Dr. Kotre's 2012 Dental eNewsletters

December 27th, 2012

 

New Year = New Insurance


It's the time of year when many of our patients' insurance plans change.  If you've had a change in your insurance, please bring your new card with you to 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.

 

 

Watch and Learn

 
We've recently focused our blog on a series of videos we're calling "Watch and Learns."  These videos have been featured on ABCnews.com and are an excellent way to get entertaining and useful tips about dental care.  Some of the recent blogs have featured information on topics such as:

 

 

Please feel free to visit our blog, and let us know what you think of the series!   

 

 

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 latest blog for facts and tips about flossing that will get you on your way to both better oral health, and better health overall.

 

 

January Special 

 

To go along with our Resolve to Floss campaign, we're offering our patients and their families free sample bags of floss.  Each bag will contain several different kinds of floss in sample sizes so you can find just the right one for you. Just come by our practice during office hours and pick one up at the front desk. 

This special is available while supplies last, so hurry in after the New Year! 

 

 

A Big Thank You


Our Salvation Army Angel Tree was an unbelievable success this year.  We not only had no tags left before the end of the donation period even arrived, but we also had additional donations to those in need coming into our office up until and even after the donation window closed. The Salvation Army actually had to arrange extra pick ups just to accommodate our patient family's generosity.

We truly can't thank you enough for the kindness you demonstrated during this special time of year!

 

 

 

November 29th, 2012

 

Last Chance To Be An Angel


Our Salvation Army Angel Tree will remain in our lobby until December 12th, and we invite all our patients to do what they can to assist those in need during the holiday season via this special opportunity.

When you select a tag from the Angel Tree, you will have the chance to fulfill a specific need or wish for a family or child in our community. 

We are honored to be able to help provide gifts to children in need who would otherwise be left out during this special time of year. Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information or visit our website.

 

 

Give The Gift Of Good Health

  
Our Give the Gift of Good Health promotion is still going strong!  Both deals offer amazing value, and can be purchased as gift certificates both for our patients, andtheir family and friends!

 

Deal #1: For $119, new patients will receive an exam, x-rays, and standard cleaning ($227 value) 

 

and/or 

 

Deal #2: For $125, all current patients, plus their family and friends, can purchase in-office teeth whitening ($200 value)

 

Gift certificates are available at the front desk. Call us at 734-677-2156 or drop in to get yours today!   You may also visit our website for more information. 

 

 

Watch and Learn: Dental Care

 

We've recently come across a number of great videos about dental care on ABC.com. The first in the series we'd like to share covers ways you can get a whiter, brighter smile at home, just by eating and drinking a certain way.

 

Some of the tips include:

 

- Eat cheese before drinking red wine (the cheese forms a film that keeps teeth from staining)

 

- Consume crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and celery - all scrub teeth of stains

 

- Mint leaves prevent stains by forming a protective coating on the teeth's enamel

 

- Lemon juice and baking soda makes an inexpensive home whitening solution (use sparingly - this is a very potent combination)

 

- Cream or milk in coffee dilutes the staining properties of coffee

 

- Lemon, oranges, and strawberries all help remove stains naturally just by eating them

 

For more information, check out Dr. Kotre's blog.  

 

 

Holiday Hours 


We will have regular office hours until Friday, December 21st.  The following week, we will be completely closed Monday, December 24th, and Tuesday, December 25th.

We will be in the office with phone coverage on Wednesday, the 26th and Thursday the 27th, and will be picking up non-emergency messages at that time. If you would like to make an appointment, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible

Dr. Coleman will be in the office on Friday, December 28th.  Dr. Kotre will be back Wednesday, January 2nd and the office will be open from 9 am to 7 pm. Thursday and Friday of New Year's week, we will be back to our regular office hours. 

If you are having a dental emergency, there will be an emergency phone number available on our voice mail at 734-677-2156.  

 

 

Going...Going...Gone!


Our appointment calendar is nearly full for this year, but we do have a few slots remaining.  If you would like to take advantage of unused dental benefits or FSA/HSA funds, please give us a call at 734-677-2156 to reserve your spot.  Likewise, if you have a child who is home from college or on holiday break from school, please call ASAP if you need to get them in before they are back in class.

 

 

Enjoy the remainder of this most wonderful time of year, and we'll see you in 2013! 

 

 

 

October 31st, 2012

 

Be An Angel This Season


Dr. Kotre is a strong supporter of many community programs, but she has a special place in her heart for the Salvation Army.  This holiday season, we will be placing a Salvation Army Angel Tree in our lobby, and invite all our patients to do what they can to assist those in need during this special time of year.  

