Clothing and Toy Drive for Nardin Park is Still Going Strong!
12.3.18
Happy December Patient Family!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
We also wanted to take a moment to let you know how thankful we are for YOU this holiday season -- our practice's success depends on your continued patronage and referrals. Without our fantastic patient family, we wouldn't be where we are today.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman Kotre + Staff
Your Monthly Dental Appointment Reminder!
(Psssssst...we are now booking into January!)
December is nearly booked! If you need to be seen before the end of the year, give us a call at 734-677-2167 or send us a message via our website so we can get you in as soon as scheduling permits. You can also be added to our waitlist if no appointments are available.
Annual Clothing & Toy Drive for Nardin Park Runs Through December 14th
Until December 14th, 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!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Holiday Office Hours
Please note that the office will be closed from December 24th through January 1st; we will reopen on January 2nd.
Holiday Gifts for All
This December, we're offering gift options for everyone on your list! Through the end of the month, choose from any (or all!) of the following specials:
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Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush: $25
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Oral-B kids' package: $35
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GO! in-home whitening system 4-pack: $30
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GO! in-home whitening system 10-pack: $50
Gift certificates are also available for purchase for in-office whitening services such as Zoom! Whitespeed and Opalescence GO! Whitening, or any other service/product we offer -- all make great last-minute gifts!
Don't wait; supplies are limited to what we have in-stock. Give us a call to reserve yours at 734-677-2156.
Happy Birthday to Dr. Diaz and Yvonne!
Wishing the happiest of birthdays to two of our favorite people who both celebrate this month -- Dr. Diaz and Yvonne! Both are turning a year more fabulous.
Insurance Plan Changes
It's the time of year when many of our patients' health insurance plans change. If you've had a change in your insurance, at your next appointment, please bring your new card with you and present it at check-in so we can make it part of your patient record.
When your insurance information is up to date, it means that any claims we need to file with your insurance company can be made quickly and easily, ultimately leading to less work and follow up for you.
Additionally, if you are going through open enrollment and have any questions about your current coverage vs. potential new offerings, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Lost and Found is Growing Again
Did you know we have a lost-and-found in our office? If you leave something behind, never fear! Odds are, we have it here. Please feel free to call us at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website to inquire about any lost items.
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Wishing the happiest of holidays to those who celebrate this month, and we will see you in the new year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre + Staff
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Go! Vote & Receive a Free Opalesence Whitening Sample!
10.31.18
But First...Your Monthly Dental Appointment Reminder!
(Psssssst...we are now booking into December!)
November is nearly booked! If you need to be seen this fall, give us a call at 734-677-2167 or send us a message via our website so we can get you in as soon as scheduling permits.
December is booking up very quickly and there are limited appointments available. Please note that the office will be closed from December 24th through January 1st; we will reopen on January 2nd.
Annual Clothing & Toy Drive for Nardin Park Starts 11/1
From November 1st through December 14th, 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!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Thanksgiving Week Office Hours
Our office will be closed Wednesday, November 21stthrough Friday, November 23rd celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. A front desk staff member will be in on Wednesday and Thursday to answer questions and schedule appointments.
November is National Sleep Comfort Month
Your oral health affects the quality of your sleep!
How well you take care of your dental health surely affects your entire body. If you follow good practices you can improve your oral health, but if not, you might be in for some problems. Even your normal sleep habits can be impacted by poor oral care. However, there are some issues in life that can actually create oral health problems too. Let’s learn how these negative habits can be changed to give your body exactly what it needs so you can live a far more productive life!
Read more: How Oral Health Affects Your Sleeping Habits
GO! Vote! On Election Day
Your vote matters! Bring in your voting sticker and get a free GO! Opalesence whitening sample. All entries will then be entered into a drawing for a 4-pack of GO! Opalesence whitening.
This offer is open to all of our patients, whether or not you have an appointment, so please come on by on November 6th!
Insurance Plan Changes
It's the time of year when many of our patients' health insurance plans change. If you've had a change in your insurance, at your next appointment, please bring your new card with you and present it at check-in so we can make it part of your patient record.
