Selling smiles in a downturn
Dr. Charles Crane, left to right, his dental assistant, Janeen Murray, and certified dental assistant Susie Woods work on Mary Jane Raber of Sarasota at his office in Sarasota last month.
By David Gulliver
Published: Monday, January 5, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, January 5, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.
A recent Tuesday for Dr. Charles Crane began with an emergency patient around 8 a.m. and ended with a 5 p.m. trip to the Save Our Seabirds refuge to examine the broken beak of a young sandhill crane.
So when the cosmetic and restorative dentist spent two and a half hours on a single patient the next day, it was almost a relief.
“I’m fast, but I don’t like to be rushed,” Crane said. “That’s one of the reasons I got into this specialty, after 20 years of general dentistry. I don’t want to skip between six treatment rooms.”
The decision is paying off. Crane recently won two gold medals in the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s 2008 Smile Gallery Competition.
As the slowing economy makes people reconsider spending money on anything but necessities, he is finding new ways to pitch his expertise and make his work affordable.
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry is complex work.
The dentist is in essence a quarterback, calling plays and leading the attack for a team of professionals, including oral surgeons, periodontists and dental lab technicians, who makes the crowns, or replacement teeth.
It also is expensive work. Restoring a single tooth can run $4,000, and some patients’ cases involve restoring virtually the entire mouth.
One such patient is Mary Jane Raber, a Sarasota resident with an appointment one Tuesday morning.
In the past 18 months, Crane has replaced all her upper teeth — a few of them twice, in fact.
The morning he bonded her new upper crowns, Raber slipped and fell at home, shattering the front teeth and slicing open her lip. She called Crane, who had just sat down for dinner at Outback Steakhouse. He met her at the office, stitched her lip and created temporary teeth to replace the ruined, hours-old work.
That Tuesday, Crane’s task was to create temporary teeth to stand in for Raber’s long-departed lower molars on each side, and to take the impression that would be used to create her final lower teeth.
Shortly after her 11 a.m. appointment begins, Raber is almost unidentifiable, thanks to a suite of measures intended to keep her comfortable. A sleep-style blindfold covers her eyes. Headphones pipe Christian music — her choice — into her ears. A breathing mask delivers a nitrous oxide mix, a mild sedative. Blankets drape her body, and beneath them, the team says, warmed booties encase her feet.
The procedure starts minutes later with two shots of Xylocaine.
Recalling concierge
The pampering and all-hours service recall the precepts of concierge medicine, where patients pay a large annual fee for unlimited access to a doctor.
Ann White, the practice’s coordinator, educator and pitchmaker, sees the similarities but says the practice is not for the elite.
For one, Crane has about 2,000 patients, many inherited when he took over the practice from Dr. Steven Krause. That is far more than the typical concierge physician. Many days, Crane and his team see eight patients for cleanings and routine care.
“We probably are hurting ourselves by saying we’re cosmetic dentistry,” White said.
In the struggling economy, many people are buying only what they see as essentials, potentially a killer if your business is seen only as creating a prettier smile.
So Crane’s practice lately has emphasized the quality of its materials — porcelain, not plastics, metals or mercury — and health.
“This economic environment is giving us the opportunity to say what we always wanted to — this is about health,” White said.
For some patients, restorative work is a necessity because of dental health problems that ruined teeth. The process starts by treating those problems.
For most, though, better teeth means better health, Crane said, such as allowing people to eat a healthier, more appealing diet.
But the practice also is pitching the angle of patients getting what you pay for. Crane’s patients may pay more out of pocket, because insurance companies typically pay full value only for lesser materials, White said.
But they claim their materials mean reduced long-term costs. “If you think you can only afford to do it once, you can’t afford to do it two or three times,” she said.
Lately, price has been more of an issue, especially for people who live off investment income, White said.
More of them are using the practice’s financing option, installment loans from Capital One at interest rates of 1.99 percent to 23.99 percent.
But nothing sells better than telling people the work will last 25 years or more. That is what Raber is counting on.
Crane at work
Crane wears glasses with 4x magnifying lenses, or loupes, as he examines the tiny hardware in Raber’s mouth.
Where her lower molars would be are what look like the tops of three screws. They are the caps atop implants, screw-like devices that anchor into the jaw. Eventually they will join to the crowns via another screwlike middleman, called an abutment.
With a hex tool, he unscrews the caps, handing them to Janeen Murray, the chairside assistant.
By 11:30 a.m., Susie Wood, his other assistant, is filling a mold with quick-hardening acrylic. Crane fits it to the lower left gumline, then removes it when Murray calls time, less than a minute later.
He extracts what looks like a set of four normal teeth, then begins smoothing the set with a sandpaper disc on a high-speed drill.
He moves to the other side of Raber’s mouth, and the team repeats the process. Over and over, they ask her to tap the teeth together, checking alignment. By 11:55 a.m. Raber has a set of temporary teeth. But Crane still has to take an impression to make a set of permanent teeth.
