Where Art Meets Science

Post by: Gerarda on 30 May 2022

Where Art Meets Science

Dentistry, much like art, requires fingerspitzengefühl, a term taken from German, literally meaning “finger tips feeling” or intuitive flair or instinct. In today´s world of cosmetic dentistry it is the combination of fingerspitzengefühl along with skill, precision, intuition, architecture, engineering, medical science and artistry all working together in harmony to create not just a beautiful smile, but a functional smile.

Dentists learn the importance of the foundation of a healthy smile organically and through the advancement of imaging techniques such as periapical (also known as intraoral), panoramic, and cephalometric x-rays, a dentist can digitally capture images of your teeth and gums to evaluate your overall oral health to develop treatment plans for patients. There is however, much more that goes into a healthy, beautiful smile than a series of x-rays.

As dentists know the biology and physiology of the oral cavity and surrounding structure, it is not just through imaging, but also through observation and the clinical judgement of the dentist to make a diagnosis and plan of treatment. Photography and effective communication with patients to determine their expectations and what is actually possible also plays a vital role.

While science has propelled dentistry forward in the last 30 years it is that fingerspitzengefühl, that keen eye for detail, that eye for beauty, that instinct for the shape of teeth that corresponds with the age, skin colour, shape of lips, the proportion of teeth that show and the overall shape of the face of a patient that help determine the final result of any restoration, especially a smile make-over.

Having state of the art materials and equipment in the hands of a passionate dentist, with the right eye and fingerspitzengefühl, can only be a formula for success to achieve optimal balance between fit, appearance and function.

Fluoride Facts and Myths

Post by: Gerarda on 02 May 2022

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly added to drinking water and toothpastes to help prevent tooth decay. It is also found in many foods and drinks.

Facts about fluoride:
• Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.

• Fluoride is effective in preventing tooth decay in both children and adults.

• Fluoride is safe to consume when used in the appropriate amounts.

 

Myths about fluoride:
• Fluoride is not safe to consume.

• Fluoride is not effective in preventing tooth decay.

• Fluoride causes cancer and other serious health problems.

It is important to note that fluoride is safe to consume when used in an appropriate way and quantity. Excessive fluoride intake can cause dental fluorosis, which is a cosmetic condition that causes discoloration and/or mottling of the teeth, but it is not linked to cancer or other serious health problems.

Ask your dentist or dental hygienist at your next dental examination / dental check-up about the use of fluoride.