Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, Author at Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Another New Beginning: An Update After Dental Trauma to an Even MORE Confident Smile – Sarah’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Sarah began her journey with Eggert Family Dentistry more than 10 years ago as a high school senior, searching for a solution for a front tooth that had been injured years earlier. The trauma she experienced in her early teens resulted in the need for root canal treatment, but despite those efforts, the tooth had a poor long-term prognosis.

The teenage years are filled with milestones, friendships, and countless reasons to smile. But, if you’re self-conscious about your smile, those moments can feel much more challenging. Because of the trauma, Sarah’s long-term prognosis for her front teeth was unpredictable. Plus, there was still a chance that Sarah could grow or experience bony facial changes. Therefore, as you can see from our first blog with Sarah from 2016, some composite bonding was done to give a cosmetic improvement, but mostly to help “buy some time.”

What did she want?

Over the years, Sarah and Dr. Elizabeth worked together through several challenges to preserve her natural front tooth for as long as possible. Whenever it is healthy and predictable to do so, preserving a natural tooth is often the best option. Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the surrounding bone, supports the natural bite, and preserves facial structure and alignment. While modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options such as dental implants and bridges, nothing can completely replace the unique qualities of a natural tooth. Over the years, Sarah started in her career and wanted to invest in herself. She knew her bite was not ideal to support an implant so in planning for the need to eventually replace her traumatized tooth, she started looking into orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe in 2020.

What was involved?

Sarah did many treatments with Dr. DeVoe, including orthognathic surgery with the oral surgery team, to improve her tooth and jaw positions. This took awhile and unfortunately, Sarah noticed her traumatized front tooth starting to darken again, while Dr. Elizabeth noticed that the tooth wasn’t looking healthy on the x-rays. Sarah’s tooth was experiencing root resorption – a condition where the body begins to break down the root structure of the tooth. So, although every effort was made to save Sarah’s tooth, Sarah knew that she wanted something different after her orthodontic treatment. She also was planning to get married and wanted a brighter, more pleasant smile for that.

After a thorough evaluation and careful collaboration between Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. DeVoe, the plan was to keep the resorbing tooth until orthodontics was complete and then move Sarah to a dental implant to replace the tooth. As Sarah was finishing her orthodontic treatment, she had the surgery done to place a dental implant with a temporary crown to be used during the healing phase. Sarah also underwent some gingival recontouring surgery to help gain more symmetry between her front two teeth.

Once Sarah’s dental implant had healed and her orthodontic treatment was complete, she returned to Dr. Elizabeth to begin the final phase of her smile transformation. With a healthy, stable foundation in place, the focus shifted to creating a smile that was not only beautiful, but also functional, balanced, and natural-looking.

Sarah’s customized treatment plan began with Opalescence GO® whitening to brighten her natural teeth and establish the ideal shade for her final restorations. Once whitening was complete, Dr. Elizabeth carefully designed three porcelain veneers for Sarah’s upper front teeth, as well as the porcelain implant restoration for her implant. Each veneer was meticulously planned to complement her facial features, match the implant restoration seamlessly, and create a harmonious smile that looked as though it had always been hers.

After years of preserving her natural tooth, coordinating orthodontic treatment, and thoughtfully planning every step of care, Sarah’s journey culminated in a healthy, confident smile designed to last for years to come.

What does she think?

We asked Sarah a few questions about how the process went for her. She told us “I knew it would be a long process, but I also knew it was something I wanted to do because of the long-term benefits. I felt it would be worth the investment in my smile and my future.” Sarah let us know that the process was much easier than she expected it would be. In fact, she said “The oral surgery was a breeze and the final restorations were surprisingly simple! It only took a few appointments, which was really nice, and the team was wonderful about helping me schedule everything before my wedding!”

Sarah told us that if she were talking to someone considering similar treatment, she’d tell them “I would absolutely recommend it. Do it sooner rather than later because the entire process can take some time – but it’s completely worth it. 100% worth it!”

Sarah’s story is a wonderful reminder that transforming a smile is often a journey rather than a single procedure. Through years of careful planning, collaboration between specialists, and a commitment to preserving her oral health whenever possible, Sarah achieved a smile that is healthy, functional, and beautifully natural.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is always Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles. We are grateful that Sarah trusted us through every stage of her journey and are honored to have helped restore not only her smile, but also the confidence that comes with it. She made a beautiful bride!

“I am so happy with the results. I would never look back. I’m so glad I followed all of Dr. Elizabeth’s recommendations. I feel more confident, and honestly, I feel like a new person.” – Sarah

Why Splint Therapy Starts with the Records Process: Finding the Cause of Jaw Pain, Tooth Wear, and More

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Have you been struggling with frequent headaches, jaw soreness, chipped or cracked teeth, neck or shoulder pain, or even difficulty sleeping? You may be surprised to learn that these problems can sometimes be connected to the way your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles work together. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert believe that before recommending treatment, it’s important to understand why these symptoms are occurring. That’s why many patients begin with the Records Process—a comprehensive evaluation that helps uncover the underlying cause of your discomfort and allows your treatment to be tailored specifically to you.

