Our goal at Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is not to only be the leading source for Houston cosmetic dentistry, but to also serve as a resource to people with helpful knowledge, tips, and facts as you are doing your research on selecting a cosmetic dentist. We strive to be as transparent as possible and try to answer as many questions in our bi-weekly blogs. Be sure to also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page on this site for more helpful information.
Dental care now and then Have you been to the dentist lately? Going to the dentist may be a relatively modern phenomenon, but did you know that people have been using toothpaste since about 500 B.C.? Back then, the ancient Greeks would use a mixture that contained iron rust and coral powder to clean their…
Brushing Your Teeth Twice A Day Helps Keep Cavities Away Brushing your teeth properly will help prevent conditions such as gingivitis and tooth decay. If you aren’t brushing right with a soft-bristled brush you might be causing tooth abrasion or even damaging your gums. Follow these steps to brush your teeth the right way. Before you can…
One of the most visible and expressive features of a person is their smile. When you have a great looking, healthy smile it boosts your self image and gives you a more confident disposition. However, when you lose a tooth either to oral trauma, tooth decay or other disease—it can have a very damaging effect…
Dental (Teeth) Cleaning, Why? Prevent cavities The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings. Stop tooth loss Gum…
Whenever you’ve been to the dentist, you’ve likely seen models or literature regarding braces, crowns or dentures—but what about dental implants? Many people aren’t all that familiar with dental implants ironically; even though they are a much better solution than bridges and crowns. What Are Dental Implants? A dental implant is a dental prosthetic that…
What are Veneers? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a veneer is a “thin piece of porcelain used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.” They are custom made to the contour of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth’s original…
ereNow that the majority of people have received their W-2’s, those that are fortunate enough to expect a refund are planning on putting that money to good use. Some might be taking that much needed vacation, remodeling a room in their house or treating themselves to the big screen TV they’ve always wanted. Some people…
Everyone has their struggles in life, and this may sound strange to some, but my struggle has always been with my smile. To some people this will sound petty or superficial, but being self-conscious of your smile, having cracked, broken, and missing teeth, causes problems in life that many wouldn’t even consider – lower self-esteem,…
Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common. Approximately 80% of dental injuries affect one or more of the front teeth and may cause damage to soft tissues – the tongue, lips, and inner cheeks. In the very young child, injuries to baby teeth usually result from learning to walk. There may also be damage to the unerupted/impacted permanent teeth. Sports…
Choosing the Right Cosmetic & Dental Implant Specialist All dentists are not created equal. As if completing dental school was not enough, some dentists choose to pursue additional training that gives them a high level of specialized expertise and training. A Prosthodontist is a dentist who has not only completed dental school but has also…
Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions for 2018? We sure did and like most people our resolutions tend to center around improving health, improving good habits, ceasing bad ones and basically anything we can do to improve ourselves. The reality of most resolutions though is that by February we usually start losing that momentum…
As we race to the finish of 2017 and we will be ringing in 2018 before you know it. With a new year also comes a new calendar year for dental benefits as well as they reset on January 1st. Many people don’t realize that if you don’t use all of your dental benefits, they…
Getting a tooth implant procedure is not something anyone takes lightly. It is a very serious procedure that involves a very delicate part of the body that is essential to daily living. In all honesty so many things can go wrong with this type of procedure if it is not handled by an experienced professional;…
Have you ever been to a dentist at some point in your life? In all likelihood your answer to that question was probably a ‘yes’. However, cosmetic dentistry is significantly different than your generic dentist. Because of this, there are several misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry. We’ve listed three of the most common misconceptions about cosmetic…
Hurricane Harvey dealt a crippling blow to thousands of Houstonians. The past few weeks have been challenging, however there is no doubt that Houstonians will soon smile again. 1. The People You don’t have to try hard to find a news story or social media post about neighbors helping neighbors the past few weeks.…
So, a few weeks ago we answered some of the biggest questions about the All-on-Four procedure. Now we will go through the three biggest reasons why you should get the All-on-Four procedure at Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. 1. Dr. Velasco’s Experience The most important reason why you should get the All-on-Four procedure…
Did you know that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one of their permanent teeth? Did you also know that by age 74, 26% of all adults have lost every single one of their permanent teeth? There’s no need to worry, though. We have a solution. Dental implants from Uptown…
Your smile can literally change your life. Does that sound crazy? Well, think about it, often times your smile is the very first thing that people notice about you. That being said, choosing the right Houston-area cosmetic dentist is a potentially life-changing decision. We have three quick tips on how to find the right Houston-area…
Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can be a pain in the you-know-what. However, with the All-on-Four treatment from Dr. Velasco at Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, patients can transition to fixed, permanent teeth in one day. If you don’t know what the All-on-Four treatment is, keep reading to find out! New Teeth In One…
Your smile is one of the first things that others notice about you. If you have dental problems that affect the appearance of your smile, you are probably very conscious of that fact. You might cover your mouth when you smile or laugh to try to cover up problems like stained, cracked or missing teeth.…
Dealing with missing teeth can be a difficult experience. However, while going to a dental implant specialist may seem intimidating, it is your best bet for getting those missing teeth taken care of. Advanced techniques have made implant surgeries highly successful and effective. In order for you to feel more comfortable when you visit a…
If you are wanting to improve your smile through dental implants, it is very important that you choose the right implant dentist. The search can be made difficult because any dentist can call themselves an implant dentist. This is because cosmetic dentistry (including implants) is not yet recognized as a specialty within dentistry. Still, there…
You may have heard the buzz about dental implants. They are often the best treatment for missing teeth because of their unmatched functional and aesthetic resemblance to natural teeth. While many patients are eligible for dental implants, there are some exceptions. Let’s answer the question of, “Are you eligible for dental implants, Houston? Determining Dental…
You know that moment; when you are waiting for your movie to start at the theater and that advertisement pops up with golden buttery popcorn and that fizzy, refreshing glass of soda. The thought or desire to buy a soda wasn’t even on your radar, but now you find yourself at the concession stand fulfilling…
If you have three or more teeth missing or severely misaligned teeth and other bite problems; then you have likely researched full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction from Dr. Velasco is a revolution in reshaping your entire smile, even the way you sound when you speak. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.…
If you ask most people what one facial feature they would change if they could, the answer you will get most often is their smile. Unfortunately, not everyone has the financial means to make major changes through cosmetic dentistry Houston clinics offer. However, there are some affordable steps you can take to improve your smile…
With the often celebrated as equally hated V-day behind us, many people are happy in love or desperately seeking it. More and more people are using online dating as a method of meeting potential mates as the social stigma of it has gone away. Love is beautiful but sadly it is not blind as we…
We know that in the world of cosmetic dentistry, Houston has a very large market and your choices are plentiful. When it comes to choosing the right prosthodontist and dentistry practice, there are many factors that will affect your decision on who you trust with something as important as your smile. We are confident that…
While realistically we won’t see JJ Watt hoisting up that Lombardi trophy this season, we can think positive and hope we’ll see his Superbowl worthy smile in the big game right? On that note, have you ever wondered how he gets that perfect smile while he is obliterating opposing QB’s? Maybe he’s born with it,…
If you’ve ever watched Family Feud, you’ve seen the energy that host Steve Harvey gives off. Maybe it’s because of that huge toothy smile he has. Sure, Steve wasn’t born with that perfect smile but it sure does affect his persona. Our smile is a very important element to the first impression we make. We…
Typically, when someone has incurred serious traumatic injury to the mouth, had a tooth fail to erupt or suffered tooth loss to decay, they will visit their dentist for a diagnosis of treatment. If your dentist recommends a dental implant, you will get a referral to a dental specialist. In most cases, this will be…
In the age of the smartphones, selfies, and Instagram, it is now more beneficial than ever to have a great, camera-friendly smile. You don’t have to be celebrity either to have a good-looking smile. Getting a great smile is as simple as following a few basic tips. Tip #1: Act Naturally Have you seen that…
Discovering you have receding gum lines can be a disturbing ordeal. But there is something that can be done about gum recession. Several things you can do in the comfort of your home can be an effective remedy to receding gums, depending on how severe the problem is. Naturally, the first thing to do is…
When watching a movie or TV show, have you ever noticed how white the smiles of the actors are? Many of them have had cosmetic veneers such as the kind available here at Uptown Cosmetic Dentistry. While veneers are a great solution, there are other alternatives. For example, teeth whitening is an affordable alternative. Some…
Every year, thousands of American adults suffer the loss of one or more teeth. This usually occurs when a mouth injury is sustained during an accident or when teeth must be extracted as a result of the presence of severe decay or disease. Regardless of how one loses their teeth, it usually affects their confidence…
Move over Beverly Hills 90210, the 77027 zip code in Houston has the perfect combination of historic buildings and new developments. You will find plenty of great places to eat and shop. Spend a day in the 77027 zip code, and you will find some of Houston’s finest attractions. From restaurants to malls, everything you…
