Category: Blog

  • Physical Attractiveness and Dental Lasers

    One of the fastest growing industries in the world is facial esthetics.  

     In 1985 Dr.Gordon Patzer published the “Physical Attractiveness Phenomena “   defined as “the collective realities of Physical Attractiveness – tends to be complex , powerful and pervasive , discomforting and seminal unfair , and despite different  notions of physical attractiveness , transcends culture , time and geography .  Not sparing anyone or anything living or non-living.”   “What you look like or , more importantly , how your looks are perceived by others and by yourself shapes your life in dozens of subtle  and not so subtle ways from cradle to grave. “ 

    Physical attractiveness is defined as “how pleasing someone or something looks , is an esthetic with its amount determined by tangible and intangible factors , objective and subjective . “  Despite the complexity of physical attractiveness , scientific research documents  that :

    Yes ,beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but beholders mostly agree/

    Yes beauty may be skin deep , but its effects run far deeper .

    Yes , a long standing cliche advocates not to judge a book by its cover , but people do judge books by their covers ( as well as people by their appearances , especially by their physical attractiveness).

    And , Yes “appearance “ or “looks” of a person communicates numerous dimensions: generally , gender , age , race, level of physical attractiveness , socio-economic status, health , and so forth . 

    However , physical attractiveness , whether high , moderate, or low , dominates as the most impactful dimension of appearance . 

    Dr. Patzer states that the “components of the face do not contribute equally to the evaluation of physical attractiveness . There is a hierarchy , in that some components are of greater importance .  The 5 dominant factors of which  all are facial components “  

    These  components in order of priority are Teeth , Smile , LIPS , Eyes and Nose . 

    Erbium Yag and Neodymium Yag are two of the most researched  wavelengths in medicine and dentistry .  Both of these wavelengths are found in our Fotona Lightwalker laser . Smoothlase  uses  the photothermal  capabilities of the Erbium and Neodymium lasers to convert and initiate the formation of new   collagen in mucosal tissues and supporting tissues of the face and lips . 

    Indications : For patients with age and life style related loss of facial volume , elasticity and dryness all caused by loss of collagen . Also as a preventative therapy to maintain “young collagen “ . Patients who do not want surgical intervention or artificial materials injected .  

    What happens when we hand a mirror to our patients to view the results of  our dental restorations, they immediately check their hair and facial wrinkles and sagging ..

    Facial aesthetics are a concern for most of our dental patients . We can provide beautiful , functional dental reconstructions and the patient still has facial loss of tone , wrinkles ,  lip imbalances and loss of elasticity . 

    The Smoothlase group of  intraoral laser rejuvenating procedures , use both of these same  wavelengths  to tighten skin , improve elasticity , skin tone and texture in a minimally invasive manner all from inside the mouth ., with no down time . Liplase can rejuvenate , plump, define and balance the lips without injections or artificial materials, stimulating the patients own collagen  .  

    These procedures are fully within the scope of dental practice and are able to give out patients the “finishing” treatments needed and desired . 

    About 2 years ago we released the “Dr.Acula’s Facial “ which combines extra-oral laser “Micro-Needling “ with PRF used as a mask .  The laser penetrates and creates micro channels from 0.5 – 1 mm into the skin when the pulsing is varied with the Fotona Erbium YAG laser .  Once the skin is lasered  a mask of  liquid PRF is applied and the patient leaves with the mask . Typically 2-3 treatments are necessary for the desired result.  As compared to traditional micro-needling the laser also stimulates new collagen formation and tightening of existing collagen to contribute to facial rejuvenation and improved elasticity , minimizing surface lines ,wrinkles and sagging , along with improved moisture and color of the skin. 

  • TMJ and Facial Pain , Lasers and Oralase/Smilelase

    There are many different causes of TMJ and Facial Pain. They may be trauma related , both physical and psychological . Habit related , such as clenching or grinding . Or related to abnormal bite development or changes created by a dental professional . Pain or dysfunction may occur after prolonged dental procedures . Some of these issues are short term, but some may linger for years .

