New Year's Resolution

Good Day, Porter Posse!

We genuinely hope everyone has had a great 2010 and that it can only get better from here. Our patients have been a big part of our lives, in and out of the office. It's so nice when you all invite us to your events, send us cards, or even send us a nice Facebook message. Those are the things that make the world go around for us. We hope that all of our patients feel like they have received the best care that they can get here at the office of Dr. Edwin Porter. We strive to know everyone's faces, give a hug or a handshake, and tell you the truth. Our dentistry is in your mouth to last and if something doesn't go as planned, we try our hardest to correct it. Integrity is huge to us!

So as you're going on into the New Year, what are your New Year's resolutions? Lose weight? Stop procrastinating? Walk your dog more? If you'd like to work on your health and smile, we are here to help with that. Dirty gums and teeth can have a monumental impact on your cardiovascular health and we'd love to help you prevent those problems. Please call us today if you'd like to schedule a free consult at 704-544-5330

We are proud to call you all our patients and hope that you have a prosperous and fulfilled year in 2011! You make it all worth it!

Sincerely,
Dr. Ed Porter, Wanda, Samantha, & Katie

I'm a GRINDER?! Never Been Told You Grind?

We try to write articles that are relevant to our patients. We have had many patients lately that have never been told they grind their teeth. Other dentists have passed it off in the past as something that just happens and that nothing can be done about it. But in fact, there is a great way to protect your teeth and jaw muscles with an appliance called an occlusal guard, also known as a night guard or bite guard.

Occlusal guards are made of rigid materials with laboratory-processed acrylic. They are generally made to be worn over the biting surfaces of either the upper or lower teeth, and are easily inserted and removed by the patient. The lower guard seems to be more comfortable for most of our patients.

Occlusal guards accomplish three main functions:
- They evenly distribute bite forces to protect the teeth from stresses that can crack or wear them abnormally
- Pthey protect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) from excessive bite stress that can produce pain and dysfunction
- Reduce the heavy forces generated by the jaw-closing muscles.

If you have fillings or crowns and have a grinding habit, you are putting your dentistry and investments at risk. You may not even know that you grind at night but Dr. Porter can tell! We take impressions at your first appointment and then get you back in a week or so to deliver the permanent guard. These are very short appointments and can be combined with a cleaning! And be careful not to just pick one up at the local big box store or drugstore because those will most likely make your grinding habits exacerbated and can cause more damage than good! Call our office to set up and appointment or have any questions answered. Insurance usually covers a good part of these appliances and we can help you break up the payments if need be.

704-544-5330 of Wanda@DentistryinCharlotte.com

Don't Crunch Down on That Ice!

There's really nothing like the feeling and sound of ice crunching between your teeth for some people but, you better cool off on the ice chewing if you’re not prepared to have some level of dental issues resulting from the crunching of ice!

Chips, fracture lines, and cracks are common results from frequent ice chewing and if any of those issues are large enough, you could require a root canal or even a tooth extraction! Even if frequent ice chewing does not lead to one of these more serious effects, it will still wear down the enamel on your teeth much faster than normal and will lead to cavities.

If you're a chronic ice chewer, it's really in your teeth's best interest for you to break the habit! Whether it’s a nervous habit, out of boredom or it’s something that you crave, get to the root of the cause and work on that. You can even try drinking your drinks through a straw to help you resist the urge or simply order drinks without ice altogether. Just remember that the rush of the crunch just isn't worth the damage you're doing to your oral health!

At Dr. Porter’s office, we use many different types of technology to diagnose whether or not you’ve done damage to your teeth through ice crunching or other means. Digital x-rays are our first line of defense and a great tool in helping us see through and between teeth. We use the Diagnodent laser to diagnose cavities that are barely detectable with the naked eye or cannot be seen with the use of x-rays. We will take photos of your teeth and show you what we see! How better to understand than seeing a large image of your tooth on the screen and then having us help you plan a way to repair the tooth! We have flexible payment options and accept and file your insurance to make it easier on your pocket and your time! Call Dr. Porter located at the Arboretum at 704-544-5330 or e-mail Wanda@DentistryinCharlotte.com to schedule an exam or cleaning today!

