Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Denver and Lakewood, Colorado

Gapped Teeth

May 16th, 2012

While most gapped teeth conditions do not present oral health problems, having gaps between teeth can make some people feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in social and professional settings.

If you’re seeking correction for gapped teeth, a consultation with experienced Denver cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh can determine the best treatment option for you. The most popular and effective methods for correcting gapped teeth include:

The right solution for you will depend on the extent of your gap or gaps as well as your aesthetic desires.

Dental bonding, or tooth bonding, is often ideally suited for small and medium gaps. Dental bonding entails the use of a tooth-colored dental resin that is sculpted to fill gaps between teeth while maintaining the appearance of natural teeth for a seamless smile.

For larger gaps, porcelain veneers are usually recommended. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are affixed to the fronts of the teeth adjacent to the gaps. Porcelain veneers are custom made to provide a natural-looking smile while also providing long-term functionality.

If you live in the Lakewood or Denver, Colorado, areas and would like more information on your options for repairing gapped teeth, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh to schedule your personal consultation.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | Comments Off

Chipped Teeth

April 11th, 2012

Although chipped teeth may seem like a minor problem, they can lead to more severe damage if they are not treated.

Chipped teeth can eventually cause discoloration or decay, as well as expose sensitive nerve endings. Fortunately, there are a number of options for correcting chipped teeth. Your consultation with Denver cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh can determine the best treatment for you.

Chipped teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Bruxism (tooth grinding)
  • Poor oral habits such as pen chewing or nail biting
  • Trauma
  • Gradual wear caused by bite conditions

Depending on the extent of the chip or chips, Dr. Greenhalgh may recommend restoration options including:

If the damage is minor, dental bonding may be the best choice for you. Dental bonding consists of a tooth-colored resin that can be shaped over your tooth surface and is designed to blend with your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers may be recommended if the damage is more noticeable or if the affected tooth or teeth have become discolored. Porcelain veneers are thin, wafer-like shells of porcelain that are affixed to the surface of your teeth and are custom crafted to mesh seamlessly with your smile.

If the chipped tooth or teeth have significant structural damage, dental crowns may be the best solution. Crowns resemble natural teeth and are custom made to cap your damaged teeth, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing bite.

If you live in the Lakewood or Denver, Colorado, areas and suffer from chipped teeth, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.

Posted in Porcelain Veneers | Comments Off

What Is the Healing Time for Dental Implants?

March 12th, 2012

After a dental implant is inserted into your jawbone, it must be allowed to heal before the final dental crown is placed. The amount of time it takes is variable, but is generally not less than three months or more than six months. This allows the jawbone to grow around and incorporate the dental implant, which ensures its strength and durability.

You may have heard dentists advertising that they can give you “teeth in a day,” and this is true in some cases. Most commonly, this refers to using something like the All-on-4 system, where a person with only a few teeth has those last teeth removed and an entire arch replaced with an implant-anchored denture.

In some cases, dentists may offer to replace a single tooth all in one day. This is an option for a tooth that doesn’t receive very much force when chewing, but Dr. Greenhalgh still prefers to wait. If your goal is an aesthetic reconstruction, waiting allows the gums to heal and reach their natural configuration. Then your replacement tooth can be designed to give the most natural appearance possible.

To learn more about dental implants and how to get the best results, please schedule a consultation with Denver dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh today.

Posted in Implant Dentistry | Comments Off

Dental Implant Candidacy

February 17th, 2012

If you have lost a tooth or are facing tooth loss, you might wonder, Can I get dental implants‽ The answer is generally yes. The best candidates for immediate placement of dental implants have:

  • Sufficient jawbone to support the implant
  • Good overall health, and is a non-smoker
  • No gum disease
  • A balanced bite with no bruxism (teeth grinding)

If this describes you, then a dental implant is almost 100% likely to be successful. And with modern technology, even non-ideal candidates can get dental implants, it just may take a little while longer.

Gum disease, of course is treatable. With advances in techniques, bone grafts are now more successful than ever and can be used to supplement your natural jawbone. Most health issues can be resolved by working with your doctor to make yourself a better surgery candidate, and quitting smoking even temporarily can improve your likelihood of getting great results. And when you work with a properly trained dentist, bite issues can be resolved through neuromuscular dentistry.

