Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Why you need a GREAT Dental Examination


I see new patients almost everyday. I see people that are new to Denver, haven't been to the dentist for years, or have had a major disappointment with their old Denver dentist. I would say that 80% of these people hope to have one of those "check-up" examinations that last about 5 minutes like when you have your teeth cleaned. What they seem to want is to run in and run out, and largely get the blessing on their teeth, you know, "I don't have any cavities, right Doc?"

When we see new patients, our examination takes at least an hour. We commonly see people who have had some sort of an issue that still isn't resolved, or some problem that no one else could fix (see my other dental blog about clues, Cosmetic Dentistry and Sherlock Holmes).

Here's part of what is important on that first visit (for more detail see "what to expect on your first visit"). One, the history of what has happened to your teeth (and why it happened) is critical. Why you went or didn't go to the dentist before, along with how you feel about going to the dentist now. These impressions and opinions affect how likely you will be to really take care of your teeth well for the future.

Here's another critical part: your X-rays. One of my pet peeves is when you go for a medical X-ray. No one gives you any information. If you are lucky, maybe they'll let you look at the image, but it's like the whole X-ray department is run by the CIA. No one will tell you anything about what it means or what's on the darn X-ray.

I sit down with our new patients and spend 10 minutes just showing you your X-rays. I know that's sort of controversial stuff. Actually SHOW you what's there, TALK about what it means, and discuss anything important in that whole set (another aside, YES, you really do need those periodic X-rays-they show changes and the things that start as small problems before they start to hurt).

After that we start checking the outside of your face and mouth. Yeah, the OUTSIDE. Things like the TMJ, your facial muscles, and glands. These all are windows to your overall health and how well your jaw joint works (or sticks) and how prone you are to clench or grind your teeth. And how balanced your bite is.

After that THEN we start to look at teeth. It usually takes FORTY minutes before we even start looking at teeth. That's how important all of these other things are. FORTY minutes.

So, this is really just the beginning of a great examination. The point is that we study YOU, we talk about YOU and then tailor the recommendations to YOU. So whether you are looking for a Denver cosmetic dentist or a family dentist in Denver, it all starts with a great exam. Contact us today to see the difference for yourself.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 9:39 AM

Thursday, February 11, 2010

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.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:06 PM

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Insights into a Cosmetic Dentistry career

I just finished breakfast with a long-term dentist friend of mine. We've had a standing annual breakfast meeting for about 15 years now. Time flies... As I write this I am sitting in a Starbuck's. Not just ANY Starbuck's, but one that used to be my old dental office. It's actually sort of creepy. Who knew then that a little ramshackle dental building would later be converted to a neighborhood coffee hotspot.

Back in 1991 I started my first dental practice in Denver, near the DU campus. Even from the beginning, one of the first organizations I became involved with was the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I placed my first veneers almost 20 years ago now.

Even though, the years are starting to really add up, I still enjoy cosmetic dentistry more than anything else I do. I appreciate the opportunity to change smiles and change lives. I am looking forward to the next 15 years too (though I'm fairly sure we have enough Starbuck's now).

So if you are looking for veneers, or maybe to revitalize your smile, contact me today. I'll even buy you a cup of Starbuck's if you mention my old office...

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posted by Dr. Scott at 9:50 AM

Monday, January 4, 2010

How to use Dentist Reviews (Part One)



Here is the first installment of my series about how to read and use reviews online and finding a cosmetic dentist in Denver. I'll provide a number of tips that are useful for both finding a new dentist as well as buying anything online.

Number One: Look for dentist reviews that reflect your same interests or concerns. Here's what I mean. If you are looking for a new dentist, then determine a few of your top preferences. They could be things like: easy to talk to, comforting, able to solve your dental problem, gentle, good with kids, good with anxious or fearful patients, or proven results with cosmetic dentistry.

Take those two or three top criteria and go looking for reviews that comment (good or badly) about those things. In this instance, SKIP any of the reviews that don't mention your top items. Look for examples in the reviews where a patient comments specifically about your concerns.
Another way to use this first tip is to also search for reviews that describe the same results that you would like to have. Things like: "He put me at ease", "I always had problems getting numb, but He did it!", I had some other veneers and had problems, but Dr. Greenhalgh fixed them!" or even other things like, the staff are so friendly, the hygienist is gentle...

