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.