Gladstone, MO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/25/2016 -- The pre-school, gentle-dental visit is a great way for the child to meet the dentist. The child will get acquainted with Dr. Platt, Dr. Dale and the team. We get a lot of satisfaction out of acquainting children with the basic sights and sounds of a checkup appointment.

The children's hygienist is absolutely wonderful with children and with her captivating energy, will prove to them that going to the dentist is a truckload of fun.

Dr. Dale states, "I am confident that the visit will give the parents and child the knowledge and tools needed to achieve great oral health for a lifetime." Dr. Dale knows that each child is unique and that he needs to provide a positive experience for the child.

"A child's first dental check-up should take place between 24 months and three years. Some suggestions to prepare for that first visit are: Explain to the child that the dentist will look inside the mouth and use a tiny mirror to be able to see the teeth better. If all 20 of the baby teeth have come in, prepare the child for the possibility that the doctor or a member of the team may want to clean the teeth with a toothbrush and some toothpaste," remarks Dr. Platt.

Avoid using words such as needles, shots, drill and other words that are likely to frighten the child. Another way to create positive feelings about dental visits is to remind the child that going to the dentist is a sign of growing up.

It is the goal of Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt that children leave the office with a positive attitude toward dental treatment. The doctors and the staff also ensure the parents will feel comfortable in their role as the main caregiver in the child's oral health.

Expect there to be bumps along the journey. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), trauma most often happens to baby teeth at two to three years old when motor skills are developing, but establishing a dental home early-on is the first step in preparing for possible tooth trauma.

Memberships in professional organizations allow Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale the opportunity to network with other leaders in the dental field on new technology and procedures.

To make an appointment at Gladstone Family Dental Group, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/06/2016 -- For an adult who wants their teeth straightened, who also has a career and professional obligations, doesn't want to think about wearing metal braces for the next couple of years and neither does an adolescent starting high school. Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt of Gladstone Family Dental offer Invisalign, a treatment plan with invisible aligner trays that are changed every two weeks.

The goal of metal braces and Invisalign may appear the same, a straight beautiful smile-but in comparison, the advantages of Invisalign outweigh traditional braces. The aligners are removable for special occasions; take the aligners out and put them back in when it's convenient.

Metal braces can cause pain, mouth sores or injuries from the brace wires, tooth decay because of improper cleaning, plaque buildup or difficulty eating. Eating favorite foods is sacrificed – popcorn, bagels, pizza crust, nuts and some candies are on the list.

Dr. Gregory Dale comments, "Invisalign aligners are made from smooth comfortable plastic instead of sharp metal as in traditional braces that are more likely to irritate your cheeks and gums. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing, to eating whatever you like."

Invisalign treats a wide variety of dental problems, such as crowded teeth, spaces between teeth, cross bite, overbite and even under bite. They straighten the teeth invisibly; nobody will know they're being worn. Invisalign frees up busy schedules because office visits are required only every six weeks.

The Invisalign treatment begins after consulting with either Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt to see if Invisalign is personally the right choice. "It is an important medical and financial decision, so choosing the right treatment is necessary. During this consultation your case will be discussed in detail and we will determine if Invisalign is right for you and approximately how long your treatment will take," states Dr. David Platt. Treatment typically takes about a year for adults.

About Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt
Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt have taken advanced courses in Lumineers®, Invisalign®, dental sleep medicine as well as numerous courses on a variety of cosmetic dental techniques and technology.

To make an appointment with Gladstone Family Dental Group, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/26/2016 -- Recent news reports reveal that more and more couples are sleeping in separate bedrooms for a variety of reasons. Most often this is due to one of the bedmates snoring so loudly that the other person prefers to sleep not just in a separate bed, but also in a separate bedroom.

More than a quarter of U.S. couples -- 26 percent -- report sleeping more soundly when they're alone in a bed, according to a survey from the Better Sleep Council. Housing developers report that somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of their customers show interest in the "dual master bedroom concept".

Dr. Gregory Dale comments on the effects of snoring, "Snoring affects 30% of people in America, while second-hand snoring–being kept up or having your rest disturbed by a snoring partner, affects about 73% of people who sleep with someone who snores. Your entire night is spent trying to get enough oxygen to keep you alive. That doesn't sound like a rejuvenation of the mind and body, but rather like a bad dream," remarks Dr. Dale.

