Dr. Kotre's 2016 Dental eNewsletters
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Thank You for a Very Successful Food Drive!
11.30.16
Dear patient family:
Thank you to all who participated in our annual Salvation Army food drive. We greatly appreciate your generous donations. Congratulations to Megan M., who was the first place winner of our drawing for an Oral-B Pro 5000 Electric Toothbrush, and Patricia R., who was the second place winner and takes home an Oral-B Vitality!
We are gearing up for a very busy (and fun!) December at the office. Please read on for more information, including our final charity drive of the year, for winter coats, clothing and toys for children and families in need.
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Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
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Coat, Clothing and Toy Drive for Detroit Families in Need
From December 1st through the 16th, we will be collecting new and gently used winter coats, clothing and toys for Detroit families in need in cooperation with Nardin Park Community Church. Nardin Park helps the very poorest families in the City of Detroit all year long, but with a special emphasis on the holiday season. All donations of cold-weather clothing will be gratefully accepted, so clean out your closets with us for a good cause!
We look forward to seeing you soon. Questions? Contact us via our website, or call 734-677-2156 for more information.
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Holiday Hours
A quick reminder that the office will be closed for appointments from Saturday, 12/24 through Monday, January 2nd. Please note that we will have phone coverage the 27th-29th if you would like to make a future appointment.
We will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd at 10:00 a.m.
Stocking Stuffer Specials
Just in time for the holidays, we are offering the Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush for only $25!
Opalescence Go whitening 4-packs are also on sale with a $5 discount.
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
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2016 Hygiene Appointments + Cancellation List
Hygiene appointments for the remainder of 2016 are completely full. If you would still like to be seen this year, we recommend you call us to be put on our waitlist for any potential last-minute openings. Although this is in many ways the "most wonderful time of the year," it's unfortunately the most germ-filled time as well. This means we inevitably have patients who thoughtfully cancel their appointments when they are ill, which then opens up up slots for those on our waiting list.
Otherwise, we are currently booking out into 2017, so please give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website and we will get your scheduled ASAP.
Wishing everyone a delightful December and an amazing New Year -- see you all in 2017!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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Annual Food Drive + Welcome Dr. Hord!
10.28.16
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Dear patient family:
Thank you so much for all of the kind thoughts this month as I've started back to work after my leave of absence. They are much appreciated!
November is a busy month for our practice. From additional office hours to our food drive, there is much to cover. Read on for more information!
Have a Hauntingly Happy Halloween!
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
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Annual Salvation Army Food Drive
We are proud of our commitment to the community, and therefore excited to announce the start of our 2016 Salvation Army food drive!
In honor of this very important event, we are featuring a raffle prize for those who donate. For each item contributed, donors will be entered to win an Oral-B Pro 5000 rechargeable toothbrush, valued at over $100! The drawing will take place
Our second prize winner will receive an Oral-B Vitality toothbrush, valued at $25.
The drive will end on Tuesday, November 22nd, and the drawing will be held Monday, November 28th. The winner notified by email or phone. You don't need to be a patient to donate, so please feel free to tell family and friends about the drive, and let them know how they can help this great cause, too.
Donations can be made any time during office hours.
We look forward to seeing you soon! Questions? Contact us via our website, or call 734-677-2156 for more information.
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Welcome, Dr. Hord!
Patients who visited the office during Dr. Kotre's absence likely had a chance to meet Dr. Timothy Hord, who was kind enough to cover for many of Dr. K's appointments while she was out. We had many kind comments regarding Dr. Hord's time with us, and are therefore incredibly pleased thathe has accepted our offer to become a permanent member of our practice!
Dr. Hord will be available on Thursdays from 9-3, beginning on December 1st. His presence will allow us to have more weekday office hours for our patients, and we are happy to be able to offer the convenience of these additional appointment times for our patient family.
Additionally, don't forget that Dr. Diaz, our periodontist, has extended her availability, too!
