DENTAL CARE & TREATMENTS
 

         One universal language understood
                          around the world is the Smile.
 

  “A Sensual Body Dream smile is a smile to be proud of”

A lot of people lack confidence when smiling or even having a photo taken, and that they are concerned about the impact of their smiles on first impressions, such as at job interviews, business meetings or when meeting a romantic candidate. A smile makeover is a dental, facial or cosmetic treatment that can improve the condition, shape, slant or color of a patient's teeth, the alignment of their jaw or tooth structure, the replacement of missing teeth that deform the facial smile, or helps patients improve the condition of their skin.

What is involved in a smile makeover?
Seeing our resident or cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns about your smile, face or teeth is a start. At the initial examination, you will be given information and an evaluation of how your smile can be improved. Once this examination has taken place, you will know what aspects can be improved that will impact your facial expression and smile.
Treatment options will be discussed with you and you can decide whether or not to proceed with the procedure(s). For each person, these may differ, and you will only know once your oral and facial health has been assessed by our resident dentist. There is nothing to lose in finding out about improvements to your smile. Ultimately, you will learn more about yourself and know what is needed for a more beautiful you.


What kinds of smile makeovers are there?
Smile makeovers vary according to the needs of each patient. There are quite a few options available through our practice which include: teeth whitening to brighten stained teeth; Invisalign braces to straighten crooked teeth; porcelain veneers to give your teeth their natural white shape and to repair damaged teeth; cosmetic bonding or porcelain crowns to restore chipped and broken teeth; dental implants or bridges to replace missing teeth; dentures as substitute teeth; lumineers to treat discolored teeth or gaps; orthodontics to align teeth structure; laser gum contouring to remove excess gum that make your teeth look small with a gummy smile; and derma fillers and botox can be used to reduce wrinkles from aging or injury.


What procedures are involved in a smile makeover?
Depending on the type of smile makeover required, the procedures involved can be cosmetic, dental or both. These procedures are different for each kind of makeover: teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, lumineers, lingual braces or orthodontics, laser gum contouring, cosmetic bonding, porcelain crowns, dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Once you have been examined by our resident dentist, the procedures will be discussed with you so that you have a full understanding of why a specific procedure is necessary to uplift your smile and give you a confident, glowing appearance.


Is a smile makeover painful?
For all treatments, our sympathetic resident dentist will discuss the sensations that may be felt. In certain procedures, local anesthetic is needed to numb the tooth and gum. All treatments are delivered pain-free and with sensitivity to your needs. Sometimes patients feel very anxious at the thought of treatment to their mouth or face, so relaxation options are also provided, such as relaxation therapy and sedatives.


How will I look after my smile makeover?
Not only do smile makeover treatments rejuvenate your face and expressions, but you also experience improved physical and mental health from receiving dental health treatment and cosmetics that build your self-esteem.

A beautiful smile is more than just teeth…
It is the first impression we make and the last we leave.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

The Effects of Missing Teeth
The effects of missing teeth can be detrimental to your long term oral and medical health. Missing teeth are also recognized associated with old age and can make you look older than you are.
Replacing missing teeth can dramatically improve your smile and the shape of your face. This greatly enhances both your dental health and self-esteem.

An Off-bite Relationship
Having gaps where teeth are missing affects the way the jaw closes. The remaining teeth begin to tilt and drift into the gaps. In addition, food can become trapped in these spaces, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. The tilting and drifting can also cause problems for the opposing teeth. An opposing tooth will begin to hyper erupt and begin to drift into the open space of the missing tooth, causing the opposing jaw-line to have bite relationship problems; thus beginning TMJ problems (problems with the jaw joint).

Jawbone Deterioration
As soon as a tooth is lost, either from gum disease or an extraction, the supporting bone in the jaw begins to dissolve. This process is called resorption. The longer a tooth is missing, the greater the bone loss.
Over time, resorption of the jawbone has a considerable effect on quality of life and on the possibility of replacing the missing teeth. As teeth are lost it becomes more difficult to eat and chew food. Studies have shown that 29 percent of denture wearers eat only soft or mashed foods and 50 percent avoid many foods altogether. And over time, more and more of the jaw bone disintegrates until it becomes very difficult to place any dental restoration.

Benefits of Replacing a Tooth Immediately
A tooth should be replaced as soon as it is lost. This will retain your oral health by preventing bone loss, reducing movement of surrounding teeth and avoiding excess decay.
Teeth provide more functions than just the ability to chew. They are necessary for the health of the gum and jaw tissues as well, and a prolonged absence of a tooth will severely limit the possibilities for restorations. Missing teeth may also affect your confidence and well-being.
 

Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own
   teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become
   permanent.

• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within
   the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants
   allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.

• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate
   the discomfort of removable dentures.

• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental
   implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite
   foods with confidence and without pain.

• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile,
   and help you feel better about yourself.

• Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other
   teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not
   altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact,
   improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow
   easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With
   good care, many implants last a lifetime.

• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental
   implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your
   dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your
   dentures in place.

• How Successful Are Dental Implants?
   Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are
   placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%
   With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.


Replacing a Single Tooth with a Dental Implant
If you have lost a tooth due to an accident or from periodontal disease, that one tooth can be replaced using a dental implant.
A dental implant is an excellent way of replacing a single tooth without the disadvantages of a fixed bridge or removable dentures. It is the ideal treatment for a missing tooth because it does not affect your adjacent teeth. That means no grinding or crowning of your natural teeth for bridges, and no clasps for removable partial dentures.
Your teeth stimulate the surrounding bone with each bite. This preserves the integrity of the bone. When a tooth is lost, the bone is not stimulated and begins to shrink away. A dental implant keeps this bone intact and can prevent both bone loss and gum tissue shrinkage. In addition, because a dental implant replaces the root structure, the jawbone is better preserved. A dental implant is also much easier to clean as compared to a bridge. And unlike a bridge, an implant can not be affected by cavities.
A dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, while having several advantages over other types of tooth replacement. If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant is the most natural looking way to replace it.
 

Replacing Multiple Teeth with Dental Implants
As we age, a greater effort is required in the maintenance of our appearance. While we may force ourselves to a strict diet and exercise, many times our teeth are forgotten. Teeth are prone to deterioration after many years of use. They get worn down, chipped/cracked, and eventually they can be lost due to physical injury or prolonged tooth decay and deterioration. Having many missing teeth is detrimental to the health and replacing these teeth is very important.
Just as with one missing tooth, several missing teeth can be aided with dental implants. Implant supported bridges are permanently fixed in the mouth, unlike removable appliances. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth without needing the support of neighboring teeth. Because dental implants replace the root of the natural tooth, they preserve the jawbone and prevent bone deterioration. This preservation of jawbone helps to keep both the bone and gum tissue from collapsing, which may lead to an unattractive smile. In addition, with a traditional bridge, cement can wash out from underneath the bridge exposing the tooth, allowing cavities to form. Dental implants do not get cavities, but brushing and flossing are extremely important to maintain for healthy gums and help in keeping plaque away from the bone and gum tissue.
Dentures will fit more securely and comfortably with an overdenture implant. This will minimize any discomfort and movement (slipping) that is common with normal dentures. Many older adults are turning towards dental implant supported dentures for their greater comfort and confidence with dentures. Many people are often able to eat the foods they couldn’t with their old dentures.
Multiple teeth implants are a great way to add confidence to your smile with a truly snug fitting denture or getting rid of that ill-fitting partial denture.

Implant brands we use

Crowns

Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

1. To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth

2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down

3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left

4. To hold a dental bridge in place

5. To cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth

6. To cover a dental implant


What Types of Crowns Are Available?
Permanent crowns can be made from all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic.

1. Metals used in crowns include gold alloy, other alloys (for example, palladium) or a base-metal alloy (for example, nickel or chromium). Compared with other crown types, less tooth structure needs to be removed with metal crowns, and tooth wear to opposing teeth is kept to a minimum. Metal crowns withstand biting and chewing forces well and probably last the longest in terms of wear down. Also, metal crowns rarely chip or break. The metallic color is the main drawback. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.

2. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be color matched to your adjacent teeth (unlike the metallic crowns). However, more wearing to the opposing teeth occurs with this crown type compared with metal or resin crowns. The crown's porcelain portion can also chip or break off. Next to all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look most like normal teeth. However, sometimes the metal underlying the crown's porcelain can show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line and even more so if your gums recede. These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.

3. All-resin dental crowns are less expensive than other crown types. However, they wear down over time and are more prone to fractures than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

4. All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide the best natural color match than any other crown type and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and they wear down opposing teeth a little more than metal or resin crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for front teeth.

5. Temporary versus permanent. Temporary crowns can be made in your dentist's office whereas permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel and can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is constructed by the dental laboratory.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of "wear and tear" the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).

Does a Crowned Tooth Require Special Care?
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.
 

Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers have long been used to create the ultimate smile makeover. With this treatment, it's possible to transform crooked, stained, damaged or badly worn teeth into a brand new, straight, white smile, as seen on many of the Hollywood greats.

So what exactly are dental veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin lamintates or shells of tooth-coloured material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material). They are “cemented” to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. Many dentists use the analogy that dental veneers are for your teeth what false fingernails are for your hands.

What treatments or problems are veneers used for?
There are a wide variety of reasons why patients opt for treatment with dental veneers:
 
Stained teeth - badly stained teeth that cannot be improved by teeth whitening or prophyflex treatments can be greatly improved by dental veneers, which function to cover any existing stains on your teeth.

Damaged teeth - teeth that have become badly worn through excessive grinding or by carbonated drinks, as well as those that have been chipped or broken, can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite bonding, also known as "composite veneers". A single damaged tooth can easily be repaired with a porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and colour as you natural teeth.

Gaps - spaces or gaps (diastimas) between your teeth can easily be closed using dental veneers, giving you a more uniform-looking smile.

Crooked teeth - Veneers are not the ideal treatment for crooked teeth, and from the point of view of preserving your natural teeth structure, orthodontics or Invisalign braces would probably a better solution. However, such treatments can take up to a year or longer. For teeth that are not severely crooked, veneers placed over their front surface will give a straight and perfectly aligned-looking smile. For this type of treatment, many people refer to veneers as "instant orthodontics", as you get a similar end result in a fraction of the time.

So which are better: composite veneers or porcelain veneers?
The most popular type of veneers is porcelain, which offers a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. Composite veneers are also more prone to staining and do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers also offer a more natural looking, translucent appearance. Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often, they could end up costing more in the long run. Composite work is ideal for small chips, as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

What is the procedure of having dental veneers fitted?
1. The first part of any dental procedure is the initial consultation and examination, so that the dentist can get a feel for what you want and understand your needs and concerns. The dentist should explain the treatment procedure to you and give you an accurate guide to the likely costs of your treatment.

2. Before your veneers are designed, your dentist will need to reshape and prepare the front surfaces of your teeth so that they can accommodate the veneers. The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums with a local anaesthetic so that you do not feel anything during the procedure.

3. Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file), a tiny part of the front surface of your teeth will be shaved off. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth.

4. Next, an impression or mould (copy) of your teeth is taken. A special dental "putty" is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it takes an imprint of your teeth (similar to how you would leave a footprint in sand).

5. This "impression" or mould of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses the impression to cast an accurate model of your teeth, which is used as a guide to fabricate your new veneers. This process can take between one and three weeks.

6. While you're waiting for your veneers to be fabricated, your dentist may fit you with some temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. Not all dentists will offer temporary veneers.

7. On your second appointment, your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First, the dentist may just sit the veneers over your teeth to see how they look with your smile, as he/she may need to trim or adjust the veneer.

8. Next, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and the front surfaces etched (roughened) with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to.

9. The veneers are then cemented into place, and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that it permanently bonds the veneer to the front surface of your prepared tooth. If there is any excess cement, it is usually trimmed away and polished to leave a beautiful and natural-looking restoration.

How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers will typically last between five and ten years, while composite veneers last a year or two at most. The bottom line is that your veneers will eventually need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place, there have been cases where they come loose and fall off. In such situations, it is important that you keep hold of your veneer and contact your dentist immediately. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.

  DENTAL MAKEOVER. CASE 1

DENTAL MAKEOVER. CASE 2

DENTAL MAKEOVER. CASE 3

DENTAL MAKEOVER. CASE 4