Dr. Crane, Sarasota Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Charles Crane Discusses Sarasota Dentistry on Local Talk Show

Charles Crane — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:15:42 +0000

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 – SARASOTA, FLORIDA – Cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Crane recently appeared on a local talk show to discuss the cosmetic aspects of dentistry.

Crane, who owns a Sarasota dentistry practice that provides cosmetic and general dentistry services, appeared on the talk show “Weddings by Bobbi,” which airs on Comcast Cablevision Channel 21 on Tuesdays biweekly at 8:30 p.m. in Sarasota.

The show’s host is Bobbi Hicks, a local wedding and party planner. The episode on which Crane appeared featured information on how cosmetic dentistry can help people look their best for their special days, such as weddings, graduations and reunions, said Crane, a Sarasota dental implants specialist.

“I talked about the importance of having a blueprint for your mouth, and the role that dental health can play in a person’s overall health,” he said, adding that he also touched on the popular topic of teeth whitening procedures.

Crane has promoted the notion of a “blueprint for the mouth” as opposed to a reactive approach to dental problems for some time.

“Maintaining a beautiful smile through the function and appearance of the teeth means some goal-setting must take place, along with creating a budget and a timeline for achieving the goals,” Crane said. “Creating a blueprint assists patients in addressing dental problems, often before they become painful and unsightly.”

Crane also discussed how technology is making it easier for dentists to provide pain-free treatment to patients, many of whom have a fear of the dentist.

Hicks said she asked Crane to be on her show because she is a patient of his and she was amazed by how painless her procedures were.

“He’s my dentist, but more than that, he has such a fabulous personality, his demeanor is incredible and he makes patients feel so relaxed,” Hicks said. “Most patients are scared of dentists, but there’s no need to be afraid of him.”

Hicks said she thought that if she had Crane on her show, brides, grooms and family members could learn about all the “fascinating” new techniques that bring about immediate results without causing any pain.

Teeth whitening also is a popular topic among brides-to-be, she said, adding that these days, most brides undergo a teeth whitening procedure prior to their big day.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Crane’s practice or you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, please call (941) 923-3802 or visit: www.drcharlescrane.com.

About Dr. Charles Crane
Charles E. Crane, D.D.S. graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981. He went on to complete a residency at UAB Medical School in Birmingham, Ala. in IV Sedation. In 2003, Dr. Crane acquired the practice of Steven J. Krouse, D.D.S. and focused on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Crane has completed numerous post-graduate courses in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. He has studied intensely at the acclaimed Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies including courses in: Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Advanced Functional Aesthetics and Mastering Neuromuscular Occlusion.

Dr. Crane is one of only a few Sarasota dentists to offer IV Sedation to his patients. He attends the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Annual Scientific Session and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry education symposiums.

© 2009 Sinai SEO Dental Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Sarasota Dentist Discusses Importance of Preventive Care

Charles Crane — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:04:31 +0000

Friday, June 5, 2009— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — When tough economic times hit, people tend to put off preventive care, such as routine dental check-ups and cleanings.

What people fail to realize is that check-ups and cleanings can detect problems before they become painful and often expensive to fix, said Dr. Charles Crane, a Sarasota dentist.

The sluggish economy has resulted in a recent spike in patients canceling their dental appointments or simply not showing up at all for preventive care at Crane’s office, he said.

“Last week a lady called and said her husband told her she could go to the dentist and have her teeth cleaned or she could get her hair done,” Crane said. “She opted to cancel her dental appointment and get her hair done.”

People often erroneously believe that if their teeth aren’t hurting or they aren’t experiencing some sort of problem, they can put off check-ups and cleanings when money is tight. That thought process actually could end up costing them more in the long run, Crane said.

For example, let’s say a dental hygienist discovers a small fracture in a tooth while she is cleaning a patient’s teeth. If caught early enough, a small filling could correct this problem. On the other hand, if the patient had waited until the fracture became a larger crack or until a piece of the tooth broke off, fixing that would cost considerably more, he said.

“There is a great deal of truth to the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Crane said.

Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
Most people need to have their teeth cleaned every six months. Patients who suffer from periodontal disease may require more frequent cleanings of three to four times per year. In addition to teeth cleanings, patients should be seen by their dentist at least twice per year.

A dental check-up involves the following:
• New patients are asked to complete paperwork that includes information on their medical history and any medications they are taking.
• New patients meet the dentist and hygienist for the first time.
• Dental X-rays are taken of the patient’s mouth.
• The dentist conducts a visual exam of the teeth and gums using a small mirror.
• A probe is used to press against the surfaces of the teeth and search for “tacky” spots, which can indicate tooth decay.
• The dentist may also use a tiny camera to take close-up photos of the teeth to be displayed on a screen in the operatory.

A dental cleaning involves the following:
• A dental hygienist uses an instrument to scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth.
• The teeth are cleaned with a professional polishing tool and toothpaste.
• The hygienist then flosses the teeth.

Oral Health and Overall Health
A recent study completed at Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine found that preventive and corrective dental care, including check-ups and cleanings, resulted in a reduction of total health care costs by as much as 21 percent among patients with a variety of systemic diseases, Crane said.

Preventive dental care is about more than just having a bright, white smile. When it comes to overall health, oral health serves as a sort of window into the body, Crane said, because what goes on in the mouth can be indicative of other health problems.

One of the main reasons for routine cleanings is to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. If left untreated, plaque build-up can lead to periodontal disease and unhealthy gums that harbor bacteria. Bacteria then can enter the bloodstream and lead to even more serious diseases, such as heart disease.

Osteoporosis often is first detected through a dental check-up, because the first stages of bone loss sometimes are evident in the teeth. It is important for patients with diabetes to maintain regular dental check-ups because poor dental health can make diabetes harder to treat and maintain.

Because research continues to prove time and again that there is a correlation between dental health and overall health, it is important to maintain routine dental check-ups, even when patients aren’t having any problems, Crane said.

“In these tough economic times, it’s important to remember that catching dental problems early can save money in the long run,” he said. “If you think you can’t afford a routine exam and teeth cleaning now, wait until you need a crown or root canal.”

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about preventive dental care, you are interested in porcelain veneers in Sarasota, FL or you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Charles Crane, please visit his Web site: www.drcharlescrane.com or call his office: (941) 923-3802.

© 2009 Sinai Dental Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Sarasota Dentist Introduces Anesthesia Reversal Agent

Charles Crane — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:27:37 +0000

Monday, May 4, 2009 – SARASOTA, FLORIDA – Sarasota, FL Dentist Dr. Charles Crane will begin offering OraVerse, an anesthesia reversal agent, in his practice this month.

OraVerse is the only local anesthesia reversal agent that enables patients to quickly return to normal function and sensation after routine dental procedures, said Crane, a Sarasota porcelain veneers expert.

OraVerse has been proven to reverse anesthesia of the tongue and lip and its related side effects, which include prolonged numbness and decreased function while the anesthesia wears off, he said.

It’s no secret that many people fear dental procedures because they are afraid the procedure will be painful. Local anesthetic helps ensure patients are numb and comfortable throughout the procedure.

“Although patients welcome the anesthesia because they don’t want to be in pain, many of them don’t look forward to the lingering numbness that occurs after a local anesthetic is used during a dental procedure,” Sarasota dentist said. “Now patients can be completely anesthetized during their procedure and at the end of the appointment, we can administer OraVerse, which cuts the time of being numb in half.”

It enables people to return to work or simply get on with their day without lacking sensation in and around the area of the dental procedure, he said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved OraVerse for use in children and adults in October. Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the dental specialty pharmaceutical company that developed the product. The company unveiled OraVerse during the 144th Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, which was held Feb. 26 through March 1 at McCormick Place. They began marketing its use in May.

The FDA has deemed OraVerse as an effective, safe product for adults and children who are at least six years old and weigh a minimum of 33 pounds.

