PATIENT EDUCATION

Tooth Whitening (Bleaching)

     Due to a variety of causes, teeth tend to stain and “yellow” over time. We can help you whiten and brighten graying or yellowed teeth. We examine your mouth and recommend the best treatment for your specific needs, either and in-office treatment or a take-home treatment, which we monitor to make sure you obtain the best results.

Crowns and Bridges

      A full crown is usually indicated when a tooth has had root canal treatment, when a substantial amount of tooth structure has been lost or when a tooth is cracked or broken. We place a crown on a tooth where there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. A Bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. We replace the missing teeth with custom-designed replacement teeth, which are anchored by crowns to existing healthy tooth structure.

Cosmetic Dentistry

     Cosmetic dentistry is a blending of art and science. With a focus on esthetic results and using a variety of the latest restorative techniques and materials, we can enhance our smile to give it more pleasing appearance.
Some of the conditions that may be helped by cosmetic dentistry are:

• Spaces between the teeth (diastemas)
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
• Cracked or leaking fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Crooked or poorly shaped teeth

Tooth-Colored Fillings

     Many dentists and patients today favor restorations done using tooth-colored composites or porcelain. The use of a tooth-colored filling material is not limited to new restorations, however, there are numerous reasons why older restorations may need replacing, and we can use these newer, more esthetic materials at that time.

Veneer (Laminate Veneer)

     Dental Veneers are an excellent cosmetic remedy for a variety of dental conditions that affect the appearance of the front teeth. Durable and color-stable, veneers are, in many cases, the perfect way to restore the natural function and beauty of your teeth, so you can smile with confidence.
Veneers, usually fabricated from porcelain, are a thin, semi-translucent “shell,” custom made to fit precisely over an existing tooth. They are permanently bonded, held in place by a special resin that adhere the back of the veneer to the front of the tooth. The finished result is extremely strong and durable. Though veneers are not suitable for every patient, they are a cosmetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions affecting the front teeth, including:

• Closing diastemas (spaces between the teeth)
• Restoring broken or chipped teeth
• Covering unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
• Whitening permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Correcting uneven or crooked teeth

     When your smile is disfigured by decay, abrasion, chipping, breakage or imperfect development, our goal is to restore its natural beauty so you can smile with confidence. At one time, resin fillings or crowns were the only available treatment for the above types of conditions. Today, a third alternative is available-one with proven results!
     There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers applied to your front teeth. These may included any or all of the following considerations:

1. Only a small amount of natural tooth structure (if any) is removed during the procedure.
2. A healthy, natural look is achieved with little or no discomfort.
3. Veneers are often less expensive than alternative procedures.
4. Veneers are strong, durable and color-stable.

     A composite resin filling is used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacing or repair. A full crown is indicated when a tooth has had root canal treatment of when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost. A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of a tooth needs a “face left.”
     Similar to a resin bonding procedure, veneers are attached directly to the existing tooth structure. We take an impression of your tooth to make an exact replica.
During your appointment, we treat your tooth with a mild conditioning solution. Before the veneer is placed, we apply a tooth-colored liquid bonding material, which helps the veneer adhere to your natural teeth.
     Veneers can last for years, depending on how well you take care of them. Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping. However, it is important to maintain regular oral hygiene, to avoid bad habits such as biting nails or chewing ice and to visit us regularly for routine cleaning and exams. These precautions will help ensure that your veneers will last a long time and keep looking as good as new.
     The decision to enhance your smile with porcelain veneers is a personal one. Even a subtle change in your smile can make an exceptional difference in the way you look and feel, and on your social outlook. There’s no question that a beautiful smile goes a long way toward improving your self-confidence in both personal and professional circles.

Bonding Technology (Composite Bonding)

     A composite resin filling may be used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacement. Composite bonding is one of the most conservative, versatile and affordable ways to aesthetically restore a multitude of cosmetic problems.
     To begin a bonding procedure, we treat the tooth with a special enamel conditioner to roughen the enamel surface and allow the bonding material to adhere. A composite resin is the applied and shaped to match the contour of your natural tooth. The surface of the composite is then restored to the tooth’s natural shape and polished to achieve a natural luster and appearance.

Dental Implants

     Dental implants have helped hundreds of thousands of people regain the function and confidence they once tooth for granted. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or require a complete set of teeth, you owe it to yourself to talk with your dentist about the many benefits that dental implants can offer.
Think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. Through a process called “Osteointegration,” The jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time, providing tremendous stability.
Implant treatment is usually performed by oral surgeon and prosthodontist. To devise the best treatment plan for you, we first complete a medical and dental history and thorough oral examination, including x-rays. During surgery, each implant is placed within the jawbone to serve as an anchor for the post that will eventually support the replacement teeth. Generally from two and a half to five months is then allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implants and hold them securely in place.
     Immediately after surgery we will give you specific post-surgical instructions to assure the best possible healing. In addition, we may prescribe pain medication and in some cases, antibiotics to aid in the healing process and help alleviate any discomfort. At this time, you may be fitted with temporary dentures or natural-looking teeth to help you function as normally as possible. You also will need to limit your diet to soft foods and follow important oral hygiene instructions. Follow-up care is important during this time.
     Once the jawbone has firmly healed around the implant, a small post is attached to each implant. The post protrudes through the gumline and serves as an anchor for the replacement teeth. This short procedure usually requires only local anesthesia. After your gums have healed, the replacement teeth or dentures are securely attached to the posts.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

     Because dental implants are patterned after the support system for the replacement teeth or dentures. Other benefits include:
     Improved biting pressure. Healthy teeth are able to absorb over 500 pounds of biting pressure per square inch. If you’ve worn dentures for a long time, that pressure may be diminished significantly, to one-tenth that of natural teeth. Dental implants can often restore the amount of pressure that can be withstood to nearly the same level of healthy natural teeth.

     Comfort and fit. Because your replacement teeth are anchored securely to the implants in your jawbone, they can’t slip and slide like unsecured dentures can. Then dentures aren’t secure enough, they often cause sores in the mouth and an annoying clicking sound.
     Logevity and reliability. With proper oral hygiene and care, scientifically tested and approved dental implant systems have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more with few complications.
     Increased self-confidence. Because dental implants function remarkably like natural teeth, most people who get them experience a renewed sense of self-confidence once they realize they can chew, talk, laugh and smile again with confidence.

What risks are involved?

     Dental implant surgery has proved to be successful for hundreds of thousands of people over the years. Negative effects such as bleeding, infection, injury to the nerves or sinus cavity, or incomplete healing of the bone around the healing process, however, discomfort, swelling and inflammation of the gums-normal responses to oral surgery-may be present in varying degree. If you have questions about your individual situation or want to discuss what is considered normal in the healing process, we will be happy to address your concerns. Please contact us info@perfectsmilethailand.com.

     How do I know if I’m a good candidate for dental implants? If you face the loss of one or several teeth or if you’re dissatisfied with dentures or other options available to you, you may find that dental implants are right for you. Age is not typically a major factor. Successful dental implants have been performed on young people, as well as the elderly.
     During your initial consultation, we’ll help you decide. In general, we look for the following characteristics:

• General good health
• Healthy gums
• Sufficient underlying jawbone to support the implants
• A good attitude to ensure that you follow through with vital oral hygiene habits