Smile Gallery

This Week’s Patient Q&A Spotlight

Let’s Talk Cavities: Prevention, Cost & Why Early Treatment Matters

At CDSA, we hear the same cavity questions every week—so this time, Dr. Camacho is here with honest, expert answers.

Click here to watch the video  

Q1: “My cavity doesn’t hurt. Can I wait to fix it?”

Dr. Camacho:
Pain is a late sign. Cavities often cause no symptoms while actively damaging your tooth. By the time it hurts, decay may have reached the nerve—requiring a $2,000–$3,000 root canal and crown.
🦷 A $250 filling now saves your tooth and your wallet.
Dentistry isn’t expensive. Neglect is.

Q2: “Why not just pull the tooth if it gets bad?”

Dr. Camacho:
Extraction may feel like a quick fix, but it causes long-term problems—bite shifting, tooth damage, and facial aging due to lost vertical dimension. Keeping your natural teeth helps preserve both function and appearance.

Q3: “Will treatment be cheaper if I wait for dental insurance?”

Dr. Camacho:
Dental insurance is a benefit plan—not true insurance. Most plans haven’t raised their annual max in 40+ years and often come with delays and exclusions. Waiting may lead to more expensive problems than acting now.

Q4: “How can I prevent cavities at home?”

Dr. Camacho:
Consistency is key.
✔️ Use an electric toothbrush
✔️ Floss with the C-shape technique
✔️ Cut back on sugars—including hidden ones like crackers and ketchup
✔️ Use high-fluoride toothpaste like Pronamel
✔️ Try xylitol gum or mints
✔️ Rinse with baking soda (2 tbsp in 1 cup warm water, 2–3x/day)
✔️ Ask about fluoride treatments and sealants
✔️ Watch for dry mouth—many medications reduce saliva and increase cavity risk

Have questions about your smile?
We’re here to help you prevent problems before they start.

Do you know someone interested in improving their smile?

They can get answers to their questions directly from Dr. Camacho or Dr. Pennington by clicking the links below. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Contact Dr. Camacho

Contact Dr. Pennington

 

Sincerely,
Cosmetic Dentistry of San Antonio

At Cosmetic Dentistry of San Antonio, one of the most common questions we hear is: 

“Is Invisalign just for looks?”

Not at all. Invisalign does more than straighten teeth—it helps prevent wear, chipping, gum problems, and even reduces your risk for serious health issues like heart disease. Proper alignment improves function, makes teeth easier to clean, and supports long-term oral health. In many cases, it’s a medically necessary treatment—not just cosmetic.

  Click here to watch the video  

“Am I too old for Invisalign?”

Never. We’ve successfully treated patients in their 70s—and even 80s. Thanks to modern dentistry, it’s now possible to maintain your natural teeth for life, and orthodontic treatment plays a key role. Age is never a barrier when it comes to improving your bite, protecting your oral health, and enhancing your smile with confidence.

“How long does Invisalign take?”

Most adult cases are completed in 10–14 months, with visible changes often within the first 2–3 months. For those looking to speed things up, we offer OrthoPulse®—a light therapy device that can cut treatment time by up to 40%.

“Why choose Dr. Camacho?”

Dr. Camacho was one of the first general dentists in the nation certified in Invisalign, with over 1,300 cases successfully treated. With over 38 years of orthodontic experience, he personally designs every case—rather than relying on third-party technicians—to ensure precise, customized results. He’s been recognized nationally by his peers in Invisalign’s top provider competitions, and his approach is both scientifically informed and patient-centered.

✅ More reasons to consider Invisalign:

• Clear, removable, BPA-free trays—no wires, no brackets.
• Eat, brush, and floss normally.
• Fewer office visits than traditional braces.
• Includes retainers, whitening, and refinements if needed—no hidden fees.

Do you know someone interested in improving their smile?

They can get answers to their questions directly from Dr. Camacho or Dr. Pennington by clicking the links below. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Contact Dr. Camacho

Contact Dr. Pennington  

Sincerely,
Cosmetic Dentistry of San Antonio

If you’ve ever been told you need a dental crown, you might wonder:
Why not just get a filling? Or even, why not just pull the tooth?

Here’s why crowns are often the best option—and what sets them apart.

What is a Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a tooth. It’s used when a tooth is too damaged or weak to support a filling. Whether it’s a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a large failing filling—crowns offer protection and long-term strength.

Click here to watch the video  

Crown vs. Filling or Inlay/Onlay

• Filling: Only works when there’s enough natural tooth to support it. Too little tooth = it won’t stay.
• Inlay/Onlay: Partial restorations. Inlays fit inside the tooth’s center; onlays cover more of the surface.
• Crown: Full coverage for maximum protection when most of the tooth structure is gone.