Online reviews can be very revealing about how an office really works. By following these tips, you will increase the certainty that you will find a dentist and dental office that matches your values. (you can view some of our reviews here). More tips coming soon!

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posted by Dr. Scott at 9:39 AM

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Why EVERYONE needs a Cosmetic Dentist.

After practicing for over 21 years as a dentist in Denver, I have found methods and systems to create success for my patients. By success I mean that: pain goes away from problems, amazing smiles are created, problems are fixed and stay fixed, cavities are stopped (forever), and the anxiety about dental care is soothed.

Everyone needs a Cosmetic Dentist because, in the end, the dental work has to work well AND look good. Someday you'll see some web pages or an article from me about why any patient that sees the orthodontist or a pediatric dentist NEEDS a cosmetic dentist. (more on those specific topics on another day). Everyone needs a cosmetic dentist because only one dentist will actually create the final smile, no matter how many other specialists are involved. He's the one who will create it, make sure you love it, fit it so it's comfortable and monitor it over the years so that it lasts.

Almost anyone can benefit from some improvement to their smile. Many people only need something small or simple. It can make a HUGE difference in how you like your smile. If you love your smile, then you act with more confidence, and others perceive you as happier and more attractive (listen to one of our patient's short video story on YouTube)

From teeth whitening to cosmetic reshaping of the teeth, all the way up to veneers or a smile makeover, having a smile you LOVE is why everyone needs a cosmetic dentist.

Maybe you should have one too...contact us today.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 8:36 AM

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Why Toyota is a lot like Cosmetic Dentistry

I drove by the neighborhood Toyota dealer today. Rows and rows of shiny cars and trucks. But I thought to myself, they are just another brand now.

In one of the latest issues of Consumer Reports, they put in print what I had known internally for at least a few years now. They stated that Toyota is no longer the #1 brand for quality. I'm sure somewhere in Japan it is not a pretty sight.

Here's my take on how they got there, and how it is like cosmetic dentistry. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter whether I have done a great set of veneers or built wonderful teeth on dental implants. What matters is if you, my patient love them. If in reality, day after day, you look in the mirror and just grin at your self. If day after day, you can say to yourself- "I'm GLAD I did that!"

What I personally found with Toyota, is that I own a 2001 SUV. We have had more than the average amount of things wear out and break. Not what I consider to be representative of the best brand n the world. And then the little things-the plastic door that hides the little storage compartment in the trunk- except that it always falls off and never stays shut.

With dental work I liken those little things to: my new crown feels smooth enough, or the bite does feel just right, or my tooth stopped hurting all the way and feels good now.

Our practice at Scott Greenhalgh DDS has a strong reputation for customer service and excellent results. People come to us when others have tried to solve the problems, but failed. Many kind patients have posted their Denver dentist reviews online for others to see. THAT's our brand right now. What WE do with it today, and tomorrow and next week and next year will be determined by our commitment to resolve problems, listen and follow up until you are internally happy and constantly be attentive.

We want to continue to be the #1 reviewed denver dentist office because we have served you well. As long as we are #1 to YOU, then we are succeeding.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 9:41 AM

Monday, November 23, 2009

Missing Teeth, Dental Implants, and options

As a cosmetic dentist in Denver, I want to give you a few of my thoughts on why it is important to replace a missing molar, and what a few of the options are. (Click to find out more about Scott Greenhalgh, DDS).

I see people almost everyday that have had a situation where they have lost a tooth. Sometimes the best answer to a major dental problem is actually to remove a tooth. It shouldn't be the best answer too often, but realistically, sometimes it is. While in as fast as 24 hours, the problem: toothache, swollen jaw or whatever, begins to clear up and feel pretty good again, it can be misleading that that's the end of the story.

Unfortunately, the problem doesn't really end there. When a tooth is missing it starts a cascade of other dental problems. One problem is that the neighboring teeth can begin to shift. If they shift too much you can develop TMJ or jaw problems. In addition, the force that used to be on the problem tooth, is not spread onto fewer teeth. This can produce sensitivity and gum recession. It can even begin to loosen remaining teeth.

