Gummy Smile Reduction / Repair In One Hour

Before and After photos tell the story of Gummy smile repair and reduction in just one hour.  The after photo was taken immediately after the procedure.  This type of procedure is life-changing.  See our other posts for details on laser gum lift procedure and lip repositioning surgery. 

Lip Repositioning In An Hour

These photos were taken before and immediately after lip repositioning surgery and laser gum lift.  Notice the beautiful fullness of the upper lip, as well as covering of the upper gum tissue.  What a joy for our patient to discover the full glamorous teeth hidden for so many years!

Jacobs Deprogrammer

Introducing the most effective dental appliance we have found for headache and TMJ relief: the Jacobs Deprogrammer.  This is a very light, easy to wear, comfortable appliance.  It is custom fit exclusively for the patients of the Jacobs Smile Center, in Escanaba, Michigan. If you have any questions about jaw joint problems, headaches, clenching, or sleep apnea, feel free to call us and see if the Jacobs Deprogrammer is for you.

Diode Laser - Oral Magic Marker

In developing my novel Reversible Trial Lip Repositioning procedure, it was apparent that I needed a way to mark the surgical site that was reproducible.  The common method of marking oral tissue is with an indelible marker, but the marks are large, they run quickly, and they don't last long.  The predictability of Lip Repositioning rests on being able to capture the surgical site with precision and to reproduce that captured area for  up to a two day period.

My solution was to incorporate a diode laser used on a low setting to mark a "dotted line" on the oral tissues.  These marks are very superficial, and they dissolve within a couple of days without any discomfort or long-lasting evidence.

The diode laser has many practical applications for temporarily marking proposed surgical locations in the mouth.  Again, necessity is the mother of invention!

Practice Mojo

My good friend and mentor Jim Rhode told me, "you need to look at this Practice Mojo (PM) program for your office."  He couldn't have been more right.  Practice Mojo automates our appointment confirmations, reminds our patients about their need for followup appointments and tells them when they are past due for ther cleanings.  It also allows patients we have seen to complete a survey about their experience in our office.

PM also tells our office about how well we are managing our recare schedule and gives us demographic information about our patients.  It allows us to send specialized messages to our patients through email, text messages, or customized message postcards.

Our experience with this program since inception has been excellent.  The first thing we noticed was the appreciation from our patients about enhanced communication.  Almost daily, we have a patient call us and tell us that they are surprised and impressed that we have sent them a text message to remind them of their appointment.  They actually take the time to call and tell us they are impressed!

Another patient called to let us know that the postcard we sent was "a cut above the other junk you get in the mail."

The surveys we have received to date have been 100%.  Now I know that it's not possible to have that track record continually, but it has been a great team encouragement to date.  The comments patients add to their surveys have been glowing.  Remarkably, the dental TEAM has been mentioned in nearly all of the comments.

Thanks Jim Rhode for a great recommendation.  Our patients and all of us here at the Jacobs Smile Center are encouraged by this new technology!

AACD Washington DC Lip Repositioning Lecture

Program attendees at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Washington DC can click on the following link to view the powerpoint slides for Dr. Jacobs seminar.

Gummy Smile Repair With Lip Repositioning Surgery

Dr. Jacobs speaks on Thursday, May 3, 2012 in the Member Pearls section located adjacent to the Operatory of the Future in the Exhibit Hall.

Lip Repositioning / Gummy Smile Seminar

Paula and I had an enjoyable visit with our son and daughter-in-law recently while in Chapel Hill, NC.  I spoke at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry on the subject of Lip Repositioning and management of a gummy smile.  It was enjoyable to share my novel technique of Reversible - Trial Lip Repositioning Surgery with a group of Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, and Prosthodontists. 

My next presentation on Lip Repositioning Surgery will be in Washington, DC at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Annual Session. 

Bryan and I are excited to see the next couple of issues of The Journal Of Periodontics And Restorative Dentistry.  Our article on Lip Repositioning has been accepted for publication there, and it will present a case series of patients I treated with my technique of the Reversible - Trial Lip Repositioning Surgery.

Biofilm Shifting in Periodontal Therapy

A new focus has emerged in the treatment of periodontal diseases. It is known as Biofilm Shifting.

Previous emphasis and focus of gum therapies has been on reduction of ALL oral bacteria through professional cleaning and with the use of antimicrobial rinses and medications. The problem with eradication of all oral bacteria, is that the oral environment becomes an open void, and susceptible to reinfection. Any strong pathogenic bacteria that remain will also have a greater chance of recolonization of the mouth.

Certain rinses which contain chlorhexidine or alcohol also kill the normal oral flora, which are often what we rely on to keep the "bad" bacteria at bay.

