Reviews

“Dental implants are the best thing I’ve ever done – I’m over the moon with them”

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to one or more missing teeth and they look, feel and work like the real thing. They can also securely anchor dentures into place, making chewing easier.

The Smile Centre’s principal dentist Chris Smirthwaite has been successfully placing dental implants for many years. He says that ill-fitting dentures and loose or missing teeth can make social lives a misery, sap self-confidence and stop people from enjoying their food.

One of his patients, 62-year-old Michael from Liskeard, had worn a partial denture since he was a teenager after he lost his four front teeth. Shortly after he retired he looked into having dental implants. He now has two implants that support a bridge – and is delighted with the result.

Michael said: “Dental implants are the best thing I’ve ever done – I’m over the moon with them. I can’t speak highly enough of the practice and I am overwhelmed with the feeling I have got back after so many years of wearing a plate.

“One great thing was that they didn’t pressurise me. They talked through the procedure and then left me to think it over and make up my own mind. I was really impressed with that.”

Michael said he was also impressed with his aftercare, which he described as excellent.

“I have been really well looked after – it’s true that you get what you pay for. I was made comfortable during the treatment and was phoned after treatment to make sure I was all right. I really can’t praise them enough!

“As you would expect, there is some discomfort but that really mustn’t put anyone off as the result is well worth it. I would definitely recommend this treatment to others. My teeth are secure and they feel like real teeth. I did have some reservations at first but I spoke to another patient from The Smile Centre and she reassured me. If anyone wanted to phone me, I’d be happy to speak to them.”

Dentists recommend that babies come along to their parents’ dental appointments as young as possible so that they grow up comfortable and at ease with being in a dental surgery. As soon as their teeth start coming through, their mouths should be checked by a dental professional – and this is something Stephanie was keen to encourage with her four boys.

The 48-year-old mum, her husband and four children have been patients at The Smile Centre in Liskeard since the early 90s. The family had heard great reports about the Church Street practice and had been personally recommended to pay a visit.

The Smile Centre offers a variety of dental care plans to help individuals and families pay for their routine preventive dental care with affordable monthly direct debit payments. The comprehensive choice of oral healthcare plans are designed to suit every member of the family and different levels of care are offered depending on a patient’s needs.

Stephanie said: “The Smile Centre is great for families because they offer a good package for the whole family, with competitive rates for children and young adults. We primarily decided to join their Smile Plan to help us budget.

“The staff are all very friendly and helpful and I would certainly recommend the practice to other families. As we are not local to Liskeard, The Smile Centre arrange our examinations and, if required, treatment appointments so that all the family can be seen on the same day in consecutive slots.”

Stephanie is also full of praise for the practice’s emergency care, explaining: “One of my sons had a bicycle accident and broke three of his front teeth. He was seen as soon as we could get down to Liskeard and the dentist did an excellent repair job. My son now says he has better teeth than he had before!”

“They also have excellent waiting-room facilities – for younger children there are books and a dressing-up box and play castle. There are newspapers and ‘quality’ magazines for the grown-ups and young adults and there are also refreshments, such as a water dispenser or freshly made tea or coffee courtesy of the friendly receptionists.”

As well as welcoming facilities, the practice also invests in the latest technology, including digital x-rays that use up to 90 per cent less radiation than film x-rays and produce a much higher-quality image, and chairside oral scanners that eliminate the need for taking rubber-based impressions, which can be messy and which many patients find difficult and unpleasant.

The Smile Centre’s dentists and hygienists provide brushing techniques to help young patients perfect their dental routines at home and this was something Stephanie was particularly impressed with.

“I recommend him to literally everyone – I’ve tell them I’ve got the best dentist!”

I used to be a very, very nervous patient because of a traumatic experience when I was about 14. Until Dan became my dentist it was normal for me to shake when I knew I had a dental appointment and I would frequently sit in the car outside unable to go into the practice.

For many years I totally neglected my teeth, which is why they are such a wreck now. I don’t have very strong teeth and that could be because of the medication I have for asthma. But not going to the dentist hasn’t helpe

All that has changed now. Dan has done more than help me; he’s changed my view of dentists. I have had quite a lot of pretty intensive treatment and I have been to every one of his appointments. I don’t get nervous and go to see him regularly now.

Dan is a very soothing person. I can talk to him and he knows how to talk to me. He makes me feel calm by explaining everything to me as he’s going along. I had an injection recently and I can honestly say that I didn’t feel it – I swear I didn’t know I’d had it done, he’s that gentle.

Dan is very informative and draws diagrams on a whiteboard for me, to help me understand what he’s doing and why. It really helps take away my fear and shows me that I don’t have anything to worry about. He’s very talented – and honest. If he thinks I’m going to feel something, he warns me first and that helps you prepare yourself for it.

He’s a really nice guy and talks to you as a person. I recommend him to literally everyone I know. If they say they are looking for a new dentist, I tell them I’ve got the best!

“I’m so impressed with Dan’s ability and professionalism that I travel three hours to see him”

I first met Dan Smirthwaite at my local practice in Ilfracombe. I was so impressed with his ability and professionalism that when he moved to Liskeard, I asked if I could become a patient. Although visiting him entails a six hour round trip, I’m more than happy to do this.

My new dentures have changed my life. I can now eat anything I like, including steak. I have also noticed an improvement with my health. I had suffered with stomach problems for many years because if you don’t chew your food properly, you can get digestive problems. I can now chew and digest my food properly – it’s wonderful.

I’m so impressed with Dan and I’m only too happy to recommend The Smile Centre. I would gladly have a chat with anyone who is having difficulties with their dentures.

My new teeth are amazing and have made a difference to my appearance. I have had a complete set made to ensure the bite is correct. Getting dentures right is complicated and I have the added problem of having a crooked tooth but I have every confidence in Dan.

The Smile Centre is a fabulous place and all the staff are very pleasant and obliging. The practice is well laid out, tidy and there is adequate parking. I’m delighted overall and would like to thank Dan for all his support.