If you want dental implants, but have been told you’re not a candidate, get a second opinion. Please contact Denver dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh to schedule a consultation today.

Posted in Implant Dentistry | Comments Off

What’s New in Cosmetic Dentistry?

February 6th, 2012

What's New in Cosmetic Dentistry?

What's New in Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is constantly changing. We live in an age of tremendous advancements in both the Science and the Art of cosmetic dentistry. And in a sense, everything done in your mouth now, needs to be aesthetic. We live in an age where most of us no longer are willing to tolerate something ugly and hideous in our mouths, just for the sake of something functional.

In the past few years I have monitored the development and the success of some of our newer materials for dental crowns, porcelain veneers and implant crowns. For decades cosmetic dentistry has had a lot of trade offs. Meaning, that in the past you had to choose between something white or mildly aesthetic, or something durable. Now the strength of our white materials has finally reached levels where there are no longer any compromises to make those type of decisions.

With the proven success of dental crowns like Lava, Brux Zir, and other Zirconia type crowns, we are seeing the opportunity to place a white tooth anywhere in your mouth and have no limitations on the strength of it. Other materials like eMax are also providing amazing aesthetic results for front and back teeth.

While there are advancing materials for porcelain veneers, much of the final beauty and natural results come more from the thoughtful planning process and the technicians, than the actual material itself. To create amazing looking front teeth still depends upon master skills at design and ceramics. In our office we have a proven method to create amazing results! First we discuss exactly what changes you are wanting, then I create templates or simulations (like computer smile imaging) to create a representation of the new smile design. After that, you and I evaluate if that’s the look you are wanting.

From there we move from concept to prototype. A wax design is made, and then that design is built into your temporary smile. Here you can finally see it on yourself and decide what nuances you need changed. After this you will meet my master ceramist, Peter. He will help design the fine details that create an amazing, but still natural result. When the new porcelain veneers are fitted, you already know what they will look like, so there are no surprises.

So what’s new in cosmetic dentistry? Everything is new and better, and yet beautiful results still depend upon the old mainstays: a good conversation about what you want, a thoughtful design incorporating all of the features that affect your beauty and long-term results, and then the artful execution by experts.

Don’t be misled by all of the “new”things in cosmetic dentistry, amazing results are still created just for you, one patient at a time. When you are ready for your new smile, contact us to start your personalized journey.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whitening, Tooth Crowns | Comments Off

Are you ready for a Smile Makeover?

February 5th, 2012

Smiles change lives and attract others to us

Look at who is smiling and who is not. There is power in a big smile.

In this picture you’ll see some great smiles. But look more closely… not everyone is smiling. Now take a look at your own smile..which group do you fall into? You see, if you love your smile (whether you’ve had a smile makeover or teeth whitening) it shows.

If this were a social gathering which people in the picture would you be talking to? I’d put down a large bet that most people would gravitate toward those with the really big smiles.Research has shown that when others smile brightly, it makes us feel better about ourselves. Think about that for a minute…a smile is a powerful thing.

Now think about the person in the photo NOT smiling. What are the subliminal messages that may be radiating from them? (I’m unhappy, I’m not very confident, I don’t feel interesting, I don’t enjoy life…) When you meet someone who doesn’t smile at you, how do you feel about yourself?

When you have an amazing smile (some get theirs from porcelain veneers), you make an impact on the people around you. People want to be around you, people want to talk to you, people want to know what you have to say. When you smile at them they feel good. They feel like they are interesting…or attractive. That’s powerful!

So, take a minute-look in the mirror and see what type of smile you have. If you are not showing your amazing smile, then please contact us today. As a cosmetic dentist in Denver, we can help you release that inner power and enjoy those around you!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Smile Makeover, Teeth Whitening | Comments Off

The Power of Cosmetic Dentistry

January 31st, 2012

Release the power of smiles

Your Smile is POWERFUL!

