There Is No Perfect Dentist: The Never Before Revealed Secrets to Choosing the Right Dentist for You!

by Neil Gerrard

Overview

Don't brush off your dental health! Get tips on how to find the dentist who checks off all your boxes—for regular cleanings or special procedures.
 
This book helps you with one of the most important health choices you will ever face. Whether you have an existing dentist who does not offer the type of care you require or whether you are looking to make a change, you want to choose a dentist you can trust, and who has your and your family's best interests at heart. With the myriad choices out there, it's hard to narrow down your options—even with personal recommendations and online reviews.
 
There Is No Perfect Dentist gives you the knowledge to make an informed choice. It discusses where to look, what to expect from your first visit, the role of dental specialists and the dental team, how to deal with problems and disagreements, and even how to overcome dentophobia (the fear of dentists).
 
Sink your teeth into There Is No Perfect Dentist and be happy with your smile!
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780982859018
Publisher:	Glazer Kennedy Pub
Publication date:	09/10/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	168
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Dr Neil Gerrard, BDS, RDT began his career as a dental technician in 1986. After gaining higher national qualifications in dental technology he attended Bristol University to complete his Bachelor in Dental Science, graduating in 1999. As both a dentist and dental technician Dr Gerrard has dedicated much of his twenty-four year career to the art and science of cosmetic and implant dentistry. In 2008 his continued strive for excellence resulted in recognition as an accredited member and examiner with British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD)--an accolade few dentists have achieved to date.   As an accredited member and examiner for the BACD Dr Gerrard is at the leading edge of modern dentistry in the UK today, providing patients with the very best that dentistry has to offer, while actively helping to educate his fellow professionals through the efforts of the BACD. With a wealth of experience gained from working with hundreds of dentists as a dental technician and as an examiner with the BACD, Dr Gerrard possesses the expertise required to help anyone choose the perfect dentist for them. Residence: Bristol, United Kingdom

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

What's the Difference Between Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a term widely used by the media, general public, and dentists to describe a range of treatments aimed at altering the appearance of an individual's smile.

Treatments most often thought of as cosmetic in nature are porcelain laminate veneers, crowns, bridges, and tooth-whitening procedures, but other treatments may also possesses a cosmetic component, which include: the replacement of missing or damaged teeth with dental implants, placement of direct composite (white) fillings or artistic bonding, orthodontic treatments, and even the use of removable dentures.

When considering and researching these types of treatments, you will probably encounter the term aesthetic dentistry. This is a term used infrequently by the media or general public but widely within the dental profession. It is therefore important that you understand the distinct difference between the two, as this may affect your choice of treatment or even dentist.

In this context, the term cosmetic dentistry best describes the anatomy of a tooth or smile modified in such a way as to produce an appearance very pleasing to the eye but enhanced beyond what is normally found in nature — an enhanced natural appearance.

However, the term aesthetic dentistry best describes the anatomy of a tooth or smile modified in such a way to replicate nature and all its intricacies to the last detail or the reproduction of a natural smile as nature intended.

Most dentists will use these terms interchangeably to refer to any treatment that involves the repair, replacement, or improvement of a tooth or smile, whether enhanced beyond that which nature intended (cosmetic) or conforming to an existing natural appearance (aesthetic).

However, some dentists make a point of stating they perform aesthetic dentistry in preference to cosmetic dentistry. This does not mean they do not offer the full range of cosmetic procedures as you would understand them (just as a cosmetic dentist will offer aesthetic dentistry when requested), but that they have chosen to distinguish the difference between the two out of personal preference and philosophy of care.

In reality, the most attractive smiles are those created by mother-nature, which in turn are copied by cosmetic/aesthetic dentists. By using those natural features scientifically proven to be most attractive to the human eye, both cosmetic and aesthetic dentists can recreate the most beautifully natural smiles, or the brightest, widest enhanced smiles aspired to by many in today's society.

For the purpose of this book, I have used the term cosmetic dentistry to describe any procedure associated with the alteration of a smile.

CHAPTER 2

WHAT TYPE OF PEOPLE CHOOSE COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

I have helped improve the lives of men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, from celebrities and high-flying business executives to shop assistants and waitresses.

What do all these people have in common, and why did they decide to seek cosmetic dentistry?