Phentolamine mesylate is the active ingredient in OraVerse, and it is a drug that has been used in other medical applications for the past 50 years. OraVerse is administered in the site and in the same fashion as local anesthetic, Crane said.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Crane’s practice, the use of OraVerse during your next dental procedure or you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, please call (941) 923-3802 or visit: www.drcharlescrane.com.

© 2009 Sinai Internet Dental Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Sarasota Dentistry Practice Offers “College Prep” Dental Exams

Charles Crane — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:06:55 +0000

Monday May 4, 2009— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — The advent of dental sealant has helped prevent tooth decay in children for many years.

However, dental sealant does not last forever and if it isn’t monitored and redone periodically, this product designed to help protect against tooth decay can create a haven for it, said Dr. Charles Crane, who owns a Sarasota dentistry practice.

Since many young adults who had sealant applied to their teeth as children will head off to college in a few months, it is time for a “college prep” course before they go, said Crane, who practices general and cosmetic dentistry and also specializes in dental implants in Sarasota. These sealants wear away over time. Because of that, parents should make sure their college-age children visit a dentist before going off to school, where they could be too far away to visit their family dentist, should a problem arise while they are away.

To get young adults prepped for college, Crane offers a package that includes a complete dental exam, cleaning, whitening and a Sonicare toothbrush to take with them to college.

“We want to give them a good send-off, and to remind them to schedule appointments for dental cleanings when they are home between semesters or during the summer,” Crane said.

Dental Sealant Defined
Dental sealant has been in use since the 1960s. It is a plastic coating that acts as a barrier to protect teeth from decay-causing bacteria, according to the American Dental Association Web site. Sealant typically is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars.

Molars in children have deep grooves in the anatomy of the tooth that are too tiny for toothbrush bristles to fit into and clean properly, Crane said. Combine that with many children’s propensity for consuming sugary foods and soft drinks, and that creates a recipe for tooth decay.

“Dentists will put dental sealant on those teeth in young patients to prevent bacteria from getting in those grooves and growing,” Crane said. “However, the sealant must be checked periodically.”

Sealant typically lasts two to three years and can last as long as 10 years, but must be routinely checked so that if it has become worn or chipped, new sealant can be applied.

If left unchecked and sealant wears away over time, the likelihood of tooth decay increases, Crane said. All of the sealant won’t wear away on its own. It tends to wear away in spots, creating openings in which bacteria can enter. When that occurs, this is the point where the sealant begins to work against the patient. Although those tiny grooves in the molars and premolars wear down as we age, areas of worn sealant can allow bacteria to enter while still preventing toothbrush bristles from cleaning the area, he said.

“People with old sealants should have them polished out,” Crane said. “Getting annual bite-wing, cavity-detecting X-rays can tell the dentist how the sealant is holding up.”

Why is Crane labeling sealant checks as prepping for college?

“We need to be realistic about what happens at college,” Crane said.

There may be some kids who stay out late, drink beer and other carbohydrate-rich drinks and don’t brush and floss when they get home. Germs that are present in the mouth use the sugar in foods and drinks to make acids that can cause cavities over time.

“We are starting to see more patients who are in their early 20s who had sealant applied when they were younger and that sealant has worn out,” he said. “Decay is forming under the sealant and now their teeth are getting bombed out by cavities.”

Once students go off to college and aren’t under a parent’s watchful eye any longer, routine dental visits can fall by the wayside.

“We just want to remind young adults that if they have dental work of any kind in their mouths, they need to see a dentist for X-rays, cleanings, exams and check-ups on a regular basis,” Crane said.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Charles Crane’s college prep package or you would like to schedule a consultation with him, please visit his Web site: www.drcharlescrane.com or call his office: (941) 923-3802.

About Dr. Charles Crane
Charles E. Crane, D.D.S. graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981. He went on to complete a residency at UAB Medical School in Birmingham, Ala. in IV Sedation. In 2003, Dr. Crane acquired the practice of Steven J. Krouse, D.D.S. and focused on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.

© 2009 Sinai Dental SEO Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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Sarasota, FL Cosmetic Dentistry Practice Adds Invisalign To List Of Treatment Options

Charles Crane — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:26:09 +0000

Friday, February 13, 2009— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — Straight teeth can do more than create a beautiful smile; they can improve gum health and make it easier to practice good oral hygiene.

