Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
As the old saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
And now through May 31, a whiter smile is worth $160 to the "Smiles for Life" campaign. Proceeds from the event benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Locally, Dr. William N. Myers, DDS, of East Center Street, Warsaw, is spearheading the effort. At Myers' office, patients having the whitening procedure done make the checks out directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation. Discus Dental, the manufacturer of Nite Whiteª tooth whitener, is donating its product to participating dentists.
"Tooth whitening is becoming very popular," Myers said. "It's simple to accomplish and the results can be dramatic." The process takes 15 minutes in the dental chair while a mold is made of the patient's teeth. The mold is then used to make a custom-fitted whitening tray that the patient wears at home. "In most cases," Myers said, "there is a significant difference in tooth color within just a couple of days."
Myers pointed out that the Smiles for Life campaign - which is in its first year - allows not only for patients to get a better smile, but also for them to have an opportunity to benefit one of the world's foremost children's research hospitals.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened in 1962 and was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. It is the first institution established for the sole purpose of conducting basic and clinical research into childhood catastrophic diseases. St. Jude treats thousands of children each year and is supported primarily through public contributions raised by ALSAC, its fund-raising arm. St. Jude patients are treated regardless of their ability to pay, with ALSAC covering costs beyond those reimbursed by third-party insurers and all costs paid when patients have no insurance.
According to information provided by Myers, since its opening in 1962, the protocols developed at St. Jude have brought survival rates for childhood cancers up from less than 20 percent to more than 60 percent overall.
Local residents wanting to participate in this campaign can schedule an appointment with Myers by calling 267-6651. Dr. Ray Hazen of Main Street, Rochester, also is taking part in the campaign. People living outside the Warsaw or Rochester area can call 800-272-0995 to find a participating dentist. Rates at other offices may vary.