The right plan for cosmetic dentistry takes you smoothly to the end result which is an amzing smile. When you get there you will be surprised at how good it feels. As a cosmetic dentist in Denver, I meet people all the time who are either underwhelmed with their smiles, or simply outright dislike them.

I am surprised at how many people I meet who do not like having their picture taken, or even don’t smile in the slightest when a picture is taken.

Contrast that to one of my patients who recently finished up some porcelain veneers. She started with a smile she really hated, and like those I mentioned at the start of this piece, she would not smile, nor show her teeth. In reality, she did not know how to smile, because she avoided it at all costs.

You would think she had been abducted by aliens if you met her now. She smiles a LOT, and frankly has a new found amount of self-confidence. You she she was already successful, but was embarrassed to show it. Once that internal geyser of confidence had a way to get out-it was powerful!

If you run out of the room when someone pulls out their camera, or just quickly seal your lips together, it’s time for a new way to live. Contact us today and see how much is inside you that’s ready to be released!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers | Comments Off

Advantages of Dental Implants

January 6th, 2012

If you have a missing tooth or if you are facing the loss of a tooth, it’s important to replace it to prevent damage or loss of other teeth. And if you are replacing a missing tooth, dental implants are your best option.

Dental implants can be permanent replacements unlike dentures that need to be replaced frequently, and dental bridges which will likely need to be replaced every ten years. Although the crown atop the dental implant may need to be replaced after about ten years, the implant itself is a lifetime restoration if properly cared for.

Dental implants are highly attractive, virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Dental implants do not slip or click when you talk or eat, like dentures. They also do not interfere with your speech as dentures sometimes can.

Dental implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods. There are no dietary restrictions with dental implants.

Dental implants require no special care, and unlike dental bridges they do not require modification of adjacent healthy teeth to support the replacement tooth.

To learn more about the advantages of dental implants, please schedule your consultation with Denver dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh today.

Posted in Implant Dentistry | Comments Off

Why Are Dental Implants Made of Titanium?

December 23rd, 2011

Dental implants are being asked to do a very difficult job: take the place of your natural tooth root. Because of the numerous functions a dental implant has to perform in this job, there are few suitable materials. Titanium is one of these, for many reasons.

Most importantly, titanium is a biocompatible material. This means that your body will generally accept titanium as part of its structure, and not reject it. This allows the dental implant to become fully integrated into the bone, called osseointegration. Sometimes, the surface of the titanium is treated with acid or coated with a rough surface to further encourage osseointegration.

Titanium is very strong for its weight, which makes it an excellent choice for someplace where the implant must be small and must withstand tremendous forces. Titanium is also a good choice because it forms its own rust coat. Unlike iron, which powders and flakes away, when titanium rusts, the material becomes stronger and airtight.

As an added bonus, titanium is almost completely nonmagnetic, so your dental implant won’t set off the metal detectors at the airport!

To learn more about what makes dental implants durable, please contact Dr. Scott Greenhalgh to schedule an appointment at his Denver area office.

Posted in Implant Dentistry | No Comments »

Cosmetic Dentistry-Right Now!

December 19th, 2011

Let Denver cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh create your amazing smile.

Start 2012 with a great smile

There is no better time to consider your smile than right now. Whether it’s a last minute gift of teeth whitening for someone, or just getting ready for the New Year, it’s time to consider how happy you are with your smile.

Right around the corner is the New Year. It’s a time to contemplate what went well in 2011, and what you want to accomplish in 2012. Study after study confirms that a great smile is one of the things people notice most about you. Take a couple of minutes, stare into your mirror, or ask someone who’s opinion you really value, and see what you think. Take a minute and write down what you think your smile says (or ask your friend).

 

Does your smile say:

  • Attractive?
  • Confident?
  • Happy?
  • Self-Assured?
  • Sexy?
  • Successful?

If you found other descriptions that you weren’t excited about, then now is the time to visit your Denver cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh, DDS and see how to get the smile you’re hoping for. Who knows? It may just open the doors to your best year ever!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening | No Comments »

Entries (RSS) | Comments (RSS).

* Required Field
Privacy Policy

verified by HealthProfs.com verified by HealthProfs.com Directory