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Dental Centre
604-733-1792 |
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A bridge is a restoration that covers the whole surface of two or more teeth, and replaces one or more missing teeth. A bridge is basically two or more crowns with one or more artificial teeth bonded in between them. They can be made entirely of metal; have a metal core with a porcelain overlay; or entirely made of porcelain. WHEN ARE THEY NEEDED? A bridge is needed when one or more teeth are missing, and require replacement. Bridges can also change the shape and colour of teeth, so they are used to enhance and improve aesthetics. It is important to replace missing teeth, in order to maintain chewing function and prevent drifting and tipping of teeth.
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HOW ARE THEY DONE?
Bridges are done in two appointments: At the first appointment, the dentist will usually anesthetize (freeze) the area. The teeth are then reshaped to make room for the bridge to fit over top. Then, an impression (or mould) of the teeth is made. This mould goes to the dental lab, where a dental lab technician will make the bridge. The dentist then makes a temporary plastic bridge to cover the teeth up, and to prevent drifting of the teeth until the permanent bridge is ready from the lab. At the second appointment, the teeth may or may not need to be anesthetised. The plastic bridge is removed, and the permanent one is fitted and cemented on with a dental cement. |
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THE MORAL OF THE STORY Bridges are very durable and long lasting restorations that can serve you for years to come. They restore proper chewing function and stabilize teeth.
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A crown (or cap) is a restoration the covers the entire surface of a tooth. They can be made entirely of metal; have a metal core with a porcelain overlay; or made entirely of porcelain (the most aesthetic).
THE MORAL OF THE STORY Crowns are a very durable and long lasting restoration that can serve you for years to come. A true investment - they can be used to strengthen and beautify teeth.
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WHEN IS IT NEEDED? Implants are indicated for almost any missing tooth or teeth. They restore chewing function and esthetics. They are excellent choices for replacing teeth, due to their proven clinical success and reliability. They are also desirable because they replace teeth without relying on adjacent teeth for support.
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HOW IS IT DONE? Implant placement is a multi step procedure: Step 1:
Step 2:
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Step 3:
Step 4:
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
Implants are in essence the ‘Cadillac Treatment of Dentistry”. They are the best treatment available for replacing most missing teeth. They are durable, reliable and independent of any adjacent teeth.
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Root Canal Simply put, a root canal (or endodontic) treatment is the removal of the nerve and blood supply ( the pulp) of a tooth. WHEN IS IT NEEDED? A root canal treatment may be needed when a tooth is infected (abscessed), cracked, broken or when the nerve has died. HOW IS IT DONE? A tooth is comprised of three layers:
The pulp exists in a chamber just below the dentin and extends into the root system of the tooth via canals to the tip of the root. Thus the name, 'root canal'. The procedure is similar to having a filling done, but takes a little longer. The tooth and area is fully anaesthetized (frozen) and an access into the tooth is made through it’s biting surface. The pulp is accessed and removed using a system of very fine dental tools. In effect, the tooth and it’s roots are “hollowed out”. The inside of the root canal system is filled in with a rubber-like filling material, and the access opening is closed off with traditional filling material. Many teeth (including most molars) require crowns to restore the tooth, following a root canal treatment. These are needed to protect the tooth from fracture, as root canalled teeth tend to be more brittle afterwards. THE MORAL OF THE STORY Root canal treatment is common place in dentistry today and should not be feared. Everyone has heard of “painful root canals”, but these are a thing of the past. With today’s anesthetics and equipment, root canals are performed quickly and painlessly.
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WHY DO TEETH DISCOLOUR? Teeth naturally darken with age and their appearance can be affected by the accumulation of surface stains acquired from the use of tobacco, certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea and berries); some drugs (such as tetracycline); or trauma to a tooth. The best way to keep your teeth white is to brush twice a day, floss daily, see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings, and limit stain-causing foods and habits.
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HOW IS IT DONE?
In general, teeth whitening is accomplished in one of two ways:
OUR OFFICE WHITENING TECHNIQUES: |
SUPREME! |
| These are thin flexible strips coated with hydrogen peroxide. They are used by you at home applied to your upper and lower teeth for 30 minutes twice a day for a period of 21 days. Whitestrips Supreme are only available from a dentist and have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the over the product available in the drug store. It takes approximately four boxes of Whitestrips from the store to equal the whitening effect of Whitestrips Supreme. |
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| Nite White is a faster, effective way of tooth whitening. The process includes taking moulds of your teeth to allow custom fit trays to be made to fit your teeth. You are given these trays and a take home kit of Nite White Excel 3. Inside this kit is a whitening gel containing a powerful whitening agent called carbamide peroxide. This gel is placed in the tray and over your teeth and worn (usually overnight) for a period of 7 - 10 days. |
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Zoom! Whitening is the exciting new whitening technique that has been seen on ABC’s Extreme Makeover. This is the fastest option we provide. It can be done in the office in about an hour. The appointment begins with a preparation period consisting of isolating your teeth, gums and lips. Then the Zoom! whitening gel ( a hydrogen peroxide product) is placed over the teeth. The teeth are then exposed to the specially designed Zoom! lamp which activated the whitening agents for a period for 15 minutes. The procedure is repeated 3 times and a 5 minute fluoride application is done afterwards to complete the procedure.
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Veneers are thin shells of strong dental porcelain that are bonded over the face of your teeth.
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WHEN ARE THEY NEEDED? |
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HOW ARE THEY DONE? Veneers are done in two appointments: In the first appointment: Generally the teeth are anesthetised (frozen); the dentist removes a thin amount of enamel from the front of the tooth to create enough room for the veneers and to provide an exact finishing line for them. A shade (or colour) is chosen for the new veneers, and an impression (or mould) of the teethis taken. This mould is sent to a dental lab where a dental lab technician makes the veneers.
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In the second appointment: Usually about 7-10 days later, the dentist checks the fit and shape of the new veneers. If everything looks good, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using special dental bonding agents. |
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THE MORAL OF THE STORY Dental porcelain veneers are an excellent, conservative way of treating many aesthetic issues faced by people today.
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WHAT ARE THEY? White fillings are made of a composite resin material. They are used to fix broken or decayed teeth. WHEN ARE THEY NEEDED? White fillings can usually be done in any situation where a traditional silver filling could have been used. In some instances, though, a silver filling may still be recommended by the dentist.
For example, if the area to be filled is difficult keep isolated and dry. White fillings are bonded to the tooth and can actually strengthen a weak tooth.
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HOW ARE THEY DONE? The tooth to be restored is usually anesthetised. The decay is then removed and the filling is placed in a couple of steps.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY White fillings are an excellent alternative to traditional silver fillings in most cases. They are strong, aesthetic and long lasting.
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