“I’m already 28 years old. Is it OK for me to get braces at this point?”

This was a question that one of his patients recently asked Dr. Beduya. The one asking is a real estate broker who recently received a comment from one of his colleagues saying that he should go in for a bit of orthodontic treatment. It was a question that he asked, rather shyly, the moment he sat down on Dr. Beduya’s chair.

Needless to say, this is not the first time that Dr. Beduya received such an inquiry, which is why, he has decided to address this issue once and for all.

“Age is not a major issue when it comes to getting orthodontic braces,” shares Dr. Beduya. “Yes, traditionally, braces have somehow become something like a rite of passage for kids. But that’s only because of parents who wish to prepare their children’s smiles for when they’re older.”

“The most important thing is to know if you need braces in the first place—a recommendation which is best left to dentists. Braces help you achieve a better smile by correcting your bite and straightening out and strengthening your teeth. It also helps prevent gum, teeth and bone loss, as well as tooth decay. As long as you have generally healthy teeth and gums, then orthodontic braces is definitely one treatment that you can have,” adds Dr. Beduya.

More Options

There was a time when every single person who wanted to correct their smile had but only one option—the traditional metallic braces. Thankfully, that era is long gone. There are now more options that allow you to reap the benefits of metallic braces, minus the unsightly bands. And Beduya Dental offers them all. From traditional metallic braces to ceramic braces (which is significantly less noticeable), lingual braces (which is installed behind your teeth and is invisible from the outside), and Invisalign (a removable type of brace that is nearly invisible and has the least impact to your lifestyle).

Dr. Edward Beduya is a licensed orthodontic and TMJ-specialist who, for more than 14 years now, have been providing countless patients the gift of new lives and beautiful smile, including celebrities, models, and politicians.

To book a consultation with him, you may call (02) 354-5388 today. Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.

Thinking of dropping by a dental clinic to inquire about braces?

Whether it be for yourself, your children, your brother or sister, or just about anyone in your life, getting dental braces is a great way to improve not just people’s impression of you, but your overall quality of life. It may, however, also turn out to be a terrifying experience, especially if your expectations are not properly managed.

Below, we list down the five most important things you should know before even taking the next step of finding yourself a dentist to work with.

1. Not all dentists are qualified to install braces. Orthodontia is a specialized practice within the field of dentistry that focuses on correcting the patient’s bite and crooked teeth. Doctors who concentrate on this practice are called orthodontists, and not all dentists are orthodontists. In addition, a good orthodontist should be able to answer all your questions and walk you through your treatment process before doing anything else.

2. Cost and duration of treatment vary from person to person. “No two orthodontic cases are the same,” says Dr. Edward Beduya of Beduya Dental. “And while it is true that braces are usually worn between 18 months to two years, the actual time you will need to have your smile corrected is based solely on your teeth’s situation before the treatment begins and how your body reacts to it.”

3. Braces do more than just beautify your teeth. Yes, they help straighten your smile, but more than that, your orthodontic treatment will also help fix the alignment of your jaw and improve the movement of the muscles surrounding your mouth, including your tongue.

4. There are different kinds of braces. In addition to the traditional metallic braces, there is also a ceramic brace, which is less noticeable, a lingual brace, which is invisible from the outside, and Invisalign, which is a removable type of brace that is nearly invisible and has the least impact to your lifestyle.

5. Your lifestyle will change. Beduya explains, “Having braces installed means: paying more attention to your hygiene to keep your braces clean; staying away from certain foods, especially the ones that may damage your braces or hurt your teeth; having to deal with the temporary discomfort of wearing braces, and; more trips to your dentist for brackets adjustments and progress tracking.”

Dr. Edward Beduya is a licensed orthodontic and TMJ-specialist who, for more than 14 years now, have been providing countless patients the gift of new lives and beautiful smile, including celebrities, models, and politicians.

To book a consultation with Dr. Beduya, you may call (02) 354-5388 today. Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.

Pristine beaches, lush forests, breathtaking sunset views, dynamic night life, friendly English-speaking locals, and a culinary scene that brings together the best of the east and west. Need more reasons to visit the Philippines? Well, here’s one—dental tourism.

Over the past couple of years, the Philippines has gained a reputation for being one of the best destinations for dental tourism not just in Asia, but all over the world—and for good reasons. Armed with some of the most accomplished dental practitioners today, the beautiful archipelagic country offers residents of other nations the chance to have the best time of their life while getting a dental makeover.

