At my practice, I hear many questions and many misconceptions about a “Veneer” vs. a “Crown”.  The difference between a porcelain veneer and a porcelain crown is simple.. The veneer is bonded to the front and sides of your natural tooth and a crown encompasses the entire tooth.  A Porcelain veneer is the material of choice because it is very conservative and extremely esthetic.  When a veneer is bonded to your natural tooth enamel it is the strongest bond we have in dentistry… a veneer it is a great alternative to the conventional crown which requires the dentist to remove more tooth structure.  A Porcelain Crown is the material of choice when replacing an existing crown, your natural tooth has a number of fillings, or decay related problems.  

A Porcelain crown is the most conservative type of crown we have today and allows the dentist to place a restoration which is bonded to your natural tooth rather than cemented onto your natural tooth such a Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM).  PFM crowns are often considered un-esthetic because they are very opaque in nature, they have a metal core therefore an enormous amount of your own natural tooth structure needs to be removed in order to make enough room for a strong core as well as porcelain.  When done correctly the patient will never know the difference between a crown and a veneer when they are side by side.”

A healthy smile can be yours if you practice good oral hygiene; however, according to Dr. Wynn Okuda from Honolulu’s most well known Cosmetic Dental Spa, there are some other things you can do to make your grin sparkle.

An Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and an advocate for preventive dental care, Dr. Okuda understands that problems in your mouth could be a sign that something else is going on. Research indicates that plaque buildup may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can also by a sign that you are suffering from diabetes.

Below are a few tips recommended by Dr. Okuda:

Brushing-Be sure to brush your teeth at a 45 degree angle twice a day, even more if you have been consuming lots of sugar or starchy foods. Brush in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes and don’t forget to brush your cheeks and your tongue.

Flossing-Everyone should floss once each day, and although most people floss after they brush the American Dental Association recommends that you floss before you brush. Flossing before you brush will help clear the debris that you may have missed if you floss after you brush. If you need to brush up on your flossing technique, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda.

Eat your Vegetables-Eating veggies, celery is Mother Natures’ Dental Floss, will help remove food and keep your saliva neutralized. Choose foods that are nutritious including cheese, fruit, and plain yogurt. Limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods and keep the citrus fruits to a minimum.

Checkups-Regular dental visits help detect tooth decay and gum disease. If caught early enough all you may need is a small filling instead of a root canal. The same can be said for gum disease. Catch gingivitis early on and it is curable, however periodontal disease is not.

Early Detection-Ask Dr. Okuda to conduct an oral cancer screening. According to the American Cancer Society, regular oral cancer screenings can help detect lip, tongue, cheek, throat, and other types of oral cancer in the early stages. People who are diagnosed before the cancer has progressed have a higher success rate than those who have not.

If you would like more information regarding oral hygiene and a healthy smile, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Wynn Okuda today. 

A Smile Makeover can mean anything from a professional in office tooth whitening to porcelain veneers, dental crowns or dental implants. A Smile Makeover can also include restorative dental procedures such as root canals, fillings, dental bridges, or gum disease therapy. 

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Wynn Okuda, Honolulu’s most well known cosmetic and restorative dentist, your entire mouth will be checked to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough before any restorative or cosmetic procedures can proceed. During your comprehensive dental exam Dr. Okuda will also clean your teeth and give you an oral cancer screening. 

Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain Veneers are used for a multitude of applications including badly stained teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, or teeth that appear too short or too long. Dr. Okuda may also recommend porcelain veneers if you have a gap between your teeth. 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is less permanent than porcelain veneers, but is a more affordable option. Cosmetic resin that has been chosen to match the color of your teeth will be bonded to the prepared tooth or teeth before the resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape. Once satisfied, Dr. Okuda will use a laser or light to cure or harden the material.

Tooth Colored Fillings 

Porcelain and resin can be used to replace old silver amalgam fillings or to fill cavities in the front of your teeth. Tooth colored fillings are more aesthetically pleasing, and although not as sturdy as amalgam, extract and expand making fillings less likely to leak, chip, or break. 

