Dental Veneers can fix a variety of issues that can occur with your teeth.

Some people get veneers to fix cosmetic issues that can range from discoloration to misaligned and unusually shaped teeth. Veneers can also fix issues with teeth that are broken, chipped, or worn down. Other people get veneers to cover up gaps or overlapping teeth. They not only provide a natural looking smile but they also last about five to ten years before needing to be replaced.

If you have ever wanted to perfect your smile dental veneers could be the right choice for you.

Contact Dr. Ban Barbat and her friendly Utica Cosmetic Dentist staff today to find out more about how dental veneers can improve your smile.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

A Smile Makeover Story From Deborah, a valued Patient

As a semi-retired OB nurse, Deborah Scallen knows the importance of proper timing. While reading the newspaper one day, the words of an advertisement seemed to be written just for her. After a three year search for a dentist she could trust, it was this day she knew it was time to see this dentist… Dr. Ban Barbat. Over 25 years ago, a horrific dental procedure caused Deborah’s dental fears.

Eventually, she found an understanding dentist of her fears whom she grew to trust. After a stroke left him unable to practice, she felt lost as to where to turn. For three years, Deborah anguished over her dental needs. She knew she needed to find a dentist but old memories still haunted her.Now, with the ad’s words speaking to her, Deborah called to make an appointment.

The drive to Dr. Barbat’s office was over an hour, yet, once inside she immediately knew the destination was worth the trip.

“Everywhere I looked, there was so much attention to detail. Everyone was so warm and friendly,” she explains. “It didn’t look like a dental office or smell like one.” Robin greeted Deborah and began the exam, being attentive and sensitive to her fears. They discussed the early stages of gum disease and how therapy could be completed without numerous appointments. When Deborah met Dr. Barbat to discuss the health status of her teeth, she saw images of how her teeth were pitted and chipped at the edges, mostly due to grinding, which was wearing away enamel at the gum line. These weakened areas put each tooth at risk to break off at the gum line, meaning the remainder of the tooth may require removal.

When a tooth breaks without a sufficient portion above the gum line to support a crown or veneer, the tooth must be removed. Replacement requires a dental implant, or if natural, adjacent teeth can be used for support, a partial or crown-&- bridge combination. To protect Deborah’s natural teeth, Dr. Barbat recommended porcelain crowns and veneers for a durable, natural look with excellent longevity. For added relaxation and comfort while her teeth were prepared, oral sedation was added to Deborah’s treatment. Afterward, she needed only over-the-counter medications for comfort.While the dental lab created the veneers and crowns, Deborah wore temporaries so she could function normally throughout this time. In less than a month, her new smile was ready to place. At this appointment, Deborah needed no sedation at all.

Although her goal was a mouth that was healthy and structurally sound, it was two weeks later at a party when she realized how wonderful her smile now looks.

In conversation, Deborah remarked that she’d had her teeth redone. Another guest announced hers had just been done also. When they left, Deborah’s husband commented on the dramatic difference between the two smiles, with Deborah’s so obviously superior. “I’ve always been so frugal. I’ve always made our own curtains, cut corners everywhere I could, but with your smile, you get what you pay for,” she shares. “I’m glad this is one time I decided to go with the best.”

Dr. Barbat adds, “Deborah is a great example of how oral sedation works so well, yet, our office is not all about giving someone with fear a pill. We want them to feel comfort- able with their care to the extent they no longer need medication.” Deborah agrees, saying, “People tend to be embarrassed and postpone going, but they need to be honest with their dentist and talk about it. Like the ad said, ‘Ending your dental fear begins with trust,’ and I do trust the team at Dr. Barbat’s office.” A healthy mouth is important to your overall health and well-being. If you know others with dental fears, suggest they call Dr. Barbat’s Rochester Hills Cosmetic Dental Office at (586) 739-8111 or visit WhereLastingSmilesBegin.com.

QUESTION: “As a child, the gap between my front teeth didn’t bother me. As an adult, it does. How can this be repaired without braces?”

Answered by Dr. Ban Barbat

As with any patient, it is necessary to first diagnose what caused the gap to occur. Assuming that gum disease did not contribute to tooth movement, there are several ways to repair a gap between your front teeth.
Depending upon the width of the gap, bonding may be the easiest method to close the space. In this process, a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the teeth. Shading is carefully matched and the surface is polished to give a natural appearance. This is the least expensive method; however, bonding, particularly on front “biting” teeth, is more vulnerable to chipping or breaking than with porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are customdesigned “shells” that are attached to the front of teeth. Veneers give the most durable, natural feel and appearance possible, even reflecting light as a natural tooth. This method also requires minimal disruption to the natural tooth, although the design of the veneer can reshape or resize the tooth for a more flattering look.

If teeth are badly turned or misshapen, porcelain crowns can be used to close the space.

This method requires existing the tooth to be reshaped to accept a custom-designed crown. The crown covers the top and sides of the tooth, while protecting the natural tooth portion underneath. Crowns, like veneers, give excellent longevity and have natural appeal.
If the space is wide, other front teeth may need to be involved in treatment. This keeps the teeth visible in your smile to balanced proportions. Otherwise, you could end up with two, very wide front teeth that close the gap but doesn’t result in an appealing smile.
After an examination at the Shelby Township Cosmetic Dentist Office, Dr. Barbat can determine which option will give you the best results. You also learn the process and fee involved. By understanding your choices, you have already taken the first step to regain a smile you’ll love!