Here are five reasons why the Philippines should be the one place to go to for overseas dental treatments:

1. Holistic and Ethical Approach. Filipino doctors are known as some of the best in the world. They are famous not just for their skills, but for also being polite, honest, compassionate, and for recommending the best course of treatment for every patient—one that allows you to save money, minimize downtime and get the best results. And as if that’s not enough, some clinics even offer complete tourism packages, including arrangement of roundtrip flights, accommodations and a bit of R&R for you, just to make sure that your experience is as hassle-free as possible.
2. World-Class Expertise and Equipment. Filipino doctors are in no way behind in terms of medical knowledge. This is especially true in terms of dentistry, a field of medicine where some of the most significant advancements of the past decades have been either pioneered by a Filipino doctor or was pioneered by a team involving a Filipino doctor. Their equipment are also at par with those used by some of the biggest clinics in Europe, Korea, Japan and the U.S.
3. Real Value for Money. Needless to say, dental services in the Philippines cost only a fraction of what it would cost in other countries. In fact, TMJ dysfunction management, root canal therapy or teeth bleaching services here for costs up to 75% less compared to prices in other countries. In addition, cost of living in this tropical country is significantly less, with rent for a swanky one-bedroom condo in a posh neighborhood costing as little as 600US$ a month.
4. A True Vacation Spot. Need time to recuperate in between sessions? Why not do it in a mountain resort situated just an hour away from Manila? Or perhaps in one of the world’s best beaches? That’s only an hour and a half away. In the Philippines, there is never a shortage of great places to visit. And getting there can’t be easier, with fluent English-speaking locals always willing to lend a helping hand to foreign friends.
5. Post-Treatment Care. Yes, your dental tourism experience does not end when you leave the Philippines. Filipino doctors will offer post-treatment care for you. They and their clinic staff will take the time to check on you regularly to ensure that you’re recuperating properly. For them, the complete satisfaction of their patients, wherever they’re based, is always the top priority.

Those said, it’s important to note that when searching for a Philippine-based dental clinic, one should always opt for those accredited by the Philippine government’s Department of Tourism. This gives you the assurance that your doctor is not only licensed and has significant experience in their field of expertise, but is also reputable.

Beduya Dental Clinic is one of the most established clinics in the country that offers Dental Tourism. Famous for TMJ management and cosmetic dentistry, the clinic is certified by the Department of Tourism and caters to some of the most esteemed local personalities. 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.

Thinking of getting braces for yourself or your child? Well, better do it now.

It is not uncommon knowledge that summer is the best time to start getting your teeth in shape, and not just because everyone has more free time during this time of the year (although that counts too!).  But for the benefit of those who still do not understand why this is so, we’ve listed down the top five reasons that make this season ideal for starting your journey to a better smile.

1. Resting Period. Here’s a fact—the muscles around your mouth will hurt for the first few weeks after you get your braces. Now, as you know, when you feel pain, you find it hard to concentrate—making it hard for you to perform tasks that require a lot of thinking. This is why it’s ideal that you get your braces installed when you’ll have time to rest afterwards.

2. Less Bills to Pay. Getting braces is not the cheapest orthodontic service in the world. That’s why you will want to get this service at a time when you don’t have to worry about tuition fee and allowance.

3. Adapting to New Routines. Getting braces entails changing your oral healthcare routine to ensure that your mouth stays clean despite the new mechanism. Kids especially have a hard time following additional activities when they are constantly rushing to get to school and their homework done.

4. No Missed Appointments. It is very crucial that you pay your dentist regular visits in the weeks following the installation of your braces. This is to ensure that the new mechanism does its job properly and any discomfort you feel is managed. Starting on your braces during other times of the year may cause you to miss scheduled appointments, which in turn, may prolong your treatment.

5. Part of the Trend. Think about it! Since summer is so ideal for getting braces, chances are, your friends are having theirs installed too! Won’t it just be so much better if you all get yours at the same time?

Although timing is a very important factor to consider when getting braces, what’s more important is that you go to a licensed orthodontics for this service. Why? Because doing otherwise may cause more damage not just to your health but to your finances as well. Dr. Edward Beduya of Beduya Dental Clinic is a licensed orthodontic and TMJ specialist who has over been treating patients for over 14 years now.

To book a consultation with Dr. Beduya, you may call (02) 354-5388 today. Beduya Dental Clinic is located at Unit 110 Pacific Regency, 760 Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, 1004.

Have you ever been told by a dentist that you need to get dental fillings (also known as ‘pasta’) but didn’t push through with the service? If your answer is ‘yes’ then you need to read this.

Aside from tooth extraction, dental fillers is the best way to counter the effects of cavity. Simply put, it’s a service that lets you salvage whatever is left of your damaged tooth and keeps further damage from happening.