Brrr! Tooth Sensitivity to Cold?!

Is it COLD outside yet? Seems like with the Christmas season it brings the cold weather with it! What better to talk about than teeth that are sensitive to cold. We have many patients at Dr. Porter's office here in Charlotte that have sensitivity to different things but cold is one of those that is sometimes hard to pinpoint. Below are some causes and remedies of teeth that are sensitive to cold.

· Brushing to hard or with too much pressure which removes gum tissue.
· Aging
· Using a hard tooth brush instead of a soft one
· Poor oral hygiene which leads to plaque build-up around the teeth and gums. This plaque hardens into tartar and the bacteria that live in plaque cause gum disease and gum recession
· If you have exposed roots, they contain small pores or tubules which lead directly to the nerve of the tooth. Pain, pressure and cold stimuli can travel down the tubules and trigger the tooth nerve causing pain and discomfort
· Tooth whitening procedures or using teeth whitening toothpaste is great for the look of teeth but sometimes can be uncomfortable
· Hypersensitivity
· Cracked teeth
· Grinding your teeth
· Long term use of mouthwashes such as Listerine can damage dentin and cause dentin sensitivity which can reverse the beneficial effects of toothpaste
· Enamel erosion by acidic foods
· Root sensitivity can occur after having your teeth cleaned, following root planning , crown placement, or even having fillings
· People with sensitivities to sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch also usually have sensitive teeth
· Dehydration due to diuretics such as alcohol beverages, caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and Mountain Dew

Call us today if you can't get over your sensitivity! 704-544-5330

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to the best patients in the world!

We just wanted to take a moment to thank our patients for being great to us. Our patients keep their appointments, come on time or early, and have become great friends of out staff. We strive to give you all the best care we can and you all mean so much to us.

Here's hoping to a great Thanksgiving with each of your families and remember what the holiday is about. Enjoy your time off and even the shopping that follows :)

Black Friday Tips from Dr. Porter's Office

Black Friday Tips

-Get some sleep after your turkey dinner! Most retailers will be opening their doors early around 2:00am or 3:00am….so you can’t sleep in until 9am the next day!
-Have a list and prioritize. Start with best deals that mean something to YOU. Hit those first and then work your way down the list.
-If you don’t want to get up, get dressed and make your way out in the cold, you have the option to shop online. Most retailers will have the same deals as they have in-stores, you just get to skip the madness. Just watch out for the shipping costs that may be a little more.
-Wait until Cyber Monday, November 29th! They will not have the same deals as Black Friday, but there may be different deals or entirely new deals that may be of interest to you.

And always remember if you get a tooth knocked out in the hub-bub of Black Friday, we can help you out! Dr. Porter accepts emergency patients and works with your insurance to get your teeth fixed. The Arboretum is close to everything in Charlotte and we can make you look and feel great.

704-544-5330 or Wanda@DentistryinCharlotte.com

What are Flexible Spending Benefits?

Flexible benefits provide eligible employees the right to allocate salary dollars - pretax - towards payment of family health and dental insurance premiums, as well as out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision care and child care expenses.

Pre-tax dollars are the real deal! Depending on your tax bracket, you’ll save up to 40 cents of each pre-tax dollar by not paying Federal, State and Social Security taxes. This translates into real money in your pocket. You can save on many approved dental expenses!

November is the month that most employers set up Flex plans and dental insurance so make sure to plan accordingly. If you have a some big dental needs, set aside a larger amout to cover them. Also, always go with a PPO dental insurance plan that allows you to get better care. DMO plans will usually send you to a clinic-based office that will have 10 patients or more in the office at one time. At Dr. Edwin Porter's office here in Charlotte, we appoint one person at a time to give you the best care and time you need.

Call us at 704-544-5330 or e-mail us at Wanda@Dentistryincharlotte.com to ask any questions that you may have aout how to use your benefits with our office, set them up with your employer, or how to get re-imburstment from your flex account. Remember if you do not use them by the end of the year, you lose them and you are giving the government free money that you have set aside for you!

Today is National Men Make Dinner Day!