With more doctors and more office hours, we will be adding another part-time assistant to our office to help on our busiest days. So if you start to see new faces in the office you know the old ones are still around; we are just making accommodations for our expanding practice. Much of this is thanks to all of YOU for referring new patients! One more reason we love our patient family.
To schedule an appointment with either Dr. Hord or Dr. Diaz, please visit our website, or call 734-677-2156.
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Pre-Black Friday Sale
Christmas is right around the corner, and we are offering the Opalescence Go! whitening 4-pack for just $35 for early bird shoppers.
Already using Go? Keep your smile gorgeously white with the Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush for only $27.
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
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2016 Hygiene Appointments + Open Enrollment
Cleaning appointments are going fast for the end of the year and all three doctors are booking up quickly. If you hope to use your insurance benefits before the end of the year for a check up or any other dental health service, please call as soon as possible.
As a reminder, this is the time of year to choose your insurance via open enrollment. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your plan or the options you are being offered. Simply contact us via our website, or call 734-677-2156 for more information.
Have an incredible November!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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Dr. Kotre Returns + Win Whitening!
09.30.16
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It's Finally Fall!
Which means its time for All the Fun Things -- crunchy leaves, cooler weather, cider, doughnuts, trick or treating -- it's almost here. Luckily for us, Dr. Kotre's recovery has gone exactly as planned so she'll be back in time to experience everything fall has to offer, and see our patient family through the holiday season with their best possible smiles.
We'd like to thank everyone for the fantastic support, patience and understanding we've received during her absence. We'd also like to again thank Dr. Hord and Dr. Haggerty for filling in for Dr. Kotre over the last month; we are grateful to have had such incredible "back up" when we needed it most.
Dr. Kotre will be back in the office this Monday, October 3rd and looks forward to seeing you all!
P.S. -- Interested in winning a free Go! Whitening kit? Make sure you read alllll the way to the bottom of this email...
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October is National Dental Hygiene Month
Although not as widely known as other monthly "celebrations," National Dental Hygiene Month is just as important. Why? Good dental hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health. Keeping your mouth healthy keeps the rest of your body healthy!
It's a fact that...
* Seeing your dentist regularly for exams can mean early detection of diabetes. 25.8 million people in the United States currently have a diagnosis for diabetes. It is believed that as many as 7 million have diabetes but the condition is currently undiagnosed. In 2007, 231,404 died of diabetes-related disease. The earlier it's detected, the faster effective treatments and preventative measures can be implemented.
* Regular dental exams can also result in the early detection of oral cancers. Close to 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly one person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 36,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years (Approximately 57%).
* Poor oral health can actually affect female fertility. Researchers recently analyzed information on pregnancy planning and pregnancy outcomes for 3416 women participating in a Western Australian study called SMILE. They found that women with gum disease took two months longer than average to become pregnant - seven months instead of five.
* Nutritional deficiencies can at times be seen in the mouth and identified by a qualified dental health provider.
* Gum disease, left untreated, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, coronary artery disease, and strokes. A dentist or dental hygienist can assess your gums' health and therefore help prevent these dangerous health conditions from occurring.
So, what's the best way to maintain good oral health?
* See your dental professional twice yearly for dental exams and teeth cleaning.
* Brush at least twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes, with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. A high-quality electric toothbrush can make a big difference in how well your teeth are cleaned. If you use a manual toothbrush, it's recommended that you brush three minutes or more.
* When you brush, use a soft-bristled brush, and a circular motion to clean teeth.
* Floss daily.
* Avoid sugary, high-acid, or high-carbohydrate foods that coat the teeth, such as sodas, sugared gum, chewy candies, fruit juices, milk, dried fruit, honey, and even many breakfast cereals. If you choose to consume these products, be sure to brush your teeth 20 minutes after consuming (waiting 20 minutes keeps your tooth enamel from breaking down while brushing).
For more information on maintaining good oral hygiene, or to make an hygiene appointment,contact us via our website, or give us a call at 734-677-2156.