Crane next removes her temporary four front teeth, revealing her original teeth, now trimmed and polished to nubs. He smooths them again with a drill, 15 minutes of finishing touches. At a previous appointment he already spent more than an hour working them into their current form.
From there, he shuttles different bits of hardware in and out of Raber’s mouth, so the impression will reflect the pieces that eventually will link the crowns to the implants.
Gum tissue has grown over one of the caps, and he zaps it away in seconds with a handheld laser.
The team takes X-rays of both sides to make sure the implants are in proper place. The images come up seconds later on the office’s computerized system.
By 12:45 p.m. Crane is coating Raber’s teeth and gumline in blue goo to make the impression, then presses a mold into place and holds it tight.
After that, the team takes a break, then inserts the proper hardware and replaces the new temporary teeth. There is more teeth-tapping and checking, and by 1:30 p.m. they are wrapping up.
“She came in with 6 bottom teeth,” Crane said. “She’s leaving with 14.”
The Harley Street Smile Clinic are able to offer 0% finance (subject to status)over 10 months or 2-5 years at 9.9% to clients seeking cosmetic dentistry. These days more and more clients are asking to finance their cosmetic dental treatment - especially the offer of 0% finance. Cosmetic dentistry can be costly, especially if you are having a smile makeover of around 8-10 veneers. In the current economic climate clients are seeking the easiest ways of paying for their cosmetic dentistry, and taking advantage of the finance on offer.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Smiles warm hearts
Smiles warm hearts; they can do a better job. May be a more aligned set of those white pearls can make you smile more often. It is quite doable with cosmetic dentistry which focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile, unlike traditional dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Cosmetic dentistry is an option ventured by people from all walks of life, all age groups and it’s not just a part of Hollywood makeovers. It can help people who want to look younger, or others who just don’t want to feel self conscious anymore.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening; indirect fillings, tooth reshaping, dental bridges or false teeth, gum lifts, dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting. Recent developments in technology make these procedures a matter of minutes. But is it about time for you to seek a cosmetic surgery? There are many factors which need serious consideration before you go for it. It is very important that you investigate if a cosmetic surgery procedure is really required. This is just the first step. It would be best to consult a specialist who would help pick the best procedure to suit your dental needs. Cost of the procedure is also an important aspect. Each procedure has different costs and different results. It might be possible to opt for the lesser cost but with almost similar result. Also cosmetic surgeries are not permanent, and greatly depend upon the competency of the dentist.
Getting a cosmetic dental procedure might be a trend but definitely not an issue to be dealt lightly. Not everybody is advised dental implants. It requires study of the root structure through assessment of the x-rays as well as the molds and density of the teeth. Only then can a dentist decide if dental implant can be done. This is just about one procedure, other procedures need analysis as deep as one described above. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can provide desired results only when they are supported by excellent oral health and a healthy bone structure. For instance people having tooth cavities cannot have their teeth bleached right away, cavities need to be filled first. Most dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures. Do you wonder why? Cosmetic dentistry procedures should be treated as regular medical procedures and should be handled carefully. Cosmetic dentistry would work for everyone and produce wonderful results, provided they are carried out in consultation with specialists and with ample information.
By: Michael Riccobene
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Get a new smile and get ahead!
More and more people are realising if they want to get ahead in the workplace or meet a new partner then improving their smile can give them the edge.
85% agree that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex*
Nearly 75% agree than an unattractive smile can hurt a persons’ chance for career success*
Knowing these two facts and how bad Brits teeth are it’s not surprising an increasing number of people are seeking cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile.
Dr Maurice Johannes of The Harley Street Smile Clinic says, ‘A lot of patients have just come out of a relationship or are looking for a new job. They understand the importance of their appearance. It’s really not just vanity. Wanting a normal natural looking smile is about as vain as putting clothes on’.
What is surprising is the dramatic increase in men’s spending on cosmetics and grooming in general. A Great Britain market research report carried out in 2000 showed that men alone spent £364M on male grooming products, compared with £264M in 1996. That’s an increase of 38%!
Cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening; indirect fillings, tooth reshaping, dental bridges or false teeth, gum lifts, dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting. Recent developments in technology make these procedures a matter of minutes. But is it about time for you to seek a cosmetic surgery? There are many factors which need serious consideration before you go for it. It is very important that you investigate if a cosmetic surgery procedure is really required. This is just the first step. It would be best to consult a specialist who would help pick the best procedure to suit your dental needs. Cost of the procedure is also an important aspect. Each procedure has different costs and different results. It might be possible to opt for the lesser cost but with almost similar result. Also cosmetic surgeries are not permanent, and greatly depend upon the competency of the dentist.