“The need for dental fillings happens when the tooth enamel—the white exterior of the tooth—is damaged due to plaque buildup. Essentially, poor oral hygiene results to plaque buildup, which results to cavities. Cavities drill holes in the teeth, making it susceptible to further damage and sensitive to cold or heat,” explains Dr. Edward Beduya, DMD.

“The point of fillers is to stop further damage from occurring by closing whatever opening the tooth has. If this is not done, more serious oral problems may occur like the need to extract the tooth, or root canal extraction, or even halitosis.”

Dental filling is a pretty straightforward procedure but one that requires great skills to perform. What’s essential is that the level of damage is properly assessed. Otherwise, there’s the risk of not putting enough fillings or overfilling the teeth. In addition, your dentist also needs to have the proper knowledge in terms of using various bonding chemical adhesives.

“It’s also important to note that decay spreads,” adds Dr. Beduya. “So it is very important that it is treated at an early stage. The earlier it’s addressed, the lesser the chances of more tooth structures being destroyed, and the nerves and tissues within the tooth will be affected.”

So if you’re still wondering if dental fillings is important, the answer is a big resounding ‘YES!’

And here’s the great news—Beduya Dental Clinic is offering a 50% discount on dental fillers until March 31, 2016. Take advantage of this offer to treat damages caused by cavities and enjoy healthier oral health that’s free from pain caused by tooth decay.

For more information or to 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.

No more reasons not to book that appointment.

In an effort to make it easier for more people to have better oral health, Beduya Dental Clinic has decided to take down the prices of some of its dental hygiene services by almost 50%.

Dr. Beduya has always been very vocal about his desires to expand his practice and provide people better access to professional dental services, especially oral hygiene, which when done regularly, can significantly impact the lives of people.

“For the past couple of months, we have been working to find suppliers that provide superior quality materials at a fraction of the cost of what others charge,” shares Dr. Edward Beduya, DMD. And we’re very fortunate to have found them. We have spent a great deal of time testing out these new materials and they have performed really well—actually some even performed better than the old materials we use—so I have decided to employ them in my practice.”

“We have a lot of patients who actually need to get these services but can’t due to financial constraints. They are one of the reasons why we really tried our best to find ways to make these treatments more affordable. As a doctor, I owe it to my patients to make sure that they are getting the best care they need and deserve,” adds Dr. Beduya.

From PhP6,000, Ultimate Stain Free, a service that removes hard stubborn stains, is now only PhP3,600. Orthoprophy, Clinbridge, and Pediacare are now only PhP650 each (previously PhP1,050 each), while teeth cleaning now starts at PhP299 (before it was PhP650).

The new prices take effect starting January 30, 2017. 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.

It is reunion season once again.

Everyone knows that the holiday season is that time of the year when you go out of your way to catch up with friends and loved ones old and new. And whether you’re doing it to impress one particular person or just your circle in general, no one can deny that now is also that one time of the year when you’ll need some extra help to look better.

While most people focus on getting a new color and haircut or dabbing on one facial serum after another to look fresher during the holidays, only a handful of smarter individuals actually pay special attention to getting a brighter smile before they start jumping from one gathering to the next.

Here are five reasons why you should invest a little bit of time and money to getting your teeth bleached before facing friends and loved ones:

1. Quick and provides instantaneous results—Here’s what happens when you go in for bleaching: your dentist or his dental hygienist takes a look at your teeth to assess its level of discoloration. He then proceeds to prepare the whitening solution, which he later applies on your teeth. After application, you sit on your dentist’s chair for about 30-60 minutes before he applies a special light to further activate the solution. You then rinse your mouth and walk out of the clinic with a significantly brighter, more impressive smile.

2. Safe—As a fairly simple procedure that uses hydrogen peroxide, teeth bleaching has been found to be fairly safe for everyone. The formula used does not attack the mineral structure of the tooth itself and the only possible side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity. However, pregnant and nursing mothers are discouraged from getting the service for precautionary reasons.

3. It makes you look more impressive—A study found that people with brighter pearly whites are perceived to be happier, more confident and successful compared to people with stained and discolored teeth. It is one of the best ways to improve your overall appearance without looking like you’re trying too hard. It also gives you the confidence to interact more and flash a smile more.

4. The effects last—Although it is not permanent (which means you will need to go back for another session if you want to maintain those pearly whites), going in for one session of this treatment can keep your teeth looking great for up to a year, depending on your lifestyle. Of course, if you smoke, drink coffee and eat sweets a lot, you may need to go in for another round sooner.
5. Giving your dentist a chance to check up on your oral health—If you’re the type to delay your dental appointment until you really have to, here’s one good reason to finally get yourself in your dentist’s office. Regular dental check-up is important for everyone as it gives your doctor the chance to identify (and stop) developing problems which may cost you more in the future. To learn more about why you should pay your dentist a visit regularly, click here.

