What We Do

Cosmetic makeovers
Smile design
Dental implants
TMJ and Neuromuscular Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Porcelain Veneers
Metal Free Restorations
Diagnodent Laser Aided Diagnosis
Gum Care

Cosmetic Makeovers

Cosmetic dentistry is right for anyone who desires an improved quality of life, a brighter smile, better oral health, increased confidence and better self-esteem. Dr Vicky Ho has received advanced cosmetic dentistry training from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies as well as uses the top laboratories and materials available in the country.

Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Design

One difference between a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist is that a cosmetic dentists, before doing any cosmetic dentistry work that involves multiple front teeth will often perform a smile design consultation. We understand that communication with you over what you expect, what you want your teeth to look like, is critical to our success. Cosmetic dentistry is a self-esteem service, as such, if the result is not pleasing to you, the treatment is a failure. In order for you to be happy with the result, you need to have strong input into the artistic planning of your new smile.

There are many factors to consider when designing a new smile:

Facial proportions and shape
For example, a long face may need to accentuate width to appear more oval. Someone with attractive features in the centre of the face may need bold central incisors to draw attention to that centre.
Your image aspirations
How do you see yourself? A sophisticated smile gives the appearance of more intelligence, maturity and judgement. A sexy smile gives the appearance of more warmth, energy and boldness.
Your age
How old do you want to appear? Longer incisors make you look younger, as well as whiter teeth. A flatter smile or a more subdued colour to the teeth make you look more mature.

Generally there are 3 Basic types of smiles and subtle variations on these.

1. The Sexy Smile

A sexy smile has variation in lengths of teeth. Central incisors tend to be longer in length when they first come in. Over time these will wear down to give an even length. Therefore we associate longer central incisors with youthfulness and sexiness.

Therefore, with a sexy smile, the central incisors are generally longer that the lateral incisors to give a fairly curvateous smile. It conveys, youth, boldness, or it may also convey warmth. A sexy smile design draws the eye to the centre of the face, emphasizing the nose and chin.. It is good for people with prominent attractive lips.

2. The Sophisticated Smile

Teeth in sophisticated smile make a straight smooth horizontal line. A sophisticated smile conveys maturity and intelligence. It tends to emphasize the width of the lower face. When teeth first erupt they tend to be more uneven lengths, as we age, they wear down to give a more even length. Therefore we associate teeth of even lengths with maturity, wisdom and sophistication.

3. The Sporty Smile

The sporty smile is between sophisticated and sexy. The Central incisors are a little longer than the laterals. It conveys, casualness and informality, and can also convey warmth. It is not quite as serious as the sophisticated smile nor as young as the sexy smile.

Which smile would you like to wear? Come and browse our smile catalogue and choose the smile of your dreams!! We will tell you if we disagree with your choice, however, the final choice is ultimately yours as you have to wear it everyday and be happy!

Dental Implants

Implant dentistry allows those who have lost a tooth or teeth the opportunity to recreate a natural look and feel. Utilizing healthy bone structure, the dental implant replaces the missing tooth, “root” and all—to restore your mouth to normal function. My patients who have worn dentures for most of their adult lives are elated to no longer have all the hassles and embarrassment related to ill-fitting and uncomfortable dentures.

What is a dental implant?: This is a surgical procedure designed to replace a missing tooth. It is a titanium cylinder which is surgically placed in bone to replace what was originally the root of the tooth. A crown is attached on to the implant to simulate the tooth.
How is a dental implant different from a bridge?: A dental implant literally replaces a missing tooth. A dental implant simulates the root of a tooth to which the cosmetic dentist attaches a cosmetic tooth. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is a non-surgical procedure that uses the adjacent teeth to support the missing tooth. A dental implant is not invasive to surrounding teeth (especially desirable if surrounding teeth are sound and healthy and in good condition).By simulating the root, it engages the bone and keeps it high. Because a dental implant is an individual tooth, it is easier to floss and keep clean. A dental bridge can also be a good choice for replacing missing teeth especially if neighbouring teeth are in need of restoration. However, there are subtle factors such as age, time, bone health, oral habits that should be discussed with Dr Ho when deciding which options may be best for you.
How long can a dental implant process take?: A standard implant on the lower jaw generally takes about 8 weeks to heal. On top jaws, they normally take 12 weeks. This does depend on density and bone health and quality. Some implants are ready for immediate restoration. If bone grafting or augmentation is required, this may lengthen the process up to a year.

