Dr. Ian Smith, reporting.
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Dr. Ian Smith, reporting. |
Maurice Dubois: News for your health this morning. A healthy looking smile ranks among the top aspects of a person's appearance that affects self-esteem.
Jane Hanson: So if you're looking to improve and brighten your smile, there are a lot of options to choose from. Dr. Ian Smith reports:
Dr. Ian Smith: Because of the many advances of dentistry you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped or misshapen teeth. Prosthondists like Dr. Jason Psillakis specialize in understanding the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth.
Jason Psillakis: As a prosthodontist, we are specialists in the restoration and replacement of teeth. We are one of eight recognized dental specialties, and we are basically the architectics of dental treatment plan.
IS: Depending on your needs, improving your smile can require a couple of simple visits over a short period of time. It could also represent several months and a complex process. The options are multiple.
JP: Some of the most common dental procedures that are available today are: If people are interested just in lightening or brightening their teeth, we have bleaching available. If they have discolored, misshapen, broken-down teeth, a slightly more elaborate procedure are laminates or veneers as they're known. A step up from that is crowns and bridges or caps as they're known. From that point, we always have the ability to use implants which are very, very popular today as well.
IS: For Lidia Barbara, her commitment to getting a new smile was part of becoming a happier person.
Lidia Barbara: I realized that I was getting old and you need your teeth for later on in life. And also helps you to feel better, to be able to look in the mirror and say 'Gee, I don't have to hide my smile or be self conscious that I have a teeth or two missing.' That helps a whole lot. It makes you feel like a whole new person.
JP: The patient came in and she had several broken down teeth. She had abscesses. She had cavities. She needed root canals. Her mouth was really a mess. She was going through some hard times. So what I did was I took some impressions, I made some molds, and I made some models. And with those models, I was allowed to now look and see and seek out ways and techniques to give her a better looking smile. (view case.)
IS: The result was a full bridge of porcelain with a metal foundation underneath. Once the new implant was finally placed, she immediately noticed the difference.
LB: It's amazing what teeth can do for one. I can smile and not be conscious of it. When I see somebody in the street and they don't have their teeth, I feel sorry for them, because I know what they must feel.... having those faces and they're gone.
IS: Insurance companies provide full or partial coverage for some of the procedures, but some are just not covered at all. Check your options with your dentist and make a decision that best suits your needs and your pocket. Dr. Ian Smith, Today in New York.
JH: Hmm!
MD: Miracle workers, huh?
JH: They are indeed! I notice teeth right away, do you?
MD: First thing you see!
JH: Yep.
MD: Yep. Well, maybe second... (chuckle) We're going to take a break...
JH: (laughing) What's first...?
