Brite Smiles Uses NASA Technology to Provide Clean Water

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, uses the DentaPure Clean Water Clear Choice water system in working with their dental patients.

This system meets or goes beyond the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Agency; and is the system embraced by the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention.

One patient commented: “I’m happy that my dental clinic makes sure that the water that’s used during my care is safe from harmful bacteria. Thanks for caring enough about my health to install this system.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons, owner of Brite Smiles, stated: “There is nothing too good for our patients. I have a very strong commitment to patient safety and for that reason we employ the DentaPure Clean Water.Clear Choice system of water purification.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then, he has participated in over 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Dr. Sadek is Offering Children Dentistry Services

PALMDALE, CA: Dr. Yasser Sadek, (http://palmdalechildrensdental.com/), a University of Southern California trained dentist founded Palmdale Children’s Dental and is offering dental care for small children to Antelope Valley residents.

Dr. Sadek has been practicing dentistry in California since 1995. However it wasn’t until he became concerned about the number of both children and adults with dental phobia that he set about developing an approach to eliminate fear from dentistry. His approach focuses on three features:

1. Assessing the patient’s emotional state and elevating or improving it.
2. Open communication to empower the patient.
3. Modified dental techniques to minimize discomfort.

Dr. Sadek operates a well established pediatric practice in Palmdale, CA where his above approach is successfully empowering young patients and helping them receive more comfortable dental treatment. Dr. Sadek has a way of connecting with children to make them feel at ease. He treats children as smart little people who are capable of making the right decision once they are educated about dental health. Dr. Sadek gains so much trust with young patients that he rarely uses anesthetics and instead only uses nitrous oxide, which increases the safety and comfort of their treatment.

Monique, a past patient of Dr. Sadek stated: “Very pleased with the attention and handling of my son as a patient and myself as a parent! On both of our visits, I’ve received good customer service from the front desk. My three-year-old son has received quality care from the back office/dental assistants as well. I enjoy all the little ways they make this a great place for children! From the play area in the waiting room, to the animal faced instruments, to the personal dental chair movie options! It’s great! The doctor/dentist is a sweet man! My son even reached for him and hugged him as we said goodbye.”

Dr. Sadek is also the co-author of a new book on dentistry entitled “A Reason to Smile: Fixing Broken Confidence With Cosmetic Dentistry.” The book can be found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Smile-Confidence-Cosmetic-Dentistry-ebook/dp/B071GTC4Y5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499815921&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Reason+to+Smile.

Dr. Sadek is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and American Endodontic Association. He has also served as treasurer, vice president and president of the Yosemite Dental Society. He has always been an active member of the community he serves by donating time and money. He routinely works with the local head start programs, sponsors youth athletic teams and events for the local police department.

Dr. Sadek provides a full range of dental care services for children at Palmdale Children’s Dental in Palmdale, California. Dr. Sadek has over two decades of dental experience, including pediatric, endodontics, orthodontics, implants and cosmetic dentistry. You can visit the dental practice’s website at http://www.palmdalechildrensdental.com and their blog can be seen at http://palmdalechildrensdental.com/blog/. The practice can be reached by phone at 661-266-0300.

BigTreeSupply.com: Landscaping with Fir Trees

By Nancy Penrose

The fir tree is an evergreen coniferous that can be found throughout North and Central America, Europe, North Africa and Asia. The tree is a member of the Pinaceae family and Abies genus.

Firs are considered large trees, with some reaching heights of over 200 feet. They have needle-like leaves and cones. The leaves (needles) look like they have been pressed, and are attached to a twig with a base that has the appearance of a tiny suction cup. Fir cones stand up like candles instead of hanging. They are long and fall apart at maturity to release their seeds. The cones are usually green when immature, and brown at maturity.

There are over 50 different species of firs. Several are used as Christmas trees because of their scent and needle retention. Some of the more popular firs include the Nordmann fir, Frasier fir, noble fir, grand fir and Korean fir.

The Nordmann fir (Albies nordmanniana) is named after Alexander von Nordmann, a Finnish zoologist. The tree’s cones are blue-green before they mature. Nordmann firs usually grow between 40 and 80 feet tall. Nordmann firs are native to Turkey, Russia, Armenia and Georgia.

The Frasier fir (Abies fraseri), named after Scottish botanist John Frasier, is native to the Eastern United States. Frasier firs can grow up to 60 feet tall.

Noble firs (Abies procera) are the tallest firs. They can grow up to 240’ tall. The tree is native to Washington, Oregon and northwest California.

The alpine fir (Albies lasiocarpa) is native to western North America. It is a medium-sized fir that grows around 60 feet tall. As the tree matures, its grey bark changes from smooth to rough, and its resin blisters become fissured.

The grand fir (Albies grandis) is known by many names, including the Oregon fir, great silver fir, western white fir, balsam fir and great fir. The grand fir is one of the fastest growing fir trees and also extremely tall when it reaches maturity. The average height of a grand fir is 100 feet, but some trees can grow as tall as 300 feet.

Korean firs (Abies koreana) are one of the smaller fir trees. They range in height from 15 to 30 feet, and grow very slowly. Korean firs have blue or purple cones that appear in late spring.

