Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
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A Beautiful Smile Creates Confidence and Smiles
Recently, awareness regarding dental aesthetics has increased, and many people wish to “whiten their teeth” or “straighten their teeth.” At SACHI Dental Clinic, we offer cosmetic dental treatments that excel not only in appearance but also in functionality. We carefully listen to each patient’s wishes and concerns and propose the optimal treatment plan.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is dental treatment that pursues the beauty of teeth whiteness, alignment, and the overall smile. It aims not only to enhance appearance but also to improve functionality such as bite alignment and maintain oral health.
Typical cosmetic dental treatments include:
- Ceramic Treatment (Fillings/Crowns)
- Ceramic Orthodontics (Restorative Alignment)
- Composite Resin Restoration
- Laminate Veneers
- Whitening
- Teeth Cleaning (Airflow, PMTC)
Features of SACHI Dental Clinic’s Cosmetic Dentistry
To achieve our patients’ ideal smiles, we value the following features:
Customized Treatment Tailored to Each Patient
Tooth color, shape, and alignment differ for everyone. We carefully listen to patient requests and consider the overall balance and atmosphere of the face when proposing the optimal treatment plan.
Aesthetic Sense and Detailed Perspective Unique to a Female Director
With the aesthetic sense and detailed perspective unique to a female director, we achieve natural and beautiful results that satisfy both female and male patients.
Latest Equipment and Technology
Our clinic utilizes the latest equipment such as digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Considering Pain
Even in cosmetic dentistry, we strive for treatment that considers pain. We employ various initiatives to reduce patient anxiety, such as using topical anesthesia, electric anesthesia injectors, and creating a relaxing environment.
Commitment to Metal-Free Treatment
Considering the risk of metal allergies, our clinic recommends metal-free treatments using materials like ceramics whenever possible. These materials offer the benefit of being body-friendly as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Main Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Menu
Ceramic Treatment (Fillings/Crowns)
Ceramic treatment is a method of restoring teeth after cavity treatment by using ceramic fillings or crowns. It offers excellent aesthetics as it can replicate the color tone and translucency close to natural teeth. It is also a body-friendly material with no risk of metal allergies and excellent biocompatibility.
Our clinic proposes the optimal ceramic material based on the patient’s tooth condition and preferences.
Types of Ceramics
- All-Ceramic: Made entirely of ceramic material. Offers the best aesthetics, replicating the translucency and natural color tone closest to natural teeth. It also has excellent strength and can be widely used from front to back teeth.
- Advantages:
- Excellent aesthetics
- Translucency close to natural teeth
- No risk of metal allergies
- Minimal discoloration over time
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to other materials
- Potential to fracture under strong impact
- Advantages:
- Zirconia: Also known as artificial diamond, it’s an extremely strong ceramic material. Suitable for areas under strong force, like back teeth. Recently, translucent types have emerged, making it usable for front teeth as well.
- Advantages:
- Extremely high strength
- Suitable for applications like bridges on back teeth
- No risk of metal allergies
- Disadvantages:
- Less translucent compared to all-ceramic
- Its hardness may potentially wear down opposing teeth
- Advantages:
In addition to the above, there are various other types, such as hybrid ceramics (a mixture of ceramic and resin).
Cost: Ceramic treatment is not covered by insurance. The cost varies depending on the material and treatment scope, so please consult us during counseling for details.
Ceramic Orthodontics (Restorative Alignment)
Ceramic orthodontics is a treatment method that corrects teeth alignment by shaping the target teeth and fitting ceramic crowns over them. A key feature is the ability to improve alignment in a short period without the need for long-term appliance wear like wire braces.
- Advantages:
- Improves teeth alignment in a short period
- Can correct tooth color and shape simultaneously
- Less conspicuous than wire braces
- Disadvantages:
- Requires shaping (removing structure from) teeth
- Not suitable for those hesitant about shaping healthy teeth
- Relatively high cost
Treatment Period: Approx. 1-3 months (individual differences apply)
Cost: Ceramic orthodontics is not covered by insurance. The cost varies depending on the number of teeth and the type of ceramic used, so please consult us during counseling for details.
Composite Resin Restoration
Composite resin restoration is a treatment method where decayed or chipped parts are repaired by filling with dental plastic (composite resin). It allows for minimal removal of tooth structure and can replicate a color tone close to natural teeth, making it suitable for visible areas like front teeth.
- Advantages:
- Minimal tooth removal
- Often completed in a single visit
- Can replicate natural tooth color
- No risk of metal allergies
- Disadvantages:
- May not be suitable for large cavities
- Can discolor over time
- Less strong compared to ceramics
Cost: Composite resin restoration may be partially covered by insurance in some cases. Please confirm during counseling.