Getting a cosmetic dental procedure might be a trend but definitely not an issue to be dealt lightly. Not everybody is advised dental implants. It requires study of the root structure through assessment of the x-rays as well as the molds and density of the teeth. Only then can a dentist decide if dental implant can be done. This is just about one procedure, other procedures need analysis as deep as one described above. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can provide desired results only when they are supported by excellent oral health and a healthy bone structure. For instance people having tooth cavities cannot have their teeth bleached right away, cavities need to be filled first. Most dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures. Do you wonder why? Cosmetic dentistry procedures should be treated as regular medical procedures and should be handled carefully. Cosmetic dentistry would work for everyone and produce wonderful results, provided they are carried out in consultation with specialists and with ample information.
By: Michael Riccobene
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Get a new smile and get ahead!
More and more people are realising if they want to get ahead in the workplace or meet a new partner then improving their smile can give them the edge.
85% agree that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex*
Nearly 75% agree than an unattractive smile can hurt a persons’ chance for career success*
Knowing these two facts and how bad Brits teeth are it’s not surprising an increasing number of people are seeking cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile.
Dr Maurice Johannes of The Harley Street Smile Clinic says, ‘A lot of patients have just come out of a relationship or are looking for a new job. They understand the importance of their appearance. It’s really not just vanity. Wanting a normal natural looking smile is about as vain as putting clothes on’.
What is surprising is the dramatic increase in men’s spending on cosmetics and grooming in general. A Great Britain market research report carried out in 2000 showed that men alone spent £364M on male grooming products, compared with £264M in 1996. That’s an increase of 38%!
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
January 8th, 2009 Because your lips, teeth and gums are integral to your facial appearance, it is impossible to create a beautiful face without a beautiful smile. Hence, as the teeth go, so goes the bone - and your good looks. Whether you’re a natural beauty, or could use a boost, cosmetic dentistry can help enhance and maintain your youthful looks well into old age. But, cosmetic dentistry costs money. For some people, better looks just aren’t worth the cost, and that’s fine.
Please remember few dental procedures are strictly cosmetic or strictly health-related. In many cases, a particular treatment serves overlapping functions. For example, several treatments intended to remedy tooth decay - including fillings, crowns, inlays and overlays - also enhance the appearance of your teeth and gums. Those same procedures and even dental implants could be utilized for purely cosmetic reasons, but also would contribute to the prevention of disease.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells fashioned of tooth-colored material designed to fit over the front or the side of your teeth. Made from materials such as plastics, metals and/or porcelain, veneers are used to fill gaps between your teeth or to cover teeth that are badly stained, oddly shaped, chipped, cracked or crooked. They are just another way to improve your smile and your overall appearance.
Because it’s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth to accommodate the veneer, the process is usually irreversible. Keep that in mind. Your dentist may recommend you avoid some foods and beverages that may stain or discolor your veneers. These include coffee, tea, red wine and colas, as well as tobacco products. Veneers sometimes chip or fracture, but some people think they are worth the cost.
Bonding
Bonding is another technique for remedying gaps in your smile, as well as teeth that are chipped, cracked or stained. To “ramp up” your smile, the dentist will prepare an etching solution for your tooth or teeth. The solution is composed of special composite resin materials carefully chosen and blended to match your natural teeth. The materials are applied to your teeth, and then shaped into the right contours. Finally, they are hardened (or bonded) in place. Essentially, your dentist is caulking and/or sculpting a better-looking tooth. Bonded teeth should look like improved versions of your own teeth.
Consult with your dentist about whether bonding is appropriate and affordable for you. Do not forget to outline treatment warranties in writing, i.e. what happens if this does not work? Would you get the funds spent applied against any other alternative treatments? Chances are after asking all those questions your dentist would not suggest performing a procedure unless he really believes it to be a good investment for you.
Tooth Whitening
As you grow older, you are more likely to find your teeth stained and discolored. Years of smoking, tobacco chewing, coffee and tea drinking, and the ingestion of other foods and beverages, including certain fruits, will stain your teeth. Medications may also discolor your teeth, as will ordinary wear and tear.
Tooth whitening is a popular and cost-effective way to combat tooth discoloration, but there are a few caveats.
Your dentist may suggest performing the procedure in his office. “Chair side bleaching” may require more than one office visit, each lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. During bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the soft tissues of your mouth. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
It is best to have the whitening procedure done in your dentists office since at-home whitening kits can have side effects which can aggravate your teeth and gums.
Here at The Harley Street Smile Clinic we perform all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are the most popular teatment as they are used to correct so many different aesthetic concerns. Whether you have crooked, gappy, uneven, misshapen, discoloured or protruding teeth, veneers are likely to be the quickest method of correcting the problem. Cosmetic dentistry offers an alternative to braces,ad can be carried out in as little as a day. If you would like to see what you would look like with a new smile call 020 7193 3448 to find out more about our cosmetic dentistry.