TMJ and Neuromuscular Dentistry

TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a chronic illness that affects many people. TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joints, the two joints that connect your jaw to your head.

The symptoms of TMD are many and varied. Some common symptoms among our clients include headaches, neckaches, shoulder aches, as well a some ringing in ears, numbness in finger or arms, and difficulty swallowing as well as dizziness. Many people have signs of bruxism or clenching and grinding and heavy wear of their teeth.

Many people experience locking of the jaw, clicking or grating sounds of the jaw joints. TMJ may cause facial pain, pain behind the eyes, or unexplained loosening of the teeth. Ear aches, ear stuffiness or ringing, and pain around the jaw joint are also signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. When there is an imbalance between the muscles that open or close the jaw and the bite then tension is created causing pain.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

If you are interested to find out more, please contact us. We have undergone studies with the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies for treatment of TMD. You can find out more about it at www.leadingdentists.com

Teeth Whitening

We use the most advanced teeth whitening technology to enhance personal appearance. Under the care of our teeth whitening specialist, we manufacture our own specially molded “DEEP WHITE” trays just for your teeth which are safe and effective to use with our professional whitening kit.

After and initial In surgery kick start Whitening enhancer, we provide you with our at-home deep white trays with the Nite White Turbo Professional Whiteniing Kit which will whiten your teeth in just 3 nights! Our clients love the flexibility of being able to whiten their teeth when it best suits their schedule and for any special occasion.

FAQs about Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?: Unlike Porcelain veneers, regular teeth are porous and susceptible to staining.Teeth stain at different rates depending on lifestyle, diet and mouth chemistry. This means that how easily teeth stain and how easily they whiten varies from person to person. There are numerous methods on the market today that range in price and ease of use. The presmise behind most teeth whitening methods is essentially the same—a form of hydrogen peroxide finds its way into the pores of the teeth and bleaches stained particles. The variable is in the type of application and strength of the whitening gel. What works for one may not work well for another. At the Dental Practice, we will recommend the best treatment to suit your needs.
How long does whitening generally last?: Longevity will vary depending on each person and lifestyle. Most people will choose to use one of the many simple methods our office provides to maintain their white teeth over time. We have found that with most of our clients, once whitened, their teeth never return to their original darker shade. Results generally last 2-3 years.
Will teeth whitening be harmful to my teeth?: No. Studies show that with normal or suggested use of teeth whitening products, there is no harmful effects on teeth. It is common for some people to experience tooth sensitivity during whitening phase which will generally subside after a day or two after completion of treatment.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?: There are two kinds of staining on teeth: Extrinsic and Intrinsic. Extrinsic or superficial staining comes from things we eat, drink or expose to our teeth. This kind of stain is usually yellowish in nature and yields the best results with teeth whitening.
Intrinsic staining is from things we absorb into our bodies such as minerals, fluoride, antibiotics such as tetracycline during the key developmental stages of the formation of the teeth. These substances permanently discolour teeth and to the point that no teeth whitening system will have a positive effect. People will often choose to whitening them instead with veneers, or crowns, which addresses the teeth colour as well as can reshape them.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are thin wafers no thicker than your fingernail that a cosmetic dentist will bond to your tooth to give the tooth a whole new appearance. They can change the shape, colour, spacing, alignment, length, proportion or shape of your teeth.

They are primarily bonded to enamel so that makes them a very conservative option for changing the smile. The porcelain is also non-porous so will not discolour with time. With Porcelain veneers, you can have the smile you want. The teeth can be re-shaped, and re-coloured with a great deal of artistic latitude. There are limitations to the material and we will share with you as far as your individual case is concerned, and choose the best option just for you.

The first step in designing a whole new smile for you is to listen. We take time to understand you, how you feel about your smile, the personality you want to project, and how much you want to spend. We then will design a smile for you taking into consideration what we have learnt that you want and do a “mock-up” of your smile on models taken of your teeth. You can see what results are achievable before we start. We will take into account your facial features, complexion, face shape and proportions and lip lines. See Smile design.

The preparation for veneers takes several appointments. The first step is to give attention to the health of your gums. For quality workmanship, your gums need to be at their optimum state of health. This means that you have to have regular dental cleaning followed by good home care.