When your insurance information is up to date, it means that any claims we need to file with your insurance company can be made quickly and easily, ultimately leading to less work and follow up for you.
Additionally, if you are going through open enrollment and have any questions about your current coverage vs. potential new offerings, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Lost and Found is Growing Again
Left something behind? Please check with our front desk next time you're in the office, or give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Happy Birthday to Liz & Melissa!
Two of our favorite people become a year more fabulous this month. Happiest of birthdays to you both!
Wishing you a terrific Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre + Staff
Save on Opalescence GO! Whitening
9.27.18
But First...Your Monthly Dental Appointment Reminder!
(Psssssst...we are now booking into November!)
October is nearly booked! If you need to be seen this fall, give us a call at 734-677-2167 or send us a message via our website so we can get you in as soon as scheduling permits.
Scavenger Hunt Winner
Congratulations to Barrie R., who correctly answered all of the answers in last month's online "scavenger hunt," and was the winning entry in our drawing for the Oral-B Vitality Toothbrush.
Enjoy, Barrie!
Insurance Information Updates
Please don't forget to inform the staff at check-in of any insurance changes prior to being taken back to one our operatories.
Thank you!
National Dental Hygiene Month
We love our dental hygienists!
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and that means it's time to celebrate the amazing work Annie, Kris, and Liz do to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health.
It also happens to be Annie's birthday month -- wishing a very Happy Birthday to one of our favorite people!
Get GO!-ing This Fall With Our Opalescence Whitening Special!
"Fall" for our incredible savings on Opalescence GO! whitening. Through the end of October, patients can purchase a 4-pack for just $29.75 -- that's 15% off the regular price!
What makes GO! unique? The material used in the 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.

GO! is not sold in stores, so give us a call ASAP at 734-677-2156 to reserve your 4-pack, or stop by the office to pick one up today at this special price.
National Orthodontic Health Month
October is National Orthodontic Health Month. It's incredibly important that all children are seen by an orthodontist by age seven for an initial evaluation. This consultation establishes a baseline for their orthodontic health, and allows the orthodontist to note whether there are any developmental issues in the child's mouth which should be monitored. The earlier a child is seen, the easier it will be to take care of small problems before they become much more difficult and time consuming to treat. Early treatment is the key to good orthodontic health!
If you or your family member needs a referral to an orthodontist, please give us a call at 734-677-2156. We have close relationships with several wonderful area orthodontists and are happy to refer you to a specialist whenever necessary.
Halloween Treats Don't Need to be Scary for Your Teeth
Looking for some alternatives to sweet and sticky (cavity-causing!) treats? Check out our ghoulishly good list!
1. Stickers - inexpensive, colorful, and fun (there's hardly a kid around who can resist the offer of a special sticker)
2. Halloween pencils or erasers
3. Vampire or monster teeth
4. Temporary tattoos
5. Super-bouncy rubber balls
6. Halloween rings, such as spiders or eyeballs
7. Silly Bandz, one of the biggest kids' trends around right now
8. Glow sticks
9. Sidewalk chalk or crayons
10. Bubbles
And if you absolutely want to give out something edible, but want healthier options, try sugar-free gum, mini-bagged pretzels or pumpkin seeds, raisins, or mini-granola bars.
P.S. -- Does any of this mean you should avoid sugar entirely at Halloween? Of course not! But if and when you choose to indulge your sweet tooth, make sure you do it all in one sitting rather than snacking, and brush your teeth after eating. If a brush isn't available, drink plenty of water to wash away the problem-causing sugar and bacteria.

Have a hauntingly happy Halloween!
Halloween Fun Facts
1. Originally, you had to dance for your “treat.”
2. Halloween is more Irish than St. Patrick’s Day.
3. Jack-o’-lanterns were once made out of turnips, beets and potatoes — not pumpkins.
4. In a few American towns, Halloween was originally referred to as “Cabbage Night.”
5. Only 6 states produce a majority of the holiday's pumpkins (yes, Michigan is one of them!)
Have an Over-the-Moon October!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre + Staff
Play Our Online Scavenger Hunt!
8.30.18
But First...Your Monthly Dental Appointment Reminder!
(Psssssst...we are now booking into October!)
