Contemporary Dentistry › › › for the Smile of Your Life. › An Interview with Kathy Jacobsen, DMD. By Anna Charles Y our smile is one of your greatest assets. It speaks volumes. A happy, healthy, eye-catching smile projects a positive image, whether at work or in a social setting. Best of all, a beautiful smile can lift your self confidence, help you look more youthful and feel more attractive. On the other hand, if you are embarrassed about the appearance of your smile, you may have trained yourself not to smile openly. Suppressing your smile can lead others to believe that you are introverted or sullen—far from how you feel inside. If you are ready to upgrade your smile and experience all that a breath-taking smile has to offer, here’s the good news! Thanks to Dr. Kathy Jacobsen’s exceptional training, skill, and experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can wake up and face each new day with the smile of your dreams. Customized Smile Design No one understands the deep satisfaction you can get from having a great-looking smile better than Dr. Jacobsen. “I had some missing lateral teeth and my dentist helped me get a beautiful smile. This was before I went to dental school. I can truly relate to my patients—I know what it’s like to be unhappy with your smile and how important a beautiful smile can be.” Today, Dr. Jacobsen has a thriving, full-service dental practice. She has been helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams with leading-edge cosmetic and restorative dentistry for over 14 years. Dr. Jacobsen and her skilled staff also keep smiles healthy with superb family dentistry and a focus on preventive care. “I’m often asked what it’s like when patients see their new smile for the first time. It’s a wonderful experience, but what I enjoy most is when they come back afterward to have their teeth checked. Many have lost weight, changed their hair color and style, or got a job promotion. Their new smile was instrumental in changing the person. They seem happier and more approachable—it’s really amazing.” There is a lot of talk in cosmetic dentistry SUMMER 2008 N U I MAGE 25 ● Todd ● Jan The first dentist Jan went to see in Arizona after relocating from mid-west didn’t work out. “I just didn’t feel the warmth with this dentist so I kept on looking. I saw an ad for Dr. Jacobsen and decided to see her for a consultation.” Jan had chipped two front teeth during childhood. They were repaired with silver crowns. In high school the silver crowns were replaced with white crowns, but they were “over-sized” and the material didn’t match the color of her teeth. Jan added, “I never had braces so my teeth were slightly crooked. Between that and the old crowns, I seldom smiled with a full smile.” Jan also confided that she did not like going to the dentist until she became Dr. Jacobsen’s patient. “Dr. Jacobsen is wonderful. She’s very confident and professional, yet has a great sense of humor. She really puts you at ease. She explained everything to me and was sincere. She looked out for my best interest and treated me as a whole person.” After a full restoration on her upper and lower arches with porcelain veneers and crowns, Jan can’t stop smiling. “My life has really changed since I had my teeth done. I’m much more confident about my looks and have greater self-esteem. I would recommend Dr. Jacobsen to anyone.” Full restoration, upper and lower, crowns and veneers about combining art with science but Dr. Jacobsen offers more than words, she is the real deal. She pursued her artistic skills in a variety of mediums long before she became a dentist. “I enjoyed everything from arranging flowers to jewelry design and scrap booking. My dentist explained how I could combine my creative side with my love of science through dentistry. It was his encouragement that led me to pursue a career in cosmetic and general dentistry.” Why is Dr. Jacobsen’s artistic eye, her precision and attention to detail such important attributes in a cosmetic dentist? Every patient’s facial features, personality and what they desire in a smile are different. Just as no two patients are alike, when it comes to Dr. Jacobsen’s smile makeovers, no two smiles are alike. Unlike some cosmetic dentists, she does not have a “signature smile.” Each new smile is customdesigned to be unique and distinctive. Dr. Jacobsen added, “My goal isn’t for people to say to my patients “You have breath-taking veneers.” Their smile should look naturally beautiful, fitting their face and personality. Some patients want their teeth to look like they do now, only better; some desire a complete transformation. I listen to their desires and dreams, then recommend options that I believe are in their best interest.” Known for developing lasting, trusting relationships with her patients, Dr. Jacobsen’s easy-going personality and 26 N U I MAGE SUMMER 2008 before before After grinding his teeth for years, Todd watched his smile slowly degrade. He explained, “I was very self-conscious and rarely smiled. I was even sometimes reluctant to speak due to what people might see.” Todd went to Dr. Jacobsen for general dentistry and began looking at her work in cosmetic dentistry. I wanted a full, natural-looking smile instead of what I call glow-in-the-dark teeth. I knew Dr. Jacobsen would create a smile that was right for me.” Todd found Dr. Jacobsen to be very professional and extremely knowledgeable. “She is very down to earth, easy to talk to and her staff is friendly, professional