She’s Now Solved Her Problems, FOR GOOD!
By the time Linda found Dr. Barbat, she already had quite an investment in her mouth. Still, she was not only unhappy with the results, she was miserable. “I’d been fitted for a denture and it kept breaking,” she states. “I was constantly bitting my tongue. Plus, my jaw was out of whack and I talked funny.”
Her former dentist kept repairing the denture, telling Linda she was biting down too hard. Deep down, she felt this wasn’t the cause of all her problems and wanted another opinion.
Years prior, due to bone disease and problems with her teeth, Linda’s teeth were removed and she was fitted for a denture. Although bone rebuilding was performed, her dentures never fit well and denture adhesives caused a reaction.
When she arrived at Dr. Barbat’s office, Dr. Barbat could see that her jaw was too far forward. When Linda also mentioned that one side of her face was numb, Dr. Barbat knew what needed to happen.
“I was comfortable with Dr. Barbat and felt if they couldn’t help me, they’d be honest about it,” Linda says. Dr. Barbat working with ‘Dr. S,’ (nickname for on-site implant surgeon Dr. Shafka), recommended a porcelain bridge for upper teeth, secured by implants. On her lower, a removable denture secured by implants was advised. Dr. Barbat explains, “This would correct Linda’s bite, restore her ability to speak and chew comfortably, and prevent future bone loss.”
She goes on to explain that missing tooth roots can cause bone loss over time. Pressure from dentures or partials accelerates this pace. “Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots, therefore enabling the bone to maintain a healthy mass,” she adds.
Being “terrified of dentists,” Linda was reassured that she would be comfortably sedated with Oral Sedation. Because of prior bad experience with I.V. sedation, this was a particular relief. “I had no pain at all,” Linda shares. “There was some mild discomfort the next day but nothing bad.”
In charge of Product Development & Quality Control of a major mortgage company, Linda is also a wife, mother and grandmother, so a confident smile is very important. With her new smile commplete, she is totally comfortable and pleased.
Looking back, Linda says, “I wish I would have gone to Dr. Barbat in the beginning. I would have saved an awful lot of money.” She is also pleased with how the entire team worked together for such a positive outcome.
Dr. Barbat adds, “Our commitment is to provide exceptional quality at a fair rate. When something is done right the first time, you’ve made a sound investment. And, what better investment than a healthy, confident smile!”
Just ask Linda!
Many Advantages Of All-On-4 Implants!
More Affordable, Non-Removable Tooth Replacement
Dr. Bbarbat believes that everyone deserves a confident smile. For those who are missing teeth, many more people can now achieve this!
All-On-4 is designed for adults who are missing all upper or lower teeth, and is even suitable for those who have a limited amount of bone. This non-removable implant system is designed to maximize the use of available bone on just 4 implants. Since fewer implants are required, replacing a full arch of teeth is more affordable. The All-On-4 process can also have teeth attached immediately.
The All-On-4 system is:
- A more affordable option for non-removeable implants!
- Works even when bone loss has occured!
- Gives you teeth immediately!
- Provides excellent stability for eating!
- Helps to prevent further bone loss!
- Placement is done in just one appointment!
- Replaces your denture for a lifetime!
The upper and lower jaw have points where implants cannot be placed. In the upper jaw, the sinuses may be too large or too low. In the lower jaw, a nerve that runs through the bone may be too shallow. All-On-4 implants are angled to avoid these areas. This allows for longer implants that provide stability to support immediate placement of teeth.
After the implants are placed, a new or existing denture may be used as a temporary set of teeth. Patients leave the office with teeth in place to smile, laugh, and eat for 3-4 months of bone-to-implant integration. Once the implants are secured by bone, the temporary teeth are removed and a new, final set is permanently attached.
Call (586) 739-2155 for a no-cost consultation with Dr. Barbat. She’ll explain the process and answer all your questions!
Porcelain Veneers vs. Straightening Teeth
A beautiful smile enhances facial appearance, makes you look (and often, feel) more confident, and typically causes people to smile more, projecting an upbeat personality.
If your teeth are crowded or crooked, the natural way to a beautiful smile is straightening. Dr. Barbat offers Invisalign (for teens & adults) as an ‘invisible’, alternative to braces so you won’t feel awkward about your appearance during treatment. Invisalign molds are removable for eating and brushing and, in many cases, move teeth at a pace faster than traditional braces.
For a more attractive smile, porcelain veneers create an appealing smile in just one or two visits and allow you to enhance the appearance of your smile to a greater degree. While Invisalign realigns your natural teeth, veneers or crowns can also improve their shape and shade.
For example, if your natural teeth are short and you want a bright smile that ‘opens your whole face up,’ veneers are the best option to enhance the appearance of teeth.
Before making your decision, Dr. Barbat will discuss options to achieve the smile you desire.
Men Seek Smile Enhancement For Career Enhancement
The Academy of General Dentistry states that nearly 18% of men in the U.S. claim they don’t have time for regular dental visits, with about 5% who don’t even have a regular dentist. However, these percentages seem to be declining as more men in the workforce realize the appearance of their smile affects their career.
In years past, many men spent their entire careers with just one or two employers, not having to worry about how their overall appearance affected their professional life. Today, men (and women) are more susceptible to lay-offs and company closings. Middle-aged men are competing with younger men in the job market. With appearance a heightened factor, they now have greater awareness of the positive effects of an appealing smile. More than ever, men are finding that a healthy, flattering smile has definite value in the business world.
Because regular cleanings and twice-yearly checkups can enhance how a person looks AND feels, we’re also seeing more men who are committed to these visits as well as their oral home care regimen. And, since a healthy mouth contributes to good overall health, the benefits are ongoing!
If you’d like to look into enhancing the appearance of your smile, ask for a FREE CONSULTATION with Dr. Barbat.