January 8th, 2009 Because your lips, teeth and gums are integral to your facial appearance, it is impossible to create a beautiful face without a beautiful smile. Hence, as the teeth go, so goes the bone - and your good looks. Whether you’re a natural beauty, or could use a boost, cosmetic dentistry can help enhance and maintain your youthful looks well into old age. But, cosmetic dentistry costs money. For some people, better looks just aren’t worth the cost, and that’s fine.
Please remember few dental procedures are strictly cosmetic or strictly health-related. In many cases, a particular treatment serves overlapping functions. For example, several treatments intended to remedy tooth decay - including fillings, crowns, inlays and overlays - also enhance the appearance of your teeth and gums. Those same procedures and even dental implants could be utilized for purely cosmetic reasons, but also would contribute to the prevention of disease.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells fashioned of tooth-colored material designed to fit over the front or the side of your teeth. Made from materials such as plastics, metals and/or porcelain, veneers are used to fill gaps between your teeth or to cover teeth that are badly stained, oddly shaped, chipped, cracked or crooked. They are just another way to improve your smile and your overall appearance.
Because it’s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth to accommodate the veneer, the process is usually irreversible. Keep that in mind. Your dentist may recommend you avoid some foods and beverages that may stain or discolor your veneers. These include coffee, tea, red wine and colas, as well as tobacco products. Veneers sometimes chip or fracture, but some people think they are worth the cost.
Bonding
Bonding is another technique for remedying gaps in your smile, as well as teeth that are chipped, cracked or stained. To “ramp up” your smile, the dentist will prepare an etching solution for your tooth or teeth. The solution is composed of special composite resin materials carefully chosen and blended to match your natural teeth. The materials are applied to your teeth, and then shaped into the right contours. Finally, they are hardened (or bonded) in place. Essentially, your dentist is caulking and/or sculpting a better-looking tooth. Bonded teeth should look like improved versions of your own teeth.
Consult with your dentist about whether bonding is appropriate and affordable for you. Do not forget to outline treatment warranties in writing, i.e. what happens if this does not work? Would you get the funds spent applied against any other alternative treatments? Chances are after asking all those questions your dentist would not suggest performing a procedure unless he really believes it to be a good investment for you.
Tooth Whitening
As you grow older, you are more likely to find your teeth stained and discolored. Years of smoking, tobacco chewing, coffee and tea drinking, and the ingestion of other foods and beverages, including certain fruits, will stain your teeth. Medications may also discolor your teeth, as will ordinary wear and tear.
Tooth whitening is a popular and cost-effective way to combat tooth discoloration, but there are a few caveats.
Your dentist may suggest performing the procedure in his office. “Chair side bleaching” may require more than one office visit, each lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. During bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the soft tissues of your mouth. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
It is best to have the whitening procedure done in your dentists office since at-home whitening kits can have side effects which can aggravate your teeth and gums.
Here at The Harley Street Smile Clinic we perform all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are the most popular teatment as they are used to correct so many different aesthetic concerns. Whether you have crooked, gappy, uneven, misshapen, discoloured or protruding teeth, veneers are likely to be the quickest method of correcting the problem. Cosmetic dentistry offers an alternative to braces,ad can be carried out in as little as a day. If you would like to see what you would look like with a new smile call 020 7193 3448 to find out more about our cosmetic dentistry.
Smile Makeover
Get a Smile Makeover at your West London Dental Clinic
January 11th, 2009 by admin
Visiting your West London Dental Clinic seeking a smile makeover can be a very informative process. You will tell your dentist that you want a smile makeover and you may or may not walk out with one that day. Your West London dentist will perform a complete oral examination and treatment plan for your dental and cosmetic needs and desires. Your smile makeover may contain various dental therapies that can involve: 1) teeth whitening; 2) bonding; 3) porcelain veneers; 4) dental crowns and/or bridges; 5) orthodontics; 6) decrease in a gummy smile if needed; and, 7) maxillofacial surgery.
This dental exam and treatment plan should always be performed in order to address your dental needs and to map out a strategy to treat you dentally. A complete oral examination should include: a complete intra-oral exam; radiographs; study models; a complete periodontal charting; and, an occlusal exam. If dental caries, gum disease(s) or bite problems are present, your West London dentist should treat these prior to your smile makeover. You may choose not the have this other dental work performed, however if you choose not to do so, you can later create more serious problems and even negatively affect your smile makeover. Many of these dental problems do not take long to fix at all.