When you come to our office between now and December 12th, you will have the opportunity to select a tag from the Angel Tree.  Each tag represents the wishes of a real child or youth (toys, clothes, books, hats and gloves). Unlike a toy drive, the Angel Tree program fulfills families' and children's specific needs and wishes for the holiday season. 

We are honored to be able to help provide gifts to children in need who would otherwise be left out during the holidays, and look forward to a strong turnout from our patient family.  Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.

 

 

Give the Gift of Good Health

   
Is there someone on your list for whom you can simply never think of the right gift?  Well this holiday season, we have an exciting promotion to share that might just make gift giving a bit easier. We are offering two great deals which can be purchased as gift certificates, both for our patients, and their family and friends!

 

Deal #1: For $119, new patients will receive an exam, x-rays, and standard cleaning ($227 value) 

 

and/or 

 

Deal #2: For $125, all current patients, plus their family and friends, can purchase in-office teeth whitening ($200 value)

 

Gift certificates are available at the front desk. Call us at 734-677-2156 or drop in to get yours today! 

 

 

What's So Smart About Wisdom Teeth?

 

Wisdom teeth!  Two little words that are enough to strike fear into many an otherwise-brave individual.

But what's so smart about wisdom teeth, anyway?

-- Sadly, wisdom teeth aren't really known for their intelligence. :) Wisdom teeth are actually named after the fact that they are your last teeth to erupt, generally between age 17 and 22, when we are considered full adults, and therefore, wiser than we would have been when the rest of our teeth came in earlier in life.  

-- Wisdom teeth are sometimes called "third molars."

-- 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year from five million people!

-- Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it's not uncommon for individuals to have more or fewer.

-- About 35% of people never develop wisdom teeth at all.

-- Wisdom teeth are known to be troublesome in that they often come in completely out of position -- sometimes even sideways!  Poor alignment can cause nerve damage and tooth decay, depending on placement.

 

For more on wisdom teeth, check our Dr. Kotre's blog. 

 

Holiday Hours 


Thanksgiving is only three weeks way -- hooray for Turkey Day!  Please note that although we are open during our normal office hours Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, we will be closed Wednesday through Friday.  We will reopen the following Monday, November 26th.

 

Veteran Discount

 

Dr. Kotre is a proud member of the Michigan Dental Association, and she is teaming up with the MDA to let patients know about a special program for those who have served our country. 

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for dental assistance through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Program. Please call 517-373-3130 for information.  If you have diabetes, are a Vietnam-era veteran, and served in Vietnam, you may be eligible for a federally-backed program.  For assistance in applying for federal benefits, please call 517-335-6134. 

 

 



 

September 28th, 2012

 

Orthodontic Health Month

 

October is National Orthodontic Health Month.  It's so important to be sure 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.

 

 

Crazy for Coconut Oil

 

Did you know?

 

Coconut oil can help keep your teeth healthy!

 

It's true!

 

A recent study out of Ireland showed that coconut oil treated with digestive enzymes actually killed Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes cavities and tooth decay. Experts say you can bet plenty of products will likely come to market in the near future that feature this very versatile and popular oil.

Now that we know coconut oil is apparently great for your teeth, it's also interesting to note that it's also wonderful for many other things!

You can read about the many other interesting uses for coconut oil on our latest blog.

 

 

Help Fight Zombie Mouth!

 

This Halloween, the American Dental Association and PopCap Games are teaming up to help fight cavities in kids.

How?

 

By allowing us to give away free, limited-edition, collectible Plants vs. Zombies™ trading cards with a code for a free, downloadable 

Plants vs. Zombies computer game inside!

 

If your child visits the office for a check up and cleaning, or any other dental work during the month of October, they will receive a free pack of these trading cards which can be redeemed for Plants vs. Zombies beginning on October 30th. 

 

If you need to schedule a time for your child to be seen, this is a great month to do it.  Give us a call today at 734-677-2156 for more information or to make an appointment.

 

 

 

"Like" Us = Free Bleach Polish


Like our dental practice in real life?  Then like us on Facebook, too!  When you do, you'll receive a free bleaching polish on your next scheduled visit for either a cleaning and check up or other scheduled dental work. Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information or visit our website for more information.



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August 30th, 2012

 

Welcome, Joelle!

 

We wish to extend a very warm welcome to our newest employee, Joelle. Joelle will primarily be working at the front desk, but she has many valuable years of experience in dental assisting as well. We look forward to a long relationship with her, and hope you all enjoy meeting and welcoming her as part of our amazing team.

Additionally, we would like to wish Andrea and her boys well in Ohio, and thank her for all of her years of service to the practice.