September is almost completely booked and October will be soon as well. If you need to be seen this fall, give us a call at 734-677-2167 or send us a message via our website so we can get you in as soon as scheduling permits.
GO! Whitening Contest Winner
Congratulations to Kate L., who correctly answered all of the answers in last month's email quiz, and was the winning entry in our drawing for the GO! 4 pack.
Enjoy, Kate!
Yes, We Are BPA Free!
We receive many inquiries as to the content of the composite fillings used in the office, and we want to let our patients know they may rest assured that the composite material is, in fact, BPA free.
Co-Pays Due @ Time of Appointment
A quick reminder that in order to keep our costs down, we require co-pays for restorative treatment at the time of service. If you need to be billed, we will do so electronically to your email address.
If you are having a large procedure done, we are always happy to break the co-pay into several payments to help manage costs, and/or do a pre-determination with your insurance company. CareCredit is also available for those who wish to use a line of credit to make payments.
Mouth Guard Special Continues Through End of September
Fall sports practices will be starting up soon, and may require mouth guards. Mouth guards are extremely important to protect teeth from damage that may be incurred as a result of sports injuries.
As a former student athlete, Dr. Kotre is especially concerned about these types of injuries as she has witnessed the damage that can occur firsthand. Therefore, we are offering an incentive to our patients to get them to come in and protect their precious pearly whites: usually $31, you can now purchase a custom sport mouth guard for only $25 through the end of September!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.
Featured Facebook Posts
If you don't already follow us on Facebook (and if not, now is as good a time as any to do so!), you are missing out on all of our fascinating posts. Here are some of the most popular ones from the last several months:
Lost and Found is Filling Up Fast
Left something behind? Please feel free to check at the front desk!
Dental Fun Fact
In China, they celebrate national “Love Your Teeth Day” each year on the 20th of September. To promote dental health, a Chinese dentist used 28,000 teeth to build a giant tooth-shaped tower.
Time for an Online "Scavenger Hunt"
Ready to play?
Head over to our website, find the answers to the following questions about our fabulous doctors and staff, and send them to kotrecontest@gmail.com. The winner will be drawn from the correct entries at the end of September and receive an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush valued at $29!
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How many children does Dr. Kotre have?
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In which branch of the military did Annie serve?
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How many grandchildren does Sherry have?
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Since what year has Joelle (Jo) worked in dentistry?
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What kind of cats does Melissa have?
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What language does Yvonne (Cha) speak besides English?
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In what city does Kris live?
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What's Dr. Nader's favorite sport?
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In what country was Dr. Diaz born?
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How long has Colleen been a registered dental assistant?
Good luck to all who enter!
Have a super September, and to all of our patients who are students or teachers, all the best as you start the new school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre + Staff
Two Chances to Win This Month!
07.27.18
But First...Your Monthly Dental Appointment Reminder...
(Psssssst...we are now booking into September!)
August is almost completely booked and September will be soon as well. If you need to be seen while school is out, give us a call as soon as possible, or send us a message via our website so we can get you in as soon as scheduling permits.
Win a 4 Pack of GO! Whitening
We are always on the lookout for new whitening products for our patients; especially ones that are convenient and economical. Go! Whitening is one of our favorites for these reasons, and now we are giving you the chance to win a 4-pack (a $35 value!) of your very own!
How?
Simply take note of the information contained in this email. At the very bottom, you'll find four questions about what you've just read. Send your answers to kotrecontest@gmail.com; everyone who answers correctly will be entered into a drawing for the Go! 4 Pack!
What makes Go! different? The material used in the 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.
Go! is not available in stores, but you can purchase a 1, 4 or 10 pack during office hours, even if you do not have an appointment. Give us a call today to reserve yours at 734-677-2156.
Back-to-School Raffle
You can practically smell the scent of school supplies wafting through the air this time of year, which means it's almost time for back-to-school shopping!
This year, we are bringing back our very successful school supplies raffle, and asking kids to donate one school supply item, such as a package of pencils, pens, markers, or anything else that would be useful to teachers. For each donation brought into our office, your child will receive one entry into our backpack raffle. This awesome string-style sack will be packed with dental goodies, including an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush!
