Irwin Smigel, DDS, renowned father of esthetic dentistry, President of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, and Inventor of Supersmile® Intelligent Smile Care, has passed away today at his home in New York City. He is survived by his wife Lucia, daughter Bellanca, son Robert, six loving grandchildren, and his sister Eileen Schrott.
Perhaps the most respected dental professional of the modern era, Smigel introduced the first-ever cosmetic bonding procedure in 1979 on the nationally televised hit TV show, That’s Incredible, demonstrating how easily and painlessly people could beautify their smiles in as little as one visit to the dentist.
Regarded for years in professional circles around the world as the “Father of Aesthetic Dentistry,” Smigel was officially recognized in June 2009 by the National Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, in a permanent installation called The Smile Experience, an exhibit that pays homage to his contributions to the field.
Smigel published more than 110 articles on a range of esthetic dentistry topics, attends annual dental shows, often as the keynote. Smigel founded the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) in 1976, and was instrumental in the establishment of aesthetic sciences societies around the world, including France, Japan, Korea, India, Brazil, Turkey and Israel.
In recognition of Smigel’s pioneering achievements in esthetic dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry established the Smigel Prize in 2000 to honor significant contributions to the field by others throughout the world.
Smigel was the inventor of Supersmile® Intelligent Smile Care, a clinically proven collection of premium whitening, breath-freshening and cavity-fighting formulations designed to deliver the most comprehensive, safe and effective oral care - at home - to prolong the health and beauty of teeth and gums between dental visits. Developed especially for his patients with bonded teeth, veneers, caps, crowns and dentures – who complained of staining due to the materials’ porosity – Supersmile is today the No. 1-recommended tooth whitening system by cosmetic dentists.
Smigel, whose Manhattan practice attracted an A-list clientele of celebrities, politicians, editors, executives and socialites, has been featured as an expert in countless fashion and beauty magazines including Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, Men’s Vogue, New Beauty, New York Magazine, New York Times, Shape, Vogue and W among others.
Smigel was a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry.