What made these people seek cosmetic dentistry were the same feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment when smiling that you probably feel right now. They all wanted to feel more attractive, more confident, and more relaxed in their professional and personal lives.

For example:

Both Trudy and David came to me for help with their upcoming weddings. One a bank clerk, the other a wealthy director of a national company, both of them self-conscious about smiling in photographs, both wanting to enjoy their weddings without fear of the camera, both wanting to avoid wedding photos that would haunt them for years to come.

Further examples are Louise, a finance administrator, and Paul, a computer engineer. Both were tired of feeling inadequate, and both were tired of hiding their smiles from customers and colleagues at work. They both wanted to feel confident, they both wanted to feel good about their smiles, and they both wanted to eliminate the dread of smiling once and for all.

Just imagine how Trudy, David, Paul, and Louise felt once they underwent cosmetic dentistry to improve their smiles — self-assured and attractive.

I have many more stories just like theirs of everyday people all wanting to feel great about their smiles. You can read more about the people who have made the decision to smile with confidence by visiting, www.CliftonSmiles.com or many other dental-related Web sites.

No matter who you are, what problems you have, or how bad you feel about your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help. There is virtually no smile that cannot be improved, no problem too big or small that cannot be overcome with cosmetic dentistry.

CHAPTER 3

WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT

Demand for cosmetic and private dentistry has grown significantly in the past ten years, with the British public now spending around 3 billion pounds per year on private dentistry, of which nearly 1 billion pounds is spent specifically on cosmetic dental procedures.

Regardless of the popularity of cosmetic dentistry in today's society and all of the positive benefits it offers, I feel it is important that you understand both the positive as well as the negative implications of both cosmetic and general dental treatments.

Cosmetic dentistry offers an invaluable service to people; it literally changes lives. People once embarrassed or even fearful to smile in public find themselves with a newfound confidence they never expected in both their personal and professional relationships. But as with many things in life, there is a compromise to be had. The obvious positive benefits of a great-looking, confident smile must always be balanced against a small number of negative aspects associated with some dental procedures.

Whenever a tooth is treated (whether a diseased tooth or for cosmetic enhancement), it inevitably requires the removal of healthy tooth enamel. Virtually all fillings, veneers, crowns, and bridges require removal of healthy tooth enamel to succeed, both functionally and aesthetically. Now, this would be of little consequence except for one problem. Dentists have yet to develop a filling/veneer/crown material that not only looks exactly like a tooth but functions like a tooth as well. There is no man-made material that will last as long as your own tooth (a lifetime), which means at some point in time it is likely that your new filling, crown, or cosmetically enhanced smile will wear out and require replacement.

So, of what relevance is this to you?

If your smile is worn out, has been heavily treated in the past, or you possess multiple missing teeth, then this will probably be of little relevance. If your smile has already reached this point, then the benefits of treatment will far outweigh any need for future care, as future care is already a necessity.

However, if you possess pristine, perfectly healthy teeth and you are twenty years of age, then the idea of removing healthy tooth enamel is probably not in your best long-term interest. It is likely that if left untreated, your teeth will last for decades to come, in fact significantly longer than any filling or veneer when looked after correctly.

Scientific research indicates that the average life expectancy of porcelain veneers, crowns, and bridges is around ten to fifteen years, so when considering treatment, you must accept that once you commit to a procedure, you will need to undertake that procedure again, maybe once, twice, or even three times over your lifetime. Common sense dictates that the greater the loss of healthy tooth enamel now, the less will be available to treat later. You may even reach a point at which so little tooth remains that re-treatment is no longer an option.

When considering any cosmetic dental procedure, my advice is always the same: first, make sure you have all the information you require to make an informed choice, and second, consider both the benefits and disadvantages of a procedure before undertaking treatment. There is no right or wrong answer, just what is right for you.

CHAPTER 4

WHAT TYPES OF SMILES ARE SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT?

Advancements in dentistry have now reached a point at which virtually anyone can be helped. Whether you wish to improve the size, shape, colour, or position of your teeth and smile, or just chew in comfort, dentistry offers a number of solutions. For the majority of people the only limiting factor is the willingness to complete those treatments necessary to reach their desired goals.

What should your existing smile look like for maximum benefit?

To the vast majority of people, the term "cosmetic dentistry" involves the enhancement of a smile with porcelain veneers, crowns, and bridges.

