Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

Monday, March 29, 2010

How Important is the Finish Line? (in dentistry?)

Why is there a finish line at races? You know that classic tape that you see the winning runner throw up their arms and run through? I'm not really a runner, and I haven't really competed and won many races. SO...does the finish line matter for anyone else in the race besides the winner?

You betcha it does! Even though I love being a cosmetic dentist in Denver, I have some other hobbies. I really enjoy bicycling. In fact some of my favorite accomplishments were riding in the Triple Bypass. This is a loooong ride. It's 120 miles; it goes up and down mountain passes. Like in cosmetic dentistry, the proper plan allows for success. In smile makeovers, I take photos, make computer smile simulations, and mock-ups of what the final result ought to be. Planning is king.

With the right plan comes great veneers or a fantastic smile makeover (please visit our smile gallery of before and after photos).

I digress... One of my neighbors told me about his experience on this ride one year. he told me about starting strong, getting up the first mountain pass, then later starting up Loveland Pass, then...BONK. Cramps, tired legs that just couldn't produce enough to get up and over the pass. He had to get off his bike wait for the "sag wagon," the van that then shuttles you all the way to the end in Beaver Creek. I imagine getting out of the van at the finish line was not the thrill of victory, but more like the agony of defeat.

I learned from his comments. I had a very intensive training program and then more importantly a PLAN on race day to get to the finish line. I have ridden this race twice. I am positive that I will never be the first one over the finish line. BUT, I have finished both times I rode it. The feeling at the finish line after truly finishing the race was awesome! It was worth all of the training and the preparation.

There is no sag wagon in dentistry. (The closest thing would be dentures...) There is no shuttle to the end, and then just a little bit of shame. In dentistry, there are no shortcuts. Unfortunately, once the problems get started, they just get bigger and bigger.

The race of keeping your teeth your entire life MATTERS. So YES, the finish line matters.

Labels: best Denver dentist, Colorado Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, dentures, porcelain veneers, Scott Greenhalgh DDS, smile makeover