Orthodontic and Facial Dentistry
Orthodontics (tooth straightening) is now a routine procedure for adults as well as children. In fact any individual with their own teeth (in good condition) is a candidate for orthodontics, even older people.
Treatments like Invisalign are offered at our practice, together with several other options. Our patients will benefit from the professional advice of an expert orthodontist before treatment commences.
In association with a trained orthodontist Dr Stean offers a full range of treatments for children and adults.
Straightforward cases involving smile improvements in the front teeth can be accomplished within 6 months, and patients need to be aware that post-treatment stability requires a long-term retainer that can be either removable or fixed with invisible fine wire on the insides of the teeth.
In addition Dr Stean’s studies in facial anatomy and ageing he has developed a system for long term improvements. His experience can improve not only dental alignment but additionally facial dentistry profile and diminish signs of ageing.
What is Facial Dentistry™?
Aesthetic, or Cosmetic dentistry is now a well established field and is becoming ever more popular.
Dr Howard Stean is one of the pioneers in the UK and has led the ADAPT society dedicated to the study of aesthetics for over past 30 years.
Most recently Dr Stean has studied the applications of aesthetic procedures which has led him to incorporate them into a complete and predictable system termed Facial dentistry.
It Can Change the Shape of Your Face
Facial Dentistry has the power to alter facial profile and can be applied to deliver a permanent improvement without the need for cosmetic facial surgery.
The carefully planned dental procedures are calculated to improve the form and function of the teeth, and facial dentistry also supports the lips, cheeks and chin in a way that maximizes a natural and youthful appearance.
How is Facial Dentistry Performed?
A thorough diagnosis in essential. This will include digital X-rays, jaw scan, photographs and models of the teeth. A jaw function recording is frequently also taken.
The jaw recording is important when required, as it can help identify pre-existing discrepancies that might need correction.
Unless the teeth can be allowed to close within the natural jaw pattern, a variety of dysfunctional symptoms are possible, ranging from headaches to limitation of opening and dental pains. A temporary plate (“deprogramming splint”) may be made to allow jaw function to improve. This will aid comfortable opening and closure of the jaw joints, and permit an accurate measure to be taken.
Dental Preview
Following mounting of the dental models onto an adjustable articulating instrument, a design for dental work is made, and can be transferred back to the mouth from ‘Diagnostic Waxup’. The patient can see and feel how the improvements before the work is done.
The actual dentistry will vary with the individual requirements, and will be carried out over a suitable time scale to achieve the desired result. The predicted outcome will approximate to the ideal occlusion and optimal facial aesthetics.