"Although snoring seems physically harmless, it may be a red flag for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This happens when the air passage deflates, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the air passage seals," states Dr. David Platt. This airway blockage persists until the brain partly wakes the person.

The exhausting sleep apnea cycle starts out by a person falling asleep, the jaw relaxing and the air passage collapsing. When the brain struggles to rouse itself before suffocation, the person unconsciously awakens with a gasp and then falls back to sleep only to start the cycle again.

There are a number of common sense reasons for getting a good night's sleep; the consequences of not getting seven or eight hours of restful sleep may cause:

- Being slow to react to things
- Getting angry quickly
- Overeating
- Overspending
- Looking haggard
- Feeling just downright crappy

Staying on top of the latest in dental techniques and technology is extremely important to Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt. Both consistently attend advanced dental courses on a regular basis.

To make an appointment with Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/07/2016 -- Patients who wear a CPAP mask at night to aid in stopping snoring and/or sleep apnea find it problematic. They wish there was a more comfortable solution for their snoring related issues. The solution comes in the form of a dental appliance.

Dr. Dale remarks, "A panacea accessible to those who snore and have sleep apnea is actually an oral appliance that we offer."

The answer lies in a specially fashioned piece of plastic worn in the mouth every night by the snorer and molded by a small number of dentists, like Dr. Platt or Dr. Dale, who have taken courses in the physiology of snoring. The appliance helps prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat.

Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing while asleep. Each pause, called an apnea, can last from at least 10 seconds to minutes and may occur five to 30 times or more per hour.

Recently the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) approved dental appliances as a first line of treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. "Over 95% of patients are satisfied with the level of improvement with their snoring when assessed and treated correctly," states Dr. Platt.

Common problems with CPAP are:

- Sweat soaks into the straps and irritates the skin
- Removal of mask during sleep and have apnea episodes
- The mask rubs on the nose and forehead
- Air pushes into the stomach causing burping and/or flatulence
- The mask leaks air onto the face (especially with facial hair)
- The pressure of the CPAP is oppressive
- The CPAP machine is too noisy to allow sleep
- The tubing gets in the way of sleeping movements
- Awareness of the mask and inability to forget about it
- The mask triggers claustrophobia
- Nose might be stuffed up from a cold or allergies

About Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt
Staying on top of the latest in dental techniques and technology are extremely important to Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt. They consistently attend advanced dental courses. They have taken advanced courses in Lumineers®, Invisalign®, dental sleep medicine as well as numerous courses on a variety of cosmetic dental techniques.

For an appointment, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/22/2015 -- Some risk factors for periodontal disease (gum disease) can't be changed such as age and genetics. There are other risk factors that can be slowed by changing lifestyle habits. Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt can help their patients to recognize and correct these habits to lessen the damage from gum disease.

Included in these risk factors are smoking and tobacco use. When thinking of tobacco use we commonly think of lung cancer, heart disease and other health problems occurring. "However, according to studies that have been done, tobacco use may be one of the most compelling risk factors for developing gum disease," comments Dr. Platt.

Another common contributor to gum disease is stress and it is linked to many health problems such as high blood pressure and cancer, but it is also a major risk for gum disease. Being stressed can make it much more challenging to fight off bacteria.

"Certain medications can affect oral health such as anti-depressants, birth control pills and some heart medicines. Notifying me about the medications you take is important," states Dr. Dale.

People who are bruxers (teeth grinders) put excess force on the tissues that support the teeth and that speeds up the rate that these tissues are ravaged.

Some diseases that hamper the body's immune system such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cardiovascular diseases may also increase the chance for gum disease.

Dr. Platt states, "Another, too often seen risk factor is poor nutrition and obesity which weakens your body's immune system. Gum disease begins as an infection and poor nutrition can worsen the condition."

There seems to be several common risk factors for both gum disease and osteoporosis. They both show a predisposition for patients who have a family history of either or both diseases.

"The main cause of gum disease is plaque that builds up on teeth and pushes the gum away from the tooth and then bacteria gets into these pockets, but other factors affect the health of a person's gums as well," remarks Dr. Dale.

Technology in the field of dentistry is constantly advancing and in order to continue to bring their patients the latest in treatments, Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt take advanced dental courses on a regular basis.

To make an appointment with Gladstone Family Dental Group call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/08/2015 -- At Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale's dental practice, Gladstone Family Dental Group, the patients who wish to undergo a smile makeover, but who are not able to afford porcelain crowns or veneers, are rejoicing over the Snap-On Smile®.

