Talking Dentistry This month we’re talking restorative dentistry with Dr Andrew See who combines passion, artistic flare and extensive knowledge of dentistry to answer any questions you may have. He has advanced training in aesthetic and implant dentistry. Reader’s question: “Is it true that teeth are ground down to stumps before veneers can go on?”
DR ANDREW SEE
Dr See says: Thank you for the great BEFORE question, this is something that we often get asked. Believe it or not, multiple porcelain veneers is not taught at undergraduate university as they are very technique sensitive as they rely on solely bonding alone (the glue) without MINIMAL TOOTH PREPARATIONS any mechanical retention. A lot of things therefore need to go right for their long-term success. It requires perfect preparations, perfect impressions or scans, perfect isolation for bonding and a super perfect bite. It is not easy and time AFTER consuming. Crowns on the other hand is what all clinicians are well trained at in our undergraduate studies. Crowns do involve grinding the teeth down to stumps. It is more straightforward to prepare, take an impression, provisionalise and place on the tooth. Don’t get me wrong. I do crowns often but only when clinically indicated. Such as, when there is a lack of tooth structure and/or significant pre-existing destruction from tooth wear or decay, or over root canal treated teeth. Let’s look at a case that we completed with minimal preparations for the veneers: Tim came to see us because he didn’t like that his teeth were crooked, narrow and pointy which meant he wasn’t smiling much. Tim showed us photos of his ideal smile and we collaborated to bring the design to life in a smile style that was customised to him. Tim was concerned about the health of his teeth and didn’t want to affect his natural teeth in an adverse way, but wanted to enhance his smile which affected how he felt and the way he presented himself. THE PROBLEMS: • Crooked teeth • Discoloured teeth • Narrow and pointy teeth THE SOLUTION: • Alignment of teeth with clear aligners • Tooth whitening • 10 x porcelain veneers with minimal preparations that stayed within enamel
BDS Hons (Syd), FRACDS, MSc(Lond), PGDipDentImplantology, MFGDP(UK), FICOI, MFDS RCSEng
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT? Dr Andrew See has dedicated the last 18 years to Aesthetic Dentistry and has unique qualifications in cosmetic dentistry and rehabilitation. This includes a 3-year Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from the prestigious King’s College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology. Dr See completed his Fellowship by primary and secondary examinations for The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS). FRACDS is the mark of professional achievement in dentistry and demonstrates attainment of an advanced level and skill in Dentistry.
Tim’s crooked, discoloured teeth are now addressed with beautiful, natural looking, handcrafted porcelain veneers. Advanced qualifications and experience ensured that we achieved the results that Tim wanted.
If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at info@advanceddentistrysydney.com.au
9816 4885
dr.andrewsee
advanceddentistrysydney.com.au TVO 27
