Overcoming Fear for a Straighter, Brighter Smile with Veneers and a Bridge
If you fear the dentist, and let’s face it, many people do, you need to read how Morgan overcame hers to achieve her dream smile.
Around 36% of adults in America have some form of dentophobia or a fear of going to the dentist.
There were two things Morgan was sure of when she met Dr. Barakh for the first time. She did not want braces or orthodontics and had a fear of dentists.
For sure, Morgan’s first step in overcoming her fear and achieving her new smile was sitting and talking with Dr. Barakh.
Problems
Dr. Barakh’s initial exam of Morgan uncovered missing teeth in the back upper right area and severely crowded and misaligned front teeth.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Given Morgan’s sense of unease, any treatment or procedure had to take second place in resolving her anxiety.
- Anxiety
- Bridge
- Veneers
Treatment
Anxiety
Although there are no specific dental procedures with this aspect, dental anxiety and how we deal with it are vital to the success of any treatment.
Morgan had felt uneasy with the dentist’s environment for a long time.
Dental anxiety can stem from various factors, and understanding the root causes of it helped determine the most effective approach to managing it.
Techniques for managing and reducing dental anxiety
- Deep breathing and relaxation techniques
- Visualization and guided imagery
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Music or other distractions
- Talking to a trusted friend or loved one
Several techniques can help manage and reduce dental anxiety; experimenting with different approaches can help you find what works best.
Morgan’s sense of anxiety was an important part of her entire experience and treatment at The Silberman Dental Group in Waldorf. Our staff is trained in dealing with all patients with care and attention.
Her experience started with her first interaction with the office staff and the calming environment.
Dr. Barakh took the time to discuss the issues to uncover the cause and provide a suitable calming solution.
Dr. Barakh created a wax mock-up of the proposed result and discussed previous cases to demonstrate the possible outcome.
The images of previous patients and their journeys had the desired effect on Morgan.
With a reduced sense of anxiety, Morgan was comfortable to begin planning her new smile with Dr. Barakh.
What is a wax mock-up?
The wax mock-up served two primary purposes for Morgan.
First
It gave her a real understanding of what was possible with the treatment.
Second
Her level of unease reduced dramatically as she felt more in control and could make decisions.
A dental wax mock-up is a technique in cosmetic dentistry that uses dental wax to create a 3D model of a patient’s teeth.
This process helps patients visualize their teeth after cosmetic dental work like crowns or veneers.
The dentist takes an impression of the patient’s teeth, then uses dental wax to create the mock-up, sculpting the wax to achieve the desired size and shape of the teeth.
The wax model is placed in the patient’s mouth to help them see the final result.
The patient can then discuss and provide feedback and adjustments before the cosmetic dental work, making it a valuable tool for both
patient and the dentist.
Bridge
We used a bridge to replace the missing teeth in Morgan’s back upper right portion of her mouth.
A dental bridge typically comprises two or more dental crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap and one or more false teeth in between, called pontics.
Overall, a dental bridge is a common and effective way to replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of the smile.
A dental bridge can fill the gap left by a missing tooth, restoring your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, which can alter the shape of your face. A dental bridge can prevent this from happening, helping you maintain your facial structure.
By filling the gap with a dental bridge, you can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of these problems.
Veneers
Dr. Barakh used six veneers to address the issues with the front teeth.
Dental veneers are extremely durable and beautiful thin ceramic prostheses that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance.
Because of their thin nature, often minimal or no structure can be removed from the teeth to place them. They’re often made from porcelain or ceramic hybrids that are permanently bonded to your teeth.
Veneers can treat several cosmetic concerns, including chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
- Discolored teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Gaps in the teeth
- Teeth that are worn down
Final Outcome
As seen from her photo, Morgan has accomplished her goal and achieved her dream smile.
She feels far more confident in her appearance and the dentist’s environment.
Morgan’s fear of the dentist has subsided, and she can confidently plan her next routine checkup without breaking into a sweat or losing sleep!
Dr. Barakh’s experience dealing with dental anxiety and his ability to put people at ease through conversation helped Morgan take responsibility for her treatment.
If you want more information about achieving your dream smile with Dr. Barakh, call today.
Request a Complimentary Consultation
Or contact us by:
- Phone: 301-885-2505
- Email: smiles@silbermandentalgroup.com
Our dentists are located in Waldorf, MD, and see patients across the state, including Charlotte Hall, White Plains, La Plata, Brandywine, Accokeek, and Mechanicsville.