For years, the Sarasota, FL cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Charles Crane has turned to porcelain veneers to correct a number of tooth maladies, with teeth alignment often being on the less serious end of the spectrum.

However, since becoming a trained Invisalign provider in December, Crane has a new tool on his list of treatment options for patients whose teeth are out of alignment, but otherwise healthy.

Invisalign is an ideal treatment option for people who want straight teeth, but simply don’t need porcelain veneers, which require proportionally reducing tooth structure, Crane said.

“I’m happy to have another in-house option to address the growing number of requests from patients who want straight teeth,” he said. “Traditionally, clients who visit a cosmetic dentist in search of straight teeth want porcelain veneers, but not everyone needs them.”

There are many cases in which Invisalign can accomplish what clients are seeking when they inquire about porcelain veneers. And since Invisalign straightens teeth more quickly than traditional braces, clients will get their desired results relatively fast, provided they wear the aligners as instructed.

Health Benefits

Although Invisalign’s primary job is to straighten teeth, achieving proper alignment also presents long-term benefits of improved gum health. Many signs of periodontal disease appear in the gums when teeth aren’t properly aligned. Gums can get red and swollen when it is difficult to get floss or get a toothbrush between crowded and rotated teeth. In other cases, gaps in teeth can pack food and irritate gums until a patient can clean the area.

“When teeth are in proper alignment and the contact between teeth is appropriate for floss to get through yet tight enough not to pack debris, that alone can help discourage periodontal disease,” Crane said.

During Invisalign treatment, oral hygiene is easier than with traditional braces because the Invisalign aligners can be removed to brush and floss daily. Professional cleanings also are easier because there are no metal brackets or bands covering the teeth and preventing a dental hygienist from doing a proper cleaning.

Once treatment is completed, having straight teeth also makes oral hygiene easier, and there are no wide gaps or tight crevices that harbor plaque and tartar buildup.

“Straight teeth are much easier to brush and floss effectively than crooked teeth,” Crane said.

That is why Crane is seeing an older population that once might not have considered alignment in adulthood inquiring about Invisalign.

“Even though crooked teeth might never have bothered them cosmetically, straight teeth have become an integral part of keeping dental health and periodontal disease under control for a lot of adults,” he said.

Invisalign History

To many, Invisalign seems like a new, cutting edge concept that has gained momentum since Align Technology, the makers of the Invisalign system, began in 1997. In reality, the concept of moving teeth with a series of aligners and positioners was started in 1945, said Jeff brand, a territory manager for Invisalign. However, it was a labor-intensive process.

In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kesling believed that technology eventually would enable a series of tooth aligners to gradually move teeth in a way similar to how traditional orthodontic brackets and wires worked. Technology made this vision a reality, and with the assistance of advanced computer technology, today Align Technology produces the Invisalign System, a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner is worn by the patient for about two weeks at a time. The patient makes routine visits to their Invisalign provider about every six weeks to ensure the alignment process is progressing as it should.

Invisalign has become such a popular teeth alignment option that it has been integrated into more than 40 universities or dental programs in the past couple of years, Brand said. It is taught in orthodontic residency and general dentistry programs so that many dentists and orthodontists become trained Invisalign providers upon graduation.

Offered By Dentists And Orthodontists

Once available only through orthodontists, Invisalign is offered in many general and cosmetic dentistry practices today, Brand said.

There are professionals out there who feel as though orthodontics is the cornerstone of any cosmetic practice.

“Just gettting the teeth into proper position allows cosmetic dentists to further improve their appearance,” Crane said. “A lot of people with crooked teeth think they can just get veneers, but their occlusion could be off.”

Now Crane has the ability to use Invislaign to put the teeth into their proper position, which then allows him to achieve “a much more beautiful aesthetic result” with any further dental restorations the client wants, he said.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about how Sarasota, FL porcelain veneers expert Dr. Charles Crane is using Invisalign to address cosmetic dentistry cases, or you would like to schedule a consultation with him, please visit his Web site: www.drcharlescrane.com or call his office: (941) 923-3802.

