The Smile Design and Space (SDS) concept

The Smile Design and Space (SDS) concept

Innovative full-mouth reconstruction to enhance oral health and biomechanics

Living life with a truly optimised smile is about more than just beautiful teeth. The Smile Design and Space (SDS) concept takes a broader view—considering your entire head anatomy, including jaw alignment, facial structure, and lip mobility—to achieve a harmonious balance of aesthetics, functionality, and health. This holistic approach integrates advanced dental techniques to craft smiles that are not only stunning and natural but also built for lasting comfort and performance.

The Smile Design and Space (SDS) concept

Source: Łukasz Lassmann, SDS Concept

What is the SDS concept?

The SDS approach is about ensuring your anatomy has the space it needs where it matters most. This groundbreaking method optimises the vertical space between the upper and lower jaws when you bite. That space is known as vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), and it is vital to proper oral function, long-term dental health, and overall comfort.

Unlike traditional tooth-centric methods which have a narrower focus, the SDS concept takes a facially driven treatment approach. It carefully evaluates the unique relationships between facial features, teeth, and jaw alignment to create a tailored plan that enhances aesthetics and functionality. By addressing the limitations of conventional VDO adjustments, the SDS concept minimises invasiveness while delivering exceptional, patient-specific results. This innovative method prioritises comfort, balance, and a natural appearance, offering a holistic solution for full-mouth restoration.

How does the SDS concept work?

The SDS concept follows a meticulous, structured approach that integrates precise assessments with advanced dental techniques, delivering consistently optimal results. Here’s how it works:

Evaluating the maxillary central incisors

The upper front teeth—or maxillary central incisors—are carefully assessed for their position and visibility in relation to the upper lip, both at rest and during a full smile. This step is crucial for determining the ideal incisal edge position, which significantly influences the harmony and natural appearance of the smile.

Evaluating the maxillary central incisors

Source: Łukasz Lassmann, SDS Concept, Upper incisal position and visibility

Considering lip mobility

Each patient’s lip mobility is analysed, as it impacts how much of the teeth and gums are visible when smiling. Special attention is given to patients with gingival exposure (a “gummy smile”) to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing result.

Strategic adjustments to the bite height

The SDS concept uses a systematic formula that accounts for dental relationships, wear patterns, and individual needs to determine precise alterations to the vertical dimension of occlusion. These adjustments are carefully calibrated to enhance both the functional dynamics of the bite and the overall aesthetic outcome.

Strategic adjustments to the bite height
Strategic adjustments to the bite height
Strategic adjustments to the bite height

Integrating these steps, the SDS concept delivers a personalised approach to full-mouth reconstruction that emphasises harmony, functionality, and minimal invasiveness. This meticulous process ensures lasting results that blend seamlessly with each patient’s unique features.

Benefits of the SDS concept

The SDS concept provides several compelling advantages compared to traditional methods of full-mouth reconstruction:

Minimal invasiveness: By preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible, the SDS concept reduces the need for extensive preparation or irreversible changes, ensuring a conservative yet effective treatment approach.

Enhanced aesthetics: The SDS concept integrates dental and facial features to create a balanced, natural-looking smile that complements the patient’s unique appearance.

Improved functionality: Proper alignment and bite are prioritised, reducing the risk of jaw discomfort, uneven wear, or compromised chewing efficiency.

Predictable outcomes: The systematic and patient-focused methodology enhances the reliability of the treatment, leading to consistent, high-quality results and a higher rate of long-term success.

Why is the SDS concept significant?

The SDS concept represents a paradigm shift in dental care, emphasising highly individualised treatment plans. By tailoring the approach to each patient’s unique aesthetic and functional needs, the SDS concept ensures outcomes that are not only visually stunning but also durable and comfortable over the long term. This focus on personalisation enhances patient satisfaction and the overall success of full-mouth reconstructions.

Who can benefit from the SDS concept?

The SDS concept is particularly beneficial for individuals considering full-mouth reconstruction to address complex dental issues such as:

Severe tooth wear: Restoring the original structure and function of heavily worn teeth.

