What's your New Year's resolution?

2010 is almost over—and what a year it was! Dr. Rabee McDonald and our staff at Lifetime Smiles thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Escondido, San Diego and surrounding communities.

Lastly, a HUGE thanks to Greg, who writes in this week:

"Highly impressed with the state-of-the-art dental checkup and warm professionalism of this office."

See you all in 2011!

Season's greetings from Dr. McDonald and family

Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year from Dr. McDonald and family to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues.

More happy smiles at Lifetime Smiles!

Caring. Comfortable. A gentle touch. Pain-free. Exceptional service. Those words aren't usually associated with dental care, are they? Well, at Lifetime Smiles, our patients use those words frequently to describe their dental experience with us. Just see what a few of them are saying about our Escondido office!

"Thanks to the staff of Lifetime Smiles...it is like spending an hour with your family. They are kind, caring compassionate. The service and dental care is the best I have ever had." ~ Elaine, B.

"Dr. McDonald's office set it up so that my visits are covered by my insurance company, who had not previously been accepted yet by Lifetime Smiles. The staff is professional, yet very personable & they have made me feel like a valued customer. Thanks you Lifetime Smiles, not only for the good dental care, but for accommodating my financial needs & being so friendly about it" ~ Marykate, B.

"It was wonderful to be greated so kindly even when showing up a week early, thank you for working me in to the schedule. All you staff is always wonderful." ~ Kathryn, B.

"My comfort during the dental work seemed to be as important as the dental work that I had done. I really appreciated that as it made the experience more pleasant." ~ Diana F.

"Lifetime Smiles makes going to the dentist less stressful. Thank you to the friendly staff!" ~ Julia E.

Ask LifetimeSmiles: How do I know if I have periodontal disease?

Thanks for the question. Our staff at Escondido's LifetimeSmiles will tell you one of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

Our friends at the American Academy of Periodontology created a helpful self assessment test that can help you determine what your risk is at home. Early detection is critical to avoiding serious and costly dental problems.

Of course, the best way to know for sure what the health of your teeth and gums is would be a visit to our Escondido office.

Great dental care starts the moment you enter our office. Our first concern is to ensure that your needs are being met, whether it's to ease your nervousness or to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We want you to have a positive experience each time you're with us. You'll always be greeted warmly and treated with the utmost care. Please give us a call to schedule your appointment today.

What helps you relax at LifetimeSmiles?

Dr. McDonald and team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their dentist. But here at LifetimeSmiles, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our Escondido office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Drs. McDonald or Prais themselves?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call!

Featured patient review for Lifetime Smiles!

Check out what Anna T., one of our dear patients at Lifetime Smiles, said about our office: "I have always felt very comfortable and very relaxed at this dentist. I felt very special the very first time I visited this office. I want to thank all of you for the excellent care you give to your patients - my visit was excellent thank you to... Chris, who did my cleaning - it was painless and she was amazing to me. I love it. thank you with all my heart."

Anna, thanks so much, we love having you in!

Staff Spotlight: Laurie at Lifetime Smiles

The Lifetime Smiles Staff Spotlight continues this week with Laurie Cunningham, another of our brilliant dental hygienists. She lives in Escondido with her husband, Tom. Laurie enjoys taking classes to keep her hygiene skills top-notch. She also loves Flamenco dancing and traveling with Tom.

Stay tuned for more staff spotlights! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

The season for thanks

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season right around the corner, our staff at Lifetime Smiles wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice here in Escondido thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you and your smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Cosmetic dentistry in Escondido and greater San Diego – Lifetime Smiles

There are many dentists in the Greater San Diego area working hard to bring beautiful smiles to their patients. Cosmetic dentistry has begun to earn the positive acclaim it deserves due to the latest surge of makeover TV shows. Many of our patients have spent great time and effort when choosing Dr. Rabee McDonald and Dr. Jeff Prais to be their cosmetic dentists.

Located in Escondido, CA we treat patients from all over San Diego County and provide flexible scheduling to optimize your convenience. When choosing a dentist, please use this blog and our website to learn more about cosmetic and general dentistry in all its forms from smile enhancement, to dental restoration, to CEREC, to regular checkups, and simple teeth whitening. The first step to making Escondido smile is to make you smile!

Please call our office to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, or check us out on Facebook!

Featured patient review for Lifetime Smiles!

Thanks to Sue, who wrote in this week to share a quick testimonial about her experience with our staff and Lifetime Smiles! See what Sue had to say!

"As usual, excellent treatment. Everyone in the office goes out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. I love the new remodel on the office building."
Sue. P.