About Dr. Charles Crane

Charles E. Crane, D.D.S. graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981. He went on to complete a residency at UAB Medical School in Birmingham, Ala. in IV Sedation. In 2003, Dr. Crane acquired the practice of Steven J. Krouse, D.D.S. and focused on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.

© 2009 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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Sarasota Cosmetic Dentist Offers Valentine’s Special For Couples

Charles Crane — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:37:20 +0000

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 – SARASOTA, FLORIDA – In honor of Valentine’s Day, Sarasota Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Charles Crane recently announced an offer in which couples can receive a reduced rate on treatment fees.

Couples can take advantage of this opportunity to remove old metal dentistry, transform worn, chipping teeth and improve their overall dental health.

For couples who participate in the offer, there are two discount options. Treatment fees can be offered at half price for the second person being treated, or each person can receive a 25 percent reduction in fees, Crane said.

“This opportunity allows not only couples, but other family members or friends to be healthy and proactive together in the New Year,” he said.

Crane will offer complimentary exams and consultations that will be used to develop a treatment plan for each individual patient based on their goals and expectations.

“This provides a wonderful time to learn about options for repairing and improving old dentistry and ensuring your long term dental health for yourself and someone special,” Crane said. “We also hope to educate patients on the health benefits of metal-free dentistry.”

Today, natural-looking porcelain and resin can be used to replace old, dark, leaking and unattractive fillings. These metal-free options do more than provide a natural look, he said. They also are stronger and- according to some experts- healthier for your mouth.

“There has been a great deal written about metal fillings in recent years and although there is some controversy over whether they are unhealthy, one thing is irrefutable in my mind,” Crane said. “Metal fillings are unattractive. There are far better options than filling cavities with dark metal fillings, and those alternatives are the only options we provide in our office.”

Crane creates new and improved smiles for patients by removing any old metal fillings, along with any decayed areas of the teeth.

Porcelain fillings are bonded directly to the tooth, which enables Crane to keep as much of the healthy tooth’s structure as possible.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Crane’s practice or if you are interested in scheduling a free consultation to discuss cosmetic dentistry options, please call (941) 923-3802 or visit: www.drcharlescrane.com.

About Dr. Charles Crane

© 2009 Sinai Dental SEO Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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Sarasota Cosmetic Dentistry Practice Sees Green

Charles Crane — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:09:17 +0000

Friday, January 9, 2009— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — The words “green” and “going green” may have recently made Lake Superior State University’s 2009 List of Banished Words, but the concept they represent isn’t losing its importance.

Like many other industries across the nation, the Sarasota cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Charles Crane is doing its part to go green and adopt more environmentally friendly practices wherever possible.

One of the first changes in the office was the conversion from traditional X-ray to digital tooth imaging technology. This switch is healthier for patients and the environment.

“Patients are exposed to 90 percent less radiation with digital X-ray than with
traditional X-ray,” Crane said. “Digital X-ray also eliminates the need for the toxic chemicals we once used to develop traditional X-ray film.”

Digital X-ray imagery is stored on computers, which helps the office continue in its efforts toward a paperless office. Crane’s practice maintains electronic medical records rather than traditional charts for individual patients.

The environmentally friendly push also extends to treatment options for patients, particularly mercury-free options.

“We promote metal free and in many cases plastic free dentistry,” Crane said. “Many times, patients will replace their old silver fillings very thoughtfully and carefully, but they put no thought into the materials chosen to replace them.”

Sometimes patients are not aware that the same porcelain made for veneers that achieve cosmetic and aesthetic improvements can replace the old fillings and build back or restore tooth structure to its natural beauty and health, Crane said.

“In fact, bonded porcelain is what veneers are, but they can also be used to build back portions of a tooth,” he said.

Many times, a filling can’t be placed in an old filling that is breaking down and the doctor feels only a full coverage crown can restore the tooth. But that is not always the case with bonded porcelain, he said. A cosmetic dentist can be conservative and preserve many good parts of the tooth structure and just replace the structural parts that are bad.