Misalignment: Correcting bite issues to improve chewing efficiency and comfort.

Gummy smile: Balancing the visibility of teeth and gums for an aesthetically pleasing result.

The SDS concept combines aesthetics with functionality, providing a comprehensive solution for patients seeking transformative dental care. This innovative approach makes it possible to achieve a healthy, balanced, and naturally beautiful smile tailored to each individual’s unique characteristics.

full-mouth reconstruction

Exceptional whole-mouth restorations

The SDS concept goes far beyond the basics of dentistry to provide precise, lasting results for your entire oral anatomy, including jaw, teeth, gums and lips. This powerful framework balances aesthetics with functionality, to create customised treatment plans that truly meet each patient’s needs in a genuinely comprehensive manner.

For those undergoing full-mouth reconstruction, achieving a beautiful and healthy smile is non-negotiable. For these patients, the SDS approach delivers predictable outcomes with confidence. Support your long-term oral health and optimise your bite biomechanics by asking your dental professional about the SDS concept.

References:

Lassmann, Ł., Calamita, M. A., & Blatz, M. B. (2024). The “Smile Design and Space” concept for altering vertical dimension of occlusion and esthetic restorative material selection. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry: Official Publication of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, 10. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.13317

Lassmann, Ł. (2024). SDS concept [Facebook post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15eKDmRJk3/

The art of natural-looking dental restorations

The art of natural-looking dental restorations

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, reflecting confidence and enhancing your well-being. Yet dental issues like decay, chips, discolouration, or missing teeth can make you hesitant to share it.

With modern advancements in dental technology and materials, achieving a natural-looking restoration is easier than ever. These state-of-the-art techniques restore your smile’s health and natural brilliance, making it virtually impossible to tell the difference between restored teeth and their wholly natural neighbours.

Natural aesthetics matters

In today’s world of modern dentistry, we believe that function and aesthetics are equally important. A truly outstanding dental restoration doesn’t just restore a tooth’s function—it also integrates smoothly with your natural teeth, creating a smile that looks and feels perfectly in harmony.

Natural aesthetics

Achieving this level of excellence means your dentist blends technical skill with artistic flair and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. They must pay close attention to every detail to ensure your smile not only works beautifully but also looks effortlessly natural.

Factors contributing to natural-looking restorations

Creating natural-looking dental restorations involves a combination of technical expertise and artistic insight. Several factors contribute to achieving a restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth:

Material selection

Material selection

The foundation of a natural-looking restoration lies in the choice of material. Each material possesses unique optical and physical properties that influence the final aesthetic outcome.

Porcelain: Renowned for its strength and lifelike appearance, porcelain excels at mimicking the translucency and colour variations of natural teeth. Its ability to reflect light in a similar manner creates a remarkably natural look. This makes porcelain an ideal choice for crowns, veneers, and bridges where aesthetics are paramount.

Composite resin: Offering versatility and customisation, composite resin allows dentists to meticulously match the colour and shape of your teeth. It can be layered and sculpted to achieve a seamless blend with the surrounding dentition. While not as translucent as porcelain, advancements in composite technology have significantly improved its aesthetic qualities, making it suitable for fillings and smaller restorations.

Zirconia: Traditionally known for its exceptional strength, zirconia has evolved to offer improved aesthetics. Modern zirconia materials exhibit enhanced translucency, enabling the creation of restorations with a more natural appearance. However, for optimal aesthetic results, zirconia may require additional layering or masking techniques.

Lithium disilicate: Striking a balance between strength and aesthetics, lithium disilicate offers excellent translucency and colour properties. This material allows for the creation of highly natural-looking restorations with minimal masking. It is a popular choice for crowns and veneers due to its durability and lifelike appearance.

Acrylic resins: Primarily used for dentures, acrylic resins have limitations in terms of aesthetics compared to other materials. They tend to be less translucent and more susceptible to staining. However, advancements in acrylic resin technology have led to improvements in their appearance, making them a suitable option for certain temporary restorations.

