NPD Blog

While it’s hard to believe actress Charlize Theron was once less than gorgeous, the South African-born star recently told The Sun the ugly truth about her childhood.   “I had no teeth until I was 11,” she told the British newspaper. “I had these fangs because I had jaundice when I was a kid, and I was put on so many antibiotics that my teeth rotted. They had to cut them out.”

According to Dr. Ryne Johnson, director of Newton Wellesley Dental Partners, a recognized leader in dental aesthetics in the Boston area, “many people who take antibiotics as a child have intrinsic staining (discoloration within the tooth structure) with their adult teeth.  Often, tetracycline is the culprit and can lead to misshaped teeth or teeth that are gray in color.  I have helped many professionals address this problem  and it can truly transform one’s self-confidence”.

Known today for her stunning looks and award-winning career—sparked after being discovered by a modeling scout at 16—Theron attributes her present strength to the awkward years she spent pretending to have a normal smile in school pictures.   Perhaps that’s how she managed to pull off her unglamorous role in the 2003 film “Monster,” unrecognizable as serial killer Aileen Wuornos, for which she took home an Oscar.

“Generally, the only predictable repair for this affliction is ceramic dentistry (either crowns or veneers).  Sometimes, in milder cases, we’re able to bleach the teeth for an acceptable result” says Dr. Johnson, who has been regarded as a pioneer in ceramic CAD/CAM dentistry and performs cosmetic dentistry makeovers on many of Boston’s most recognized figures.
 
If you’re considering addressing your cosmetic, dental challenges, see a specialist….the difference will make you smile.  A prosthodontist has advanced training and expertise in these matters.

Visit NewtonWellesleyDentalPartners.org for additional information.

Original article Celebrity, General

A prosthodontist has advanced training and expertise in the diagnosis of problems associated with the teeth, jaw and bite. Those with an awkward bite will be prone to mouth injuries in the future. Dental implants, bridges or dentures help patients by creating a normal bite.  Recently, the advent of CAD/CAM dentistry and three dimensional x-rays allow a prosthodontist to create exacting reconstructions.

Cosmetically repairing damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth is called fixed prosthodontics. Dentures and dental implants are often employed to replace missing teeth where restrictions demand something removable. Sometimes dentures and implants are used to replace just one or two missing teeth but often are used to reconstruct and entire arch.. They need to match and your bite needs to be precise.

The methods of fixed prosthodontics to cosmetically replace or repair teeth include:

Dental implant - used to replace a missing tooth or several teeth. A titanium rod or screw is placed in the jawbone to hold or support the dentistry. Dental implants are generally considered preferable to conventional dentures or bridges.

Dental Bridges - replace missing teeth through a different method. There are three types of dental bridges:

• A fixed bridge is where the false tooth is attached to adjacent crowns…in one unit. Once placed it cannot be taken out.
• Although a short-term approach, a resin bonded bridge is sometimes used to replace a front tooth. The false tooth is attached to the surrounding teeth with the metal band or ceramic-wings with a bonded-resin. To use this method all the other teeth must be healthy and strong.
• A cantilever bridge is used when there is more than one tooth missing. The false teeth are fused to the crowns that are attached to the patient's natural teeth.

Dental bonding - used to improve and reshape teeth giving them a beautiful, healthy and natural appearance. Bonding covers flaws and any cracks or chips to the teeth, restoring them to a perfect finish.

Dental veneers – these cover dental flaws in the teeth by placing ceramic porcelain on the surface of the teeth. Porcelain veneers can help to cover up damaged teeth, crooked uneven teeth, discolored teeth and more.

The indications and contra-indications are influenced by MANY factors.   Dr. Johnson, at Newton Wellesley Dental Partners, can offer you more information and educate you to determine what's best for you.  Visit
NewtonWellesleyDentalPartners.org for information.

Remember, “See a Specialist…the Difference will MakeYou Smile”.

When you make your New Year’s Resolutions this year, make resolutions you can keep!  Resolve to get that promotion, resolve to go on that date, resolve to get that new job. As you know, your smile IS your first impression, make it a good one.  By enhancing your smile, you enhance and improve your self confidence. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good people can tell.

According to Dr. Ryne S. Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, a healthy, white, natural smile gives you self-confidence and improves people’s perception of you and your success. When you know you have a nice, welcoming smile, you feel confident.

Some people are predisposed to teeth that are easily broken or damaged or yellow. But, the important thing is now we can all have that bright white smile despite genetics or aging, through cosmetic dental procedures.  Using CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Johnson can make your smile ideal and beautiful.

Teeth whitening, veneers and bonding can all enhance your smile by focusing on improving the brightness of your teeth.  However, a comprehensive analysis and treatment plan is best PRIOR to initiating any dental procedure.  Dr. Johnson is regarded as one of New England’s finest prosthodontists and has a 20 + year reputation for outstanding aesthetic reconstructions.   You may obtain additional information on Dr. Johnson and his Newton practice by visiting, NewtonProsthodontics.com or by calling 617.965.1225.

Resolve to have a great New Year by improving your smile.  Remember, “See a specialist…the difference will make you smile."

A recent survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) finds 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset, with 74% believing an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chance for success. This belief is engrained in the American culture. Patients should research cosmetic dentists before undergoing any procedure like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or dental implants.

Since 2006, teeth whitening procedures have increased by 300%, and porcelain veneers by 250%.  According to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, he’s noticed that more and more patients undergo cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, or multi-phase dental procedures and full mouth restoration. 