 

 

 

Limited Saturdays In 2013

 

Starting in 2013 we will be open only four Saturdays a year; the third Saturdays of March, April, September, and October. If you require a Saturday appointment, please contact us as soon as possible because they will book up fast.   

 

Don't forget, we now offer Monday and Friday mornings with Dr. Coleman, which we hope will help our patients who travel and generally find Saturdays to be the most convenient time to come in.  

 

To make an appointment for Saturdays or our new, expanded weekday hours, please give us a call at 734-677-2156. 

 

 

 

Free Electric Toothbrushes!


Our awesome electric toothbrush special is still going strong!

Do you need major dental work but have been putting it off?  Now is a great time to come in and get started with our awesome August offer.  When you complete a crown or bridge procedure, or begin Invisalign or other invisible braces treatment, you will receive a free electric toothbrush upon payment of your full co-pay.  These brushes are valued at approximately $100 each!  

This offer is good while supplies last, and several other major dental procedures apply besides those listed above. Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Please Make a Note


Although we do try and confirm all appointments either via email or phone, it's not always possible to get through to everyone using their preferred method of communication in time to relay the reminder.  We would be grateful to all of our patients if they would please try and make a note of their appointment day and time when made as to avoid scheduling mix-ups. Also, feel free to give us a call at 734-677-2156 with any questions at all regarding appointments currently on the books. We love talking to our patients, and are always happy to help!

 

 



July 30th, 2012

 

Chlorine = Discoloration

 

Everyone loves to cool off with a dip in the pool on a hot summer day.  However, too much time in the pool can mean yellowish brown teeth, often called "swimmer's calculus."  The teeth's enamel becomes discolored by overexposure to chlorine in pool water.  If you are noticing that your or your children's teeth have become excessively yellowed over the summer, be sure to book an appointment for a cleaning to take care of the discoloration.

 

 

New ADA Website Goes Live


MouthHealthy.org, the new consumer-friendly website of the American Dental Association, is now live.  Previously, the ADA's website focused primarily on educating dentists and other dental health professionals.  However, they realized there was a lack of dental information available for consumers on their current site, ADA.org, and wanted to fill that need as a reliable source. Information for every population is now available, including children, adults, teens, and pregnant women.

To see these great new changes yourself, visit MouthHealthy.org.    

 

 

Free Electric Toothbrushes!


Do you need major dental work but have been putting it off?  Now is a great time to come in and get started with our awesome August offer.  When you complete a crown or bridge procedure, or begin Invisalign or other invisible braces treatment, you will receive a free electric toothbrush upon payment of your full co-pay.  These brushes are valued at approximately $100 each!  

This offer is good while supplies last, and several other major dental procedures apply besides those listed above. Give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

August Appointments


If you know that you would like to be seen in August, please give us a call ASAP as the month is almost filled.  And don't forget, starting in September we will have Friday availability, meaning the office will be open five days a week!   



 

 

June 28th, 2012

 

Happy Independence Day!


In observation of the 4th of July holiday we will be closed July 2nd-6th.  There will be phone coverage during that time if you would like to call and make an appointment.  If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and we will respond as soon as possible.  There will also be an emergency contact number available on our voicemail if you are experiencing a dental emergency.

 

Summer Appointments


Due to the success of our new Monday hours and the launch of Friday office hours this fall, we will be offering a very limited number of Saturday appointments during the months of March, April, September and October only.  If you know you will require a Saturday appointment, please contact our office soon at 734-677-2156 so we can get you scheduled as these spaces fill up fast.

 

 

OSHA Success


Our office just completed a successful re-certification for OSHA compliance.  This assures not only our staff members' safety, but the safety of our patients as well.   

 

Toothpaste Is Too Cool

 

Most people think of toothpaste simply as a common method to clean teeth. But did you know there are many other uses for toothpaste?

 

  • Remove scuffs from shoes!

Simply dab a little toothpaste on leather and your shoes will shine up like new.

 

  • Polish jewelry!

Using an old toothbrush, spread a bit of toothpaste on your diamond ring and it'll clean up beautifully. Just be warned, however, that not all jewelry should get wet (pearls and opals to name two), let alone be polished with toothpaste. Research if the material you would like to clean is "toothpaste safe" before trying this at home.

 

Want to learn more great uses for toothpaste?  Check out our blog! 

 

A Brighter, Whiter Smile


Our summer whitening special is still going strong!

Graduating high school seniors, and juniors who are getting ready for senior pictures, can get an in-office professional whitening session for only $100!  That's half off the regular price of $200.  

**Please note: those under age 18 will require a parent's permission to participate.**

Additionally, all current patients are also eligible for discounted in-office whitening at the very reduced price of $125.  

