You may have noticed that we are now offering digital downloads on our website in the form of eBooks and infographics. Why are we choosing to present important dental information that our patients need to know in this format? Here’s why.

What is an infographic?

Think small visual presentation. An infographic takes data and presents it in easy-to-understand visual graphics that are colorful, interesting and fun.

Why an infographic?

Because 65% of people are visual learners. Actually all of us are visually wired, which means we learn and remember better in pictures. That’s not surprising when you know that 70% of all of our sensory receptors are in our eyes and that it only takes 1/10th of a second for the human brain to understand a visual scene. It’s why we use and love emojis! Some other reasons we love infographics are:

• They are quick and easy to read and understand.
• They present information in a fun and interesting way.
• Being digital, they are easy to store and share with others.
• They are fun!

So in light of all the foregoing information, which would have been faster and better presented with graphics , we want to share with you our latest infographic about dental implants. It gives you all the information you need in this convenient, easy and fast format. You can download yours here. After you’ve looked over our infographic, call our Minnetonka dentist office at (952)474-5041 or contact us on online for an appointment to discuss dental implants. What have been some of the most useful infographics you’ve downloaded?

Lights! Family! Desserts! The holiday season can be an exhilarating time! But, for many, it can also be a tad on the stressful side – especially when it comes to entertaining. Each year, there seems to be more pressure to host the perfect party … and these 7 simple tips provided by your Minnetonka Dentist, will make it a whole lot easier on you  
1. Assemble your Guest List – Decide how formal or relaxed you want the party to be, and think about who you want to invite. Once you have your guest list settled, send your invitations out sooner than later. Schedules fill up rather quickly, so at least four weeks in advance is a good rule of thumb!

2. Consider the Mood – What special items would create the ambiance that you’re going for? Pinterest is an excellent tool for party planning. You can browse pins, and collect your favorite images, lists, and ideas. Once you have a few pins collected, you can start to see a trend, and nail down your eventual look and feel.

3. Get Creative – Once you know the guest list and general look, it’s time to get your plan in motion! Etsy is a great place to buy unique, hand-made decorations and gifts. Think about ways to set your party apart and make it a really unique event. Rather than expense, the most memorable parties are those that make the guests feel welcome and thought of. 4. Buy Ahead – Begin to gather your party goods well before your event. Stores often run out of items, so shopping ahead helps you either get what you need or gives you enough time to substitute the particular item. Never buy ‘just enough’. As the old adage goes, “it is better to have and not need, than to need and not have.”
5. It’s All In the Details – Set the mood with well-chosen seasonal tunes, and remember to keep the music low enough to encourage conversation. If a guest has food allergies, ensure there are food items that they can also enjoy. It’s a good idea to have a plan B in mind, so if the unexpected happens, you have a predetermined plan for dealing with it. Don’t let the unexpected wreak havoc on your good time.
6. Gift Master – You never know when you might be faced with a surprise gift exchange! Storing a few extra gifts ensures that you’ll never be caught off-guard. A bottle of wine, special tea, scented candles, and baked goods are great inexpensive gifts that are not too specific, and also succeed in creating a caring impression.
7. Just Chill – At the actual event, you need to chill out. Spend time giggling, grinning, and chatting with your guests. If you relax, kick back, and enjoy yourself, your guests will too.
Don’t forget to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Rizvi by calling us at (952)-474-5041. We hope this list helps you out, and we’d love to hear about you! What are some of your best party planning ideas?