The Records Process is often recommended if you experience headaches, snoring or sleep apnea, jaw soreness after chewing or waking up, unexplained shoulder, neck, or back pain, difficulty sleeping, excessive tooth wear, cracked or sensitive teeth, pronounced gum recession, or if you’re considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental treatment simply to make your smile look better. During your appointment, Dr. Eggert will evaluate how your muscles, jaw joints, and teeth function together. They will take photographs of your teeth, impressions to study your bite, and gather detailed information about how your entire chewing system works. With these records, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will develop a personalized “tour of your mouth,” helping you understand what is happening and why certain treatment options may be recommended.

Sometimes the functional analysis performed during the Records Process reveals a stable, repeatable bite position. Other times, however, the results are inconsistent. When your muscles and jaw joints cannot consistently guide your teeth into the same comfortable position, it often indicates that your chewing system is under stress. In these situations, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert frequently recommend splint therapy before making any permanent changes to your teeth. Splint therapy helps your jaw muscles relax and allows your jaw to find a comfortable, repeatable position. Once that stable position is established, treatment decisions become much more predictable.

Habitual clenching and grinding can contribute to muscle fatigue, jaw joint discomfort, worn or fractured teeth, headaches, and even damage to existing dental work. Many people don’t realize they clench because it often occurs while sleeping or during stressful moments throughout the day. In some cases, clenching and grinding may even be related to airway concerns, as your body may unconsciously strain the chewing muscles in an effort to improve airflow during sleep. Depending on what your Records Process reveals, we may recommend different types of splint therapy. Some appliances are designed primarily to relax overworked muscles, while others better stabilize the jaw joints or help determine whether airway issues are contributing to your symptoms. Selecting the appropriate splint depends entirely on your diagnosis, not simply on your symptoms.

One of the most important things to understand is that splint therapy is often a diagnostic and therapeutic step—not the final treatment itself. Once your muscles and jaw joints become comfortable and stable, your teeth may fit together differently than they did before. This provides invaluable information that allows Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert to recommend the best long-term solution for your smile. Depending on your needs, that may involve carefully adjusting your bite through equilibration, moving teeth with Invisalign® or orthodontics, restoring worn or damaged teeth, or combining several treatments to create harmony between your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is not simply to treat symptoms—it’s to help you understand what’s causing them. Many patients are amazed to discover that chronic discomfort, worn teeth, or even cosmetic concerns improve significantly once the teeth and jaw are functioning in harmony. By beginning with the Records Process and recommending splint therapy as appropriate, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert can create a treatment plan based on careful diagnosis rather than guesswork. The result is a healthier, more comfortable bite, a more confident smile, and a treatment plan designed specifically for you. If you’re ready to take the next step to a healthier you, call (or text) us today! 651-482-8412!

With So Many Ways to Whiten Your Smile, Which Tooth Bleaching Option Is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve ever searched for teeth whitening products, you’ve probably discovered there are countless options available—and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is worth your time and money. The truth is, the “best” whitening treatment depends on your teeth, your goals, and the type of coloring you have. That’s why Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they’ll help you choose the whitening option that will give you the best results for your unique smile.

If you’re looking for the most affordable way to brighten your teeth, over-the-counter whitening strips or Professional Opalescence Go! kits may be a perfect place to start. But, while store-bought strips are generally inexpensive and available immediately, they often cause more tooth sensitivity, can slip around during use, may irritate your gums, and only whiten the teeth they cover (usually the front teeth only). Opalescence Go! offers many of the same conveniences but with professional-strength whitening and desensitizing agents infused into the formulation, they cause less sensitivity, making it an excellent entry-level professional option. However, neither system is ideal if your teeth have brown or gray undertones or discoloration from tetracycline antibiotics, as those types of stains require a more advanced approach.

For many patients, professionally made, custom-fit bleaching trays offer an outstanding balance of comfort, effectiveness, and long-term value. Because the trays are made specifically for your teeth, they fit comfortably, distribute the whitening gel evenly, and can be reused for years as long as your teeth don’t change shape. Once your trays are fabricated—usually within about a week—you can purchase professional bleach refills whenever you’d like to touch up your smile. If you’re hoping for dramatic results before a wedding, graduation, vacation, or another special occasion, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may instead recommend in-office Zoom Whitening. Completed in a single 2 hour appointment, Zoom can lighten your teeth by approximately four to ten shades and includes custom take-home trays for future bleach touch-ups!

If your teeth have deeper discoloration, especially brown or gray undertones, we may recommend one of the KöR Professional Deep Bleaching Systems. The KöR at-home system is exceptionally effective while also producing less sensitivity than other whitening options. For patients with the most challenging stains—including tetracycline staining—the Complete KöR Professional Deep Bleaching System provides the most dramatic results available. Although these systems require a larger investment and approximately three weeks for tray fabrication, they offer the most customized fit, outstanding long-term whitening, and the ability to purchase refill gel to maintain your beautiful results for years to come.

A whiter smile can help you feel more confident every time you laugh, speak, or smile. The best whitening treatment isn’t necessarily the fastest or the least expensive—it’s the one that’s right for your smile. During your consultation at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will examine your teeth, discuss the cause of your darkening teeth, review your goals, and recommend the bleaching system most likely to give you beautiful, predictable results with the least amount of sensitivity. Whether you’re looking for a simple touch-up or a complete smile transformation, you’ll have professional guidance every step of the way, so you can smile with confidence knowing you’ve chosen the whitening solution that’s best for you. Call or text for your appointment today at Eggert Family Dentistry – 651-482-8412!

