News and Updates – Page 2

Why Selfies Matter When You’re Over 40

Written by justSMILE on April 30, 2014. Posted in News and Updates.

Why Selfies Matter When You’re Over 40

Do you think you’re beyond investing in your appearance? Think again… there can be huge benefits to investing in your appearance even as you get older

Confidence is important at any age, and feeling confident in part is to do with your appearance and how you feel about yourself. Cosmetic dentistry is a way many people choose to improve their appearance and it can make a big difference to the appearance of your entire face – not just your smile.

A smile may help your online dating profile

Not only is a smile a kind and friendly attribute it can also make you seem approachable and it can improve your appearance in a dating context. Now more than ever there are people over 40 visiting online dating sites and if you’re looking for ways to improve your online dating profile – a photo with a beautiful smile is a great place to start.

Having a missing tooth or a yellow smile could be a major turn off…

Think no one cares about your smile? Wrong. 85% of adults agree that an unappealing smile can negatively impact your appearance. (According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry)

This means that if you’re on eHarmony, RSVP or any other dating site people are scrutinising not only your interests and your personality but also your appearance – even if you are over 40 or 50!

Does my dating profile photo really make a difference?

According to a study performed by Wired Magazine based on OK Cupid statistics the answer is indeed, yes it does. Here are some quick stats for you and your smile:

54% of ‘selfies’ are considered attractive when showing a smile with teeth
23% were considered attractive with no smile
Only 13% were considered attractive when smiling with no teeth

This means that in some cases looking sultry with no smile at all was better than smiling with a closed mouth!

Some other tips for improving your dating profile picture include making sure:

It’s clear
Recent (within the last year) – no photos from 1999!
Big enough to properly see you (aim for at least a wallet size)

A smile may also benefit you in the office

Did you know that 87% of people remember someone with an attractive smile? So if you’re worried about being overlooked and forgotten because of your age maybe it’s time to invest in a show-stopping smile. A white and straight smile also tends to look healthier and well-groomed or polished which may suit your business appearance.

So where do I begin improving my smile?

There a lot of ways you can improve your smile. Here are some of the most popular ways:

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening performed by your dentist (in- chair) is a great, safe way to get instant results. At-home whitening with an approved whitening gel is still effective although offers a more gradual improvement.
Addresses: Most stains on the surface of the teeth

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are very thin porcelain shells placed on the outside of your teeth. They are secured with special glue and should last for years if cared for correctly.
Addresses: Yellow teeth, white flecks on the teeth, small chips, misshapen teeth – basically all cosmetic problems that do not require restorative work.

Dental Implants

Dental implants address missing teeth or a full arch of missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth or if you wear dentures then dental implants are a way to still feel like you have your natural teeth. Many people prefer this as dentures can make anyone feel older than they are as they’re generally removable and require special cleaning practices.

Dr Rammo at justSMILE in Ramsgate Beach near Kogorah in St George (Sydney) performs all of these procedures. He even provides injectable anti-wrinkle treatments so that every part of your smile and face can undergo an anti-ageing makeover.

If you are interested in any of these procedures please make an enquiry below or call us today on 02 8417 2962.

No One Is Safe from Tooth Loss

Written by justSMILE on April 30, 2014. Posted in Dental Implants, News and Updates.

If you’re looking disappointedly at your smile in the mirror and wishing that you had cared more then it’s likely that you are missing teeth or need restorative dentistry.

Did you know that 75% of Australians regret not taking care of their smile when they were younger?

In this way it is true that we don’t know a good thing until it is no longer, which is why your dentist will have always tried to tell you to take care of your teeth – brush, floss and visit the dentist before it’s too late.

While this may all sound like scaremongering it’s a fact that 60% of Australians aged 55 or over have inadequate dentition (some missing teeth).

Here are some other statistics that may shock you:

40% of people aged 35-54 with complete tooth loss avoid certain food because they don’t have teeth. This is approximately 33% for people aged 55-74 and 29% for people aged 75+.

As you can see by these facts significant tooth loss is a predominant reality in Australia. Australians aged 75+ generally have 12-15 missing teeth – with more missing teeth if you are eligible for public dental care. This most likely means that people are neglecting to visit the dentist until it’s too late and they have lost a tooth – or 15!