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Additional Office Hours for Dr. Diaz
We are so very pleased to announce that due to her popularity, our fantastic periodontist Dr. Diaz will now be with us two more days each month, with the addition of every-other Tuesday to her schedule. If you need to be seen for periodontal care, please be sure and give us a call ASAP at 734-677-2156 so we can be sure to get you scheduled.
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Read and Win a Go! Whitening Kit
Did you catch all of the above facts about dental hygiene? If you did, send us three facts presented and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a four-pack of Opalescence Go! at-home whitening, valued at $35!
Simply email your facts to us at KotreContest@gmail.com, and you'll be automatically entered to win. Entries must be received by October 12th to be eligible and one winner will be drawn at random on October 17th.
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
Have an outstanding October!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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An Update from Dr. Kotre
09.02.16
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Dear patient family:
I cannot express how grateful I am for all of the words of support I've received during my absence; please know that they are much appreciated. I am looking forward to a smooth recovery and am still planning on returning to the office in early October!
I would also like to take a moment to again thank Dr. Hord for taking on so many of my previously-scheduled appointments (we've had many kind comments about his calm, easy-going demeanor). Special thanks as well to Dr. Haggerty to making the long trip to Ann Arbor not once, but twice, during my recovery. Not many people would be fortunate enough to have such wonderful, trustworthy "back up" in my situation!
As a quick reminder:
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Our wonderful periodontist Dr. Diaz will continue working her normal Wednesday hours.
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Dr. Haggerty will be in the office again later this month (details below). Stop by and say hi while she's in town!
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The remainder of my absence will continue to be covered by Dr. Timothy Hord, a Michigan graduate with more than 25 years of experience in dentistry.
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The rest of the practice staff will be working our regularly scheduled office hours, including coverage for any emergencies that may occur.
I plan on seeing you all soon (and just in time for cider and doughnut season -- yum)!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
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Dr. Haggerty is Back -- 2 Days Only!
Many patients who have been with us for the better part of 2.5 decades (!!!) were first patients of Dr. Carol Haggerty, who started the practice before handing over the reigns to Dr. Kotre. Happily, Dr. Haggerty remained a part of our work family (and real family, as Sherry's sister!), even after her move to academia at UNC. We are grateful that she continues to come up and "sub" for Dr. Kotre when she is out of the office. On that note, we are letting our patient family know that Dr. H will be back in the office for two days in September -- the 19th and 20th. If you'd like to stop in and stay hi, please do, and if you would like to book an appointment at that time, make sure you do it soon as spaces are limited. Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or make an appointment via our website.
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Review Go! Whitening & Win
Have you tried Go! Whitening by Opalescence? Write a review and you could win a free four-pack of this great at-home whitening product, valued at $35!
Simply email your review* to us at KotreContest@gmail.com, and you'll be automatically entered to win. Reviews must be received by September 30th to be eligible and one winner will be drawn at random on October 3rd.
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
*Please note that any submitted reviews may be posted on our website or social media accounts, including attribution consisting of first name + last initial.
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Set Phones to Silent in Operatories
For your own safety, once you are seated in an operatory, please remember to set your phone to silent or vibrate during the course of your treatment. Because our clinicians are performing procedures on delicate tissues and sensitive areas of the mouth, it is always best that they do not find themselves startled by ringing phones or text message notifications while working. Thank you for your understanding!
Have an super September!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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A Message from Dr. Kotre
08.05.16
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Dear patient family:
I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I will be taking a leave of absence from August 16th through October 3rd. Unfortunately, this will not be for a long vacation to an exciting tropical paradise. Instead, I will be having several essential (but non-critical!) surgical procedures that necessitate a substantial amount of time away from my practice. However, please rest assured that I will be in contact with everyone at the office during this time and Sherry and the rest of the team will be posting updates on Facebook during my recovery to keep you informed as to the exact date of my return were it to unexpectedly change.
In the meantime:
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Dr. Diaz will be working her normal Wednesday hours.
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We have arranged to have Dr. Haggerty come up from North Carolina to cover August 16-23. Stop by and say hi while she's in town!