New hybrid resins: The dental industry continues to innovate, with new hybrid resins emerging that combine the strengths of composite resins and ceramics. These materials offer enhanced aesthetics, strength, and durability, promising even more natural-looking restorations in the future.

Precise colour matching

Achieving a truly natural-looking restoration is deeply intertwined with accurate colour matching. Dentists employ sophisticated techniques to select materials that seamlessly integrate with the patient’s existing teeth.

Precise colour matching

Shade selection: Dentists meticulously determine the correct colour match using traditional shade guides or advanced digital shade-taking softwares. This ensures a precise foundation for the restoration.

Customisation: To replicate the natural complexity of tooth colour, dentists often layer different shades of materials. This creates a subtle colour gradient that mimics the variations found in natural teeth.

Staining and glazing: The artistry of dental restoration extends to staining and glazing. These techniques add depth, character, and lifelike qualities to the restoration. By carefully applying stains and glazes, dentists can mimic the translucency, opacity, and surface texture of natural teeth.

Lifelike contours

Lifelike contours

Replicating the natural contours and texture of teeth is essential for a seamless and harmonious appearance.

Curvature: Replicating the gentle curves of natural teeth is essential. Dentists utilise cutting-edge intraoral scanners and dental modelling software to recreate these subtle bends, ensuring a smooth and harmonious transition between the restoration and the adjacent teeth.

Translucency: Natural teeth exhibit varying degrees of translucency, depending on their location in the mouth. Dentists carefully select materials and apply layering techniques to match the light-transmitting properties of the restoration to the surrounding teeth. This creates a lifelike appearance and prevents the restoration from appearing opaque or artificial.

Surface texture: The surface of natural teeth is not perfectly smooth; it contains subtle ridges, grooves, and enamel lines. Dentists replicate these textures in restorations using advanced techniques and materials. This attention to detail contributes to a highly realistic and natural-looking result.

Harmonious integration

Harmonious integration

For a dental restoration to appear truly natural, it must seamlessly blend with the surrounding teeth and facial features.

Size, shape and alignment: The restored tooth should mirror the proportions, form, and position of its neighbouring teeth. Any discrepancy in these elements can disrupt the natural look of the smile.

Symmetry: Facial symmetry plays a vital role in aesthetic appeal. The restoration should complement the overall balance of your facial features, ensuring a harmonious and pleasing outcome.

Natural junction: The area where the tooth meets the gumline is a critical factor in achieving a natural appearance. A skilled dentist will carefully contour the restoration to create a smooth and imperceptible transition, enhancing the overall beauty of the smile.

Bite and occlusion

Proper bite alignment is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for functionality. A restoration that disrupts the bite can lead to discomfort and affect the appearance of the teeth. Ensuring the restored tooth fits well within your natural bite pattern is essential for a comfortable and natural-looking result.

natural-looking restorations

Common types of natural-looking restorations

A diverse range of dental procedures can be utilised to craft restorations that seamlessly integrate with the natural aesthetics of the teeth.

  • Composite bonding
  • Dental fillings
  • Dental veneers
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Dental implants
  • Dentures

The artistry of your smile

Achieving natural-looking dental restorations is a collaborative effort between the patient and the dentist. A skilled dentist is the architect of your smile, combining artistry with scientific precision.

Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to understand your dental goals and assess the condition of your teeth. With a keen eye for detail, they will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. By utilising high-quality materials and advanced techniques, your dentist will craft restorations that seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s beauty and function.

Maintaining your natural-looking restorations

Proper care is essential to prolong the life and natural appearance of your dental restorations.

  • Prioritise oral hygiene with consistent brushing and flossing.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods to prevent plaque, decay and erosion.
  • Avoid harmful habits like nail-biting and biting hard, sticky foods.
  • Prevent tooth damage caused by sports or teeth grinding with mouthguards or night guards.
Dental Restoration
Dental Restoration

Showcase your natural-looking smile

A truly natural-looking dental restoration is where art meets science. It’s more than advanced materials and techniques—it’s the meticulous attention to detail that turns a good smile into a great one. With your dentist’s expertise, your restoration will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s beauty and your confidence.

