What do you love about New Image Dentistry?

From your very first visit to New Image Dentistry, our doctor 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. Blourchian? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve visited us for the first time, or you've been a patient for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you!

Are you a teeth whitening 'addict'?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when sparkling white teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion, more and more Americans want to look and feel great. But can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening? Dentists everywhere are reporting a spike in patients' complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, translucent teeth and excessive teeth sensitivity, especially to cold food and drink items.

There are two main types of home teeth-whitening products, including tray-based systems, in which a tray filled with beaching solution is worn over the teeth - or whitening strips. If you're considering using a tooth whitening product containing bleaches, however, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit Dr. Blourchian at New Image Dentistry first.

We offer two types of teeth whitening procedures at Dr. Blourchian’s Franklin practice: a take-home bleaching kit and Zoom!® In-office teeth whitening. Each is designed to remove stains and discoloration on the teeth, giving patients a bright, white smile.

Give us a call and have yourself a great weekend!

Smile wide and often! From New Image Dentistry

Dr. Blourchian has some good news to report today! People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study conducted at Michigan's Wayne State University.

Dr. Blourchian knew that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year.

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you tried perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Blourchian and New Image Dentistry lately? If not, give us a call today!

February is American Heart Month, from New Image Dentistry

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Blourchian. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to New Image Dentistry. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Blourchian says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at New Image Dentistry, please give us a call today.

At New Image Dentistry, 24/7 access to your account

At New Image Dentistry, our professional team and Dr. Blourchian embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Nashville and Franklin.

Did you know Dr. Blourchian's patients have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service!

"It is nice to be able to slowly browse for information without worrying about wasting anyones time. This way I can be sure about what the important things I need to ask when calling." ~ Scherra V.

"It seems to me very few dentists have this sort of internet-based service. Very good." ~ Byron S.

"No call needed to update insurance state, or to confirm next appointment time." ~ Jean K.

"I am a new patient and used Sesame for the first time. I was able to easily check and confirm my appointment. It looks like a very easy site to use." ~ Earl M.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at New Image Dentistry if you have any questions!

Dr. Blourchian wants to know: What do you love about our community?

New Image Dentistry, located in Franklin and serving Nashville and surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Blourchian and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Franklin or Nashville? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Favorite bar? Let us know!

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks! Or, you may give us a call!

Have a great week!

A few tips to avoid bad breath, from Dr. Blourchian

We've blogged about the effects of bad breath in the past, and today thought we'd share a few tips with you to help prevent halitosis, or bad breath. Dr. Blourchian knows bad breath can be a real downer, but he wants you to know it can be easily prevented!

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds, making your breath smell. Recently, we read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath." He recommends the following ways to help prevent bad breath.

1. Brush your tongue: "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth: Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, give us a call! Dr. Blourchian may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

Happy MLK Day!

What puts you at ease at New Image Dentistry?

Dr. Blourchian and our team understand not everyone is thrilled to see their dentist. But we at New Image Dentistry strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our practice that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Blourchian himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call. And Happy New Year! We are happy to be back!

Benefits of dental implants, from Dr. Blourchian

In the past, in order to replace a missing tooth one would automatically get a bridge. While it is still a widely performed procedure, bridges involve grinding adjacent teeth that might be healthy and would otherwise need no treatment. Implant dentistry is a conservative treatment approach that spares the adjacent teeth unnecessary dental work.

Did you know Dr. Blourchian is at the forefront of dental implant technology? As a dental healthcare provider, he believes it is his duty to keep up with advances in the field of dentistry. Dentistry has changed much within the last 10 years, and Dr. Blourchian has always been an enthusiastic participant in various continuing education courses in his professional life.

For Nashville, Franklin, and Cool Springs-area residents who have a compromised or severely damaged teeth, dental implants are the best option. Instead of spending time, money and effort trying to save a severely damaged tooth that will most likely cause problems in the future, dental implants fix the problem permanently.

There are several benefits of implant dentistry including:

--Improved appearance
--Firm and stable teeth
--Preventing destructive bone loss caused by dentures
--More comfort and ease with chewing
--Helping maintain healthy adjacent teeth

Dental implants are an excellent option for patients who want to restore their smile. For more information about implant dentistry, give us a call today!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Blourchian and New Image Dentistry!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Blourchian and his team at New Image Dentistry reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? 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 New Image Dentistry

An interesting article about changes in dentistry, from Dr. Blourchian

Our world is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! Recently, the team at New Image Dentistry read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Blourchian to discuss your implant options.

Happy Monday!

Patient reviews for Dr. Blourchian

New Image Dentistry, serving Nashville, Franklin and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Blourchian and his team!

"Always confirms appoinments. They are on top of billing and I never have to call about mistakes. I like all the people in the office as well." ~ Robert M.

"Honest, concerned, understanding, comfortable discussing my options." ~ Margaret Y.

"Best dental facility I have been to. Very polite, prompt, helpful and informative." ~ Amber S.

"Modern equipment and a feeling that he is current on techniques and dental developments." ~ Mark B.

