What does it take to have a great smile? Some bleaching, a couple of porcelain veneers, a smile makeover?  How much does it cost?  Does insurance cover cosmetic procedures?

The Journal of Periodontics just had an article that lower oxygenated patients and those that have higher BMI (body mass indexes) are far more likely to have periodontal disease. WARNING: If you are obese, you are at increased risk for more than you already knew about.

I am almost finished with my own Invisalign that I started three months ago.  My lower incisors are now straight, I have a better bite and the slight spaces that I had between some of my top teeth are gone.  My enthusiasm for this technology has remained high.

The practice of dentistry combines medicine, science and art. The practice of cosmetic dentistry combine medicine, science and art, but brings that art to a higher level.  The pursuit of excellence in anything is a worthy goal.  The pursuit of excellence in dentistry is not only a worthy goal, but is a goal that has many facets that all draw upon each other.  The comfort of the patient, the 'science' of the material, the health of the tooth, the cosmetic aspects of the restoration, the bite, the gum all enter into that pursuit of excellence.

Driving to the office this morning, my thoughts went to the brave men and women that protect us every day.  It is Memorial Day weekend and the steaks, burgers and franks will be on the grill.  Let's not forget to pay tribute to the people that have sacrificed for us.

Very often in a dental office that emphasizes cosmetics the cart is put before the horse.  In other words, there is a proper order to things in dentistry that should be observed.

There is some variation on the cost of Invisalign and there are a number of variables that enter into the total cost of treatment.  But there are some numbers that can be illuminated in order to help potential patients to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate treatment for them.

There are so many terms, buzz words, that we use in dentistry that it gets confusing. What is a Lumineer?  A Porcelain Veneer? Is a Veneer always porcelain?

Cosmetic Dentistry is not static entity but rather a dynamic one that changes with the advances in technologies, materials and techniques...

I am still in Texas at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  I just read an interesting article in this past Friday's Wall Street Journal by Theodore Dalrymple entitled, "Supersize World."  For me, being in Texas and a healthcare provider, this epidemic needs our attention.  I can write about lots of things in cosmetic dentistry but in today's blog, I feel about writing how our overall health must dovetail with the great smile, great teeth and great gums.