And to sweeten the deal, all collected supplies will be donated to the winner's school!
Want more details? Additional information is available by calling the office at 734-677-2156.
Dr. Tawakkol's 1-Year Anniversary
Has it really been a year already??
July was Dr. Nader's 1-year anniversary with the practice. We cannot express how much we enjoy having him with us. Happily, our patients agree!
For those who haven't yet seen Dr. T., he is a U of M graduate who genuinely enjoys spending time with patients of all ages, striving to make every visit as comfortable, informative and pleasant as possible.
He has been a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) since 2016.
Outside the office, Dr. Tawakkol enjoys playing soccer (he believes this year's FIFA World Cup was especially exciting!), trying new foods and restaurants, and traveling the world every chance he gets.
Interested in making an appointment with Dr. T? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website and we will get you onto his schedule.
Mouth Guard Special
Fall sports practices will be starting up soon, and may require mouth guards. Mouth guards are extremely important to protect teeth from damage that may be incurred as a result of sports injuries.
As a former student athlete, Dr. Kotre is especially concerned about these types of injuries as she has witnessed the damage that can occur firsthand. Therefore, we are offering an incentive to our patients to get them to come in and protect their precious pearly whites: usually $31, you can now purchase a custom sport mouth guard for only $25 through the end of August!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.
Please Set Phones to Silent
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!
No-Cavity Club Winners!
The June Oral Health Month no-cavity club winners have been drawn!
The child winner of the Menchie's gift card and summer toy was Rebecca W. The adult winner was Gail B, who has won a Vitality Oral-B electric toothbrush and a gift certificate to Blank Slate Creamery.
Congratulations to both of our winners for their awesome check-ups!
Quiz Time!
Send answers to the following questions to KotreContest@gmail.com to be entered to win your 4-pack of GO! Whitening:
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What is the retail value of a GO! Whitening 4-pack?
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What kind of backpack can kids win in the school supplies raffle?
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What sport does Dr. T enjoy playing?
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What type of gift certificate/gift card did the children's "No-Cavity Club" winner receive?
Good luck to all entrants and we'll announce our winner next month!
Have an awesome August, and we'll see you in September!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre + Staff
Celebrate National Oral Health Care Month
5.31.18
"Summer's here, and the time is right..."
...for making your hygiene appointments before our calendar is full!
Summer vacation is almost here! If you or your children are off during this time and would like to make an appointment, be sure to contact the office soon as spots are filling up fast.
Those going off to college in the fall should especially take time to be seen!
Give us a call at 734-677-2156 today to be scheduled with any of our three (amazing) doctors or click on the link in the button below (see how easy we've made it for you??).
Join the No-Cavity Club
Starting this month, we are inviting all of our patients under the age of 18 to join our no-cavity club!
What does that mean? All children who come in for their scheduled hygiene appointment and are found to be cavity free are eligible to be entered into our monthly drawing for prizes! One name will be drawn the first of each month.
This month, our child winner will receive a fun summer game plus a gift certificate for a free ice cream.
And for this month only, in honor of Oral Health Month, our adult winner will receive an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush and they will get an ice cream GC as well. 😄
Good luck to all, and may the healthiest mouth, win!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
As the summer heats up, don't forget that your body needs more fluids in order to function optimally. For most people, this means drinking plenty of water. The majority of individuals do not need sports or energy drinks in order to stay properly hydrated, even when spending a lot of time outside. And your teeth will thank you for avoiding sugary, acidic beverages and opting for water instead!
National Oral Health Care Month
June is National Oral Health Care Month, and the ADA's Mouth Healthy website has some great tips to keep your mouth happy. They even have a few fun worksheets for kids -- check them out!
Read more from the ADA's Mouth Healthy Website
Unaccompanied Minors
During the busy summer season, it can be easy to forget that minors cannot be seen at the practice without permission from a parent or guardian; in fact, it's illegal!
We appreciate your understanding!
Happy Birthday, Dr. Tawakkol!
June 4th is Dr. Tawakkol's birthday. As we come up on his 1-year anniversary with us, we'd just like to say how much we've enjoyed having him in our practice and look forward to many more years ahead!
