Invisalign patient testimonial [Video]

Happy Monday! We recently came across this video, and realized that it’s just what folks in Fresno considering Invisalign might be interested in watching. Invisalign sure gets a ton of promotion online (including here on our blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At the office of Dr. Michael Long, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign, and always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is really something else!

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at our Fresno office to set up an appointment, so Drs. Perry and Long can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

We hope you had a wonderful Presidents’ Day weekend!

Cosmetic dentistry in Fresno and greater Central Valley – Michael G. Long D.D.S

There are many dentists in Fresno and the Greater Central Valley area working hard to bring beautiful smiles to their patients. Cosmetic dentistry has begun to earn the positive acclaim it deserves due to the latest surge of makeover TV shows. Many of our patients have spent great time and effort when choosing Dr. Michael G. Long and Drs. Kasey and Kevin Perry to be their cosmetic dentists.

Located in Fresno, we treat patients from all over the Central Valley and provide flexible scheduling to optimize your convenience. When choosing a dentist, please use this blog and our website to learn more about cosmetic and general dentistry in all its forms from smile enhancement, to dental restoration, to regular checkups, and simple teeth whitening. The first step to making Fresno smile is to make you smile!

Please call our office to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, or check us out on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Long: Can I swallow my chewing gum?

Dr. Michael Long and team know about all the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing everyone!

Your turn! From Dr. Michael Long

Week after week, Dr. Long and our creative team blog about important topics pertinent to dental care and your well-being, including innovative dental techniques offered at the office of Michael G. Long. Today, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our loyal patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Dr. Long wants to know: could you be a teeth whitening addict?

Dr. Michael Long knows people want to look and feel great, and at a time when a set of sparkling teeth might mean the difference between getting a job, more and more folks are complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, excessive teeth sensitivity and translucent teeth.

At Michael G. Long DDS, we are proud of offer the latest in in-office whitening. The process takes just about an hour in our office. During chair-side bleaching, Dr. Long will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

We also have in-home whitening treatments, including teeth whitening trays, teeth-whitening strips, paint-on teeth whitening and whitening toothpaste. While all toothpastes help remove surface stain from your teeth through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Lastly, our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction.

Ask Dr. Long: Why cosmetic dentistry?

At Michael G. Long DDS, we know your smile is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. With the advent of new aesthetic dental treatments, a stunning, memorable smile is now easily within your reach. Offering cosmetic dentistry in Fresno and Central Valley, Dr. Michael Long would love to see you for a smile makeover if you are experiencing the following "symptoms":

* Do you hesitate when you smile?
* Would you like to increase your self-confidence?
* Do you want to look your best in social or professional situations?
* Are you ready to reverse dental imperfections caused by Mother Nature or an accident?

Dr. Long and our dedicated team can help you achieve your smile goals. Cosmetic dentistry is art and science working seamlessly together to offer smile enhancement, restoration, and maintenance for your optimal dental health. Using cutting-edge techniques and advanced materials, Dr. Long proudly offers you a beautiful, natural smile and all the benefits that come with it. You will look and feel better because a beautiful smile is a healthy smile.

If you have been wanting that perfect smile, please give us a call at 559-432-4850! We'd love to help!