“I don’t want to lose all my teeth”

No, and neither does your dentist. That is why a lot of dentists provide preventive services as well as offer dental implants to replace missing teeth without the need for dentures.

What are dental implants?

Basically, dental implants are made out of the actual implant (which looks like a small screw) an abutment (the middle part that supports your fake tooth) and dental implant crown. The screw part (implant) will be inserted through your gum and attached to your jaw during a dental implant surgery. The abutment is generally attached afterwards and then when your dental implant crown is made it will be fitted to the abutment to complete your smile.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Dental implants can be used to restore one missing tooth or multiple teeth at once using multiple implants and a bridge which looks like a denture. Nobel Biocare implants are a popular choice for implants that are offered by world class dentists including Dr Rammo at justSMILE in Ramsgate Beach.

If you’re a healthy non-smoker then it is likely that the implant procedure will be a success although some procedures do fail (only a small percentage).

What is better a denture or a dental implant?

If you have lost a few teeth here and there then it doesn’t make any sense to remove healthy teeth in order to fit a full denture. While you can get partial dentures these are removable and come with the same follies of full dentures including that they can slip out and make eating and speaking uncomfortable.

Dental implants Sydney

Dental implants are designed to feel every part as natural as your existing teeth and they do not require any extractions of healthy teeth. Dental implants are also beneficial because:

They have a high success rate
They do not cause ‘sore mouth’ or friction caused by dentures
They do not cause rashes which the denture adhesive can cause
They are permanent if successfully fused with your jawbone
They feel, look and function naturally

If you’re still not sure about dental implants or if you have any questions at all Dr Rammo from justSMILE in Ramsgate Beach (St George) welcomes your questions.
Please call his practice on 02 8417 2962 or request a call back.

Is Your Smile Safe?

Written by justSMILE on March 25, 2014. Posted in News and Updates.

A problem called periodontitis could be lurking in your mouth, causing your gums to recede

making your gums inflamed and resulting in tooth decay… Luckily we offer laser gum disease treatment for comfortable and effective relief.

Gum disease is a condition that worsens over time if untreated. The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis which is the treatable stage of this condition that hasn’t quite progressed to full-blown gum disease. The symptoms during this time include inflamed gums which may feel sensitive and appear red. You may also have severe tartar around the edges of the gum line which is caused by plaque and bacteria. While not all cases of gingivitis progress to periodontitis, periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis.

Causes for Gingivitis and Gum Disease

As well as a lack of general oral hygiene being the leading cause for gum disease, plaque and tooth decay there are other more specific risk factors that can endanger the health of your smile. Take a look at our dental infographic below to discover what you are doing (or not doing) to put yourself at risk of gum disease and gingivitis.

I have tartar… does that mean I have gum disease?

No that doesn’t necessarily mean you have gum disease. While tartar and yellowish plaque can be a symptom of gum disease it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are suffering from it. The best way to find out is to visit Dr Rammo at justSMILE in Ramsgate. He will perform a thorough evaluation of your smile and will recommend the best solution. Regardless of whether you think your tartar could be a symptom of gum disease, if you do have tartar (which is permanent unless removed by a dentist) it is imperative that you get it removed as soon as possible. If you fail to do this then you could put yourself at risk of further problems such as gum disease, decay and even tooth loss.

If I do have gum disease what treatments are available?

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a condition that is impossible to reverse, although the effects can be minimised effectively with laser dentistry.

What are the benefits of laser dentistry or laser gum disease treatment?

As you can see there are a number of benefits to the laser treatment of gum disease. Lasers can be used for a number of bacterial and fungal applications. They can be used to treat fungal conditions of the nails and now it can also be used to kill bacteria in the mouth to minimise inflammation and the risk of periodontal pockets. These pockets form in between the teeth below the gum line. This can decay the tooth and also cause your gums to recede which can eventually expose the delicate roots. If you do not have your gum disease treated with our laser, and resiliently clean your mouth by flossing and brushing then it is likely that you will eventually lose teeth. This can be extremely expensive and uncomfortable as you will require dental surgery.

Is laser gum disease treatment more effective than oral hygiene?

Laser gum disease treatment is a more thorough way to get rid of bacteria in the mouth. Instead of relying on human error to clean your mouth of bacteria, the laser will treat the entire area, and even get into the impossible to reach places. This is why we firmly recommend laser treatment for periodontitis so that you do not risk the health or appearance of your smile.