Diabetes is caused by excessive glucose in the blood. It is well known that the disease can cause damage to parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. But diabetes can also cause complications with your oral health. The Link Between Gum Disease and Diabetes Research has shown that that those…
Welcome back! As we discussed in our previous blog, teeth whitening is a viable solution to dealing with stained teeth that is not caused by anything internal such as tooth decay. Alot of people are not sure about teeth whitening procedures, whether it’s right for them or if it is safe. We continue with Part…
Everyone these days is trying to get that perfect smile. We know as we are in the business of creating smiles. From porcelain veneers to cover misaligned teeth to dental implants to replace missing ones, every option is on the table when it comes to chasing that perfect smile. Many, however, completely forget about the…
Tooth decay is one of the most overlooked diseases in modern times. You would be surprised how many people rarely get their checkup at their dentist. Some people just think if their teeth don’t hurt then they are okay. Although dentistry has made major leaps in tooth decay treatment and prevention, there is a shift…
Surprisingly, not many people realize how big of an impact a nice set of teeth makes. Sure you may have perfectly healthy teeth, but do you like your smile? Is one tooth kind of out of place? Have you chipped a tooth recently and it just never looked the same? Investing in porcelain veneers might…
When asked what they would like to improve about their smile, people often say that they would like whiter teeth. And it’s understandable. Who wouldn’t want a nice set of pearly whites? Thankfully, getting whiter teeth isn’t all that difficult. Read on for five easy ways to whiten your teeth. 1. Make Your Own Teeth…
When you smile in the mirror, are you met by a row of discolored teeth? You aren’t alone. Teeth stains are a common problem and are a source of embarrassment for many people. While you may be able to control some of the factors that lead to teeth stains, others such as age are out…
We deal with all kinds of teeth here at Uptown—chipped teeth, discolored teeth and, of course, missing teeth. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of different ways that you can end up with missing teeth, but you can avoid a few of them if you know the underlying cause. Check out our infographic below to learn about…
Even though the All-On-4 Teeth in a Day procedure was developed by Portugal’s Dr. Paulo Malo, you can still get it done here in Houston by Uptown’s Dr. Roberto Velasco. He traveled to Europe to train under renowned clinicians on this best-in-class dental solution and has now performed over 1,500 All-On-4 procedures. The All-On-4 treatment…
One of the questions that come up often is “What is the difference between bridges and implants?” In this article, we’ll look at the differences as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. Bridges A bridge works by replacing your missing teeth with a row of prosthetic teeth. This row is supported on both…
Have missing or damaged teeth? It’s a new year, be a new you. Dental implants are the perfect way to reinvent your smile and become a new you this year. In this article, we’ve got 3 ways implants will help you keep it fresh 1. Look Younger Missing teeth can cause your facial structure to…
The current year is about over, and many people are thinking about resolutions and goals for the next year. At Uptown, we like to say, “It’s a new year. Be a new you.” We believe that one of the best ways to “be a new you” is by getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure done. In…
Looking for fun in the River Oaks area? Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry has you covered. Here are the 3 Must See Spots in the River Oaks. 1. River Oaks Theatre You can find the River Oaks theatre at the corner of West Gray and Shepherd at the River Oaks Shopping Center. Built by Interstate Theatre…
If you aren’t exactly happy with your smile, veneers may be the cosmetic dentistry solution you have been looking for. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front surface of your teeth. As a result, all of the cosmetic flaws of your teeth are covered up, and you end up with a…
So you’ve heard that dental implants can be done in one day? But you are a little skeptical. “How good of a job can be done in just one day?” you might ask. That’s a valid question. No matter what procedure it is, you should always find out as much as you can to make…
When choosing a dentist, one of the first things people check out is the online reviews. A quick glance at Uptown’s reviews will reveal that when comes to cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Roberto Velasco is no slouch. Rather than spending all day telling you about what a phenomenal dentist he is, we will let those who…
The River Oaks District is a Houston spot for luxury shopping and dining. Besides being home to Houston’s top cosmetic dentistry practice, Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, the area has a lot of other interesting attractions: Here are 3 facts you may not have known about the River Oaks: 1. Rich History of River Oaks…
Dental implants are becoming the most common method for replacing missing teeth because they are the closest you can get to having real teeth. The benefits versus other traditional methods of teeth replacement are numerous. Appearance wise, dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. On top of that, they feel and work just like…
It’s no secret that how people perceive others and themselves is based in part on their appearance. Teeth are no exception and are maybe even more subject to this rule. People instinctively know that others will notice their bad teeth, and that’s why they won’t smile when having their picture taken or when taking a…
So you’ve decided that you want to get some cosmetic work done on your teeth, but which dentist should you choose? The truth is that a lot of dentists out there will not be able to give you the beautiful smile you are looking for. The reason why? There is a lack of guidelines governing…
