Many people don’t seek out cosmetic improvements for their teeth because they have a deep fear of the procedures involved in it. Despite having a clear picture of the outcome they want. For instance, a brighter and symmetrical smile for maintaining their youthful appearance. They are still unable to take action due to the assumed risks involved.
These negative feelings are driven by misleading headlines and viral posts of the “bad side” of dental practices. Patients often come across pictures of natural teeth that have been shaved down to very small pegs for the purpose of accommodating large porcelain veneers or crowns. An educated and discerning patient who places a high value on his or her physical health will find this destructive approach unworthy.
The luxury standard of medical care is based on a completely different approach. When it comes to looks, there should never be a compromise on one’s actual physical health. Our top Newport Beach cosmetic dentistry takes a different approach in which there is no longer any need for reduction of hard tissue, but rather the focus is on the preservation of your teeth.
Dr. Dimple Desai specializes in a very specialized field at Luminous Smiles, which is known as biomimetic dentistry. Your natural tooth is a valuable asset. Keeping that in mind, the smile design method that she uses makes sure that your teeth are safeguarded and preserved for life.
The Danger of Aggressive Dental Reduction
To understand the significance of tooth preservation, you need to know the anatomy of a human tooth and the dangers of conventional dentistry.
Your teeth have two main layers. The enamel is the outer layer. It is the hardest material in the human body. It is semi-transparent and crystalline, and acts as a barrier of defense against tooth decay. Similarly, the inner layer is known as dentin. It is soft and porous while containing microscopic tubules that run directly to the living nerve center of the tooth.
Traditionally, the dental field has used heavy materials to make artificial crowns and veneers. In order to place these materials into the mouth, dentists had to grind off huge amounts of the enamel from the teeth. Oftentimes, they penetrated the soft dentin in the process.
This is a very destructive method. Penetrating the dentin of the tooth can cause it to become extremely sensitive. After the nerve is traumatized, it often becomes intensely sensitive and painful. This can lead to the need for root canal treatment. In addition, dental adhesive is not so good in bonding to dentin. Restorations cemented onto this layer are likely to fall off or leak.
The Biomimetic Alternative: Bonding to Enamel
Biomimetic dentistry is completely against the old ways. “Biomimetic” means to mimic nature. This method aims to replicate the strength and function as well as the aesthetics of a natural tooth, all while avoiding any damage to the tissues.
The secret of this method’s success lies in the science of dental adhesion. High-quality dental adhesive is bonded to the crystalline enamel in a way that is incredibly strong and effective. If the porcelain restoration is properly bonded to the enamel, the restoration and the tooth essentially become one. They join together to form a single unified unit which can withstand decades of chewing.
This bond can only be achieved through a clinician who is highly motivated towards conservative preparation. Using advanced magnification, Dr. Desai is able to carefully assess the surface of your teeth. She avoids using a drill to destroy the structure, but only works on the very outer microscopic layer of enamel. In most cases, she will only take a millimeter or so of tissue.
This process leaves your tooth’s protective covering undamaged, and the inner nerve is never disturbed. This gives you the perfect improvement with no post-operative sensitivity and preserves the strength and integrity of your natural teeth.
Newport Beach Cosmetic Dentistry: The Master Ceramist Connection
Minimalist preparation is very challenging. A traditional dentist can easily reduce a tooth and then cap it with a thick white ceramic restoration. However, it takes much more mastery to create a beautiful smile over a tooth that has been minimally prepared.
The enamel we remove is so small that the porcelain veneers we place need to be ultra-thin. They can be as thin as a contact lens.
Working with delicate material of this level means working with the world’s best dental technicians. We work only with the top master ceramists who see their work as art. These craftsmen create your bespoke veneers by hand. They don’t use automatic milling machines or blocks of material that are mass-produced.
They carefully apply various shades of ceramic powder and bake in special kilns to produce the precise optical characteristics of biological enamel. The veneers are very thin and therefore have to be very carefully placed over any discoloration in the underlying tooth structure, while preserving the natural translucency at the biting edges. This degree of detail at the microscopic level will ensure that your new smile looks entirely natural, even in bright light.
The Diagnostic Blueprint: Removing the Guesswork
It shouldn’t be a concern how your teeth will look or feel following a medical procedure. With our emphasis on diagnostic planning, the anxiety associated with permanent physical changes is going to be avoided completely.
Offering premium Newport Beach cosmetic dentistry at Luminous Smiles means we never make a change before we have mathematically determined your entire treatment plan. We first work on getting accurate 3D digital scans of your teeth. Then we determine the thickness of the enamel. Finally, we examine how your jaw moves and the symmetry of your facial features.
Dr. Desai takes this information to create a digital blueprint of your new smile. This blueprint is then used to create a trial smile. This is a temporary resin mock-up that is only temporarily installed on top of your unprepared teeth.
In this step, you are given the chance to test out the final results beforehand. You observe the length, shape, and balance of the temporary design in order to finalise what works and what doesn’t. We carry on with the rest of the procedure only after you are convinced with the proposed solution.
The True Definition of Luxury Care
In the medical field, true luxury is when there is peace of mind. Being confident in your doctor regarding your long-term health is what makes all the difference. By trusting an AACD-accredited dentist like Dr. Desai, you are making sure your peace of mind is intact.
Feel free to learn more about the benefits of biomimetic tissue preservation on our website. And when you are ready, contact us to book a consultation right away.
