Everyone wants perfectly even pearly whites. That’s why this month, we put the spotlight on dental procedures that function mostly to beautify your smile. And while others can easily dismiss these services as superficial, fact of the matter is the appearance of your teeth can have a profound impact on your confidence—and ultimately, your life.

Below is our pick of the top five procedures that help address specific graphic dental concerns:

1. Bleaching. Teeth stains and yellowing is a concern that everyone has, regardless of gender, race or social status. Stain and plaque build-up naturally happen through time, whether you like it or not. And the best way to remove them? Through good ‘ol bleaching, which by the way, provides instant results. And the great thing about it is it’s pain-free and inexpensive. So for those looking for a quick way to step up their smile, this service is for you!
2. Veneers. In essence, this service is like a facelift for your teeth. Your dentist will create custom fake teeth surfaces for you and attach them safely to your existing ones to cover them—allowing him to instantly address chipping, severely discolored or misshapen teeth. This service can also close the gaps between teeth and fix misalignments. A word of caution: there are a lot of websites nowadays that sell instant veneers that you can put on yourself. If possible, stay away from these. First of, there is no assurance that the adhesive they are providing with the kit is safe and effective; second, those veneers are not custom made to follow the shape and size of your teeth, and may end up making your teeth look worse than its current situation; lastly, proper installment of veneers take training, and should be left to qualified individuals like your dentist.
3. Dental Crowns. Dental crows are essentially like veneers, except that instead of covering just the side of the teeth that is seen by everyone, it covers the teeth in its entirety. Although way better (for obvious reasons), crowns are also costlier and take more time to make. But they are surely worth the investment, as they will last you for a lifetime.
4. Dental Bridges. Dental bridges are fake teeth that are installed in place of missing ones. As its name suggests, they bridge gaps. But more than just providing you with a great looking smile, bridges also help retain the integrity and function of your jaw—making it easier for you to chew and talk, as well as keeping the alignment of your temporomandibular joint in place. There are many kinds of bridges available for people with different budget and goals out there. Regardless of which one you go for, make sure that you get it from a reputable and duly-licensed specialist.
5. Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a specialization in the field of dentistry that provides way more benefits than just fixing the alignment of your teeth and jaw. If done properly, orthodontic services can help your teeth last a life time and correct a myriad of other concerns.

As one of the most established clinics in the country, Beduya Dental Clinic offers cosmetic dental services that provide you the best value for your money. Equally famous for TMJ management as well as cosmetic dentistry, the clinic is certified by the Department of Tourism and caters to some of the most esteemed local personalities, including celebrities, politicians and people from prominent families. To know more or book an appointment, you may call (02) 354-5388. Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.

 

If you’re suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), chances are you’d want to know what your choices are when it comes to correcting and managing your condition. Dr. Edward Beduya, a TMJ specialist, says there are four known ways TMJ can be addressed.

“There are four ways to correct and manage TMJ—orthodontics, the use of splint, prosthodontics, which is the addition of dentures, and surgery. For those who do not know, TMJ is a disorder wherein one or both of the temporomandibular joints, the joints connecting the jawbone to the skull, malfunctions due to a variety of reasons. In order to correct this and properly maintain the function and aesthetic of these areas, they need to be put back to their proper position,” shares Dr. Beduya.

Citing that the course of treatment that is most suitable per patient varies from one person to the next, Dr. Beduya says that most cases are caused by misalignment of the jaw, which can be best treated with the installment of splint first and then orthodontics. or a combination of both and physical therapy. It is also very rare that a dentist will recommend surgery and is oftentimes the last result when all else fails.

“We’re talking about a major surgery here. One that will cost tens of thousands of pesos, if not hundreds of thousands. A surgical approach to treating TMJ is only applicable if the patient continues to suffer chronic pain and disabling dysfunctions after a proper course of treatment is administered, that is to say, physical therapy, the use of splint and orthodontics. This usually results from severe structural problems in the temporomandibular joints. Simply put, surgery is reserved for the worst-case scenarios,” Dr. Beduya explains.

“There are some doctors—those who’ve had significant experience in managing TMJ—who are able to further quicken the restitution of the temporomandibular joints using a combination of splint and orthodontics. This means, installing both a splint and braces at the same time and quickening the recovery process and lessening the pain felt by the client by means of physical therapy. Although a bit costly, this course of treatment is very effective and renders faster results. However, not all dentists are qualified to perform this. You really need to find the right doctor who can provide this service as one wrong move can worsen your condition,” he adds.

Dr. Edward Beduya is a seasoned dental implant dentist and TMJ-specialist who has helped countless clients achieve better smiles throughout the years, including celebrities and politicians. He is known for providing customized solutions that address not just the immediate but also the long-term dental care needs of his patients. To know more about him or to book a consultation, you may call (02) 354-5388 or send an email to admin@beduyadental.com today.

“Old people takes time to recover so it might cause them more harm than good.”

This is the prevailing thought that the general public has when it comes to discussion about people aged 50 and above getting dental implants. They also think that those who belong to the older generation won’t benefit from the said procedure as much as younger individuals.

Seasoned dentist and TMJ specialist, Dr. Edward Beduya, discusses the many reasons why it’s great for elderlies to get dental implants. He also lays down some useful information anyone considering of getting the service should know prior to booking that dental appointment.

1. Safe Even for the Older Generation. “While it is true that older people recover slower to, say someone in their 20s, it does not mean that it would take them a significant amount of time before they can resume their daily routines,” explains Dr. Beduya. “It will usually take them three to five days to recover from this minor surgery. During this time, their doctor might ask them to take extra care when it comes to performing certain tasks, but that’s really it. There are cases when a patient has to heal for two to three months before the doctor can support the new set of teeth, but those are special cases.”
2. Provide Many Benefits for Older People. Dr. Beduya says that aside from aesthetics, getting implants can help older people live fuller lives by helping them have better oral functions. In other words, the ability to speak, chew and move their mouth easily and comfortably. Additionally, it also helps protect against bone loss, and, in some cases, may also help correct the position of the jaw and help reduce back and neck pain.
3. Suitable for the Lifestyle of the Elderly. “Dental implants require minimal care,” shares Dr. Beduya. “And they cannot get destroyed by cavities, which makes them perfect for elderlies.”
4. Osteoporosis is Not an Issue. According to Dr. Beduya, he has helped many elderly patients with osteoporosis by implanting them with new teeth, and as far as his—and the medical field’s—experience is concerned, the disease should not affect the outcome of the treatment.
5. There are Risk Factors to Consider. “Although generally, if the patients is in good health, then it should be OK to perform implants. However, there are red flags that give us concern and may stop us from providing a patient with the treatment altogether. Most common risk factors are decompensated diabetes, heavy smoking and history of intravenous bisphosphonates. It is very important that patients are 100% honest with their doctors to avoid complications and ensure the safety and success of the treatments,” adds. Dr. Beduya.

Dr. Edward Beduya is an experienced dental implant dentist and TMJ-specialist. He is known for providing customized solutions that address not just the immediate but also the long-term dental care needs of his patients. To know more about him or to book a consultation, you may call (02) 354-5388 or send an email to admin@beduyadental.com today.