Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

Stem Cells and Cosmetic Dentistry

posted by Dr. Scott at 3:07 PM

What's New? (dental implants)

What's new right now? EVERYTHING! There really is a lot happening in modern dentistry right now. Dental implant technology is exploding and becoming more and more commonplace. Many people have either had dental implants or know someone who has. We will keep seeing advancements that make it easier and easier to have dental implants (see our short dental implant video). Once of the best innovations recently has been the process called "All on four".

Four implants are used to replace all of the teeth on one jaw. They can be done rapidly and in some circumstances, patients can have their new implant teeth or bridge the same day. In the past it often required six to eight implants, possibly sinus surgery or sinus bone grafting, then wait six to twelve months, then wait another two to three months to make the new teeth.

We can look forward to more and more advancements like this, ones that make lessen the complexity, lessen the amount of surgery necessary and shorten the time that it takes until you receive your final teeth. And now more than ever before, we have great cosmetic dentistry to connect to those implants, making them not only work well, but look better than ever! Contact us today to learn more about how implants can fit your lifestyle. we are happy to offer dental implant dentistry in Denver.

Labels: all on four, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental implant video, dental implants, Denver dentist, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh DDS

posted by Dr. Scott at 10:06 PM

What's around the next bend?

You just never know where the roads you are on life are going to take you. As I look back over 22 years in dentistry in denver I am always amazed at the cool people I get to meet.

My wife told me today, someone came up to her after her exercise class and said "Hey, I saw your picture at Wal-Mart". OK- how exactly do you respond to that? What this lady really meant was that she saw my wife's picture at Costco (a little better, at least to me!).

Last year we started work on our website. I knew I wanted it to have a certain look. I searched a LOT of options and photographers. I met (my now good friend) Mark of Mark Cafiero Photography (his blog, it's hilarious). Mark ROCKS, there are a lot of nice photos in the world, but Mark has the eye. We immediately enrolled him to take our website photos, our staff photos, inside our office, some really cool portraits of our patients who finished cosmetic dentistry (see our before and after gallery) and even our family portraits.

Anyway, the road turns like this: Mark has since started a business with Costco to take cool, original, outdoor family photos (visit them here: http://www.neversaycheese.com/). He used a number of images of my family and I in some of the promotions with Costco.

I am reading his blog today, and BAM, there's my wife and I at the bottom of one of his mailers... (I AM happy that Mark is not doing a Wal-Mart promotion, otherwise I'd have to get some Billy-Bob teeth...)

SO, look for the best people you can find, then do as much work, pleasure, hanging out or whatever you can with them.

You never know what's around the NEXT bend...

Labels: before and after gallery, cosmetic dentist Denver, Cosmetic Dentistry, Mark Cafiero

posted by Dr. Scott at 4:50 PM

Why EVERYONE needs a Cosmetic Dentist.

posted by Dr. Scott at 8:36 AM

Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Cosmetic Dentistry

I'm nearing the end of a good read entitled "Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs" by Carmine Gallo. Steve is known for engaging, powerful communication about Apple's new products. I really enjoy the insights into how the great ones think.

One of my insights thus far is that Steve has a fanatical involvement in crafting his messages. He could farm them out to a speech writer, he could pencil sketch some slides that he wants to use in his presentation and send them off to the best graphic artists on the planet, but it largely appears that HE creates all of these things himself.

I really believe that personal involvement makes his message so powerful and persuasive.

Another insight is his ability to take the complexities of new technologies and products, and simplify them to he point that anyone can understand them. I think this is one of the single biggest mistakes in healthcare.

The doctor has volumes of knowledge, but he speaks in a way that sounds like he is speaking to his peers, rather than translate it into a message that his patient can easily grasp. I find the same is true with cosmetic dentistry in Denver. The majority of patients don't really care about what percent are we going to make the Golden Proportion of the front teeth. How many millimeters (or fractions) are we going to add here. I believe my roll is to bring clarity and to understand what my patient's concerns are, understand what technically needs to be constructed, and then converse about them in a way to build confidence about the process and the planned results.

