When Mama’s Happy, Everyone Is Happy!

Debbie and Larry Lieberman, D.D.S.

Debbie and Larry Lieberman, D.D.S.

Over the years in our home of 3 active boys my wife, Debbie, kept command central in control by juggling sports, school, social calendars and work. The mantra in our home was “when mamma is happy, everyone is happy”! Today we laugh about it, but moms of today juggle so many family responsibilities and set the tone for the home. Not only do they manage the family lives, they very often put their own needs last making sure everyone else’s needs are met. Many times in our dental office I meet moms who are in desperate need of dental treatment but choose to put their children’s needs first. While this is very important, I would like to encourage those moms to think about the model they are setting for their children and somehow find a way to take care of themselves too. I celebrate these moms and invite them in to our dental office to be treated and pampered.

The experience begins the moment you enter our office. Cool, calming, spa colors, a soothing rock waterfall, a coffee bar (that rivals Starbucks) and a warm, smiling face awaits you at check in. Whether you’ve come for your routine hygiene visit or for other dental treatment, your comfort is our prime concern. Using memory foam chair pads, TV and music headphones, sunglasses and a garden view in each treatment room gives you the feeling you’re not in your typical sterile dental office.

For those patients who need a bit more “comfort” in a dental environment we offer several additional options. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to help relieve dental anxiety. In addition, we are licensed to offer oral and IV sedation, a deeper more relaxing way to get through your dental visit. Very often dental anxiety can be helped simply with calm, soothing music, a dark pair of sunglasses and a caring staff who is attentive to your needs.

Of course we are here to meet all of your dental needs – teeth whitening, bonded fillings, veneers, crowns, root canal, dentures, implants and implant restorations- are some of the services we offer. We even have 6 different lasers to make your dental treatment easier, faster and more comfortable. For those busy and with time constraints we can make Cerec crowns in a single visit. To compliment this we also offer BruxZir Solid Zirconia crowns which are stronger and a beautiful alternative to conventional crowns. If you’d like to pamper yourself we can do that too. If your smile isn’t all that you’d like it to be we have many cosmetic options to help. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be we have options to help straighten them. If your appearance is aging faster than you’re ready for we are proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers to enhance your appearance.

Our philosophy has always been and continues to be to keep our service and approach to excellent patient care a top priority. I am extremely proud of my staff that has helped me to make this a reality. I look forward to answering your questions and to serving any of your dental needs.

Larry Lieberman,DDS

Choosing the Right Clubs and Choosing the Right Dentist

Debbie and Larry Lieberman, D.D.S.

Debbie and Larry Lieberman, D.D.S.

One of my passions outside of the dental office is golf. I started playing when my oldest son began to play 15 years ago. I love being outdoors, exercising and sharing the camaraderie of the game with my golf buddies. One key to enjoying the game is having the right clubs. Choosing clubs has changed over the years as I have changed. When getting new clubs I ask myself: Are they the right fit? Will they do the job well? What’s the cost factor? Do they fit my need? Can I trust them?

In many ways golf parallels life and I suggest that choosing the right clubs may parallel choosing the right dentist. Today, finding the right dentist and staff that will fit your needs, caring for you and your teeth is an overwhelming task. We now know that your dental health is directly related to your overall health. Choosing a dentist is more than just finding someone to clean your teeth. In addition, as we have recently heard about the importance of sterile dental practices, finding a dental office you can trust is equally an important decision.

Making an informed, wise decision is difficult. There are a lot of choices available- please consider these questions when making your decision:

  • Does the dentist seem compassionate and caring? Does he listen to your needs?
  • Does he educate you and give you all of the options available.
  • Does he have wonderful credentials with many affiliations and continuing education
  • Is there a highly trained staff and hygiene team eager to help you maintain your dental health
  • Does the office appear fresh, clean and up on all the latest technology
  • Is the staff friendly & caring and do they make you feel welcome
  • Is the office environment warm, calm and serene
  • Is the office insurance friendly and helpful with other financial options
  • Are you treated as a unique individual- not just a number

Practicing dentistry in Palm Harbor for over 28 years my goal has always been to treat people the way that I would want to be treated and to help them achieve the smile that they’ve always wanted. Our office offers a wide range of dental and smile solutions, many with immediate results. If there is something that you have always wanted to change about your smile, this is the time to do it. I welcome you and would like to personally meet with you and discuss how you can have the smile you have always wanted. I invite you to call 727-785-8017 and ask for your complimentary examination. You deserve it!

