Dr. Sowell's Corner

Many times I have New patients come in for a cosmetic consultation and ask me about Lumineers, Mac Veneers, Da Vinci Veneers or Empress Veneers. They have researched the internet and found these brand names with their associated benefits. For example, Lumineers are promoted to have minimal tooth preparation, Da Vinci were used in the television show Extreme Makeover, and Mac veneers are promoted to be the most beautiful. We live in the age of "brand name recognition." Each of these brand names are promoted by a particular large dental labratory. They are spending millions of dollars to advertise and create brand recognition. These larger labs employ technicians to make these veneers far away in places like California. The have not seen the patient or dentist and they have more experienced technicians who oversee their work. It reminds me of an analogy, "Would you rather have a designer brand name dress or a suit off the rack made in a Factory?", or "Would you like a master tailor who could measure you, advise you on your body type, what style would look best, and could also make alterations on the spot"? Just like a suit or dress, the materials are known to all-cotton, wool, silk, synthetics and blends. With veneers it's pressed ceramic and feldspathetic porcelain.

Personally, I prefer using a master ceramicist locally who can come to the office for the custom-personalized service for the the patient and me. Smile makeovers with Veneers is art work not just science, so I would want the best ceramicist. They do not usually work for large labs, unless they are in a supervising role. The reality is, we do live in a "brand recognition world",therefore, we do use Lumineers, Mac Veneers, Da Vinci and Empress and their labs when the patients request it, but we first explain to them the difference and allow patients to make and "informed choice".

Hygiene News

As for you that have been wondering about my whereabouts, I have been working part-time this month due to my pregnancy and plan to work part-time through December. My patients have been so wonderful to me and I am truly going to miss them. Working here with Dr. Sowell for the last three years has been wonderful. I would like to introduce our woderful new hygienist Melissa Lester, who will be taking over the hygiene department for Annilee and I. She graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry here in Dallas, Texas and has been practicing hygiene for over 6 years.Melissa is originally from Lubbock, Texas.....go Red Raiders!!!! Her interests and hobbies are scrapbooking and tennis. Melissa recently got engaged and is excited about planning her big day. We know our patients will be very pleased with Melissa. Lastly, I just wanted to say how great it has been to meet each and everyone of you and it has been a pleasure to work with all of you. I will keep you posted on my pregnancy and may see you before I leave in December. Enjoy the fall weather and have a wonderful holiday season!

A Great Appetizer for upcoming football gatherings and holiday gatherings:

Spinach/Artichoke Dip

1- 10oz-box Frozen spinach thawed
1- 10oz bottle of alfredo sauce
4- cloves smashed garlic
1- cup shredded mozarella cheese
1/3- cup shredded parmesean cheese
1- 14oz can artichoke hearts
1/2-pkg phillydelphia cream cheese
Add salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: you may add chopped jalepenos for a spicy kick

Mix all ingrediants and bake in an oven safe pan at 350 degrees for 20-30 mintutes. Serve warm with tortilla chips or bread.