The Truth About DIY Teeth Whitening Trends

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Social media is packed with “natural teeth whitening” hacks promising brighter smiles through foods, pantry staples, and household ingredients. Strawberries, charcoal toothpaste, lemon juice, apples, baking soda, coconut oil pulling — you name it, someone’s probably claimed it can whiten your teeth.

But which methods have science behind them, and which ones could put your enamel at risk?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your oral health. That’s one of the reasons we work hard to provide you with access to our monthly blog articles. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert spend a great deal of time helping patients sort through conflicting information online so they can make confident, informed decisions about their smiles.

So, let’s separate fact from fiction and take a closer look at which DIY teeth whitening trends may offer modest benefits, and which trends you’re better off avoiding.

(Spoiler alert — we’ll also explain why professional whitening remains the gold standard for noticeable results).

Why Do Teeth Become Yellow in the First Place?

Many people assume yellow teeth are simply the result of poor brushing habits. In reality, tooth discoloration can happen for several different reasons.

Some of the most common causes include:

Surface stains from highly pigmented foods and drinks (10 Common Foods and Beverages That Stain Your Teeth)
Natural aging and enamel thinning
Genetics
Certain medications

Understanding the source of discoloration is important, because different causes respond differently to treatment.

That’s one reason Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a comprehensive approach when discussing whitening options with patients. The most effective solution depends on what’s causing the color change in the first place.

Can Natural Remedies Help Whiten Teeth?

While some foods may help your teeth look cleaner or slightly brighter, none of them can replicate the results of professional whitening. Still, several foods can support oral health and help reduce the buildup that contributes to staining — BONUS! They’re all healthy.

Coincidence? We think not.

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables (A.K.A., “Nature’s Toothbrush”)

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help remove some surface debris from teeth while stimulating saliva production.

You may have heard that carrots support eye health, but they’re also great for your smile. Foods with crisp, fibrous textures create a gentle scrubbing effect as you chew, helping reduce some of the buildup that can make teeth look dull.

Some excellent choices include:

Apples
Carrots
Celery
Cucumbers
Bell peppers

These foods also encourage saliva flow, which helps rinse away bacteria, food particles, and stain-causing compounds throughout the day.

But here’s the important distinction: crunchy fruits and vegetables can help teeth look cleaner, but they do not bleach teeth. They won’t change the underlying color of your enamel.

It is a little disappointing, but still … from a holistic oral health perspective, these foods deserve plenty of credit. A healthier mouth tends to look better, feel better, and stay healthier for the long haul.

Can Strawberries Help Whiten Teeth?

Strawberries won’t dramatically whiten your teeth, but they do contain malic acid, a naturally occurring compound that may help reduce minor surface stains.

That’s where the popular whitening claim comes from. The effect, however, is typically subtle and temporary. Strawberries don’t change the underlying color of teeth the way professional whitening treatments do.

It’s also worth remembering that malic acid is still an acid. Frequent exposure to acidic foods can contribute to enamel wear and thinning over time, which may make teeth appear more yellow as the darker dentin underneath becomes more visible.

🦷 From shape to dental decay, acidic foods affect much more than just the color of your teeth! At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are passionate about educating patients about the harmful effects of acidity on dental health: Protecting Your Smile: Understanding Acidity and Dental Decay

Does that mean you should avoid strawberries? Not at all. Strawberries are packed with nutrients and can absolutely be part of a tooth-friendly diet. Drs. Elizabeth Eggert and Jeff Eggert would simply recommend thinking of strawberries as a healthy snack with a few oral-health perks … not a substitute for professional whitening.

Can Pineapple Help Whiten Teeth?

Pineapple may support a cleaner-looking smile because it contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down plaque and surface buildup.

This trend has more scientific merit than many people realize. In fact, bromelain has been incorporated into some whitening toothpaste formulas because of its ability to help remove debris from the surface of teeth.

That said, eating pineapple is not going to produce dramatic whitening results.

Like strawberries, pineapple is acidic and should be consumed in moderation. The better takeaway is that bromelain shows promise as an ingredient in professionally formulated oral care products, not as a standalone whitening treatment.

Water — the Unsung Hero

Water helps reduce staining by rinsing away pigments, acids, and food particles before they have a chance to linger on your teeth. It’s especially useful after enjoying stain-prone favorites such as:

Coffee
Tea
Wine
Berries

Water also supports healthy saliva production and helps combat dry mouth, both of which contribute to a healthier oral environment.

🦷 Need a few more reasons to reach for a glass after a particularly colorful meal? Four Ways Drinking Water Benefits Teeth

It may not be trendy enough for TikTok, but it remains one of the simplest habits for maintaining a brighter-looking smile.

Which DIY Teeth Whitening Trends Are Overhyped … or Downright Risky?

So far, we’ve looked at foods that may offer some oral health benefits, even if their whitening abilities are overstated. In most cases, there’s little harm in enjoying apples, strawberries, or pineapple as part of a balanced diet. The biggest risk is expecting more from them than they’re realistically able to deliver.

Unfortunately, not every viral whitening trend falls into that category. Some simply don’t work. Others can be downright harmful, contributing to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and long-term discoloration when used repeatedly.

Let’s take a look at a few trends that deserve a cautious approach.