Wishing you good health,

Larry Lieberman, DDS

The Confusing World of Dental Products

Debbie and Larry Lieberman, D.D.S.

Debbie and Larry Lieberman, D.D.S.

Have you looked at your bathroom counter lately or worse looked in the cabinet below. Amongst the hair and grooming products there’s probably an array of dental products too. From the variety of toothpaste, toothbrushes, rinses and whitening products – how many and which ones do you really need? I’d like to help you “spring Clean” your bathroom counter and educate you on the confusing world of dental products.

With the dizzying array of dental product choices in a typical drugstore aisle, it can be daunting to try and find one that’s right for you. One almost needs a PHD to weather the dental aisle of confusion. Let me try to give you some education to help you make informed choices when caring for your mouth.

• TOOTHPASTE – When choosing a toothpaste, make sure it is safe and will do what it claims. Toothpastes containing fluoride are regulated by the FDA since they make disease-fighting claims. They will display a drug facts listing on the package along with active ingredients & warnings. Those without fluoride are considered cosmetics and are not FDA regulated. In either case ingredients should be listed . Also look for the ADA seal of approval which means the product has participated in a testing program by the ADA. A key ingredient in toothpaste, fluoride benefits all of us – not just kids. It heals and remineralizes the teeth, hardens the tooth surface and slows down the action of acid-producing bacteria. Our patients love the prescription strength paste that we provide in our office. Take caution, very often whitening toothpaste will cause tooth sensitivity. No matter what your oral health needs are, there’s a toothpaste for you. From sensitive teeth, excessive tartar buildup or bad breath there’s a product for you.

• ORAL RINSES – Anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, alcohol-free- your pharmacy’s oral health section has dozens of mouth rinse products to choose from. The major types of rinse products are: ones that contain fluoride, anti plaque rinses and cosmetic ones. Fluoride rinses as stated before helps prevent tooth decay. In addition people who suffer with dry mouth may also benefit from a fluoride rinse. Anti plaque/gingivitis rinses help by killing bacteria that can cause gum disease. We provide a stronger, prescription strength mouth rinse for our patients with advanced plaque and gum disease. Cosmetic rinses reduce mouth odors and kill bacteria for a short time ,but there is usually no lasting health impact. Whitening rinses are really a waste of your money. Mouth rinses do serve a purpose, however, they are not a substitute for regular and effective brushing and flossing. And when choosing a rinse pick one that has the ADA seal of approval.

• TOOTHBRUSHES – Although some ancient civilizations used twigs to clean their teeth, these days toothbrushes come in a variety of manual and powered forms. Choose a good quality brush that has the ADA seal, whose bristles are not too hard and one that fits comfortably in your hand. For those individuals that wear braces or have difficulty brushing manually, electric toothbrushes are an affordable must. These toothbrushes have been shown to be very effective in reducing plaque. A toothbrush alone can’t do everything to maintain your oral health. They can’t get between your teeth. So don’t forget to purchase good quality floss that can do that. Our patients love their ”goody” bags filled with a good quality brush, floss and rinse.

• TEETH WHITENING – Everyone wants a whiter, brighter smile these days. There are various options to consider. Is one option better than the other? The option you choose will depend on your budget and the severity of your teeth discoloration. Of the various drugstore teeth whitening choices the strips are less likely to cause you to swallow the bleach or damage your gums. However, these strips generally whiten the front teeth and may be too mild to get dramatic results. More lasting alternatives to this would be in office laser whitening and custom made whitening trays. The laser whitening can be done in one office visit and provides instant gratification. You leave with a beautiful whiter smile. Custom home whitening trays usually takes about 2-6 weeks to obtain similar results.

I wish you a healthy, safe journey down the aisle of dental products.

Larry Lieberman, DDS

Kissing May Not Be Good For Your Health

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Valentine’s Day with its cheesy Hallmark cards and roadside flower stands is a great day to honor and cherish the one you love. In my house, bringing home a romantic card, flowers and delicious chocolate is almost a guarantee to receive some warm hugs and kisses. Those loving kisses, however, may not only be sharing your affection with your sweetheart – they have serious potential to also share the harmful bacteria that causes and spreads periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is an oral condition which involves the breakdown of the structures which support the teeth such as the bone surrounding each tooth and the fibers which anchor the teeth to the gums. Currently, it is felt that the start and progression of periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis) is determined by the body’s response to infection caused by bacteria in plaque.