Your West London dentist will then describe what is going to be involved in your smile makeover. When you visit your West London dentist the shape of your face your look, skin, teeth, hair colour, gum tissues, and lips, will all be considered. The treatment can include: 1) teeth contouring, whitening, and or bonding; 2) porcelain veneers; 3) changing old amalgams into composite fillings; and, 4) possible dental implants, crowns, dental bridges, partial dentures and full dentures. The dentist may have to increase the height of your bite if your have excessive wearing of your teeth, or if your face looks collapsed (i.e., shorter than normal). If this procedure is required, the dentist will make sure that your can tolerate this bite opening, and also make sure that your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are functioning properly. Your dentist will make sure that your bite and TMJ function normally anytime a tooth is restored. Your dentist will present your treatment plan before beginning, and if you do not want to get involved in certain procedures, or these procedures will lead to financial problems, your dentist can always come up with a treatment plan to suit your needs, wants, and financial budget.
ShareThis
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Smile Confidently with Veneers from Dental Clinics in London W1 (July 19th, 2008)
Knowing Your Teeth-Whitening Options in West London (July 19th, 2008)
Cerec Technology and Cosmetic Dentistry in London (July 19th, 2008)
Have your gummy smile shapped by west london dentist (June 21st, 2008)
Here at the Harley Street Smile Clinic we are performing smile makeovers every day using porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are used to correct a number of aesthetic cncerns regarding your teeth. If you have croked teeth, porcelain veneers are the answer for a quick realignment. If you have gaps in your teeth porcelain veneers are applied to the front of your teeth and made a little wider than your teeth so as to close up any gaps. Porcelain veneers also are used to correct chips, discolouration, protrusion, and unevenness. A smile makeover is usally a combination of porcelain veneers adn laser whitening of the rest of the teeth. Not all teeth need to be veneered to give your smile a makeover. Often just the teeth that are visible when you smile need to be veneered. the rest can just be whitening. If you would like to come in and have a consultation with our dentist Dr Maurice Johannes please call us now on 020 7193 3448
January 11th, 2009 by admin
Visiting your West London Dental Clinic seeking a smile makeover can be a very informative process. You will tell your dentist that you want a smile makeover and you may or may not walk out with one that day. Your West London dentist will perform a complete oral examination and treatment plan for your dental and cosmetic needs and desires. Your smile makeover may contain various dental therapies that can involve: 1) teeth whitening; 2) bonding; 3) porcelain veneers; 4) dental crowns and/or bridges; 5) orthodontics; 6) decrease in a gummy smile if needed; and, 7) maxillofacial surgery.
This dental exam and treatment plan should always be performed in order to address your dental needs and to map out a strategy to treat you dentally. A complete oral examination should include: a complete intra-oral exam; radiographs; study models; a complete periodontal charting; and, an occlusal exam. If dental caries, gum disease(s) or bite problems are present, your West London dentist should treat these prior to your smile makeover. You may choose not the have this other dental work performed, however if you choose not to do so, you can later create more serious problems and even negatively affect your smile makeover. Many of these dental problems do not take long to fix at all.
Your West London dentist will then describe what is going to be involved in your smile makeover. When you visit your West London dentist the shape of your face your look, skin, teeth, hair colour, gum tissues, and lips, will all be considered. The treatment can include: 1) teeth contouring, whitening, and or bonding; 2) porcelain veneers; 3) changing old amalgams into composite fillings; and, 4) possible dental implants, crowns, dental bridges, partial dentures and full dentures. The dentist may have to increase the height of your bite if your have excessive wearing of your teeth, or if your face looks collapsed (i.e., shorter than normal). If this procedure is required, the dentist will make sure that your can tolerate this bite opening, and also make sure that your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are functioning properly. Your dentist will make sure that your bite and TMJ function normally anytime a tooth is restored. Your dentist will present your treatment plan before beginning, and if you do not want to get involved in certain procedures, or these procedures will lead to financial problems, your dentist can always come up with a treatment plan to suit your needs, wants, and financial budget.
ShareThis
Related Articles
Smile Confidently with Veneers from Dental Clinics in London W1 (July 19th, 2008)
Knowing Your Teeth-Whitening Options in West London (July 19th, 2008)
Cerec Technology and Cosmetic Dentistry in London (July 19th, 2008)
Have your gummy smile shapped by west london dentist (June 21st, 2008)
Here at the Harley Street Smile Clinic we are performing smile makeovers every day using porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are used to correct a number of aesthetic cncerns regarding your teeth. If you have croked teeth, porcelain veneers are the answer for a quick realignment. If you have gaps in your teeth porcelain veneers are applied to the front of your teeth and made a little wider than your teeth so as to close up any gaps. Porcelain veneers also are used to correct chips, discolouration, protrusion, and unevenness. A smile makeover is usally a combination of porcelain veneers adn laser whitening of the rest of the teeth. Not all teeth need to be veneered to give your smile a makeover. Often just the teeth that are visible when you smile need to be veneered. the rest can just be whitening. If you would like to come in and have a consultation with our dentist Dr Maurice Johannes please call us now on 020 7193 3448
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
How to find a good cosmetic dentist
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist
Author: Patricia Woloch
If you are like most people, you’ll start your search in the yellow pages, on the Internet, or ask a friend or family member to recommend a dentist. If you already see a general dentist for your cleanings and regular checkups, be careful not to assume that he or she is also the best choice for cosmetic dentistry. You can use this list of questions to put cosmetic dentists and practices to the test, and to narrow your list of choices.
