Last weekend, I was fortunate to attend an elite Invisalign users conference in Chicago.  What an amazing company!  They are always innovating and introducing new techniques and approaches to further perfect treatment results for our patients.  So often the focus of Invisalign has been cosmetic in nature.  As a dentist, I realize that the functional aspect – having straight teeth to improve chewing, decrease the wearing down of teeth, making teeth easier to clean, and improving overall comfort – is even more important. 

Making one’s smile LOOK nicer is a really nice byproduct of these other things.  I need to do a better job of addressing these functional issues with patients because I know that we can help a lot more people than we are currently.  I can’t wait to get back to the office! 

The group of dentists in attendence was outstanding, and we spent a lot of time comparing notes and evaluating cases together to learn from one another’s expertise.  This one weekend will make my team even more proficient in getting results.  Dentistry is SUCH a great profession because there are SO many ways for us to impact people’s lives!

Have a fantastic week!

Jim

Dr. Jim Arnold

Northwest Indiana Cosmetic, Family, Invisalign, and Sedation Dentistry

Smiles By Arnold & Associates

www.SmilesByArnold.com

219-926-5445 (Chesterton)

219-531-8914 (Valparaiso)

Naperville Cosmetic, Family, and Invisalign Dentistry

Smiles By Dr. Gibson & Associates

www.SmilesByDrGibson.com

630-357-3333 (Naperville)

On Saturday, Sarah and I got to ride with a really nice group of friends.  There were 10-12 of us, and it was a great change of pace for us.  It was a pretty leisurely ride, but we rode up to the lake and came close to the Michigan state line before turning around.  There were some great hills along the way, and I think that everyone had a great time – I know that WE did.    We got in about 63 miles in 3.5 hours, and my legs felt great afterwards. 

This morning we took the kids to Ohio Street Beach and each got in a nice open water swim.  It was my first time in a wetsuit and my first time swimming in open water.  I had heard so many stories about people struggling with open water swimming and even having panic attacks in races.  I didn’t think any of that would be an issue for me b/c I’ve gotten so comfortable in the pool.  Wow – was I ever mistaken! 

The wetsuit was so tight, and the water was so cold that I felt like I couldn’t breathe.  I was really surprised to feel so uncomfortable.  Additionally, it was disorienting to swim without lines.  Every time I looked up, I was swimming in a different direction.    I will definitely need to practice this several more times before my first race.  It got a little bit more natural toward the end of my 30 minute swim, but I hope to be MUCH more comfortable before the Valpo Triathlon in July….

Jim

PS ~ Happy Memorial Day to everyone!

Dr. Jim Arnold

Northwest Indiana Cosmetic, Family, Invisalign, and Sedation Dentistry

Smiles By Arnold & Associates

www.SmilesByArnold.com

219-926-5445 (Chesterton)

219-531-8914 (Valparaiso)

Naperville Cosmetic, Family, and Invisalign Dentistry

Smiles By Dr. Gibson & Associates

www.SmilesByDrGibson.com

630-357-3333 (Naperville)

The signs are all around: kids are growing more restless, warmer weather is enticing us from our indoor winter hibernation, and sudden cravings for popsicles are appearing. Yes indeed, summertime is on the horizon. For many Northwest Indiana families, this means preparing for a season filled with sports and other outdoor activities. This summer, follow the tips we’ve provided below to ensure your precious smiles stay safe and healthy.

1.) A Mouthguard Can Make all the Difference
Did you know that up to 40% of all sports-related injuries involve the face? Shocking, isn’t it? Good thing you have a way to protect against tooth loss and other mouth injuries.  A custom  mouthguard from one of our family and general dentists at Smiles by Arnold and Associates is thin, strong, flexible, and specially molded to fit your mouth. It won’t get in the way on the field, but it will have your back when you’re going head to head against tough competition.

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Today was a very positive training day for me.    After a week of pain associated with both my Achilles and hamstring, I was able to do the longest run I’ve done in 3.5 months, and I doubled the length of my lifetime longest continuous swim.  Yea! 

I got in an easy 50 minute run this morning, had lunch with my family, and took my daughters to see “How to Train Your Dragon” in 3D – great movie, by the way if you have kids!    Afterwards, we ran some errands, and I hit the Y pool for a 3000 meter continuous swim.  I felt good, so I tacked on an additional 1000 for a total of 4000 meters.  I felt great – except for some foot cramps.   

Hopefully, I can maintain this positive momentum and train injury-free for the next few months!

Jim

This Achilles tendon tear is really starting to irk me.  After seven months, you would think that it would be completely healed.  I’ve done everything imaginable to help it heal, and it continues to be troublesome.    I’m running again, but I’m favoring the Achilles, which has now created a minor hamstring issue.  I’m putting off two speed workouts until next week in hopes that both the Achilles and hamstring will be feeling better. 

On a positive note, however, I am getting new wheels for my bike tomorrow.  Sarah’s bike is amazing – it’s kind of like swapping a Chevette for a Ferrari.  My bike isn’t quite a Ferrari, but it’s pretty darn nice, too.  Hopefully, my new wheels will make me just a LITTLE bit faster. 

Jim

This past weekend I attended the annual meeting for the American

Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Dallas.  Wow – the talent of the

attendees and lecturers was astounding.  I really love that type of

environment because spending time with like-minded, talented

professionals inspires me to continue honing my own skills and becoming better at everything I do. 

Cosmetic dentistry has come a LONG way in the past decade, and I’m happy to be able to provide the best care for our patients in Northwest Indiana, Valparaiso, Chesterton and Naperville.  It’s a really exiting time to be a cosmetic dentist with all of the new high-tech gadgets, spa amenities, porcelain veneer systems, and advanced protocols in sedation dentistry make it easy to provide painless dental treatment in a relaxing atmosphere. 

I also had the opportunity to catch up with numerous good friends from around the country.  I learned as much from my colleagues in the evenings as I learned during the daily lectures. 

I am SOOO glad to be home, however.  After three weekends on the road, I am still trying to catch up on my work and my sleep!  My training is still going very well, however.  I was able to share two challenging swim workouts with a colleague from San Diego, and I even got to run with a couple of friends.  Other than my sore achilles and hamstring, i’m feeling pretty good. 

Jim

Dr. Jim Arnold

Northwest Indiana Cosmetic, Family, and Sedation Dentist

Smiles By Arnold & Associates

www.SmilesByArnold.com

219-926-5445

Naperville Cosmetic, Family, and Invisalign Dentist

Smiles By Dr. Gibson & Associates

www.SmilesByDrGibson.com

630-357-3333