My teeth, my dental journey... (Photos & Video)

[Robert]

And you won't find any in the DR like that. When we needed dental work or medical care, we always came to the USA. I have never trusted any doctors and dentists in the DR before this. You may have changed my mind Robert and that is a very difficult thing to do.

I have no doubt you will find more complete clinics in the USA and Europe.
Also better individuel specialists with their on clinics etc.

But...

Aside from the obvious expertise of the specialists at Dental Cibao Spa under one roof it never feels like I'm going to a dental clinic. They have taken the medical feel away by blending a very personalized service with excellent surroundings. If you have any type of fear of going to the dentist, then pay them a visit, you might just enjoy it

I'm in Colombia now and have visited a bunch of clinics. Colombia has some amazing dentists and nice clinics, but it's only now a few of the very high end ones are changing their approach and going the same way. Basically making a dental visit almost like going to a day spa.

 

[Robert]

Quick update!

I have been doing lots of traveling the past few months and haven't had a chance to complete my work at Dental Cibao Spa. Hopefully before the end of 2011 I will get the chance to spend a few more hours in the chair. I actually enjoy visiting, it really is a pleasant experience.

The good news...

The temporary acrylic teeth I had fitted in a few spots by Dr. Miguel Asenjo are still as good as new.
Not only are they strong, they look like real teeth, amazing!

 

[debinatore]

An implant will cost you around US$900-950 and it's guaranteed for life.
As far as I'm aware, the implants they use are custom made in the USA, based on the 3D maps they
make of your mouth, bone structure etc. They are small and minimally invasive, meaning no sutures.
It's the very latest technology, this is why they have to have them custom made in the USA.

Robert, I'm not sure how I stumbled on this thread but I have to thank you for such a great thread. I have dentist fears and have always been put to sleep for ANY dental work. This thread has really inspired me, perhaps to even plan my vacation around your new dentist LOL. One thing I want to understand though is you said implants are around$900.... ARE YOU SURE... here in Canada they want me to have TWO implants at a cost of $10,000 for both !!!! And, it would take about a year to complete before adding the abuttments, does this sound possible or do you think there is a better solution for this.... PS, no insurance company in Canada would cover this so that's not an issue.

PS, have you ever seen the videos of what they actually do to insert the implants, pretty F/N gross and don't think I could handle this.... am hoping "your" dentist has a much better, less invasive method.

Cheers, Debbie

 

[Robert]

Robert, I'm not sure how I stumbled on this thread but I have to thank you for such a great thread. I have dentist fears and have always been put to sleep for ANY dental work. This thread has really inspired me, perhaps to even plan my vacation around your new dentist LOL. One thing I want to understand though is you said implants are around$900.... ARE YOU SURE... here in Canada they want me to have TWO implants at a cost of $10,000 for both !!!! And, it would take about a year to complete before adding the abuttments, does this sound possible or do you think there is a better solution for this.... PS, no insurance company in Canada would cover this so that's not an issue.

PS, have you ever seen the videos of what they actually do to insert the implants, pretty F/N gross and don't think I could handle this.... am hoping "your" dentist has a much better, less invasive method.

Cheers, Debbie

$10,000 is crazy! Modern dental practices can do implant procedures much quicker than a year, some types the same day with the latest technology.

I suggest you chat with the people at Dental Cibao Spa, I'm sure you will be very impressed. I know I have been and also the people I have sent them have been.

 

[debinatore]

Thanks Robert !!! Any updates on your dental "excursion"

 

[Robert]

Thanks Robert !!! Any updates on your dental "excursion"

I have been doing lots of traveling the past 6 months, but scheduled to finish up within the next 4-8 weeks.

I will keep everyone posted when I have any updated progress.

Cheers!

 

[Robert]

In case anyone was wondering what's going on with my teeth, quick update.

Had a small surgery last Tuesday, all went well, no pain, very impressed.

Tomorrow (March 15) I'm going for a check up and some clean up work.
Then need to wait a week before they will take impressions and scans so they can manufacture some ceramic inserts I'm having done. I'll post photos as I get them, not always easy with your mouth open and a dentist working away

I was emailed last week about appointments, so thought I should post the response here for all to see.

You can call the clinic any time (809-336-1106), they have English speaking staff. They service is VERY personalized, to the extent that if you need an appointment at 9PM, they will make that happen. This is unlike any other dental clinic I have ever visited and I have been to plenty over the years!

Also have had a few PM's about pricing etc. Everyone is different, so you will need to get a quote directly. You might need to send your x-rays etc. Actually better to go and visit, trust me, it's an enjoyable experience.

In my case, when it's all done, I would have saved around US$15,000+ over what I was quoted by some of the better clinics in the USA and the UK.

Bottom line, if your looking for cheap, don't waste your time contacting them. If you're looking for an ultra-moderen clinic, that offers a very personalized service, with excellent specialists, then contact them.