It is important to note that teeth bleaching or teeth whitening is not for everyone. People with porcelain or composite dental crowns, for example, may only end up with an uneven smile if they insist on getting their teeth bleached. Why? Because the procedure cannot lighten materials used in creating fake teeth. In addition, people whose teeth discoloration is caused by underlying problems should go for a more comprehensive check-up to find its cause and get it treated before things get more serious.

Facial pain, back pain, locking of the jaw and an aching pain in and around your ears. These are just some of the most common symptoms of TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. In essence, TMD is when the joint that connects your skull to the rest of your face and the muscles surrounding it become damaged. It has many causes which you may read here.

Do you think you suffer from this disorder? Here are five exercises you can do at home to help you confirm your suspicion.

1. The Pinky Test. Place your pinkies inside your ears with the rest of your hands positioned in front of your face, then slowly open your mouth to its full capacity. Afterwards, close your mouth slowly as if you’re biting something. Do you feel pressure pushing your fingers away from your ears? Do you feel any pain or discomfort while performing this test? Did you hear any cracking sound in your jaw area? If your answer to ANY of the questions above is yes, chances are the parts of your jaw that’s supposed to be connected to your temporal bones are positioned backwards, making you susceptible to TMD.

2. The Jaw Reflection. Stand in front of a mirror and start opening and closing your mouth. Open it as wide as you can. Close it as if you’re biting something. Do this several times and try to observe if your jaw tends to move to one side of your face, especially as you open your mouth. If this happens—especially if it’s accompanies by pain or muscular discomfort—chances are there has been some damage to your temporomandibular joint, which means you may already have TMD.

3. The Three Finger Rule. Try opening your mouth to its full capacity. Can you fit your index, middle and ring fingers comfortably inside? If the answer is no, this means that your jaw is not properly positioned, which if left untreated, may lead to TMD.

4. Ringing Sound. Have you been suffering from ear pain or have been hearing a ringing sound that just won’t go away? Have you been to other specialists who told you that there is nothing wrong with your ears? Well, the problem could be coming from your jaw. This is actually a common TMD symptom.

5. Pain Cycle. If you experience pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders or back in the morning, which lessens by the middle of the day and starts to intensify again at night, especially during bedtime, there is a very big possibility that there are misalignments in your temporomandibular joint. Unknown to most, any damage in this area of the face can and will affect all other parts of the body, especially the ones mentioned above.

It is important to go to a dentist who specializes in TMD management the moment you suspect that you’re suffering from the disorder. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems which may cost you more in the future.

Here’s a fact—most people, probably you, included, hate dentists or have dental anxiety. And who can blame you? Your first memory of a dentist is probably when during your first tooth extraction when you were seven or eight. So much pain is associated with that memory. Then again, when you were 12, when your mom got you braces. Again, so much pain. Your memories of a dental clinic are probably so painful that you don’t want to step into one ever again.

The thing that you need to realize though is that dentists—as all other doctors—are here to help. Yes, your memories of them might be filled with pain, but when you think about it, after the initial pain, everything got better.

In all honesty, oral health care, due to its nature of dealing with areas of the body with lots of nerves that are so close to the brain, is one of those practices, where pain and discomfort are often included in the process of correcting a sickness or disorder. But this should never discourage anyone from going on regular dental check-ups, especially because early detection of any kind of disease allow you to save so much time, money and pain.

Here are some of the most important reasons why you should invest in making sure you see your dentist at least once every six months:

1. Finding underlying problems—It goes without saying that if there’s anyone who can detect any oral health problem you may have before anyone else, that will be your dentist. What you should know is that there are destructive diseases out there that show little to no symptoms and progress really quickly. Routine check-ups can help you identify these right away and put a stop to any problem you may have before it gets worse.
2. Keeping your teeth in pristine condition—Regardless if you’ve been diligently brushing and flossing, there will always be areas in your mouth that you won’t be able to reach—areas that only professional oral care practitioners like a dentist or dental hygienist will be able to effectively clean. The thing about plaque is, when it builds up, it turns into tartar, which results to cavities that cause tooth decay. In other words, you can prevent tooth decay and save money for fillers or dentures by getting regular professional dental cleaning.
3. Stopping bad habits—Chewing on your nails? Grinding your teeth? Brushing your teeth too hard? You can bet that your dentist can tell all these things just by looking at the state of your mouth. Most people usually think these bad habits don’t have any significant impact on your health, but they do. And sometimes you just need someone to let you realize that what you’re doing is bad for you.