Hey Men! Treat that special woman in your life to a great dinner tonight! Whether it's a steak for your wife, chicken noodle soup for your mom, or boiled turkey for your pooch, they will appreciate it!

What's on the menu tonight for our ladies? Wanda is asking for some baked salmon and a fabulous salad. Katie is craving chicken parmesan. And Samantha wants a juicy steak or sushi. When we asked Dr. Porter what he would be making for his wife tonight he replied that he makes dinner every night and tonight would be no different! He's a great husband to his wife and children.

Eat up ladies....Enjoy this one night a year :)

Use your Dental Insurance or Lose It!

Happy Halloween weekend everyone!

The end of the year is fast approaching and some things seem to remain the same. Once again I’m talking about dental insurance. Each year our office in bombarded with calls requesting an appointment before the end of the year. Most dental benefits expire at the end of the year. It would be nice if they “rolled-over” like your cell phone minutes but we all know that is not the case. Needless to say, we hardly ever have enough available appointments to fill all the requests. I thought we were alone in this insurance battle until I read a report that touched on this topic. The statistics are interesting.

Did you Know?
It is estimated that more than 80% of people with DentalBenefits fail to use all of their benefits for that calender year
It is also estimated that more than 90% of the 80% have untreated dental needs
The bottom line is, 7 out of every 10 people needing dental treatment fail to maximize their dental benefits each year. That’s an enormous amount of unused benefits! Even more of a concern, that is a staggering number of untreated people.

Having dental insurance is an awesome benefit. If you have insurance and need treatment you need to remember, USE IT OR LOSE IT!

Halloween Cavities?!

Halloween! Halloween Costumes! Halloween CANDY!! Halloween Cavities??!!

Halloween is next week, which means a seemingly endless supply of candy. Candy is a nightmare for your teeth. Especially since Halloween candy seems to last well past the first snowfall. Even though candy is bad for your teeth, I am not going to tell you to give it up completely. Let's be honest, who would listen to that?

The type of candy you do eat is important. Sticky candies like taffy, gummy bears and licorice are the worst for your teeth. This type of candy gets caught on tooth surfaces and in between teeth. Also, try to avoid chewing on hard candies because there is a chance for a tooth fracture or damage to a filling. Hard candies like lollipops tend to remain in the mouth for long periods of time, thus subjecting your teeth to prolonged acid attacks. Avoid gum that has sugar in it as well.

After eating a piece of candy, there are some preventative measures that can be helpful. Ideally, if you can brush your teeth right after consumption with fluoride toothpaste, this is the best. If not, make sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss. If brushing your teeth after candy is not an option, try swishing with water. Also try chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes and this has been proven to reduce tooth decay because it increases saliva production.

Care Credit Now being offered at 12 Months NO INTEREST!

I know you've always wanted to complete your dentistry but have always thought that it was impossible to do without paying a ton of interest! Dr. Porter has now given the go-ahead to offer Care Credit for 12 months interest free! Now you can make payments on your term and not feed the credit card companies free money! You can either sign up online via this link or you can come in our office and we can help you get signed up. It's easy and you can usually find out if you qualify in a few minutes.

Take the next step to making your mouth healthy! Cheers to dental hygiene month!

Free Sedation Dentistry

As fall is setting in, we want to celebrate Dental Hygiene Month with a bang! We are now offering FREE SEDATION for those who are completing qualifying dentistry! This is a great opportunity to get the crowns that you need done or move forward with the bridge that you've always needed. It's also great for those that are scared of the dentist. All we need to do is make sure you have a treatment plan and then do a pre-operative sedation appointment to gather your vitals and make sure that you are a candidate. Watch this video that Dr. Porter did to gather more information!

Call or e-mail today to reserve your spot! 704/544/5330 or Wanda@DentistryinCharlotte.com

Remember consultations are always FREE!!