First appointment

The teeth are prepared by removing the top layer of enamel to a maximum depth of about 0.7mm to allow space for the porcelain. We take an impression that is sent to the laboratory to create your veneers.
The models are sent to our laboratory which dedicates itself to producing high-quality works of art. Photographs and models will be sent to them to help them achieve an artistic result that will be customized to your personality and maximizes your facial attractiveness.

Before and After treatment
of porcelain veneers on
the top 9 teeth

Second appointment

Try in appointment. The appearance and fit of porcelain veneers is checked in your mouth to make sure that it meets your aesthetic and functional requirements. If it doesn’t other try ins may be organized until it looks just right.
It is important that you are certain during try in that you r veneers meet your expectation. All changes have to be determined at this stage. Once bonded, major modification will incur additional fees.

Third Appointment

Bonding appointment. (this may be combined in try in appointment in some cases.) Bonding involves an elaborate series of steps and materials to bond the veneer to your tooth.

This type of treatment is not fully taught in dental schools. Additionally, bonding technology keeps on changing with newer materials and techniques. This is another reason, to do this well, we dedicate ourselves to extensive education beyond our dental school training. The end result is a durable, beautiful restoration that acts as a part of your teeth.

Metal Free Restorative Dentistry

Porcelain Restorations - You now have a choice

Porcelain fillings/Inlays/Overlays

These are cast in a furnace and fired with hard wearing porcelain that has the appearance and texture and colour of natural tooth material. The new porcelain materials that we use have the similar wear rates to natural tooth, so will not stress teeth, or wear out faster than the teeth they are in. They are the aesthetic material of choice, as the laboratory custom makes each filling with all the natural characteristics of your tooth. They are strongest material for fillings without placing additional stresses on the teeth that are in. they are a bonded material, so they also help to hold together whatever tooth is left. The average life span of a porcelain filling is about 12 – 15 years.

The defective filling and decay is removed. The cavity is smoothed and refined.
An impression is taken of the cavity.
A temporary filling is placed in the cavity and will remain in place while the porcelain filling is made.
When the porcelain filling is returned from the laboratory it is bonded into place.
The colour and appearance and anatomical characteristics make the ceramic blend perfectly with your tooth.
Perfectly bonded porcelain ensures an extremely long life for your teeth
Maximum strength, looks great.

DIAGNOdent: Laser system aided diagnosis of dental decay (Caries)

With modern, preventive-oriented decay therapy, early diagnosis of decay is of crucial importance.
We offer precise diagnosis of decay without the use of radiation.
Fissures of molars and premolars show the highest incidence of decay for children and adolescents, it is imperative to diagnose particularly such areas comprehensively and at an early stage.
Since early, accurate detection can now be achieved with laser systems, we can implement preventive treatment and reduce the caries-risk of patients

What is the Scientific Background to DIAGNOdent?

A laser diode provides pulsed light of a defined wavelength that is directed onto the tooth.
When incident light meets a change in tooth substance (eg. decay) it stimulates fluorescent light of a different wavelength
This is translated through the handpiece into an acoustic signal and the wavelength is then evaluated by an appropriate electronic system in the KAVO DIAGNOdent control unit.

The Benefits:

Improved diagnostic accuracy in fissure areas
Caries monitoring (we can compare results from each visit)
Even the most minute problems are detected at a very early stage (and preventative measures can be taken)
Minimally invasive therapy permits adhesive bonded restorations of good appearance with tooth-coloured composites
Appropriate preventive therapy
Healthy tooth substance is preserved
Increased quality of work due to optimum precision
Increased patient confidence

Gum Care

Optimal dental hygiene is important in preventing decay and gum disease, and maintaining lifelong oral health. Dental Artistry offers the services of two qualified dental hygienist who is highly trained in optimizing the dental health of our clients through education and tailored oral health and preventive programs.
Dental hygiene appointments usually include diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, in addition to treatment tailored to your individual oral health needs. Your appointment can include:

a review of your medical history
comprehensive assessment of your gum health
an oral cancer screening
evaluation of your bite, chewing and swallowing patterns
identification of any cause of bad breath (if appropriate)
thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth
assessment of existing dental restorations
evaluation of possible cosmetic enhancements of your smile
application of decay preventing agents
individualized oral hygiene instruction including instruction in tooth brushing and flossing, counselling in proper nutrition and recommendations for future treatment
referral to specialists for specific treatment (as needed)

Depending on the health of your teeth and gums, you may need to visit the hygienist every three, six or twelve months. At each visit we monitor your customised oral hygiene program with a view to preventing problems rather than treating them many years later.