Where can I find you?

justSMILE is located in Ramsgate Beach near Kogorah and Rockdale which is located close to the Sutherland Shire in Sydney. We’re conveniently located near a number of bus routes so that you can easily access our coastal location.

To book an appointment please call us on 02 8417 2962 or BOOK ONLINE.

Ramsgate NSW justSMILE: Your Cosmetic Dentist

Written by justSMILE on February 25, 2014. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, News and Updates.

Take a look at three of our happy patients who have undergone cosmetic dental makeovers

Here at justSMILE in Ramsgate we know the importance of an aesthetically pleasing smile. A beautiful smile can lead to business opportunities and new friendships, as well as improve the way you feel about your appearance. There have been many studies regarding the appearance of your smile and years of cosmetic dental procedure developed in order to boost one of your most valuable assets. justSMILE has helped many patients achieve their best smile and today we’re going to give you a sneak peek at three different patients who experience cosmetic dentistry success with Dr Rammo and his team.

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is an effective teeth whitening procedure

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening reduces the amount of discolouration that affects the appearance of your smile. Discolouration is a common problem that is caused by a variety of issues. It can be caused by diet, medications and habits such as smoking which is why your dentist will recommend avoiding foods such as:

Tea
Coffee
Sauces
Balsamic vinegar and other similar dark condiments

These foods and drinks heavily contribute to discolouration, although there are many other foods which can also contribute to acidity and can ruin your enamel. This can make your teeth look yellow and discoloured due to the exposed dentine, however it’s important to know that this cannot be fixed by teeth whitening. It’s also important that you visit Dr Rammo so that he can recommend the best way to fix this problem.

ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is a procedure that is performed in-chair which takes approximately one hour to complete. This is one of the fastest whitening procedures, although we also provide take-home whitening for your convenience which can be used as a maintenance treatment or as your main whitening treatment.

Crowns can be fitted to your natural teeth

Dr Rammo is a cosmetic dentist in Ramsgate that can help treat cosmetic problems which also have health benefits. If your tooth has become injured or severely decayed then Dr Rammo can custom make a porcleain crown which will be fitted over your natural teeth. Any decay will be cleared away before your crown is bonded, and your natural tooth will also be filed down. As you can see Dr Rammo can create natural looking crowns that blend in with your natural teeth.

Dental Implants can fill in gaps in your smile

Dental implants are an equal mix of cosmetic and restorative treatments, and are designed to replace adult teeth that have been extracted or fallen out. justSMILE uses NobelBiocare implants which are used for a range of purposes including singular and multiple tooth replacements. This means that if you are deciding to swap for full arch implant supported dentures we can install your implants for you and even create brand new dentures that fit perfectly with the size of your jaw and appear natural.

As you can see this patient had a missing front tooth which is an extremely distracting tooth to lose. It is also important to replace missing teeth as a missing tooth can cause your jaw bone to deteriorate and more teeth to become loose.

Dr Rammo – the cosmetic dentist at justSMILE can provide any of these cosmetic solutions to you at his Ramsgate dental practice.

Book an appointment with justSMILE today.

How can I Improve my Smile for Valentine’s Day?

Written by justSMILE on February 10, 2014. Posted in News and Updates, Uncategorized.

Ensure your smile is beautiful or handsome this Valentine’s Day with a dental implant or makeover

Valentine’s Day is an exciting day of the year – you get to exchange presents and spend a day or night with someone you love. No matter what, it’s most likely that you will be going out with someone to share food and a smile with them. While this is a normal tradition for most people some people may find this a daunting experience because of a missing tooth.

A missing tooth can impact the way you enjoy food and your overall appearance. A missing tooth can be an unattractive trait, as well as affect the function of your bite, which is why justSMILE in Ramsgate offers Nobel Biocare dental implants in order to restore your smile.

What better present for your spouse or your date than a beautiful smile?

A beautiful smile is an invaluable asset which can help improve your professional and social appearance. Research has shown that a full, straight and white smile can help rise you higher in your chosen career and even improve your people skills and self-esteem. Many people are living with a missing tooth and don’t comprehend the difference an immaculate smile can make to their appearance, everyday comfort and their ability to chew, speak and smile.

