Scott Greenhalgh DDS – Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Porcelain Veneers to Correct Peg Laterals
Thursday, September 9th, 2010
A peg lateral is a malformed tooth next to your top front tooth. It commonly occurs in children and adolescents. Fortunately, it is easily repaired using porcelain veneers.
The best time to correct a peg lateral is while your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment to fix spacing issues. Denver cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh will work with your child’s orthodontist in order to ensure that ample space is left to restore your peg lateral to a normal shape and size.
Porcelain veneers provide you with the most effective option to correct this condition. Your veneer can be crafted to match the color and surface smoothness of your natural teeth, and Dr. Greenhalgh can achieve the ideal shape to fit the space left for your restoration. It is by far the most effective option when you have a severely malformed peg lateral.
For minor deformities on a peg lateral tooth, dental bonding may provide you with an effective alternative. However, in most cases where your peg lateral is significantly smaller than it should be, bonding will not result in long lasting, aesthetically pleasing results. Only porcelain veneers will provide you with the results you desire.
It is important to start planning your peg lateral treatment while you are still undergoing orthodontic care. If the proper space is not left for your porcelain veneer, it will be much more challenging for Dr. Greenhalgh to deliver the aesthetic results you desire.
Please contact our Denver cosmetic dentist today to schedule your free initial consultation. Dr. Greenhalgh serves patients in the Denver and Lakewood, Colorado areas.
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Durability of Porcelain Veneers
Monday, June 14th, 2010
Like anything that you want to last a long time, you must take care of your porcelain veneers. They are a good way to mask many of the imperfections you may have with your teeth, but they are not above being damaged by using them to open letters, cut thread, or other tool-type uses. If you can damage your teeth, you can damage your porcelain veneers.
Having said that, porcelain veneers are extremely durable, even though they are less than a millimeter thick. This is because of the way they are bonded to the teeth. Dr. Greenhalgh will remove a small portion of your tooth enamel so the veneer fits right on the front of your teeth. The porcelain shell may be thin, but it is still surprisingly strong.
Ways to keep your porcelain veneers strong include:
- Avoid chewing ice and biting down on other hard objects
- Brush and floss regularly
- Use a toothpaste that is not very abrasive
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports
By taking care of your porcelain veneers, you can be sure that your smile will be bright and straight for years to come.
For more information about the durability of porcelain veneers in the Denver and Lakewood, Colorado area, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh to set up an appointment today.
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Bing and Cosmetic Dentistry
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Professionalism, Bing and Cosmetic Dentistry. What I like about the internet, is that information goes all over the world, and often to places that, while I have no personal connection to, are actually pretty cool.
Yesterday one of the informational sites I have on the site “Naymz” (or click here to see my actual page) sent me a message that someone was looking at my information. I am always curious to see what sorts of things people are searching for, and try to understand how they wind up at my site.
Once I did a little detective work, I found someone had entered this search on Bing: “Who is the epitome of professionalism?”. Much to my surprise, I came up at the top of that search! (see the Bing search for yourself, click here)
Once I dug a little farther, I found that a colleague of mine had posted a comment about our practice using that phrase.
We have a good time here in this office, and frequently you can hear the laughing spilling out.
But, more than anything, or even more important than the fun is professionalism. When you are in our office, and under our care, we will make sure that you are treated carefully, in a manner that produces good results, and professionally.
So, Thanks to everyone out there who has been a supporter, and “Bing it on!”
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Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Friday, April 30th, 2010
A missing tooth may result in a shifting of other teeth, causing a variety of issues affecting your ability to chew properly, the alignment of your jaw, and your ability to avoid future tooth and gum decay. It is not uncommon to develop TMD (TMJ) symptoms after losing a tooth.
Whether you realize it or not, a missing tooth can set off a series of events that lead to serious oral health problems. As a result, it is important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.
There are other serious problems that may arise if you do not replace a missing tooth. Your remaining teeth will be forced to shoulder more of the load with daily chewing and this can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. The gums may recede more quickly on these remaining teeth and ultimately, you may have a tooth fracture and loss of additional teeth.
