The South Jakarta-based prosthodontist and his dedicated team at Mésem Dental are here to help you maintain a brighter, healthier smile.
Indonesia Expat had a chat with drg. Mico Tjandra, Sp. Pros, the owner of the South Jakarta-based dental clinic Mésem Dental, as the latter discussed, among many interesting things, all the dental health-related treatments that the clinic provides, why dental aesthetics should no longer be treated as a secondary priority, why starting the new year with a dental check-up and clean-up can prevent long-term damage, and what many people still get wrong about dental health.
Hi Doc! Let’s get started by introducing yourself a bit. What can you tell us about yourself?
Hi, my name is Mico Tjandra and I’m a prosthodontist. I graduated as a dentist at Trisakti University and completed my prosthodontics degree at the University of Indonesia.
For our readers who might not necessarily be aware of this entity, what can you tell us about Mésem Dental? And what kind of dental services does Mésem Dental provide?
Mésem Dental is a dental clinic established in 2019 and is based in South Jakarta. We provide dental treatments such as dental cleaning, whitening, and dental filling. Furthermore, we also provide specialist dental treatments such as crown and veneer, dental implants, tooth extraction, and orthodontic treatment.
In your humble opinion, what makes Mésem Dental stand apart from other dentistry in Jakarta?
Mésem Dental provides a genuine and trusted experience due to upholding professionalism to our patients. Meanwhile, I heard a lot of other dentists out there provide gimmick treatments, a sugarcoating promotion, or even sugarcoated results. That’s why I believe Mésem Dental is here: for better dental health for each and every one of our patients.
As you said before, your speciality is in prosthodontics. For our readers who might not be familiar with that term, could you explain what that is?
Basically, prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the replacement of missing teeth and other oral structures. This includes dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Prosthodontists also manage to restore function, comfort, and aesthetics for patients who have suffered from tooth loss, injury, or congenital defects.
Let’s talk a little bit about dental veneers. Some might opine that, in this day and age, dental aesthetics should no longer be treated as a secondary or a third-tier priority. Would you agree with that sentiment —and why?
I would agree with that sentiment to a large extent. In modern dentistry, aesthetics has become an integral part of overall oral health care, and not just a secondary concern. The appearance of one’s smile can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence, which, in turn, can affect social interactions, professional opportunities, and even mental well-being.
Dental veneers are a prime example of how aesthetics and function intersect in modern dentistry. Veneers not only enhance the appearance of a smile by correcting issues like discolouration, chips, and misalignment but also provide a durable, long-lasting solution that can improve a patient’s overall quality of life.
That being said, while aesthetics is important, it should always be balanced with function. Dental treatments should prioritise both the health and beauty of a patient’s smile, ensuring that any aesthetic enhancements don’t compromise the long-term health and function of the teeth.
It’s January, which means that a lot of us are just fresh off the holiday trips and celebratory feasts. Why do you think that it is important to start taking care of our dental health as soon as the beginning of the new year?
After the holiday season, many people tend to indulge in sugary foods, drinks, and snacks, which can contribute to plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum issues. These can weaken enamel and promote bacterial growth, which leads to cavities and gum disease. Holiday activities like biting into hard candies, drinking acidic beverages, or even grinding teeth during stress can cause temporary damage or stress on the teeth. A dental check-up can help spot any potential issues early on, so you can address them before they become bigger problems. Starting the year with a dental checkup and clean-up helps clear up any residual effects and prevents long-term damage.
Taking care of your dental health from the very beginning of the year can help you maintain a brighter, healthier smile and prevent more complex dental issues later on. That is why starting the new year with a focus on dental health is an excellent choice.
In your opinion, what do you think that most people often misunderstand when it comes to taking care of their dental health? And how could Mésem Dental help in that regard?
One of the most common misunderstandings people have about dental health is the idea that oral health only needs attention when something hurts or seems visibly wrong. People often delay dental checkups until they experience pain, sensitivity, or visible problems like cavities or staining. In reality, many dental issues are silent and can progress without obvious symptoms. Early detection is key in preventing more serious and costly problems. At Mésem Dental, we emphasise the importance of regular dental checkups because it allows the identification of issues such as cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
One of the other misconceptions is how many people think that brushing one’s teeth is solely enough to maintain oral health. While brushing is crucial, it’s just one part of the equation. Flossing, using mouthwash, and maintaining a balanced diet are all essential in preventing issues like gum disease and cavities. At Mésem Dental, we can educate patients on the importance of a complete oral hygiene routine and recommend products that suit their specific needs.
Let’s talk a little bit about orthodontics. The new year usually brings forth new trends as well. From your perspective, what do you think the new orthodontics trend will be for the year 2025?
Orthodontics is evolving to become more personalised, efficient, and effective thanks to advancements like clear aligners and digital scanners. Moreover, all of these improvements will make all the orthodontics appliances—from basic braces to a clear aligner—more durable, lighter, and less likely to cause discomfort, which may lead to a better result and shorter duration as well.
Now that we are officially in the new year, are there any big promotions for 2025 that we can expect and anticipate from Mésem Dental?
As we embrace the year 2025, we have a special package price for dental implants and crowns starting from Rp15,000,000. Also, we have another special price for teeth cleaning and whitening. Follow us on social media and do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
That leads to my final question: how can our readers reach you and Mésem Dental?
You can reach us via WhatsApp at +628118506161 and via direct message on Instagram @mesemdentalclinic.
Mésem Dental
- Address: Jl. Cikajang no.12, Kebayoran Baru
- Call: +628118506161
- Instagram: @mesemdentalclinic
- Email: mesemdental@gmail.com
- Website: www.mesemdental.com