dr. Varini Michele

Dentists
Dr. Michele Varini's Practice

Thanks to our qualified and competent staff and constant updating of both working techniques and infrastructure, our practice offers high-level treatments with particular attention to aesthetics and precision.

Michele Varini

Dr. med. dent. SSO

• 1984: Federal scientific baccalaureate at the Papio College in Ascona.
• 1990: Federal diploma in dentistry from the University of Geneva.
• 1990-1993: Dental assistant in the Oral Surgery, Stomatology, and Prosthetics departments of the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Geneva.
• 1993-1994:  Lecturer for 5th and 6th semester students.
• Since 1994:   Own dental practice in Locarno.
• 1998: Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Geneva.

 

Digital radiology and radiographic diagnosis

Accurate and early radiographic diagnosis requires high-quality X-rays. Our modern digital radiology equipment provides high-definition images, the possibility of adjusting contrast, reduced waiting times, and a significant reduction in the dose of radiation to which the patient is exposed. Digital X-rays can also be easily sent to patients or colleagues via email without any loss of quality.

Hygiene and prevention

Oral hygiene is essential for preventing most oral diseases.

For good oral hygiene, our expert hygienists will:

• remove tartar and plaque, which cause cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and serious periodontal disease.
• instruct patients on brushing techniques and the type of toothbrush and toothpaste best suited to each patient.
• give individual advice on the best tool to use for essential interdental cleaning.
• apply fluoride, if necessary, to strengthen teeth against cavities.

 

Teeth whitening

There are basically two types of whitening that are performed in our practice:

"Home bleaching"

Custom-made trays (soft and transparent mouth guards) are made for the patient, who will apply a whitening gel to them at home before placing them on their teeth.

Internal whitening

Treatment reserved for devitalized teeth that have become dark (often gray) over time.

 

Adhesive restorations

Adhesive restorations have largely replaced obsolete treatments such as gray amalgam "fillings" and caps. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, thanks to their camouflage (they are white), adhesive restorations have a huge advantage: they adhere perfectly to the tooth. This "seemingly small detail" makes all the difference: it allows us to preserve as much of the precious healthy tissue of the tooth as possible, often preserving its vitality and, therefore, its permanence in our mouths.
The famous gray "fillings" (amalgam) are aesthetically unacceptable, contain mercury, and require cavities to be retentive with significant undercuts because amalgam does not adhere to the tooth. This involves a great sacrifice of healthy tissue and therefore a weakening of the tooth itself, which often leads to catastrophic fractures. Caps (crowns and bridges on natural teeth) are extremely mutilating; the tooth is reduced three-dimensionally to a small copy of itself and then covered with a tooth-shaped "cap." This treatment is performed when an old cap needs to be replaced or in rare cases where no other option is possible.

 

Composite fillings

An excellent technique for filling small or medium cavities caused by:

• Caries
• Reconstruction of fractured teeth
• Closing diastemas (gaps)
• Replacement of small or medium amalgams

These fillings are performed in a single session and often require local anesthesia.
We use white, metal-free, light-curing composite resins (which harden under the action of a specific light).

Onlays/Inlays

Treatment to replace large portions of missing teeth. This technique requires two sessions, approximately one week apart. During the first session, caries, old restorations, and tooth "tips" that are too thin to withstand chewing are removed. This first phase almost always requires anesthesia. A specific treatment is then carried out on the surface, a small partial impression of the situation is taken, and a temporary product is applied, which will then be removed at the second appointment.

During the second session, which generally does not require anesthesia, the temporary product is removed without the use of a drill, and the "missing piece," which has been prepared in the laboratory by our dental technicians, is adhesively cemented in place. This technique is extremely conservative (the preparation does not have to follow mutilating geometric laws) and replaces most of the indications that once required the creation of crowns, a treatment that is now obsolete and mutilating. Very often, onlays (or inlays) allow the vitality of the teeth to be preserved, a fundamental factor for their permanence in the mouth.

Ceramic veneers

Ceramic veneers are the aesthetic treatment par excellence. Extremely conservative and effective, they allow the health of the gums to be perfectly maintained, which is not an element to be underestimated in a beautiful smile.

The main indication for veneers is to change the shape of your teeth. This may be necessary in cases of:

• Enamel loss due to an acidic diet and/or incorrect brushing.
• Large composite restorations performed following cavities or fractures.
• Fractures of the front teeth.
• Congenital malformation.
• Congenital or orthodontically induced position to close any diastemas (spaces) that are bothersome to the patient.

 

Palatal veneers

Palatal veneers, as their name suggests, are placed on the inner (palatal) surface of the front teeth. The main indication is enamel loss due to aggressive chemical agents such as induced or non-induced acid reflux.

 

Surgery

Thanks to the use of lasers and piezoelectric surgery equipment (ultrasound surgery) alongside traditional surgery, we offer the following procedures:

Implantology

Replacement of missing teeth with titanium-zirconium roots (Straumann implants).

 

Bone augmentation

Thanks to bone reconstruction techniques, we can recreate bone where there is insufficient bone for the insertion of one or more implants.

 

Crowns and bridges on implants

 

Implants allow us to replace the roots of missing natural teeth, on which we can then reconstruct single teeth (crowns) or segments of teeth (bridges) in order to restore function and aesthetics to the masticatory system.

Bridges and crowns can be screwed or cemented onto the implants depending on their depth and inclination.

 

Removable prostheses

In cases where general or oral health conditions do not allow for fixed rehabilitation, we offer the solution of partial or total removable prostheses; the former are inserted and attached to the remaining teeth, while the latter rest entirely on the gums.

Functionally valid, these prostheses can often be further stabilized by inserting a limited number of implants.

 

Pediatric dentistry

Magic jam, mosquitoes, beavers, elephants, circus tents, and so on and so forth: these are the tools we use to treat children's teeth in a playful and empathetic atmosphere. Contrary to the common belief that baby teeth do not need to be treated, deciduous teeth are very important for keeping space for the permanent teeth that are coming in. Furthermore, neglecting an infection in baby teeth can lead to malformation of the permanent tooth underneath.

 

Complementary treatments

 

Possibility of supplementing treatment with hypnosis sessions

Thanks to our colleague Silvana Famiglietti and her many years of experience in the field of hypnosis, we can help you if you suffer from particular phobias. Preparation outside the clinic and assistance during procedures will allow you to minimize any fears, gag reflexes, smoking, and other problems that could interfere with the success of the treatment.

Homeopathy (preventive and curative) and Chinese medicine (in collaboration with Farmacina, Locarno)

For those who prefer alternative medicine for analgesia and tranquilizers, we consult with pharmacist Sara Varini, who will recommend the most suitable remedies depending on the procedure to be performed.

Osteopathy

In the case of musculoskeletal disorders, such as myoarthropathies of the masticatory system, we combine our treatment with the advice of osteopaths Lorenzo Simona and Martina Varini.

Chairs with lumbar massage

To ensure you are always seated in the most comfortable position, we have the latest generation of chairs equipped with lumbar massage.