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The remainder of my absence will be covered by Dr. Timothy Hord. Dr. Hord is a U of M grad with more than 25 years of experience in dentistry. He sold his Gaylord, Michigan practice in 2008, then worked from 2009-2015 in East Jordan, MI. In 2015, he moved back to Ann Arbor and considers himself to be "somewhat" retired, while continuing to practice part-time at the veterans' clinic here in A2. We are truly grateful to have his help while I am on leave.
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The rest of the practice staff will be working our regularly scheduled office hours, including coverage for any emergencies that may occur.
Thank you so much in advance for your understanding. See you in October!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
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Take an Oral-B Power Test Drive
Ever thought about making the switch from a manual toothbrush to an electric? Now you can test drive an electric brush right at our office via a new program from Oral-B! They have devised a procedure for sanitizing and sealing the base of the brushing unit so that it is 100% sanitary when used with a new brush head each time, so it is easy for patients to experience the difference an electric toothbrush can make. In fact, you can even watch the sanitizing process developed by Oral-B online!
Interested in a test drive? Just let our front desk staff know at your next appointment and they will ensure that a brush is available for your use. Questions? Just give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Win a Whitening Kit!
It's been far too long since we've had a contest. No time like the present to make up for that, right?
Up for grabs this month is a Fabulous Four Pack of Opalesence Go, valued at $35.
How might you go about winning this incredible prize? Simply visit our website, find Dr. Diaz's page, and then send us an email stating what year she became board certified in the U.S. Assuming there are multiple correct answers, we will hold a drawing on August 15th. The winner will be contacted via email and s/he may claim their whitening kit anytime during regular office hours. Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
August Hygiene Schedule is Full!
August is officially full! If you or anyone in your family requires a summer appointment before the start of the school year, please call the office at 734-677-2156 or visit our website and we will put you on our short notice cancelation list. That way, if we do have a last-minute opening, you will be the first to know.
Have an Amazing August!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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Happy Independence Day!
06.30.16
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Whew -- what a summer we're having so far; with heat like this, remember to hydrate! And as we generally remind our patients each year, don't forget the effect of all of that pool chlorine on teeth. More information is available on its effects below.
Additionally, please note that we will be closed for our annual "summer break" the week of July 4th. Front office staff will be available the 5th-8th to answer questions or schedule appointments. We are also open for hygiene appointments on Tuesday the 12th, and Dr. Diaz will be in the office on the 13th. Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.
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Too Much Pool Time = Yellow Teeth
Everyone loves to cool off with a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. However, too much time in the water can cause yellowish-brown buildup, especially on front teeth. Pool water contains chemical additives like antimicrobials, which give the water a higher pH than saliva, causing salivary proteins to break down quickly and form these dark deposits, sometimes referred to as "swimmer's calculus."
If you are noticing that your or your children's teeth have become excessively yellowed over the summer, be sure to schedule a cleaning to take care of the discoloration. Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or click the "make an appointment" link above.
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Special Summer Event? Try an Opalescence "Test" Kit!
Go, by Opalescence is now available at the office and can be purchased as a "test kit" -- a one-time use, $10 tray and gel combination and takes only 15-20 minutes to use and see results. This is a great way to try out the benefits of this product for a special event and see if a full 10-tray kit would be right for you.
What makes Go different? The material used in the 10 included trays adapts to your teeth's structure, optimizing the whitening opportunity. This adaptation also ensures that the maximum amount of hydrogen peroxide gel stays in contact with teeth during the entire whitening session.
You can purchase Go during office hours, even if you do not have an appointment. Give us a call today to reserve yours at 734-677-2156.
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August Hygiene Schedule is Nearly Full!
Believe it or not, our summer hygiene schedule is completely full through August 23rd. If you or anyone in your family will require a summer appointment this year, please call the office or visit our website ASAP to ensure that we can get you/them in.
Additionally, although we welcome you to drop older kids off or have them drive themselves to their appointments, please understand that we cannot treat them without a signed letter of permission from a legal guardian. Phone calls and emails are unfortunately not sufficient in this case, so if you believe your minor family member may be visiting the office on their own, please remember to give them your signed approval to bring with them to their appointment. Questions? Simply email us or call 734-677-2156.