Denver cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh will perform a thorough examination to evaluate the cause of your missing teeth. He will then recommend a treatment regimen that will help reduce the risk of future tooth loss. If your teeth have shifted, Dr. Greenhalgh may recommend a procedure to return them to their proper alignment.
In general, the two most common methods of replacing missing teeth are dental implants and dental bridges. Dr. Greenhalgh will generally recommend dental implants if you have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant. However, if you are not a candidate for dental implants, dental bridges can provide you with a highly effective alternative. What is important is that you have a personalized exam to find out which option is more suitable for you.
If you have missing teeth that need replacement, please contact our Denver cosmetic dentist today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenhalgh.
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Get inspired!
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
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Headaches Caused by Dental Issues
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Millions of people suffer from frequent, recurring headaches and are unable to find out the real cause. What many don’t realize is that the origin of the problem may be in their teeth. Not many people think of dental issues as the cause of headaches, but actually bruxism (grinding/clenching teeth) and TMD cause far more recurring headaches than most people know.
Bruxism (Grinding/Clenching)
Bruxism is a stress-related condition characterized by grinding and clenching of the teeth while asleep. Many people who have bruxism are not aware of their symptoms until they ask their spouse or partner about it. In addition to directly damaging teeth, which cosmetic dentist Dr. Greenhalgh can fix, bruxism can also cause nasty headaches.
The strain on the nerves and muscles from grinding and clenching all night is also painful, which is the cause of bruxism-related headaches. If you suffer from bruxism or believe your headaches may be the result of nighttime grinding or clenching, schedule a consultation with general, cosmetic, and neuromuscular dentist Dr. Greenhalgh about mouth guards or other medical procedures for bruxism.
TMD/TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
A different dental headache culprit is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ). TMD is usually caused by malocclusion, or a misaligned bite. Malocclusion forces the jaw in an uncomfortable resting position that in turn strains and displaces the TMJ joint. The muscles of the jaw are controlled by the trigeminal nerve, which also carries pain signals from all over the head and neck. Thus, strain on the jaw can quickly become an all-over headache.
Dr. Greenhalgh has extensive experience dealing with TMD and TMD-related headaches. The pain can be reduced through neuromuscular dentistry, which tries to achieve a more natural jaw position by relaxing the strained muscles around the TMJ. Cosmetic dentistry works to realign the bite to that the jaw rests comfortably. The first step is figuring out it if TMD is causing your constant headaches by scheduling a consultation with neuromuscular or cosmetic dentist Dr. Greenhalgh.
For more information about how your headaches can be relieved through neuromuscular or cosmetic dentistry in Denver or Lakewood, please contact Scott Greenhalgh, DDS today.
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Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Halitosis can adversely impact your social or professional life, which is probably why there are hundreds of products sold today to address this problem. Halitosis is usually caused by bacteria in your mouth breaking down proteins and releasing nasty-smelling chemicals. There are also other rare causes of bad breath, including sinus infections and gastric acid reflux.
Preventing Bad Breath
The most effective way to prevent bad breath is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing will remove most of the malodorous bacteria from the teeth and gums, but most bacteria live on the tongue. Therefore, cleaning your tongue with a specialized tongue cleaner should be part of your brushing routine.
Regular cleanings at your dentist’s office every six months can help prevent bad breath as well. If it has been more than six months since you’ve been to a general or cosmetic dentist, you should schedule an appointment with Denver cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh right away.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you or someone you know has bad breath that just won’t go away no matter what mouthwash, toothpaste, or other product you try, it may be fixed with cosmetic dentistry. For example, any crack or chip in a tooth may be a breeding ground for bacteria that are hard to kill. Another place bacteria like to congregate is in the space around an old filling or crown. Dr. Greenhalgh can get rid of this breeding space for bacteria by reshaping or restoring your tooth to its original appearance.
To learn more about white fillings, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry options for bad breath in Denver or Lakewood, please contact Scott Greenhalgh, DDS today.
