Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

Monday, March 8, 2010

Dentures, bleeding and muscle weakness



I don't speak a lot about dentures. The reality is that there are a lot of them out there, and that many do not fit well. Many don't look very good either, since I see a lot of patients want to finally have the perfect white straight teeth that they never had naturally. Except...now it just looks UN-natural.

As a cosmetic Dentist in Denver, I have found that there is even an art to making dentures have great smiles. Natural, harmonious, one that just goes with that person's face. I find it usually means bringing in some element from their smile from early in their youth.
I received a notice from a manufacturer of denture adhesive saying that they had stopped the manufacture and distribution of it because of "myeloneuropathy and blood dyscrasias". I don't think either of us wants that. Here's what seems to have happened: there is some zinc in this adhesive, people swallow some of it, over years it causes a copper deficiency, then weak limb and difficulty walking.

Here's why the problem developed: the manufacturer says use a little bit, and only once per day. I suspect that many people use MORE of it and MANY times per day.

The best denture adhesive is a dental implant. Even better, get rid of a standard denture by using "all on four", which means real teeth that don't come out, connected to four dental implants.

The next best denture adhesive is a great fit. Tricky for some people, virtually impossible as decades of tooth loss add up, since the jaws continue to get thinner and thinner as the years go by.

ALL dentures need some regular care and maintenance. ALL dentures need to be relined every three to five years. In that time the jaw shape changes significantly but the shape of the denture does not. Refitting it by relining, is a way to keep a good fit.

Dentures cure unrepairable dental problems or uncontrollable periodontal disease. They are a replacement for NO teeth, but they are not real teeth. In much the same way as a prosthetic leg is not a real leg, but allows someone to be mobile, walk and maybe run. Still not without pain, discomfort and frustration, but still much better than not have a prosthesis.

Dental implants provide a way to overcome this. If you are frustrated with the limitations of your denture or the unnatural look of your denture then contact Denver cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scot Greenhalgh, DDS today!

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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:06 AM

Friday, February 5, 2010

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...

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posted by Dr. Scott at 4:50 PM

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Should I quit my Dentist job?


The word Doctor derives largely from the concept of "one who teaches." I find myself constantly trying to teach my patients about all-things-dental. In fact, I may have to quit my day job as a Denver Cosmetic dentist, and become a full-time blogger or internet writer.

I am currently working on a series on "How to read and understand online reviews." You'll see some more editions before long. Today I started a series on "Why you need a GREAT dental exam." I see new patients almost daily, so we spend a lot of time helping people understand what's right and what's wrong in their mouths (see what to expect on your first visit). I believe that patients deserve sooooo much better than what they usually receive. Most patients just simply haven't had the opportunity to have personalized attention (see Why Choose Us?").

Ok, I've decided....I AM keeping my day job (as a cosmetic dentist). I'll just have to talk faster, and type faster... so hang on!


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posted by Dr. Scott at 4:03 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

Hey, check us out on Google!

I had a few minutes to check what was happening out on the web. You might know I am in the middle of writing a series about "How to use reviews to find a new Dentist".

As I was wandering around the web, and searched for "denver cosmetic dentist". I wound up at Google. How exciting to see that our practice has the most reviews listed by Google! And to their credit, Google has condensed a lot of information and a lot of quotes from patients who have posted reviews (in a lot of places).

I encourage you to visit the Google reviews. (and thanks to those of you who have been such great supporters, we look forward to serving you again in 2010!).

I was pleasantly surprised to see how all of those web-bots summarized our practice!

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posted by Dr. Scott at 4:46 PM

Monday, December 28, 2009

Why reading reviews really helps

I am always on the quest for the right present each Christmas. I find myself more and more going online to read the product reviews. It HAS helped me a lot of times. It either confirms the hunch I already had, or often times there is an insightful comment that reveals poor performance.

In fact, sitting here in my kitchen looking at one of my son's Christmas toys that had fairly weak reviews. It was something that he had really expressed interest in, and the price was right, so I took a chance. After using it (with poor results) it looks like it's headed for the return pile.

I will be starting a series on "how to read and use reviews for finding a Dentist". I am happy to say that we've been fortunate enough to have many insightful, positive reviews posted about our cosmetic dentistry office. Patients say it in a way that no one else can.

So I encourage you to start reading reviews for anything important that you want to buy, and you may want to look closely at how your dentist rates.

I have found that reading reviews, has saved me time, frustration, and led me to finding the products and services that match my values and concerns. I find it gives me a better idea of what to expect (here's what you can expect on your first visit).

I'll be back soon to show you the secrets on how to read and use reviews!






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posted by Dr. Scott at 12:23 PM

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

Friday, October 16, 2009

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.

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posted by Dr. Scott at 10:49 AM

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

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

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