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Oral-B Pro 5000 Bluetooth Electric Toothbrush + Extras for Only $99
We didn't think it would be possible to beat Walmart pricing, but we have! For the month of July, we are featuring the Oral-B Pro 5000 plus the following extras (valued at more than $20) for just $99:
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Full Sized Crest Pro Health Advanced Toothpaste
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Full Sized Crest Pro Health Advanced Mouthwash
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Glide Floss
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1 Oral-B Interproximal Clean Brush Head
From the Oral-B Website:
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Removes 300% more plaque along the gum line than a regular manual toothbrush
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Clinically-proven superior 3D Cleaning Action oscillates, rotates and pulsates to break up and remove more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush
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Rechargeable with 5 modes: Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Whitening, and Deep Clean
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Senses when you brush too hard with pressure sensor alert
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In-handle timer pulses every 30 seconds to let you know when to switch areas of the mouth
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CrossAction round brush head with perfectly angled bristles for a precise clean
You can pick up this great deal any time during office hours, but please remember thats upplies are limited and they are first come, first served. You may also call or email to reserve your brush at 734-677-2156.
Have a Fun-Filled (and safe!) 4th of July!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre, DDS + Staff
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In-Office Periodontology Now Available!
05.26.16
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Happy (Almost) Summer!
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How is it almost summer already? We don't know about you, but we are more than ready for the warmer days ahead!
We have so much to share this month, including a very exciting addition to our staff. Please read on for more information...
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Best. News. Ever!
We are so thrilled to announce the newest addition to our staff -- Dr. Patricia Diaz -- who will be joining us two Wednesdays a month beginning on June 15th.
Dr. Diaz has more than 15 years of experience in dentistry. After earning her DDS in Argentina, she later received an MS in periodontics while in Houston, TX and became board certified in 2011. She practiced in Nevada until two years ago, when she moved to Michigan to be closer to family. Dr. Diaz can perform all perio procedures including placing implants and is proficient in oral surgery as well as endodontics.
Some of our patients may already be familiar with Dr. Diaz, as she filled in for Dr. Kotre in April in her absence. Because they have very similar oral health philosophies, and we received such positive patient feedback about their experiences with Dr. Diaz, we believe she will be an excellent fit for our practice.
As she is only in the office two days per month, Dr. Diaz's schedule will fill up quickly. If you know you will require a periodontic or endodontic procedure in the next few months, please give us a call as soon as possible at 734-677-2156 or visit our website to make an appointment.
Welcome, Dr. Diaz!
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New Product -- Opalescence Go Whitening
We are always on the lookout for new whitening products for our patients; especially ones that are convenient and economical. We believe we've found a great one in Go, by Opalescence.
What makes Go different? The material used in the 10 included trays adapts to your teeth's structure, optimizing the whitening opportunity. This adaptation also ensures that the maximum amount of hydrogen peroxide gel stays in contact with teeth during the 15-20 minutes required for each whitening session.
Because different patients desire different levels of whitening we are offering three different tray options for Go: 1 ($10), 5 ($35) or 10 ($50). The single tray "test kit" will let patients try the product to see if it's right for them, while the remaining two choices allow for flexibility in the course and strength of treatment.
You can purchase Go during office hours, even if you do not have an appointment. Give us a call today to reserve yours at 734-677-2156.
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Summer Hygiene Schedule is Nearly Full!
Like every year, our summer appointments are beginning to book up already; in fact, our hygiene schedule is already full through the end of July. If you or anyone in your family will require a summer appointment this year, please call the office or visit our website to get on the schedule soon to ensure that we can get you/them in. As an early reminder, we are off the week of July 4th for our own "summer break," too!
Additionally, although we welcome you to drop older kids off or have them drive themselves to their appointments, we cannot treat them without a signed letter of permission from a legal guardian. Phone calls and emails are unfortunately not sufficient in this case, so if you believe your minor family member may be visiting the office on their own, please remember to give them your signed approval to bring with them to their appointment. Questions? Call 734-677-2156.