I've watched some of Steve's presentations on YouTube. (In fact, you can watch some of my videos on our media page (or on YouTube as well.). So far, no one is writing a book about me, and I haven't had the call to speak to thousands (though you can see what 125 people have said about our practice in these dentist reviews. I AM passionate about cosmetic dentistry, and I really believe that virtually ALL dental problems can be stopped forever. Maybe someday, I 'll get invited to speak about cosmetic dentistry, or even about creating amazing dental health.

For now, I am more than pleased to speak with my patients one-on-one and help them create their results and experience they have been hoping for.

Labels: Apple, before and after photos, cosmetic dentist reviews, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental video, Steve Jobs, YouTube

posted by Dr. Scott at 11:53 AM

State of the Art Cosmetic Dentistry and Sherlock Holmes

I am blogging to you from the 2nd ever annual meeting of the Colorado Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I feel fortunate to be a Charter member here in Denver. This group is an affiliate of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Like a lot of things in life, hanging and associating with the right people makes all the difference.

Here are some of my biggest observations for today:

A great cosmetic dentist is really a great photographer. You have to imagine, see, then capture the problems in teeth. I personally believe that many clues to issues in teeth are just missed. It's like those old Sherlock Holmes stories. There's a dead body on the floor, Watson makes some theory like he was shot by a random passer-by through the window. After a few moments of unbelief, Holmes goes on to explain in detail how the corpse had recently returned from the far east, inadvertently upset a local warlord, and was followed home and poisoned while he slept with some exotic Asian spider venom.

CLASSIC-- they both are in the same room, but it's all in how the details are seen (IF they are recognized) and how they are linked together to tie the important details together correctly. Any really good dentistry has to be done in this same manner. Cosmetic dentistry has to be done in the same way. For cosmetic dentistry to produce an exciting result, and for it to hold up well over time, the cosmetic dentist has to be a master at collecting clues (photographing) and fitting them together for that indiviual patient.

I really enjoying winding through these mysteries and journeys. Every day it is our mission to solve problems, and create beautiful cosmetic dentistry.

So, watch out for Asian warlords, and exotic spiders... but leave your teeth to us.

Labels: AACD, before and after photos, cosmetic dentist Denver, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental photography, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Sherlock Holmes

posted by Dr. Scott at 10:49 AM

How Walt Disney changed Cosmetic Dentistry

Walt Disney changed the face of Cosmetic Dentistry. No, Goofy didn't finally get veneers for his two front teeth. Walt set priorities for his dream that have a lot to do with cosmetic dentistry.

I recently attended the "Disney Keys to Success for Healthcare" meeting here in Denver. I LOVE these sort of courses. I love to see the inner workings of companies that are completely different than mine, yet, we share in common the goal to create an amazing result and an outstanding experience. Disney and I both exist to create beautiful smiles.

We spent the day examining the way that Disney creates their Magic, day after day. For them, it all starts with their first key: Safety. Huh,... really, the secret to the Disney magic is... Safety? As we looked at what that meant, I realized that they have it right. In the next few blogs I'll be speaking to what Disney and Safety has to do with Cosmetic Dentistry. For now, think about how important Safety is in your day-to-day routine.

I think you'll agree that it matters for cosmetic dentistry as well.

Labels: Cosmetic Dentistry, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Disney, Smiles

posted by Dr. Scott at 7:50 AM

What does the FDA say about silver fillings?

The recent expected update from the FDA regarding the status of dental amalgam (silver filling) was released yesterday. There has been controversy for decades about the mercury in these fillings. Some have been very adamant about the mercury vapor causing all sorts of many illnesses and diseases.  In fact the dentist who really helped form my interest for me to go into dentistry, later became very anti-amalgam (it's some sort of ironic twist that I actually have a couple of silver fillings placed by that dentist before he went on the Anti-amalgam bandwagon).

I have found that good dentistry is generally healthful dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry creates smiles that people love. When you love something, you take care of it better. So, cosmetic dentistry is actually more-healthful for your teeth than regular dentistry. In fact, I'm sure cosmetic dentistry kept my patient Bob from going on to losing some teeth and having some sort of denture.

