Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic Opens Largest Specialized Orthodontic Practice in Dubai

3rd September 2016, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, the leading and most trusted dental care provider in Dubai, opens Dr. Michael’s Orthodontic Center today. The new, state-of-the-art specialized clinic is a part of the brand’s strategic expansion and is undertaken to meet the community’s increased demand for quality orthodontic treatment.

Located conveniently next to Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic’s main branch and Dr. Michael’s Children’s Dental Center in Umm Suqeim First, the new specialty practice will provide full-spectrum orthodontic treatments for children, teens and adults.

"We all want a smile we can be proud of," said Dr. Michael Formenius, Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic's Founder and Clinical Director. "Over the last few years, we have seen a steady rise of patients, young and old, who wish to correct their bites and straighten their teeth. We are truly excited to welcome our patients to the new clinic and give them the best care possible."

Malocclusion can lead to further oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wear and tear of the enamel and jaw problems. Crooked and misaligned teeth are also known causes of low self-esteem. Correcting the problem with orthodontics is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for proper oral health and function.

"The orthodontic clinic houses cutting-edge technology and new facilities in a truly relaxed environment for our patients. Our team of specialist orthodontists have many years of private experience, and they are specially trained to consider every variable including the patient’s age, the jaw, the size of teeth, etc. There are a lot of options available today and our experts know which treatment will work best for the patient."

Dr. Michael’s Orthodontic Center is located at Villa 1012, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai. It is open 8am-8pm Saturdays through Wednesdays and 8am-6pm on Thursdays. For appointments, patients are invited to call 04-3587788, email ortho@drmichaels.com or visit www.drmichaels.com to schedule visits online.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Dr. Michael Formenius founded Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Sweden in 1982 with five dental centers and a dental laboratory spread across Stockholm. In 1997, Dr. Michael expanded to the UAE, where he currently runs three state-of-the-art multispecialty dental clinics along Dubai’s Al Wasl Road in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. It has assembled a team of highly qualified dentists, specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric  dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around Dubai.

Media enquiry

For further information, please contact:

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Marketing Director

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

Contact No: +971564423078

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Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Dubai Welcomes New Orthodontist

20^th July 2016, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, the leading and most trusted dental healthcare provider in the UAE, welcomes Dr. Tannaz Rastegar Lari to its team of Specialist Orthodontists.

“Orthodontic treatments can be life-changing. The most rewarding part of my profession is seeing the progressive result of my work reflected through my patients' smile and confidence. It is very fulfilling to see how my patients feel a lot more sure of themselves when they smile. It’s great to be a part of their happiness.”

Following her DDS in 2004, Dr. Tannaz pursued postgraduate studies and earned her Master’s Degree from the European University College Dubai in 2011. She successfully completed advanced certification in orthodontics from Malmö University in Sweden in 2011.

“Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic is a premier dental provider that the community trusts. It’s great opportunity to be a part of a team that sincerely cares about the health and satisfaction of its patients.”

Dr. Tannaz has many years of experience in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in children, teens and adults. She is specially trained to design appliances that align teeth, produce and maintain their normal function while at the same time improving facial esthetics.

She offers her patients a variety of treatments including conventional orthodontics, clear aligners and lingual braces. She is a certified provider of Invisalign and Incognito braces.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tannaz, please visit www.drmichaels.com to book an appointment online, or call Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Umm Suqeim at 04-3949433.

About Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

Dr. Michael Formenius founded Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic in Sweden in 1982 with five dental centers and a dental laboratory spread across Stockholm. In 1997, Dr Michael expanded to the UAE, where he currently runs three state-of- the-art multispecialty dental clinics along Dubai’s Al Wasl Road in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. It has assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving nearly 40,000 patients in and around Dubai.

ENDS

Media enquiry

For further information, please contact:

Maria Cristina Cubacub

Marketing Director

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic

cristina@drmichaels.com

Contact No: +971564423078  

Can a Patient With Crowns or Bridges Still Get Braces?

By: Dr. Argiro Kechagia, BDS, MFDS (rcsed), MSc

At Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, we see an increasing number of adults getting braces for corrective cosmetic and functional reasons. Most adults already had tooth restorations done and it is not unusual for us orthodontists to fit braces over crowns or bridges.

Whether your orthodontist recommends fixed or removable braces to correct the alignment of your teeth, it is encouraging to know that you can enjoy the many benefits of alignment and an attractive smile even if you currently have bridges or crowns.Placing braces to dental restorations is more challenging than installing them to natural teeth. This is why it is important to seek a specialist when considering orthodontic treatments. Below are a few issues that may arise.