Our current goal in gum therapy is to reduce or eliminate the "bad" bacteria which are disease causing, but still keep the healthy bacteria present. This is what the concept of Biofilm Shifting is all about. Biofilm shifting changes the bacterial profile of the subgingival biofilm toward normal using focused therapies. It involves removal, reduction, or inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, while sparing good bacteria. Oral probiotics can be incorporated to keep levels of good bacteria present. Creating a favorable environment for good bacteria, while excluding reintroduction of bad bacteria may include alteration of oral pH levels to make the mouth healthier and less acidic. This is accomplished with proper nutrition and diet, and avoidance of food and drink which will increase oral acid levels.

The emphasis of Biofilm Shifting is to guide the mouth's sensitive ecosystem toward normal, and not just indiscriminately kill all oral bacteria.

Perio 360 (TM) therapy from the Jacobs Smile Center is uniquely designed to accomplish this biofilm shifting for increased long-term health of the mouth and body.

Invest In Your Dentist - Perioeconomics

According to a Pew Center report, more Americans are turning to the emergency room for routine dental problems — a choice that often costs 10 times more than preventive care and offers far fewer treatment options than a dentist's office. Many of those emergency visits involve trouble such as toothaches. In Minnesota, nearly 20 percent of all dental-related ER visits are return trips, the analysis said.That's because emergency rooms generally are not staffed by dentists.

Simply seeing your dentist for routine checkups and preventive care could save millions of dollars to society.

Perioeconomics is about the financial impact of oral disease on society and medical care costs.

81 BILLION dollars was spent in the U.S. in 2006 as a result of oral biofilm (Flemmig et al 2011). Spread the word. Invest in your dentist.

Successful Gummy Smile Repair

After consulting several dentists, our New Mexico patient chose care at the Jacobs Smile Center. She felt that the Reversible Lip Repositioning procedure met her needs best, because she was able to visualize her result before making the final decision to have a permanent fix.

The before and after photos above are taken immediately after the surgical procedure which took about 45 minutes. Patients are able to go about their normal activities immediately after the procedure, and only have to avoid "hard" smiling for a few days.

A fuller upper lip was desired in this case, and it's clear from the photos that the patient's desires were accomplished.

Patients seeking more information about this procedure can send an email to dr.paul.jacobs@gmail.com with a smile photo or two to have a preliminary evaluation done.

Dr. Jacobs is the creator of the Reversible Lip Repositioning procedure, and one of the top providers of the Lip Repositioning procedure in the world.

Connie Blossoms

What an enjoyable moment we shared with Connie today! Her drive to Escanaba was uneventful, and she told us that she was more relaxed today and excited to get her treatment completed. Is agoraphobia conquered? No, not likely, but today another battle has been won.


Connie's dental restorations from her last appointment were comfortable, and she has been taking good care of everything that was done for her. She is learning to smile again . . . it's a journey.


Today, we completed removing all the decay from her teeth - saving and rejuvenating her smile! Connie's confidence has been boosted. All that we take for granted, like the simple ability to smile easily, has now been restored. Connie is smiling brightly.




Connie, thanks for the smile. Thanks for the tears. Thanks for the bear hugs!



Most importantly, thanks for reminding us why we do what we do in the dental office. Thanks for allowing us to use our God given talents for what He intended.



See Connie's before photos and story at: http://dentalnation.blogspot.com/2011/03/everybody-has-something.html

Progress Means More Than Teeth

Letter from Connie . . .

Hello Dr. Jacobs, You're an extraordinary man who probably doesn't realize how many people you touch. Thank you for inspiring me...and for taking my case too!

….while mired in the perpetual cycling of this disorder I’d often wonder about why this happened to me and how did I manage such blatant disregard for my smile, etceteras...

I have just read Dr. Jacobs’ blog. Beautiful. Heavy. Humbling. Thank you!

My smile has become collateral damage and as awful as it is debilitating to exist with a disorder such as agoraphobia, I would take it on again because I have come away with more than I started. Dr. Jacobs’ blog has given me solace in re-appreciating that life is a journey and it is time to buckle up and appreciate every aspect of this "stop and go" ride.

I had become a bit jaded regarding life, and how much longer could I get away with telling my son and daughter that people are good and the world’s great, when I wasn’t so sure. Why did I keep making excuses for misguided strangers as well as my very own family?.."they just don't understand" or "they have no experience with this issue." That perception is a lonely place to be.

Agoraphobics suffer in silence and will endure outrageous treatment from the world because, after all, simply reaching the destination was a battle. Avoidance is often mistaken for relief or control. Can you imagine compounding the burden with the fact that you must keep your mouth closed to avoid the obvious? In our culture, our smile conveys so many different messages, and when you can’t utilize your mouth…well, communication is next on the list of things to avoid. Brutal!