"Everyone is very nice and do what they can to make you comfortable and they try to help you in what your needs are." ~ Leah P.

"The atmosphere and staff where great. I appreciated the honesty about prices and services before I made my choices. No pressure." ~ Scherra V.

Keeping You Safe This Cold & Flu Season, from Dr. Blourchian

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms New Image Dentistry is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our 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, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy!

Zoom! Whitening with Dr. Blourchian

Feel like you could use a whiter smile? Then call Dr. Allen Blourchian at New Image Dentistry! A whiter smile is one just one dentist visit away! ZOOM! Smile Whitening brightens and whitens your teeth in just 45 minutes. Once you have gone through the Zoom! treatment we will send you home with an at home whitening bleaching kit with custom made trays. Using the take home trays will allow you to maintain your desired level of whitening over several months.

While Zoom! Smile Whitening is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile, it's not always for everyone. Those with deep, dark stains that remain unaffected by whitening treatments and patients with regular tooth sensitivity may not be good candidates. Find out more about Zoom! Smile Whitening at our web site; and when you are ready to have a whiter, brighter smile contact Dr. Blourchian's office for an evaluation!

Cosmetic dentist. General dentist. How are they different?

We at New Image Dentistry like to tell our patients that with us, you get two dentists for one. You get the care and attention to your good oral health that any good general dentist provides. But on top of that, you get a dentist who understands the impact of a bright smile and straight teeth.

Cosmetic dentists undergo extra training to stay on the leading edge of restorative techniques. We can whiten teeth, perform implants, add veneers, even straighten minor crooked teeth. All the while, we’re keeping an eye on your dental health. Your teeth will be in great shape, and your smile will be stunning!

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It?

Piercing, like tattooing, is one of today’s popular forms of “body art” and self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing – or if you already have one or more – there are some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them – which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites. Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.

Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing. Your tongue – the most popular piercing site in the mouth – could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

The hoop, ring, stud, and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth. There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings.

Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life, and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it. Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, let us know if you have any questions.

--New Image Dentistry

Under Armor Performance Mouthwear now at New Image Dentistry!

Part of maintaining a healthy smile is protecting it from injury! For those of you involved in sports, mouthguards are popular method to protect your teeth. Dr. Blourchian has been recently certified as an Under Armor dental provider, and can now offer the exclusive Under Armor Performance Mouthwear line.

So what is the difference between a regular mouthguard and one of the UA Performance Mouthpieces? Several studies have concluded that teeth clenching, a common reflex during athletic activities, can release hormones that hurt your overall performance. By using an Under Armor Performance mouthpiece, you not only protect your teeth, but you perform better!

Under Armor has developed several different types of performance mouthpieces for sports ranging from football and hockey to gymnastics, golf and tennis. You can learn more about the benefits of each mouthpiece on the Under Armor web site.

Give us a call at 615-656-3534 to schedule an appointment. We will first take an impression of your teeth, and then send it to the Under Armor labs. Once the completed mouthpiece has arrived at our office we will schedule a final fitting.

Professional Whitening Trays from New Image Dentistry

Have you been considering teeth whitening, but feel overwhelmed by the different options available to you? You've seen the toothpastes and mouthwashes aimed at giving you a whiter smile. These in-home products can help reduce stains from coffee, tobacco, tea, wine and other heavily pigmented foods, but they will not dramatically change the color of the teeth.

We're sure you have also seen the over the counter whitening strip kits. While these can work well for young adults and teens, their effect for adults is often not as effective. These strips only treat the front six or eight teeth, and cannot whiten your entire smile.

So what is the answer? One of the methods we offer at New Image Dentistry is professional custom whitening trays. These are an easy way to whiten all of your teeth and allow you more control of the whitening process. Once we create your trays in the office, the whitening kit can be used in-home, and comes with custom whitening gel in various strengths depending on the sensitivity of your teeth.

These trays are comfortable to wear, and the application time is only about 15 to 30 minutes. If you have been considering a teeth whitening solution, give us a call at 615-656-3534 today!

Cosmetic Options for a beautiful smile!

There are many treatment options available to you with cosmetic dentistry that allows you and your doctor to create that beautiful smile you have not only dreamed of, but the smile that you deserve.

Some of your basic cosmetic options include natural tooth colored fillings, porcelain, metal, or composite crowns that strengthen and improve the shape of your teeth, and bonding to repair slight chips, discolorations, or crooked teeth.

If you are missing any teeth, it is very important to replace them. Dental implants are made of steel and porcelain and look just like your natural tooth. You may also want to consider a bridge. Bridges are made up of two crowns and a natural looking false tooth that are supported on both sides by your natural teeth.

Another option is Veneers; custom designed “shells” that cover your natural tooth to enhance your teeth for a more aesthetic smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry, and all of the wonderful options available to you, please call our practice at 615-656-3534 to schedule an appointment and consultation.

--New Image Dentistry

Have you had a dental checkup recently at New Image Dentistry?

Even if you brush and floss daily, it is still important to see us at New Image Dentistry every 6 months. 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, call 615-656-3534 today!

--Dr. Blourchian & Team