Have a great day, Dr. T!
Have a joyful June!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre + Staff
Whitening Specials, Just in Time for Summer!
04.27.18
Summer Appointments
Summer vacation is coming! If you or your children are off during this time and would like to make an appointment, be sure to contact the office soon as spots are filling up fast. Those going off to college in the fall should especially take time to be seen. Give us a call at 734-677-2156 today or visit our website to be scheduled to see any of our three amazing dentists -- Dr. Kotre, Dr. Diaz, or Dr. Tawakkol.
Wedding & Grad Whitening Special
Wedding and graduation season is upon us, and we've decided to offer not one, but TWO amazing whitening specials in honor of these very special occasions.
Beginning May 1st, our Opalescence GO! and Zoom! WhiteSpeed whitening systems will be available at incredible discounts:
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Opalescence GO!, regularly priced at $10, 35 and $50, will be available for $8, $32, and $45.
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**Zoom!, our most effective, longest-lasting whitening system, is priced at only $299** (regularly $375).
Opalescence Go! is our take-home whitening option. Available in 4- or 10-packs, it is only available from dental professionals and is the most effective home whitening product on the market.
Zoom! whitening is offered as an in-office treatment, and its results are intense and immediate. Zoom! also includes take-home whitening trays, which help maintain your bright and beautiful new smile.
Call today and schedule your appointment for Zoom! at 734-677-2156 or reserve your Opalescence Go! take-home treatments before time runs out on this amazing deal!
**Special $299 Zoom! WhiteSpeed pricing includes a $50 coupon discount offered on the Philips Zoom Whitespeed website. Before your appointment, please fill out the form and then bring in the coupon sent to you by Philips Zoom so we can adjust the price of the procedure accordingly.
Mouth Guard Special
Spring sports often require mouth guards. Mouth guards are extremely important to protect teeth from damage that may be incurred as a result of sports injuries.
As a former student athlete, Dr. Kotre is especially concerned about these types of injuries as she has witnessed the damage that can occur firsthand. Therefore, we offering an incentive to our patients to get them to come in and protect their precious pearly whites: usually $31, you can now purchase a custom sport mouth guard for only $25!
Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.
Pediatric Dentistry
Did you know that Dr. Kotre sees children as young as 1? She does! The primary reason for seeing children at such young ages is to get them comfortable with the treatment rooms themselves and some of the basic tools and processes of dentistry. We even start them off with "chair rides" so they learn that going to the dentist can be fun!
And unlike many dentists, all of our doctors and staff welcome parents or guardians into the treatment rooms when their children are being seen.
Questions about pediatric dental care? Give us call at 734-677-2156 or send us a message via our website.
Dental Emergency? Try Dentemp!
On vacation and have a minor dental emergency? Don't let a broken crown ruin your good time!
A stop by your local drugstore may be all you need for a quick fix. Dentemp makes two over-the-counter products that can help temporarily repair minor dental problems such as broken fillings or crowns. Once you're back in town, however, don't forget to give us a call at 734-677-2156 to make that temporary fix, permanent!
Find us on Facebook
If you don't currently follow us on Facebook, you're missing out! Check out some of the articles we've posted recently:
Study: Red Wine Prevents Tooth Decay, Gum Disease
"IT MAY STAIN YOUR teeth, but red wine contains chemicals that could also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, according to a study published Wednesday in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
"A team of researchers in Spain discovered that red wine contains polyphenol, a micronutrient that reduces the ability of bad bacteria known to cause dental plaque, cavities and gum disease to adhere to teeth and gums."
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/redwineteeth
Can mouthwash replace brushing your teeth?
Is using mouthwash a decent replacement for brushing your teeth?
According to our primary source, a doctor of dental medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the answer is simple.
"Fiction, we like the mechanical debridement with the toothbrush and floss," said Doctor Niki Carter, D.M.D. at UAMS. Dr. Carter said nothing can replace brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. That, along with trips to the dentist twice a year she said is the best way to maintain good oral health.
Yet, she said the question comes up often from her patients, "Can't I just rinse instead of brush?"
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mouthwashreplace
Have a marvelous May!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
Oral Cancer Awareness Month Starts April 1st!
