Teeth Belong in the Mouth – Not on the Playing Field!

August 16th, 2010

baseball playerThe start of school is fast approaching. Soon, kids will be spending their days in the classroom and on the playing field. If your child plays sports, now is the time to get a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard from Portland dentist Dr. Les Milfred.

As a parent, you have enough worries to occupy your time. Don’t let your child’s smile be one of them. A custom-fitted athletic mouthguard provides protection against facial injuries and dental damage. Mouthguards have even been shown to reduce the severity of concussions. Parenting is hard work. Don’t you deserve a little peace of mind? We think so! Read the rest of this entry »

Portland Cosmetic Dentistry & Your New Smile

July 15th, 2010

cosmetic dentist portlandThe more you know, the better off you’ll be, right? This is true when it comes to patient education for treatment planning and in regards to understanding your dentist’s capabilities and experience. You’ve probably heard the term “cosmetic dentist” quite a bit, particularly with the big makeover and reality shows on television these days. What many people don’t know is that “cosmetic dentistry” is not a real specialty. The American Dental Association (that organization whose logo is on your toothpaste tube) does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty.

I use the term cosmetic dentist to describe myself, among other terms, like general and restorative dentist, so that patients understand my capabilities. However, I caution you to really look at the training and experience of whomever you choose to perform your cosmetic dentistry. On my website, you can visit the smile gallery to see the transformation in some of my actual cosmetic dentistry cases. You can also visit the cosmetic dentistry page to find explanations about esthetic services I offer. Whether you need porcelain veneers, bonding, white restorations, teeth whitening, or replacement teeth, I can help you—and I’d like to help you! My team and I get such great pleasure from seeing patients enjoy new confidence and happiness after a smile makeover. Read the rest of this entry »

Planning Dental Treatment as a Team

June 15th, 2010

teamwork & growthAs your dental care team, we can’t ultimately make decisions about your treatment. That’s up to you. Only you can weigh all the factors in your life to determine the best plan for taking care of your smile. What we can – and will – do, however, is provide you with the information you need to make wise decisions.

When Dr. Milfred examines you, he’ll use intraoral photography to capture close-up photos of your teeth and gums. He’ll also use safe and precise digital x-rays to see what’s below the surface.

In a relaxed consultation, Dr. Milfred will share these digital images with you as he explains his findings. He’ll answer all of your questions and recommend solutions to restore your oral health and, upon request, to improve the appearance of your smile. Read the rest of this entry »

Portland Loves a White, Healthy Smile

May 18th, 2010

big smileFACT: People with an attractive smile are considered more intelligent, successful, and friendly.

FACT: An all-white, natural-looking smile appears youthful, and thus will make you feel darn good about yourself.

FACT: You can have an all-white smile, even if today your teeth are riddled with metal fillings and crowns.

White fillings: Made of composite resin, a medical plastic, white fillings are tinted to match with your natural tooth structure. Because they contain no metal (and no harmful mercury), white dental fillings don’t expand and contract like amalgam fillings. Read the rest of this entry »

How Important are Dental Checkups with Dr. Milfred?

April 12th, 2010

Only one out of three adults in the US visits the dentist. Recent research shows a direct and distinct link between gum disease and increased risk for many overall health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and low-weight birth, to name a few. Gum disease exists, in various forms, in approximately 75% of the population over 35 years of age, though children can develop the condition as well. It is also the main cause of tooth loss for American adults.

tooth with umbrella

Furthermore, oral cancer claims about 7500 American lives annually. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer improves survival rate by 80%. People without risk factors can develop oral cancer, though those who drink alcohol or use tobacco are at greater risk.

Did you know that dental caries (cavities) is the most prevalent childhood disease in our nation? As for adults, 90% have had a cavity. Tooth decay does not heal if left alone. It will grow and can destroy teeth and/or allow bacteria to enter the blood stream.

Following through with treatment for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer is imperative. These diseases will not go away, but only worsen over time. Read the rest of this entry »

Mercury-Free, Esthetic Dental Fillings in Portland

March 10th, 2010

mercuryDentistry is progressive, like all medical fields in this age. But the innovations in dentistry have been flowing for decades now. Dr. Leslie Milfred in Portland is happy to have provided mercury-free fillings for his patients since 1982. He believes that the advantages of placing composite resin fillings far outweigh the benefits of offering mercury amalgam fillings.

Healthy Dentistry – There has been controversy about mercury fillings for years. The FDA changed their stance on the issue, and currently the organization warns of potential harmful effects of mercury dental fillings for pregnant women, children, and patients with mercury allergies or sensitivity. Dr. Milfred would not perform a procedure or use a material on his patients that he wouldn’t recommend for himself and his loved ones. That’s why he has been a mercury-free dentist for years. Read the rest of this entry »

Smile Makeovers with Handcrafted Veneers by Dr. Les Milfred

February 5th, 2010

veneersWhat keeps you from smiling? Are your teeth discolored, chipped, or misaligned? Do you avoid seeing the orthodontist because you just can’t compromise your image by wearing metal braces? Do bulky crowns make your front teeth look awkward? For people in the Portland area, cosmetic dentist Dr. Les Mifred brings hope – hope of a new smile and renewed self-confidence.

A few points from cosmetic dentistry studies:

  1. People with an attractive smile are considered more friendly, successful, and intelligent.
  2. After teeth whitening, people are more likely to land a job at a higher rate of pay.
  3. Men and women benefit from cosmetic dentistry.

A few facts you’ll find interesting:

  1. Cosmetic dentistry is affordable
  2. Porcelain veneers can make you look years younger
  3. Veneers permanently resist stains Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to Dr. Milfred’s Blog!

October 12th, 2009

Consider this blog your news resource for information about oral health, dental procedures and technology, and what’s happening at your dentist’s office. We believe communication is key to building great doctor-patient relationships, and this dental blog is intended to keep us in touch with you. The best part is, you can simply bookmark this page in your browser, then visit whenever you like! Stay tuned for regular posts that will keep you informed.

If you need to schedule an appointment or are “interviewing” us as your potential new dental provider, call today! You may also want to review information about us here.