We've got a new addition to our office...Remmington! She is Samantha's new doggie and she is cute as a button! Her big brother, Jaxson, is a Yorkie as well. Katie has two fluffy white dogs that are adorable and well behaved. Dr. Porter loves his big, big, BIG Great Dane Bella. And Wanda has a sweet kitty named George. All of our office pets have great dental hygiene like their parents... Dental health is universal! Pets need their teeth cleaned, too! Does anyone have any sweet pictures of their little furry ones?! :)

704-544-5330 or Office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

Being a Dentist at the Arboretum in Charlotte

We thought we'd take a moment out to just speak about the area that we are located and why we like it so much! Being a dentist in Charlotte comes with the perks of having many restaurants to chose from. We are literally right across the street from the Arboretum and each of us has our favorite. Dr. Porter is a big fan of Noodles and Company. Wanda loves New South Kitchen . Samantha enjoys country cooking at Charlotte Cafe. And Katie sticks with Chilis.

We love our area and try to support our patrons. So keep us in mind when you're needing a Dentist in Charlotte....We'll take care of you!

Office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

The Most Detailed Charlotte Dentist is Waiting For You!

Charlotte has so many dentists to choose from. They come in all practice sizes, genders, and attitudes. Our office stands out for many reasons and we would like to help you understand our philosophy and standard of patient care. First of all, we are patient focused. We truly want to go at your pace and help you achieve what it is that is bothering you or giving you the most pain. We will recommend any treatment that we see as needed and then let you tell us what you’d like to start with and go from there. We offer payment plans that will fit all budgets and we will make sure to go over everything during a free consultation after your initial exam. We also have all the most up to date technology to detect cavities, make you routine cleanings as gentle as possible, and use the best labs that help us to provide crowns, bridges, implants, and other restorations that can last for years! Some other offices provide cheaper crowns to patients that will not last but a few years and then require replacing or even tooth extraction. We never want to give our patients a product that is made in a foreign lab and where the materials used are questionable. Our materials are made in the USA and contain only the highest grade of materials that will last many, many years. We also are a small office that really likes to get to know our patients. We are not a “clinic” like some other offices, nor do we treat our patients like a cattle call and have 10 patients in our waiting room waiting to be seen by the doctor for a few minutes. We usually schedule our patients one at a time and keep to that schedule. Most people don’t even get to sit down and read a magazine while they wait! During your routine cleanings, we offer a free spa service for anyone that asks and it’s so relaxing! Paraffin wax, neck pillows, and blankets…what could be better? And also, if you are really sensitive during a cleaning, we offer local anesthetic for your comfort.
Our location at the Arboretum places our dental office close to all parts of Charlotte and you will feel comfortable in our office. Dr. Porter is gentle and caring, as are all his staff. We truly want you to join our family and let us help you achieve you best dental health. Contact our office at 704-544-5330 or Wanda@DentistryinCharlotte.com to schedule a free consultation or get in for your exam, cleaning and x-rays. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Oral Cancer Screenings are Very Important!

When you come in to our office for your regular dental check up, Dr. Porter and our hygienist Katie are also screening you for any signs of oral cancer. Every hour of every day, someone dies of oral cancer in the United States. This serious dental disease which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Visiting our office for regular check ups and avoiding tobacco are the key factors in preventing oral cancer!

office@DentistryinCharlotte.com Some offices will charge you seperately for this exam...We do not believe in charging for something that is so important and should be included with all exams! You are getting the best care that you can receive at any dental office here...with us.

Custom Athletic Guards are Better than Store Bought!

Get your athletic children and family members into our office to make them a custom athletic mouthguard. Mouth formed or boil and bite mouthguards are the most commonly used mouthguard on the market. Made from thermoplastic material, they are immersed in boiling water and formed in the mouth by using finger, tongue, and biting pressure. When the athlete bites through the mouthguard during forming, the athlete increases their chance of injury, especially concussion, from a blow to the chin. That is why it is imperative to spend a few extra dollars on protection rather than a lifetime of extra dental costs. Call our office for a quote on the custom guards that are easy to make and can generally be picked up the same day! 704-544-5330 or Wanda@dentistryincharlotte.com

Toothbrush too close to the TOILET?

Just a fun tip to prevent any ickiness on your toothbrush! Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least six feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush. Keep your brush away from the flush!
We also can supply a toothbrush cover at your next visit for some extra protection for free! 704*544*5330

Are Sealants Right For My Child? YES!!