WARNING: This fact may startle you:

80 percent of the U.S. population has some form of periodontal (gum) disease. ‐ From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite this statistic, gum and other oral diseases are 100% preventable. The secret: Practicing good, daily dental hygiene. In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, your Minnetonka dentist has the top four daily dental tips you need to do to keep your smile in tip‐top shape.   1. Brush Daily ‐ Always brush two minutes, two times a day. Brushing your teeth thoroughly (and gently) is the most important method to reducing plaque and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. When brushing, be sure to place the brush head at a 45 degree angle on your gumline and tooth surface while moving the toothbrush in a circular motion. Important: Make sure you replace your toothbrush every three to four months. 2. Floss Daily ‐ Make it a habit. Brushing your teeth is extremely important, but it only cleans 70% of your mouth. Flossing covers the other 30% by removing plaque and food particles in between teeth. Neglecting flossing will only increase your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Talk to our dental hygienists at Dentistry by Design to learn the proper way to floss. 3. Swish and Rinse ‐ Use mouthwash every day. Incorporating mouthwash into your dental hygiene routine is an important step to a healthy mouth. Be sure to choose an non‐alcoholic mouthwash to avoid dry mouth and be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Approval for a supreme healthy mouth. 4. Chew Sugar‐Free Gum ‐ Add some sweetness to your routine. After every meal and drink, plaque takes the opportunity to produce acid, attacking your smile. Research has shown chewing sugar‐free gum after every meal can protect your smile because it increases the quantity of saliva, which neutralizes the acid. Practice these four tips daily and schedule your biannual check ups with Dr. Rizvi in Minnetonka to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime! Do you have any questions? Comment in our blog below and we’ll be sure to respond!

Are you dissatisfied with your smile? You may have dreamed of having straight teeth, but perhaps you can’t get past the idea of having the “metal mouth” look. Did you know there’s a CLEAR alternative? Your friends, family members, and coworkers may not even realize you’re having orthodontic work done!

Here at Dentistry by Disign, we are a certified Invisalign provider! Have you ever wondered if Invisalign is right for you? What is Invisalign? Invisalign is a modern approach to straightening teeth. Custom‐fitted, clear trays or aligners are fabricated just for you. Wearing the trays will gently move your teeth to the desired position. You will pop a new set of trays in every 2‐3 weeks until treatment is complete. 8 advantages over braces: 1. The clear aligners are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces ‐ people may not even realize you’re wearing them! 2. You can remove the trays whenever you want. 3. It’s easier to clean your teeth. You’ll be able to floss and brush your teeth as you normally do. 4. There are no food restrictions! You won’t need to worry about brackets coming loose or food getting stuck between them. 5. If you suffer from metal allergies, clear aligners are the perfect choice since they’re metal‐free. 6. You will have fewer appointments, with office visits only every 4‐6 weeks. 7. The trays are smooth and more comfortable than brackets. You won’t have to worry about metal cutting your cheeks and gums. 8. If you have a wedding or special event coming up, you can simply remove the trays for the day! Are you still undecided? Well, did you know there are also health benefits to having straight teeth? Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) and tooth decay are caused by bacteria. Individuals with crowded teeth generally have a harder time keeping the areas between the teeth clean, which can then lead to periodontal disease. Studies have shown that periodontal disease can lead to heart problems and diabetes. With Invisalign and the help of your dentist in Minnetonka Dr.Rizvi, not only will you be able to keep your mouth in good health, you will also be taking care of the rest of your body! Call our office today at (952) 474-5041 for a consultation to find out if you would be a good candidate and to ask any questions you might have about treatment! Learn more about Invisalign on our website as well: https://dbdmn.com/.  