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Facebook Fun
If you haven't already liked our Facebook page (and if you have not, why not do it now?), here's what you missed over the month of May:
Have a joyous June!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre, DDS + Staff
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$99 for Professional Whitening?!
04.29.16
A Note of Thanks from Dr. Kotre
Dear Friends:
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for the incredible support and understanding you've shown me over the last month. As you might imagine, it has been a difficult and emotional time for both me and my family, and I truly appreciate your flexibility and patience.
With much gratitude,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
Spring Whitening Specials are Here!
Wedding and graduation season is beginning, which means it's time for our spring whitening specials!
Through the end of May, our Sinsational Smile*, Philips DayWhite and Zoom! WhiteSpeed** whitening systems will be available at incredible discounts:
Philips DayWhite can be purchased for just $125. This is something we have never done before. For this low price, patients may come in and be fitted for personalized whitening trays which can then be picked up just days later, along with a tube of professional bleach, to be used in the comfort of their own homes.
Sinsational Smile, regularly priced at $139, can be scheduled for only $99.
Zoom!, our most effective, longest-lasting whitening system, is priced at only $300 after $50 rebate (available directly from Philips). You will also receive a complimentary Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush to keep your new smile beautifully white.
The details:
Sinsational Smile results are more gradual, but the package includes a take-home whitening pen to extend and enhance results and the procedure takes only 20 minutes. DayWhite has a more immediate effect than SinsationalSmile, but is not as fast or intense as Zoom! whitening. However Zoom! requires a longer appointment time (75-90 minutes) to complete, and also includes take-home whitening trays as well as the Vitality electric brush, both of which help maintain your beautiful new smile.
Call today and schedule your appointment for these special offers at 734-677-2156 before time runs out!
*Sinsational Smile whitening can only be completed after a professional cleaning. Please be sure to schedule your procedure at the same time as your hygiene appointment.
**Special WhiteSpeed pricing includes a $50 coupon discount offered on the Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed website. Before your appointment, please fill out the form at the Philips website.
Congratulations, Joelle!
Many of our patients have come to know Joelle over the last three years. She has been an important part-time member of our staff during that time, handling both the front desk, and the role of dental assistant as required.
We are so very pleased to announce that she is now a full-time staff member; please give her a warm "congratulations!" the next time you're in the office for an appointment.
Facebook Fun
If you haven't already liked our Facebook page (and if you haven't, why not do it now?), here's what you missed over the month of April:
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Brushing Teeth Regularly May Slow Down Progression of Alzheimer's Disease
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Student Uses 3D Printing to Straighten Teeth. What Could Go Wrong?
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This Adorable Dog Works at a Dentist's Office to Comfort Frightened Patients
Have a Marvelous May!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre, DDS + Staff
Free Oral Cancer Screenings
03/31/16
Spring is finally here, which means it's nearly time for Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which runs through the end of April. Read on to find out what our practice does to screen our patients for oral cancer at each and every hygiene appointment.
Spring Mouth Guard Special
We have many patients who participate in team sports. As a former high school athlete, Dr. Kotre is dedicated to preserving her patients' dental health both via education, and prevention.
One of the easiest, most affordable ways to prevent dental injuries is by purchasing a custom mouth guard. Normally $60, we are bringing back our popular spring mouth guard special andindividually fabricating them for just $30. The proper fit provided by a custom mouth guard can mean the difference between excellent and sub-par protection against injury.
In addition, if you or your children are involved in a team sport, we are offering a discount program that will outfit the entire team with mouth guards at once for just $25 each.
Serious mouth trauma is painful and can be quite expensive to treat. We would love to see all children (and adults!) who play sports be properly protected from these types of injuries. Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information or to schedule an appointment for a mouth guard fitting. You can also visit our website to learn more.
April is for Oral Cancer Awareness
The OralID oral cancer-screening device is an important part of every hygiene appointment at our practice. It is a free service we provide to help keep our patient family healthy.
