Life Changing Results

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 25th March 2010

The experts at Woodford House Dental Practice explain how changing your smile could transform your life

As we get older, little signs can give away our age. But rather than throwing yourself into an extreme exercise regime or having a radical new haircut, it is worth noting what effect an improved smile can have in revitalising your appearance.

Over the past few years, cosmetic dentistry has seen great advances in technology with more natural looking materials and the use of computers and imaging programs. Aesthetic dentistry doesn't look fake and this type of dentistry can actually strengthen teeth that have begun to fracture and wear. These treatments can add life to your teeth as well as making them look better than ever before.

The reason that many people have smile makeovers is due to the lack of confidence that their smile causes them.

EXPERT OPINION

Dr Amjad Malik at Woodford House Dental Practice is one of an elite group of cosmetic dentists in the UK using highly skilled ceramists, lasers and NASA technology (from which dentistry has borrowed bonding techniques) to create beautiful smiles. He is a member of both the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry and the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has trained with Dr Larry Rosenthal - known as the smile maker to the stars - to achieve Masters Level in Smile Design.

Dr Malik commented, "My approach to dentistry is holistic: I believe modern dentistry is the key to improving people's selfimage, both aesthetically and psychologically. My philosophy is not only to treat dental problems if they arise, but to prevent them in the first place. We work with each patient to help them develop the best regular regime for them, to keep their mouth healthy - and their smile attractive.

"We have found that when patients undergo a smile makeover not only do they benefit from an improved smile but the increased self-confidence seems to be conveyed by their entire face.

"An improved smile can of course make a face look younger in its own right as bad teeth are incredibly ageing, but at the risk of being unscientific, the psychological benefits seem to be reflected in the face too. I am sure that we are all aware of how much better we can feel in a new outfit or with a new haircut and this is imparted by our demeanour. A smile makeover has a similar effect, only much greater and more permanent!"

CASE STUDY

Treatment: Smile Makeover
Name: Bernard Hogan
Occupation: Owns a marble and granite importing business

I had always been unhappy with the condition of my teeth but in 2005 I met my future wife Jennifer and she told me that I had disgusting teeth but she knew of a wonderful dentist who could help me!

For the sake of our new blossoming relationship I realised that something needed to be done about my smile so I went to Woodford House Dental Practice. After my initial consultation with Dr Malik I felt happy that I was in good hands and ready to move forward with my new smile.

At my first appointment for my smile makeover, digital photographs were taken, my teeth were prepared and my gums were re-shaped using a dental laser. After many years of not smiling, I could not believe how good my ‘trial smile' looked. I was told by my dentist that at this stage both sides of the mouth can be designed slightly differently to see which I would prefer. I could even bring in a smile of a famous person that I liked.

Two weeks later, porcelain laminates (thin wafers of porcelain) and porcelain crowns, handcrafted by a master ceramacist, were bonded on to my teeth. I was delighted with the result.

I had no pain or sensitivity following my treatment and was able to go straight back to work. The porcelain laminates and crowns have given me a whiter, broader smile, improving the tooth shape and colour of my teeth. They are so natural looking.

It has made such a difference to my life. I love smiling and now feel really confident. As well as improving the appearance of my teeth I realised after the treatment that the process had also knocked years off me. This has been the right decision!