Veteran dentist DeVon Binns has launched Signature Dental Aesthetics in Hamilton, a new practice designed to fill holes in the local market.

Years ago, running Da Vinci Dental in Hamilton, he noticed Bermuda was not able to effectively serve implant patients.

Dental implants are used to replace missing or failing teeth, support crowns or stabilise removable dentures, among other things.

Many dental patients who needed extensive work done were being sent overseas for treatment, which could get pricey with only a portion of the cost covered by health insurance.

Dr Binns estimated that with travel and hotel included, it could cost between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on what was done.

“I always wanted to do more, but my training did not allow me to,” he said.

Determined to tackle the problem, he sold Da Vinci Dental in 2019 and moved to the United States. He took a dental implant course at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts and then worked at a dental practice in Charlotte, North Carolina to gain experience with implants.

Now back on the island, his office is on the fourth floor at 129 Front Street in Hamilton. He has a stunning view of Hamilton Harbour and space for several dental chairs. The new office is full of light.

“It was super important to me that I have a nice, sunny office space,” he said.

He is now doing implant surgeries in Bermuda. Most of them can be done in his office with the exception being those that require general anaesthesia.

“For those, we are partnering with another practice,” he said. “That is normally for the larger full-mouth implant rehabs. People don’t want to be awake for that.”

Signature Dental Aesthetics also offers regular cleanings, cosmetic dentistry and sedation for nervous patients.

“A lot of people have dental phobias,” Dr Binns said. “Some people defer dental treatment out of fear and end up suffering more. We can provide moderate, conscious sedation. They can just relax and allow us to do what we have to do.”

He has only been open for a little over a week, but already there is interest from the community.

“This is the best time to book an appointment,” he said. “This is the first time in my career where I can see patients and get some stuff done without there being much of a wait.”

However, he believes that once word gets out, things will get busy quickly.

Among the offices and dental rooms at Signature Dental Aesthetics is one small room set aside for photography.

Before implant surgery or aesthetics work Dr Binns asks clients to pose for photographs. After the work is done he takes another photo.

“Seeing the gaps suddenly filled and their smile refreshed our clients often get tears of joy,” Dr Binns said.

• For more information about Signature Dental Aesthetics, seesdabermuda.bm