Those individuals most suited to this type of treatment are those possessing teeth that are worn, heavily filled, or missing. Basically, if there is any starting point that we dentists can add to, rather than subtract from. For example, when teeth are heavily worn or filled, porcelain veneers can be built up over the existing tooth enamel with little or no reduction of healthy tooth structure (it has already worn away). However, when teeth possess little or no wear, healthy tooth enamel must be reduced to make room for the veneers, and in some cases very aggressive reduction is required.

Smiles that benefit most from these "cosmetic treatments" include those with:

• Tooth wear (intermediate to severe)

• Missing teeth

• Diseased teeth

• Developmental tooth defects

• Tooth loss/damaged through trauma

• Gaps — due to small teeth or excess space

• Discoloured teeth

• Bite problems

People of all ages may benefit from this additive approach. The young may possess congenitally missing teeth (teeth that never developed), developmental tooth defects (weak, thin, or missing tooth enamel), small or spaced teeth, or they may have lost teeth through trauma (accidental damage). The middle aged and elderly may possess missing, very worn, and heavily filled teeth. These are all situations that lend themselves well to cosmetic enhancement without the need to excessively reduce previously healthy tooth enamel, as wear and tear has already occurred.

Smiles that meet this type of pre-treatment criteria allow conservative treatment options to be used, treatments that require either minimal or even no enamel removal from a tooth in order to improve its appearance and function.

What if your smile meets none of these criteria?

If your smile meets none of these criteria, it doesn't mean you cannot or should not improve your smile. It just means that alternative solutions may offer a great result without the need for tooth reduction and a subsequent lifetime commitment to dental treatments in years to come.

Smiles that benefit most from these "alternative" treatment approaches are those requiring no enamel reduction, otherwise perfectly healthy smiles possessing:

• Crooked or twisted teeth

• Very young teeth — those typically under twenty to twenty-five years of age

• Gaps

• Crowded teeth

• Discolored teeth

• Bite problems

Smiles meeting these types of pre-treatment criteria are often most suited to enhancement with orthodontic treatments (braces), direct composite bonding (artistic bonding), and tooth-whitening treatments if the aim is long-term health and wellbeing.

What treatments should you consider if your smile falls between these two groups or you are determined to undertake "cosmetic dentistry"?

There will always be individuals with smiles that fall between the very worn, damaged, or missing teeth and the perfectly healthy but crooked smile, just as there will always be individuals who feel they must own the perfect "Hollywood" smile.

Under these circumstances, I would always advise you to consider a multi-disciplinary treatment approach (treatment that employs a number of different treatment methods to reach your desired goals). For example, if your teeth are perfectly healthy but crooked and you want the brighter whiter "Hollywood smile," then an excellent way forward is to straighten your existing smile with orthodontics, followed by tooth whitening. If you still feel your smile would benefit from porcelain veneers following this, then you are in the perfect position to take advantage of veneers requiring the most conservative enamel removal, or no enamel removal at all, rather than the most aggressive.

Further information regarding all types of dental treatments and what they involve can be easily sourced online, or through sites like www.MyPerfectDentist.com and www.CosmeticDentistryGuide.com.

CHAPTER 5

WHY DO PEOPLE SAY NO TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

After considering the improvement of their smiles, why do some people decide not to proceed with cosmetic dentistry? Why, when they feel so uncomfortable with their smiles, do they decide to do nothing? Why? Because of many reasons, but the main ones are:

• They just can't decide if treatment is right for them

• Fear of the unknown

• Fear of painful treatment

• They cannot find a "good" cosmetic dentist

• They decide it is too expensive

They Just Can't Decide if Treatment Is Right for Them

Are you truly unhappy with your smile? If so, then this first reason is not relevant, but some people decide cosmetic dentistry is not for them because they do not realize how good a new smile will make them feel. They do not realize how truly unhappy they are and will continue to hide their smiles despite the many benefits a new smile can offer. They just cannot imagine the way a great smile can literally change lives.

Studies indicate that the mouth is responsible for 60 to 70 percent of the visual perception of the face, meaning this is what we notice most consciously and subconsciously when interacting with other people. This knowledge alone should be a big enough reason to improve your smile, let alone the lack of confidence that warrants a change in your life.