How does it work? The OralID utilizes fluorescence technology via a blue light that allows clinicians to identify oral cancer, pre-cancer and other abnormal lesions at an early stage. Use of this appliance enables our team to screen for issues in only 60-90 seconds -- we think that investment of time is quite small if it means potentially saving a life.
Questions? Please give us a call today at 734-677-2156 for more information.
Oral Cancer Facts
Did you know?
Nearly 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.
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It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day.
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Of those 40,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years (approximately 57%).
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The mortality rate for oral cancer has not significantly improved in decades.
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The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, testicular cancer, and skin cancer.
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Worldwide, oral cancer rates are even higher, with over 640,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
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Historically, the death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because it is difficult to diagnose, but because the cancer is routinely discovered late in its development, when it has already metastasized to other areas of the body, often the lymph nodes.
Early detection is the key to successful outcomes after oral cancer diagnoses. Concerned about oral cancer? We are happy to answer any questions you may have; just give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Facebook Fun
If you haven't already liked our Facebook page (and if you haven't, why not do it now?), here's what you missed over the month of March:
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Listen to Records with Your Teeth
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What's the Tooth Fairy Paying for Teeth in 2016?
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Michigan Golden Retriever Puppy Gets Braces to Fix Bad Teeth
Have an Awesome April!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre, DDS + Staff
Happy Birthday Dr. Kotre!
It's March, and by now, most of our patient family knows what that means...
It's Dr. Kotre's birthday month!
March 1st is the big day, and to celebrate, we have a very special giveaway available all month long. Read on for more information...
Spring Break Closure Reminder
A quick reminder that the office will be closed for Spring Break from March 30th through April 10th, returning on the 11th. We will have an associate available to answer calls and schedule appointments from 9-3 Monday through Friday. We will also be able to refer you for alternative care if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Just give us a call at 734-677-2156 if you need assistance during that time and we are happy to help.
Birthday Giveaway!
It's Dr. Shannon's birthday month and she is excited to share a very special giveaway with our entire patient family.
We are so happy with the results of our new ascents™ clinical aromatherapy system that Dr. Shannon wanted to make this great wellness solution available to our patients outside of her office. Therefore, all patients who are seen during the month of March will receive a complimentary ascents™ "Calm" personal inhaler, valued at $5.95, along with a discount code (good from now until March 31st -- use code "HBD20") for 20% off any purchase on the ascents™ website.
As we announced last month, we have begun incorporating 100% natural ascents™ clinical aromatherapy into our front office to enhance our patients' in-office experience. The essential oils used in the ascents™ "Calm" blend have been shown via scientific research to reduce dental anxiety in both waiting rooms and operatories, and they show similar stress-reduction benefits for use at home or on the go.
Enjoy and let us know what you think!
More March Celebrations
March is a big month for dentistry -- is it really that surprising that Dr. Shannon's birthday is this month, too? ;)
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March 6th: National Dentist's Day
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March 20th: World Oral Health Day
While we realize these days are meant as an appreciation of those in the dental profession and a recognition of the importance of good dental health, respectively, we know that our practice wouldn't exist with our our incredible patient family. So instead, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued loyalty. We are incredibly grateful and honored that you choose us for your dental healthcare needs!
Facebook Fun
If you haven't already liked our Facebook page (and if you haven't, why not do it now?), here's what you likely missed over the month of January:
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Dental Bacteria Can be Beautiful -- Really!
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Ever Wonder How Astronauts Brush Their Teeth in Space?
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Now You, Too, Can Make Your Kids' Baby Teeth into Jewelry! (Ew)
Have a Marvelous March!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre, DDS + Staff
Happy (Almost!) Valentine's Day!
01.28.16
We have so much to share this month, including Valentine's Day treats, children's dental health month information, and the introduction of clinical aromatherapy into our practice. Read on for details!
A Sweet Treat for Valentine's Day
All month long, children who are seen for a check up will receive aspecial (sugar-free!) treat in honor of Valentine's Day. Don't forget to ask for yours at the front desk post-appointment!
