Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

Friday, May 29, 2009

Current Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry: Tooth Whitening

The number one most unappealing aspect of a person's smile is stained or discolored teeth, according to a consumer poll conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Statistics back this current trend. The AACD reports that teeth whitening procedures are the most popular cosmetic dental treatment today, having increased more than 300 percent since 1996.

Although daily home care and routine cleanings are crucial for maintaining optimum oral health, some foods can actually help to remove stains from your teeth. The AACD says that foods like apples, carrots and cucumbers produce saliva that combines with the natural fiber in these foods. The combination naturally cleans your teeth and removes bacteria.

Foods and tips for a brighter, whiter smile

  • Avoid the following or use them sparingly: coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine, blackberries and blueberries. These will stain your teeth quickly.
  • Strawberries help naturally whiten your teeth.
  • When possible, drink from a straw. Doing so allows food to bypass your teeth completely.
  • Besides being healthy for your body, raw vegetables will help clean your teeth and rid them of surface stains.


Chewing sugarless gum has also been proven to stimulate saliva and clean the tooth surfaces. However, if you suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), you should not try this.

If you are interested in a teeth whitening procedure or would like to learn more about other cosmetic dentistry options, please call or email Lakewood Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Greenhalgh today.

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posted by Erica at 9:40 AM

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Veneers and your Success.



It's been everywhere this week. Amazing smiles. Crummy smiles. People who like their smiles. People who are unhappy with theirs. People who are ready to change their smile. Stories about people who HAVE changed their smile.

I flipped on the radio this morning and the DJ's on Alice 105.9 were in the midst of discussing their female counterpart's smile that she disliked for years. In fact, so much so that she said, "I haven't ordered any pictures from my wedding, because I really hate how my smile looks". Imagine it, that huge celebration, and you don't want any pictures of it? Anyway, she said that she had planned to get veneers and really truly sounded excited to make the change. If you find you don't smile easily and often, you can read more about what's involved with veneers.

I had a patient in today with their kids. She had recently had some veneers finished. She smiles ALL the time now. She looks happier, she radiates contentment, and just gives off that happy aura. Another patient was in later today. She works with another patient of mine who had also finished veneers recently. In fact, you can see her finished portrait in our smile gallery. She also described how her friend just smiles all the time. What a gift for yourself and for the people around you. Don't you find that you just want to hang around with someone like that?

I know there are a lot of concerns about the economy, and here in Denver, I have seen a number of patients inside my practice suffer job transitions. BUT, if you are fighting for that new position don't you think you need every advantage? A great smile makes a powerful first impression. NOW is the right time to update your smile.

So here's where the power of smiles and success seem to intersect. I've found myself enjoying Twitter lately. People use a small avatar and most people customize theirs with a photo of themselves. You then decide to "follow" people who look or sound interesting. You can follow me and my Tweets on my Twitter link. My premise is people who have a really broad, happy smile get more followers than someone with just a plain photo. I mean a HUGE smile from ear to ear. To me that kind of smile shows ease, confidence, happiness, and someone you just want to be around. There are numerous studies that actually show that people with great smiles actually make more money, and have more success. 

Most people don't really appreciate what can be changed in a smile. From smile makeovers to bonding, simple to involved, you can change your smile.  It is my great pleasure to be involved and watch it happen from beginning to the end. 

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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:21 PM

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Power of Unexpected Service


I recently attended the 25th annual session of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It was a great meeting presenting cutting edge advancements in cosmetic dentistry techniques.

 It's typically a very large meeting with thousands of dentists from around the world. With the economy being somewhat uncertain this year, I think it also filters what practices are really committed to cosmetic dentistry, and which just want to be on the bandwagon. In fact, this year only 900 dentists worldwide attended this meeting. I anticipate having the exact number of dentists from Colorado that attended, but I would guess about a dozen at the most from all areas of the state.

At big functions, customer service typically goes out the window because it's a captive audience. I have to say I had a number of really unexpected great experiences throughout the week. 

For example, before you can enter any of the lectures, you have your registration badge bar codes scanned. Typically these are people who have to sit at a table all day for hours. Not exactly fascinating work. I met probably the friendliest person of the whole week at one of these check in areas. I happened to have a number of my seminars in the same room, so there she was day after day. She used my name, "Hello again Dr. Scott!" and was all smiles. 

A number of years ago one of my study clubs brought the Ritz-Carlton to Denver to teach us the "Customer Service Secrets of the Ritz-Carlton".  Rule number one- "Always give a warm welcome". This was a talent for her, she genuinely enjoyed welcoming people. 

We hope you'll leave with that same happy feeling when you visit our cosmetic dentistry office. 



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posted by Dr. Scott at 11:00 AM

Monday, May 18, 2009

New Spokeswoman for Cosmetic Dentistry


Recently I let you in on some breaking news about the Give Back A  Smile program that benefits victims who have had damage to their smile from domestic abuse. 

Here's why I don't work for the Denver Post. I heard the name of the new spokeswoman the other day right from the horse's mouth... except I heard the wrong name. I found out when I spoke to someone else that I heard the name wrong. And, as I write this now, I am hunting for another source to verify the name so I don't have to eat crow twice.  (Actually, I have confirmed this with her publicist, so I'm feeling a little like Woodward and Bernstein with my keen skills at investigative research). I told you the other day that Brooke Burke would be the new face, except that Brooke Burns is the new spokeswoman. 
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to helping raise money on behalf of caring for these victims. Hopefully you will hear more about this program through the media this year. In a perfect world, Brooke might wind up on Oprah and REALLY get the message out.  You will hear a lot about this program from me (I probably won't wind up on Oprah though). 

My part is to let people know how widespread domestic violence is, give information about what resources are available, and donate the cosmetic dentistry to help rebuild lives.

Maybe when I retire I'll start my own little newspaper, if so, I've already learned the first lesson-double check your facts!

If you want more information about the GBAS program, how to help, or how to care treatment for someone who is a victim, please contact me through my website.


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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:40 PM

Thursday, May 14, 2009

What Aspen, CO knows about teeth that you don't.

I was reading my copy of the ADANEWS, a semimonthly update from the ADA (American Dental Association). Twenty communities were recently recognized at the National Oral Health Conference. I was surprised to see Erie, CO on the list as a community that had recently initiated a community water Fluoridation program (so Kudos to all you community activists out there in Erie).

OK, here's the shocker, other awards were given to other communities that defeated initiatives to remove Fluoride from the local water supply. ASPEN, CO was one city of merit. If Aspen can swing a vote to keep Fluoride in their water, it's probably actually important. 

Any dental work, even cosmetic dentistry, ultimately still connects to your teeth. As long as there is tooth available, you can still get a new cavity there. 

Here's my take on it: MANY people have cavities and are prone to getting more and more. I can fix teeth every which way to Sunday, but I can't stop them on my own. I have seen tremendous results in stopping cavities by using an intensive Fluoride program. The program consists of a focused routine with a prescription strength gel at home, and then professional strength Fluoride application in the office with your cleanings. 

I can almost guarantee, if you have a halfway thoughtful diet, make reasonable efforts to clean your teeth properly, that I can STOP your cavities. It's part of a well thought-out, personalized assessment for what's happening in your mouth (often referred to as CAMBRA- more another day). SO all you community activists out there, let's keep the Fluoride.


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posted by Dr. Scott at 6:50 PM

3190 South Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 | Lakewood, CO 80227

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