Here are a few things to ask either over the phone or during your first consultation.
• Do you use the latest technology in the office, and how does this make a difference in the cosmetic dentistry results you deliver?
• How experienced is your cosmetic dentist? Did he or she receive years of post-graduate training?
• How do the dentist and staff members stay current on the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques and treatments?
• Do you offer sedation dentistry for patients who experience anxiety or have had a negative dental experience in the past? Are you a member of respected organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) or the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)?
• Do you have patient testimonials available from patients who’ve undergone the same treatments I’m interested in?
• Do you diagnose and treat TMJ/TMD disorders with state-of-the-art neuromuscular dentistry services?
• Do you offer a variety of flexible cosmetic dentistry financing options to help me fit treatment into my budget?
• Do you have several smile makeover photos to give me an idea of the kind of results that are possible with cosmetic dentistry?
Here’s a hint to finding the right cosmetic dentist for you: Make a list of all the things you’d like to know before you call the practice and before you visit for a consultation. Remember, it is OK to evaluate the office environment, staff capabilities and general attitude of personal service to help you pick the practice that will not only give you great results, but treat you right every step of the way, too!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/how-to-choose-a-cosmetic-dentist-400581.html
Jill Haldane of The Harley Street Smile Clinic couldn't agree more about the importance of finding the right cosmetic dentist to tackle your smile. Here are her tips to help you in your search:
How to find a good cosmetic dentist
Surprisingly there are no qualifications a dentist can get in the UK for cosmetic dentistry. It has never been a specialised field in this country. This means that and any dentist can call himself a cosmetic dentist whether he is just a general dentist or truly an expert in the field. Dentists who wish to gain this level of expertise can do so through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - the masters of the art of cosmetic dentistry. The A.A.C.D. was founded back in the early eighties and is the most recognised specialist of the art. Dentists from all over the States and a handful from the UK attend their annual general sessions to pick up all the latest skills and techniques being used and what the best materials are. If you want to find one of the best cosmetic dentists, here are a few tips:
:) Get on the Internet if you have access. Go to several search engines and enter a search for ‘cosmetic dentist’, ‘London cosmetic dentistry’, ‘Hollywood smile’ etc. Most modern practices concerned with being at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry will have a website. The site should give you a good idea of what they have available.
:) Find out if the dentists are members of the AACD. Members of this body will have much more knowledge on the subject than non-members.
:) Find out if the practice is up to date in terms of technology and equipment. Dentistry has advanced enormously in the last 5 or 10 years so make sure the practice is keeping up.
:) A good cosmetic dentist will have a portfolio of his work. Ask the dentist to see his portfolio. This should take the form of actual photographs of his clients’ before treatment and afterwards. Any dentist who is proud of his cosmetic work will want photographic evidence of it.
:) Does the dental practice use computer imaging? This is an excellent tool from the clients’ point of view. It gives you the opportunity to see what you would look like first if you went ahead with treatment. You then have a photo of what the cosmetic work will look like. Although this could never be 100% accurate – it’s pretty close. Not only that, it gives you the opportunity to explain to the dentist exactly how you would like your teeth to look – getting you what you want. The dentist’s ability to provide you with a good imaging picture will give you a good idea of how artistic he is naturally – this should follow through with his cosmetic dentistry.
:) Ask your dentist if any of his clients would be willing to talk to you about how they felt about having their teeth done. You’ll feel much more relaxed knowing someone is happy with the cosmetic dental work carried out by the dentist you are considering to do your teeth.
Above all, make sure you are comfortable at the practice. You need to know that the dentist you are entrusting with your pearly whites is confident that the treatment he has outlined is going to be just as he says. You need to ask yourself:
:) Do you like the dentist and feel you could trust him? You may be taking a big step so make sure you have the right man for the job.
:) Do you think he’s going to be able to give you what you want? Anyone can have cosmetic dentistry done at most practices, but will the results be as anticipated?
:) Does he make you feel relaxed? If you are a nervous patient you will want to know that the dentist understands, otherwise it will end up an uncomfortable experience for you.
:) Are there any guarantees with the cosmetic dentistry? Good quality porcelain work should come with a guarantee. Ask your dentist what would happen if in 3 years time, you chipped a porcelain veneer he did for you.
:) What kind of ‘aftercare’ do you get? You should be advised on how best to look after your new smile – after all, it may have cost you a few bob, and you want to know that it will still look good years on.
