“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
– Buddhist author Thich Nhat Hanh
Dr. Barbat has practiced dentistry since 1993. Improving the look and health of your smile can help you enjoy greater self-confidence, self-esteem and overall health, and can lower your risk of some health problems later on.
Let’s Begin With the Advantages of a Healthy Smile
Research has shown that the bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can activate systemic inflammation in the body. These reactions have been found to trigger or worsen the development of many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, preterm babies, some cancers (including pancreatic and lung), diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Studies show that the health of the gums is so intricately connected to your overall health that healthy gums can boost the health of existing problems. For instance, by treating gum disease, men who have prostatitis, a disease that can inflame the gland that produces semen, can improve the symptoms.
The same has been found to be the case for arthritis. Scientists found that periodontal disease tissues have nearly the same make-up of tissues found in arthritic joints. When gum disease is rampant, arthritic joints are more inflamed. Read more from the Arthritis Foundation.
The Emotional and Aesthetic Benefits of a Confident Smile
Now let’s look at how a beautiful smile enhances both facial appearance and even your mood!
Studies have shown that people who smile often have been found to live longer lives, have improved moods, and project more upbeat personalities. And, a smile gives you an instant facelift by pulling facial muscles upward and smoothing wrinkles around the mouth.
With all these terrific reasons to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile, why doesn’t everybody have one? Below are some common reasons that keep individuals from the smile they really want.
What’s Holding People Back?
Cost of Dentistry
COST OF DENTISTRY – We understand that medical and dental care can be a strain to budgets, especially when unexpected problems arise. For those who have dental insurance, these coverages often only include cleanings, exams and provide limited help with other needs (such as fillings or dentures). Trying to stay within the confines of these limits can result in patchwork dentistry. Unfortunately, this opens the door for other problems in the mouth to become more complex.
Some people never pursue smile enhancement because of the assumption that it will be unaffordable, too expensive for their ability to manage financially. Rather than deny yourself the smile you want because of cost, a comprehensive care dentist can help to plan your treatment to reach your smile goals according to what is practical for your schedule and budget.
Our financial coordinator and insurance coordinator can explain your costs and your options. Financing is available through outside lenders, who decide who qualifies and set the terms. See our Financial Information page for details.
Remember: cosmetic and restorative dentistry is an investment. Before treatment, we give you an estimate and explain your choices, so you can decide what fits your goals and your budget.
“Make sure that I offer them time to do the work. Like break it down over time. You don’t need to do everything all at once so they don’t get scared.”
Dr. Ban R. Barbat
Dental Fear
DENTAL FEAR – For most people who have a fear of dentistry, it stems from traumatic experiences in the past, often as a child. The helpless feeling of enduring pain that continues beyond protests or obvious discomfort can remain in one’s subconscious forever. However, a number of people cannot pinpoint the source of their fears. For some, it is triggered by sounds, smells or seeing instruments associated with dental offices.
Dental fears vary, and so does what helps. Our team works to help people relax and go at their own pace. Comfort options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation. IV sedation is provided by Dr. Shakfa. See Sedation & dental anxiety.
“When they have a question, we stop. … I want everyone to know we really listen.”
Dr. Ban R. Barbat
If being afraid of the dentist is keeping you from the care you need, tell us when you call. We can go a little at a time, at your pace.
Natural-Looking Results
RESULTS – Once your dental plan is known, scheduled, and budgeted, some people are left with lingering concerns about the life of their investment. And, rightly so. The last thing an individual wants is to make a commitment to the costs and treatment time for advanced dentistry, only to end up with results that look like “dental work.” Dentistry, done right with the proper skills, techniques and materials, should look and feel like you were simply born with a confident, flattering smile.
I trained in cosmetic dentistry and in bite and jaw (TMJ) care at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where I am a Fellow. Helping someone go from hiding their smile to sharing it is why I love cosmetic dentistry.
When we plan cosmetic work, we also check your bite. Teeth that meet evenly put less strain on the jaw joints (TMJ).
“… the most rewarding for me is to be able to take a patient from being unhappy to being happy by simply giving them nicer looking teeth.”
Dr. Ban R. Barbat
What’s most important to properly-aligned teeth is more than having an attractive smile of straight teeth, however.
How We Help You Get There
Dr. Barbat’s training covers cosmetic dentistry and bite and jaw (TMJ) care. Our goal is a smile that fits your bite and looks like natural teeth. We work with an experienced dental lab that shares that goal.
When TMJ problems are a concern, we use diagnostic technology to measure your bite and how your jaw moves. These measurements help Dr. Barbat plan your care.
Along with 3D (cone beam) X-rays, we use a dental laser. It can help shape the gum tissue that frames your teeth, and it seals tissue as it works, which reduces bleeding. Learn more on our Our Technology page.
Take the First Step Toward a Life-Changing Smile
When your smile is a complement to your life, it will bring you benefits all day, every day. You’ll look better, improve your oral and overall health, smile more, and lower your potential for future problems. Sound desirable? Let’s sit down together and talk about what you want during a private consultation appointment.
Let us help you get past the obstacles. Call 586-739-2155 or tap here to schedule a consultation. Your initial cosmetic consultation is complimentary. If diagnostic records, imaging, or other services are needed, we will review any associated fees with you before proceeding. You’re also invited to take a brief tour of our office.
Dr. Ban R. Barbat is a general dentist. She has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has served Shelby Township since 1997.