What If There’s Not Enough Tooth Left?

That’s where a buildup or post and core may come in:

• Buildup: Reinforces a weakened tooth so it can hold a crown.
• Post and Core: Often used after a root canal. A post is placed into the root to anchor the crown securely.

Why Not Just Remove the Tooth?

While extraction may seem cheaper short term, losing a tooth can lead to long-term complications—shifting teeth, bite problems, and jawbone loss. A crown preserves your natural tooth and helps you avoid the costly road to implants or dentures.

Questions about your crown options?

📞 Call us at (210) 493-9944 or 📧 email us at info@cosmeticdentistryofsa.com — we’re here to help!

Do you know someone interested in improving their smile?

They can get answers to their questions directly from Dr. Camacho or Dr. Pennington by clicking the links below. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Contact Dr. Camacho

Contact Dr. Pennington  

Wishing you a joyful Fiesta season from all of us at CDSA—celebrate with smiles! 🎉

Sincerely,
Cosmetic Dentistry of San Antonio

Tried whitening before but didn’t love the results? Looking for something that goes deeper?

At CDSA, we proudly offer KöR® Whitening — a science-backed system that delivers dramatic, long-lasting results with comfort and safety in mind.

Click here to watch the video  

What Makes KöR Whitening So Different?

KöR Whitening restores your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen, letting its powerful gel dissolve deep-set stains — even from coffee, wine, or tetracycline.

Its gel is refrigerated for full potency, and KöR-Seal™ trays lock it in for up to 10 hours of active whitening — far beyond typical 30-minute systems.

Whiten While You Sleep — Comfortably

KöR Whitening starts with custom trays made for overnight wear — thin, precise, and so comfortable many patients forget they’re on.

Most patients whiten at home for two weeks. While some see great results with take-home only, combining it with the in-office session gives the most dramatic transformation.

No Lights. No Gimmicks. Just Results.

KöR Whitening skips harsh lights and lasers that can cause sensitivity. Its power comes from advanced chemistry — safe, gentle, and built to last with simple monthly maintenance.

Concerned About Sensitivity?

KöR® Whitening is designed to reduce sensitivity by avoiding harsh acidifiers found in other systems. While mild sensitivity is still possible, each kit includes a special desensitizing gel and trays to help ensure a more comfortable whitening experience.

Why KöR Whitening is Worth It

This system is unlike anything else — and here’s why:

• Refrigerated gel for peak potency
• Trays designed to seal out saliva and enhance whitening
• Up to 10 hours of active whitening each night
• Long-lasting, stain-resistant results
• Effective even on stubborn, deep discoloration

Do you know someone interested in improving their smile?

They can get answers to their questions directly from Dr. Camacho or Dr. Pennington by clicking the links below. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Contact Dr. Camacho

Contact Dr. Pennington  

Sincerely,
Cosmetic Dentistry of San Antonio

Veneers can completely transform your smile — but we know you may still have questions. Dr. Camacho sat down to answer the three most common ones we hear from patients at CDSA:

1. Will they look natural?

Absolutely! Dr. Camacho personally designs each veneer to complement your skin tone, facial structure, and smile goals. The result? Veneers so natural-looking that people won’t even notice—unless you tell them!

2. Do I have to shave down my teeth?

Sometimes minimal shaping is necessary—typically about the thickness of a contact lens. However, we also offer no-prep veneers that require no tooth alteration and are fully reversible. Dr. Camacho will recommend the best option for your unique smile.

3. How long do veneers last?

With proper care, veneers typically last 10–15 years, but many of our patients enjoy them much longer—some even 20+ years! Regular dental visits and routine care ensure your veneers remain beautiful for years.

Click here to get the answer  

Why CDSA?

• Custom Design: Each veneer is individually crafted by Dr. Camacho and Dr. Pennington for seamless integration with your smile.
• Enamel Preservation: Our conservative approach prioritizes minimal impact on your natural teeth.
• Convenient Virtual Consults: Start from home—simply send a photo and receive a personalized video response from either Dr. Camacho or Dr. Pennington.
• Long-Lasting Results: Durable, stain-resistant veneers designed to maintain their beauty over time.

Do you know someone interested in improving their smile?

They can get answers to their questions directly from Dr. Camacho or Dr. Pennington by clicking the links below. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Contact Dr. Camacho         Contact Dr. Pennington  

Sincerely,
Cosmetic Dentistry of San Antonio