• Tooth movement is limited when fixed braces are installed over dental implants or crowns. The position of implants cannot be moved or changed because they are solidly fused into the jawbone. For patients with existing bridges, tooth movement can only be minimal to avoid damaging the bridge. If there’s a history of trauma as in the case of root canals or crowns, the orthodontist may need to move the teeth slower and the restorations should be monitored during the course of the treatment.
• There is a possibility for crowns and bridges to incur damage during orthodontic treatment. This damage is purely aesthetic and there’s usually no need to do anything about this especially if the restorations are hidden at the back of the mouth. If the crowns on your front teeth are slightly damaged while wearing your braces, you can ask your dentist to fix the crown once your braces are removed.
• Cosmetic restorations may have to wait until after your orthodontic treatment. If you want to replace a crown for aesthetic reasons, it is recommended that you have it done after your orthodontic treatment. However, if your crown is loose, your orthodontist may ask your dentist to make a temporary crown before your braces are installed. You can always have your new crown once your orthodontic treatment is complete.

Each patient is unique and although fitting braces on dental restorations can be a little more challenging, an experienced orthodontist can always find the best solution for your treatment and ensure that you get the smile of your dreams.

Can Braces Make My Teeth Loose and Fall Out?

By: Dr. Argiro Kechagia BDS, MFDS (rcsed), MSc     

The answer is NO.

Within the first 1-2 days after the braces are fitted, teeth will begin to shift and feel quite loose. This is the normal pattern of tooth movement and is the method teeth use to move through braces. Patients may feel as if their teeth are getting loose and may see opening where no spaces existed before. This is perfectly normal, although sometimes can cause concern to the patient if not addressed and explained by the orthodontist prior to the treatment.

Research has shown that tooth movement causes at least small changes in the shape and length of the roots in all patients, but these changes are so small that in 98% of the cases are not visible to the naked eye.

Dr. Argiro Kechagia BDS, MFDS (rcsed), MSc

However, in less than 2% of patients, some visible root shortening occurs during routine orthodontic treatment. The exact cause of tooth resorption (shortening) is not yet known, but it is believed that it’s caused by genetic predisposition, along with prolonged orthodontic treatment that is more than 3 years in duration.  This generally will not result in any long-term problems for teeth, since it is generally believed that a tooth can loosen up to half of each root length and never have a problem.

Overall, braces will not make the teeth loose. However, in rare cases of root resorption the orthodontist will monitor the progress and advise the patient accordingly.

Patients wearing braces should always communicate their thoughts to their orthodontist to get their concerns addressed right away.

When is the right time to have your child fitted with braces?

By Dr. ArgiroKechagia, BDS, MFDS (rcsed), MSc

It is frequently difficult for parents to realize when their child needs orthodontic treatment since there are often malocclusions where the front teeth appear straight. In general, the orthodontic treatment takes place between 9-14 years old, when most or all of the primary teeth have been shed.

However, around the age of 7-8, the child has enough permanent teeth in order for the orthodontist to diagnose if there will be future malocclusion. The orthodontic examination at an early age can be very important, since in many circumstances the early diagnosis and prevention makes the future treatment easier for the patient and the doctor. This does not mean that all children need treatment at this age, but it does allow the orthodontist to determine whether your child could benefit from early intervention. 

More specifically, early orthodontic treatment can help avoid extraction of permanent teeth and better control of skeletal problems since the orthodontist can influence the skeletal growth if the patient is still growing.

After a very detailed examination of the face, the jaws and the teeth as well as an assessment of x-rays, photographs and molds of teeth, the orthodontist will assess whether the child or teenager requires treatment and will be able to formulate a suitable treatment plan.

There are different kinds of appliances that can be used depending on the patient’s situation. The most frequent appliances are:

·         Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are the appliances that cannot be removed during the treatment. These are the most common type of orthodontic brace. Most patients require the use of fixed orthodontic appliances (‘train tracks’) to have really straight teeth, and achieve the best possible improvement of their smile. They are placed in the upper and lower jaw, for arch expansion, movement of teeth or anchorage control. Sometimes rings called bands are also fitted around the back/molar teeth.  The orthodontist adjusts the fixed braces every 4-6 weeks.

·         Removable braces

Sometimes fixed braces are not the ideal appliances to bring about the required changes to the bite, and a removable brace has to be used. A removable brace simply clips onto the teeth, and can be easily fitted or removed. Its insertion or removal does not cause any pain. They are most commonly used in order to change the shape of the dental arch (i.e. expansion) as well as promote or modify growth of the jaws, adapt the soft tissues and muscles of the face to new positions, move whole groups of teeth at the same time or change the angulation of teeth. These appliances are used in pre-adolescence and adolescence age.

One other advantage of these appliances is that it can be removed when patients want to eat and brush their teeth. The major challenge is that their result depends on patient’s compliance.