Step into a future where your smile stands out for all the right reasons—effortlessly combining function, harmony, and brilliance.

Total arch tooth loss is no lost cause with All-on-4 dental implants

Total arch tooth loss is no lost cause with All-on-4 dental implants

The heavy toll of full-arch tooth loss can significantly degrade your health, confidence, and everyday quality of life. Whether you’ve already lost all your upper or lower teeth, or you know you’ve got an entire arch already on its way out, All-on-4 dental implants offer a transformative solution that can restore what matters most to you. This efficient and effective technique provides a reliable, long-lasting way to reclaim a full, natural-looking smile in less time than traditional methods.

What’s All-on-4 dental implants?

The All-on-4 dental implant technique offers an innovative solution for restoring a full arch of teeth—upper, lower, or both—using just four implants. Pioneered by Dr. Paulo Malo in the 1990s, these strategically placed implants provide stable anchors for a fixed, full-arch prosthesis, offering a secure, permanent alternative to traditional dentures.

Full-arch tooth loss solution

Surprisingly few steps for instant results

Comprehensive evaluation: Your journey to a complete smile starts with a thorough oral health assessment. Your dentist will conduct clinical examinations, utilise 3D CBCT imaging, and perform intraoral scans to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. They’ll evaluate crucial factors such as bone density, gum health, and your overall medical history.

Implant placement: Four titanium implants are perfectly positioned in the jawbone to maximise stability. Two of these are placed vertically at the front, while the other two are angled at the back to optimise their contact with existing bone structure. This angled placement often eliminates the need for bone grafting, even in patients with some bone loss.

Temporary restoration: Immediately after placing the implants, a temporary prosthesis is secured to tide you over until the next steps of your restoration can be completed. This means you can leave the dental office with a set of teeth which look and feel good. This provisional arch of teeth will help you to speak and eat comfortably while your implants heal and integrate.

Healing and integration: Over the next 3 to 6 months, your implants fuse with your jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. This integration creates a strong, durable foundation for your permanent restoration.

Final restoration: Once healing is complete, your dentist replaces your temporary prosthesis with custom-made bridgework or a fixed denture designed to look and function like natural teeth.

dental implants

Get the All-on-4 advantage

Immediate results: Traditional dental implants often involve multiple surgeries and lengthy healing times, whereas All-on-4 technique provides a fully functional set of teeth on the same day as surgery. This immediate transformation not only restores your smile but also significantly enhances your quality of life straight away.

Bone grafting minimised: The All-on-4 technique uses angled implants, placed at a 45° angle, to optimise jawbone contact and often eliminate the need for grafts. This delivers a firm base for restorations, even suitable for some patients with reduced bone density. Unlike traditional full-arch implants, which more often require bone grafting, All-on-4 offers a less invasive alternative.

Cost-effective: By using only four implants per arch, All-on-4 is generally more affordable than traditional full-mouth restoration, which may require 6 to 8 implants. Being so cost-efficient makes it an attractive option for those seeking a long-term solution without the higher expense of installing more than 4 implants.

All on four

High success rates: A 10-year study by Malo et al. involving 245 patients demonstrated impressive success rates for All-on-4 lower jaw implants: 98.1% at 5 years and 94.8% at 10 years, with a 99.2% dental prosthesis survival rate. These figures reflect the procedure’s durability and reliability, offering patients confidence in their investment.

Material Durability: Prosthetics used in an All-on-4 treatment are typically made from high-quality materials like zirconia, high-strength ceramic, and acrylic. Zirconia and ceramic are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear, while acrylic offers a cost-effective solution that’s easier to repair if needed.

Improved quality of life: Studies consistently show that patients with All-on-4 implants report significantly higher satisfaction than those using traditional dentures, especially ill-fitting ones. Many patients experience a marked improvement in chewing function, allowing them to enjoy a wider variety of foods with greater ease.

Additionally, speech clarity is often enhanced, as the implants provide a firmer foundation compared to removable dentures. They look and feel great too, which means All-on-4 implants not only restore a natural-looking smile but also boost self-esteem, psychological well-being and social confidence.