When you walk down the oral care aisle at your local drugstore, you might be completely overwhelmed by the dizzying array of floss options! Unwaxed, waxed, tape, flavored, unflavored, picks…how do you choose the right floss for you? Is one type better or more effective than others? No matter which option you choose, it’s imperative you floss every single day to maintain the health and longevity of your teeth. According to ADA spokesman Richard Price, DMD, “You cannot effectively vacuum a house with only one attachment. You need other attachments to get into the nooks and crannies. That’s what floss does.” It ultimately doesn’t matter which type of floss you choose – as long as it’s a floss you’ll use every day. Choose a floss you’re comfortable with: Waxed: Nylon waxed floss is a widely available option and slides easily in between the teeth. It comes in a variety of flavors (mint, cinnamon – even bacon!). While there’s no difference in effectiveness between waxed and unwaxed floss, many people find waxed a little easier to use. Dental tape: Dental tape is essentially a thin “ribbon” of floss that easily slides between teeth. Because it’s easy to use, dental tape can be a good option for beginners. Ultra or Super Floss: Spongy, stretchy floss (often called “ultra” or “super” floss) is made of stretchy materials and fits easily around braces, bridges, or other dental appliances. It can also be a good choice for individuals with wide spaces between their teeth. Floss picks: Floss picks are a useful choice if it hurts to open your mouth wide enough to floss or if traditional flossing hurts your fingers. Floss to prevent tooth loss! No matter which floss you choose, flossing daily is essential since it removes the bacteria buildup that brushing leaves behind. If left unchecked, that bacteria could lead to the formation of decay and gum disease. Paired with diligent brushing and regular dental visits with your Dentist in Minnetonka Dr. Rizvi, flossing can help you keep your smile healthy for years to come! Don’t forget to book your next appointment with your Minnetonka dental team at 9524745041 . What’s your favorite type of floss? Leave a comment below and tell us!

You know how the old saying goes: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Is that actually true? Probably not, but many times we can mistake this sort of “common knowledge” as being grounded in truth. With that theme in mind, your Minnetonka Dentist, Dr. Rizvi, wants to share three foods you probably thought were in the all-clear category for both your general health and your teeth. But surprisingly, they’re not! So Healthy it Hurts “An orange a day can promote tooth decay.” Fresh‐from‐the‐fruit Vitamin C is great—but not so much when it’s being applied directly to teeth. Unfortunately, being a citrus means it’s acidic, and acidic food and drinks wear down dental enamel. Worn dental enamel leads to cavities and tooth sensitivity, resulting in an early visit to Dr. Rizvi. Tip: Try to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after eating or drinking something that has a high acid content, like citrus fruits. Popcorn—the Not‐So‐Cheap Snack Initially, you may think of popcorn as one of the cheapest, healthiest snacks in town. But have you ever startled yourself by chomping down hard on a stone‐like kernel instead of the soft, fluffy piece you expected? You’re not alone — many encounter this dental fiasco every year when it causes chipped teeth, shattered fillings, and more dental hassles. Tip: Don’t bite down with full force when munching popcorn and always floss afterward to remove wedged hulls. A Substitution To Avoid Substituting dried fruit for candy is not always the better sweet‐snack option. Dried fruit is sticky, which means it stays on the teeth longer than some sweets. This provides an ongoing source of sugar that feeds bacterial growth. Tip: Might we suggest a sweet but less sticky treat…like dark chocolate? It’s kinder to your teeth. The Truth About Apples An apple a day might not be able to keep you out of the hospital, but it may just help our teeth. Apples’ crunchy, slightly astringent qualities make them ideal as natural tooth scrubbers and whiteners. As a bonus, they just happen to be jam‐packed with vitamins and nutrients too. Despite your efforts to eat in a healthy way and care for your teeth properly, accidents with popcorn hulls may happen and sections of your teeth will get neglected by your toothbrush and floss. So reality being what it is, be sure to regularly schedule dental checkups and cleanings for yourself to help keep all well in your world of oral health. Is it time to make that appointment with dentist in minnetonka Dr. Rizvi? Call us at: 952-474-5041 today!

That sums up our practice philosophy at Dentistry by Design. Our dentist Minnetonka offers quality, specialized services with state of the art technology  in a contemporary and comfortable environment.

Customized Dentistry from our Dentist Minnetonka

We believe that just as each person is unique and different, their treatment plan must also be unique to fill their individual needs

Dentistry by Design has been serving the Minnetonka area for over 20 years and is a leader in dentistry innovation. We are the only office to offer an advanced sedation alternative that makes our patient’s dental visits extremely comfortable and anxiety-free.

We also offer our clients who do not have their own insurance plan an internal financing option that makes it possible for you to get the care that you need.

We offer a wide range of services. Whether you are looking for a complete smile makeover or discreet enhancement, Dentistry by Design is here to meet your needs.  We also have a Free Gift for all those looking for a qualified cosmetic dentist.