·         Headgears

Headgears are being used less and less by orthodontists these days; but its use is still necessary in a small minority of cases. It is supported by the neck or the head of the patient and is worn to move the back teeth further back in order to create extra space; or to stop the back teeth from moving forwards and keep them in their present position, whilst the front teeth are being straightened. Headgear also helps you achieve the best possible bite between your upper and lower teeth.

Active treatment time with orthodontic braces typically ranges from six months to two years, but there is always some variability depending on the case. More particularly, the duration of treatment depends on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face, the individual’s biological response to the brace, the severity of the problem and the cooperation of the patient.

While orthodontic treatment requires some commitment, patients are rewarded with healthy straight teeth, proper jaw alignment and a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Untreated orthodontic problems may contribute to tooth decay, diseased gums, temporomandibular joint problems and loss of teeth. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping and other forms of dental injury. Crooked teeth can also lead to a decrease in one’s self-confidence. Sometimes, the increased cost of dental care resulting from untreated malocclusion (bad bite) far exceeds the cost of orthodontic care.

It has been proven that improvements in personal appearance contribute to greater mental and physical well-being. Although treatment may sometimes seem lengthy, creating a beautiful smile is a reliable way of improving the health of your teeth as well as your self-esteem. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one’s general attitude towards life.

What You Need to Know About White Spots and Braces

Written by: Dr. Argiro Kechagia, Specialist Orthodontist

A very common problem that can occur while a patient has braces is the formation of white spots during treatment and it is always a bit disappointing to find that your teeth are marked with chalky white patches after your braces are removed.

But why?

Many believe that braces can cause these spots to appear, but in reality they are the result of plaque build-up just like any other form of tooth decay. These chalky patches, or dental decalcification, affect 24% of all teenagers without braces. That number jumps up to 50% in teenagers with braces. Although braces are not directly responsible for causing these white spots to form on your teeth, they can complicate the process of plaque removal. The white, chalky marks on the teeth appear when acids created by the plaque, remove minerals from the tooth surface and change the way it reflects light. Decalcification, most commonly affects the region between the gums and the brackets where plaque is most difficult to remove. So, braces do not cause white spots, bad oral hygiene does!

Can I prevent it?

Of course you can; and it is very simple, brush your teeth. Keep the plaque to a minimum. When you brush, be sure to focus on the areas that are obstructed by your brackets and wires, place the bristles of your brush underneath the wire. Finally, try to avoid having sodas and other foods that are high in sugar and acid, as these build plaque fast.

What if I have them already? Can I make them disappear?

1. The first step is to improve your oral hygiene with meticulous brushing in order to give some time (around 6 months) to the enamel to re-mineralize the affected tooth surfaces. All white spots improve some with time and minor ones may disappear altogether.
2. After 6 months our dentist can give you low concentration fluoride rinses and remineralization pastes that can be used in order to improve further the appearance of white spots.
3. Alternatively, bleaching, as it lightens the enamel, can make white spots to blend in better and actually improve as the effects of the bleaching wear off.
4. A newer technique, known as “caries infiltration,” involves injecting a liquid tooth-colored resin, which has optical properties closer to natural enamel, beneath the surface enamel in the area of the white spot. This makes the spot less opaque and more translucent like normal enamel.
5. For more severe problems, your dentist may perform microabrasion (removing superficial white spots), cosmetic bonding (replacing damaged enamel), or place porcelain veneers (covering badly damaged surfaces).

 Always remember that the best treatment is prevention.

Life After Orthodontics: Do I Really Need Retainers?

Written by Dr. Argiro Kechagia

So you’re finally nearing the finish line of your orthodontic treatment. How can you make sure you can keep and maintain your brand new smile?

Our Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Argiro Kechagia talks about the six most commonly asked about dental retainers. What are they for and do you really need them? Find out today!

1. What are orthodontic retainers for? 
The retainers are a part of the last phase of orthodontic treatment and are very important since they are responsible in maintaining and holding the alignment of the teeth, and the improvement of the bite after the completion of active orthodontic treatment.  

Teeth that have moved orthodontically have an inherent tendency to return to their original malocclusion positions.

The need of retention is very important to maintain the stability of the occlusion achieved by the orthodontist and the patient, and the retainers are doing exactly this.

2. Are there different kinds of retainers? 
There are two different kind of retainers and they are both frequently used:

Fixed retainers 
Fixed retainers are usually wires bonded to the back surfaces of lower anterior teeth for aesthetic and prolonged retention. These may be fabricated directly in the mouth or indirectly from an accurate stone model.

Removable retainers 
 Retainers that are made from stainless steel wire and acrylic (Hawley and WrapAround retainers)  Clear vacuum formed retainers. These retainers are comfortable and aesthetic because of their invisible appearance.

