FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Sandra Kirk at (405) 602-0205

Grand Dental Studio
Michael K. Kirk, D.D.S.
1057 NW Grand Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 848-3719
www.dentistokc.com

SAVE YOUR SMILE THIS WEEK WITH A SMILE MAKEOVER FROM AN AACD MEMBER

August 25, 2004 Madison, WI – This week is National Save Your Smile Week. The following statistics, gathered from a 2004 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey, illustrate how vital it is that the public practices proper oral health to maintain a gorgeous grin:

Virtually all Americans (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset. When asked, "What is the first thing you notice in a person's smile?"

The most common responses were:

• Straightness
• Whiteness & Color of Teeth
• Cleanliness of Teeth
• Sincerity of Smile
• Any Missing Teeth?
• Sparkle of Smile

And when asked, "What types of things do you consider make a smile unattractive?" The most common responses were:

• Discolored, Yellow, or Stained Teeth
• Missing Teeth
• Crooked Teeth
• Decaying Teeth & Cavities
• Gaps & Spaces in Teeth
• Dirty Teeth

And finally, when respondents were asked, "What would you most like to improve about your smile?" The most common response was:

• Whiter & Brighter Teeth

"Thanks to cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding, anyone can save their smile and in doing so, improve their self-confidence," said AACD member dentist Dr. Michael Kirk of Oklahoma City.

Cosmetic dental treatments that can help save a smile include:

Whitening – The most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure, many whitening options are now available to consumers in a wide range of prices. Dentist-supervised treatments remain the AACD recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.

Veneers – An increasingly popular procedure, veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are affixed directly to the teeth. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.

Bonding – An option for chipped or cracked teeth, bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth’s surface, sculpted into shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile.

As with any dental procedure, the AACD recommends consumers consult with their dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental treatment.

ABOUT GRAND DENTAL STUDIO

Grand Dental Studio provides general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry care for the entire family. Dr. Kirk and his team members spend hours in training each year to ensure that patients have the highest level of care and comfort. Grand Dental Studio is open Monday through Friday with several appointment times that are outside of normal business hours to meet busy families’ needs.

For a free cosmetic consultation or for more information contact the office at (405) 848-3719 or visit www.dentistokc.com. Media interested in more information about cosmetic dentistry can view the AACD web site at www.aacd.com.