Like its name suggests, the Snap-On Smile® is an appliance that snaps on easily to the teeth for an instantly beautiful smile. In addition to being a relatively inexpensive option, the Snap-On Smile® also offers a quick, painless, and reversible dental solution for those with dental phobias or time constraints.

"It requires no injections, no drilling, and no bonding adhesives. Best of all, patients are able to get their brand new smile in just two appointments," says Dr. Dale.

"Comprised of a formula of hi-tech dental resin that makes it very thin yet very strong, the Snap-On Smile® looks just like natural teeth. It covers chips, stains, gaps, or crooked teeth, and is a good alternative for a removable partial denture," remarks Dr. Platt. The Snap-On Smile® can also be used for both the lower and upper sets of teeth.

To briefly summarize the procedure involved in getting a Snap-On Smile®, the patient first picks the style and shade of the new smile they would like. Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt then take an impression of their teeth. Three weeks later, the patient returns for a final fitting of their Snap-On Smile® and if it fits nicely, they are able to wear it home.

Some patients express concerns about whether their speech will be affected. "Because the appliance fits over the teeth, it may feel bulky at first and patients may have to undergo a brief period of adjustment," explains Dr. Dale. However, most of them get used to it fairly easily when they keep the appliance on the entire day.

The Gladstone doctors regularly attend continuing education courses in order to bring their patients the latest and best in patient comfort, accurate diagnoses, and state-of-the-art technology and techniques.

To make an appointment with Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/21/2015 -- Oral cancer affects more than 42,000 people each year in the United States. Even more disturbing is the fact that the mortality rate of the disease has remained unchanged in over thirty years, due in part to late diagnoses. At Gladstone Family Dental Group, Dr. David Platt and Dr. Gregory Dale understand the importance of early detection and diagnosis in order to increase a patient's chances of survival.

Oral cancer screening is one of the most important aspects of routine dental exams at the practice and is included without any additional charge. "We perform a complete head and neck exam and an intra-oral cancer screening on every patient," says Dr. Platt, "Our aim is to detect possible oral cancer in its earliest stage. When patients skip their routine dental exams, they forget that they are also missing out on oral cancer screenings."

Many people only find out that they have oral cancer when it has already advanced beyond its preliminary stages. By then, it may already be too late.

Common risk factors related to oral cancer include tobacco use, alcohol consumption and the human papilloma virus (HPV). "Risk factors for oral cancer vary for different people. Some risk factors, such as age or race, can't be changed. Others may be related to smoking, drinking, or diet. Some factors influence risk more than others," explains Dr. Dale.

Oral and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers are twice as common in men as in women. This might be because men have been more likely to use tobacco and alcohol in the past. While this is changing, the recent rise in HPV-linked cancers has been mainly among younger men.

About Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale
Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale regularly attend lectures and continuing education courses in order to bring their patients the latest and best in patient comfort, accurate diagnoses and state-of-the-art technology and techniques.

To make an appointment with Gladstone Family Dental Group, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2015 -- Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the last few years. Porcelain is now the leading material of choice for crowns, bridges and veneers. Dr. David Platt and Dr. Gregory Dale of Gladstone Family Dental Group impress their patients with excellent porcelain dental work.

Previously, large fillings of amalgam (silver fillings) were used. These were neither attractive nor especially healthy for the tooth. Whenever decay was found in the same tooth, the existing filling was drilled out and replaced with a bigger filling. "As the fillings get larger, the teeth get weaker. Eventually, half of the tooth may be filled in that manner and if further decay is found, a crown would be required," explains Dr. Dale.

Porcelain crowns are the perfect solution to the problem of old silver filling causing the tooth to break away. The porcelain can be sculpted to replicate the look of natural tooth enamel. Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale use metal-free crowns so there is no unsightly metallic line on the edge of the crown. As Dr. Platt emphasizes, "At Gladstone Family Dental, we use durable, esthetic materials that look just like your own teeth."

A patient with a missing tooth or teeth will be excited to learn that any gap in their teeth can be easily replaced with a fixed porcelain bridge. Bridges are semi-permanent, but are very durable and strong.

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth. Their primary purpose is to improve the appearance of teeth. For individuals with dental problems such as discolored, worn out, chipped, misshapen or slightly misaligned teeth, porcelain veneers are the ideal solution. Veneers can also be used to close large gaps between teeth for a flawless smile. Gladstone Family Dental offers the Lumineers® brand of veneers.