Spring Whitening Sale -- Get GO!-ing for Only $29.75!
Spring has sprung and in its honor, we are launching an incredible special on Opalescence GO! whitening. Through the end of April, patients can purchase a 4-pack for just $29.75 -- that's 15% off the regular price!
What makes GO! unique? The material used in the 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.
GO! is not sold in stores, so give us a call ASAP at 734-677-2156 to reserve your 4-pack, or stop by the office to pick one up today at this special price.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Extended sale on ZOOM! in-office whitening; just $299 with rebate -- call for details!
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. We've written about this many times, including this fact-filled blog* from several years ago:
https://www.kotreannarbordentist.com/single-post/2012/03/28/April-Is-Oral-Cancer-Awareness-Month
*please note that we now use the more advanced OralID device for oral cancer screenings, and they are included as part of each hygiene visit.
Facts About Oral Cancer
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 diagnosis is the key to positive outcomes after a diagnosis of oral cancer. We routinely screen ALL adult patients for oral cancer during regularly-scheduled checkups using advanced diagnostic tools. If you haven't been seen in the last six months for a hygiene appointment, call us today to make an appointment at 734-677-2156 and a screening will be completed at that time.
Reminder to Use 'Em or Lose 'Em (FSA Funds, That Is)!
April is almost here and that means time is running out to use FSA funds before they expire.
Although purely cosmetic procedures like whitening are not covered by flex spending accounts, the basic rule is that anything that treats or prevents a dental disease is eligible for FSA coverage. This includes Invisalign treatment! Some other procedures covered are:
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Cleanings
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Sealants
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Fillings
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Periodontic deep cleaning
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TMJ treatment
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Crowns
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Inlays/Onlays
Questions about your coverage? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or send us a note via our website and we're happy to help!
Dental Emergencies
Although we always hope our patients can avoid a true dental emergency, it's an unfortunate fact that many people will experience at least one dental emergency in their lifetime.
If you have a dental emergency, Dr. Kotre and/or Dr. Nader are available 24/7 for all patients of record.
Please read more about how we handle dental emergencies and what you can do to help yourself before professional help is obtained...
https://www.kotreannarbordentist.com/single-post/2013/10/14/Emergency-Dental-Treatment
Happy Easter & Happy Passover to All Who Celebrate!
Have an Amazing April (and thank you for all of the sweet birthday wishes this month)!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre
Two March Specials?! That's Madness!!
03.01.18
But first, we interrupt this email to bring you a very important message:
Happy BIrthday, Doctor Kotre!!
(And now, back to our regularly-scheduled programming...)
Make Spring Break & Fall Appointments Now
Ann Arbor's, Saline's, and Ypsilanti's spring break is the last week of the month and we only have a few openings left. Please call ASAP if you or your child needs to be seen.
If you are scheduled to be seen in March, please be sure to make your September hygiene appointment when you come into the office this month. This is one of our busiest months as school is going back into session and many people are trying to get in at once.
If you'd like, you can also call us at 734-677-2156 or send us a note online to reserve your spot, too! Just make sure you contact us this month so we can be sure to get you on the schedule.
The Luck O' the Irish Abounds with $299 Zoom! Whitening
Have you been considering Zoom! in-office whitening? Well, it's your lucky month, because through March 31st, we are offering Zoom! for only $299* -- that's a savings of more than $75!
WhiteSpeed is the most effective, powerful whitening product that we've seen, and can make teeth up to 8 times whiter in just 75 minutes. WhiteSpeed not only includes in-office treatment, but touch-up trays for at-home use as well.
Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information or request an appointment online before the month is full!
*$299 is cost after discount and rebate -- please contact us for more information.
Dr. Diaz is Now With Us Every Wednesday!
Just a reminder that Dr. Diaz is now joining us every Wednesday for appointments. She sees both general dentistry patients as well as those requiring specialty periodontal care.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Diaz by calling 734-677-2156 or sending us a note via our website.
Use 'Em or Lose 'Em (FSA Funds, That Is)!