I see people everyday and ask them, "Has anyone ever told you about why it is important to replace a missing tooth?" Most disappointingly say, "No- no one ever has".

A missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant (watch our short dental implant video). Implants have been successfully used for about 50 years now. The success rates are very high, usually in the neighborhood of 95%, so I always emphasize to patients that dental implants are not new or not experimental.

I have found that most of the time, a dental implant is the right solution, but not always.

You should be aware that there are other options including placing a "bridge", which is another type of permanent solution (meaning that you never have to take it out). Some people have the mistaken impression that a bridge is what their Uncle Joe had, that he would always pop out after meals, or that had those big silver hooks. That device is really a "partial denture" or "partial".

Partials are another way to replace missing teeth. It is better than not replacing them at all, but has limitations. Some of the limitations are that it can have silver hooks that show, or that you have to take it out frequently to clean under it.

After more than 20 years of dentistry in Denver, I have found that after a short conversation and a thorough examination, the right solution for YOU can be found. All that matters in the end is that YOU get the results, solution, approach and budget that fits for YOU.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 2:36 PM

Monday, October 12, 2009

Working on my Cosmetic Dentistry Book




About a year ago I finally decided what type of website I wanted to build and who I wanted to build it. I have to say I have been happy with Dan Goldstein and his crew over at Page1 Solutions. I believe we built a very robust website, with the emphasis on readability and information for you, the reader.


Over the weekend, I was sorting through some of the cosmetic dentistry portraits that my off-the-hook photographer created (Mark Cafiero-photographer, "par excellence"). From there it dawned on me that there are a lot of stories in those images. So, I started to create a book or a portfolio to capture those stories and transformations.

Simply put, cosmetic dentistry changes lives.

After 20 years as a dentist in Denver, I see everyday people who are having problems with their smiles or are handicapped because of some problem in their smiles.

This portfolio will be a smile journey. Showing the before and afters of these peoples' journeys. In my 20 plus years in cosmetic dentistry, I have found those who want to have a smile change as down-to-earth normal people, just like you and I. And the beauty and confidence that exudes from these people afterwards is amazing. We all deserve to live our days with that feeling of inner confidence and outward beauty.


I feel fortunate to be part of the process. To have a front row seat and watch it all happen. These are THEIR stories, not really mine.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:19 AM

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Dr. Phil and Cosmetic Dentistry


Every once in a while, I'll pass by a day-time TV on. Sometimes I catch Dr. Phil out of the corner of my eye. I'll stop and listen as he twangs out "So you think it's a good idea to steal money and give it to your boyfriend so he can buy drugs?" The guest sits there wide-eyed, speechless, then the camera pans to the audience. Two women tearing up, shaking their heads back and forth as if to say "NO, stop giving him the money!"

What does this have to do with cosmetic dentistry? I see people everyday who are like that girl. Hoping that Dr. Phil will say it's all OK, give them a big hug and make all of the bother of life go away. But if you've watched the show, many stories have a happy ending: the ones where people face into the real issue and are ready to make changes. Everyone hugs and cries and you can see the realizations of what has to happen going through their expressions. 

Other stories don't end that way. The other ones you can see the guest sitting there with a look on their face of "this is too hard to change" or "I really don't get what is at stake here", or "I don't really want to hear that."

After 21 years of dentistry in Denver, I can fix ANY smile, or repair any mouth problem. I still see people everyday with discouraging problems in their mouths, or major disappointments about cosmetic dentistry that they have had done in another office. 

My role is like Dr. Phil's. My role is to help you change and avoid the terrible pitfalls ahead. My role is to help you accurately see the REAL picture of what is going on in your mouth. Like Dr. Phil, most of our stories end well. I am happy to say I have a practice of many patients that have attained great results and will do well for the rest of their lives (you can read some of their stories in these dentist reviews.) 

I'm sad to say that I still too often see that dazed look, where people just can't believe what is really going on inside their mouths. But you know, just like on TV, pretty much Dr. Phil (or Dr. Greenhalgh) is right...

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posted by Dr. Scott at 3:30 PM

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

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! 


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posted by Dr. Scott at 3:56 PM

Monday, July 27, 2009

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!

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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:24 PM

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

Phone. 800-757-6680 | Fax. 303-479-7599 | Contact Us

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