About Dr. Dale
Dr. Dale consistently attends advanced dental courses. He has taken advanced courses in Lumineers®, Invisalign®, dental sleep medicine, as well as numerous courses on a variety of cosmetic dental techniques.

Dr. Platt has completed the Lumineers® smile design course, Invisalign® certification courses and multiple courses on implant restoration.

To make an appointment with Gladstone Family Dental Group, call (816) 452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/04/2014 -- Remember when cosmetic dentistry seemed to be only for the rich and famous? Today, with up-to-date techniques and newly developed materials, anyone can have a movie star smile. Fixing a gap from a missing tooth, re-aligning crooked teeth or repairing a broken tooth can be a life-changing event for an individual. Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that improves the appearance, but not necessarily the function, of a person's teeth, gums and bite.

Dr. David Platt and Dr. Gregory Dale know that their most important job is to make a smile healthy before performing any cosmetic work such as porcelain crowns or veneers. Dr. Dale explains, "You must have a healthy foundation first in order to support a building. It isn't any different with teeth." If the patient has gum disease, missing teeth or malocclusion (bad bite), cosmetic procedures merely cover up the primary problem. The doctors therefore do not focus on looks alone, but also consider the health of the teeth and gums.

As soon as Dr. Platt resolves the patient's structural problems, he begins improving the appearance of a smile by using porcelain crowns, veneers and natural tooth-colored fillings. Dr. Platt says, "I may choose to use other solutions, including dental implants and teeth whitening. A youthful smile can have a significant influence on how someone appears to themselves and others." With a complete smile makeover, lip lines that make an individual look older can be erased, teeth can be straightened instantly, and a whiter, more brilliant smile is produced.

Gladstone Family Dental found that most people spend around three seconds appraising an individual's appearance and tend to make judgments based on this first impression. Whether or not this is fair, it is evident that looks matter in today's world.

Getting a smile makeover can change a person's personal and professional lives. It is therefore important that the patient participates actively in every decision concerning their makeover. Drs. Dale and Platt take an across-the-board approach and believe in putting together a plan that the patient has agreed upon, before embarking on any work.

About Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt
Staying on top of the latest in dental techniques and technology is extremely important to Dr. Dale, who regularly attends advanced dental courses. Dr. Platt enjoys cosmetic dentistry procedures and changing people's lives by giving them the confidence to smile again.

Call for a smile consultation at 816-452-3420 or request an appointment.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/13/2014 -- About 60 million people in this country alone suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJS). If an individual has headaches and/or migraine headaches, clicking in the jaw, neck pain or if the jaw locks when widely yawning, TMJ Syndrome is probably the cause for it. Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale of Gladstone Family Dental Group have studied this syndrome and have come up with some helpful therapies.

The temporomandibular joint acts as the hinge between the jawbone and the skull. "TMJS is the misery that results when the muscle tissues, the jaw and the temporomandibular joint are out of alignment or misaligned (bad bite), making for complications when chewing," states Dr. Gregory Dale.

For years, the notion that chronic headaches and migraines were linked to the jaw joint was never given serious attention. But, today the dental and medical communities are coming together in an assault on Temporomandibular Joint (Syndrome). As scientific opinion advances forward in regard to the connection involving headaches and TMJD, individuals who think they have this problem should make an appointment with Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt, who, along with their team, have taken advanced training for treatment of TMJD.

Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ are headaches and/or migraines earaches and pain in jaw muscles. There isn't a definitive test for TMJ disorder, but through extensive diagnostic testing, Dr. David Platt and Dr. Dale are able to carefully analyze TMJ symptoms to determine the cause or causes, and then develop appropriate treatment plans. The possible causes of TMJ disorder include a misaligned bite, clenching and grinding teeth or dislocation of the joint itself.

"Our treatment methods include no pills or shots, zero surgical procedures, and no side effects," remarks Dr. Platt. He and Dr. Dale both concur, "We can take care of these problems as they're most likely a result of clenching your teeth while you are sleeping."

