Happy new year from Tieken Smiles!

2012 is here—and what a year 2011 was at Tieken Smiles, we thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year’s resolution, or any exciting plans for the year?

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting below or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, Dr. Tieken and team wish you the very best for 2012! Happy New Year to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues.

Join the conversation.

Whether you just began visiting us and have a follow-up question for Dr. Derek Tieken or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news here on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page.

Please visit TiekenSmiles on the following networks:

Facebook: facebook.com/DerekTieken
YouTube: youtube.com/jderektieken
Twitter: twitter.com/tiekensmiles
MySpace: myspace.com/tiekensmiles

See you online! Happy Holidays!

Dentistry from the Heart at Tieken Smiles

On Saturday, September 17th our hygienists performed 69 cleanings, and Dr. Tieken treated 35 patients with fillings and extractions all at no charge. Every patient that we saw was so grateful to us for serving them, and they were such a pleasure to work with.

It was an extremely rewarding day, helping to restore smiles for people who don't have the means to pay for dental work. We look forward to hosting this event annually.

Check out a short clip above!

Season’s Greetings from Tieken Smiles!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Derek Tieken and our team at Tieken Smiles reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

Talkin' cavities with Dr. Derek Tieken

Dr. Derek Tieken knows one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is "Cavity"! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity you ask? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

The best prevention for cavities is regular checkups with Dr. Tieken and proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. A regular checkup with Dr. Tieken consists of a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, Dr. Tieken also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack. Digital X-rays will also be taken to pinpoint the cavities and to help determine the best treatment options.

If you have any questions about cavities, or to schedule an appointment at our office, please feel free to give us a call.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Tieken Smiles!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Dr. Derek Tieken and our team at Tieken Smiles want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

How much do you love your smile? From Dr. Tieken

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend! Your smile says so much about you, but if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, it may not be saying anything at all. At the dental practice of Dr. Derek Tieken, we want to help you achieve a beautiful, confident, aesthetic smile that says it all!

And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?”

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of one’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well. Please contact Tieken Smiles today at (281) 334-4944 to schedule a complimentary dental consultation with Dr. Tieken. See you soon!