Cosmetic Dentistry  Q & A

A. Cosmetic dentistry fixes cracked, worn, discolored or broken teeth?

Q. For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold and that was too expensive for most folks. Now there is a new and economical way to restore teeth using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. We bond the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.Once completed, the tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings.

Q. What is a dental implant?

A. A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth. Several types are available. The American Dental Association considers both the endosteal and the subperiosteal implants to be acceptable. An important factor for selection is to determine whether your jawbone can adequately support the implant. Most dental implants placed today are endosteal root form fixtures (similar to a man-made tooth root).

Q. What are Composite Veneers?

A. The major advantage of the composite veneer is treatment time. If composite is used, the veneers can be done in one appointment. The dentist will actually make the veneer directly on the prepared tooth. The veneer is then smoothed and polished to look like your natural teeth, you can leave our office with a brand new smile.
One of the disadvantages of composite veneers is that they are not as strong as the porcelain veneer and therefore are more prone to fracture. However, if a fracture does occur, they can be easily repaired because the same material that was used initially to make the veneer can be added in the same manner to fix it.
Another disadvantage is that the color, although stable, is not as stable as the same porcelain veneer restoration. This means that over time the veneers may get darker or turn yellow. Eventually this change in color can warrant the replacement of the veneers.

Q. What are the symptoms of  Periodontal Disease?

A. Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed.
Visual oral examination by itself (even by a dentist) will not reliably detect periodontal disease until it has reached an advanced stage.
Early detection and adequate diagnosis require measurement of pockets (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe. Effective prevention and treatment is available, but the damage caused as the disease progresses is irreversible. Early detection and treatment is critical to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement. Although the procedure is simple, painless and requires only a few minutes, millions of American adults have never had it done.
Some signs of periodontal disease are: bleeding gums, redness of gum tissue, swelling of gums around the teeth, breath odor, receding gums, mobility of teeth.

Q. Is tooth whitening right for you?

A. Advanced dental techniques now provide consumers with exciting, new options for enhancing their smiles. Revolutionary methods are now available for bleaching teeth to make smiles sparkle!. Teeth bleaching or whitening lightens the color of teeth whether darkened from age, coffee, tea or tobacco. Its brightening effects can last up to five years after the treatment depending on your personal habits, such as smoking or drinking coffee or tea. Bleaching has a higher than 90% success rate. Bleaching is tough on stains but gentle on your teeth! Results vary depending on several factors such as teeth stained from smoking; from taking certain medications such as tetracycline during tooth development; or from fluorosis, a condition occurring in the presence of too much fluoride.
Bleaching will not lighten fillings or artificial materials used in dental repair as for crowns, porcelain veneers, etc. Your dentist may discourage treatment if you have sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, teeth with worn enamel or if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

For more information about how we can help you with any dental problems, call us at (905) 840-3456, we will be happy to help you

 Brampton Ont. L6Z 0E3

Phone 905-840-3456

Fax 905-840-1475