    

The FDA ruled as expected: they placed dental amalgam and dental mercury in a moderate risk class. (big deal). This may give them grounds to regulate it more in the future, but for now, there is really no big change for dentistry or patients. There's a lot of science and research to consider. In the end, it's best to discuss with your dentist exactly what will be right for you. In our Denver cosmetic dentistry office, we spend time with people to find out what their concerns are and spend the time to craft the right solutions. Solutions that create results and solve problems (and look great!). 

The beauty of healthcare here in Denver, is that you have a choice of what you put in your teeth. And, I think it might as well bypass the controversy and just create something to smile about! 

Labels: Cosmetic Dentistry, dental amalgam, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Denver dentist, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh DDS, FDA

posted by Dr. Scott at 3:56 PM

Is this the end of Silver Fillings?

Tomorrow we are expecting a ruling by the FDA on the classification for "encapsulated amalgam" (that is a cartridge that holds the liquid Mercury and the powder made from other elements). There has been controversy following amalgam for many years. And too often, it becomes the whipping boy for health extremists. In my experience of over 20 years in dentistry, I cannot say I personally have observed or treated someone who has suffered some ill or neurological effect from having silver fillings. 

Amalgam has been around for more than 100 years. That was the main material that I was taught to fill teeth with in 1988. Personally, it can work great, but I stopped using it over 10 years ago. There is simply no way to make it part of cosmetic dentistry. 

My personal belief is that amalgam persists because it is a fairly easy and forgiving material to put into teeth. In general, you can be a very average dentist or dental assistant and fix a cavity with silver filling. In my opinion, it takes greater skill and ability to place white fillings that produce both a beautiful and comfortable result. You just simply can't have a bad day with white (or composite) fillings because it is a demanding material. 

Beyond fillings, lies the realm of porcelain restorations. There are many times that NO filling materials (silver amalgam or white composite) are strong enough. In my cosmetic dentistry practice in Denver, we often use porcelain inlays or onlays to repair teeth beautifully. These restorations can be invisible even to the trained eye and can repair a tooth that has had a larger cavity for many years.

So... we'll see what the FDA says tomorrow. 

Actually, in my practice it won't make any difference, since I don't use it anyway. I'll just stick to the great resources that I already have for cosmetic dentistry (visit our smile gallery). We'll just keep on making back and front teeth look natural and smiles looking great!

Labels: amalgam fillings, before and after photos, composite fillings, Cosmetic Dentistry, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh DDS, FDA, silver fillings, Smile gallery, white fillings

posted by Dr. Scott at 10:24 PM

Oral Cancer and Lance Armstrong

 The Tour De France bicycle race is in full force. Lance Armstrong is making an unprecedented bid to win an 8^th time. After fighting cancer, winning 7 other times and at 37 years of age, he is within one second of the overall lead. I've never had cancer, but when I’m not busy with cosmetic dentistry in Denver, I enjoy cycling myself..

 

One of my theories on reasons why Lance has returned this year is that it gives him unparalleled visibility to speak about cancer survival. While he's still a celebrity in general, the whole world stops and watches when he is riding. That's a pretty good platform to advance your cause. 

With that in mind, we have chosen to make July Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Lance's LiveStrong organization is a great compilation of resources for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and to support their families. 

My part in all of this is to try to prevent as many cases as possible, and to improve the odds for those who we identify it for. Oral cancer can be beaten when identified early (you'll hear more about how we are using new tests to identify oral changes earlier and more accurately in another blog next week). 

All this month (or while supplies last, we are giving away the popular LiveStrong yellow bracelet. Statistics show that 1in 3 of us have either had cancer or are close to someone who has had it.

 

Cosmetic dentistry is more than just amazing smiles. It’s also about creating and maintaining great oral health as well. One of my favorite patients-Bob, commented on how cosmetic dentistry changed his health-it’s true.

 

Specifically we are getting the word out that more people die from Oral cancer than either cervical cancer or skin cancer.  

Think about that for a second--how much attention and how much prevention is targeted at these diseases. For decades the dental profession has been unable to make an impact in these statistics. Now more than ever, you will hear more and more about the importance of regular oral cancer exams. Many other regular cancer screenings are performed, yearly like colonoscopies, PAP smears, etc. The oral cancer screening is not invasive, (you don’t need to be sedated or take your clothes off) and in a few minutes we have some new and reliable tests to identify early mouth skin changes. You don't have to be in a high risk group to be affected by oral cancer. For every new patient, we take the time to do a thorough oral cancer screening using state-of-the-art testing (click here for more information what else is checked at your first visit).

