Greystone Smile Design, the office of Shelby County dentists Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, is proud to support Oak Mountain High School and Mary Walker Lindsey.  Go Eagles!

Greystone Smile Design, the office of Shelby County dentists Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, was proud to be a sponsor for the Chelsea All Star team this summer.

The KoR Whitening System is considered to be the safest, most reliable and effective tooth whitening system ever developed. 

Typical whitening treatments don’t penetrate deeply enough or long enough to produce the permanent results that KoR Whitening does.  Plus, heat exposure limits the potency of many standard whitening gels.  Our products are refrigerated from the plant to the patient. 

Even teeth badly stained from excessive fluoride, tetracycline or age-related darkening will have huge color improvements.  Since our unique protocol works so well for “whitening-resistant” cases once thought impossible to whiten – just imagine what it can do for you!

Every single claim we make is backed by over 20 years of research and thousands of clinical successes.  That’s why we can say with confidence that KoR Whitening is a safe and effective way to whiten for everyone who properly follows our program.

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Dr. Trent Buchanan discussed Deep Bleaching

Deep Bleaching Video

What is Deep Bleaching?

Deep Bleaching Before and After Video

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Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Read on for 2 new ways to clean your dentures using common household products.

The special acrylic from which dentures are fabricated can form microscopic holes that allow food particles and bacteria to collect.  This is why it is essential to clean your dentures everyday – ideally twice daily. 

The Daily Denture Wearing and Cleaning Sequence

Before Bed (even days of the month): 

Remove your dentures and place in a soaking solution composed of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.  Actually, diluted bleaching solution is the most commonly used homemade denture cleaner.  This has been shown to kill bacteria on the denture surface and also can help with minor stains.  Soak for 20 min, then remove the dentures and place in water overnight.  If too much bleach is used or the soaking time is prolonged, the pink denture acrylic may lighten over time. 

Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash (See the article “Which Mouthwash is Best”) and brush your gums and tongue with a soft bristled toothbrush (See the article “Which Toothbrush Should I Choose”). 

Before Bed (odd days of the month):

Remove your dentures and place in a soaking solution composed of equal amounts of vinegar and water.  Vinegar has been demonstrated to also kill bacteria, but not as good as bleach.  Vinegar’s acid nature makes it very effective at removing tartar and moderate stains from the denture surface.  Soak for 20 min, then remove the dentures and place in water overnight.

Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash and brush your gums and tongue with a soft bristled toothbrush.

Note:  The reason for the odd and even days is for convenience and memory.

Wake Up:

In the morning when you wake up, rinse your mouth with a mouthwash and brush your gums and tongue again.  Remove your dentures from the water, fill the sink halfway, and clean your dentures with a soft toothbrush under running water.  The sink is filled so if you drop your dentures, the risk of fracture is minimized.  Toothpaste is too abrasive to use as a cleaner and can create scratches that can harbor food particles and bacteria. 

During the Day:

Ideally, you want to remove your dentures and rinse after every meal.  However, many people use adhesive and refuse to remove their dentures this often.  For the adhesive users, ideally you should remove your dentures and clean after each meal, but rinsing with water while the dentures are in place may suffice. 

And before bed, the process starts over.

Note:  It’s best if you follow this sequence and leave your dentures out when you sleep – many people don’t.  The gum tissue needs to rest and to allow normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva in order to promote better long term health of your gums.  Leaving dentures in for prolonged periods of time without cleaning can lead to bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth.  Approximately 65% of denture wearers have some type of infection in their mouth, which may extend to the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, or directly into the bloodstream. 

Follow the sequence above because a healthy mouth equals a healthy body.  Let your “true teeth” shine!

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Greystone Smile Design

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Their mission statement states the role of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is to assist in building a strong economy by nurturing business, addressing business needs and developing a business environment that is attractive and stable.

If you would like the team at Greystone Smile Design to talk with your school, just give us a call!  205-981-7775

But, before you pucker up those lips, you’ll have to decide which mouthwash to use.  Read on for a review of the most popular mouthwashes on the market today.