Alternatively, if you want to achieve all the points mentioned above without any trouble – just check www.harleystreetsmileclinic.co.uk or email info@harleystreetsmileclinic.co.uk
How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist
Author: Patricia Woloch
If you are like most people, you’ll start your search in the yellow pages, on the Internet, or ask a friend or family member to recommend a dentist. If you already see a general dentist for your cleanings and regular checkups, be careful not to assume that he or she is also the best choice for cosmetic dentistry. You can use this list of questions to put cosmetic dentists and practices to the test, and to narrow your list of choices.
Here are a few things to ask either over the phone or during your first consultation.
• Do you use the latest technology in the office, and how does this make a difference in the cosmetic dentistry results you deliver?
• How experienced is your cosmetic dentist? Did he or she receive years of post-graduate training?
• How do the dentist and staff members stay current on the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques and treatments?
• Do you offer sedation dentistry for patients who experience anxiety or have had a negative dental experience in the past? Are you a member of respected organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) or the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)?
• Do you have patient testimonials available from patients who’ve undergone the same treatments I’m interested in?
• Do you diagnose and treat TMJ/TMD disorders with state-of-the-art neuromuscular dentistry services?
• Do you offer a variety of flexible cosmetic dentistry financing options to help me fit treatment into my budget?
• Do you have several smile makeover photos to give me an idea of the kind of results that are possible with cosmetic dentistry?
Here’s a hint to finding the right cosmetic dentist for you: Make a list of all the things you’d like to know before you call the practice and before you visit for a consultation. Remember, it is OK to evaluate the office environment, staff capabilities and general attitude of personal service to help you pick the practice that will not only give you great results, but treat you right every step of the way, too!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/how-to-choose-a-cosmetic-dentist-400581.html
Jill Haldane of The Harley Street Smile Clinic couldn't agree more about the importance of finding the right cosmetic dentist to tackle your smile. Here are her tips to help you in your search:
How to find a good cosmetic dentist
Surprisingly there are no qualifications a dentist can get in the UK for cosmetic dentistry. It has never been a specialised field in this country. This means that and any dentist can call himself a cosmetic dentist whether he is just a general dentist or truly an expert in the field. Dentists who wish to gain this level of expertise can do so through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - the masters of the art of cosmetic dentistry. The A.A.C.D. was founded back in the early eighties and is the most recognised specialist of the art. Dentists from all over the States and a handful from the UK attend their annual general sessions to pick up all the latest skills and techniques being used and what the best materials are. If you want to find one of the best cosmetic dentists, here are a few tips:
:) Get on the Internet if you have access. Go to several search engines and enter a search for ‘cosmetic dentist’, ‘London cosmetic dentistry’, ‘Hollywood smile’ etc. Most modern practices concerned with being at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry will have a website. The site should give you a good idea of what they have available.
:) Find out if the dentists are members of the AACD. Members of this body will have much more knowledge on the subject than non-members.
:) Find out if the practice is up to date in terms of technology and equipment. Dentistry has advanced enormously in the last 5 or 10 years so make sure the practice is keeping up.
:) A good cosmetic dentist will have a portfolio of his work. Ask the dentist to see his portfolio. This should take the form of actual photographs of his clients’ before treatment and afterwards. Any dentist who is proud of his cosmetic work will want photographic evidence of it.
:) Does the dental practice use computer imaging? This is an excellent tool from the clients’ point of view. It gives you the opportunity to see what you would look like first if you went ahead with treatment. You then have a photo of what the cosmetic work will look like. Although this could never be 100% accurate – it’s pretty close. Not only that, it gives you the opportunity to explain to the dentist exactly how you would like your teeth to look – getting you what you want. The dentist’s ability to provide you with a good imaging picture will give you a good idea of how artistic he is naturally – this should follow through with his cosmetic dentistry.
:) Ask your dentist if any of his clients would be willing to talk to you about how they felt about having their teeth done. You’ll feel much more relaxed knowing someone is happy with the cosmetic dental work carried out by the dentist you are considering to do your teeth.
Above all, make sure you are comfortable at the practice. You need to know that the dentist you are entrusting with your pearly whites is confident that the treatment he has outlined is going to be just as he says. You need to ask yourself:
:) Do you like the dentist and feel you could trust him? You may be taking a big step so make sure you have the right man for the job.
:) Do you think he’s going to be able to give you what you want? Anyone can have cosmetic dentistry done at most practices, but will the results be as anticipated?
:) Does he make you feel relaxed? If you are a nervous patient you will want to know that the dentist understands, otherwise it will end up an uncomfortable experience for you.
:) Are there any guarantees with the cosmetic dentistry? Good quality porcelain work should come with a guarantee. Ask your dentist what would happen if in 3 years time, you chipped a porcelain veneer he did for you.
:) What kind of ‘aftercare’ do you get? You should be advised on how best to look after your new smile – after all, it may have cost you a few bob, and you want to know that it will still look good years on.