The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water protects the smooth surfaces of teeth but back teeth need extra protection. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and keep out germs and food. Having sealants put on teeth before they decay will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth. Help your child prepare for a healthy mouth by getting their cleaning and check-up to determine if they needs sealants! 704-544-5330

Gum is Good For You??!!

Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize plaque acid. Some chewing gums contain a sugar-free sweetener called xylitol, which may help to reduce decay. Keep gum handy for after meals when you don't have a toothbrush around!

Get your Child in for a Check-up and Cleaning Before School Starts!!

Start this school year with a healthy, beautiful smile - just in time for school pictures. The final days of summer are perfect times for back-to-school dental check-ups. It's back-to-school soon for our children in Charlotte, and it's time to focus on ways to brighten students’ smiles for learning success and adorable school pictures. As the school bell is set to ring and with one in four children having undiagnosed tooth decay, now is the time to give students a solid foundation for their future dental health. Proper oral hygiene is a great way to start the school year off on the right foot. A complete and comprehensive dental exam and cleaning can spell greater success in the classroom! Call us to set up an appointment for your child or yourself today! 704-544-5330

What Movie and TV Shows do YOU want to see when you're in our Office Next?

As I’m sitting here thinking about movies, tv shows, and podcasts to load onto our new 3-D personal movie viewing glasses, I’m drawing a blank! We would like to know what our patients want to see when they are here! E-mail our office with any suggestions that you’d like us to have ready for you at your next visit! What are your guilty pleasure tv shows?! I’ll list ours…
Dr Porter loves American Idol, Samantha enjoys Toddlers & Tiaras, and Katie and Wanda like The Biggest Loser. Shhh! Don’t tell our little secrets!

Comforts of Home at our Dental Office!

At our office we provide the comforts of home while receiving the best dental care in Charlotte. Soft leather chairs surround you in each of our operatories, blankets are provided to snuggle up with, and we just added 80 inch personal movie viewing glasses so that you may watch your favorite TV show or movie while you are having dental work done. We have a coffee and hot tea bar for you to partake in a nice beverage after your appointment and also a spa-like bathroom/powder room that you may ready yourself for the rest of your day in. We also offer Spa dental cleanings when you ever feel the need to be pampered. Just remember to request this service so that we may have everything set up for you! E-mail our office if you have any suggestions you’d like to see at our office or if you’d like to experience the new feel of dentistry in Charlotte! Office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

How Does Bleaching Work?

The bleaching gel is usually made up of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide that breaks down into small oxygen molecules. These molecules go into the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin, and break up the stains that block out the light. As the stains are broken into smaller and smaller pieces, more light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter. Stains that are accumulated over time that are yellow to slightly brown produce the best results when whitening. We do both in-office power whitening and custom take home trays at our office. You can have a choice of seeing an instant difference or a more gradual difference in the appearance of your teeth. Call us today to see what would work best for you smile! 704-544-5330

Summer Special $350 for Power Whitening and a great suprise to go along with it!

Summer Whitening Special $350!

We've got an exceptional SUMMER WHITENING SPECIAL going on right now! We are offering:

**In-Office Power Whitening done by Dr. Porter**
**Custom Bleach Trays to keep your newly pearly whites their whitest**
**Up to One year's supply of Professional Bleach**

Take advantage of this great offer NOW! Current patients, New patients, or people with another Dentist are welcome to have their teeth whitened with this great deal! Call or e-mail to set up an appointment! 704-544-5330 or Office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

You Can Grow a Flower but You Can't Grow a New Tooth!

It's a hot sunny day...Heat is beating down on your garden...And your flowers are soaking it in (for the most part, that is!). Have you ever thought about how easy it is to grow flowers, a bush, or even a big tree? The one thing humans don't really have the luxury at this moment in scientific history is that we cannot regrow body parts. Once you lose something it's gone for good. A prosthetic can be placed on a leg, skin can be meshed over with man-made material, and teeth...well a tooth that is missing can be replaced in many ways. Dental advances have allowed for bridges, flippers and implants to help the function and appearance of your smile. Once you lose a tooth, your face can start to sink in, your bite can be skewed causing damage to surrounding teeth, and your confidence can be lowered due to a hole in your smile. We have the technology to fix that issue. Call us today to see if we can help you achieve that perfect smile. 704-544-5330 or e-mail us at office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

Happy Fourth Of July!