The physical implications of a missing tooth

The aesthetic appearance of your smile is not the only thing to consider when thinking about replacing a missing tooth. Leaving a gap in your smile after an extraction or after tooth loss can result in the rest of your teeth shifting to fill in the gap. This is a dangerous occurrence as this can result in multiple miniature gaps in your smile. Your teeth are also responsible for maintaining the strength and structure of your jaw. This is because your jaw is strengthened by the constant use of your teeth either when clenching your upper and lower arches together or when you chew or speak. If there is an area of your mouth that does not have this stimulus it can result in jaw bone deterioration which can then affect the solidity of the rest of your smile.

Dental Implants could be the beginning of a Dentofacial makeover

A dentofacial makeover encompasses multiple dental treatments in order to enhance every aspect of your smile and the surrounding features. Here at justSMILE in Ramsgate we utilise muscle relaxants and fillers to both prevent wrinkles and re-volumise areas of the face that have become shallow with age. Popular areas of filler placement are the lips, as these frame your smile and can improve your overall appearance.

A dentofacial makeover can also include gummy smile treatment

If you feel self-conscious because of the look of your gums Dr Rammo at justSMILE can perform gummy smile treatment which involves contouring the gums with a dental laser. This treatment reduces the reach of your gum over your teeth, so that more of your teeth show when you smile.

Dentofacial aesthetics and dental implants, Sydney

To improve any of these factors in time for your Valentine’s Day smile please visit our dental practice in Ramsgate.

Book an appointment with justSMILE today.

How do You Get a Celebrity Smile?

Written by justSMILE on October 24, 2013. Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, News and Updates.

Celebrities are renowned and admired for their perfect smiles

But there is a secret behind getting that celebrity smile…

If you’ve ever looked closely at Miley Cyrus you will have noticed that at a young age she had quite prominent gums and a toothy smile. She has gone through a major transformation since her debut as Hannah Montanna and we’re not talking strictly about her hair or demeanour. Miley Cyrus’ smile went through a major reinvention; dental treatment to fix her malocclusion and possibly even laser gum therapy and porcelain veneers, giving her the beautiful white and balanced smile that she bears so boldly today.

Porcelain veneers in celebrity culture

Porcelain veneers have been the “celebrity secret” for years and because of this, more and more people have been tempted to go down the route of a smile transformation. Almost every celebrity receives porcelain veneers, some household names you might recognise include: Jennifer Garner, Chris Rock, 50 Cent, Kate Beckinsale and Nicholas Cage (just to name a few).

There is no doubt that veneers are the simplest way to improve your smile in one procedure. They can correct a broad range of problems such as:

Discolouration
Crookedness
The ratio of teeth and gum
Misshaped teeth
Chips and small cracks

This is why veneers are such a popular procedure; you can correct all of these issues in as little as two dental appointments.

During the two appointments with justSMILE, we prepare your tooth surface and create a mould so that we can begin constructing your set of veneers. Then later we apply your custom-made veneers which fit cohesively over your natural teeth, instantly transforming your smile.

Why Veneers?

As you can see above, according to a survey recently done by the BACD, it was found that 32% of people are concerned with the appearance of their teeth. It was also found that one in five people smile close-mouthed in photos, communicating just how much our smile can impact our self-confidence and our ability to present ourselves.

justSMILE wants to change this statistic. We offer smile makeovers to fully reinstate the confidence that you have in your smile, and in turn the confidence you may feel in front of the camera.

I have other problems with my teeth, how can I improve my smile?

Other problems which cannot be addressed by porcelain veneers include:

Periodontitis or gingivitis
Missing teeth
Teeth that have been damaged

For these issues, consult Dr Rammo at justSMILE so he can prescribe the best course of treatment. You cannot have porcelain veneers fitted if you have periodontitis or gingivitis as it is imperative that we address this problem first and ensure your mouth is healthy. We utilise laser therapy to treat periodontitis and eradicate bad bacteria which, if left untreated, can result in a plethora of problems within the mouth. If left untreated you can experience severe decay, tartar, tooth rotting, receding gums and many other problems.

Once we have addressed any conditions or diseases you might have we will be able to develop a cosmetic treatment plan. If you have missing teeth we can install a dental implant so that your smile can be returned to its natural appearance. If you have severely damaged or decayed teeth then it is likely that we will need to install a dental crown which will restore the function and strength of your tooth.