Lemon Juice Whitening

Let’s start with a popular one.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert have been hearing about lemon juice as a DIY teeth whitening remedy for years, and for whatever reason, it never seems to fade from the spotlight.

The logic sounds reasonable at first. Lemons contain citric acid, which can help remove some surface stains. But remember how we talked about strawberries? How we said there may be some minor benefits, but the acidity probably outweighs any whitening effect?

Well, lemons take that concern and crank it up several notches.

Strawberries are considered only mildly acidic, with a pH of around 3.9. Lemon juice, on the other hand, has a pH closer to 2.0, therefore, making it nearly 100 time more acidic. To put that into perspective, that means lemon juice is roughly 100,000 times more acidic than pure water.

🦷 At Eggery Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert encourage patients to learn which healthy snacks have pH levels your teeth will thank you for, and which ones may damage your enamel. For example, these 8 fruits have lower acid levels: Bananas (pH 4.5 to 5.2), Figs (pH 5.05 to 5.98), Watermelon (pH 5.18 to 5.6), Papaya (pH 5.2 to 6.0), Green Mango (pH 5.8 to 6.0), Honeydew (pH 6.0 to 6.67), Cantaloupe (pH 6.13 to 6.58), Avocados (pH 6.27 to 6.58).

Repeated exposure to highly acidic substances can gradually weaken and erode enamel. And as enamel wears away, the darker dentin underneath becomes more visible. In other words, the very thing you’re using to make your teeth look whiter could eventually make them appear more yellow.

So lemon juice isn’t the miracle whitening hack the internet makes it out to be.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we’d much rather help our patients protect their enamel than chase a temporary whitening effect. A brighter smile should never come at the expense of a healthy one.

Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal toothpaste can remove some surface stains, but there is little evidence that it significantly whitens teeth. Its popularity largely stems from the dramatic black color and before-and-after pictures that spread like wildfire on social media.

The reality is far less exciting … and far more concerning.

Charcoal works through abrasion. As you brush, the particles help scrub away surface buildup that contributes to staining. The problem is that charcoal products can also be abrasive to enamel.

Many charcoal toothpastes lack fluoride as well, which means they may not provide the cavity protection found in traditional toothpaste formulas.

Research has not shown charcoal toothpaste to be particularly effective at changing the intrinsic color of teeth. Most of the improvement people notice comes from removing superficial stains rather than whitening the tooth structure itself.

For patients interested in whitening toothpaste, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert generally recommend professionally formulated products that balance stain removal with enamel protection. A toothpaste should support your oral health, not force your enamel to fight for its life every morning.

DIY Baking Soda Pastes

Baking soda can remove some surface stains as well, but it cannot bleach teeth.

Because baking soda is mildly abrasive, it can help polish away certain types of discoloration. That’s why you’ll find it in many commercial toothpaste formulas.

But the issue arises when people begin creating homemade whitening pastes and using them too aggressively. Overuse of an abrasive ingredient like baking soda can increase enamel wear — especially when combined with harsh brushing techniques.

🦷 Check out Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s article to learn more about protecting your enamel! 5 Helpful Tips for Preventing Tooth Enamel Erosion

And if you’ve seen recipes that combine baking soda with lemon juice, please do yourself a favor and keep scrolling! One ingredient is abrasive. The other is highly acidic. Combining them does not create a stronger whitening treatment. It simply creates two opportunities to irritate your enamel at the same time.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been around for thousands of years, long before social media wellness influencers got their hands on it.

🦷 It’s not the only interesting thing in the history of oral health! Learn more here: The History of Tooth Whitening.

The practice involves swishing oil (typically coconut oil) around your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. Advocates often claim it can whiten teeth, freshen breath, reduce bacteria, and improve overall oral health.

Of all the trends on this list, this one is probably the hardest to classify. Unlike lemon juice or abrasive DIY whitening pastes, oil pulling isn’t likely to damage your enamel. The bigger issue is that it simply doesn’t have much evidence supporting it as a whitening treatment.

Some studies suggest oil pulling may help reduce certain bacteria in the mouth and support gum health when used alongside regular brushing and flossing. But when researchers have evaluated the practice, they’ve generally focused on plaque levels, bacteria, and oral hygiene — not meaningful changes in tooth color.

In other words, even if oil pulling contributes to a healthier oral environment, there is very little evidence that it can significantly whiten teeth.

The Healthiest Path to a Brighter Smile

If there’s one takeaway from all of these whitening trends, it’s this: keeping teeth clean and whitening teeth are not the same thing.

Many viral whitening hacks promise far more than they can deliver. Some offer little to no whitening benefit, while others can contribute to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and long-term discoloration.

Professional whitening works differently. Rather than simply removing buildup from the surface of the tooth, professional whitening treatments use carefully researched whitening agents to target the tooth beneath the enamel. The result is a brighter smile that is typically more noticeable and longer-lasting than what DIY teeth whitening methods can achieve.

But don’t just take our word for it! Check out some of our patients’ stories:

Discover the Best Option for YOU at Eggert Family Dentistry

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a holistic approach to cosmetic dentistry. Before recommending any whitening treatment, they consider your overall oral health, existing restorations, sensitivity concerns, and long-term smile goals.

For some patients, professional whitening is the ideal solution. For others, treatments such as veneers may provide a more dramatic and lasting transformation.

If you’re ready to explore your options, we’d love to connect. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert and take the first step toward a whiter smile.