Additionally -- for those dental devotees reading -- there are some adorable, printable Valentine's Day cards available at the ADA's consumer website, Mouth Healthy. Check them out here! http://www.mouthhealthykids.org/en/activity-sheets/valentines-day/?content=valentines&medium=rotator&source=mh/
Insurance Cards Reminder
The New Year generally means new insurance. We are asking everyone in our patient family to (please, please, please!) remember to bring all new insurance cards in when next seen at the office so we can process claims as quickly as possible.
Patients who are insured via the University of Michigan's Delta dental plan are the only exception of which we're aware and do not need to update their information with us unless they've made a change.
Don't forget that benefits do change, even if your plan may have not. We are always happy to answer questions or predetermine benefits or cost information for specific procedures, so just let us know if we can help. Please note that some insurance carriers provide immediate answers to benefits questions online, but other companies may require up to 30 days to respond to requests. Please be sure to inquire early if you have concerns about coverage.
In-Office Clinical Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been shown to be an effective remedy for dental anxiety in clinical environments. We are thrilled to now offer the ascents™ Clinical Aromatherapy system in our office for the comfort of our patient family!
The ascents™ "Calm" blend is 100% natural, non-allergic and comprised of essential oils proven to decrease stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Give us a call at 734-677-2156 and experience ascents™ for yourself at your next appointment!
Want to know more about ascents™ Clinical Aromatherapy? Visit their website for more information or to find out how you can bring ascents™ home.
February is Children's Dental Health Month
February is Children's Dental Health Month. We hereby (gently) remind our patient family that the American Dental Association recommends all children be seen for a baseline assessment by 6 months of age. The ADA website is also a great resource for pediatric dental information, including a number of fun activity sheets for kids that help teach good oral health habits.
Have a fabulous February!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre and Staff
Last Chance for 2015 ZOOM Pricing!
01.01.16
Welcome 2016!
We hope everyone had a lovely holiday season and amazing New Year's Eve with family and friends! As the snow begins to fall, just a quick reminder that if Ann Arbor schools are closed, our office will be closed as well. We will call you as soon as we reopen to reschedule any appointments that may have been missed due to the closure(s).There's plenty to share this month, so please read on for more information...
2015 Zoom Pricing is Going...Going...Gone!
If you wanted to take advantage of 2015 Zoom pricing, this is your very last chance! We only have THREE kits left at the $300 price -- when they're gone, they are truly gone and Zoom will only be available for the new retail price of $400, less the $50 online coupon. This is an amazing deal on an incredibly effective in-office whitening product. In fact, we'll go out on a limb and say it's the MOST effective whitening product we've seen up until now.
If you know you want Zoom! at this outstanding price, call and reserve your spot ASAP at 734-677-2156.
*Retail price of each remaining Zoom! kit is $350. Use the $50 coupon available on the Zoom! website to receive a total of $100 off of treatment compared to the new, higher 2016 cost.
Insurance Cards Reminder
The New Year generally means new insurance. Remember to bring new insurance cards to your next appointment so we can process your claim as quickly as possible. Patients who are insured via the University of Michigan's Delta dental plan are the only exception of which we're aware and do not need to update their information with us unless they've made a change.
Don't forget that benefits do change, even if your plan may have not. We are always happy to answer questions or predetermine benefits or cost information for specific procedures, so just let us know if we can help. Please note that some insurance carriers provide immediate answers to benefits questions online, but other companies may require up to 30 days to respond to requests. Please be sure to inquire early if you have concerns about coverage.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Update
Our Angel Tree made its debut on November 23rd and was ahuge success! Thank you once again to our entire patient family for the incredible participation in our annual and largest charity drive of the year.
For those who aren't familiar with this event, each gift tag on our Angel Tree represents the holiday wishes of a Washtenaw-area child or youth, such as a toy, clothes or a book. Unlike a traditional toy drive, the Angel Tree program fulfills families' and children's specific needs during the holiday season.
We are honored to have been able to help provide gifts to families in need who would otherwise be left out during the holidays, and look forward to another amazing turnout from our patients in 2016!
Have joyus January!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre and Staff