If you have a short review/comment you have about Dr. Rabee McDonald or our office, please share it with us on our Google page! Happy Veteran's Day everybody!

Vacation

Dr. Rabee McDonald and our entire team would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's about that time to schedule your dental visit so you can optimize your benefits!

We are only open one day between Christmas and New Year's Day for our office vacation. Please do not wait till last minute to use your dental insurance benefits. Call us today at (760) 747-1811 to reserve your spot!

Space is limited! Have a great rest of the week!

November featured patient review for Lifetime Smiles!

We received a nice review from Bev recently that made us smile! Thanks for writing in, Bev! Got a story to share from your experience at Lifetime Smiles? Share them with us, or on our Google Local page!

"Excellent service, as usual. Odd how you can feel like you're with friends when they're scraping your teeth and looking at your facial flaws through "MaGoo" glasses." ~ Bev J.

Dr. McDonald & Lifetime Smiles with the 411 on Halloween treats

For parents in Escondido worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

Dr. Rabee McDonald and our staff at Lifetime Smiles will tell you all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel.

With Halloween just two days away, we encourage you to try and limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese.

And don't forget to bring your candy to Lifetime Smiles on Tues. November 2 and Wednesday, November 3rd from 2pm to 4:30! The candy will be sent as a gift to our troops serving our county overseas via Operation Gratitude.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Donate your Halloween candy at Lifetime Smiles to support our troops overseas!

Dr. McDonald and team are having a candy buy back this month - kids who wish to bring in their excess, unopened Halloween candy will receive $1 per pound.

The candy will be sent as a gift to our American soldiers serving our county overseas via Operation Gratitude. Here is your chance to show our brave service men and women how much you appreciate them. Join us as we "treat our troops" and support our children's health! Bring your candy to Lifetime Smiles on Tues. November 2 and Wednesday, November 3rd from 2pm to 4:30!

Invisalign®, giving parents in Escondido something to smile about

Hey moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our staff at Lifetime Smiles can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to set up an appointment with Dr. Rabee McDonald or Dr. Jeff Prais, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Happy Monday!

Dr. McDonald in the community

This weekend, Dr. McDonald and her daughter attended a fund-raising tea to benefit Nativity Prep School for underprivileged children in San Diego.

We'll miss you, Cathy!

Here we are at Cathy's goodbye party. She is moving to Illinois. We will miss her so much. Love you Cathy!

Lifetime Smiles, supporting National Dental Hygiene Month!

Ah, October has arrived. The leaves are beginning to fall, the days are getting shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds. For our staff at Lifetime Smiles, October is known as National Dental Health Month. We join our friends at the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they're capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit Dr. Rabee McDonald and Lifetime Smiles on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to see Dr. McDonald or Dr. Jeff Prais? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to set up an appointment.

We hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Staff Spotlight: Mike at Lifetime Smiles

The Lifetime Smiles Staff Spotlight continues this week with our Registered Dental Assistant, Mike Stanford.

Mike has been around dentistry all his life, since his father is a retired dentist. He is a clinical assistant and it is his job to make sure that you are comfortable and that things run smoothly in the operatories. Mike lives in Oceanside with his wife, Stacy and two adorable daughters, Kailey and Lily. When he is not working, you will probably find him on a surfboard!

September featured patient reviews for Lifetime Smiles!

Our staff at Lifetime Smiles loooooove hearing from our patients! Here are two recent reviews we received from Monica and Brian.

"I had the most pleasant experience receiving a filling - you wouldn't think people actually say that BUT Dr. McDonald has very high tech equipment & I didn't even receive a shot to numb by side - they just put something in my tooth - I have NO PAIN whatsoever. It's the most pleasant dental experience EVER! Thank you Dr. McDonald & your wonderful staff!" ~ Monica

"I have no idea why some people hate going to the dentist. Some people even cringe at the mention of a dentist. I just don't get it. I've been going to Lifetime Smiles for 14 years and NEVER had a bad experience. The team treats you like a person and not some money stuffed wallet who's soul purpose is to pay their bills/rent. And... they are open on Saturdays! Not every Saturday, though. I think it's 1 or 2 Saturdays a month. Which is great for me because now I work from 7am-6:30pm Mon-Fri. Thankfully, LTS started Saturdays shortly after my hours changed to what they are now. Can't wait for my next appointment in March! On a Saturday, of course!" ~ Brian R.

Thanks for writing in, you two!!

Exclusive fall savings at Lifetime Smiles!

At Lifetime Smiles, we understand how very busy (and costly) Fall can be in Escondido and Southern California. With the end of summer activities and the transition to the start of school, back to work and looking ahead for the holidays, you have a lot on your plate.