Call or text 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Looking Beyond Your Teeth: How Modern Dental Technology Can Help You Breathe and Sleep Better

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

It may seem strange that your dentists, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, could play a role in helping you understand how well you breathe, but advances in dental technology have created exciting opportunities to improve your overall health. One of the most valuable tools available today is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), a specialized 3D imaging system that allows dentists to see far more than just your teeth. While dentists are not Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medical specialists and do not diagnose or treat many airway disorders, CBCT imaging can sometimes reveal signs that suggest your airway may be compromised. In many cases, this information helps you become a stronger advocate for your own health and seek the specialized care you need.

CBCT imaging — An example of the most narrow area of the airway, can see the airway lacks space for air!

If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, wake up with headaches, experience jaw discomfort, or struggle with poor sleep, your teeth may be trying to tell a bigger story. For years, dentistry focused primarily on repairing the damage caused by grinding and clenching. While protecting and restoring your teeth remains important, Drs. Eggert now recognize that airway compromise can sometimes be an underlying contributor to these habits. When your body struggles to get adequate airflow during sleep, it may unconsciously respond by shifting your jaw position or activating muscles that contribute to grinding and clenching. Simply repairing worn or broken teeth without addressing the underlying cause leads to ongoing damage and frustration, both for your teeth and your overall health!

tooth root compromise — This patient has worn his teeth and we can see a tooth root compromising his sinus space.

This is where CBCT technology becomes such a valuable tool. The detailed three-dimensional images allow your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry to evaluate structures that may influence your breathing and airway function. While the scan itself does not replace a medical evaluation by a medical professional, it can provide important clues that warrant further investigation. In some cases, you may discover that enlarged tissues, anatomical restrictions, narrow airways, or other factors could be contributing to your symptoms. Having this information empowers you to ask informed questions and seek appropriate care from medical professionals who specialize in airway health and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Examples of sinus anatomy that may be compromising airway flow – a mass in the sinus and deviations in the septum.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are passionate about helping you understand the bigger picture behind your oral health. They recognize that healthy teeth do not exist in isolation from the rest of your body. When they identify potential airway concerns, their goal is not to replace your ENT physician, sleep physician, or other medical specialists. Instead, they work collaboratively with those providers, helping ensure that you have the information necessary to pursue answers. This team-based approach often leads to better outcomes because everyone involved is focused on the same goal—helping you breathe better, sleep better, and enjoy better overall health.

Perhaps the most exciting part of modern dentistry is that your dental visit can now provide insights that extend far beyond cavities and gum disease. By using advanced technologies like CBCT imaging, your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry can help identify concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed for years. If you have been struggling with grinding, clenching, poor sleep, fatigue, or other symptoms that seem difficult to explain, a conversation about your airway may be worthwhile. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert love helping you advocate for yourself and connect with the right healthcare professionals. Together, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting not only your smile, but also your long-term health and quality of life.

Call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651-482-8412 today for insights into your TOTAL health!

Small Light, Big Benefits: How Diode Lasers Improve Your Dental Care

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you think about lasers, dentistry may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, diode lasers have become a valuable tool that can help make many dental procedures more comfortable and efficient. A diode laser uses a concentrated beam of light energy to precisely treat soft tissues in your mouth. Because the laser can target specific areas with exceptional accuracy, it often allows your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN to perform certain procedures with less bleeding, reduced swelling, and improved healing compared to traditional techniques.

You may be surprised by the variety of ways a diode laser can be used during your dental care. For example, it can help reshape gum tissue, expose partially erupted teeth, treat areas affected by gum disease, reduce bacteria around infected tissues, and even assist in managing canker sores or other oral lesions. In some situations, laser treatment can make procedures more comfortable and may reduce the need for extensive surgical intervention. The laser’s ability to simultaneously cut and cauterize tissue often leads to a cleaner treatment area and a more comfortable recovery experience.

The Biolase Diode Dental Laser, Available at Eggert Family Dentistry

Another exciting benefit of diode lasers is their ability to support better long-term oral health. By helping reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation, laser therapy can be a useful adjunct to periodontal treatment. If you have gum disease, laser therapy can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to improve gum health and support the structures that hold your teeth in place. The technology is not a replacement for good oral hygiene and regular recare dental visits, but it can be a valuable tool when specific conditions require additional treatment or especially when certain sites stay inflamed despite your best efforts!

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are committed to providing you with modern and high-tech treatment options that enhance your comfort and care. We use diode laser technology when appropriate to help achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you need soft tissue treatment, assistance with gum health, or management of certain oral conditions, laser dentistry may offer advantages that help make your experience more comfortable and efficient. If you have questions about whether laser treatment could benefit your specific situation, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert would be happy to discuss your options during your next visit. Call or text us today – 651-482-8412!

How High-Tech Dentistry Is Changing the Patient Experience

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

You’re supposed to go to the dentist regularly — whether it’s for unexplained tooth pain, TMD causing breathing issues, a child still sucking their thumb past the typical age, or simply your routine six-month checkup. But for many people, life gets in the way. And, if we’re being honest, going to the dentist kind of has a “bad reputation.”

🦷 If you have trouble setting (and sticking to) your dental goals, check out Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s article for some helpful tips: How to Set Dental Health Resolutions That Actually Stick.