“Essentially, porcelain veneers is just the tip of the iceberg when restoring mouths back to beauty and health for the long term,” Crane said. “Porcelain is metal free and the most natural of the filling materials out there. It is glass, and glass is sand, conditioned under high temperatures and pressures to take the shape we want.”

Porcelain is a natural-looking, natural material built to withstand the work we expect of our teeth, he said. For that reason, it can be relied upon for more than the cosmetic appearance of the front teeth. Patients can ask about porcelain restorations when they are told they need a filling or a crown.

Learn More

If you are interested in undergoing an oral cancer screening or you would like to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, please visit the Web site of Dr. Charles Crane: www.drcharlescrane.com or call his office: (941) 923-3802.

About Dr. Charles Crane

© 2009 Sinai Dental Practice Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Invisalign Now Offered By Sarasota Cosmetic Dentist

Charles Crane — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:53:43 +0000

Monday, January 5, 2009 – SARASOTA, FLORIDA –Dr. Charles Crane, a Sarasota cosmetic dentist, now offers Invisalign invisible braces.

Invisalign is a tooth alignment system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners that the patient changes out about every two weeks.

Crane took a series of courses in December to become certified in the Invisalign system. He had used the system previously with some of his restorative cases in cooperation with an area orthodontist.

“After working with the system for a while, I opted to obtain the certification because I saw where Invisalign could provide great results for a new demographic of patients,” Crane said.

In the past, some patients have pressed for porcelain veneers because they wanted instant results, he said. Invisalign has the ability to provide great results in a relatively short time without permanent tooth reduction, which is required with veneers.

The custom aligners are made to fit the needs of each individual patient and to gently guide the teeth into proper alignment, Crane said. Patients come in about every six weeks for check-ups.

The process begins with Crane taking impressions of the patient’s teeth. Those impressions are sent to a lab where the patient’s series of aligners are manufactured. The aligners are made using a high-quality plastic and they practically are invisible when worn.

“Lots of people want the beautiful look of straight teeth,” Crane said, “but some people- especially adults- do not want to endure having to wear traditional ‘train track’ braces to achieve that look.”

Unlike metal braces that can irritate the gums and inside of the cheeks, Invisalign’s smooth edges are comfortable to wear. Their removable feature makes it easier for patients to practice good oral hygiene when brushing and flossing, Crane said, but it’s important to note that the aligners must be worn to achieve optimum results. When worn properly, Invisalign can straighten teeth in nine to 18 months.

Suitable for many types of malocclusion, Invisalign is a great option for many patients, and continued technological advancements are making it possible to address more alignment issues, Crane said.

Invisalign can correct the following malocclusions:

Overcrowded teeth- this occurs when there isn’t adequate space within the jaw for all of the teeth to fit normally.
Widely spaced teeth- this can be caused by abnormal growth of the jaw bone or from missing teeth.
Crossbite- this happens when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned and it causes upper teeth to bite on the inside surface of lower teeth, which can cause irregular wear.
Underbite- this is when the lower teeth jut forward in front of the upper teeth.
Overbite- referred to by dental professionals as overjet, this is when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Crane’s practice or if you are interested in scheduling a free consultation to discuss Invisalign or other cosmetic procedures, please call (941) 923-3802 or visit: www.drcharlescrane.com.

About Dr. Charles Crane

© 2009 Sinai Dental Web Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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Cosmetic Dentist in Sarasota Discusses Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Charles Crane — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:17:36 +0000

December 18, 2008— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — When faced with the fact that one American dies every hour from oral cancer, it’s no secret that general and cosmetic dentists throughout the nation are working to educate their patients on the importance of cancer screenings.Dr. Charles Crane, a cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, recently began conducting oral cancer screenings at community outreach events as a way of educating the public on this serious health risk.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 35,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. The majority of those- more than 25,000- will be diagnosed in men. They also estimate that nearly 7,600 people will die as a result of oral cancer this year.