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend. Enjoy the fireworks and fun things that the Fourth has to offer!

Read this great article on George Washington's False Teeth! Everyone seems to think that they were made of wood but in actuality, they were made from gold and ivory! http://u.nu/2ssqc

SMILE! We want more patients like YOU!!

Have you heard about our Smile Card Referral Program?!

When you tell a friend about our office and they schedule their first appointment with us, we will credit both you account and your friend's account with $75 towards anything at our office! That could be put towards any out of pocket you have after your insurance pays, a Sonicare Toothbrush, Teeth Whitening, or whatever else you can think of!! You can add up the rewards by referring more friends our way!

Of course, we would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of our great patients and can only hope that we get more people in our office that are just like you all! You all are the best!

Dental Phobia?

FEAR… Are you scared of the dentist or know of anyone that is? Sometimes this problem can be detrimental to your health and wellbeing. These fears are usually warranted from scary dental experiences as a child or even perceived experiences as an adult. It’s OK to be scared, but please know that you have a great dent...al team that is in your court. We offer different levels of sedation to help you get through your anxiety and fear. You can fix one tooth problem or many at one time. Our team of professionals is highly qualified and will be there to gently take care of your needs. Call us today for a free consultation, whether it be for sedation, a toothache, or if you’re just looking for a fun office that knows you by name. 704*544*5330 or e-mail at office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

http://wtvi.org/healthwisepd.cfm Check out Dr. Porter's appearance on Healthwise discussing Sedation Dentistry and how it can help you!

Replace Your Old ToothBrush!

Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. We recommend Sonicare electric toothbrushes to help get the plaque off your teeth and help to improve gum health. We have a great stock in-office and are usually lower in price that your local superstore. We are also now offering the Sonicare for Children and Teens, which is a great, FUN way to get them to brush and brush properly! Call us for an appointment at 704-544-5330 or e-mail at office@DentistryinCharlotte.com

Dr. Porter on Healthwise Sunday at 6pm Answering Live Questions about Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Porter will be answering live calls on WTVI's Healthwise with Joey Popp this weekend! Tune in at 6pm on Sunday night to have all your questions answered about SEDATION DENTISTRY and how you can get all your problems taken care of free of anxiety and pain!

Call to schedule your Complimentary Sedation Consultation with us now! 704-544-5330

Smile Month

June is National Smile Month! A person's smile has ranked over their hair, eyes, and body to be the most considerable feature. At our office we create healthy, beautiful smiles! Whitening, veneers, or even just a cleaning can help your to accentuate your best feature! www.DentistryinCharlotte.com

TV Finale Week

Lost, American Idol, Biggest Loser, Dancing with the Stars, and 24....What finales will YOU be watching? TV overload :) And so begins the summer season!

SMILE!

Race Week in Charlotte!

It's Race week here in Charlotte! The All-Star race is this weekend, followed by the Coca-Cola 600 next weekend! Who is everyone pulling for?

If you happen to chip a tooth on a bottle or eat so much candy that your teeth throb, let us know and we'll be able to get you in quickly! We are on-call during each weekend! Have a fun, safe couple of weekends!

Drool!

After all the rain we had yesterday here in Charlotte, I can see how it relates to something in dentistry. Ever wonder what drooling truly is? Sialorrhea!

Sialorrhea is a condition characterized by the secretion of drool in the resting state. It is often the result of open-mouth posture from sleeping on one's side. In the resting state, saliva may not build at the back of the throat, triggering the normal swallow reflex, thus allowing for the condition. It may be more common when resting soon after meals.

Weekend Tip!

You cant reach the tight spaces b/t your teeth or under your gumline with a toothbrush. That's why daily flossing is important!

Come visit our office to take a tour, find out your dental needs with an exam and x-rays, receive our luxurious spa cleaning, or experience a free consultation! We strive to treat you at your speed and get your smile to it's healthiest!

We are a Green Office!