Give us a call if you’re planning on buying a fir tree or big trees for your property. Our big tree specialist can help you pick the best fir for your growing environment.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about large trees for sale at our tree nursery http://bigtreesupply.com/sales-inventory/nursery-trees-inventory/ and for more tips on conifer trees go to nurserytrees.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vVhNW1XJI and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Urges Homeowners to Get Chimney Cleaning Before Upcoming Fall and Holiday Season

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps (http://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in the Minneapolis area, is urging homeowners to get a chimney cleaning and inspection before the upcoming fall and holiday season in order to prepare for parties, get-togethers, and for regular winter season usage.

Blue Sky founder Dave Lambert stated “It is important to ensure your chimney is functional and workable before you use it. An inspected fireplace that complies with fire codes provides peace of mind during the fall and holiday season when you are expecting to have guests visiting your home. Even if you don’t use your fireplace very often, it should still be checked for any weather damage to the chimney stack or any hidden defects. Broken and eroded brickwork, hidden blockages, rodent intrusion and hidden water leaks are some of what Blue Sky checks for when we inspect fireplaces.”

When it comes to how often your fireplace should be inspected, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that your chimney should be inspected at least once a year to meet safety and maintenance standards and to check for any sooty deposit buildup or defects that makes the chimney unsafe.

A past client of Blue Sky stated: “I was worried about my chimney’s functionality and so I called Blue Sky and they came out and did a professional inspection of my chimney and it turns out it just needed a cleaning, is all. I was shown how to use my fireplace and am looking forward to using it this winter! Very good company!”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in the Minneapolis metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit http://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com, or call 952-944-1744.

Brite Smiles Provides Options to Gain Patients’ Trust

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, provides patients with options that are based on the patient’s overall health, their life expectancy and their preferred lifestyle.

Dr. Simmons takes into account what the patient is willing to invest in the quality of the rest of their life and prepares them for any dental possibility in the future. Brite Smiles’ other dentist, Dr. Lisa Edstrom, is similar in her concept of treatment planning. This makes these two dentists a great team that builds the trust that dental patients seek.

One patient said about his experience at Brite Smiles Dental Care, “Thank you for showing such honest concern and listening to me. I really feel I can trust you to do the right thing and tell me the truth about my dental care.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons, owner of Brite Smiles, stated: “I feel it’s my responsibility to care for the patient, taking into account the long range future of the patient and not just what’s best at the immediate time. That way the patient doesn’t end up spending more money because of doing things over or doing treatment that becomes unnecessary. I’m the person who can look ahead and I use my knowledge to help improve the quality of the patient’s life.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then, he has participated in over 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Here's Why Your Brick Foundation Needs Replacement

Brick foundations are very common in Los Angeles.

However, properties that were built before 1910 with a brick foundation, might not have the necessary structural reinforcement needed to survive an earthquake.

Brick foundations that have been constructed without reinforced steel are identified as “unreinforced masonry,” and typically require foundation replacement.

It’s important to identify and remedy any signs of foundation problems early on.

On the exterior if you’ve noticed any cracks, missing bricks or grout that's turning to powder, it’s important to get your foundation inspected by a professional foundation contractor.

And on the interior, if you have any doors or windows that stick, your floors slope or are uneven, have hairline fractures in your tile or walls, these could all be signs that your brick foundation is failing.

There are a few repair methods a foundation company can use to fix structural issues with your brick foundation.

First, a foundation specialist will do a detailed assessment of your structure. From there, they’ll suggest which repair option will be the best correction method to fix your foundation.

Most likely, you contractor will recommend installing a sister foundation or doing a completely new foundation.

Like most structures, brick foundations will wear out over time. Wet soil, seismic activity and deterioration of the mortar that holds the bricks together, can all lead to degradation and damage to your foundation.

Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors and foundation repair. Julian’s company, Julian Construction, has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms and local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair in Los Angeles than any other company in the area over the last five years.

Buying a Home? Here's How to Tell if the Foundation is Structurally Sound

Purchasing a home is a major investment.

If you’ve been looking at properties that were built before 1930, there’s a chance these buildings may have some foundation issues.

Here are 4 things to be on the look for when shopping for older real estate:

1. Doors and windows that stick: While this may not sound like a huge issue – let alone a deal breaker – when a property’s doors and windows begin to stick, this could mean there are larger problems with the home’s foundation. Whether the foundation’s structural supports have improper spacing or are rotting, both can be expensive to repair and/or replace.
2. Uneven/sloping floors: While doing your walk-through, if you notice uneven or sloping floors, this should be a big red flag. For starters, this means the home is not level. The underlying causes for this can range from cracks in the property’s foundation to severe damage, rotting or settlement to its supporting structures (like its posts, piers, girders, joists or even its footings).
3. Cracks in the walls above the building’s doors and windows: If cracks in these areas look like they’re growing in length and/or width, this can also be a sign of foundation damage. It’s important to note how easy it is to mask these types of cracks with simple repairs, so if you see fresh paint or other repairs in these areas, make sure you ask the agent about what work has been done to the home and why.
4. Foundation cracks: Finally, after you have inspected the home’s interior and exterior, ask to see the basement or crawl space of the structure. If you see any cracks in the walls, be sure to contact a foundation inspector to examine the area. Foundation repair companies, like Julian Construction, can conduct a thorough inspection before you purchase the property.

Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors and foundation repair. Julian’s company, Julian Construction, has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms and local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair in Los Angeles than any other company in the area over the last five years.