    Some patients suffer from jaw joint arthritis and bony changes . These are the most difficult to treat as they sometimes require surgical intervention .

    For many years we treated patients with dental appliances and exercises and medications . Some patients respond well and some do not .

    Over 18 years ago we started treating patients with lasers and and saw significant improvements in pain and mobility . Most recently Dr.Shiffman entered into training with Dr.Darick Nordstrom and his Oralase/Smilelase program . Oralase /Smilelase uses the same two laser wavelengths in our Fotona Laser . Dr.Nordstrom describes Oralase in the following .

    From pre-natal development through adulthood, humans build resilience through a sequence of maturational events. We know many of the early childhood milestones as Primitive Protective Reflexes, but there are many more that quietly build on this foundation. Due to environmental influences and different traumas, one or more protective reflexes may not mature (or will be re-activated), and critical nerve pathways may be ‘off-lined’, causing the brain to attempt a coping strategy (neuroplasticity). This becomes essentially an extra layer of “bureaucratic burden” that further reduces resilience. Sleep disturbances (including apnea, enuresis, reflux), curious communication or relationship errors, food fetishes, fears (including panic), self or body image, unusual sensitivities, or chronic pain, etc., are typical symptoms of learning sequence gaps and unresolved traumas. All of these profoundly influence natural oro-facial growth and development, since they are both inextricably intertwined . OraLase Technique recognizes that the oro-facial zone is central to the body’s natural integrative process (which is foundational for developing resilience), and that nearly all of the critical maturational milestones are pre-verbal, involving touch and proprioception. OraLase uses a specific wavelength, intensity, and pulse shape, in an initial sequence ofstrokes, predominantly in the orofacial regions, to create unique, comfortable / pleasurable sensations that activate a primitive response. This appears to release oxytocin and open a‘Limbic Window’ through which cortical memories can be coordinated with cerebellar patterns to now allow old traumas, developmental inconsistencies, and frustrations to complete nature’s integrative processs. [These traumas and gaps would otherwise perpetuate ‘Limbic Hypervigilance’, which appears to be a common component in chronic disease] Concurrently, common orofacial and cervical restrictions associated with peri-natal andearly childhood injury / trauma, and which perpetuate faulty neuroplasticity and/or LimbicHypervigilance, are comfortably treated with the same laser now used in PBM(PhotoBioModulation) or pain reduction modes. Typically, ‘off-lined’ nerves appear to reconnect,functionally. With the OraLase sequence preparation (Limbic Window), the brain readily processes the new sensations in their correct context, and replaces the maladaptiveneuroplasticity patterning.

    We have had tremendous success with these different treatment modalities . If you are suffering with short term or chronic head and neck issues , including some types of Tinnitis , please reach out to us .

  • “Dr.Acula’s Facial tm” – Laser and PRF Facial Rejuvenation

    “Dr.Acula’s Facial tm” – Laser and PRF Facial Rejuvenation

    Starting in our 30s, we begin lose volume in our face—under our eyes, in our cheeks and around our mouths. Later on, in our 40s and 50s and beyond , our skin and muscles start to stretch and sag from loss of collagen and elastin that continues as we age . To stimulate collagen production, tighten loose skin and add volume back to the face there are a myriad of surgery-free options to choose from, including dermal fillers, thread lifts, lasers and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Similar to PRP, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a newer, all-natural solution, that is derived from you own blood in our office , that can treat common areas that show the first signs of aging, like under-eye hollows and deflated cheeks. For many years we have been using the stem cells and growth factors in PRF and now have combined them with facial laser therapy (similar to micro-needling but with out needles and the possibility of cross contamination ) and created the “Dr.Acula’s Facial” . The Dr.Acula’s Facial combines the best of PRF and laser therapy , using the Fotona Laser to rejuvenate , tighten , and improve facial and neck skin firmness, texture and elasticity . Dr.Harvey Shiffman is the developer of “Dr.Acula’s Facial ” ,and has trained and lectured to thousands of medical professionals all over the world . Call us at 561 737-6400 for a complementary aesthetic consultation .