An already "fragile" person will internalize the negativity, and tah-dah…perpetual cycling! Communication is essential to getting a sensible handle over the crippling effects of agoraphobia. It took me years of avoidance/neglect, and the destruction of the smile I had been so proud to flash. Recognizing there is something wrong is critical for progress. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you think you are, many would benefit by demonstrating compassion for each another.

My feeling is that I hit the jackpot when I drove the hour and a half (one-way [can anyone say agoraphobia]) to see the Jacobs Smile Center. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical in the beginning. I was somewhat discombobulated because everyone there is so nice. Turns out, they’re even better than that! They’re people who have empathy. Not sympathy (not good), EMPATHY (good). This friends, is why I wouldn't change a thing. Good, caring people do exist and the world itself is inherently good too!

If you’re reading this, then you had to have read the original blog…awe inspiring altruism (good) -Connie

Agoraphobia is not a final "sentence". Connie's second appointment was constructive and successful. Below is a photo taken before we started today, showing the beginnings of a beautiful, confident smile. I was able to share with Connie that not only had she benefitted from the time we spent together dentally, but that my friend who also experienced agoraphobia had been enriched to know she helped Connie.




Everyone benefits when we take the time to share our human feelings and talents with each other. Who would have known that the silent sufferings of one person could serve to begin unlocking the chains that bind another. Actually, silence would have probably gone nowhere. For it is in the sharing that all are enriched - the patient, the dentist and his wife, the dental assistant, the agoraphobic friend. It's true: As you sow, so shall you reap!






Today, we repaired Connie's other three upper front teeth and all of the teeth on her right side. Connie should be smiling well these next few days! Progress with teeth . . . but oh, so much more!

Everybody Has Something

My wife Paula reassured our new patient, "everyone has something." Our new patient Connie presented last week, and was able to share with us that she had difficulty going to the dentist because of her agoraphobia. Her travels from a neighboring town and venturing into a new environment was difficult, but she knew that something had to be done about her teeth.



"Some people are afraid of heights, others worry about getting cancer or losing a loved one. You just happen to have difficulty with new situations, people, and traveling to unfamiliar places." Paula explained to Connie. "Everyone has something, whether you realize it or not."



Connie came for her first treatment appointment today, and did well. She had three root canals done, laser gum removal to get at her decay under the gums, and four teeth built up so they are white and shiny again.



Connie shared with us that she has been ashamed of her smile and of how she has let this go so long. She told us that she doesn't even kiss her husband anymore because she won't let him get that close to her decayed smile. A few short years ago, she had a beautiful smile and felt so much better about herself, but her agoraphobia kept her from maintaining her teeth. They had suffered greatly, as you can see by her before photo.



Connie asked that I share her story with others, and that she is continuing to make progress, both with her agoraphobia and also with her dental treatment. She did great today! At her request, I took this photo so she can have it as a record of her progress and so that it may serve as an inspiration to others. Our ability to take care of Connie is mostly because of our understanding of agoraphobia. Someone who is very close to me has struggled with agoraphobia for years. Few people know this, and fewer understand that someone's hardship can be a comfort to others.



Dear Friend;
It is because of your struggles and sharing your experiences with agoraphobia that I have been able to care for this precious young woman Connie. Without your help and without your suffering, I could never have understood what she was going through or what I could do to improve the quality of her life. You must know that I appreciate you so much and that Connie's life will be enriched more than you can know. Thank You!
God Bless You - Paul

Shout It Out Loud: 2011 Is The Year of The Mouth!

Founding Members: President Dr. Chris Kammer, Paula Jacobs, RN, and Dr. Paul Jacobs

The Chinese have designated 2011 "The Year of the Rabbit," however, the bunnies are being asked to step aside because the president of North America's fastest growing health organization, The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) is proclaiming the year 2011 as the "Year of the Mouth."

"Because the Mission of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health is to educate the world this Proclamation serves to illustrate the Academy's commitment to put its money where its mouth is." declares Paul Jacobs, DDS, professional speaker and Founding Member of the Academy.

AAOSH is taking a stand that the mouth is the first place to start for overall body health and longer life. In recent years the studies have been piling up connecting poor oral health to the deadliest of diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Oral health problems have also been shown to have close connections to many other serious health concerns like Alzheimer's, arthritis, pneumonia and pregnancy complications. Founding member Paul Jacobs from Escanaba, Michigan shares his concern and goal, "Unfortunately, it just isn't common knowledge that oral health can add years to your life. Our group is committed to changing that!"