Why do you think that every person chosen for the makeover shows on television like Ten Years Younger and Extreme Makeover have their smiles fixed? Because no face-lift, eyebrow lift, jowl lift, facial skin peel, or Botox® can change a person's appearance as drastically as a brilliant new smile.

Please ask yourself, do you want the smile you have always dreamed of, or do you want a smile you are ashamed of? If you want a dream smile, then cosmetic dentistry may be right for you.

Fear of the Unknown

Fear of the unknown is only natural, and some people panic so much about how they will look afterward that they just cannot bring themselves to undertake treatment.

I have personally experienced treatment as an adult with fixed "tram-track" braces, and I was naturally concerned about how I would look, so I understand exactly how you feel. The great news is that modern cosmetic dentistry now enables you to see your new smile before you even start, so there really is no need to panic!

Most experienced cosmetic dentists can help you see your smile's potential before you make the decision to change it. It is now possible to preview your new smile in a number of ways. For example:

Computer imaging of you in a photo, producing a realistic before and after photo of your new smile

A mock-up on a 3D model — a real model of your teeth you can pick up and look at from every angle

A direct mock-up of your new smile in your mouth — simulated stick on veneers placed in just a few minutes so you can see the results (without changing your teeth in any way)

What about During Treatment?

In most cases, a trial-smile will be placed on your teeth during treatment. This enables you to test-drive your new smile before it is finished, offering you the opportunity to check the size, shape, and colour of your new teeth.

If you do not like it, you can change it and continue to alter it until you are completely happy. Once satisfied, your trial smile is used as a template from which your new smile is copied, so you have a good idea what to expect when your smile is completed.

Fear of Painful Treatment

Admittedly, we dentists do not have the best reputation when it comes to dental treatment. We are generally known for delivering an uncomfortable and painful experience.

This should no longer be the case. Modern state-of-the-art dentistry is not an agonising experience. In expert hands, you will experience relaxed treatment, with minimal or no discomfort at all.

Even the most nervous of patients can now achieve the smile of his or her dreams with dental sedation. This stuff is truly impressive; you will not have a care in the world, and treatment will pass by in what feels like minutes. In fact, you may even enjoy it! There really is no reason to be fearful anymore.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "There is No Perfect Dentist"
by .
Copyright © 2010 Dr. Neil Gerrard, B.D.S..
Excerpted by permission of Morgan James Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements,
Introduction,
Professional Obligation,
PART ONE: COSMETIC DENTISTRY,
1 What's the Difference Between Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry?,
2 What Type of People Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?,
3 What You Should Consider Before Starting Treatment,
4 What types of smiles are suitable for treatment?,
5 Why Do People Say No to Cosmetic Dentistry?,
PART TWO: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT DENTIST,
6 Fifteen Questions You Must Ask When Choosing a Dentist,
7 Where to Look When Searching for Your Perfect Dentist,
8 What Your Dentist Should Do Next,
9 Dental Tourism — What You Must Know before Considering Treatment Abroad,
PART THREE: THE NHS, PRIVATE DENTAL CARE, AND DENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE,
10 The National Health Service (NHS),
11 Five Reasons to Consider Private Dentistry,
12 The Cost of a Healthy Mouth and Smile,
13 Dental Health Insurance,
PART FOUR: DEFEATING FEAR OF THE DENTIST,
14 Five Ways to Defeat Fear of the Dentist,
15 Distraction Techniques,
16 Desensitisation Therapy,
17 Hypnotherapy,
18 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
19 Use of Medication and Dental Sedation,
PART FIVE: ROLE OF THE SPECIALIST AND DENTAL TEAM,
20 Why You May Consider the Help of a Specialist to Transform Your Smile or Dental Health,
21 Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) — Who Are They and What Do They Do?,
22 What Do the Letters Stand For?,
PART SIX: RESOLVING PROBLEMS,
23 What if Things Go Wrong?,
24 Complications Following Treatment,
25 Communication,
26 Treatment Charges,
27 Handling of Complaints,
28 Local Resolution,
29 Dental Complaints Service,
30 NHS Complaints Service,
31 The GDC (General Dental Council),
32 Take Legal Action — a Word of Warning!,
PART SEVEN: FREE AUDIO, CONTACTS AND GLOSSARY,
33 FREE Audio Recording and special report,
34 Useful Contacts,
35 Glossary of Terms,