We just had Earth Day not too long ago and we want to recognize how our office has been “GREEN” for a while now. We are a paperless office that utilizes the use of encrypted computers to store our patient information. We are able to keep photos of all our patients’ teeth, the procedures they have done, and their appointments on our computers. So at your next appointment, don’t be afraid to ask to see any photos you have! It’s quite fun to see your tooth on a 42 inch television screen!

We also use digital x-rays that help both our patients and the environment. The digital x-rays offer less than 80% of the regular amount of radiation that celluloid or old-timey x-rays would produce. Also, the new x-rays don’t give off any bad chemicals in the environment.

We definitely try to protect the earth and our patients…You can always feel safe with us at Dr. Porter’s Office!

Dr. Porter wants to know: Could you be a teeth whitening 'addict'?

In an age—and culture—where looks matter as much as anything in life, and at a time when a set of beautiful white teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, more and more folks want to look and feel great. But can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening? Lately, many dentists everywhere have been reporting more and more patients complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, translucent teeth and excessive teeth sensitivity, especially to cold food and drink items. This may be because many people become obsessed with making their teeth as white as possible.

At the office of Dr. Edwin Porter, we offer professional teeth whitening, at-home whitening system and whitening toothpaste. If you're considering using a tooth whitening product containing bleaches, however, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit Dr. Porter first. Lastly, our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction.

Give us a call and have a great weekend!

10 Facebook tips for parents

At the office of Dr. Edwin Porter, we recognize thousands of parents sign up for Facebook accounts and ‘friend’ their kids, often as a way to keep tabs on their online activities. A few months ago, parenting author Vicki Courtney wrote a helpful post on the things parents should and shouldn’t do while surfing through their kids' Facebook profiles. Dr. Porter and our staff thought you might benefit from reading this interesting piece.

Here is the list of the "Top Ten Facebook No-Nos" for Parents, designed specifically for those moms and dads who aren’t sure whether they’ve crossed the line in monitoring their kids’ presence online.

We hope you find this article informational. Occasionally, we enjoy posting articles outside the dental spectrum. Look out for more interesting stuff next week!

Dr. Porter wants to know: What do you love about Charlotte?

The office of Edwin S. Porter, located in Charlotte and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty special neighborhoods. Each is unique with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Porter thought he'd ask: What are your favorite things about Charlotte or your community? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps you have a favorite North Carolina getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Charlotte, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might just post your response on our social networks!

Our team is looking forward to your responses!

The importance of smiling, from Dr. Edwin Porter

Good news to report this Tuesday evening! People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t, according to a new study at Wayne State University in Michigan. Dr. Edwin Porter has known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950.

The players' photos were enlarged, and researchers studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year. The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you tried perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Porter lately? If not, give our team a call today at 704.544.5330!

Ask Dr. Porter: What's the best advice you've ever received?

Recently, Dr. Porter was asked, "What's the best piece of advice you received pertaining to dentistry and doctor-patient relationships?"

The answer, as he recalled, is simple:

To treat patients in the same manner that I would like to be treated. It’s also most important to be careful, kind, and make the experience as pain-free as it can be!

At the office of Dr. Edwin S. Porter, we focus all of our energy on our patients! We treat our patients with the same care and concern as we would our own family members. There's no surprise that for more than 15 years, we’ve been creating beautiful smiles and building lasting relationships with our patients.

Happy Tuesday!

Dr. Edwin Porter, Charlotte's CEREC provider

CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to our office. It makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful — all while keeping your teeth looking natural. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment.

The CEREC Process

First, Dr. Edwin Porter will meet with you to discuss the details of the procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Porter will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as an optimal impression. The restoration will then be designed by the computer on this impression. Then CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk to create your restoration piece out of a high tech ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

Dr. Porter is your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations here in Charlotte. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Ask Dr. Porter: What are the consequences of delaying treatment?

There are many dangers of delaying dental treatment. If someone came into our office with a small cavity that needed to be filled but delayed that filling until their next cleaning or even longer than that, they may risk that filling becoming something more extensive and more expensive. Some people have even lost their tooth in certain circumstances because they waited just a little too long.