Our summer special runs through 8/31.  Give us a call today at 734-677-2156 for more information or to schedule your appointment.  

 

Don't Forget Fridays! 


Our new Monday hours with Dr. Coleman have been so successful that starting this fall, she will be joining us on Fridays as well. Appointments will be available with Dr. Coleman from 7 am to 1 pm.  Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 to take advantage of our new, extended availability.

 

 

 

May 31st, 2012

 

Thank You!


We would like to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to all who participated in our "Take a Bite Out of Cancer" campaign.  Signing up to be a potential bone marrow donor might just mean saving someone's life!

 

Summer Appointments


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 to see either Dr. Kotre or Dr. Coleman.

 

 

New ADA Website To Launch


The American Dental Association's new consumer-focused website,Mouth Healthy, is set to launch in June.

Included in the new website will be popular tools such as the ability to  check symptoms, and help understanding the needs of oral health in life stages representing everyone from babies to seniors.  

 

Also featured on the site will be nutritional information, smoking cessation ideas, and caregiver information. 

 

For more information, check out the ADA's website. 

 

 

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!

 

 

Summer Special


Get your smile ready for summer with our amazing summer bleaching special!  

As a special gift from our practice, graduating seniors, and juniors who are getting ready for senior pictures, can get an in-office professional whitening session for only $100!  That's half off the regular price of $200.  **Please note: those under age 18 will require a parent's permission to participate.**

Additionally, all current patients are also eligible for discounted in-office whitening at the very reduced price of $125.  

Our summer special runs through 8/31.  Give us a call today at 734-677-2156 for more information or to schedule your appointment.  

 

 

Friday Appointments


Mondays with Dr. Coleman have been a huge success!  In order to keep up with demand, starting this fall we will be offering Friday appointments with her from 7 am to 1 pm.  Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 to schedule time to see Dr. Coleman, and take advantage of our new, extended availability.



 

 

April 30th, 2012

 

 

Like Us!


For those of you who may not know, we are on Facebook, and we would love it if you'd "like" us!  Our page not only features our weekly blog, but also includes informative updates and great specials we don't always have room to mention in our monthly emails.  Like us today and get connected!



 

 

March 29th, 2012

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month


April has been designated Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  To mark this important event, we are offering free Trimera oral cancer screenings (an $80 value), which help identify early-stage oral cancers.  For more information, check out our latest blog post.     

 

 

 

The Reviews Keep Rolling In!

 

Our amazing free bleaching polish promotion is still going strong!     

When you write a review for our practice, let us know and you'll receive a free bleaching polish at your next visit -- a $15 value!

 

Where can you review Dr. Kotre?

 

 

For more information and the conditions surrounding this offer, please visit the review page on our website.

 

 

Save On Sonicare for Kids


We have two great April specials to share with our patients.  While supplies last, our Sonicare for Kids toothbrushes, which are normally $60, are on sale for only $45.  That's 25% off!   Limited quantities are available so call us ASAP to reserve your brush.

In addition to our Sonicare special, we are also offering kids sports mouth guards for just $20, regularly $49.  What a deal!

Questions?  Let us know by contacting us via our website, or by calling the office at 734-677-2156.  

 

 

Whitening Not Covered


Just a quick reminder that whitening and other purely cosmetic procedures are not covered expenses under an HSA or FSA account.  Additionally, insurance will not cover these procedures, either.  However, if you have questions about their costs, we are always happy to give detailed estimates of any work to be done in advance.  Please give us a call at 734-677-2156 for more information.



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February 29th, 2012

 

Review Us!


Love Dr. Kotre and her staff? Then let the world know by writing an online review! 

 

When you write a review, let us know and you'll receive a free bleaching polish at your next visit -- a $15 value!

 

Where can you review Dr. Kotre?

 

 

For more information and the conditions surrounding this offer, please visit the review page on our website.

 

 

Spring Break Appointments


The first week of April is spring break for most of Washtenaw County.  If you or your children are off during this time and would like to make an appointment, be sure to contact the office soon at 734-677-2156 as slots are filling up fast.   

 

 

March Special


If you're currently using a Braun electric toothbrush, we are offering three replacement brush heads for $25.  For those of you used to purchasing replacement brush heads, you know this is an amazing deal.  Give us a call ASAP to reserve a set for you and your family members because this offer expires on March 31st!



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January 31st, 2012

 

 

Free Whitening Trays!


When you schedule an appointment to see Dr. Coleman, you will receive a free set of home whitening trays. The offer is good for appointments through April 30th, 2012. Contact the office soon at 734-677-2156 to take advantage of this special as her schedule is expected to fill up fast.