  • Lasers and Dental Care

    Lasers and Dental Care

    Lasers have many uses in our daily lives , most of them we are not even aware of . Store scanners , DVD players , measuring devices and in healthcare . Dr.Shiffman has been using dental lasers in his dental practice in Boynton Beach , Florida for 18 years . From fillings to treating gum disease , surgeries , TMJ and facial pain and so much more . We use lasers to disinfect cavities and wounds , stimulate healing and rejuvenate your skin and lips . Laser energy is just condensed light energy . Photons of light energy , focused of a particular wavelength ( color ) and all moving together . This changes it from gentle light to a powerful tool .Recent research has shown that one way that our cells communicate is with light energy . We have been amazed by the healing power of laser light . If you would like to learn more about how laser dentistry can change your health and dental experience , feel free to contact us .
    561 737-6400

  • Performlase(sm)

         We would like to officially introduce PERFORMLASE℠ .

    PERFORMLASEâ„  uses the time tested abilities of the Fotona™ Lightwalker Erbium laser. Gentle laser light energy  is used in a non-surgically manner, to help shrink tissue and open constricted upper airways.  No injections or anesthetic are needed and there is no down time

         PERFORMLASE℠ was developed as a Natural sports performance enhancer for cardio-intensive sports and athletics .

         We were the first group in the U.S. to use similar technology to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and have been doing so since 2012 at our Boynton Laser Dental Center Location .  The technology has been in use since 2010 in Europe, South America and Canada.  Recipients of the therapy have indicated a significant improvement in nasal and upper airway respiratory flow.

         We are presently working with a Sports Medicine research partner to test PERFORMLASE℠ on competitive athletes.  We are now at the proof of concept point in our testing .

    For the last seven years our patients have expressed the significant improvement in their nasal breathing after the therapy , this occurs almost immediately . Nasal breathing allows for less turbulent (smoother) air passage into the lungs, is a filter and moistener of the air we breath .  

    Nasal breathing, as opposed to mouth breathing, has another important advantage, especially for effective and efficient exercise: It can allow for more oxygen to get to active tissues. That is because breathing through the nose releases nitric oxide, which is necessary to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, which, in turn, is what releases oxygen. Mouth breathing does not effectively release nitric oxide, which means the cells are not getting as much oxygen as through nasal breathing, which could lead to fatigue and stress.

    Hyperventilation through the mouth, such as . the quick and hard breaths through the mouth that so many of us take when exercising at high intensity or feeling stressed, causes the body to release more CO2, making it harder to oxygenate our cells. In intense moments, nasal breathing is the ideal way to oxygenate our systems.

    Nasal breathing also activates the part of the nervous system that supports rest, recovery and digestion, rather than the part of the nervous system that is responsible for survival or stress states, such as fight or flight . That means that, even if the body is in a stressful state of high-intensity exercise, nasal breathing can provide a sense of calm and allow us to function better.

    We are located in Boynton Beach, Florida.  Easily accessible from Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington , Boca Raton and Broward and Dade County.
    You can check our website for more practice information. 

  • Tinnitus – That annoying buzzing or ringing in your ears.

    Tinnitus – That annoying buzzing or ringing in your ears.

    There are many causes of Tinnitus . The most common form is “Subjective Tinnitus” or the kind that only you can hear . Tinnitus is a symptom of some other underlying issue and should be checked by your M.D. or an ENT . In many cases , inflammation or muscle tension can be a cause .

    • TMJ disorders. Problems with the temporomandibular joint, the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull, can cause tinnitus.

    • Muscle spasms in the inner ear. Muscles in the inner ear can tense up (spasm), which can result in tinnitus, hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear. This sometimes happens for no explainable reason, but can also be caused by neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

    • Head injuries or neck injuries. Head or neck trauma can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves or brain function linked to hearing. Such injuries generally cause tinnitus in only one ear.