But modern dentistry looks very different today — especially at Eggert Family Dentistry.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota, high-tech dentistry helps patients feel more informed, more comfortable, and far less anxious about getting the care they need. Tools like intraoral cameras and intraoral scanners let patients follow along in real time, while 3D CBCT imaging lets Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert look deep beneath the surface.

Patients are leaving with clearer answers and greater confidence than ever before.

The Clinical Benefits of High-Tech Dentistry

While high-tech dentistry certainly improves comfort and communication, it also plays an important clinical role behind the scenes. High-tech dentistry supports clinical care in several important ways:

It allows Drs. Elizabeth Eggert and Jeff Eggert to gather more detailed diagnostic information
It improves accuracy during treatment planning (fitting for braces, retainers, veneers, etc.)
It may reduce the need for certain traditional impression methods
It can allow for more efficient appointments

Of course, technology alone doesn’t create great dental care. But when advanced tools are paired with the experience and patient-focused approach of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert, they can make a truly meaningful difference in how patients experience dentistry.

Let’s Dive In

Some people assume all this technology is just about adding more gadgets to the dental office, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The truth is, high-tech dentistry’s benefits are two-fold. It creates a better overall experience for patients, yes, but it also helps Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert make more informed decisions about treatment recommendations and care. Advanced imaging and digital scanning technology can give a more detailed view of teeth, gums, bone, bite alignment, and overall oral health — often allowing concerns to be identified earlier and evaluated more thoroughly.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of high-tech dentistry in Eggert Family Dentistry’s toolkit.

Digital Scanning

Digital scanning is a great example of how high-tech dentistry can improve comfort while helping Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert provide some of the most modern and precise care possible.

While there is still a place for traditional dental impressions, it is true that the gooey putty doesn’t make for the most popular procedure at the dental office.

Luckily, at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often use advanced scanning technology— including Primescan and iTero scanners — to create detailed 3D images of your teeth and bite without the messy molds many patients would rather avoid.

How Does It Work?

A small handheld scanner moves comfortably around your mouth, capturing thousands of data points to create a highly accurate digital 3D “model” of your teeth and bite. These digital scans are then used alongside Eggert Family Dentistry’s CEREC technology to help design and create custom restorations. Or, in some cases, these scans can be sent to the dental lab for restoration fabrication or to Invisalign for orthodontic treatments.

Digital scanning also improves the overall experience by making appointments:

More comfortable for patients with sensitive gag reflexes
Faster and cleaner than traditional impressions
More convenient for patients’ schedules, as CEREC technology allows for crowns to be created and installed in just one visit
More precise for customized treatment planning
Simpler to store and share digitally when needed

To learn more about the specific pieces of digital scanning technology at Eggert Family Dentistry (and to learn more about how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use them to improve patient care), check out this blog: The Importance of Dental Technology and What You Can Expect at Eggert Family Dentistry.

3D CBCT Radiographic Imaging

One of the most advanced forms of dental imaging used today is CBCT (cone beam computed tomography). Unlike traditional dental X-rays that capture flat images, CBCT technology creates a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jaws, bone structure, root canal spaces, airway, joints, and surrounding structures.

This is different from the digital scanning previously discussed; digital scanners create highly accurate images of the surfaces of your teeth and gums … which is incredibly helpful for things like Invisalign, crowns, veneers, dentures, but not so helpful for issues lurking beneath the surface. CBCT imaging goes deeper.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use CBCT technology to help diagnose and plan treatment for a wide range of dental concerns, including:

Dental implants
Wisdom teeth evaluations
Root canal treatment
TMJ or TMD-related issues

Patients are often surprised by how quick and comfortable the process feels. The scan itself only takes less than a minute You simply stay put while the machine rotates around your head and captures detailed images in seconds.

🦷 For patients dealing with symptoms related to TMD, this type of imaging can be especially valuable. The temporomandibular joints are small, complex joints with a lot going on in a very compact space. Learn more here: How CBCT Technology at Eggert Family Dentistry Can Help with TMD Diagnosis and Treatment.

While 3D imaging may sound futuristic, at Eggert Family Dentistry, it’s simply part of making dental visits smarter, more efficient, and a little easier on everyone involved.

Intraoral Cameras

At Eggert Family Dentistry, intraoral cameras are one of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s and Dr. Jeff Eggert’s favorite high-tech dentistry tools. It’s hard for you to see inside your mouth – even with a mirror, you just can’t get the correct angle on your own.

Well, intraoral cameras fix that.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use intraoral cameras to help patients see what they see, which changes the whole conversation. Instead of hearing, “There’s a small crack on this tooth,” you can view the image on a screen right beside you.

It’s a little easier to understand why a tooth feels sensitive when it suddenly appears on a monitor looking like it lost a fight with a popcorn kernel.

So, while some high-tech dental tools are designed to improve clinical procedures, intraoral imaging is really about education and connection. It allows Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert to show patients exactly what’s happening in real time, helping them feel more informed and confident about their dental care.

Experience the Difference for Yourself

Modern dental technology is helping transform the patient experience in meaningful ways. From digital scanning and 3D imaging to intraoral cameras and beyond, high-tech dentistry allows patients to experience care that is more precise, more informative, and more comfortable than ever before.