Research has been done investigating whether or not the bacteria which cause periodontal disease can be passed between people through kissing, or among family members, much like the way the flu or a cold can be spread from individual to individual.

Adults with periodontal disease may indeed be a source of infection of these bacteria to their partners or family members. However, it is important to recognize that a person may have these bacteria in his/her mouth, but not develop periodontal disease.

How can you prevent developing periodontal disease if your partner has it? You, your partner and family members can: 1) Practice better oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly after meals and before bed. By reducing the amount of plaque you leave on your teeth and gums, you also reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. 2) Seeing your dental hygienist who can alert you to potential problems sooner rather than later. Our hygienist’s, Laura and Marla recommend many service and product options that help this problem. In addition, for over 10 years our office has used lasers to treat and heal gum disease. The first in our area to use this state of the art technology, we have enabled many patients to avoid the “cut and suture” traditional gum surgery and replace it with a faster, more comfortable and long lasting laser procedure. If you notice any of the following you may be at risk of having some form of periodontal disease: bad taste in your mouth, bad breath that doesn’t go away, itchy or bleeding gums, loose teeth, pus coming out of your gums or a change in the fit of your denture.

As I’ve mentioned before, periodontal disease can affect not only your dental health but medical condition as well. I urge you to take this disease seriously and get treatment just as you would for a medical disease. It is my wish that you have many years of healthy, sweet and loving kisses with all of those you care about.

Larry Lieberman, DDS

A New Year, A New You, A New Smile

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Another holiday season is coming to a close. Time to put away the gifts, take down the decorations and loosen the belt buckle. It seems we all give ourselves permission to “overdo it” over the holidays and then, in January promise ourselves to get back on track for the New Year. The gym is packed with everyone and their good intentions and new diets. I suggest you look at the state of your dental health in the same way. If your teeth are out of shape, the New Year can offer you hope. Many of you also have dental insurance with a new calendar year maximum available. There are many exciting ways to achieve better dental health.

Here are my top ways to improve your dental health in 2013:

If you drink soda STOP now. Even diet soda and carbonated waters contain carbonic acid which eats away the enamel on your teeth (try pouring soda on a car battery and see what happens). I have seen many patients with significant tooth decay due to drinking “liquid acid”. Recently a patient came to our office and was bewildered as to why she had severe dental problems. She said “I’m healthy, I eat well and I only drink carbonated water”. To her surprise the “healthy” flavored, carbonated water ate away her teeth.

Throw out the cigarettes. It’s a known fact eliminating smoking can reduce your risk for oral cancer, dental cavities, periodontal disease, partial or complete tooth loss, not to mention heart attack and stroke. I have seen many long time smokers give up cigarettes using Chantix, Wellbutrin or the patch.

Keep on a regular dental maintenance schedule. Although it may seem like “just a cleaning”, your hygiene visit is extremely important. In our office, in addition to a thorough probing and periodontal cleaning, our hygiene team will check your blood pressure and screen you for oral cancer. At this important visit many silent problems can be detected early.

Remove old, unsightly silver fillings. The amalgam or silver fillings of the past are not only cosmetically unattractive, they have been proven to fracture teeth and leak causing decay and infection. A simple visit is all that is necessary to replace these fillings with beautiful, strong, white composite bonded fillings.

Don’t be self-conscious any longer. Replace a missing tooth or anchor a loose denture with a strong and stable implant. This wonderful advance in dentistry is the next best thing to having your own teeth.

Give yourself a boost in self-confidence and consider an improvement in your smile. Today’s dentistry offers many innovative ways to do this. Some are quick and affordable while others take more time and a financial investment. Simple, inexpensive solutions like bonded tooth colored fillings, home teeth whitening and the Snap on Smile can easily brighten a smile. More extensive treatment using crowns, veneers and Invisalign (removable teeth straightening) can take years off of your age and give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

As I look back on the past year I am full of gratitude and thanks. I have a wonderful staff, family, friends and most importantly my health. As I look ahead I am optimistic and eager to help you achieve your dental goals, improve your dental health and provide you with the best dentistry available.

Wishing you good health and smiles in 2013!

Larry Lieberman, DDS

When Mamma is Happy Everyone is Happy

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Over the years in our home of 3 active boys my wife, Debbie, kept command central in control by juggling sports, school , social calendars and work. The mantra in our home was “when mamma is happy, everyone is happy”! Today we laugh about it, but moms of today juggle so many family responsibilities and set the tone for the home. Not only do they manage the family lives, they very often put their own needs last making sure everyone else’s needs are met. Many times in our dental office I meet moms who are in desperate need of dental treatment but choose to put their children’s needs first. While this is very important, I would like to encourage those moms to think about the model they are setting for their children and somehow find a way to take care of themselves too. I celebrate these moms and invite them in to our dental office to be treated and pampered.