Research and knowledge is the best tool patients can use to ensure quality service and pleasing outcomes. Patients who research procedures, cosmetic dentists and prosthodontists beforehand end up being happier in their dental treatment experience and being happy with the results of their smile makeover. When patients are engaged and invested in making decisions, in addition to checking dentists’ experience and credentials, the results are generally better.

As the AACD study highlights, more patients are undergoing cosmetic dentistry because they believe their smile is important, both in their social and professional lives. For more information about cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry you may visit two valuable web sites: www.NewtonProsthodontics.com or www.Prosthodontics.org.

If you want to enhance or “fix” your smile and demand excellence, contact Dr. Ryne Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics.  Remember, “See a Specialist...The Difference will Make You Smile”.

Excerpts from SFGate

Black Friday is the real beginning of gift buying season.  While you are at it, buy a gift for yourself- Teeth Whitening.  White, healthy looking teeth say a lot about a person. According to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, younger people generally have whiter teeth than ‘older’ people.  Thus, if you can whiten your teeth, you can appear younger!

Though you may not consciously notice someone’s teeth, a smile makes a first impression. White teeth and a healthy smile allow you to be confident and comfortable.
 
Have you noticed your teeth changing color? That happens with age. Besides the color of your teeth  changing over time, your habits also have an effect.  But as your hair and skin lighten with age, healthy looking teeth will revitalize your appearance and bring out a more youthful look.

There are a variety of ways to address ‘aged’ teeth:

Dental Bleaching:  over the counter strips, doctor-coordinated trays and in-office techniques.
Veneers:  a thin shell of porcelain is chemically attached to the front surface of teeth

There are indications and contra-indications for each of the above approaches and certainly advantages and disadvantages with each bleaching technique.  Dr. Johnson can discuss your objectives and develop the best way to improve your smile.

To give a gift of teeth whitening to yourself for the holidays, contact Newton Prosthodontics.   If you present a copy of this blog prior to your bleaching visit, we will deduct 50% of our fees as a gift to you. What better gift to oneself than a beautiful smile?  

Dr. Johnson is accepting new patients. He reminds you to visit the office website for more information (www.NewtonProsthodontics.com) and to, “see a specialist…the difference will make you smile”.

Dental health is important to your overall physical health. However, finding a dentist you trust can be challenging. Prosthodontists, like Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, are specialists who generally see fewer patients each day than a general dentist.  Therefore they spend more time with their patients delivering outstanding results.  Prosthodontists have three additional years of training or schooling than general dentists and prosthodontists’ patient-base are generally more demanding.

Prosthodontists are perfect for patients with some specific types of concerns:

• An educated patient who is seeking a specialist for mouth, teeth or jaw pain and has grown frustrated with volume-oriented, mainstream practices.
• People who have very high aesthetic demands and want to, ‘get-it-right’ the first time. Prosthodontists often lead a team of specialists, technicians and other dentists to craft a beautiful smile.
• Many people are retaining their teeth late into their life.  Even the best dentistry has a life span and begins to fail over time.  A prosthodontist is best suited to develop a comprehensive plan.
• People are taking better care of their oral health and are less likely to tolerate removable, ‘false teeth’.  Prosthodontists can develop a strategy using dental implants, crowns, bridges and veneers.
• Rare syndrome patients, cancer patients or patients born with malformed teeth can see a prosthodontist in order to address the problems of their teeth and gums.
• Those with severely worn teeth from acid reflux and modern diets can see a prosthodontist for veneers to replace missing tooth structure or to help stabilize a collapsed bite.

See our two video clips. One from CNN and the other from ACP describing prosthodontics.

If you fit into one of the above categories, seek a prosthodontist like Dr. Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics. He can work with your general dentist or you may call the office at 617.965.1225 for your dental needs.  Remember, “See a Specialist…The Difference Will Make you Smile”.

You hear the term cosmetic dentistry and you think, vanity or only for the movie stars, right?  But that is not true.  Did you know that Dr. Johnson at Newton Prosthodontics is regarded as a pioneer in computer generated, aesthetic dentistry?  You get a healthier mouth but by default you get a beautiful smile.

While the goal of cosmetic dentistry is to turn a regular smile into a great one, many of the procedures involved in restoring  teeth that are crooked, chipped, stained, or have gaps are considered cosmetic.  As are procedures to repair uneven gums or replace missing teeth.

Missing teeth, chipped or stained teeth or uneven gums can lead to dental health problems, which can then lead to overall health problems.
 
So, as a result of caring for you dental health, you walk away with a beautiful or handsome smile.

Before the start of any procedure, Dr. Johnson will perform an oral exam to check your oral health. He will then talk with you about your specific objectives. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is functionality along with enhancing your appearance.

Dr. Johnson takes into consideration everything from the shape of your face, your individual teeth, and the width of your smile in order to achieve harmony in your appearance.  The nuances considered are what separate dentistry, that “looks like dentistry”, from dentistry that, “has natural-looking, radiant beauty”.

Your smile may be improved with a procedure as simple as teeth whitening or it could mean more sophisticated care incorporating dental implants, veneers or crowns. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your confidence, but more importantly, it will increase the health of your teeth.

Dr. Ryne Johnson is accepting new patients and can be reached at info@NewtonProsthodontics.com.  Remember, “See a Specialist…The Difference will Make you Smile”.