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In my younger days, good and healthy teeth were not considered top priorities. Only very basic treatments were provided for the relief of pain with minimal consideration given to the cosmetic aspects of dentistry. Some dentists either chose to ignore or did not recognize potential problems. Extractions and dentures were the order of the day.
Under these circumstances I lost a lot of teeth in my teenage years. A partial denture was provided until I was offered crowns and bridges to replace the missing teeth. There was an eight-unit bridge (where the denture was) on my right-hand side which was supported on three teeth. I now realise that it was under engineered and incorrectly designed. Even though they looked acceptable I was unable to chew properly.
Not knowing what "Good Dentistry" is, and that better results could and should be achieved, this solution seemed to work. At least I no longer had to wear a denture.
Years later, one of the underlying teeth of the eight-unit bridge began to decay and an abscess formed. The root had fractured. A new bridge is no longer an option. I have a very high lipline when I smile, a partial denture would be most undesirable.
I was then recommended to see Dr. Sih to assess my case and my personal needs. Dr. Sih and his colleagues did a lot of careful planning, discussing various treatment options prior to finalising my treatment plan to ensure the best possible results, both cosmetically and functionally.
Dr. Sih also explained that pleasing cosmetic dentistry requires crowns with varying degrees of translucency; that the colour should be natural and match the rest of the teeth. The teeth should follow the "smile line" of the mouth; the gum line should be "scalloped" and the shapes of the crowns should not appear bulky, pearly & so on...
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A recommendation was given to have the damaged root removed, and dental implants and new crowns put in to replace all the missing teeth and faulty crowns. Due to heavy bone loss in certain areas, bone grafting was also required.
I must say that I am very happy with the results. Now I love to smile, feel very confident with myself and most of all, I can truly, fully enjoy my food because the dental implants are strong, as good as my real teeth, if not better. and they do not decay. I can chew better and my health has also greatly improved!
How I love my dental implants and my teeth for life!
Regards,
Lydia Leung
» A 4 year girl who needs 8 fillings and a root canal work....
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