and very gentle. The atmosphere in her office is very relaxed and gives off a postive energy.” Todd’s smile makeover from Dr. Jacobsen included six anterior upper crowns and six anterior lower crowns. Now he receives compliments on his smile and is excited to be learning how to smile again. People that knew Todd before he had his dental work done comment on the dramatic change to his smile and how it has changed his whole appearance. People that he meets for the first time tell him what a great smile he has. “I no longer have to hold back my smile. It’s a great feeling.” Six upper anterior crowns and six lower anterior crowns vital. I customize teeth to fit each patient’s face shape, body style and personality, so they go with the whole person.” Once a preliminary smile design is developed, Dr. Jacobsen can create custom acrylic mock-ups for the patient who wants to try different smile shapes. Dr. Jacobsen commented, “After temporaries are placed, the patient wears them and has the opportunity for a few days to change something if they wish. This rarely happens because we take our time going through the design process, but it does give patients a chance to literally try on their new smile beforehand.” after before after after before after creative approach to smile design makes it a fun and exciting experience. She also carefully explains options so patients feel comfortable and can choose what is best for them. “A smile makeover can be as simple as one or two veneers and teeth whitening, or it can involve total mouth restoration. You would be surprised how a change in just one discolored, chipped or crooked tooth can change a smile,” Dr. Jacobsen said. “Depending on the case, there may be several options and combinations of services to consider—porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, whitening, inlays and onlays, gum shaping, and so on. Selecting the right tooth size, length and shape is Dr. Jacobsen pointed out that a smile makeover is far more than just aesthetics. “Everything needs to function well. One of my first goals is to ensure that there is good periodontal health and that any present gum disease is properly treated. Any other problems like a bad bite or TMJ/TMD need to be addressed upfront for their smile to be long-lasting and functional.” High Tech Dentistry with a Gentle Touch Passionate about providing patients with the best care available, Dr. Jacobsen uses the most advanced techniques and materials. The office boasts the latest dental technology including laser cavity detection, digital radiographs (X-rays) with state-of-the-art imaging software, intra-oral cameras, and soft tissue lasers. Staying up-to-date technologically is just one of Dr. Jacobsen’s commitments to her patients. She and her staff pride themselves in treating each patient as an individual, providing friendly service and compassionate care. “We truly consider each patient part of our extended family. It’s easy for someone to tell you that they care, but what counts are their actions and how they treat you. All I can say is that we really take our patients to heart. I make myself accessible on evenings and weekends, and even give them my cell phone and home phone—to me, that’s a dentist who really cares. We also respect our patient’s time. We don’t overbook and then keep them waiting for their appointment.” Patients not only enjoy the sleek, upscale office and exceptional care provided by Dr. Jacobsen and her staff, they are invited to sample fresh-baked cookies and sip coffee in the reception area. Extras like warm blankets and watching television with head phones are available during procedures. Exceptional Training Matters Not one to rest on her laurels, Dr. Jacobsen continually expands her skills and knowledge through continuing education courses, including two trips a year to the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). LVI is the nation’s premier post-graduate cosmetic dental teaching center. Her team accompanies her for additional training in their areas of expertise. Dr. Jacobsen commented, “I love dentistry as much as I love helping my patients achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. I learn something new all the time, especially at LVI with hands-on, live patient treatment. You only learn the basics in dental school, then you select an area of interest like I have done with cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and complete advanced, post-doctoral training in your selected field.” SUMMER 2008 N U I MAGE 27 ● Parker Parker was looking for a dentist close to home and chose Dr. Jacobsen for his annual check-up. “Sometimes you need to try something new. I found the office staff to be very friendly and everyone has a contagious sense of humor.” At first Parker saw Dr. Jacobsen for general dentistry. Impressed with Dr. Jacobsen and her team, he decided to undergo a full mouth restoration with porcelain crowns. He commented, “I ground my teeth down pretty badly and they were sensitive during cleanings. I also had a partial. I knew I had to do something. Dr. Jacobsen was great. There was never any pressure—she just explained what would happen if I didn’t do anything and then let me make the decision.” With a beautiful, bright new smile, Parker said he “feels great” and looks more attractive. “I’m glad I found Dr. Jacobsen. I would most definitely recommend her.” Parker added, “Most people don’t go into a dental office to laugh and have fun, but that’s just what I