People often look at your smile first. Celebrities especially know this truth because their careers depend, in part, on their looks. How do these celebrities obtain such captivating smiles? The answer is cosmetic dentistry. Let’s take a look at some of the celebs who have had cosmetic dental makeovers done over the years. 50 Cent Rapper…
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. The disease’s slow onset is partially to blame. It’s not something that you catch overnight or recover from with a few days of rest. The prevention, development, and treatment of gum disease are all ongoing processes. Gum disease is caused by…
Toothbrushes have been around for thousands of years. Thankfully, they aren’t made of twigs, bones, horsehair, and feathers anymore. Modern toothbrushes are made of nylon bristles and plastic handles, and you’ve likely been using one since you were a kid. We learn how to brush our teeth early in life and by the time we…
No one needs to explain what a smile is. It’s a universal human expression that we’ve seen and used throughout our entire lives. Babies are said to even smile in the womb. Smiles are our responses to happiness, friendliness, humor, and a host of other positive feelings and situations. But there is more to smiling…
They say acceptance is the first step to recovery, but you have to be aware of a problem in order to accept it and eventually confront it. That’s the scary thing about undetectable problems. They are silent, slow killers and by the time you discover them, the damage has already been dealt. Teeth grinding, or…
If your smile is in need of serious improvement you might be considering a full mouth restoration procedure. Although there are many options for cosmetic dental surgery, the All-on-4 Teeth-in-a-Day procedure is becoming increasingly popular for patients with excessive tooth decay, severely broken teeth or complete tooth loss. The All-on-4® procedure achieves permanent results with…
In last week’s blog post, we discussed frequently asked questions associated with porcelain veneers. If you decided to go through with an investment on a full mouth makeover, then it is important to preserve and protect your beautiful smile. This week I wanted to go more in depth on the maintenance of porcelain veneers. As…
They say a smile is worth a thousand words so take the next step to a new you who isn’t afraid of showing those pearly whites. If you are insecure about your smile and are considering a mouth makeover, porcelain veneers could be the right option for you. These veneers have become increasingly popular due…
Here is a question that many of clients ask time and time again. What types of anesthesias are available to me, if I am getting a dental implant or full mouth reconstruction? Is it safe? Like many others, these are probably some of the questions that go through head when you think about getting an…
Most people don’t realize that poor dental hygiene can lead other damaging side effects throughout your entire body. Take care of your mouth and it will take care of your whole body. Read below on how you can prevent halitosis, periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and respiratory problems. It’s good to be…
There is a normal bacteria that grown in your mouth and bad bacteria that the gum disease creates, Gum disease can cause the bad bacteria to go into the blood stream and attach itself to the blood vessels. This can cause blood clots and could lead to heart attacks. Researchers have done studies that show…
We have known that research has linked periodontal disease to other health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, but newer studies are providing evidence of the correlation between gum disease and ED (erectile dysfunction) and even low T (low testosterone). Periodontal treatment of affected patients has proved to lessen the symptoms of ED in…
You know have your dental implants all settled in and ready to use just like healthy teeth. You’re probably (actually, we know you’re happy) with the results you are seeing. You’re probably feeling like a million dollars, and ready to eat properly once again just like you used to. We do have one thing to…
We are here to tell you; dental implants are here to help you. You might have heard otherwise, but the myths surrounding dental implants are most likely false. In fact, most of the myths are just can be easily answered just by asking the experts themselves. They are certainly many questions that come with dental…
If you happen to wear dentures or have ever been missing a tooth or two, you know how difficult life can be. Taking dentures out for a regular cleaning can be a hassle and can even be embarrassing. However, not taking care of missing teeth at all has another set of problems. Something as simple as chewing…
The dental practice has been going since the dawn of man. So, why do we fear going to the dentist so much? Many people visit their local dentist office at a minimal twice a year. Others visit their dentist every 3 to 4 months. Regular visits should keep your teeth in healthy shape. Chances are,…
A simple smile can radiate a glow around a halo. You can undoubtedly make someone else’s day by a well-placed smile. Let’s face it, you’re not having a great day unless you have a few laughs and grins. A contagious smile can bring joy to everyone’s day. By bringing joy to the world, smiling has…
Sometimes we forget how much we reveal about ourselves when we smile. Not only do we communicate happiness or sociability, but we also convey a lot about our way of living.
Do you find yourself covering your smile at times? Have you looked in the mirror and dreamt of a beautiful new smile? If you have answered yes to either one of these questions then you should consider having a Cosmetic Smile Makeover. Improving the appearance of your smile can result in one or more cosmetic…