Dr. Argiro Kechagia
Specialist Orthodontist at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic

3. How often and how long do I have to wear them?
It is recommended that all the patients have retention maintenance for at least 1 year. Most of the orthodontists use a removable retainer for the upper arch, as most of the relapse occurs in the first 6 months following braces removal, the maxillary retainer is worn full time for the first 6 months. After the first 6 months, the patient can go to night wear only and gradually reduce this if there is no pressure areas when seating the retainer. The lower retainer is usually a fixed retainer, which it should be left in place for a longer period even a lifetime.

Always remember that the answer to the question of long-term stability is long-term retention.  

4. How do I know when I need new ones? 
With fixed retention, if you feel that the glue has come off on one or more teeth and that your bonded retainer has become loose, go and see your orthodontist as soon as possible.

The removable retainers will need replacement when:
 you wear through the plastic
 part/s of wires or acrylic break off
 they became very loose and your orthodontist is unable to tight them up again
 they just get very dirty like anything else that you wear everyday
 the position of your teeth changes enough that your retainer does not fit properly

In general, if your retainer doesn’t look or fit like it used to, it is time for an adjustment, repair, or replacement. Don’t delay and pay your orthodontist a visit right away.

5. How do I effectively clean my retainers? 
Fixed retention can make cleaning in between teeth more challenging. However, with good flossing procedures and regular hygienist appointments, the fixed retainers can be kept in place until adulthood or indefinitely if necessary.

With removable retainers, both types should be cleaned as follows:
 You can brush your removable retainers with a toothbrush (not the one that you are using to brush your teeth) with either liquid soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste. Just remember to rinse them well.
 Once a week, soak the retainers in denture cleaning solution. Dissolve the tablet and put the retainer in the solution for 10 minutes to 20 minutes maximum. Please only use cold water to soak your retainer.

6. Does my orthodontist still need to check my retainers regularly?
Regardless of the type of orthodontic retainer you have, you should always continue to arrange regularly check-ups with your orthodontist for at least 2 years post treatment.

Dr. Argiro has extensive training and experience in treating children, teens and adults using the latest techniques in orthodontics including lingual braces, invisible braces, the Damon system and mini implants. She is a certified provider of Invisalign, Eon and Incognito braces. She is also trained to manage patients with cleft lip and palate along with oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

To book a consultation with Dr. Argiro, please give us a call at 04-3949433 today. 

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic Welcomes New Specialist Orthodontist

1^st September 2015, Dubai, UAE: Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, the leading and most advanced dental health care provider in the region, welcomes Dr. Argiro Kechagia to its team of dental experts.

“I come from a family of orthodontists and dentists. My father was one of the first orthodontists to practice back in my home country, Greece. I was raised next to dental chairs, listening to him talking to patients, explaining the treatment and sharing the joy with his patients at the end of each appointment. My love for orthodontics became even stronger in the U.K. in my early days of dentistry. It was then that I realized how passionate I am about developing healthier and brighter smiles.”

Invisalign: What You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered what Invisalign can do to correct your smile? What is the treatment like and how long does it take? Find out from Dr. Teertha today.

Dr. Gun Ingrid Norell Trains UAE Dentists for the Inman Aligner Certification Course

Dr. Gun Ingrid Norell

24^th May 2015, Dubai, UAE: We would like to congratulate Dr. Gun Ingrid Norell for the very successful Inman Aligner Certification Course held earlier this month at the Radisson Royal Hotel in Dubai. Dr. Gun and Dr. James Russell were selected to train 23 dentists from all over the UAE.

Dubai Orthodontist Dr. Teertha Karnakar, Up Close & Personal

Dr. Teertha Karnakar brings to Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic her years of training and experience in orthodontics. She specializes in fixed orthodontic treatments using the latest self-ligating systems such as the Smart clip (3M) and the Damon system, and is a certified provider of Incognito™ Braces, Invisalign®, Inman Aligner and ClearPath Aligner.

See here to find out more about her.

Inman Aligner Treatment at Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic

Here's a non-invasive Inman aligner treatment by Dr. Gun Ingrid Norell. This was done to close the gap between Blessings's front teeth (before bleaching and bonding). 

Invisalign Clear Braces in Dubai

Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional braces. It makes use of virtually invisible and removable teeth aligners tailored for you to straighten your teeth, without the pain and inconvenience of wires and brackets.

While there are many other options to correcting crooked and misaligned teeth, no other treatment offers the same level of comfort and convenience as Invisalign. It can treat a wide range of conditions such as crowding, gaps, crossbite, underbite, overbite and buck teeth.

Transform your smile without having to change your lifestyl
See its advantage over metal braces.