Zirconia

Respect the limits of All-on-4 dental implants

While All-on-4 offers great benefits, there are a few limitations to note:

Suitable for many, but not all: While this is a widely suitable solution, some patients’ oral anatomy can’t reliably support an All-on-4 restoration. All-on-4 minimises the need for bone grafting, but severe bone loss or extremely low bone density in a patient could be a red flag that rules out an All-on-4 procedure. For these people, additional grafts or implants may be needed to ensure a stable foundation for their particular restoration.

Potential complications: As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. Potential issues include implant failure, infection, or peri-implantitis, a condition involving inflammation around the implants. Choosing a highly skilled and experienced dental professional is crucial to minimising these risks and ensuring a successful outcome.

Maintenance requirements: This is a permanent solution, but keeping it in good condition for life requires effective, consistent oral hygiene. Regular comprehensive dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and diligent daily care are essential to mitigate complications and maintain the health of your implants.

Wear and tear on your restoration: While the titanium implants are designed to last a lifetime, the prosthetic denture may require replacement or adjustments after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear. Regular oral hygiene and maintenance are important to the longevity and functionality of the prosthesis.

All-on-4 dental implants

Is All-on-4 dental implants right for you?

When your dentist considers if an All-on-4 procedure is your best choice, they will look at several important factors:

Bone health:

Adequate bone density is crucial to the stability of dental implants. While the All-on-4 technique minimises the need for bone grafting, sufficient bone structure is still necessary to support the implants securely.

Oral and general health:

The condition of your overall health plays a significant role in the success of the procedure. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, or a history of heavy smoking can impact the healing process and long-term outcomes. Managing these conditions effectively is essential before undergoing the procedure.

Personal goals:

Consider what you hope to achieve both aesthetically and functionally. Are you looking for a permanent, non-removable solution that restores your ability to eat and speak comfortably? Exploring and understanding your expectations will help guide the decision-making process.

Empower your choices with professional consultation

Your first step is to consult with an experienced implant specialist. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, including clinical exams and imaging, to assess your specific needs. Based on this comprehensive assessment, they will recommend the most suitable treatment plan, tailored to your oral health and personal goals.

Your complete, stunning All-on-4 smile

All-on-4 full-arch restorations come with significant benefits, and a few limitations. Now that you have a feel for whether it might suit your unique needs, it’s time to take action by consulting a qualified dental professional. Informed by a comprehensive evaluation, they can guide you through the process to help you determine whether this innovative and efficient treatment is right for you.

All-on-4 dental implants

An All-on-4 restoration could transform your smile and quality of life—don’t miss out on what it has to offer! Get in touch today so we can help you find your best path to restore your smile.

CEREC crowns

CEREC crowns

In the busy 21st century, customer expectations have changed. Our spare time is precious. So we prefer to shop online, make instant payments, and have our purchases delivered straight to our door. Businesses that can promptly deliver quality goods and great customer service – for the best possible price – meet the needs and expectations of today’s customers. The same applies to modern dentistry. Dental patients nowadays want the best solutions for their oral health in minimal time. In order to meet the needs of today’s dental patients, more and more dental clinics are practising same-day dentistry. This is possible because of advances in dental technology which have made same-day dentistry a reality. Now, lengthy dental treatment can be performed in a fraction of the usual time.

CEREC crowns 3d miller

CEREC dental technology

CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) is one such innovation. CEREC is a high-tech dental technology system that can design and produce high quality ceramic dental restorations (such as crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays) for patients, onsite at the dental clinic – in minutes.  

Traditional crown treatment

Traditional crown treatments usually take a week or longer and involve two visits. The first visit involves taking manual dental impressions of your teeth which are sent away to a dental lab. While your permanent crown is being prepared there, you will need to wear a temporary crown. When you return for your second visit, it is replaced by your new crown, which is tested and cemented into place.