Almost all therapies to treat malocclusion require the use of a splint, a dental appliance which adjusts the bite. Another recommendation for treatment by Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale is a permanent change in the bite using tooth replacement, moving teeth via orthodontic therapy, or perhaps adding crowns or veneers

About Gladstone Family Dental
In agreement, Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt conclude, "Our first priority is always to ensure that each patient is in the best oral health possible with a secure bite. Beyond that, we also provide the services our patients desire for a great smile." To make an appointment, call 816-452-3420.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Not long ago if an individual lost a tooth or teeth, the most likely way to solve the problem was to have a bridge connected to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The bridges were constructed of metal or ceramic over a metal foundation to make them strong enough to bite and chew food. Today, that is ‘old school’ repair for missing teeth – implants are the desired fix for a missing tooth or teeth.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/07/2014 -- The implant is considered a form of prosthetic dentistry, but is also considered a class of cosmetic dentistry. "Implants function like and look like natural teeth. Nobody will suspect that the implant isn't a natural tooth or teeth. Implants replace the tooth root and provide the strength necessary for recipients to eat the foods they like and not have to worry about chewing," remarks Dr. David Platt. Also, the implants maintain the jaw bone so there will be no further bone loss which maintains the facial features.

Dr. Gregory Dale comments, "Missing teeth can compromise chewing, leading to negative effects on eating routines causing secondary health problems. The person with the missing tooth or teeth may not be getting their nutritional needs met. Also, people might feel self-conscious about smiling or talking if they are missing a tooth right in the middle of their smile." Implants are titanium screws that are placed in the jaw bone where the tooth is missing. After a period of healing a porcelain crown is placed on the new titanium root.

The patient should schedule a consultation with Dr. Platt or Dr. Dale to determine if implants are the way to go to improve their smile. The doctor will thoroughly examine the patient's teeth and gums and evaluate bone density and quantity.

"Depending on the condition of the gum tissues, oral hygiene and personal brushing and flossing habits, plus committing to follow directions after the implant is placed, I will advise the most appropriate dental implant treatment plan," says Dr. Dale. Some patients who don't have enough bone or gum tissue may require bone or soft tissue grafts.

Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt will explain how long the entire treatment process will take, how many appointments will be necessary and what can be expected after each procedure.

About Drs. Dale and Platt
Staying on top of the latest in dental techniques and technology is extremely important to Dr. Dale and he consistently attends advanced dental courses. In order to provide his patients with the latest in dental techniques and technology, Dr. Platt participates in numerous advanced dental courses on a continuous basis. If you are concerned about sleep apnea for yourself or your bedmate call 816-452-3420 and make an appointment.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Snoring impacts 30 percent of individuals in America, while second-hand snoring, being kept awake or having your own rest disrupted by a heavy snoring partner, affects about 73 percent of individuals. If you are tired of snoring and getting no restful sleep, a dental appliance may be the answer.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/28/2014 -- Dr. David Platt explains, "Even though snoring seems physically harmless, it can be a red flag for a more severe, and at times fatal, condition known as obstructive sleep apnea." This occurs when the airway completely deflates, obstructing airflow straight into the lungs. The harder one attempts to breathe, the tighter the airway closes.

Enduring the exhausting cycle of sleep apnea can take a toll on the sleeping person and the person who shares the same bed. The sleep apnea cycle starts with falling asleep, mouth relaxing, airway collapsing, a long duration with no airflow, unconsciously awakening along with a gasp and falling back asleep only to start the cycle again. "This can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour throughout the night. Along with a blocked air passage, the individual cannot receive adequate oxygen, and this can result in various other problems," comments Dr. Gregory Dale.

"Research shows that bedmates of snorers receive as little restorative sleep as the snorer," added Dr. Platt.

According to recent research by the Mayo Clinic, people who sleep next to a snorer experience more chronic pain, fight against higher levels of fatigue, have more frequent episodes of conscious "blackouts" while driving, and might even be more likely to a develop hearing loss in certain frequencies.

The solution to this scenario can be found in a specially fashioned piece of plastic worn in the mouth every night by the snorer and offered by dentists, like Dr. David Platt and Dr. Gregory Dale of Gladstone Family Dental, trained in treating sleep disordered breathing. An anti-snoring mouthguard moves the lower jaw into a more forward position, preventing the airway from closing and ending the resultant vibration of the soft tissues.

If you are a victim of second-hand snoring, consider visiting a qualified dentist at Gladstone Family Dental. A solution accessible to those who snore or perhaps have sleep apnea is actually an oral appliance offered by Dr. Platt and Dr. Dale. An appliance is placed in the mouth and worn much like a sports mouthguard. The appliance prevents the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues at the rear of the throat so the airway remains open while asleep.