What you need to realize is that going for regular visits to your dentist may not seem like the most budget-friendly and nicest way to spend your extra time, but it’s very much worth it, because as with any disease, prevention way better than any cure.

Oral care is a serious matter. And whether you like it or not, it’s something that you can’t keep in tiptop shape all by yourself. The thing about caring for the health of your mouth is, it’s something that you will want to have a regular doctor for. Why? Simply because your mouth is a very personal area.

It’s no uncommon knowledge that, unlike with most other parts of the body, you can tell a lot about a person based on their oral health. Do they have good hygiene practices? Are they big meat eaters? Are they heavy smokers? Regardless of who you are, you can bet that your mouth will always give telltale signs of your lifestyle. With that said, it’s very important that you find the right dentist who you can stick with for the long haul and can understand your needs on a personal level. But how exactly do you do that?

Here are five points that you can use as a guide to help yourself find the dentist that fits your needs.

1. Qualifications and specialization—Just like with any other fields, not all dentists have the same qualifications and specializations. Now, depending on your needs, you will want to find the dentist that offers the right kind of care. Are you suffering from TMD? Better find a dentist who has experience dealing with TMD and orofacial pain. Want to fix your crooked teeth? Then find an orthodontist (and always ask for proof that they are indeed orthodontists). The key to knowing if you and your dentist’s qualifications are a match is by first identifying what your needs are.
2. Knowledge on current dental innovations—Oral healthcare is a very dynamic field. Almost every year, new technologies and methods are discovered to make procedures more effective and less painful—both physically and in the pocket. Do your own research and test your dentist if he or she is abreast with the latest in oral health techniques. Regardless if your dentist is practicing them or not, knowing that he/she is always on the lookout for ways to improve his patients’ experience should give you peace of mind.
3. Peer recommendation—Do you know anyone who has been a patient of that dentist you’re eyeing? Better ask for their impression and judgment regarding his practice. Also, you may want to stick with dentists who are members of the Philippine Dental Association. This professional organization is known for being very strict especially as regards to the ethical practice of its members.
4. Accessibility—It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. You will want to go have a dentist who you can go to at your own convenience. Do you want to go to someone near your home or your office? Are his working hours compatible with your schedule?
5. Patient service—Choose a dentist who commits to taking care of you and will go above and beyond his duties to ensure that you get the best service you deserve. In addition, someone who is able to confidently and effectively explain the solution he offers for all your oral healthcare needs.

Keep in mind that choosing the right dentist for yourself may take time and may require several visits. Don’t rush into making this decision. However, when you feel like you’ve found the right one, make sure you stick with him or her.

Are you a potential victim of TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD may sound like the type of condition that is found in only one out of 10,000 people—you know, the kind you only see on the television or some viral post on social media—but honestly, it is not. In fact it is one of the most prevalent medical conditions all over the world today, and honestly, you may already have it.

“In essence, TMD happens when the temporomandibular joint, or the area that connects your skull to your jaw is damaged,” shares Dr. Edward Beduya, DMD., one of the very few TMD dentist-slash-orofacial pain practitioners in the country.“By itself, TMD is not really a serious problem. However when left unaddressed, it can cause other complications and develop to a point where it significantly impacts the life of the patient.”

Emphasizing the importance of early detection, Dr. Beduya explains, “As with any sort of ailment, the earlier that you identify its existence, the earlier you can get it treated, the better. It will save you a lot of time and money. However, the thing about TMD is its symptoms vary from one person to the next. So sometimes, the best way to tell if you’re potentially suffering from it is by recognizing the causes.”

“There are many ways by which a person may acquire this disorder. One of the most common causes is loss of teeth, especially the molars. Unknown to most, molars do more than just grind food, they also act as a support and help hold our jaw in place. Therefore, once you lose them, it follows that your jaw will start to slip out of its original position.”

“Then there are accidents of course. And by that, we mean accidents that cause significant trauma to the jaw area, causing it to move out of place. Poor posture, dental malpractice, and stress may also cause TMD, along with teeth grinding, gum chewing and arthritis—essentially, any activity or illness that may cause the connection between your jaw and skull to misalign.”

TMDis a very common disorder that may lead to serious complications. If you experience any of its symptoms, including facial, neck and/or back pain, locking of the jaws, numbness or fatigue in the jaw area, and misalignment of the jaw, you are encouraged to go seek the advice of a dentist that has experience dealing with TMJ.