Dental Implants 

Missing teeth can affect more than your smile. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, regardless of its location, the rest of your teeth can suffer from it. Dr. Okuda can determine if dental implants are a good fit if you have a missing tooth or missing teeth. 

A beautiful smile is just a call or click away, and if you would like more information regarding a Smile Makeover talk to the team from Dr. Okuda’s Dental Spa in Hawaii today. 

Better yet, make it a dentistry vacation and ask the concierge from the Dental Spa in Honolulu to make the arrangements. Call or click now. 

If you are tired of looking in the mirror with a frown on your face, you may want to consider a full mouth smile makeover.

Thanks to modern 21^st century dental procedures, you can have a full mouth smile makeover with porcelain veneers as long as you find a qualified dentist. Unfortunately, not all dentists in Hawaii understand the art of properly bonding porcelain veneers, but Dr. Wynn Okuda does.   

As one of only a handful to be recognized with an accredited fellowship from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Wynn Okuda is an expert and one of the few to receive the honor. The AACD has almost 7,000 members across the globe. Since 1986, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has been dedicated to continually educating dentists in patient care and new cosmetic dental procedures.

Recently Dr. Wynn treated a woman who wanted a complete smile transformation, and this is what Dr. Wynn had to say.

"Patient had a worn and aged smile that needed to be restored and rejuvenated." 

"After doing a full mouth smile makeover with porcelain veneers the patient looked 8-10 years younger and felt her teeth were stronger. "  

If you are considering a full mouth smile makeover talk to Dr. Wynn and start planning your trip to Hawaii. Dr. Wynn treats local patients and people from all over the world who have transformed their smiles with a full mouth smile makeover. Dr. Wynn’s Dental Spa and Concierge can transform your smile in as little as one or two appointments letting you enjoy the rest of your stay in Honolulu.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is an accredited member of the AACD assuring you a safe and relaxing cosmetic dental procedure that will give you something to smile about.

Stop dreaming about a new smile and contact Dr. Okuda and his Dental Spa in Hawaii team in Honolulu today. 

If you want to wear a beautiful smile this spring, call and schedule an appointment with Hawaii’s own Dr. Wynn Okuda. Dr. Okuda is known all over the world for turning smiles upside down and can do the same for you.

As one of only a handful to be recognized with an accredited fellowship from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Okuda is an expert and one of the few to receive the honor. The AACD has almost 7,000 members across the globe. Since 1986, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has been dedicated to continually educating dentists in patient care and new cosmetic dental procedures. If you are considering any type of cosmetic dental procedure, it is imperative that you make sure the dentist that you choose is an accredited member of the AACD.

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda, your wants and needs will be discussed including what you do and do not like about your smile. Dr. Okuda will also examine your teeth and gums to make sure that you are healthy enough for cosmetic dental treatments. If you are not, Dr. Okuda will discuss dental restorations or other treatments that need to be taken care of before Dental Veneers, Dental Implants, Tooth Whitening, Inlays, onlays, or Dental Bonding.

From subtle changes to major procedures, Dr. Okuda can perform many treatments that will improve your smile and your self-confidence. Dr. Okuda can close spaces between your teeth, restore worn teeth, shorten or lengthen your teeth or replace missing teeth. Some of these improvements are not just cosmetic and can actually improve other oral issues including your bite.

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda it is important that you ask him what your changes will look like, what the course of treatment will be and what type of maintenance is required. Dr. Okuda will also show you before and after photos of his patients so that you can get a good idea of just how you will look after any type of cosmetic dental procedure.

If you would like more information regarding your smile, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda today. After all, wouldn’t you like a new smile to wear this spring? Call and schedule your appointment now.

That missing tooth could be affecting more than your smile. According to Hawaii’s premiere cosmetic dentist, missing teeth can cause other problems that you may not be aware of.

Dr. Wynn Okuda has been recognized with an accredited fellowship with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and an expert when it comes to Cosmetic Dentistry. The AACD is the largest organization of its kind in the world with almost 7,000 members.

