Health

Innovation Leads to Winning Smiles: Lebanese Dentist Dr. Mohammad Waizani Offers Insight Into the Science of Quality Veneers

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2022

Dr. Mohammad Waizani has developed a reputation for giving his patients the smile they deserve. His highly-sought after veneer procedure uses a microscope for more accurate and long-lasting results. Considered highly innovative in the dentistry world, his patients’ testimonials serve as proof of the procedure’s effectiveness.

We sat down with Dr. Waizani to gather further insight into the process of applying veneers and learn more about the types of cases that benefit from this smile-saving technique.

Are there any preconditions to receiving veneers?

The primary condition for receiving veneers is having what we call a “normal bite.” There are many different kinds of bites, including open and closed bites. Veneers can be applied to normal bites. When we do veneers for normal bites we try to remove the minimum amount of the tooth to retain as much of the tooth’s original structure as possible. This also helps to reduce instability or sensitivity, as well as ensuring that the color will be natural and not appear fake. When you think about it, if you remove a little bit of the tooth, then the ceramic layer we place on after that can also be thin. The thinner the layers, the less fake and bulky the tooth will look.

How does the procedure work?

In the first session, we prepare the tooth and take measurements. This procedure takes around two hours to two and a half hours. When we finish, we put the temporary on the teeth. This offers protection from sensitivity and allows the patient to go about their daily life, and walk with a smile on their face.

After one week, the veneers are finished in the lab and the lab sends them to our office. Once we receive the veneers, we can proceed with gluing them on. Usually we do the upper jaw alone and the lower jaw alone so the full smile needs around two weeks from start to finish.

Where does the microscope come in and why is it so important?

We employ microscopes in the procedure, to reduce the amount of surface enamel typically removed in the installation process. Using a microscopic approach, we are able to reduce the typical width of the removed layer from between 0.8 and 1.5 millimeters to a mere 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters, keeping teeth stronger and healthier. The less we remove, the less damage can occur and the teeth continue to look great for a longer period of time.

How long do veneers last?

Like the teeth you are born with, veneers, when properly cared for, don’t have an expiration date. As long as the patient cares for their veneers the same way they would with their natural teeth, they are a long term cosmetic solution for improving your smile while maintaining a very realistic and natural aesthetic.

Are there any age requirements for veneers?

We never do veneers for anyone under the age of 18. When we do veneers, or any preparation for veneers, the teeth should be fully matured so that’s why 18 and above is the perfect age. There are also the wisdom teeth to consider but that’s a different story. We don’t have to wait for wisdom teeth to apply veneers.

What are some of the reasons your patients choose to receive veneers?

There are three overarching cases where we recommend veneers: shape, color, or both. Some people have a good shape to their face and jaw, but they don’t like the color of their teeth or vice versa. In some cases it is both the color and shape that the patient wants to improve. If they have a normal bite and we just want to change the color, we will remove a minimal amount of the tooth. If we have a normal bite but we want to change the shape, we will remove more.

Are there different types of veneers?

Dental veneers come in many different forms. Dr. Waizani’s natural veneers make use of porcelain molds for more natural looking and natural feeling teeth. Porcelain contains particles particularly similar to those found in organic human teeth, allowing light to pass through in a similar manner. Where alternative veneer materials reflect light, porcelain’s translucent quality allows for artificial veneers that are virtually indistinguishable from normal tooth enamel, in addition to being more resistant to staining and chipping.

For more information, or to book an appointment with Dr. Waizani, contact [email protected]

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

1 week ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.