 

[Criss Colon]

When will they open an office in Santo Domingo?????
Cris Colon

 

[Robert]

When will they open an office in Santo Domingo?????
Cris Colon

No plans.

 

[flchatguy]

I'll bet they have a waiting list a mile long. How long did any of you guys wait before you could get your appointment?

 

[Robert]

I'll bet they have a waiting list a mile long. How long did any of you guys wait before you could get your appointment?

Nope.

Say you're from DR1 and they will make space for you.

If you need an appointment at 9PM, 7AM etc, they will make that happen.

They are unlike any other clinic in this country.

 

[Robert]

CEREC @ Dental Cibao Spa

Yesterday I went to see a few of my new teeth being made and it was absolutely fascinating, even more so if you're into technology.

The process used is called CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics).

Link to the CEREC website.
http://www.cereconline.com/cerec/software.html

Steps:

1. Take a 3D map of my mouth, showing gum lines, current structures and basic anatomy.
2. Design a tooth to either replace an existing one or improve on the current one.
3. Machine the new tooth using CAD/CAM from a block of ceramic.
4. Dip the tooth in a fluid to get the correct color gradient.
5. Bake the tooth in an oven for 7-8hrs.
6. Add the finishing touches, coloring, basically making it look 100% natural.
7. Fit and seal the tooth in place.

The final result is a tooth that fits perfectly, is incredibly strong and looks natural.
This cutting edge technology is available in Santiago, at Dental Ciba Spa.


Lab guy (Rolando) using an iPad + Skype Video asking my dentist some questions about the fit.
My dentist (Dr. Miguel Asenjo ) was in Punta Cana at the time

3D scan of part of my mouth, showing the current structure, basically ground down teeth.
The blue lines show the gum lines and can be adjusted for a perfect fit.

Virtual teeth designed and sitting on top of the previous image.
The shape and form can be designed and adjusted, before the tooth is created.

Another angle of the above teeth. You can rotate thru any angle.

3D image showing top and bottom jaws. The software works out the perfect bite.

Ceramic blocks that the new teeth are cut from.

Block in place ready to be machined.

Final product, one of my back molars. Next step, coloring and baking.

This is a short video clip showing a few of the processes.
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/39436445?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="650" height="366" frameborder="0"></iframe>


In a couple of days I'll post some photos of the final product, plus my fitting

 

[Frank the Tank]

Did you have the posts put in yet?

 

[Robert]

Did you have the posts put in yet?

Putting in posts and letting them settle etc is old implant technology.

They don't use posts with this technique, I did not have implants.
I had 10 teeth custom fitted this morning in Santiago to restore my bite etc.
They are a perfect fit, look 100% like natural teeth.... Amazing!!!

In Punta Cana right now, will post photos and an update early next week.

 

[Frank the Tank]

Putting in posts and letting them settle etc is old implant technology.

They don't use posts with this technique, I did not have implants.
I had 10 teeth custom fitted this morning in Santiago to restore my bite etc.
They are a perfect fit, look 100% like natural teeth.... Amazing!!!

In Punta Cana right now, will post photos and an update early next week.

If they aren't using posts then are what you are getting more like veneers or caps over your old teeth?

 

[Robert]

If they aren't using posts then are what you are getting more like veneers or caps over your old teeth?

Yes, you can call them caps. The process is just a little different as it also corrects my bite and teeth line.

Back to the implants...

These days they can install mini-implants the same day, no waiting weeks for the post to settle etc.

 

[Frank the Tank]

Yes, you can call them caps. The process is just a little different as it also corrects my bite and teeth line.

Can I assume that they will grind down and shape the old teeth to fit the caps so as to adjust and correct your bite?

 

[belmont]

I think people are confusing a post used to anchor an implant to bone and a post used to anchor a cap (crown) to an underlying tooth. Your procedure is similar to a cap or crown, but the new technology has eliminated the need to anchor it with a post inserted into the underlying tooth.

 

[Robert]

I think people are confusing a post used to anchor an implant to bone and a post used to anchor a cap (crown) to an underlying tooth. Your procedure is similar to a cap or crown, but the new technology has eliminated the need to anchor it with a post inserted into the underlying tooth.

Exactly! Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Robert]

Saturday March 31 I had 10 back teeth/caps fitted. Took about 2 hours and no problems.

Outcome is excellent and I'm extremely happy, after years of going to so called "experts" in various countries, I finally get my problem diagnosed and solved here in the DR My bite has been restored and I can now eat anything I want, on both sides!

August or September I will start work on the cosmetic side of my front teeth, so hopefully by the end of this year I will be 100% done.


Taking a few photos of the new teeth

10 new teeth.

Prepped and ready to roll.

4 of my teeth and a few before and after photos:

Temporary acrylic teeth I have been using the past few months.

Teeth underneath that have been ground and shaped etc.
The redness is due to some inflammation from recent surgeries.

Final teeth cemented in place.