When I talk to my patients about their oral health and dental needs, it’s not uncommon for them to hesitate about undergoing certain treatments. They frequently express concerns about whether they genuinely need comprehensive dental treatment.
I have a patient who recently agreed to a treatment option I had been recommending for several years, and I was thrilled when she decided to let me create a treatment plan to restore her smile’s aesthetics and function. Please keep reading to learn more about her treatment.
Considering a Patient’s Dental Needs: The Diagnosis
I have been treating this patient for over ten years. She had multiple chips in her teeth that I fixed with small fillings. However, this treatment didn’t work for long due to her bite and the wear and tear on her teeth. Instead of continuing with the same ineffective treatment, I recommended a comprehensive treatment plan to take care of the dental issues once and for all.
Before treatment, her teeth were brittle and worn, making it nearly impossible to eat crispy foods. She ate only soft foods to avoid painful chips and hairline cracks in her teeth.
When I asked her about her smile goals, she quickly told me she wanted a “pretty white smile.” She added that because some of her teeth were crooked again, she wanted a “straight smile” that was “really pretty.”
Treatment and Results: Achieving a Beautiful, Functional Smile
I created this patient’s treatment plan to include crown lengthening gum surgery to make her teeth appear longer. Then, I placed dental crowns on her four upper front teeth and composite veneers on her six lower teeth. I focused on ensuring a proper glide path to keep her from fracturing her teeth. This patient’s bite was off on her front teeth, causing them to wear down. So, by changing her bite, I was able to offer her a comprehensive treatment option, eliminating the need for continued treatment every month or two.
I was thrilled to see her results and hear what she said when she first saw her new smile. She told me how good her smile looked and how glad she was that she finally agreed to this treatment. She also said, “I can now eat anything I want without worrying about my smile. I never have to turn a certain way or worry about a crooked tooth. I am enjoying fewer dental visits, chipped fillings, and brittle teeth.”
Need Dental Crowns in Harrisburg, VA?
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or dental bridges in Harrisburg, I would be happy to help! My dental team is committed to your oral health, but we also want you to love your smile. When you’re ready to reach your smile goals, I’m prepared to create a treatment plan with your needs and budget in mind. Call my dental office at (540) 705-0102 to schedule an appointment.
I look forward to hearing from you.