At Dental Excellence, easy & convenient access to your account information

At Dental Excellence, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Independence, Missouri.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call at 816-795-9500 if you have any questions about getting started! Happy Monday!

Smile more, and you might just live longer!

Great news to report! It turns out that people with big smiles (and who smile more frequently) may live longer than those who don’t, according to a 2010 study from Michigan’s Wayne State University. Our doctors at Dental Excellence have known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950.

The players' photos were enlarged, and a rating of their smile intensity was made (big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance.

The researchers 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.

Our big take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you perfected your smile by visiting our convenient Independence office lately? If not, give us a call at 816-795-9500 and set up an appointment! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ask Dr. Wiley: What's the difference between a dentist and cosmetic dentist?

Our staff at Dental Excellence like to tell our patients that with us, you get two dentists for one (well, actually you get five experienced and knowledgeable dentists). You get the care and attention to your good oral health that any good general dentist provides. But on top of that, you get dental professionals who understand the impact of a bright smile and straight teeth. After all, we pride ourselves in providing you the best that technology and skill can offer.

Cosmetic dentists undergo extra training to stay on the leading edge of restorative techniques. We can whiten teeth, perform implants, add veneers and even straighten minor crooked teeth with Invisalign treatment (we'll get into Invisalign in future posts). All the while, we’re always keeping an eye on your dental health and making sure your teeth will be in great shape, and your smile will be stunning!

We invite you to give us a call at 816-795-9500. At Dental Excellence, we are always happy to welcome new patients into our dental family!

The importance of regular checkups, from Dental Excellence

Are you remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, especially after meals? If yes, that’s wonderful. But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Dental Excellence every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Our doctors can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam we will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited Dental Excellence in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment at 816-795-9500! Summer is a great time for a visit!

What are happy patients saying about our office?

"Dr. Matt Wiley is quite possibly the best dentist I've encountered thus far in my life. His ability, professionalism, attitude, and bedside manner are superb." ~ Tom B.

"Dr. Labarca is an excellent dentist. Judy is a very good hygienist and very personable. I often recommend Independence Dental Excellence, Dr. Labarca and Judy to coworkers when I am asked if I know a good dentist." ~ Bonnie A.

"Dr. Hawkins is up-to-date on the latest techniques, he's kind, particular, has a sense of humor and he's cute. I can say that, he was in school with my daughter. He has called to check on me when I had some extra work done." ~ Jean L.

"This was my first visit with Dr. Carr. She listened to all of my concerns and questions. Together we were able to work on a plan of care for myself and my son. I liked being included in the plan." ~ Joan M.

"He's just friendly - I have gone to Dr. Smith since I was a child." ~ Mary R.