As we move into March, time is running out to use FSA funds before they expire. Although purely cosmetic procedures like whitening are not covered by flex spending accounts, the basic rule is that anything that treats or prevents a dental disease is eligible for FSA coverage. This includes Invisalign treatment! Some other procedures covered are:
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Cleanings
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Sealants
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Fillings
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Periodontic deep cleaning
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TMJ treatment
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Crowns
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Inlays/Onlays
Questions about your coverage? Give us a call at 734-677-2156 or send us a note via our website and we're happy to help!
March Madness Returns!
Want to get your hands on a brand-new Oral-B AirFloss?
Help us celebrate March Madness by entering our contest to win! Just visit and "like" our Facebook page, and then use the "message us" option (see image below) to send us your prediction for the winner of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship (and the total final score in case we have need of a tie-breaker) by March 7th. Whoever guesses correctly will win the AirFloss.
Already "liked" us? Share our page with your FB friends and send us your prediction and you'll be entered, too!
(Pssssst...if you don't win, the AirFloss is available for purchase in our office for the amazing price of $65 [not even Amazon sells it for less])!
Want to Be Like Mike?
The winner of last month's contest was our patient, Mike E.! He was one of 4 entries with all correct answers, and won the drawing for an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush. Congrats, Mike!
On that note, we've recently received a limited quantity of Vitality brushes at our office. If you'd like to Be Like Mike and get your hands on a Vitality of your own, just give us a call at 743-677-2156 to reserve your brush, or stop by anytime during office hours and pick one up for just $28. Hurry in before they're gone!
Have a marvelous March!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
Welcome, February!
01.27.18
Dear Patient Family:
So much information to cover this month! Please read on for news about inclement weather, Children's Dental Health Month and last, but certainly not least, our first contest of 2018!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman Kotre + Staff
Inclement Weather Information
As Michiganders, we're all more than aware of the potential for wild winter weather. If schools are closed, there is often the possibility that our office has closed as well. If you have a scheduled appointment on a severe weather day, please give us a call at 734-677-2156 to be certain the office is open before driving in. We want to keep all of our patients as safe as possible by keeping them off the roads during inclement weather.
Whenever possible, please also remember to allow for extra time to get to your appointment. Besides inclement weather, as we wall know, there's also Ann Arbor-area traffic to contend with, too! This allows us time to do all necessary treatment during your appointment time, and to keep the rest of our patients' on schedule, too. Thank you in advance for your help!
Children's Dental Health Month
It's that time again! February is National Children's Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association has come up with a great campaign to help educate kids about the importance of maintaining good dental health.This includes some fun activities, including the following downloadable activity sheets! Have your kiddo complete one (click the image to download and print a full-size version) and bring it into the office, and we'll present them with a special (tooth-friendly) treat!
Reminder: Insurance Cards Required
For your own protection, insurance cards are now required in order to process dental claims, as well as a photo ID. Therefore, card information must be provided to our office or we cannot send claims through to be processed. Insurance companies will no longer accept social security numbers in place of your insurance ID number for security reasons. Please bring in your card or call us with your insurance information so we have it on file.
Additionally, If you are at all concerned about an upcoming appointment and unsure of what exactly is covered, please call your insurance company and have them give you the facts directly. Please remember that you can always contact our office ahead of time and ask what procedures are planned and we will give you their code numbers to report to the insurance company for additional information regarding cost.
And speaking of insurance...
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New Year, New Insurance
It's the time of year when many of our patients' health insurance plans change. If you've had a change in your insurance, at your next appointment, please bring your new card with you and present it at check-in so we can make it part of your patient record.
When your insurance information is up to date, it means that any claims we need to file with your insurance company can be made quickly and easily, ultimately leading to less work and follow up for you. Questions? Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 and we will be happy to assist!
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Appointment Cancellations for Illness
We very much appreciate our patient family's desire to make it in for all of their dental appointments. However, we urge everyone, especially during what is likely to be an extreme flu season, to give us a call when you are ill and scheduled to be seen. Chances are, we will recommend that you stay home and recover and therefore there will be no charge for the missed appointment.
The nature of dental work automatically exposes our staff to far more than their fair share of viruses due to their constant & close proximity to saliva and mucus. We need a healthy staff to continue to treat all of our patients, so please consider their well-being before coming in sick! :)
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Contest Time!