Dr. Okuda explains that for every missing tooth that you have you will lose nearly 10 percent of your chewing ability.

When a tooth is lost, it decreases its efficiency. When you lose a tooth, it can place stress on your other teeth. If you have lost your ability to chew, you may swallow food that has not been properly digested. This could lead to both stomach and digestive problems. Missing teeth may also mean that you cannot enjoy some of your favorite foods because you just cannot chew them anymore.

Other problems can also occur if you have missing teeth. If you have a lower tooth that has been extracted, the opposing tooth on the top will grow longer to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. Known as superuption or extrusion the teeth on the opposing side can tilt or move out of place drifting into the space that was left by your missing tooth. This makes it harder to brush and floss leaving your teeth prone to gum disease and tooth decay.

People who have multiple teeth missing could suffer from a collapsed bite along with a loss of the vertical dimension. This means that the distance between the tip of your nose and your chin will decrease making your face appear shorter.

Thankfully, you do not have to put up with a missing tooth or missing teeth. Dental Implants are always the first choice when it comes to tooth replacement, and that is where Dr. Wynn Okuda comes in. As an expert in Cosmetic Dentistry, he can advise you on the best procedure for your particular situation. Dr. Okuda recommends that you have your missing tooth replaced as quickly as possible to avoid any problems.

If you would like more information regarding Dental Implants and tooth replacement call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda today.

When you think of teeth and a beautiful smile in Hawaii Dr. Wynn Okuda, Hawaii’s most popular cosmetic dentist, probably pops into your head. Dr. Okuda, who has an accredited fellowship with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, treats people from all over the world and is known for his patient friendly facilities at his Dental Day spa in Honolulu. So well known is Dr. Okuda that Hawaii Luxury, a popular magazine sold all over the islands, asked his thoughts regarding the dental day spa experience.

Here is what Dr. Okuda had to say,

“We have people book appointments, just so they can get the extras,” Okuda says. Lengthier procedures mean even more TLC. For instance, the in-office spa room has a full-sized massage bed and aromatherapy equipment, making the hour-long massage some patients receive truly tension melting. Entering a procedure in a more relaxed state works wonders for the actual procedure.”

Okuda believes in the comfort of the patient and thanks to his, “Fear reduction,” practice, more people are coming to his dental day spa for procedures that they would be too petrified to consider in the past.

At Dr. Okuda’s dental day spa you can relax if you are having a no obligation cosmetic dentistry consultation as Dr. Okuda and his team will help you decide what cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs whether you have been considering porcelain veneers or have been toying with the idea of dental bonding.

Dr. Okuda is an expert when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and has received several accreditations and accolades helping everyone from beauty queens to television personalities get the smile that they deserve.

Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Okuda is one of a handful of dentists around the world who have an accredited fellowship with the AACD worldwide. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the world’s largest cosmetic dental organization with nearly 7,000 members.

If you would like more information regarding Dr. Okuda and is dental day spa, call and schedule an appointment for a no obligation dental day spa consultation today. 

If your smile is something that you are ashamed of, call or click and schedule an appointment with Hawaii’s best-known Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Wynn Okuda.

Dr. Okuda is an expert and master when it comes to dental veneers and can help you get your self-confidence back while giving you the smile that you deserve. Dental veneers are not created equal and if you want the procedure done the right way, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda who is one of only 350 dentists on the planet who accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The AACD is the largest cosmetic dental organization in the world, with nearly 7,000 members.

Dental veneers are ultra thin and made out of porcelain or resin and can be used to repair chips, cracks, badly stained teeth that cannot be helped with tooth whitening, poorly aligned teeth and to fill the gap between your teeth. Comparable to your tooth enamel, dental veneers are strong and replicate the natural look of your own teeth.

During your dental veneer consultation, Dr. Okuda will make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for dental veneers. If you are given the all clear, Dr. Okuda will also provide you with a smile analysis in order to determine if dental veneers are the right fit for you.

Also called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, dental veneers are custom made to match the natural color of your teeth. Dental veneers cover the front surfaces of your teeth and are bonded directly to your natural teeth. 

Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than resin veneers and will mimic the natural light reflecting properties better as well. Resin veneers are thinner than porcelain veneers and require less removal of the enamel on your teeth. When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Wynn Okuda for cosmetic dentistry in Hawaii, he will discuss the best materials for your particular needs.

If Dr. Okuda has determined that dental veneers are right for you, you will need two or three dental appointments. One for consultation, two to make your custom made dental veneers and a third appointment to bond your new veneers to your natural teeth.

Before your dental veneers are applied, Dr. Okuda will take pictures and x-rays and make a mold or impression of your teeth. Once the mold has been made, about ½ millimeter of your natural enamel will be removed to make way for the dental veneer. This is done to make room for the dental or porcelain veneer. You may or may not need a local anesthetic before this step occurs.

Before your new veneers are placed, Dr. Okuda will make sure that the color and fit is right before bonding. Once happy with placement, Dr. Okuda will clean, polish and etch the tooth to roughen it up allowing for a stronger bond.

A special bonding cement is applied to your new veneer before placing on your tooth. Once it has been positioned properly, Dr. Okuda will use a light or laser to harden the dental bonding materials.

Once your veneers have been placed, Dr. Okuda will remove any excess bonding cement before evaluating your bite and making final adjustments. 

If you would like more information regarding dental or porcelain veneers, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Wynn Okuda who can come up with the best solution for your new smile. Call or click today.

Genetics can determine your overall health, but most people have no idea that genetics can also have an impact on how your teeth will develop.

Microdontia is an oral health problem that is quite common. Small teeth are the first sign that you may be suffering from a disorder that usually runs in families.

Adults that have microdontia may have gaps between their small teeth. This makes it appear as if they still have their baby or primary teeth. If you have small teeth and suffer from microdontia, you may not be able to chew properly, or your teeth might not fit exactly as they should. Over time, this could cause wear and tear, but thanks to 21^st century modern dental restoration techniques, there are some things that you can do to improve your smile and restore your teeth.

According to Dr. Wynn Okuda, one of the most well known cosmetic dentists in the world, what can be done really depends on how severe your microdontia actually is.

Dr. Wynn and his team will give you a thorough mouth exam before determining what types of cosmetic restoration would be best for your particular needs whether it be composite bonding or crowns. Dr. Okuda may also suggest porcelain veneers that can change the shape and size of your teeth. This will make them look like adult teeth instead of baby teeth.  

Porcelain or composite veneers will not remove too much of your natural tooth structure and are quite conservative when it comes to cosmetic dental restorations. Composite bonding is normally used for people who have not made the decision to have porcelain veneers or are on a tight budget. However, it may be more cost effective in the long run, as composite bonding will not last as long as porcelain veneers that offer a superior appearance and more durability.

If you have decided that you would like to improve your toothy grin, even if you do not suffer from microdontia, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit a dentist, such as Dr. Okuda, who has the training, experience, and expertise when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Some popular cosmetic restorations treatment options include:

Composites

Composites can be used for fillings, to repair cracks or fill in gaps. Composites are designed to match your own tooth color. Made from quartz filler, or a mixture of glass, composites can withstand moderate pressure and actually adhere to the tooth, which allows your dentist to be more conservative when it comes to repairs. This means that there will be less tooth structure removed.

Veneers

Veneers are designed to fit over the top of your teeth. Used on the front teeth they are an excellent choice if you have stained, decayed, crooked, or chipped teeth. The custom-made thin shells are crafted from a model of your own teeth and then manufactured in a dental lab. Veneers are irreversible as it is necessary for your dentist to remove some of the enamel on your teeth in order to accommodate your dental veneers.

Crowns

Crowns are used for a variety of restorations and can actually make a tooth stronger while improving the appearance. Crowns are used for large fillings and to attach bridges. Your dentist may also use a crown to protect a weak tooth and to cover teeth that are misshaped or discolored.

For more information regarding cosmetic dental restorations, please visit our website at www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com