The benefits of CEREC crown treatment:

 

  • CEREC crown treatments are far quicker and easier (than traditional crown treatments), and only require one visit. They are actually easier to receive than dental filling treatments.
  • CEREC crowns provide amazing results. They are bio-safe, look natural and feel just like your other teeth. CEREC technology makes it possible to customise and create strong durable colour-matched crowns for your teeth.
  • CEREC restorations are less invasive for patients. When your dentist prepares your teeth for a CEREC crown, only the damaged, decayed or defective parts of the affected tooth are removed. More of your natural tooth is retained during a CEREC procedure, unlike traditional crown treatments which require further excavation – which can weaken your remaining natural tooth structure.
Leeming-dental-cerec-3d-miller.jpg
CEREC crowns 3d model

How does the CEREC crown treatment system work?

Once your dentist has finished preparing your tooth to receive a crown, a quick 3D scan of your oral cavity is taken with a small pen-shaped intraoral 3D camera, called the CEREC Omnicam. The 3D data captured by the camera is then viewed on a computer screen. You can watch as your dentist designs your crown with the CEREC 3D modelling software. The completed 3D file of your new crown is exported to the in-house CEREC milling machine, which proceeds to carve out your crown from a single ceramic block right before your eyes. It takes about 15 minutes, and you’re free to keep watching – or you can take a break! When ready, your new CEREC crown is permanently bonded to your tooth – and you are good to go!

CEREC crowns

CEREC tooth restorations are suitable for a number of tooth problems and issues including:

  • Heavily decayed teeth
  • Weakened, fractured or cracked teeth
  • Replacement of old metal or failing restorations

However, if your other teeth are stained or discoloured, there may be other dental restorative materials that provide more aesthetic options, especially for front tooth restorations. CEREC is a life changer. If you are interested in finding out more about CEREC crowns, contact us on (08) 9310 3367 or book online to schedule a consultation. We are also happy to answer any of your questions over the phone.

Straight teeth can improve your oral health

Straight teeth can improve your oral health

People want straighter teeth for a number of reasons, including improving one’s cosmetic appearance and smile-confidence. But did you know that straighter teeth can improve your oral health?

The health benefits of straight teeth

Recent research shows that people who have straighter teeth and a properly aligned bite have better oral health, and a lower risk of periodontal disease (or gum disease) than those with crooked or crowded teeth. One major benefit of having straighter teeth is easier cleaning, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, loss of teeth and jaw issues. A properly aligned bite prevents uneven and excess wear to tooth enamel. You’re also going to be able to chew your food more effectively for better digestion, nutritional intake and better overall health.

Orthodontics – dental treatment to straighten teeth

The area of dentistry that specialises in correcting crooked or crowded teeth and overbites is called orthodontics or orthodontic treatment. And a dentist that provides orthodontic treatment is called an orthodontist. At Leeming Dental, Dr. Sonny Lee and Dr. Sashika Fernando are our resident orthodontists!

Orthodontic treatments – how to get straight teeth

Modern Orthodontics offers many kinds of braces for children, teens & adults, including:

  • Traditional braces/Metal braces – Getting metal braces is the traditional way to straighten teeth. They are quick and efficient, and utilise metal brackets and wire to reposition your teeth.
  • Ceramic braces /White braces – Ceramic braces utilise brackets and wires that are made of tooth-coloured or clear ceramics.
  • Invisible aligners – Invisalign consists of an 18 to 30 step treatment plan that utilises clear mouthguard-like aligners that are replaced fortnightly.
  • Lingual braces – Lingual braces are similar to metal braces, except they are attached to & pull in from the inside surfaces of the teeth.

Maintain your straighter teeth with RETAINERS

After your orthodontic treatment, it takes time for your teeth to learn their new positions, and to seat properly. Trouble is, they may start to drift back to their original positions, and get crooked or crowded again. That’s where retainers come in. Removable or fixed retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are the best way to protect your investment in your teeth, and are typically worn 1 or 2 nights a week but everyone is different. You just need to follow your Leeming Dental orthodontist’s recommendation to ensure that your teeth stay straight and healthy for life!

Straight teeth can improve your oral health