The Transparent Trio of Harmony Medical Group
In a generation where people are obsessed with how they look, sometimes the so-called “Hollywood Smile” is achieved by cutting corners when it comes to costs and regretting it later in life, a trend which these dental professionals see all too often in the region.
The all-too transparent trio have a very rare and admirable ethos implemented across their practices in the UAE “we fix smiles and health and do not carry out any procedures of which we do not deem necessary or if the patient is not in the right psychological state of mind”. We sat down to have a chat with these three leaders of their profession in the region to delve a little deeper into why everyone needs to visit their practice at least once in their lives !
Dr Ahmed Al Jazairi – Medical Director and Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department.
Dental Implants – we see so many dentists proclaiming that this invasive procedure can be done in one day. Considering it is a surgical procedure, we are somewhat dubious as to the validity of such claims. Can you break down the myth behind implants and help us understand about the procedure a little more, specifically why one has to wait for a period of three months until the crown can be placed, post surgery.
Let me start by saying that if a tooth can be saved, it should be saved by all means necessary, ideally RCT (root canal treatment) as the first option. If the tooth is decayed beyond repair, the next option is extraction and to place an implant immediately after (ideal situation). Contrary to what people’s perception is, despite it being a surgical procedure, where an foreign object is placed into the jaw bone, thanks to ever evolving studies and manufacturing of intricate equipment, this procedure is relatively pain free and takes a maximum of thirty minutes to carry out.
A one day implant is somewhat misleading because the actual true meaning of this statement is that yes we do the implant in one day, but the crown tooth itself is not permanent, we attach a fixed temporary screw retained to the implant, however this needs to be replaced and fitted with a permanent crown after a three month period.
An implant needs to be integrated with the jawbone for a period of three months to ensure that the body does not reject the titanium material. During this three month period, bone can attach to the implant to ensure maximum success of placement. It has been proven over extensive research and case studies, that a three month timeframe is the most recommended for the patient.
Personally, the most important factors for me to ensure long term success when doing an implant is the right position, angulation and the health of the gum around the implant. Unfortunately throughout my career, I have seen many implants not placed at the right angle to ensure it attaches to the jawbone, thus resulting in rejection and failure of the surgical procedure
Dr Oussama Al Aoui – Head of Prosthodontics Department
What is your approach to a patient when they are insisting on getting veneers but have healthy and good teeth already ? Especially when it is clearly evident that they are wanting to do this due to social pressure or to “look good” ?
First and foremost, I am not a psychologist but I do know the mindset of humans after working so closely and in such a personal manner with men and women for many years now. It is very easy to ascertain the type of mindset within a few moments of meeting a new patient. It is against my personal moral compass to do anything that I do not believe the patient needs just for the sake of looking good. If a patient has healthy teeth, I would suggest we look at alternative options such as teeth scaling and whitening. I also ensure to explain the indepth process when it comes to veneers – they may look good but there is a timeline involved and additional procedures such as perhaps root canals required. In the world we live in, beauty trends are ever evolving and the patient needs to know this. Oral health is paramount always and of course yes, if the patient does need to replace their teeth, then I and the team work closely with the patient to implement a treatment plan. I think based upon the fact the majority of my patients have been with me since the opening of our first practice in Abu Dhabi, it is testament to the fact that my work is honest and professional – something I pride myself and my reputation on at all times.
Dr Iyad Al Samman – Head of Orthodontics Department
In your opinion, what is the best age for parents to bring children for their first check up ? What should parents do to ensure children are not scared of the dentist, i.e. tips on how many minutes a kid should brush teeth ? Do schools actively encourage oral health care for children, i.e. are dental visits part of the curriculum ?
The ideal age for a child to have their first visit to an orthodontist is around age 7. By this age, a child usually has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, allowing the orthodontist to identify potential issues early and plan for any necessary treatments. Early visits can help detect problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth, which can sometimes be easier to correct at a younger age.
Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene for kids:
- Start Early: Begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use a soft, small-bristled toothbrush
- Brush Twice Daily: Encourage brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Proper Brushing Technique: Teach your child to brush all surfaces of the teeth – fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces – for at least two minutes. Use gentle, circular motions.
- Floss Daily: Introduce flossing once your child has two teeth that touch. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months. The dentist can clean the teeth, apply fluoride treatments, and check for any issues.
- Use Fluoride: Ensure your child uses fluoride toothpaste
We have noticed a growing trend of braces and invisalign over the past two year (especially in older patients), can you explain why now all of a sudden ?
Because of many reasons, they are clear and nearly invisible
– removable and comfortable with less pain
– more predictable because they are designed for efficient tooth movement and effective treatment
– at Harmony, we can do 3D stimulation of the desired treatment which allows the patient to see in advance what their smile will look
– no emergency like conventional braces as broken brackets or wire punching
– less chair time with your dentist
About Harmony Medical Group:
Established in 2013, Harmony Medical Group strives to be the preferred choice for dental care in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They are dedicated to enhancing the patient experience by providing a five-star standard in every aspect of our care.
Their commitment to quality spans a wide range of dental services, from routine check-ups to smile makeovers and complex full mouth rehabilitations. When you visit Harmony Medical Center, you’re taking the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile.
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