 

SO contact us today or phone us at 303 988 9060, to reserve your yellow bracelet. Join with us in supporting Lance in his race to win another Tour De France, and in the fight to beat cancer.

 

Go Lance Go!

Labels: Cosmetic Dentistry, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Lance Armstrong Foundation, LiveStrong, oral cancer, Scott Greenhalgh DDS, Tour de France

posted by Dr. Scott at 8:04 PM

How does a dentist choose a new dentist?

Well, OK it wasn't a dentist. It was the professional son of a practicing dentist who we saw in my office the other day. So if his dad still practices, why did he arrive in my office? Well, actually, I think he's a bright gentleman. His dad practices 1500 miles away, so it's just no longer practical to go home for everything. Since Denver is now really his home, he realized he need to get back on track with a new Denver dentist.

I checked out the Dentist/Dad's website. Most of the 

dental websites I've seen are dreadful. They should be for selling dog toys or something. (I'm very glad I found Dan Goldstein and his crew at Page1 solutions for my website). I was impressed and left with the impression that he was an excellent dentist. (I don't often enough get to say that). You can check us out here.

So, what do you say to a Dentist's son?  After a deep breath and a moment to REALLY focus... Well, actually nothing different than what I tell ALL of my new patients. We perform an exhaustive exam, checking MANY, many things. We spend a lot of time talking about prevention, talking about  unique things that they may be prone to. We take a LOT of photos, I showed him exactly what was going on with his teeth. HE could see exactly what 

I was talking about. If his dentist dad wants to see the pictures, HE will be able to see the same thing. It winds up being really simple. No pressure, no wondering IF there is a real problem-everyone can see it for themselves. In fact, it's the same way I do it when my kids come into the office, or if YOU come in. 

We try to find everything that's important. We try to help you know exactly what dental disease you are prone to, as well as what problems you are likely to have on the future. We educate you about how you can prevent problems. We give you options about how it can be fixed. We talk through all of your comfort options-no matter what you need there is a comfortable way to have it done. (We do it the same way for my kids, the other Dentist's son, and you).

So what brought him to MY office-why choose us? There is an online service called DrOOgle that collects comments about dentists. I have been fortunate enough to have many wonderful patients take the time to go post their comments on sites like these (thank you all again!) . In fact as of today, our practice is the highest rated Cosmetic dental practice in the Denver metro area. Surprisingly, we are also the highest rated Family dental practice in Denver as well. 

You'll see a new page on our website this month about How to read and Use online reviews. There is more to it than meets the eye. Like a lot of other things in life, you have to expend a little effort and think for yourself. 

SO if you are looking for a new dentist , check out some of our reviews, if you're already a patient here (thanks again), you might want to forward to one of your friends or co-workers. EVERYONE thinks their dentist is the best, we'll now they don't have to just take your word for it, they can see what (everyone) else is saying.

We'll be right here when you need us.

Labels: cosmetic dentist reviews, Cosmetic Dentistry, dentist reviews, Denver dentist, Scott Greenhalgh DDS

posted by Dr. Scott at 11:42 PM

Current Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry: Tooth Whitening

posted by Erica at 9:40 AM

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. 

Labels: AACD, Cosmetic Dentistry, Customer service, Ritz-Carlton, Scott Greenhalgh DDS

posted by Dr. Scott at 11:00 AM

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.

Labels: Brooke Burns, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry, Denver Post, Domestic violence, GBAS, Give Back A Smile, Oprah

posted by Dr. Scott at 10:40 PM

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

posted by Dr. Scott at 6:50 PM

The Best of Cosmetic Dentistry

posted by Dr. Scott at 12:29 PM

Previous Posts

• Stem Cells and Cosmetic Dentistry
• Headaches Caused by Dental Issues
• Dentures, bleeding and muscle weakness
• Why you need a GREAT Dental Examination
• How to make your mom have dentures
• What's New? (dental implants)
• Bad Breath (Halitosis)
• What's around the next bend?
• When quality is NOT important
• Should I quit my Dentist job?

Archives

• March 2009
• April 2009
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