do at Dr. Jacobsen’s office. Everyone is so personable. I brought muffins for everyone when I came to a recent appointment. It was a nice way to treat them with a surprise because they treat me so well.” Eight veneers and whitening before after before ❑ Are you embarrassed or concerned about the appearance of your teeth and smile? ❑ Do you look at people with beautiful smiles and wish you had a similar smile? ❑Do you ever turn your face when smiling or hold your hand up in front of your mouth when talking to others? ❑�When having your picture taken, do you tend to smile with your lips closed or not smile at all? ❑Do you shy away from showing a full smile in front of other people, especially strangers? ❑ Have you ever held back a laugh because you felt uncomfortable about your smile? ❑ Have you figured out a way to use your lips to cover any aspect of your smile? Did you check one or more of the boxes above? Call Dr. Jacobsen today at 480.507.1807 to schedule a FREE Smile Consultation. Dr. Kathy Jacobsen’s Services-at-a-Glance • Tooth Colored Fillings & Restorations • Bonding • Porcelain Veneers • All Porcelain Crowns, Onlays & Inlays • 90 Minute In-Office ZOOM® Whitening • Supervised At-Home Whitening • Bridges • Laser Gum Re-contouring • Preventive Services & Gum Care • Hygiene & Cleaning • Regular Check-Ups • Dental Sealants • Casey Patient Education System • TMJ Screening & Treatment • Nightguards to protect against Bruxism & TMJ • Athletic Mouthguards • Breath Rx • Oral Cancer Screening • In-office Periodontal Therapy • Gum Care Charting & Diagnostic Services Are you ready to start enjoying the smile of your life? Experience a dental practice that offers the perfect combination of superior service, dental treatments of the highest quality, skill and compassionate care in an uplifting environment. Call Contemporary Dentistry today and schedule an appointment. Visit www.azdentistry.com for more information. Financing is available for qualified patients. Most dental insurance plans are accepted. after Left–Right: Carol, Shannon, Dr. Jacobsen, Sharon and Geniene ● Susan Susan “needed a new dentist” and selected Dr. Jacobsen. From the moment she walked through the doors, she loved the office and the staff. “I’ve never felt this way about a dentist before and never imagined that I would actually look forward to my dental appointments. Thanks to Dr. Jacobsen, I enjoy going to the dentist,” Susan said. Susan had ground her teeth down over the years and did not like the way her smile looked. She explained, “My teeth were small and yellow, and had gaps. During my consultation Dr. Jacobsen explained a variety of options to me and then let me choose what was best for me. I decided to get whitening and four veneers each on my upper and lower front teeth. I also had old fillings replaced with tooth-colored fillings.” How does Susan feel about her new smile? “I’ve never been happier!” she exclaimed. “I rarely smiled before and when I did, I learned not to show my teeth. Now it’s so easy to smile. Everyone tells me what a wonderful smile I have. It looks very natural.” Susan was also quick to point out that going to Dr. Jacobsen’s office for an appointment is like visiting friends. “I don’t know how they do it, but they remember details about you and they greet you by name. Everyone is happy and upbeat, and Dr. Jacobsen is a riot. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have found Dr. Jacobsen. I could go on and on about her and her staff.” 28 N U I MAGE SUMMER 2008 Kathy Jacobsen, DMD 1170 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 125 Gilbert, Arizona 85234 480.507.1807 www.azdentistry.com Full set upper and lower crowns About Kathy Jacobsen, DMD Dr. Jacobsen earned her DMD degree in 1994 from the University Medical and Dental School of New Jersey. Since then, her contagious enthusiasm has allowed her to build a thriving practice focusing on adult restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and general family dentistry. From the beginning of her career, Dr. Jacobsen has been dedicated to building long-term patient relationships and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field of dental science. She continually expands her skills and knowledge through annual continuing education courses, including two trips each year to the Las Vegas Institute to study advanced dental anterior esthetics. Her team accompanies her for additional training in their areas of expertise. Dr. Jacobsen is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, Academy of General Dentists, American Association of Women Dentists and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists. She is the mother of three, a baby boy and two girls, and is a strong believer in giving back to the community. Each year she and her staff hold a community dental day where they treat local kids free of charge. Involved in Smiles for Life, as a Crown Council dentist, Dr. Jacobsen donates proceeds from teeth whitening to seriously ill, disabled, and underprivileged children in the Phoenix area. She is also associated with the Teammates for Kids Foundation, which contributes financial resources to selected nonprofit organizations that effectively serve and benefit children with an emphasis on health, education and inner city services. In addition to all of this, Dr. Jacobsen donates to local animal shelters and to our troops who are serving our country. SUMMER 2008 N U I MAGE 29
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