Laminate Veneers
Laminate veneers involve thinly shaping the tooth surface and bonding thin ceramic shells onto it. Suitable for significantly changing tooth color or shape, or correcting minor alignment issues. Effective for enhancing the aesthetics of front teeth.
- Advantages:
- Minimal tooth removal
- Can significantly change tooth color and shape
- Treatment completed in a short period
- Disadvantages:
- Requires shaping healthy teeth
- Potential to chip or detach
- Relatively high cost
Cost: Laminate veneers are not covered by insurance. The cost varies depending on the number of teeth and the type of ceramic used, so please consult us during counseling for details.
Whitening
Whitening is a treatment method that uses specialized agents to whiten teeth. It can whiten teeth yellowed due to aging, food/drink staining, or genetics without shaping the teeth. Recommended for those searching for “teeth whitening Mita.”
Our clinic offers the following three types of whitening methods:
Office Whitening
Office whitening is performed at the dental clinic. Since high-concentration agents are used, it’s often possible to see results after a single session. The procedure takes about 1 hour.
- Advantages:
- Easy to see results after one session
- High safety as performed by dentists or hygienists
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to home whitening
- Some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity
Home Whitening
Home whitening is performed at home. Custom trays made at the clinic are filled with whitening agent and worn daily for a specific duration, gradually whitening the teeth. The advantage is being able to proceed at your own pace.
- Advantages:
- Can proceed at your own pace
- Lower cost compared to office whitening
- Less likely to cause sensitivity
- Disadvantages:
- Takes time to see results
- Requires daily tray wearing
Dual Whitening
Dual whitening combines office and home whitening methods. By leveraging the benefits of both, higher effectiveness and longevity can be expected.
- Advantages:
- Results can be seen in a short period
- Whiteness lasts longer
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to other methods
- Some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity
Cost: Whitening is not covered by insurance. The cost varies depending on the type and scope of treatment, so please check the Whitening page for details.
Teeth Cleaning (PMTC)
PMTC stands for Professional Mechanical Tooth Cleaning, a cleaning performed by dentists or dental hygienists using specialized equipment. By thoroughly removing plaque, tartar, and stains that cannot be removed by daily brushing, it not only prevents cavities and gum disease but can also restore the natural whiteness of teeth. Regular visits are recommended for those searching for “teeth cleaning Mita.”
- Advantages:
- Prevents cavities and gum disease
- Restores natural tooth whiteness
- Prevents bad breath
- Smoothens tooth surfaces, making plaque less likely to adhere
- Disadvantages:
- In cases of heavy staining, results may not be noticeable after a single session
Cost: PMTC may be covered by insurance in some cases. Please confirm during counseling.
Treatment Flow
At SACHI Dental Clinic, cosmetic dentistry treatment follows this flow:
- Counseling: First, we carefully listen to the patient’s concerns and wishes. We discuss what kind of teeth you desire and which treatment method is suitable.
- Examination: We conduct a detailed examination of your oral condition, including X-rays, intraoral photos, and dental impressions. CT scans may also be performed if necessary.
- Treatment Planning: Based on the examination results, we formulate the optimal treatment plan for the patient and explain it clearly. Details regarding the treatment period and costs are also provided at this stage.
- Treatment: Once you agree to the treatment plan, treatment begins. Our clinic strives for pain-conscious treatment, so please rest assured.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial after treatment. Our clinic proposes the optimal maintenance plan according to your oral condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long do ceramic treatments last?
- The lifespan of ceramic treatment varies depending on the material used, the patient’s oral condition, maintenance, etc., but it is generally said to last 10 years or more. However, strong impacts can cause them to crack or chip, so care is needed.
- Is ceramic treatment painful?
- Anesthesia is used during treatment, so there is almost no pain. Temporary pain or sensitivity may occur after treatment, but it usually subsides within a few days.
- How long do whitening effects last?
- The duration of whitening effects varies among individuals but generally lasts around half a year. To maintain the effect longer, regular maintenance and avoiding heavily staining foods and drinks are necessary.
- Should I undergo orthodontic treatment or cosmetic dental treatment first?
- It depends on the condition of the teeth alignment and the patient’s wishes, but generally, achieving better results is often possible by first aligning the teeth with orthodontic treatment and then proceeding with cosmetic dental treatment. Please consult us during counseling for details.
- I have a metal allergy. What treatment options are available?
- Our clinic focuses on metal-free treatment and can propose treatment methods that do not use metal, such as ceramics or composite resin. Patients with metal allergies can receive treatment with peace of mind.
About the Author: 中村 紗千子 SACHIKO NAKAMURA
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