Baer Dental Designs

Thanks for the question. Your first visit typically includes an x-ray that allows us to view the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed roots, and tooth decay.

The initial visit also involves getting your medical history. When you share your medical history with us, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Please let us know if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell us the names, doses, and frequency of any medications you are taking — whether prescription or over-the-counter products — and the name of your physician. Please also let us know about any changes in your health or medications. This information will us select the most safe and effective method of treatment path for you.

Have any more questions about your first visit? Please give us a call!

Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. At Baer Dental Designs, we have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.

• Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
• You don’t need to change your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.
• Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.
• Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.
• Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.

A straight smile makes you look great, but it also can help you keep the rest of your mouth healthy. Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

Invisalign can be used by teens and adults, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about your teen’s orthodontic options, contact our Aurora office to learn more.

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Last Sunday marked Earth Day, so today we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a 'green' office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

Cities have been adjusting the fluoride levels in water since 1964. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay, but you may not be drinking as much fluoridated water as you may think. If bottled or home-purified water is your main source for drinking water, you may be missing out on this extremely safe and effective mineral that prevents tooth decay.

Of course, using toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Approval is a good source of fluoride, but optimal levels of absorption can only be achieved if you use it as directed: brushing twice a day for two to three minutes each time.

At our office, you can receive professionally applied topical fluoride during your next dental checkup. This is extremely important for people who are at high risk for tooth decay, including children, people with less than perfect oral hygiene, people undergoing orthodontic treatment, and people with weakened enamel due to lifestyle choices or genetic factors. If you have any questions regarding fluoride, please feel free to ask us at the office. We want you to have the healthiest smile possible.

Spring is in the air! As you probably know, you can always connect with us on our Facebook page, but we invite you to please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you.

We also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Thank you! Have a great week!

Visiting our office regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

We are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You may not even be aware of your own bad breath, so if you’re concerned you may be suffering from it, talk to our team. We can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to treat it.

There are many reasons for bad breath:
• What you eat can also affect the way your breath smells. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can have a very strong and lasting odor.
• If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath, not to mention tooth decay and gingivitis.
• Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor.
• Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask us for tips on kicking the habit.
• Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If this is the case, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause.

The good news is there are many ways to help eliminate bad breath from your life. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, so schedule regular dental visits with our office for a professional cleaning and checkup. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, and don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

Dental X-rays are an essential and invaluable tool to help assist us in evaluating your oral health. With X-rays, we can see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums and identify oral health issues otherwise hidden during a visual exam, including:

• small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
• infections in the bone
• periodontal (gum) disease
• abscesses or cysts
• developmental abnormalities
• types of tumors

If left untreated, these problems can lead to expensive, time-consuming, and painful conditions, so it’s important to find and treat them early.
Dental X-rays are extremely safe, and our team is certified in the proper use of our digital X-ray equipment. The amount of radiation that you are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to your daily exposure from things like atmospheric radiation and naturally-occurring radioactive elements, as well as medical X-rays you may have gotten at your doctor’s office or hospital. In fact our digital system dramatically decreases the already minimal amount of exposure even further. We try to be as conservative as possible when prescribing x-rays but do need them to see what is going on where our eyes can't see.

Dr. Christopher Baer and our team love giving back to our amazing community. In fact, every February we participate in the wonderful program Give Kids a Smile. This year we had to reschedule due to a major snow storm that hit Denver the night before the event. Fortunately, we were able to reschedule it to the 29th of February and provided about $10,000 worth of free dental treatment to kids that day!

It is an event that all of us here in the office love doing and is just one of the few ways that we give back to the community. We are already looking forward to next year's event!

We’ve rolled out our new Facebook Timeline page and would love for you to check it out! You’ll find all the useful information that was there before, but now in a fun, new layout. When you connect with us on Facebook, you’ll be able to check out photos of our office, find out about new events and contests, or you can even leave a note about how much you enjoyed your visit at our office. We love hearing your feedback to make our practice serve you and your family even better. To make life even easier, if you “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!

See you on Facebook!