There are two types of oral cancer. Oral cavity cancer starts in the mouth, while oropharyngeal cancer develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth called the oropharynx, according to the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PRO/OralCancer.pdf). Oral cancer most frequently occurs in these areas of the mouth:

the tongue (about 20-25 percent)
the floor of the mouth (about 15 percent)
the lip (about 10- 15 percent)
the minor salivary glands (about 10-15 percent)

“Detecting oral cancer in its early stages is easier with the use of specially-designed fluorescent lights that scan the inside of patients’ mouths,” Crane said. “We as dentists are positioned to screen for this dangerous form of cancer because we are experts in oral health. The earlier we can detect it, the easier it is to treat.”
Crane uses Vizilite Plus for oral cancer screenings. It is a lesion identification system that also marks the areas in question. It is used in conjunction with traditional head and neck examinations for oral cancer, according to the Vizilite Plus Web site. (http://www.vizilite.com/about/) This system features a chemiluminescent light source to make it easier to see lesions and includes a blue phenothiazine dye to mark the lesions.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors involved with oral cancer. People with the following risk factors should be screened at least annually.

Tobacco use- tobacco smoke can cause cancers anywhere in the mouth, while smokeless tobacco products are associated with cancers inside the lips and on the gums and cheeks.
Heavy alcohol use- this can increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancers. Some studies indicate that those who smoke and drink heavily have a 100-fold increase in the risk of developing oral cancer.
Sun exposure- people with outdoor jobs in which they are exposed to the sun have a higher risk of developing cancers of the lip.
Poor nutrition- some studies have shown that people with diets low in vegetables and fruits have an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Human Papilloma Virus infection- There are more than 100 HPV-related viruses, and it is believed that some are linked to oral cancers.

Knowing the risk factors also provides people with the tools to decrease their risk of contracting oral cancer. Eating a healthy diet, eliminating tobacco use, controlling the use of alcohol and protecting the lips when exposed to the sun can go a long way toward keeping oral cancer at bay, Crane said.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptom of oral cancer is a sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal. Another indicator of oral cancer is a persistent pain in the mouth that does not go away.

Other signs and symptoms include:

A lump or thickening in the cheek
A red or white area on the lining of the mouth, gums, tonsil or tongue
A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
Difficulties in chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue

Suffering from any of these symptoms is not a guarantee that a person has oral cancer, Crane said. Many of these symptoms also can be caused by other cancers or by less serious problems.

“The key is to make an appointment to see your dentist if any of these signs or symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks,” he said.

Learn More

About Dr. Charles Crane

Dr. Crane has completed numerous post-graduate courses in reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry. He has studied intensely at the acclaimed Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies including courses in: Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Advanced Functional Aesthetics and Mastering Neuromuscular Occlusion.

© 2008 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Internet Dental Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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Sarasota Dentist Holds “Green” Seminar

Charles Crane — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:14:33 +0000

Thursday, December 4, 2008 – SARASOTA, FLORIDA – Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Charles Crane recently offered information on “How Green is Your Mouth” at the 4th Annual Efest.

Crane, a Sarasota porcelain veneers specialist, taught on the topics of metal-free and plastic-free dentistry, performed free oral cancer screenings and had a disclosing booth in which people rinsed their mouths with a green solution to see where plaque was developing.

More than 25,000 people attended the Nov. 15-16 event held at the Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch, according to the Efest Web site (http://www.efest.us/ ).

Many people used the green disclosing solution and toured the display of metal and plastic fillings, said Ann White, Crane’s dental coordinator.

“This was a great opportunity for us to share with the public that even cosmetic dentistry can ‘go green’ in some aspects,” White said. “Many people don’t realize that old silver or plastic resin fillings can be replaced with porcelain.”

Porcelain is more environmentally-friendly than metal or plastic resin fillings, and it provides a strong, more natural alternative, she said.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Crane’s Cosmetic Dentistry practice or if you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, please call (941) 923-3802 or visit: www.drcharlescrane.com.

About Dr. Charles Crane

© 2008 Sinai Orthodontist Marketing and Dr. Charles Crane. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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