The experience begins the moment you enter our office. Cool, calming, spa colors, a soothing rock waterfall, a coffee bar (that rivals Starbucks) and a warm, smiling face awaits you at check in. Whether you’ve come for your routine hygiene visit or for other dental treatment, your comfort is our prime concern. Using memory foam chair pads, TV and music headphones, sunglasses and a garden view in each treatment room gives you the feeling you’re not in your typical sterile dental office.

For those patients who need a bit more “comfort” in a dental environment we offer several additional options. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to help relieve dental anxiety. In addition, we are licensed to offer oral and IV sedation, a deeper more relaxing way to get through your dental visit. Very often dental anxiety can be helped simply with calm, soothing music, a dark pair of sunglasses and a caring staff who is attentive to your needs.

Of course we are here to meet all of your dental needs – teeth whitening, bonded fillings, veneers, crowns, root canal, dentures, implants and implant restorations- are some of the services we offer. We even have 6 different lasers to make your dental treatment easier, faster and more comfortable. For those busy and with time constraints we can make Cerec crowns in a single visit. To compliment this we also offer BruxZir Solid Zirconia crowns which are stronger and a beautiful alternative to conventional crowns. If you’d like to pamper yourself we can do that too. If your smile isn’t all that you’d like it to be we have many cosmetic options to help. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be we have options to help straighten them. If your appearance is aging faster than you’re ready for we are proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers to enhance your appearance.

The end of summer also marks our 2nd anniversary in our new office location. Our philosophy has always been and continues to be – to keep our service and approach to excellent patient care a top priority. I am extremely proud of my staff that has helped me to make this a reality. I look forward to answering your questions and to serving any of your dental needs.

The Sips You Take May be Destroying Your Teeth

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

The beautiful weather we all look forward to is here! It’s a time to dust off the old barbque, enjoy some delicious grill time with family and friends and sip on some cold, thirst quenching soda. Although this image appears heavenly – the soda you are drinking can create a dental nightmare!

I have told my patients for years that besides smoking cigarettes, soda (this includes diet soda too) is the worst thing you can do to harm your teeth. For many people, soft drinks are the beverage of choice. But you may not realize the two-fold damage it is doing to your teeth. First, soft drinks can contain 10-12 teaspoons of sugar per serving. So, when you drink a soda, you are essentially bathing your teeth in liquid sugar. The bacteria that naturally live on your teeth feed on that sugar and produce acid. Without proper care, the acid dissolves the surface of your teeth and creates a cavity.

Second, soft drinks- especially diet sodas- contain phosphoric and citric acid to enhance flavor. The acids wash over your teeth, affecting the entire tooth structure. Over time , they erode the hard, protective enamel, causing your teeth to get thinner and expose the sensitive dentin layer inside your tooth. As your teeth continue to get thinner, the edges can crumble and lose their natural shape. When the enamel is worn away, it exposes the dentin layer to both decay and pain. Tooth enamel that’s lost to decay or erosion won’t grow back. We can repair the damage, but the best solution is prevention.

This is not a problem only for adults. Children and teens who have frequent access to soft drinks can greatly damage their teeth because their teeth are still forming.

Sodas (regular and diet), sports drinks, energy drinks, vitamin waters, fruit juices, teas, blended coffee drinks and wine all contain the sugars that can damage your teeth. A 16-ounce blended coffee drink can contain 500 calories and 69 grams of sugar.

Your best choices for a beverage are milk and or course, water. If you must drink soft drinks – use a straw, do not drink for extended periods of time, do not hold the liquid in your mouth before swallowing, cut down on the amount you consume, and after you drink, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth. The best decision is to choose the very best thirst quencher. Water has no fat, no caffeine and no acid!

With smarter choices and regular check-ups, you can  protect the health of your teeth for years. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Rejuvenate Yourself for the Holidays

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

This is the time of the year that most of us look forward to all year. But instead of joy many of us feel dread. Do you have that stressed, worn out look by the time the holidays arrive? In one visit to our office we can give you a fresh, relaxed “looks like you just got back from a vacation” look.

