What treatment did her dentist plan for Dawn?
“Dawn was fed up and uncomfortable, putting severe limitations on her busy lifestyle,” says Dawn’s dentist, Dr Christopher Ho. “Dawn’s treatment plan will include removal of the teeth that are causing her problems, replacing missing teeth with permanent implants and replacing existing crowns and bridges with Procera® metal free products.”
Permanent dental implants
“Dawn is going to have permanent dental implants, which are a great alternative to dentures. The actual root of the tooth is replaced by a titanium implant and the visible part of the tooth is replaced by a Procera® metal free ceramic crown. The jawbone actually anchors the implant, just like it anchors natural teeth. You might be able to see this in the picture below, taken with a microscope.
The implants combined with ceramic crowns have a wonderfully natural appearance, but what my patients really appreciate is that they function just like natural teeth. Imagine being able to eat what you ‘want’, no more soft foods, not being embarrassed about dentures slipping out when you sneeze or cough, and ultimately not having to soak your dentures in a glass jar every night.
As a professional, the reason I really enjoy using Nobel Biocare’s range of solutions is because not only can I help give people a beautiful smile, but also because I see them get their confidence back. Their smiles are transformed and their lives too.”
Quick facts about having Nobel Biocare implants
Almost everyone can have them
They can be conveniently placed in a dental practice
Local anaesthetic (to numb the area) is used
Sedation is rarely needed, but is available
To place a dental implant can take about a 60 minute appointment
It is a relatively comfortable procedure, most people only take a mild painkiller afterwards
What happens afterwards?
Any minor swelling quickly subsides
You can get back to normal activity the next day
Implants take around 3 months to stabilise, so your dentist will give you a temporary alternative
Implants will look and function just like normal teeth
Restoring existing teeth with Nobel Biocare
“Dawn will also have treatments for the existing teeth that she is not happy with. Existing teeth can be restored using Procera® metal free crowns, bridges and veneers. Nobel Biocare are a leader in high strength, beautiful ceramics, and so I can rely on Nobel Biocare’s excellent range of products to provide the best solution for each individual patient.”
The technical bit
As an expert in aesthetic and implant dentistry, Dr Christopher Ho was keen to tell us about this technology.
Exclusive NobelGuide™ technology uses computer-aided design to make a virtual ‘blueprint’ of your mouth. This means your implant can be placed in a minimally invasive procedure. It is done with a minimum of fuss in the same amount of time as your normal dental appointment. The end result gives you a natural aesthetic look that fits you perfectly.
“Not only does this system help me create a perfect, beautiful smile for my patients every time, it also makes the process easier and virtually painless for them. The procedure is quicker and simpler than ever before, it reduces the number of times the patient needs to visit me and it reduces the amount of time they spend in the dental chair each visit.”
Find out more
Dawn is certainly pleased about the prospect of her new teeth, and looks forward to the comfort and confidence they will provide her.
Dr Christopher Ho is an Australian leader in aesthetic and implant dentistry. As well as treating patients at his busy Sydney-based practice, he is in high demand as a speaker at international conferences, teaching other dentists about the latest advances in aesthetic and implant dentistry.
To learn more about Dawn’s journey, and to find out what Nobel Biocare can do for you, visit www.nobelsmile.com.au