It’s always best to get things taken care of as soon as possible but we do understand that finances can be a factor in deciding when to do that treatment. At our office we offer in-office payment plans as well as outside no interest financing plans to help our patients get the funds they need, when they need it. Please contact our office for more information!

Dr. Edwin Porter, staying on the cutting edge of dental technology

Recently, our team at Edwin S. Porter DDS were asked, "How do you stay so up-to-date on new dental technology?" And here is our answer:

Dr. Porter stays up to date dentally by reading various peer-reviewed journals and attending study club meetings that are held locally. He also attends meetings across the country involving The Pankey Institute, The Dawson Academy, Frank Spears and regarding different topics including implants, removable and restorative dentistry and many other cutting-edge dental techniques.

Ask Dr. Edwin Porter: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Dr. Edwin Porter works tirelessly to give his patients perfect teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, Dr. Porter says, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, or are just imperfect, please give us a call - Dr. Porter can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from treatment.

What are patients saying about Dr. Porter and team?

Last week, we asked you, our fantastic patients, what you most liked about our office. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our practice! Dr. Porter and team love getting patient testimonials!

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for months, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

"Dr. Porter is a great dentist. We've recommended family and friends to him." ~ Nancy C.

"He and his staff are all very professional and very courteous. They really make an effort to make you feel comfortable, which is a huge plus when you have to see the dentist." ~ David D.

"The entire experience! Wonderful, from beginning to End, Wonderful!" ~ Kelly F.

"You can really tell that he cares about his patients by the way he provides the most up to date technology & service available. Thank you Dr. Edwin Porter & Staff." ~ Cathy S.

Dr. Porter wants to know: What do you love about our office?

From the very first time you visit the dental office of Edwin S. Porter, our entire team, including Dr. Porter, strives to provide you superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Porter? Did our dedicated team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile? After all, our practice offers an accommodating environment where our patients take an active role in maintaining healthy smiles.

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

A little bit about Edwin S. Porter, DDS...

At the dental practice of Dr. Edwin S. Porter we focus all of our energy on our patients! We treat our patients with the same care and concern as we would our own family members. Our practice offers a comfortable, professional, and fun environment where our patients are encouraged to ask questions and take an active role in maintaining a healthy smile.

For over 15 years we’ve been creating beautiful smiles and building lasting relationships with our patients. As a practice we are highly dedicated to continuing education in order to stay educated on the latest technology and treatment advancements. Our practice is very high-tech, and we strive to educate our patients on the treatments they receive as well as maintaining the health of their smile at home between appointments.

Dr. Porter and our team have an absolute commitment to quality! We genuinely care about our patients, and we will spend as much time as it takes in order to make sure that every patient leaves smiling. We want to make your experience with us as convenient, affordable, and rewarding as possible - and above all else, we want to make you smile! Please give us a call to schedule your next dental exam.

Meet Our Dentist

Dr. Edwin Porter is a native to the Charlotte area and one of the leading cosmetic and general dentists in the state. Dr. Porter received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1994 from the University of Chapel Hill and was awarded one of the highest honors for Outstanding Achievement in Operative Dentistry. After being nominated by the faculty of the UNC School of Dentistry, Dr. Porter was given the honor to represent the UNC Dental School at the Advanced Training Seminar hosted by Dr. Gordon Christenson.

With the philosophy that dentistry is a partnership, Dr. Porter educates his patients on good oral hygiene while allowing them to achieve optimal dental health. He believes that improving patient’s smiles through conservative, cosmetic dental techniques has a positive impact on their overall appearance and self confidence. In 2001, after completing 500 approved dental continuing education hours and passing a comprehensive examination, Dr. Porter earned his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. There are only eight other dentists that are Fellows in the Academy practicing in the Charlotte area.

In accordance with his philosophy on the importance of continuing dental education, Dr. Porter has published several articles in distinguished dental journals and lectured to his dental colleagues. He enjoys being able to share with his peers his acquired dental knowledge through lecture and articles.

Outside of work, Dr. Porter enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. His interests include running and cycling. He has cycled in the MS 150 Race for the past four years and has also run a marathon. He is committed to serving the local community and is actively involved with his church.