We want to help.

Starting today through October 15th, we want to offer to you one complimentary oral evaluation (exam) when you schedule a cleaning at Lifetime Smiles.

This is a savings to you of at least $50.00!!

We have a limited number of appointments available and scheduling will be done on a first come, first served basis. You must mention this ad when you call for your appointment.

Remember: this is for one month only and the offer will end on October 15, 2010, so call today!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At Lifetime Smiles, we know that gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize if you're not a trained dentist. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Rabee McDonald and Dr. Jeff Prais will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Drs. McDonald and Prais know these can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Escondido office by calling (760) 747-1811 as soon as possible. Our doctors can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits. We hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!!

Staff Spotlight: Jayme at Lifetime Smiles

Our staff spotlight continues this week with Jayme Wilson, our wonderful Hygiene Coordinator. It’s her job to help you schedule your hygiene appointment and she does her job really well!

Jayme lives in Ramona with her husband, Matt and two darling daughters, Morgann and Payton. They keep really busy with volleyball, soccer and softball. Give Jayme a call and she will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy!

David Letterman needed CEREC. Do you?

We hope you're having a wonderful weekend! A few days ago, our staff at Lifetime Smiles came across a great video with comedy great David Letterman discussing his experience with a dentist. In this short clip, Letterman jokes about his frustration with his dentist and the hole in his mouth "the size of an above-ground pool." The video shows exactly why CEREC single-visit restoration is the way to go. Had Letterman used CEREC, he would have saved himself time ... and pain!

CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and can be completed in a single visit to Lifetime Smiles. The treatment makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful — all while keeping your teeth looking natural. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment at our convenient Escondido office.

To learn more about CEREC, feel free to give us a call at (760) 747-1811! We hope you enjoyed this clip! Letterman at his best!

Staff Spotlight: Tammy at Lifetime Smiles

Everyone LOVES our patient coordinator, Tammy Frankovich! She has been with Lifetime Smiles for 16 years (pretty good, considering that she is only 25!). Tammy lives in Valley Center and has two children, Brooke, 19 and JD, 16. She loves to ride motorcycles and off-road vehicles. You will see her smiling face at the front desk next time you come to Lifetime Smiles!

Five reasons to visit Lifetime Smiles this summer!

Great dental care starts the moment you enter our friendly Escondido office. There are plenty of reasons to visit Dr. McDonald or Dr. Prais this summer for a checkup or cleaning. Here are five!

1. Cold Water or Juice (or gourmet coffee)

2. The Very Latest Magazines

3. Current Movie Choices

4. Fun In The Sun Price Advantage

5. The best dental staff in California, no wait- The United States, no Wait! The Whole World!

We also offer our patients headphones, hand-made soaps, lotion and warm towels. And, if it's your birthday month, we have a Birthday Wheel, where patients spin the wheel and win a prize! Please give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to schedule a summer visit!

Smile! It's National Smile Week!

National Smile Week is here, and at Lifetime Smiles, that means the perfect opportunity to enjoy spontaneous moments of silliness all week long. Here are three ways you can enjoy National Smile Week.

• Smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. In addition, smiling can actually help you live longer, according to one recent study!

• Stick a love note, funny poem, or a cartoon into your child's lunch sack or your husband’s pocket or briefcase – anywhere where they will find it during the day, read it and smile.

• Practice random acts of generosity while at work – whether it’s a small anonymous gift on a coworker's desk, ordering flowers to your spouse or taking a loved one or coworker out for lunch.

And remember, coming in for regular cleanings and checkups with Dr. McDonald or Dr. Prais helps you perfect that smile.

Summer specials at Lifetime Smiles!

For the months of July and August only, we are offering 10% off of the fee that you would pay for fillings or crowns. Call us at 760-747-1811 to schedule your appointment. We have a limited amount of appointments available, so call today. Mention this ad and take advantage of this online special!

August Featured Patient Review for Lifetime Smiles

“Thank You, Thank You for making an 80 year old great grandmother feel good about fulfilling a dream of many years. When I asked you, “is it was foolish for someone my age to want to straighten their teeth using the Invisalign method?” you said you thought it was “great.” You even said you wanted to be like me when you’re 80. I can’t tell you how proud that makes me feel. I don’t know if you have others, but my four-generation-family all think you and your staff are great. You keep us all smiling.

~Nita C. and all of the four-generation family

THANK YOU for writing in, Nita! We hope you're having a great summer!

Lifetime Smiles, now open on Saturdays once a month!

