dentistry offers many exciting and effective options.

 

For more information on how Dr. Gardner and Dr. Burch can help in multiple areas of your life visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com 

Even when tiny...tooth cracks need attention

Every tooth fracture needs prompt treatment. No chip or crack is insignificant.

Unfortunately, some cracks are too small to be seen, even by a trained eye. Sometimes the culprit is a hairline crack in what looks like a healthy tooth. You may not be aware of the damage until pain fills your mouth. You may not even be sure which tooth is causing you trouble.

Chips and cracks cannot be safely ignored. Untreated, tooth fractures grow larger and longer, inviting bacteria and tooth decay. Cracks in teeth also darken and age your smile. Taking that "stitch in time" before your mouth unravels will save you pain, time and expense.

Most cracks are superficial, involving only part of the crown, maybe a bit of the root structure. With fast and effective direct bonding, we can stop a small fracture from growing ugly.

What's more, 90 percent of all cracks need nothing more than an uncomplicated treatment like tooth-colored fillings, porcelain laminated veneers, or crowns. Don't put it off until that little crack becomes one of the ten percent that need serious measures. If you chip or crack a tooth, call us today for an appointment.

Taking that "stitch in time" before your mouth unravels will save you pain, time and expense.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cracked teeth, please don't hesitate to call us at 936-539-3636 or email us at drtimgardner@consolidated.net today.

If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

The Scoop on Baby Teeth

Have you wondered whether your child is normal in eruption or losing of baby teeth? The following will give a good guide on what's normal and expected during a child's younger years.

The chart below shows when a child's primary teeth (also called baby teeth or deciduous teeth) should erupt and shed. Eruption times vary from child to child.

TThe first teeth begin to break through the gums at about 6 months of age. Usually, the first two teeth to erupt are the two  two bottom front teeth.

 

Next, the top four front teeth emerge. After that, other teeth slowly begin to fill in, usually in pairs -- one each side of the upper or lower jaw -- until all 20 teeth (10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw) have come in by the time the child is 2 ½ to 3 years old.

Primary Teeth Development Chart
Upper Teeth	When tooth emerges	When tooth falls out
Central incisor	8 to 12 months	6 to 7 years
Lateral incisor	9 to 13 months	7 to 8 years
Canine (cuspid)	16 to 22 months	10 to 12 years
First molar	13 to 19 months	9 to 11 years
Second molar	25 to 33 months	10 to 12 years
Lower Teeth
Second molar	23 to 31 months	10 to 12 years
First molar	14 to 18 months	9 to 11 years
Canine (cuspid)	17 to 23 months	9 to 12 years
Lateral incisor	10 to 16 months	7 to 8 years
Central incisor	6 to 10 months	6 to 7 years

Other primary tooth eruption facts:

• A general rule of thumb is that for every 6 months of life, approximately 4 teeth will erupt.
• Girls generally precede boys in tooth eruption.
• Lower teeth usually erupt before upper teeth.
• Teeth in both jaws usually erupt in pairs -- one on the right and one on the left.
• Primary teeth are smaller in size and whiter in color than the permanent teeth that will follow.
• By the time a child is 2 to 3 years of age, all primary teeth should have erupted.

Shortly after age 4, the jaw and facial bones of the child begin to grow, creating spaces between the primary teeth. This is a perfectly natural growth process that provides the necessary space for the larger permanent teeth to emerge. Between the ages of 6 and 12, a mixture of both primary teeth and permanent teeth reside in the mouth.

Why Is it Important to Care for Baby Teeth?

While it's true that baby teeth are only in the mouth a short period of time, they play a vital role. Baby teeth:

• Reserve space for their permanent counterparts
• Give the face its normal appearance.
• Aid in the development of clear speech.
• Help attain good nutrition (missing or decayed teeth make it difficult to chew, causing children to reject foods)
• Help give a healthy start to the permanent teeth (decay and infection in baby teeth can cause damage to the permanent teeth developing beneath them)

$500 Off Invisalign

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

If you've ever wondered how you can straighten your teeth without braces, now is the time to take advantage of this limited time spring special:

$500 OFF INVISALIGN

Offer Expires: 05/20/2013

*Some Restrictions Apply

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 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!