If you’ve been wondering what modern dentistry looks like today, we invite you to schedule an evaluation. Call 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

How “High-Tech” at Eggert Family Dentistry Can Create Joy and Comfort – Dean’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Dean has been a marvelous patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry for over 20 years. However, Dean always had a “sour taste” for going to the dentist. Sure, he has always been friendly to Dr. Elizabeth and very polite with his hygienists over the years, but years ago, Dean shared with us that he has always been very fearful of dental work. We suspect this stems from Dean’s severe gag-reflex. Of course, it is difficult for anyone to like being in a situation that doesn’t feel safe.

Dean tried to keep his dental needs to a minimum by coming regularly for his recare visits, but over time, he started noticing that his teeth were becoming increasingly fragile and thin on the edges. He told Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, “I would like to be able to eat without my teeth crumbling and I am worried with how thin they are getting that I won’t be able to stop that.” He also was dissatisfied with the color of his teeth and told Dr. Elizabeth that he had been wondering about what he could do for 10 to 15 years or longer. He put off asking for more information though because of his significant anxiety regarding dental impressions because they make him feel like he will choke.

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Dean complete our comprehensive “Records Process” to better understand the underlying causes of his concerns and to help determine the WHY as to what was causing Dean’s teeth to wear, thin, and chip so significantly. With all the information that was gathered, Dr. Elizabeth was able to analyze Dean’s status and develop a tour of his mouth to discuss during the consultation phase.

The Records Process is a comprehensive diagnostic approach that allows Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff to evaluate not only the teeth, but the entire oral system contributing to symptoms. The process includes diagnostic models, clinical photographs, 3D CBCT radiographs, digital X-rays, along with a detailed assessment of the jaw joints, bite, and surrounding muscles.

Because Dean experiences dental anxiety and had concerns about traditional impressions, we were able to utilize our iTero scanner—an advanced intraoral 3D digital imaging system that captures highly accurate digital impressions of the teeth, jaws, and bite to capture his diagnostic models. This technology eliminates the need for the gooey putty of traditional impressions and for Dean created a more comfortable and stress-free experience. At Eggert Family Dentistry we want to be sure we are staying abreast of the latest dental techniques and we have made a commitment to you to include the newest dental technologies in your treatment.

By collecting and analyzing this information, Dr. Elizabeth gained a complete understanding of Dean’s oral health, including the condition of his teeth and gums, as well as the function and balance of his jaw and muscles. This thorough evaluation provided the foundation for a personalized treatment plan designed to create predictable, comfortable, and long-lasting results.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth presented her findings to Dean. She was concerned that Dean’s strong muscles were putting too much stress on his joints and teeth and contributing heavily to why his teeth were wearing. She recommended he start with Splint Therapy using a Tanner Appliance in order to get his function more in harmony.

Following six months of Splint Therapy, Dean experienced significant improvement in his jaw function and was ready to move forward with the next phase of treatment. Through Splint Therapy, Dean and Dr. Elizabeth learned that an important element to getting Dean a more stable bite was to give his teeth more room to function. Therefore, Dean needed to move his teeth and this was possible with Invisalign. Once again, Dean’s scans were done with the iTero intraoral scanner and Dean completed Invisalign in a little over a year.

One of the reasons Dean’s teeth were chipping and wearing thin was because they were too tight together to be able to function in a healthy manner. Invisalign helped get Dean’s teeth in a better position for his bite to function, but because of the narrow shape of his teeth, spaces opened up between the teeth. Dr. Elizabeth had warned Dean this would happen so therefore, they moved into Dean’s restorative phase. To best protect his teeth where he had lost enamel and to fill in his spacing, Dean needed restorations on his upper and lower anterior teeth. Instead of impressioning, Dr. Elizabeth was again able to use an intraoral scanner to capture the tooth preparations so the dental laboratory could fabricate Dean’s new veneers.

What does Dean think?

We asked Dean to share his perspective — what he thought before beginning treatment, how he feels now that it’s complete, and what he would say to others considering a similar procedure. Dean told us, “I wasn’t happy with my teeth cracking. I was cracking teeth in the back of my mouth and my front upper and lower teeth were chipping and eroding. I also wasn’t happy with the color. I was hesitant about doing anything though – I’m still not sure how I was able to say YES!, but I trusted Dr. Elizabeth and it all made sense to me.” As far as the process goes, Dean told us, “It was still freaky and I was very nervous to do it, but really, it wasn’t that bad. I was able to go through months of treatment and I came out on top!”

Dean told us, “I’m very happy with how everything turned out. The teeth look natural, the color is great, and they feel like much more solid teeth. I’m delighted with how they look. I’ve even been getting compliments!” Dean told us that if he had a friend wondering what to do about their crumbling teeth, he would tell them to talk with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. If it’s needed, she’ll help develop a plan. “If they’re considering it and it’s necessary, they should do it!”

Dean’s concerns, goals, and apprehensions were both valid and are commonly encountered at Eggert Family Dentistry. Many patients share similar worries regarding the appearance, function, and long-term health of their teeth, but are afraid to ask more questions because of an overall anxiety about dental procedures. Luckily, dentistry has evolved significantly, with advancements in techniques, materials, and technology designed to improve patient comfort, while still giving Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert the information they need to provide a fabulous outcome. These innovations help create a more comfortable and predictable experience for patients while ensuring the highest standard of care. You don’t have to be afraid anymore to ask what improvements are available for you!