"AAOSH is aware we can only get so far with this "most important message ever" using the regular scientific and medical information outlets." AAOSH President Dr Chris Kammer says, 'It's time to open new doors for the public and use new ways to communicate this message about the body-debilitating and life-shortening consequences of poor oral health." Since one of the primary missions of AAOSH members is to "Shout It Out Loud" and communicate the importance of this mouth-body connection, they have borrowed the popular song title from the legendary rock group KISS as their rallying cry. The organization hopes to make it official as well; since adding a rock-and-roll theme to this life enhancing and life extending message will likely get it heard by more people in their public service announcements. "When lives are at stake, our group will go the distance to get the public's attention," continued Dr. Jacobs. "That's what 'The Year of the Mouth" is all about."

For more information on AAOSH, please visit, http://www.aaosh.com/

Gummy Smile Solution with Lip Repositioning Surgery

There is new hope for gummy smiles with lip repositioning surgery. Below is our most recent patient just one week after her procedure. Smiling big! But . . . fortunately not as big as before her lip repositioning.


Just the right amount of change resulted from this procedure because of our use of a new technique developed by Dr. Paul Jacobs called the Reversible Lip RepositioningTM. Patients are able to preview their intended result and adjustments can be made for more or less change to the smile depending on the desires of the patient. This new technique is more predictable and controllable than other methods used in the past.

Dr. Jacobs can be consulted by patients and practitioners for more information on the Reversible Lip Repositioning procedure. He speaks in different locations throughout the United States and is available in his office in Escanaba, Michigan for one on one training. This exciting new procedure is making a difference in the lives of many people.

Reversible Lip Repositioning Surgery

World's first Reversible Lip RepositioningTM Surgery!

I continue to enjoy incredible interest in my lip repositioning procedure from all over the world. In response to the demand, I developed a technique where our patients can visualize the final result prior to the actual surgery. During this procedure, no cutting is done, and the patient can "trial" the lip repositioning for feel and appearance for a day or for five minutes before fully reversing the procedure.


Patients have control to decide whether to have more or less of their gums showing in the permanent procedure after they have seen the temporary, reversible procedure.

The photo above shows the Before and After of the Reversible Lip Repositioning. You can see that there is less of a gummy smile. There is also the added benefit of increasing the fullness of the upper lip for this young lady. The entire procedure including the permanent lip repositioning takes about 40 minutes.

Invisalign Colors Rock!

Invisalign Colors rock at the Jacobs Smile Center in Escanaba, Michigan!

Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of invisible, clear aligners, but what about teenagers who feel the need to express themselves with the colors of rubber bands on braces? Now Invisalign wearers can custom design any shape, size or color to wear on their teeth. The greatest thing about this awesome option is that every two weeks they can change it to something different or just go "wireless" again.



Above is an example of an Invisalign aligner with bling for the holidays using a permanent marker. Patients can even pretend they're wearing the old fashioned "wires" if they want to surprise their friends.

Twinsburg Dentistry

Recently, one of our patients presented with a unique request. He wanted his teeth fixed so they would look better, but was hesitant about finalizing plans for the treatment.

My wife Paula was reassuring him that he would get the smile he desired, but she sensed that there may be a barrier to his decision making. She asked if there was some unanswered questions that he had, or if there was some issue that she was not aware of that might be giving him cause for reticence.

He explained that, yes, there was a concern he had. He went on to tell Paula that he had a twin brother, and that they looked forward to attending a meeting of twins called Twins Days in Twinsburg, Ohio. He wanted to be sure that his teeth looked nice when they were fixed, but "not too different" so that it wouldn't affect his twinness with his brother.

Dental treatment was completed in short order, and he was elated to let us know that he actually looked more like his brother than he did before. We were graced by a visit from the twins a few days later at our office, and had the welcome opportunity to meet our patient's brother and to get the photo below. Uniquely, you will notice that they are "mirror image twins."

Cosmetic Dental Contouring

Cosmetic dental contouring can make a lackluster composite restoration lifelike and realistic. The most obvious feature corrected is the elimination of the mamelons, or the small bumps on the edges of the front teeth.





The feature in a smile that is the most overlooked, and the one which makes the teeth look so much more natural is the contour and surface texture of the front teeth. In the first photo, you can see the dull, round surface of the tooth just to the right of center (right on the photo.) In the second photo, the restoration has not been replaced, but only carved and recontoured so that the light reflection is similar to the tooth next to it. This improvement was done quickly, without anesthetic, and at very minimal time and cost.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome - Oral Manifestations

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), also known as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis occurs in about 1 of 50,000 births as reported in Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics.

SWS usually occurs at birth and sometimes is associated with seizures or mental retardation. It's visual characteristic is a facial port wine stain. Few intraoral photos are available of SWS, so I took the following images with permission from one of our patients at the Care Free Dental Clinic in Escanaba, Michigan:

Most apparent on the hard and soft palate are the bright red striations caused by oversized blood vessels.

He reports being told that he is very fortunate, because he has no mental retardation or seizures.