About Drs. Dale and Platt
Staying on top of the latest in dental techniques and technology is extremely important to Dr. Dale and he consistently attends advanced dental courses. In order to provide his patients with the latest in dental techniques and technology, Dr. Platt participates in numerous advanced dental courses on a continuous basis. If you are concerned about sleep apnea for yourself or your bedmate call 816-452-3420 and make an appointment.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Many chronic headaches and migraines are caused by involuntary night-time teeth clenching. This leads to hyperactivity of the trigeminal nerve, which can trigger migraine and tension headaches.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2014 -- Dr. Gregory Dale and Dr. David Platt, Gladstone Family Dental Group, aid patients who suffer from migraine pain, tension-type headaches, jaw problems such as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding) with the NTI Supression System. The NTI Suppression System is a small removable plastic resin appliance custom fitted by Dr. Dale or Dr. Platt and is worn over the front teeth at night to prevent contact of the posterior teeth. "It is key that the molars and canine teeth do not touch anything in order to sufficiently reduce jaw clenching," says Dr. Dale.

Migraine headaches can be debilitating to patients that suffer from them. About 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. It is most common among people age 25 to 55, though it can affect children and teens as well. Migraine headaches are about three times more prevalent in women than men; roughly one in five women and one in 16 men suffer from migraines. "The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days," remarks Dr. Platt.

Dr. Dale says, "Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults. They are commonly referred to as stress headaches." Tension headaches are usually felt on the sides of your head as pain or pressure, as tightness around your forehead that may feel like a "vise grip," an aching pain at your temples or the back of your head and neck. A tension headache may appear periodically or daily. An episodic tension headache may be described as a mild to moderate constant band-like pain, tightness, or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck. The pain is usually throbbing and affects the front, top, or sides of the head. Although the pain may vary in intensity throughout the day, the pain is almost always present.

Jaw disorders such as TMD may benefit from the NTI-tss as a result of not being able to grind your teeth while sleeping. "It is a non-surgical, non-drug custom-fitted device approved by the Food and Drug Administration that attaches to the patient's upper or lower teeth, suppressing the muscle contraction intensity and is only worn when sleeping," comments Dr. Platt.

Teeth grinding is at the heart of these headaches and jaw disorders; by not allowing the teeth to come together when sleeping can prevent or lessen the intensity of pain. The factors that contribute to bruxism may be jaw misalignment, crooked or missing teeth, sinus problems, sleep disorders, or a side effect of some antidepressants. Emotional factors, such as suppressed anger or having a Type A personality, may also exacerbate stress and bruxing. The NTI-tss can mitigate the misery that these factors cause. Dr. Dale states, "If you have any of these symptoms, call your dentist and get the help you need."

About Dr Dale
Dr. Dale completed his undergraduate studies at William Jewell College and received his dental degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. He started in private practice in 1987.

About Dr Platt
Dr. Platt completed his undergraduate studies at San Diego State University and then went on to receive his dental degree at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He then completed his general practice residency with the United States Navy.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt of Gladstone Family Dental Group are screening their patients for oral cancer. This is one of the most important aspects of routine dental exams at Gladstone Family Dental.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/29/2013 -- Dr. David Platt states, "We cancer screen everyone at the new patient exam and recall visit." In this year alone approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer. When detected early oral cancer has a very high survival rate; unfortunately most oral cancer is found as late stage cancer without routine exams. Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt utilize the CDx oral cancer screening system to test any suspicious areas. The OralCDx Brush Biopsy (or BrushTest® as it's marketed in the dental market) is an in-office test to help ensure that the harmless-appearing white or red spots in patients' mouths are not precancerous or cancerous. During the screening, the dentists look for cancer in common areas, like the sides of the tongue or cheeks.

Oral cancer kills nearly as many Americans every year as malignant melanoma and twice as many as cervical cancers. About half of oral cancer patients survive more than five years, and the poor mortality rate has remained unchanged for 50 years. The five-year survival rate with oral cancer is directly related to the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, which is why early detection is so important. With early detection, the survival rate for oral cancer is well over 80 percent, compared with late stage detection when the survival rate drops to a dismal 19 percent.