Read more…

Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Trent Buchanan, is proud to offer Invisalign!

Junior Achievement’s (JA) purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.  JA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs offered in school and after school.

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Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss can help remove plaque.  Regular dental examinations and cleanings are also important in keeping teeth healthy.

Read More…

Greystone Smile Design

The school is encouraging the students to participate in the Fun Run to promote health and exercise.  Proceeds will be used to better the learning environment in the Inverness community.

Early on, teenagers dominated the tongue jewelry market.  However, today many adults have jumped on the bandwagon, and both men and women of all ages can be seen showing off their slippery “barbell.” 

One aspect that often goes overlooked is the possible oral health hazards that tongue piercings can induce.  Read on for the 6 most common complications associated with tongue piercings.

1.  Chipped Teeth

Many people who opt for tongue barbells end up with chips, cracks, and/or fractures to their front teeth.  One study in a dental journal reported that 47% of people wearing barbell tongue jewelry for 4 or more years had at least one chipped tooth.

2.  Receding gums

Contact of the metal stud against the gums can cause the gums to recede.  This creates a loss of the attachment of the tooth, which can lead to loose teeth (because not as much anchorage holding the tooth in place) and sensitive teeth (because the root of the tooth becomes exposed).  A study on this subject showed that individuals with tongue piercings had an 18 times greater chance for the occurrence of recessed gums over a 2 year period, with the majority of cases confined to the tongue side of the lower front teeth.

3.  Infection

Major blood vessels connect the tongue with the brain and other areas.  The wound created by the piercing, the vast amount of bacteria in the mouth, and the introduction of additional bacteria from handling the jewelry all work to increase the risk of infections.  These infections can become really serious.  Several deaths have occurred due to the spread of infection throughout the body. 

4.  Nerve Damage

Numbness or loss of sensation at the site of the piercing or movement problems (for pierced tongues) can occur if nerves have been damaged.

5.  Transmission of Disease

Tongue piercing is a potential risk factor for the transmission of herpes simplex virus, HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

6.  Swallowing or Aspirating the Barbell

The piercing is subjected to constant stress in the oral environment and can get unscrewed.  This can become a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can result in injury to the digestive track or lungs.

Most people know that getting their tongue pierced is probably not the best decision from a health standpoint.  So, if you still decided to get it done, read on for 3 ways to hopefully minimize complications.

1.  Keep the Area Clean

Use a mouthwash and brush the area to help reduce the chances for infection.

2.  Use A Shorter Bar

A shorter bar may help prevent chipped teeth and receded gums.

3.  Replace the Metal Barbell with Plastic

A plastic barbell will do far less damage to teeth and gums than metal. 

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Fight Cavities with Raisins?

The Best Source of Caffeine for Your Oral Health

Canker Sores vs. Cold Sores

The Oral Cancer Self Exam

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Brittany C. – Moody, AL

“We have had nothing but great things to say about Greystone Smile Design and Dr. Trent Buchanan. Dr. Buchanan is thoughtful and personable and really has a passion for dentistry. The team in the office goes out of their way to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible, and that you have a great experience. My entire family would suggest to anyone that they trust this practice for their ongoing dental needs.?”

Kevin F. – Hoover, AL

Read more Patient Testimonials…

A popular question nowadays is not just which toothbrush is best, but which POWER  toothbrush is best.  Power toothbrushes are gaining popularity because of staggering advancements in technology.  These have become somewhat of the iPhone of oral hygiene.  But, which is best? – This post will compare and contrast the top 2 power toothbrushes:  Sonicare vs. Oral B.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

But what if we could numb your tooth without you even knowing it?  Or, better yet, what if we could do some procedures without the use of “beedles” altogether.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Greystone Smile Design

Visit Greystone Smile Design today!  Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 12 pm – 8 pm, Wednesday and Friday 8 am – 4 pm, and every other Saturday 9 am -  4 pm.  Call 205-981-7775 or email info@greystonesmiledesign.com

Silent Nite Anti-Snoring Device

Is your snoring keeping the neighbors awake?  We have the answer for you!  With a success rate of over 80%, the Silent Nite Anti-Snoring device is the most popular on the market.  It can not only help with the noise, but also make you feel more refreshed in the morning.

Studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis.  Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for the bed partner of the person who snores. However, the habitual snorer not only disrupts the sleep patterns of those close to him, he also disturbs his own. Habitual snorers snore whenever they sleep and are often tired after a night of what seems like quality rest.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Raisins have been shown to provide many overall health benefits.  They can help maintain blood sugar levels in athletes, and the high fiber content can help regulate intestinal function.  Also, antioxidants are present to reduce cancer risks, and the potassium content can help maintain blood pressure.  If that’s not enough, the small, convenient packages can be excellent at controlling hunger. 

But what are the effects on teeth?  With all the sugar and stickiness, they must be toward the top of the dentist’s no no list…right?  Not so fast my friend.  Research from the University of Illionios Chicago shows that raisins may not be as bad for teeth as traditionally believed.  They found that raisins contain five compounds, called phytochemicals, that reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.  Phytochemicals are currently a popular material to research because of their cancer and disease fighting properties.  Raisins also have another chemical that has been shown to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from attaching to the enamel surface.  So, they reduce the number of bad bacteria and also reduce the number of bad bacteria that actually attach to teeth.  Not bad!  For more on how bacteria and sugar cause cavities, check out “Is Gum Good For Your Teeth.”

So you’re telling me to eat a bunch of raisins for better oral health?  Well, somewhat.  The potential for cavities still exists when sugar is present in the diet, but when coupled with proper oral hygiene, raisins can be a great adjunct to maintaining good oral health.  And, combined with all the overall health benefits, adding raisins to your diet creates a win-win relationship – just don’t forget to brush and floss! 

Related Articles:

The Best Source of Caffeine for Your Teeth

Which Toothpaste Is Best?

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

Is Sour Candy or Original Candy Worse for Your Teeth?

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Greystone Smile Design

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The Best Source of Caffeine for Your Oral Health

Can you live without caffeine?  I know I can’t.  I patient recently asked me what the best “source” of caffeine was based on oral health.  A great question! 

My aunt started a new diet, which refrained her from caffeine…and she claimed she lost 6 friends!  As Americans, we are all addicted to caffeine, in one way or another.  Ninety percent of all Americans will ingest caffeine in some form each day.  This fact makes caffeine the most popular drug in America, and one of the most addictive.  Caffeine gives you energy, makes you feel awake, and makes you feel happy. 

The most common delivery methods are via sodas, chocolate, coffee, tea, and energy drinks.  But, which one is best for your teeth?  With our caffeine-crazed society, we’ll explore the good and the bad for the most popular caffeine-containing foods and drinks.  Areas evaluated will be focused on amounts of caffeine, sugar content, teeth staining potential, and erosiveness.

To read the rest of this article, click here. 

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Greystone Smile Design

Hoover, Alabama Dentist

Birmingham, Alabama Teeth Whitening

Birmingham, Alabama Cosmetic Dentist

Highway 280 is Alabama’s second-busiest roadway, and to judge by the newspapers and local politicians, Birmingham’s biggest headache.  Stand on the western slope of Oak Mountain on any weekday morning and you can trace an unbroken river of taillights flowing mile after idle mile, from the stalled SUVs at your shoulder to the minivans inching up Shades Mountain in the far distance.

Drivers drowning in the middle of a 280 traffic jam have plenty of time to think up easy fixes for the congestion, and they do: add more lanes, ban the big rigs, build some public transport, and, best of all, turn this baby into one giant freeway. 

What if your dentist was open after-hours so you could avoid this bumper-to-bumper waste of time?

At Greystone Smile Design, we know you’re busy, and we make it our sincere goal to be as convenient and available as possible.  That’s why we’re proud to offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments!  Going to the dentist shouldn’t be a hassle! 

Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, is the total dental solution for your entire family.  Located on the 2nd floor of the Greystone Cosmetic Center, we offer all phases of oral healthcare including children’s dentistry, emergency procedures, and smile makeovers. 

Now that you’re not sitting in traffic, what will you do with all of your free time!

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Greystone Smile Design Blog

Birmingham, Alabama Teeth Whitening

Hormonal changes, morning sickness, poor diet, and an increased gag reflex are obstacles that can put the expectant mother at risk for tooth decay and gingivitis.  Becoming knowledgeable regarding the causes of dental disease and adopting good oral hygiene practices are even more necessary at this time.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Here are a few easy tips to bring back the “freshness”: 

To read the rest of this article, click here.

There are two types:  manual and mechanical.  Manual toothbrushes originated in the 1600′s, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the nylon-bristled brushes we use today were invented.  Mechanical toothbrushes were created in the mid-1900′s, and in 1987, the rotary electrical brush was developed.  Research shows that there is no conclusive evidence that one is better than the other in normal situations.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Greystone Smile Design is a member of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, an organization whose purpose is to foster, promote, advance and improve the economic, civic, education and general business conditions of its members and the Vestavia Hills community, and to work with other organizations in these endeavors in a non-partisan manner.

In the foothills of the Appalachian Chain, the City of Vestavia Hills is charmingly situated atop Shades Mountain. From this unique vantage point, Vestavia Hills overlooks beautiful Shades Valley to the north and has a breathtaking vista of the remaining Appalachian foothills to the south.

Vestavia Hills prides itself with a nationally ranked public school system, championship athletic programs, and acclaimed math and debate teams.  Features of this quiet, residential community also include low crime rates and easy access to recreational attractions and cultural activities.

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Highway 280 Dentist

Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design is a state-of-the-art dental practice in the Greystone Cosmetic Center.  The office consists of cosmetic, family, and pediatric dental procedures behind the expertise of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney.  Services include tooth-colored fillings, teeth whitening, veneers, children’s dentistry, implants, dentures, teeth cleanings, root canals, and more.  It truly is an office for the entire family, and that’s something to smile about!

Dr. Buchanan is one of the most aspiring young dentists in the area.  He brings a wealth of knowledge in the fields of restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and emergency treatment.  Dr. Buchanan recently completed the requirements for the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry and will be recognized for his accomplishments at the July 2010 meeting in New Orleans.  Requirements consisted of 500 hours of approved continuing dental education and successul completion of a written examination.  Of the 140,000 dentist in the United States, only approximately 13,000 have earned this impressive honor.

Dr. Dudney, the present program director for the California Center of Advanced Dental Studies, brings an impressive resume relating to cosmetic dentistry.  He has maintained a successful private practice in Alabaster for almost 30 years and was recently featured on The Rick and Bubba Show for the “Fix Mama’s Mouth – Ultimate Mother’s Day Makeover” and ABC 33/40’s Extreme Makeover.  Dr. Dudney’s patients rave about their extraordinary results, but they claim it’s his kindness and caring attitude that sets him apart.

Greystone Smile Design prides itself on impeccable affability, caring availability, and advanced technology to make going to the dentist much more pleasurable.  Below is a list of services that make this “not your average dental office”:

• Extended hours on nights and weekends for your busy schedule
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Limited warranty on all major procedures
• Flat screen TVs in each treatment room for your enjoyment
• Payment Plans to help you get the treatment you deserve
• An anesthetic reversal agent so you’re not numb all day
• Intra-oral cameras for a virtual tour of your mouth
• Invisalign to straighten teeth without braces
• A new bleaching technique that is predictable and permanent
• Digital x-rays to reduce exposure to radiation

The ultimate goal at Greystone Smile Design is optimal oral health for life and creating lasting relationships in the process.  To schedule an appointment, fill out the form above or call 205-433-9452.

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Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Highway 280 Dentist