At Baer Dental Designs, we strive to provide our patients with a comfortable dental experience in a friendly and informative environment. In fact, we recently had a patient who had postponed dental treatment because she was afraid of how bad it was going to be and how many cavities would be find when she came in. Fortunately, she was persuaded to come and see us from a friend who is a patient. For her first appointment she decided she wanted to have oral sedation, but after that we have eased her fears and she now comes to see us for dental work without needing to take medication.

All of us at Baer Dental Designs are committed to helping our patients improve their oral health -- no matter what type of treatment you need, we are here to help you achieve optimum dental health. If you have any questions about our office or if you would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call today!

Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. At Baer Dental Designs, we have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.

• Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
• You don’t need to change your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.
• Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.
• Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.
• Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.

A straight smile makes you look great, but it also can help you keep the rest of your mouth healthy. Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

Invisalign can be used by teens and adults, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about your teen’s orthodontic options, contact our office to learn more.

All of us at Bear Dental Designs would like to thank everyone for participating in our "Show Us Your Cute Pet Photos" Contest! We received a lot of great entries, and loved seeing all of the cute pets! We are pleased to announce that the winner is...

Dave Johnson and Daisy! We hope you enjoy your new iPad 2! Keep your eye right here on our blog and on Facebook for more exciting contests and news at Bear Dental Designs.

Happy Friday! Thanks again to everyone who has already entered our "Show Us Your Cute Pet Photos" Contest! We LOVE all of your adorable pet photos! Don't forget, today is the last day to fill out your entry by selecting the CONTESTS tab on the left-hand side of our Facebook page. 

The voting phase of our contest will take place Feb. 18-20. The more votes that your photo receives, the better your chance of winning an iPad 2! 

GOOD LUCK! 

-The team at Baer Dental Designs

Whether you have a dog, cat, giraffe, or zebra, our team at Baer Dental Designs wants to see the cutest pet photo you have. Submit your cute pet photo in our Facebook contest, have your friends and family vote for your entry, and you’ll have a chance to WIN an iPad 2.

To enter, simply LIKE the Baer Dental Designs Facebook page and then submit your cute pet photo by clicking on the CONTESTS tab from the left side of the page. We will be accepting contest entries through next Friday, Feb. 17th.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

-Dr. Baer and team

Whether you have a dog, cat, giraffe, or zebra, our team at Baer Dental Designs wants to see the cutest pet photo you have. Submit your cute pet photo in our Facebook contest, have your friends and family vote for your entry, and you’ll have a chance to WIN an iPad 2.

To enter, simply LIKE the Baer Dental Designs Facebook page and then submit your cute pet photo by clicking on the CONTESTS tab from the left side of the page. We will be accepting contest entries through Friday, Feb. 17th.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.
• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.
• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.
• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:
• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

– Baer Dental Designs

At Baer Dental Designs, we know image is everything. For many people, the thought of having metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth for two or more years may be more than enough to delay orthodontic treatment.

If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth but are apprehensive about metal wires and brackets getting in the way of your smile, Invisalign treatment at Baer Dental Designs may be a great solution. Invisalign, which straightens teeth through a series of clear, custom-fit removable aligners, does so in a way that is discreet and hardly noticeable.

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at our office, please give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Baer.

Our team at Baer Dental Designs know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the traditional tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

For more than 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries. Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20- to 40 percent in children who have access to fluoridated toothpaste.

Bottled water, however, which remains one of the more popular drinks in the world, may not contain any fluoride, which is known to help prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. The majority of bottled waters on the market do not contain optimal levels (0.7-1.2 ppm) of fluoride, according to our friends at the American Dental Association, or ADA. Many dental health specialists suspect bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. So if bottled water is your water of choice, be sure to check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter (parts per million) of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting Dr. Christopher Baer and our team at Baer Dental Designs regularly.

Even if you brush and floss daily, it is still important to see us at Baer Dental Designs every 6 months, or as recommended.

Why?

• We can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.
• Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.
• Frequent visits can allow us to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.

If you are overdue for an appointment with us, please give us a call today!

-- Dr. Christopher Baer & Team

Many folks consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2012? Dr. Christopher Baer and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health—we want to hear from you! After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

—Your friends at Baer Dental Designs

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2012? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Baer Dental Designs

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Baer Dental Designs 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!

--The team at Baer Dental Designs

At Baer Dental Designs, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Christopher Baer and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Aurora office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Christopher Baer during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

At Baer Dental Designs, it is our mission to provide our patients with the highest quality of care in a comfortable and professional atmosphere. We strive to inspire our values of honesty, integrity, and equality in everything that we do for our patients, our team, and our community.

The bottom line is, we know having a beautiful smile is important to you. It’s important to us, too.
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.

Take the next step toward a healthier, brighter smile! Please contact our Aurora dental office and schedule an appointment. See you soon!

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Christopher Baer and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Aurora office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Baer Dental Designs, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

When I was a child, I used to hate going to the dentist. Every time I went, I had a cavity or two. The dentist and his assistant always seemed to speak a foreign language when they were talking about my teeth. The fluoride trays were disgusting and it never tasted like the flavor they said it was.

One of the reasons I became a dentist was to change all this. I wanted to change the way people experience the dentist. We actually have ways to combat and prevent tooth decay now with things that I only dreamed of as a child. I always tell my patients that it is easier to prevent a dental problem than it is to wait for the problem to hurt. If you have children that are apprehensive about going to the dentist, it is even more important to get them in and allow them to have a great dental experience. Otherwise, these kids grow up to fear the dentist, and are often the adults that end up with the most dental problems because they don't go to the dentist.

At Baer Dental Designs, we strive to provide you with the best dental care in a welcoming and comfortable environment. Feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your dental care or connect with us on Facebook!

-Dr. Christopher Baer

Dr. Christopher Baer of Baer Dental Designs was recently featured in a Zeel article about sensitivity during teeth whitening. The article featured other prominent dentists and gave some teeth whitening suggestions. It stated:

There are a number of ways to make teeth whitening more comfortable, begins Dr. Baer, a top rated dentist in the United States. Dr. Baer insists upon a comprehensive evaluation to first determine the root of the discomfort. Many times, sensitivity-reducing toothpastes can help prior to a whitening session. A fluoride gel can also help prevent or minimize tooth sensitivity.

Congratulations Dr. Baer! You can read the full article on the Zeel website. To learn more about the teeth whitening options at our office, give us a call!

Happy Veterans’ Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Thanks to all of you who have given us so much.

- Dr. Christopher Baer and team at Baer Dental Designs

At Baer Dental Designs, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to visit Dr. Christopher Baer is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting Baer Dental Designs at least twice a year or as recommended, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your natural teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you’re wearing braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Dr. Christopher Baer 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 you get one? 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? 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.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. Our team at Baer Dental Designs always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

Happy brushing!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? For our staff at Baer Dental Designs, that means only one thing: Reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Aurora office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the American Dental Association website as well, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Baer Dental Designs? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Christopher Baer.

My job means that I can help people smile and keep smiling for a lifetime!

I love being able to rebuild a smile that somebody had, or give somebody the smile they have always wanted. There is nothing more rewarding than to be able to help somebody smile. Everybody deserves to smile and feel confident about their teeth. No matter what condition your teeth or your mouth are in, we are here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

-Dr. Christopher Baer

At Baer Dental Designs, we know that, for many people, porcelain veneers do more than change smiles—they change lives. After all, there’s no reason to put up with gaps in your teeth or with teeth that are stained, discolored, badly shaped, chipped, or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth at our office can correct nature’s mistake or the results of an injury and help you have a beautiful smile. Veneers are a highly popular solution among dental patients because of their life-like tooth appearance!

Veneers—sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates—are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, Dr. Baer and our team at Baer Dental Designs will create a unique model of your teeth, which is then sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, your doctor will remove a small amount of your tooth to make room for the veneer. When placed, you’ll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth and even resist staining.