When Dr. Gregory Dale was asked what causes oral cancer, he replied, "Although tobacco and alcohol have long been implicated as traditional risk factors for oral cancer in adults of any age, a significant number of young patients, under the age of 40, with oral cancer have never smoked or consumed alcohol." In the past 30 years, there has been an alarming five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40. "It's not an 'old man's' disease anymore. The incidence of oral cancer in women is increasing significantly, and females now account for about one third of all oral cancer cases," said Dr. Platt. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers we hear about routinely, such as cervical, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal, testicular, thyroid, or skin (malignant melanoma). It is growing at double-digit rates, despite declines in alcohol and tobacco use. This increase is due largely to the spread of HPV-16 and HPV-18 via all forms of sex. For that reason, oral cancer is increasingly showing up in the young adult population and the fastest growing group is females in their 40s.

Identifying and treating precancerous lesions before they become cancer has proven to be one of the most effective methods for reducing the incidence and mortality of other types of cancers. The symptoms of oral cancer can include: a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal in two weeks, change in color of the oral tissues; a lump, thickening, mass, rough spot, crust or small eroded area; tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips; teeth or jaw difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue; or a change in the way teeth fit together. Other symptoms may occur that causes swelling of the jaw which results in dentures fitting poorly; voice changes; tiny white or red spots or weight loss.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following tips for reducing your risk for oral cancer.

Stop or limit use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.

Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation.

Protect your lips from excessive exposure to sunlight by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 12.

Ensure that dentures fit properly and are not irritating the gums or cheeks.

Regular visits to the dentist can increase the chance of early detection, which can improve the potential for successful treatment.

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Dr. David Platt and Dr. Gregory Dale, partners at Gladstone Family Dental, have been invited by The Dental Library national organization to launch and take the helm as contributing authors for TheDentalLibraryOfKansasCity.com. Drs. Platt and Dale are actively involved in Kansas City and the surrounding communities of Kansas City.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/03/2013 -- The Dental Library is an assembly of local, prominent dental professionals who have agreed to research and write about dental issues and developments for their local area.

Dr. Dale and Dr. Platt's compassion for their patients and keen eye on keeping up with dental technology is what patients and staff appreciate most about them. Staying on top of the latest in dental techniques and technology is extremely important to Dr. Dale. He stated, "I enjoy helping patients achieve and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime."

"In order to provide my patients with the latest in dental techniques and technology, I participate in numerous advanced dental courses on a continuous basis," says Dr. Platt.

Dr. Platt has completed the Lumineers® smile design course, Invisalign® certification courses, courses on implant restoration and courses in other dental disciplines.

TheDentalLibraryOfKansasCity.com is meant to offer important news and information about changes and opportunities in dentistry specific to this geographic area.

The Dental Library finds related information on technologies, trends and techniques in today's dental world. On your local Dental Library website, you'll discover up-to-date news about dentistry and the potential impact on your family's future dental care.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The smile is one of the initial features people notice in personal encounters. Getting an improved smile isn’t really as difficult as one may think and can take years off a person's overall appearance.

Gladstone, MO -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/21/2013 -- Dr. David Platt, Dentist Partner, Gladstone Family Dental in Gladstone, MO received a call from a 67-year-old woman who wanted a Complimentary Cosmetic Consult. Dr. Platt showed her before and after smile photos. After looking through all the photos, she said, "I wish I could see how my smile would look if I had dental work like this done."

Dr. Platt explained that he would do a diagnostic wax-up model of how her smile would look after her dental work was done. "Making sure that the patient gets the right look, feel and function is the goal during any restorative or cosmetic dental procedure," said Dr. Platt. The preliminary diagnostic wax-up model of a planned restored smile gives him a record of what the patient wants so he can begin the process with the ultimate results already known.

The model also shows the patient's new smile in its natural color and translucency. Dr. Platt can also see how the new smile will improve any bite problems a patient may have. With the diagnostic model the patient is empowered to preview, give suggestions, make changes, and approve a personal "Smile Plan" before any procedures are begun. Not only can the patient see the excellent quality of the esthetic changes in the proposed new smile, the model also assures the patient that restorative work will function well when chewing or talking.

Dr. Platt chose to place both upper and lower porcelain veneers for this patient, then added a whitening procedure for the teeth that didn't receive veneers. For the veneers, he used IPS e.max Ceram that is a highly esthetic layering ceramic. It provides lifelike, highly esthetic results with true-to-nature light scattering and a balanced relationship between brightness and color.

When asked if his patient was pleased with her smile, he said, "She was very happy and sent me a page-long thank you letter telling me how happy she was. Two appointments, just two weeks apart, and this woman appears at least ten years younger."Dr. Platt stated that "I was so proud of this case that I made a video and put it up on YouTube."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm