Cosmetic Dentistry is Life Changing

 

COSMETIC DENTISTRY IS LIFE CHANGING

 

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving a person’s teeth, mouth and smile. Today, millions of people turn to cosmetic procedures as a way to improve their overall appearance, self-confidence and image. 

Beautiful white teeth have become a status symbol

Beautiful white teeth are seen as a status symbol, and what use to be only available for the rich and famous is now available to everyday people who are looking to enhance their smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers the solutions to make you more confident, attractive and increase your self esteem ten fold. Thanks to dental technology advancements, you can have a runway-ready smile through a instant facelift or cosmetic smile makeover. 

 

Smile makeovers

The new trend in cosmetic dentistry is commonly referred to as a smile makeover. The goal of a smile makeover is to give the patient a smile that is brighter, whiter, and more even. There are a number of ways you can achieve that perfect smile. Smile makeovers are a combination of procedures, such as whitening of discolored teeth; straightening of teeth with braces; repairing chipped, cracked, broken or decayed teeth with porcelain crowns or bonded composites; replace missing teeth or fill spaces with implants; and correct uneven gums with gum re-contouring. Placing ceramic crowns or veneers on discolored, cracked, broken, decayed or worn teeth teeth can produce dramatic results in a relatively small amount of time. If you want a natural look, all ceramic crowns will match your natural teeth color perfectly and is very durable. Because of these dental advancements, more and more people are having their old crowns and fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored materials to enhance their appearance and smile.

Any of these procedures and dramatically improve your smile and give you that appearance you’ve always dreamed of.

 

Reasons why patients want cosmetic dentistry

1. Whiter Teeth: People with a beautiful white smile generally show more confidence than those with ugly stained teeth. Tooth whitening is the easiest and quickest and most cost effective cosmetic procedure to give you a whiter and brighter smile in about an hour. 

2. Straighter Teeth: Beautiful white, straight and healthy teeth show well-being and attractiveness and is a desire of each person. A beautiful smile and healthy teeth make you feel great and has a positive effect on one’s social and business life. You could be the nicest person in the world, but if you have crooked or uneven teeth people may think otherwise just because of your teeth. Yes, it’s sad, but it’s unfortunately true.  Crowded  and crooked  teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatment, porcelain crowns or veneers. 

3. Feel more attractive : A study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that 96% off adults believe that an attractive smile makes them  more appealing to the opposite sex.  Approximately, 3 out of 4 people also felt that an unattractive smile can affect their chances for success in their careers. 

4. Replace missing Teeth: No one likes to having missing teeth, is does not look nice and is difficult to eat without teeth. Teeth can be replaced with dental implants. Dental implants are on the rise and fastly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures done today. 

5. Unattractive Gummy Smile: A “gummy” smile can make your teeth seem almost secondary in appearance to your gums, making your teeth look short and unattractive. A periodontist will quickly and accurately remove those gummy gums with laser gum sculpting, and bring out those beautiful teeth that were hiding for so long. 

6. Feel & Look Young and confident: It’s absolutely amazing what a new smile can do. We’ve seen it so many times. A normal, average looking person will come in to our office and want a smile makeover done instantly. Usually ceramic veneers  and/or bleaching will do the trick. What’s amazing is once the veneers are placed and they see their new, beautiful smile, the real transformation begins. On their next visit they’ll now have a new hair style, new clothes, tan skin, and a new confident attitude. It’s quite amazing to see and we in the dental profession are happy to be apart of it.

7. Restorative benefits: Dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously most dental fillings were composed of amalgam (metal fillings).  Today, dental fillings fall into the category  of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of composite or porcelain materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. 

 

A smile can make a difference

A smile serves as an individual’s most powerful tool. A great smile can make a lasting impression, boost a person’s self-esteem and confidence as well as improve their overall health. There is absolutely no reason not to take advantage of all the wonderful cosmetic procedures available today. If you feel as though your smile lacks the kind of brightness, quality, and appeal that you really want, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry. It’s time for you to get that smile you’ve always deserved, but never had the chance to get, until now. A smile can make a difference and we believe everyone should have that chance to get the smile they’ve always dreamed of having. 

Technological advancement in natural-looking tooth-colored dental materials make today’s  cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in the past. The benefits of treatment has a profound effect on a person’s well-being and quality of life.

Smile - A lifestyle Asset

 

SMILE – A LIFESTYLE ASSET

 

A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice―a beautiful set of white teeth can help us attract new friends and make a good first impression at that job interview. Beautiful teeth show well-being and attractiveness and has become a status symbol. The condition of your teeth play an important role in your social life. A nice smile makes you feel great and has a positive effect on your private and business life.  Your teeth are your personal business card. 

 

Smile – an important asset in life 

A smile is a very important and essential asset in our life for three main reasons. It acts as a barometer for:

Mood 

First,  because of the signals and messages  it gives to others about how we feel, how we look, how we care for ourselves, and how healthy we are. A smile should be used as routine, not saved for special moments, because it indicates your personality, the type of person you wish to be. Gloomy people are unattractive and dour.

 

Approachability and attraction

Second, it immediately tells someone we are approachable, we want to share  the moment with them. It also tells the other person they are valued. A smile is the number one feature that makes people attractive.  People with great smiles radiate a warmth that draws others to them instantly and wins instant friends.

 

Interaction

Third,  it is the biggest tool in interacting with strangers and making new friendships because we don’t have to say anything. A smile cuts across  language and says it all while making you seem even more attractive.

 

Research shows relationship between smile and life experiences

According to a recent survey of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry…

- 90% of all adults consider an attractive smile to be an important social asset.

- 80% believe than an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex

- 75% suspect that an unattractive smile can negatively impact their career opportunities.

 Nearly 50% said they would like to make some improvement in the appearance of their smile.

 

Studies have also shown that a beautiful, whiter, straighter smile will increase self confidence and lead to a healthier life style. A beautiful smile will give you the self confidence to do anything you want in life. Studies have also shown that individuals with with enhanced overall appearance due to healthier, whiter, and straighter smiles, get better jobs, get paid more, and open doors that they never thought possible.

 

What is the formula for a perfect smile?

 The whiteness of the teeth should match the whites of the eyes, else the smile will stand out too much and detract from the rest of the face.

 The top row of teeth should be dominant.

 All the teeth on display should be straight and healthy, and there should not appear any signs of decay or restorative work.

 The visibility of the gums should be as little as possible to avoid a “gummy” or “horsey” smile.

 

There is  nothing more empowering in our life than a smile!

A smile is one of the most universally recognizable facial expression, helping to depict an individual’s happiness, confidence, attractiveness, sociability and sincerity. 

Some people have a natural smile. Others must work at it. When you are having a good time, does your face show it? One way to tell is look at the photos taken. Do you like the way you looked in most of them?  One way to become better at smiling is increasing your awareness. Take notice of those you find warm and inviting.  Make an effort to look for great smiles. Notice the appeal of people who smile with their eyes, not just their mouth. The whole face gets involved. Consider those people your models. Study yourself in the mirror. How do you look in the rest room, when shopping, and while passing a reflective window? Do you look friendly or approachable?  Do you like the image you are projecting?

A smile broadcasts, “I love life!” Smiling, laughing and feeling joy, makes one feel good, provides stress relief, and leads to emotional and physical well-being.

A smiling person lets the sunshine in and gives others permission to smile too. There is  nothing more empowering in our life than a smile!!

 

 

 

In this busy world we live in, it’s more and more a reality that people judge each other by their appearance. A smile signals warmth, friendliness, and good feelings. We only get one chance to make a good first impression. A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.

Lifestyle and Dental Care

 

THE CHANGING FACE OF DENTISTRY IS MAKING PEOPLE SMILE

 

Oral health is a major factor in maintaining quality of life. Our mouths contribute to the quality of our lives by affecting how we look, speak and enjoy food. Modern lifestyle is the main reason for the increased demand for dental care  that will improve appearance, provide greater comfort, create less anxiety, is more accessible  and convenient, and thus improving our quality of life. We live in an appearance-based society where facial attractiveness has been found to  affect social as well as business attitudes and actions.  Dentistry on the other hand is a profession that changes people’s lives. 

Dentistry has changed positively in so many ways, especially in terms of consumer perceptions about treatment and technology. Dentistry is not just about keeping patient’s mouths healthy, making teeth shiny and white or helping people getting out of their immediate discomfort. Dentistry is more about changing peoples lives and improving their quality of life.

 

Embracing  safety, comfort, and convenience

State-of-the-art dental technology has transformed dental treatment. Through advancements in technology, a new modern dentistry has emerged that increase patient comfort, care, safety  and convenience.   Terms like painless, comfortable, precision and amazing are more common now than ever. Modern dentistry  is set to eliminate discomfort, anxiety and fear for the patient.  

Not only are dental chairs  and the dental surgery environment more comfortable and pleasant, improvements in local anesthetic  and sedation equipment and materials provide more comfort and less anxiety than ever before.

 

The  changing dynamic of dental practice – efficient, precision and less intrusive

With ever-increasing technological advancements, the dynamic of the dental practice is changing dramatically. Leading edge technology allows us to offer our patients superior quality services that are safer, faster, better and less intrusive than most people might imagine. Modern dentistry utilizes materials, procedures, instruments and technologies that are far advanced from what was available even 15 years ago. 

The era of precision diagnosis and treatment

Dentists now have access to technology  that provide precision in diagnosis and treatment of dental and oral disease.  Dentists can now use microscopes and magnification loupes to see the small details during examination and procedures. Not only do they help us to catch potential problems before they are noticeable to the naked eye, they also help us perform procedures and treatments with extreme precision. 

 

Three dimensional scans have also entered the dental arena, allowing dentists to see what has never been seen before. This technology is set be be the golden standard for diagnosis and treatment planning, virtual surgery and dental laboratory of the future. 

Revolutionary technologies like this have equipped the dentists with the means to provide patients with the best possible care, improve the efficiency of treatment procedures and significantly reduce treatment time.

 

Advancements in technology is making cosmetic dentistry more accessible to a wider audience. Today’s state-of-the-art techniques and materials, using a unique combination of science and artistry can make a real difference and literally redesign your smile. 

Dentistry has undergone numerous changes and technological advances in the last few years that provide today’s dentist with a multitude of conservative esthetic alternatives  and materials for the restoration of natural dentition. The advancements in materials engineering has made the use of adhesives together with composite and ceramic dental materials widely available. Composite and ceramic dental materials can  be used to fill cavities, as well as to rebuild and restore teeth in natural ways. These materials are continually being improved to replicate tooth color more precisely and to hold their shape better. Today we can make “metal free” crowns, bridges, veneers with porcelain application that provide the same translucency and vitality as natural teeth. It is now possible to repair an entire oral cavity “metal free” without sacrificing healthy tooth structure or strength. 

 

Modern dental technologies such as air abrasion,  digital x-rays,  dental scans, dental lasers have greatly changed our experience of going to the dentist. Instead of painful or uncomfortable procedures and hit-or-miss methods, this technology has made dental care more comfortable, cost-effective, and precise.

 

The modern option for extreme fear and anxiety

For those who experience extreme fear and dread over visits to the dentist, conscious sedation dentistry in which a patient is given relaxing sedatives to ease tensions and pain, provides a modern option for care. The availability of advanced sedation dentistry technology has made it so that you no longer have a good excuse for postponing your dental appointments. Whether you fear the noise of the drill, the discomfort of x-rays, unsightly fillings or just sitting in the chair, dental technologies have found solutions, leaving you with no excuse for living with a toothache or not visiting your dentist.

 

In following series of articles I will discuss various topics that can have an impact on your oral health, overall health and quality of life. These topics will tell you how to improve your smile and health, get rid of pain and headaches, replace missing teeth, achieving optimum comfort and protection, seeing things previously unseen,  waving goodbye to pain, laser gum-sculpting, taking fear out of dentistry and how to straighten teeth without braces and wires. 

After you review the exciting technology we utilize, you’ll see dentistry in a whole new light.

Preventive Dentistry

 

Preventative Dentistry encompasses the branch of dentistry that deals with the preservation of healthy teeth and gums, including prevention of dental caries and oral disease – in a nutshell, what oral hygienists do.

 

Oral Hygienists can work in all sectors of dentistry.  We are uniquely qualified to assist in the prevention and treatment of oral disease - both clinical and health promotional responsibility.

Clinically we help to treat and prevent periodontal (gum) disease by scaling and polishing teeth. Tartar, or mineralized plaque, appears over time on everyone’s teeth; it causes a wide variety of problems like gingivitis, periodontitis and gum recession. 

Professional cleaning by an Oral Hygienist is the best way to address this issue.  In this way, basic tooth and gum health can be maintained and, potentially, serious problems can be dealt with as early as possible before they cause significant damage.  Regular cleaning and check-ups are good ways to avoid the expense, pain and inconvenience associated with cavities and other dental problems. We advise having a professional cleaning at least every 6 months. X-rays are excellent tools for diagnosing problems like bone loss, abscesses, cysts or cavities.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment like a scale and polish, as well as good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response with which the body in essence turn on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms and most patients do not have the slightest idea that there is a problem. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Oral Hygienists apply topical fluorides and fissure sealants in order to reduce dental caries (tooth decay). Fissure sealants are a preventive treatment applied to the grooves of back teeth to prevent decay. Fissure sealants are tooth coloured and designed to make the biting surface of our teeth smooth and prevent cavities developing in our teeth. Commonly, as molar teeth erupt from the age of six years onwards, we place fissure sealants in the teeth.

Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in many things, like the water we drink and the food we eat.

 

Fluoride helps prevent cavities in two different ways: systemically and topical.

Systemically fluoride concentrates in the growing and developing teeth of children, helping to harden the enamel on primary teeth (milk teeth) and permanent teeth before they erupt. This is usually taken in through drinking water, fluoride drops and tablets. After teeth have erupted, fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on adult teeth by having it applied it professionally or with home use gels, toothpastes and mouth rinses.

We focus on periodontal health by monitoring oral hygiene practises and assisting the patient to develop a home care plan to maintain their oral health. As well as performing scaling and polishing, hygienists can give advice on;

 Prevention –

 Scale and polish to prevent gum disease

 Giving the correct brushing and flossing techniques

 Mouth rinses for a specific purpose – for preventing caries or preventing gum disease or maintaining oral health

 Placement of fissure sealants.

 Nutrition – what food and drinks are better, what causes baby bottle caries?

 Use and application of fluoride 

 Smoking cessation 

 Teeth whitening – Believe it or not, but whitening treatments can also prevent plaque/tartar build up. Whitening not only whitens and brightens your smile, but it actually dissolves the harmful bacteria which cause gum disease and cavities especially when using professional home whitening kit provided by us. You can use it over a period of time to keep bacteria at bay and teeth at their whitest.

 

We also make use of in office whitening treatments to give you a healthy and confident smile. A quick 2 hour session and you are done.

 

Teeth whitening procedures are the most non invasive treatment in dentistry. It does not change or damage the enamel. It is a pure oxidation reaction where peroxide is broken down into water and oxygen. When they come into contact with the organic stain molecules, they will oxidize them. These stain molecules will then reflect light in a totally different way – all visible light which is white, making your teeth look whiter!

Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth. Visit your Oral Hygienist when the first tooth erupts. You will learn how to protect your child’s dental health - the earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease. We do an introduction program with all our first visit patients to help them relax and enjoy each and every visit thereafter.

Oral Hygienists therefore play a critical role in the maintenance of oral health. Please contact me if you have any queries regarding oral health, maintenance routines or teeth whitening.

Marcha van Niekerk, Diploma in Oral Hygiene, UP

Intercare Tygervalley 021 943 3500

Teeth Whitening: The Bright future of Oral Beauty

 

Teeth Whitening: The Bright future of Oral Beauty

 

Dirna Grobbelaar DOH(Stell)

Interecare Medical and dental Centre

Tyger Valley, 

Cape Town

4 February  2009

 

 

Teeth whitening have become one of the most sought after “cosmetic” treatments requested by patients.  I have put the word cosmetic in exclamation marks for a good reason.  Teeth whitening is not only a cosmetic procedure, but can give you a great confidence boost.  Yellow teeth are aging, unfriendly and generally just don’t look clean.  You don’t need to go through life avoiding wearing white clothes, because it makes your yellow teeth stand out more or put your hand in front of your mouth to hide the yellow smile.

 

Now how can this problem be resolved, you ask?  By having your teeth professionally whitened.  There are a few options that vary in treatment time and cost.  All our procedures are very save and give excellent results.  They are as follow:

 

Option 1 – Disposable tray 

Product name: Opalescence Treswhite 

Costs: R500-R600

Treatment time: 10 days

Appointments needed: 15min

 

Treswhite is a one-size-fits-all-trays that can be bought separately or in a box of 10.  Each tray needs to be worn for 30-60min.  Ideal for school going children or patients that only want to lighten a few shades.

 

 

Options 2 - Home whitening with custom fit trays

Product name:  Opalescence PF

Costs: R1850

Treatment time: minimum 2 weeks

Appointments needed: 2-3 15min 

 

This option is the most cost effective, but has the longest treatment time.  With the first appointment I will take impressions of your teeth.  Within about 2 days the custom fit trays will be ready for collection.  In the second appointment I will give you thorough instructions.  A noticeable colour difference will be achieved after about 3 applications.  The whitening agents differ in strengths, that allow day- and or night wear.

 

Option 3 - In-Office whitening  

Product name: Opalescence Boost

Costs: +- R1500 per appointment

Appointment time: 1hour 

 

Results can be seen within a few minutes.  This procedure can be repeated or followed up with home whitening if needed.  No light is used.

 

Option 4 - In-office whitening with a light

Product name: BriteSmile

Costs: R4725

Appointment needed: 2 hours

 

This is my favourite method of whitening and the most popular.  Results are immediate and very few patients need any follow-up whitening done.  A colour deference of 8 up to 15 shades can be expected.  Included in the package are all the needed home products to maintain you beautiful new smile.   

 

The only side affect of the above treatments might be sensitivity.  Whitening sensitivity is never permanent and will fade within 48 hrs. 

 

I offer whitening consultations at no charge and will gladly answer any of your questions.  I can be contacted at work (021 9433500) or via e-mail (Dirna.Grobbelaar@intercare.co.za).

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