Share your Fourth of July plans with us!

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day, of course - Dr. Derek Tieken and our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for every American to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen- and women who place themselves in harm's way every day so that we may continue enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? A picnic? Hitting the open road with family? Having fun in the sun?

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to post your Independence Day photos on our Facebook page!

Patient question: what is CEREC® and can I benefit from it?

CEREC® is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to Tieken Smiles. It makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful, all while keeping your teeth looking natural. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment.

CEREC® 3D uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. Dr. Tieken uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour!

Dr. Derek Tieken is your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations in League City, Webster, Kemah and the greater Houston area. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

More happy patients of Dr. Tieken's!

Dr. Derek Tieken and our team love getting patient testimonials from current and former patients. Here are a few reviews we received recently - you can see our patients like us and we love our patients!

"I just have huge confidence in him and his staff." ~ Karen K.

"The quality of the employees and their superior attitudes." ~ Charles K.

"During my first visit, Dr. Tieken was very professional and informative, and I felt comfortable expressing my concerns. The staff were also professional and attentive. The office is very elegant and relaxing. My co-worker saw Dr. Tieken on TV." ~ Glenda K.

"They make our family feel wanted." ~ Gail S.

"Very professional and willing to listen." ~ Debra M.

Smile, it's June! From Dr. Tieken

Not too long ago, the American Dental Association discovered that a person's smile was important than their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. That's no surprise to us, considering how much people spend each year on general and cosmetic dentistry annually.

That brings us to June, also known as National Smile Month! It's a great time for Dr. Tieken to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to Tieken Smiles.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* Visit Tieken Smiles regularly (usually every six months unless recommended otherwise).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (832) 769-4824. We hope you have a great rest of the week! Get out there and share your beautiful smiles!

Ask Dr. Tieken: How do I prevent gum disease?

Dr. Derek Tieken will tell you it’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, Dr. Tieken says it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath, or halitosis
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment with our office right away by calling (832) 769-4824. Dr. Tieken and staff can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

We hope you had a restful Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy the rest of your week!