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Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Tooth sensitivity is the result of stimuli like food or drink coming into contact with the dentin layer of the tooth. The dentin is usually protected by the hard enamel layer except at the root of the tooth. The reason it hurts is that the dentin contains channels that lead to the nerve inside the tooth, which sends a pain signal to the brain when touched.
Tooth sensitivity, then, happens when the dentin is exposed somehow. Receding gums expose the dentin at the base of the tooth, leading to a feeling of pain around the root. This can be the result of gum disease or irritating the gums by brushing too forcefully.
Chipped and broken teeth may also be extra-sensitive. Bacteria can live in the damaged section of the tooth and reach the dentin layer underneath. Dr. Greenhalgh is an experienced cosmetic dentist who can restore damaged teeth and decrease the sensitivity and pain.
Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent tooth decay, which also causes pain and sensitivity, especially near the roots. Cavities at the root can expose the dentin layer.
There are multiple treatments for sensitive teeth. For mild cases, special toothpaste may be used to dampen nerve responses. Painful or severe cases should be treated by a dentist, who may affix a white filling or sealant to act in place of the enamel where it has decayed or been undermined.
To find out what a cosmetic dentist in the Denver/Lakewood area can do to reduce the pain of sensitive teeth, please contact Scott Greenhalgh, DDS today.
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Oral Health and Physical Health
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Oral health is closely tied to overall wellness because oral diseases affect the rest of the body. For example, gum-disease bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause problems in other areas of the body. A healthy mouth is home to hundreds of species of bacteria, but most of them are relatively harmless. An unhealthy mouth, however, has more of the disease-causing bacteria that can spread through the blood.
Gum disease is also linked to life-threatening diseases and conditions that affect other body parts. Studies show that gum disease and missing teeth can greatly increase your risk of coronary artery disease, heart disease, and diabetes.
The good news is that gum disease and most other oral health problems are both curable and preventable. Good oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do to help prevent gum disease and maintain oral health. Dr. Greenhalgh will help you create a comprehensive oral health care plan that includes regular cleanings at his office and any cosmetic procedures you may need.
Healthy teeth and gums also contribute to a more attractive visual appearance. Even if you’re generally healthy, crooked or damaged teeth and other dental/periodontal problems can do serious damage to your self-esteem. That’s why both general and cosmetic dentistry are important components of maintaining your overall well-being.
For more information about oral health or cosmetic dentistry in the Denver/Lakewood area, contact Denver cosmetic and general dentist, Scott Greenhalgh, DDS online and schedule a consultation.
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How to Choose a New Dentist
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
Selecting the appropriate cosmetic dentist to correct your smile is a task to take seriously. You should never choose a dentist at random. Time and research should be put into finding the right person to meet your dental needs.
You will first need to find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. Make sure that person is certified to practice by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and a member of one or more professional associations, such as the American Society of Dental Aesthetics.
Choose a cosmetic dentist who is comfortable to work with, and someone who is not too insistent about how they believe your smile should look. Results are better when you and your cosmetic dentist work together to create your smile. Look for someone who displays honesty, patience, and enthusiasm for dentistry.
You can evaluate the office and staff by assessing whether staff members are friendly, professional, knowledgeable and helpful. Ask about their credentials and how long they have been at the office. Ask about the technology they use and how updated it is. Also evaluate the practice’s cleanliness. What is the overall hygiene like?
During the initial consultation
You can talk to your prospective cosmetic dentist about your dental goals. Ask if there are Before and After photos of his patients and whether any of them could talk to you. Also ask him or her about:
- Their training
- Amount of time in practice
- What organizations they belong to
- How they stay up-to-date on new technologies and procedures
- Fees and financing options
If you are looking for an experienced, qualified cosmetic dentist in the Denver area, please contact Lakewood cosmetic dentist Dr. Greenhalgh to schedule your initial consultation.
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3190 South Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 | Lakewood, CO 80227
Phone. 800-757-6680 | Fax. 303-479-7599 | Contact Us
Monday: closed Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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