We would love to meet you and your smile. Call the office of our dentist in Minnetonka today and receive the care and comfort you deserve.

Let’s be real here: We know that visiting the dentist can be something that makes many patients nervous. Research shows that 20% of individuals who experience severe anxiety will only go to the dentist if absolutely necessary. However, regular dental checkups are vital not only because they keep your teeth and gums healthy, but they can also help protect and maintain your overall health and well-being. Our doctors are sensitive to the fears and concerns of Minnetonka dental patients and has striven to create a comfortable environment for all patients, no matter their personal concerns. If the idea of visiting the dentist gives you anxiety, consider a few reasons why Dentistry by Design can help ease your fears: We listen. We invite you to express your worries from the very first moment you call to book an appointment. Our team makes your concerns our concerns. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past, are afraid of needles, or are apprehensive about any specific part of your appointment, let’s discuss it. We promise to listen carefully to get a full understanding of how you feel. Let’s discuss solutions. Our doctors will share with you a full range of options and information so you can make an educated decision about your personal treatment. We will not rush you into a decision you’re not comfortable with. Additionally, we offer safe, effective dental sedation that has helped other patients like you overcome their dental fears. There are several options available; our team will be happy to discuss the solution that’s right for you and your treatment. Concerned about cost or time? In addition to general fear of the dentist, many patients might be anxious about the cost or duration of necessary dental treatments. Let us put your fears to rest! We make a point to discuss your options in detail with you so you feel comfortable with every aspect of treatment. Depending on the procedure needed, there may be multiple options available that can fit your time frame and/or budget. Some procedures can be completed in the same day or even within the hour. We offer evening and weekend appointments that can work with your busy schedule. Our Treatment Coordinator, Teresa, will explain to you what may or may not be covered by your dental insurance and will help you navigate the various financing options we have available. The ultimate decision is yours to make, and we will make sure you have all the information you need to choose the treatment that’s right for your dental health and your wallet. Learn more about how we’ve helped others feel comfortable during their appointments by reading reviews from our patients: Testimonials Dental anxiety is a very real thing, and every single person at Dentistry by Design is committed to helping you feel at ease during your visit. If you’re nervous about visiting your general dentist in Minnetonka, contact us or call at 952-401-5041. We’d appreciate the opportunity to put your fears to rest!

What’s living in your mouth? Why is it there?

It’s 11:30 at night. You’ve worked another long day. The kids are finally asleep. All you want is to crawl into bed and close your eyes. Brushing and flossing your teeth seems like a daunting task. You’re sure it’ll be ok to skip it tonight as you drift off to sleep.

It may seem innocent enough, those times you skip brushing, flossing or scheduling your regular dental cleanings and check-ups. After all, life is busy and no one’s perfect, right?

The problem is, neglecting these simple habits can quickly escalate into periodontal disease! Untreated, this can lead to tooth loss and devastating effects on your heart, lungs, and overall well-being.

Bacteria live in your mouth, creating plaque. When you don’t brush, floss, and get regular dental cleanings, this bacteria and plaque can infect your gums. This causes inflammation, eventually eating away at the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth.

What’s it doing to your overall health?

This cycle of bacteria living and thriving in your mouth and gums can lead to chronic, embarrassing bad breath (halitosis).

Even worse, researchers have discovered connections and increased risk between periodontal disease and several seemingly unrelated issues including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Erectile dysfunction
• Respiratory diseases
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy problems

What can you do about it?

Once you realize the devastating impact poor oral health can have on your overall health, it becomes easier to drag yourself out of that bed at night to brush and floss – no matter how tired you are!

Early stages of gum disease can be hard to detect on your own. In addition to brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once daily, scheduling (and keeping!) regular dental cleanings and check ups are vital to your health. When was the last time you saw your Minnetonka Dentistry expert? Dentistry By Design will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. Give us a call at (952) 474-5041 for convenient appointment options today!