​ Social media has become an undeniable force in many of our lives. With people posting everything from their gourmet breakfast to their smiling "selfies," social media has become an easy way to stay engaged in our friends' lives from the comfort of our phones and tablets. But as fun as social media can often be, it also has a more serious side - t...

Women are requesting teeth fit for a princess. Beauty trends come and go, but at least one of them isn’t going anywhere anytime soon: the quest for whiter, brighter teeth and a healthy, beautiful smile. Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on elective cosmetic dentistry procedures – everything from teeth whitening to braces to porcelain veneers. But while whitening is among the most common and affordable cosmetic procedure, sometimes it's not enough to simply whiten the teeth. Some patients want a little something more to create a healthy beautiful smile like their favorite celebrity. Media outlets are reporting that right now the biggest trend in cosmetic dentistry is, not surprisingly, new princess Meghan Markle’s stunning smile. The American actress-turned-royalty has women around the globe rushing to their dentist’s office to capture that signature glow for themselves. So, what’s so great about that "Markle Sparkle" that everyone wants their own version of it? Trend spotters and dentists agree, it's not just the natural whiteness of Markle’s smile, but the spacing, tooth size and even her tooth-to-lip and -gum ratio that makes her smile so beautiful. But Markle isn’t the first or only celebrity to spark an oral-health trend. Julia Roberts’ iconic smile is still a popular request, as is Gabrielle Union, and even Markle’s own sister-in-law, fashion icon Kate Middleton. So, what can you do if you want some of that signature Markle Sparkle for yourself? Whitening: A professional whitening treatment from Dr. George may be all your smile needs to capture that "fit for a princess" glow. These in-office treatments can reduce stains and discoloration by several shades, giving you that celebrity gleam you deserve. Veneers: Veneers are a great way to correct cosmetic issues with the teeth. Thin layers of porcelain are custom fit to each tooth, improving shape, size and color. Veneers can hide chips, cracks and discoloration and create a gorgeous grin in about two weeks. Orthodontics: Orthodontics changes the positioning and alignment of the teeth. It can also improve the tooth-to-cheek and tooth-to-gum ratio, widening the jaw to create your very own megawatt smile just like the one celebrities such as Markle and Roberts are famous for. As for Markle, we have a feeling she’ll be an inspiration for more than just her smile for years to come. Between a Hollywood career, dazzling teeth and a fairytale love story, what’s not to smile about? To get that Markle Sparkle for your own teeth, call Dr. George’s office at 724-220-2347.

We all want sparkly, beautiful teeth. But how far would you go to get them? If you’re a celebrity like Kim Kardashian or money is simply no object, you may opt for the newest wave of those once-popular tooth "grills."

Do you wish your smile was just a little bit straighter and whiter? Do you also wish you could take a tropical vacation while getting the smile of your dreams? How much would you pay for this fantasy treatment? If dental tourism packages are to be believed, less than you might pay here in the United States at a board-certified licensed dentist. But buyer beware: You may be getting more than you bargained for - and not in a good way.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, each year, Americans spend about $2.75 billion on cosmetic dentistry services. The kicker: Most of that cost is probably not covered by insurance, and even when plans do cover procedures such as veneers or braces, they may not cover all of the associated costs. With the average cost of braces hovering around $5,000 per person, but going as high as $7,500, and the average dental insurance policy only covering about $2,500 for a lifetime, that can equate to a significant out-of-pocket investment.

If you’re one of the 28% of Americans who hide their smile because they don’t like their teeth, you may want to consider getting a cosmetic dental device called porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers, or simply ‘veneers’ are thin pieces of porcelain that are permanently adhered to the front surfaces of your teeth, to improve everything from color to the shape of the tooth. Veneers can even correct some minor crookedness of the teeth, eliminating the need for lengthy and painful procedures like dental implants or braces.