For more information on veneers, or if you have any questions about your treatment with Dr. Baer, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

At Baer Dental Designs we know one thing no patient likes hearing when visiting our office is “root canal.” But what, exactly, is a root canal, and when might you need one? A root canal is a treatment Dr. Christopher Baer uses to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed to the point where the nerve is involved. In the past, if a patient had a tooth with a diseased nerve, dentists in most cases would recommend an extraction. Today, however, with a procedure called root canal therapy, available at our office, you may save that tooth—and your beautiful smile—after all!

Here are some symptoms that indicate a decayed or infected tooth, courtesy of WebMD:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing, biting or application of pressure
• One tooth consistently more sensitive to hot or cold than other teeth
• Pain that hurts without any stimulus, keeps you awake or wakes you up at night
• A tooth that feels loose
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Pain that persists weeks following a filling or replacement of a filling
• Chronic pain and/or pressure that may extend to the ear, eye or neck

If any of these symptoms apply to you, we recommend you schedule an appointment with our office.

The best way to avoid a root canal is to practice good oral hygiene at home, and that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing to reduce plaque and bacteria. For more tips on how to avoid root canal therapy or for general questions about your dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Baer during your next visit at our convenient Aurora, CO office! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Everyone loves fun facts and dental tips. Fun, fun, fun! Dr. Baer and our team at Baer Dental Designs came across these dental fun facts recently and thought you might enjoy!

• The second most common disease in the United States is cavities. The first is the common cold.
• There are almost 9,000 accidental pockings and piercings with toothpicks per year.
• X-rays may be an effective tool in preventing strokes.
• A child will have 20 baby teeth by the time he or she is 2 years old. Through childhood, kids gradually lose baby teeth and grow 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
• According to consumer reports, dentists are among the 5 most trusted professionals in the United States.
• Approximately $2 billion a year is spent on dental products like toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental floss.
• The average American spends about 38 days brushing teeth over his or her lifetime.
• Kids in North America spend half a billion dollars per year on chewing gum.
• Approximately 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly while only 81 percent say they brush first thing in the morning.
• Grand Rapids, MI was the first American city to fluoridate its water.
• Earliest record of a toothbrush was found in Chinese literature about 1600 AD
• The natural bristles of early toothbrushes were taken from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially pigs living in colder climates like Siberia and China.

At Baer Dental Designs, we are determined to give our patients only the best in dental care. As such, we make sure to stay up-to-date on all of the latest technologies available to us. The internet, for example, has had a significant impact on our office. It has broadened the way we manage our office and communicate with our patients. Here are just a couple of the benefits from our internet services:

-- We can send email reminders for appointments

-- X-rays can be quickly emailed to referring doctors in order to facilitate patient treatment

-- We can quickly look up and verify a patient's dental insurance benefits

These benefits, and more, help Baer Dental Designs make dental care easy and efficient for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

At Baer Dental Designs, we know most folks enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth, because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can't give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Dr. Christopher Baer and team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, Dr. Baer encourages you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

Our team at Baer Dental Designs also invite you to visit our convenient Aurora office for whitening options. We can help bleach your teeth with proven and professional products. To learn more about whitening options at our office, please visit our website, ask us on Facebook or give us a call!

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Baer and our team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call at Baer Dental Designs if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!
Happy brushing!

If you are a patient in our practice, then you have met Tonya, our office manager. What many of you might not know is that Tonya helps to get your insurance to pay your dental claims. She does a tremendous amount of work filing insurance claims, verifying dental eligibility and benefits for all of our patients - something that patients sometimes take for granted. It is actually a patient's responsibility to do this, but in our office, Tonya does this for all of our patients to make sure you know what your insurance covers and what your out of pocket costs will be.

This takes a lot of work and dedication, and because it all happens while you are not in the office, her hard work can often go unnoticed.

We are honored to have someone of her caliber doing this for our patients. We know that our office would not run smoothly without her.

Thank you, Tonya!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Baer Dental Designs can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Dr. Baer wants to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities, give Baer Dental Designs a call or ask Dr. Baer during your next appointment.

Our team always enjoys receiving thank you notes! Today, we wanted to share a thank you that Dr. Baer received from the Grandview High School Pom Squad. It is always our pleasure to support local organizations and sports teams within our Aurora, Colorado community.