In our 27 years of dentistry we have offered many solutions to the question, “How can I rejuvenate my smile to help me look and feel younger? “ We are now able to offer you a long lasting, non-invasive, non surgical technique that will keep your appearance looking younger too – Botox and facial fillers. These treatments are a natural extension of the cosmetic treatments we already provide to help ease the aging process, and sustain one’s youth.

Do you have a frown that doesn’t go away, wrinkles on your forehead, a gummy smile, thin lips or creases around your mouth and nose? Botox is a protein famous for reducing the appearance of unwanted signs of aging by temporarily blocking muscle movement. Facial fillers (dermal fillers) temporarily correct and smooth facial folds and wrinkles as well as enhance the lip area.

I realize you do have many choices as to where to get these services. However, being very familiar with the anatomy of the face, years of training on what the mouth and, smile are supposed to look like and extensive training on injection techniques, I feel offering these services to you is my honor and pleasure. Now when you visit us for your routine cleaning appointment you can easily add these injections to your dental visit and leave our office looking younger and refreshed.

To add some additonal sparkle to your holidays why not consider one of the following quick dental fixes:

  • tooth colored bonding – to reshape your teeth, repair small cracks & fill in some gaps
  • crowns & veneers – to conceal spaces, crooked, chipped or discolored teeth
  • teeth whitening – to instantly brighten and rejuvenate your smile
  • Snap on Smile – to instantly snap on a beautiful new smile over your existing teeth Whichever option you choose, we are available and happy to help you find the right one. Wishing you and your family a holiday season, filled with good health, happy times together and lots of smiles!

Celebrating 25 Years of High Tech Dentistry with a Human Touch!

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

You mention the word dentist in Tampa Bay, Dr. Larry Lieberman’s name always comes up. He has created a brand that people associate with dentistry! He has patients coming from as far away as The Caribbean and parts of Europe!

Dr. Larry Lieberman began his career as a dentist over 30 years ago, moving his practice from upstate New York to Florida, and settling in Palm Harbor since 1984. He was originally located in the Palm Harbor Medical Center, then the Fountain of Youth and now his new home is the old What-A-Burger Restaurant, at US 19 and Alderman. What a location and what a state of the art dental office this is!

As you walk in, you feel the calming and soothing affects you would feel in a spa! The décor is calming and very comfortable, colors that are soothing to your eyes; beautiful touches of art, floral and water running, all the more to relax you. The waiting area is like your family room, and that’s exactly how the entire staff makes you feel, like family!

Dr. Lieberman, specializes in cosmetic, laser and family dentistry. He is a very passionate dentist who enjoys having a positive impact on the health and lives of his patients, all who consider him as a friend, not just their dentist. He has helped patients, who he always refers to as his extended family; regain self-confidence, self-esteem and smile again, what a gift that is! He and his entire staff always provide exceptional, caring dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility. They treat everyone with kindness and a tender touch, providing exceptional dentistry with compassion, and the highest level of care. With 1000s of hours of continuing education, he and his highly trained medical staff are certified in the use of lasers, have advanced certification to offer sedation and are the MASTER of smile designs.

The office offers Invisalign®,Zoom® Whitening, Lumineers®, Snap onSmile® and the Periolase Laser®.

Dr. Lieberman’s goal in the next fewyears is to continue to grow and offer the finest quality dentistry has to offer. He is also very active in the community and a member of the ADA, FDA, West Coast Dental Assoc.,Upper Pinellas Dental Assoc., Fellow of theAcademy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, Academy of Implant Dentistry, Business Network Int’l. and a Founder and Board Member of the Gulf Coast Dental Outreach which recently held their annual golf outing and raised an incredible $42,000! Dr. Lieberman’s favorite part of being a dentist has been starting his dental clinic and helping to improve the lives of those he helps.

Being a dentist is not only his career, it is his hobby, second to baseball! Dr. Lieberman is an avid NY Yankees fan, being the proud New Yorker always and forever, there is an entire dental treatment room dedicated to the NY Yankees and a shrine to Mickey Mantle.

Above and beyond his love for dentistry and his NY Yankees is the biggest love of his life, his wife Debbie. Married for 30 years, she has worked side by side with him, and quietly runs the entire behind the scenes aspects for their practice. Together they have raised three incredible boys, Ian, Adam and Michael.

Three words that best describe Dr. Lieberman are progressive, compassionate and excellence. His enormous success comes from his wonderful and loving family, great friends,loyal team members, and the positive people he is surrounded by.

His dental career over the past 30 years has been incredible, and the next 30 will be even better! What a dentist, what a smile!

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