Alternatively, if you want to achieve all the points mentioned above without any trouble – just check www.harleystreetsmileclinic.co.uk or email info@harleystreetsmileclinic.co.uk
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
New Dental Treatments Take A Bite Out Of The Credit Crunch - British Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the not-for-profit, leading organisation for the advancement and ethical delivery of cosmetic dentistry, today unveiled results for their 2007 audit which polled over 200 practices around the country and outlines over 100,000 procedures. In a possible backlash against dramatic smile makeovers and perhaps as a nod to the expected credit crunch, Britons - and considerably more males than ever before - are opting for more subtle and less invasive treatments, such as braces instead of veneers.
Highlights: -- 106,536 cosmetic dentistry cases, women accounted for 61% of all procedures-- Orthodontics (which include both visible 'train track' braces as well as invisible and removable) have more than tripled since 2006, going up by a whopping 345%-- Males, who used to account for less than a fifth of all orthodontics, now represent almost a quarter at 24%, with 400 cases this year--
Veneers have stayed consistent, with dentists averaging about the same number as last year, but male patients, who used to account for 28% of the total, now account for nearly a third, or 32%, of all procedures--
The number of 'removable' braces, such as the innovative Inman Aligner (which only takes months to straighten teeth) used to account for less than a quarter (22%) of all orthodontic cases now accounts more than half at 58%According to Dr. David Bloom, dentist and President of the BACD; "This audit has highlighted some very exciting trends, such as an impressive increase in the number of orthodontic cases. This could well be a backlash against the dramatic smile 'overhauls' popularised in makeover shows but may also herald a more subtle, and indeed cost-effective, approach to cosmetic dentistry by the industry as a whole. The audit mechanism tracks the top 10 most popular procedures including whitening procedures, tooth-coloured fillings, veneers, implants and crowns. This year's results encompass all practices of full members as of 2007.
The results in full: -- White fillings (back teeth) 39,308 -- Crowns, Inlays and Onlays 27,972 -- Porcelain Veneers 14,500-- White fillings (front teeth) 10,800-- Whitening 5,978-- Bridges 2,900-- Implants 2,856-- Orthodontics 1,644-- Gum Contouring 1,444Women accounted for 61% of all procedures this year (64,620 treatments carried out). The top 5 dentistry procedures for women in 2007 are: white fillings (back teeth, usually replacing silver amalgams, 22,056 procedures), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (16,884), Veneers (9,488), white fillings (front teeth, 6,944 procedures) and teeth whitening (3,800). Men had 39% of all dentistry treatments (41,916 procedures in 2007). The top 5 procedures for men are: White fillings (back teeth, 17,252 procedures carried out in 2007), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (11,088), Veneers (4,568), white fillings (front teeth, 3,856 procedures) and whitening (1,764).
Highlights: -- 106,536 cosmetic dentistry cases, women accounted for 61% of all procedures-- Orthodontics (which include both visible 'train track' braces as well as invisible and removable) have more than tripled since 2006, going up by a whopping 345%-- Males, who used to account for less than a fifth of all orthodontics, now represent almost a quarter at 24%, with 400 cases this year--
Veneers have stayed consistent, with dentists averaging about the same number as last year, but male patients, who used to account for 28% of the total, now account for nearly a third, or 32%, of all procedures--
The number of 'removable' braces, such as the innovative Inman Aligner (which only takes months to straighten teeth) used to account for less than a quarter (22%) of all orthodontic cases now accounts more than half at 58%According to Dr. David Bloom, dentist and President of the BACD; "This audit has highlighted some very exciting trends, such as an impressive increase in the number of orthodontic cases. This could well be a backlash against the dramatic smile 'overhauls' popularised in makeover shows but may also herald a more subtle, and indeed cost-effective, approach to cosmetic dentistry by the industry as a whole. The audit mechanism tracks the top 10 most popular procedures including whitening procedures, tooth-coloured fillings, veneers, implants and crowns. This year's results encompass all practices of full members as of 2007.
The results in full: -- White fillings (back teeth) 39,308 -- Crowns, Inlays and Onlays 27,972 -- Porcelain Veneers 14,500-- White fillings (front teeth) 10,800-- Whitening 5,978-- Bridges 2,900-- Implants 2,856-- Orthodontics 1,644-- Gum Contouring 1,444Women accounted for 61% of all procedures this year (64,620 treatments carried out). The top 5 dentistry procedures for women in 2007 are: white fillings (back teeth, usually replacing silver amalgams, 22,056 procedures), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (16,884), Veneers (9,488), white fillings (front teeth, 6,944 procedures) and teeth whitening (3,800). Men had 39% of all dentistry treatments (41,916 procedures in 2007). The top 5 procedures for men are: White fillings (back teeth, 17,252 procedures carried out in 2007), Crowns-Inlays-Onlays (11,088), Veneers (4,568), white fillings (front teeth, 3,856 procedures) and whitening (1,764).
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