From your very first visit to Baer Dental Designs, Dr. Baer and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Baer's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Just select the "Write a Review" button below to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to reading your reviews!

Thank you,
The team at Baer Dental Designs

Routine trips to the dentist can help you avoid costly dental treatment. Neglecting your oral health is often easy to do because things like gum disease and small cavities are often painless. We recognize that summer is a time of travel for families and many people would like to be out on vacation or enjoying the sunny Colorado weather...we would too!

Our top 5 reasons to schedule an appointment this summer are:

5. Routine dental treatment helps prevent more costly treatment in the future
4. Come in and get your teeth whitened with one of our summer teeth whitening specials
3. That toothache just shouldn't wait!
2. Your teeth are sensitive to cold and you cannot eat ice cream or drink iced tea (or a cold adult beverage!)
1. You just want to keep the fuzz off your teeth! :)

Let's face it- many people do not floss on a daily basis. Most patients admit that they start flossing a few days to a week before their hygiene appointment to make their gums look healthier - we appreciate their honesty!

At Baer Dental Designs, we recommend using what ever device motivates you to floss. They say it takes two weeks to form a habit, so if you can hang in there and floss every night for two weeks, it can hopefully become part of your routine. Leave a sticky note on the mirror to remind you to floss!

Everywhere you look you see bright, white smiles. At Baer Dental Designs we receive a lot of questions about teeth whitening. Dr. Christopher Baer recently sat down to answer some of your frequently asked questions. Here is what he had to say:

Q. What is the difference between in-office whitening, take-home whitening kits, and over-the-counter products?
A. The difference between the products is that the over-the-counter products are a one size fits all option, that is often lower in strength. Some people get great results with these kits if they have an "average size" mouth and "average size teeth". The take home whitening kits we sell in our office have custom made trays that precisely fit your teeth and optimize the bleaching agent contact with your teeth and minimize tooth sensitivity. It also minimizes the burning of the gum tissue by sealing at the tooth/gum tissue interface. We get great results with this type of bleaching. The in-office whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth and we get weekly calls for this option. It only takes two hours and you leave with whiter teeth!

Q. Do whitening toothpastes really make a difference?
A. We do not recommend the routine use of whitening toothpastes. They contain a lot of abrasives and take off more enamel than a regular cavity protection toothpaste. A whitening toothpaste is ok for occasional use, but can also cause tooth sensitivity.

Q. Can I use whitening products on my teeth while receiving orthodontic treatment?
A. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment we do have whitening trays for them to keep their teeth white and brite during treatment. Ask us about this at your next appointment or call our office!

Q. Can I use whitening products on my dentures?
A. Unfortunately there is no way to whiten denture teeth without changing the teeth themselves. However, that only takes 24 hours and, as part of the process, we can also help improve the fit of the denture. Feel free to ask us about this option if you are interested.

If you have more questions about teeth whitening, contact our office or post a question to our Facebook wall. We are happy to answer all of your questions!

All of us here at Baer Dental Designs would like to congratulate Dr. Baer for completing the Colorado Tough Mudder Challenge in Beaver Creek this weekend! In doing so, he also raised money for the Wounded Warrior Project!

The Tough Mudder Challenge is a 9 mile obstacle course that was designed by the British Special Forces.  It is a test of "strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie." This course involved hills, mud, fire, electric shocks, ropes, walls, and water, among other things. Only about 78% of participants actually finish the event. Our very own Dr. Baer was one of those who completed! Visit the Tough Mudder website to see pictures and learn more about the challenge.

By participating in the Tough Mudder Challenge, Dr. Baer also raised money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which supports the needs of severely injured service men and women. Great job Dr. Baer!

-Baer Dental Designs Team

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Baer for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Baer Dental Designs. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Baer is specially trained to offer our patients the most advanced line of custom mouthguards and mouthpieces with new Under Armour Performance Mouthwear. These mouth guards are custom fit to the shape of your smile and offer superior protection and comfort.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Baer Dental Designs.