    Dr.Shiffman has been using low level lasers for Tinnitus , TMJ and Facial pain for many years with a high success rate . Every patient situation is unique and we have to evaluate and prepare an individual treatment plan for each patient . Low Level Laser Therapy of “Phobiomodulation” uses gentle laser light energy to stimulate healing on the cellular level and reduce inflammation that may be a cause of your tinnitus . If it is related to TMJ an oral appliance may be indicated in conjunction with laser therapy . As with all health care , multiple therapeutic treatments may be necessary with follow ups as needed. Call us today to see how Dr.Harvey Shiffman and his Boynton Laser Dental Center (located conveniently to Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Wellington ) can help you with all of your dental needs .

  • Halitosis or Chronic bad breath and how to treat it .

    Halitosis or Chronic bad breath and how to treat it .

    About 4o million Americans have chronic bad breath or “Halitosis” .Many of the over the counter products are ineffective because they only mask the problem .

    Bad breath may be caused by diet , poor oral hygiene , sinus issues , dry mouth and more . About 90% of chronic bad breath is of oral origin , or from the mouth . Periodontal (gum ) disease is a major cause and with the recent connections to dementia and other inflammatory diseases needs immediate attention . Bad breath may be caused by dead or dying bacterial on the back of the tongue which respond well to tongue scrapers . Certain bacteria produce sulfur compounds and are typically located at the most posterior part of the tongue . We have found that most Halitosis responds well to a combination of tongue scrapers , oral probiotics , supportive toothpastes and mouth washes containing zinc chloride or chlorine dioxide and laser therapy . A combination of two wavelengths of laser are used to reduce the bacteria and then periodic maintenance afterwards to control the bacteria . The gentle laser light is very natural and green and also helps the bodies natural immune system to control the bacteria .

  • Dr.Shiffman gets interviewed by Howard Farran of DentalTown

    Watch this video where Dr.Shiffman gets interviewed by Dr.Howard Farran of DentalTown on the topic of lasers in Dentistry . Dr.Shiffman is a key opinion leader in the field and has been using hard and soft tissue dental lasers for 18 years to improve out patients dental experiences .
    https://youtu.be/f72L7jIYTSk  Any questions feel free to contact us at 561 737-6400

  • Expanded Aesthetic Services For Our Patients

    Facial aesthetics is important to everyone . Once we pass our 3rd decade of life our body loses ten percent of our new collagen production per decade . Collagen helps maintain our skins moisture, elasticity and resistance to sagging and wrinking . Aging skin gets dry , discolored and saggy .

    Several weeks ago we took delivery of our new Fotona SP Dynamis laser . This machine will allow us to offer an even broader list of Facial and Neck Aesthetic Services . These will include , but not be limited to facial rejuvenation using stem cells and growth factors from the patients own blood “Dr.Acula’s Facial ” . The Fotona 4D , Tightsculpting and Smoothlase intraoral rejuvenaton for the face and neck wrinkles . Liplase for lip rejuvenation and plumping and balance . Facial spider vein removal, facial hair removal and so much more .

    The amount of down time (redness and or peeling ) is customized for each patients lifestyle . Prevention of wrinkles and sagging of skin with laser therapy is also available .

    All of these procedures are virtually painless , needing just topical anesthetic if even necessary . Call us today for a complementary aesthetic consultation . 561 737-6400

  • Liplase – Gentle laser lip rejuvenation

    Did you know thinning, wrinkled lips can be one of the biggest indicators of old age ?
    But before you consider any expensive , invasive procedures there’s few things to know…
    Lip Fillers only last 4-6 months at the most and each session can cost from $600- $2000 and if they are overfilled they can be difficult to fix.
    A more inexpensive , natural solution to all of this is “LIPLASE” . Dr Shiffman is one of the primary developers of the procedure . Using gentle laser light , we are able to stimulate your own natural collagen production .
    The result is younger looking, fuller , more natural looking lips . We can customize the shape, fullness , correct defects and imbalances and more . Call today for a complementary aesthetic consultation. 561-737-6400