Want to win an Oral-B Vitality electric toothbrush? Simply send your answers to the following questions (info available on our website) to KotreContest@gmail.com, and you'll be entered in our drawing. We'll pick a name at random on February 14th and show one of you some dental love just in time for Valentine's Day!
Questions:
1. What sport does Dr. Tawakkol like to play in his spare time?
2. From what university did Dr. Diaz earn her Master's degree?
3. Name one of the charities with which Dr. Kotre is involved.
Good luck!
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Treat Your Teeth Right This Valentine's Day
With Valentine's Day coming up, it will soon be time to indulge in plenty of sweet treats -- just don't forget to treat your teeth right after indulging.
Our tips? The "healthiest" candies for your teeth are those that melt quickly or wash away easily with water, such as chocolate. Anything very sticky -- in particular, gummy candies -- or things that must stay in your mouth and dissolve over time and/or must be "crunched" in order to be eaten (hard candies), are generally worse for your teeth.
We hope your Valentine's Day is sweet (but not TOO sweet!)! ;)
Have a fabulous February!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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Happy (Almost) New Year!
12.28.17
Dear Patient Family:
We hope everyone is having a wonderful December full of friends and family as the year comes to a close.
We have a few reminders to share as we head into 2018, as well as an update on our WILDLY successful (!!) Nardin Park UMC clothing and toy drive. Please read on, and best wishes for a happy, healthy, prosperous new year to you all!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman Kotre + Staff
Dr. Kotre Out of Office Reminder
Dr. Kotre will be out of the office the first week of January and will return on Monday, January 8th. Dr. Nader will be seeing patients in her place. Questions? Give us a call at 734-677-2156.
Winter Clothing & Toy Drive for Nardin Park Community Church
Thank you to everyone who donated to our clothing and toy drive for Nardin Park UMC. This year's event was even more amazing than last year! How amazing, you ask? Dr. Kotre had two entire SUVs full of items to deliver, PLUS some very generous gifts of cash. Our patient family truly made the holidays much brighter for many Detroit families.
For those who don't know, Nardin Park assists some of the very poorest residents of the City of Detroit all year long, but with a special emphasis on the holiday season. We are so very grateful to our patient family for making this drive a huge success!
January Special
Does your list of New Year's Resolutions include a brighter, whiter smile? Kickstart your teeth-whitening wish with a 4-pack of Go! Whitening for just $30! Give us a call at 734-677-2156 to reserve yours or pick one up at the front desk through 1/31.
Holiday Office Hours
The office is currently closed and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2nd, with our regular office hours.
Happy New Year!
Reminder: Schedule Change for Dr. Diaz
Beginning in January, Dr. Diaz's schedule will change to Wednesdays from 7 am to 5 pm every week. We are thrilled that she has offered this additional availability for our patients!
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Diaz, please feel free to give us a call at 734-677-2156 or contact us via our website.
Resolve to Floss!
Many people begin making New Year's resolutions around this time. Some of these resolutions can be quite aspirational, and therefore hard to reach. Experts agree that making small, reasonable goals on the way to something potentially larger is the best way to eventually make a big change.
Getting healthier is almost always the number one New Year's resolution in the United States. But did you know that small changes in your dental health can make huge changes to your overall well being, too?
For instance, the majority of Americans don't floss regularly. Even flossing three times a week can result in a big change in your health and your potential to develop certain medical conditions such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
If you're ready to take the step to becoming a regular flosser, check out our blog for facts and tips about flossing that will get you on your way to both better oral health, and better health overall.
New Year, New Insurance
It's the time of year when many of our patients' health insurance plans change. If you've had a change in your insurance, please bring your new card with you and present it at check-in before your next appointment so we can make it part of your patient record.
When your insurance information is up to date, it means that any claims we need to file with your insurance company can be made quickly and easily, ultimately leading to less work and follow up for you. Questions? Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 and we will be happy to assist!
Wishing our entire patient family a safe, happy and fun New Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shannon Norman-Kotre & Staff
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Dr. Kotre's 2014 Dental eNewsletters