Dr. Rabee McDonald and our staff at Lifetime Smiles know how to create beautiful smiles. We also know our patients are busy - from picking kids up from school to grocery shopping to attending important events and conferences, life gets a little busy sometimes, right?

That's why for our patients' convenience, we are adding Saturday hours this summer! That's right, beginning August 14th, we will be open one Saturday per month, from 9-1 p.m. Then, the first Saturday each month after that.

We hope you're having a GREAT weekend!

July Featured Patient Review for Dr. McDonald!

Recently, we received a nice review from a patient of ours, Dr. Eva, who made us smile with her feedback.

“From the moment I walked into Lifetime Smiles and was greeted by the friendly office staff, I knew I was in the right place. I’ve had a fear of dental procedures for years and had neglected my teeth. Dr. McDonald was non-judgmental, reassuring, and very gentle. Then she shared her vision of how I could improve my smiles and dental health. WOW! Her enthusiasm is contagious and now I look forward to visiting my friends at Lifetime Smiles.” Dr. Eva

Thanks for writing in, Doctor! If you'd like to be featured in August, please send us your feedback about your experience at Lifetime Smiles! Happy Monday!

Three tips to save yourself from bad breath, from Lifetime Smiles

You - like many people - may have recently taken a deep bite into something tasty, knowing the outcome would be bad breath, no matter how much you tried to avoid it. This week, our staff at Lifetime Smiles thought we'd share a few tips with you to help prevent bad breath, also known as halitosis. Dr. Rabee McDonald and Dr. Jeff Prais know bad breath can be a real downer, but want you to know it can be easily prevented!

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds, making your breath smell. A few months ago, we read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath." Dr. Weil recommends the following ways to help prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your tongue: "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth: Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, please give us a call at our convenient Escondido office! Drs. McDonald and Prais may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

For more tips on how to avoid halitosis, ask one of our doctors next time you're in for an appointment, or check out this post on WebMD.

Connect with Lifetime Smiles on Facebook!

At Lifetime Smiles, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients here in Escondido and surrounding communities around San Diego. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Drs. McDonald & Prais and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LifetimeSmiles. We share office news, announcements and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically through your Facebook news feed!

See you on Facebook and have a great week,

- The Lifetime Smiles staff

Dr. McDonald and team want to know: what are you reading this summer?

With a lot of our patients at Escondido's Lifetime Smiles traveling this summer or grabbing some much-needed R&R on the hammock or at the beach, Dr. Rabee McDonald and team thought today would be a great time to remind our patients to keep reading to keep their minds healthy, sharp and strong. Summer is a great time to remind kids to keep reading to maintain their skill level and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Dr. McDonald’s 13-year-old daughter, Caitlin (above), recommends the following three books for you to enjoy this summer:

The Giver by Lois Lowry
City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau
Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Invisalign treatment at Lifetime Smiles: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Lifetime Smiles manages to straighten teeth without having you go through traditional metal braces?

The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our Escondido location. Dr. Rabee McDonald is a certified Invisalign provider in Escondido and San Diego County, offering Invisalign for teens and adults. If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you!

And dads? Happy Father's Day to all!

The importance of oral cancer screenings at Lifetime Smiles

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Escondido dentist Dr. Rabee McDonald screens our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in the United States, someone dies of oral cancer, which happens to be the sixth-most common form of the disease. In fact, 27 percent of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol - and have no other lifestyle risk factors.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. In less than five minutes, we will conduct a thorough oral cancer screening exam, using the FDA-approved ViziLite Plus technology to help detect oral cancer and pre-malignant abnormalities.

Ask Drs. McDonald or Prais about a screening at your next appointment and enjoy the rest of your week!

Ask Dr. McDonald: what are cavities and why do we get them?

Escondido dentist Dr. Rabee McDonald knows one word nobody wants to hear when they visit Lifetime Smiles is "cavity." But what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired at Lifetime Smiles, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit Drs. McDonald or Prais every six months for a check-up (or as recommended)

We hope this helps! Give us a call at (760) 747-1811 for more information about cavities or your oral health!

Featured patient review for Dr. McDonald and Lifetime Smiles!

Dr. McDonald recently received a letter from Marianna, a patient who was more than excited to share her feelings for our work at Lifetime Smiles. We are always happy to receive such beautiful and well-written letters from our patients' hearts:

Dear Dr. McDonald & the Lifetime Smiles Team,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for restoring my faith in the dental profession. Never in a million years, with all my previous horror stories on dental visits, would I have ever thought I would be writing a letter to a dental office.

From the first time I walked into your practice, scared to death, and was greeted with such warmth and caring, to watching how you and your staff interact with each other to having my fears calmed, I knew I had finally found what I had been desperately searching for in a dental provider.