Dean – thank you for sharing your experiences with us and for trusting us with your smile transformation. Your journey to better health shows how advanced dentistry, personalized care, and a comfortable approach can make a world of difference. Your smile looks excellent, and we are thrilled that you are happy with your results! At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” – we look forward to continuing to care for you and your family for many years to come!

Sip Smart This Summer: The Best Tooth-Friendly Drinks to Keep You Cool

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When the summer heat arrives in Minnesota, you naturally reach for cold, refreshing drinks to help you cool down. Unfortunately, many popular summer beverages are loaded with sugar and acids that can quietly damage your teeth. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often help our patients understand how everyday drinks can contribute to cavities, enamel erosion, and tooth sensitivity. The good news is that you do not have to give up refreshing summer drinks completely — you simply need to make smarter choices that protect your smile while still helping you beat the heat.

One of the biggest surprises for many patients is how much sugar is hiding inside popular iced coffees and lemonades. That “healthy-looking” flavored iced coffee you grab on the way to work may contain 30 to 50 grams of sugar — sometimes even more than a can of soda. Lemonade can be just as problematic because it combines both high sugar levels and strong acidity. Even if you sip slowly throughout the day, your teeth are constantly being exposed to sugar-loving bacteria and acid attacks that weaken enamel and increase your risk for cavities. Energy drinks, sweet tea, frozen coffee beverages, and sports drinks can create similar problems, especially when consumed frequently during hot summer months.

Fortunately, there are many refreshing drinks that are much safer for your teeth. Plain water remains the gold standard because it keeps you hydrated, rinses away food particles, and does not feed cavity-causing bacteria. If you want something more exciting, you can infuse water with fresh strawberries, cucumber slices, mint leaves, watermelon, or citrus wedges for flavor without adding large amounts of sugar. Sparkling water without added sugar can also be a refreshing alternative, although Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert generally recommend choosing options without citric acid whenever possible. Unsweetened iced tea is another excellent choice because many teas contain antioxidants that may even support your oral and overall health.

If you still enjoy sweet summer drinks occasionally, there are ways to reduce the damage to your teeth. Drinking sugary beverages with meals instead of sipping them all afternoon can help minimize prolonged acid exposure. Using a straw can also help limit direct contact between the drink and your tooth enamel. After finishing acidic beverages like lemonade or iced coffee, it is helpful to rinse your mouth with water to neutralize acids. However, you should avoid brushing immediately afterward because acidic drinks temporarily soften enamel, and brushing too soon can actually increase enamel wear. Waiting about 30 minutes before brushing is usually the safest option.

Summer should be enjoyable for both you and your smile. By choosing tooth-friendly beverages more often and limiting sugary drinks to occasional treats, you can greatly reduce your risk for cavities while still staying cool and refreshed. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are always happy to help you make choices that support long-term oral health. Small changes in your daily habits — including what you drink — can make a tremendous difference in keeping your teeth healthy, strong, and beautiful all summer long. Call us today for your summer recare appointment! Appointments are filling fast! 651-482-8412.

Composite Bonding Through the Years: How Your Smile Can Be Transformed at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you have ever wished you could close spaces between your teeth, repair chipped enamel, reshape undersized teeth, or improve your smile without aggressive treatment, composite bonding may be the solution you have been searching for. Over the years, Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota has shared many inspiring patient stories highlighting how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use artistic composite bonding techniques to conservatively transform smiles. From teenagers with congenitally missing teeth to adults recovering from dental trauma, these stories demonstrate how customized bonding procedures can help you feel more confident, comfortable, and proud of your smile.

One of the recurring themes in these patient stories is helping young patients who have “space/size discrepancies” after orthodontics. In the blog article, “Say Cheese! – Composite Bonding and Veneers – Grace and Abigail’s Stories,” Dr. Elizabeth Eggert explains how conservative composite veneers can beautifully close spaces while still allowing for future growth and development. These minimally invasive restorations can often be completed in a single visit and help create a natural, balanced smile while preserving healthy tooth structure.

Another popular theme for composite bonding is the use to improve smiles where there are congenitally missing teeth. In the story of brothers Anders and Lars, composite bonding was used to reshape teeth and restore smile symmetry while they wait until adulthood for possible future implant treatment or porcelain restorations. The composite bonding gave these brothers the patients fixed, natural-looking solutions during their important teenage and young adult years. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert want to emphasize that composite bonding allows you to improve esthetics and function while remaining conservative and flexible for future treatment options.

Composite bonding is not only useful for spacing and missing teeth – it can also dramatically improve smiles after dental trauma or enamel wear. In Sarah’s story, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert shares shared how bonding and cosmetic treatment planning helped restore confidence after years of discoloration and complications from a traumatic dental injury. Patients frequently report that they are surprised by how comfortable and easy the process feels and how natural their results look afterward.

As you look back through years of composite bonding success stories on our Eggert Family Dentistry website and blog site, one thing becomes very clear: every smile is unique, and your treatment should be personalized to fit your goals, your age, and your long-term oral health. Whether you are hoping to close spaces, repair chipped teeth, improve tooth proportions, or explore conservative cosmetic dentistry options, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will work closely with you to create a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. The life-changing confidence that comes from loving your smile again is something the Eggert Family Dentistry team has proudly helped patients achieve for many years. Call us today at 651-482-8412 to get started with the “new you!”