I will continue to refer whomever I can to your practice. I know they would be taken care of just as you have taken care of me. I can’t yet say I will always look forward to our visits, but am much less nervous about coming in. At the least, I will look forward to seeing you and your staff.

Wishing you continued success and our future partnership in my dental wellbeing.

~ Marianna A.

Ask Dr. McDonald: Who benefits from Invisalign®?

Part of what makes Invisalign really "work" is that it's customizable for just about anybody. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without traditional braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing Dr. McDonald does is take an impression of your teeth as they are now - and digitizes it. Using special software, she looks at the current positioning of your teeth and compares it to the way your teeth should look.

Then, our team at LifetimeSmiles use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time - each one will move your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the best part? Since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, we invite you to give us a call at (760) 747-1811. Enjoy the rest of your week and enjoy Memorial Day weekend!!

How does LifetimeSmiles 'Go Green'?

Our team at LifetimeSmiles know that we are living in an age when more and more people have a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. We, too, have taken steps to make our office more environmentally-friendly.

Dr. McDonald and team decided to go “greener” over a year ago, and while we are not paperless, we definitely use less paper, doing all of our charting, clinical and progress notes on the computer. We have used digital X-rays for many years, however. We also recycle in the office, and a few months ago, we replaced our landscaping with drought tolerant plants. For more info on how we "go green," we invite you to give us a call or ask our staff during your next appointment.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Take a tour of our office with Dr. McDonald!

If you know Dr. Rabee McDonald and staff, you know everything we do in our Escondido office revolves around making our patients feel right at home. Because your comfort at our office is one of our highest concerns, we offer gourmet Coffee and tea, water and juice, your choice of movies, headphones, warm towels, lotion or lip balm.

After all, there's a reason patients come to our office and say, "Hey, Dr. McDonald, this looks like my family room!"

Check out the above video as Dr. McDonald walks you through our office and talks about some of her favorite treatments. At LifetimeSmiles, we are committed to excellence and strive to always have the latest dental equipment on hand for your convenience. After all, we want you to be as comfortable as you are in your own home!

Stay connected with LifetimeSmiles!

At LifetimeSmiles, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments Drs. McDonald and Prais offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While our doctors and staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all our moms!!

Drs. McDonald and Prais, reminding you to play it safe this spring

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Escondido and surrounding areas will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports!

Today is the last day of April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Drs. McDonald and Prais and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

A few things YOU can do to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring include wearing a mouth guard, helmet, protective eyewear and a face shield for contact sports. Also, you should be alert at all times, even as a spectator.

We hope this helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact LifetimeSmiles.

Stay safe, have fun and have a great weekend!

What do you love about LifetimeSmiles?

From the very first time you visit LifetimeSmiles, our professional staff strives to provide superior dental treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.

At our office, we use the following words to describe ourselves: Caring. Comfortable. A gentle touch. Pain-free. Exceptional service.

Those words aren't usually associated with dental care, are they? Well, at Lifetime Smiles, our patients use those words frequently to describe their dental experience with us. Great dental care starts the moment you enter our office.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Drs. McDonald or Prais? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Meet Our Dentists

Rabee McDonald, DMD:
I am a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine and completed my post-doctorate training at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at Newark, New Jersey. I have been through several post graduate courses in different fields of dentistry since receiving my D.M.D. degree. I am honored to have received the American Academy of Implantology Award, Quintessence Award in Periodontics and Academy of Operative Dentistry Award. I am proud to provide my patients with the best in dental technology, treatment options and patient comfort.

I love living by the coast with my husband, two very active children, and our Labrador, Frosty. I hear that a day will come when I will miss all the activity, but for now, we just keep on the go with every sport imaginable. Fitness is an important part of my life and a healthy diet and exercise give me the energy I need to keep up with our full lives. I like to run trails with an occasional race thrown in for good measure.

Remember the song, "Old McDonald Has a Farm"? Well, I am not old, but I do have a farm and I love animals. I have 20 chickens, 1 rooster and 2 goats, and they all have names!


Jeff Prais, DDS:
I am a Southern California native and grew up in nearby Temecula. After high school, I spent the next eight years in the Bay Area completing my education. I received my bachelors degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California at Berkeley and my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California at San Francisco.

In San Francisco, I met my wife Kim. After finishing school, we decided to return to the sunshine of Southern California and begin our new life. We live in Temecula with our little girl, Jolie and our two dogs. When out of the office, I enjoy outdoor activities. My current favorite hobby is mountain biking, but I also enjoy riding motorcycles, hiking, and fishing.