PATIENT Q&A
As with most things in life, it pays to be an informed
dental care consumer. The following are a few of the
most frequently asked questions we receive.
Can
cosmetic dentistry improve the appearance of teeth?
Should I have
my teeth whitened/bleached? Is it safe to use? How
long does it last?
Are white fillings
better than silver? Which is stronger and lasts longer?
What are veneers
and can they improve my smile?
What are dental
implants?
How can fluoride
help my child’s teeth? Is it safe?
How best can I
take care of my child’s teeth? When should dental
visits begin?
Can dental sealants
protect my child's teeth from decay?
Can
cosmetic dentistry improve the appearance of teeth?
Looking and feeling more attractive can lead to an
improved self-image, greater self-confidence and a
sense of well-being. Cosmetic dentistry can renew
and improve the appearance of the face and teeth.
State-of-the-art techniques can enhance teeth that
are stained, discolored, misaligned and damaged by
decay or injury, and now a variety of modern aesthetic
options are available to satisfy many cosmetic needs.
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Should I have my
teeth whitened/bleached? Is it safe to use? How long
does it last?
Many people believe that whiter teeth make them look
and feel younger and more attractive. Unattractive
stains and age-related darkening of the teeth can
be removed by whitening procedures. Take home and
office bleaching treatments are custom designed to
fit each person’s requests. There are no dangerous
or harmful side effects to gums, teeth and fillings,
and the results can last years.
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Are white fillings
better than silver? Which is stronger and lasts longer?
Traditional silver fillings (amalgams) are made up
of mercury, powdered silver and tin, and with time
these restorations corrode, breakdown and can weaken
the marginal integrity and strength of the tooth.
White fillings, also known as bonding, are available
and can be used to restore any tooth. These white
resin fillings offer an excellent alternative to unattractive
metal and can provide added support and long-lasting
strength. White fillings can be shaded to match any
surrounding tooth color and their bonding properties
can be stable for many years.
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What
are veneers, and can they improve my smile?
A veneer is a thin facing of porcelain that is bonded
to the front visible surface of a tooth. The appearance
of teeth can be dramatically improved by veneer restorations.
Veneers can change the color, shape, and size of teeth
and discolored teeth can be permanently whitened.
Porcelain veneers are one of the most effective procedure
in cosmetic restorations.
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What are dental
implants?
Dental implants are a safe, medically proven, alternative
to traditional crowns, bridgework and dentures. Because
implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth,
they offer new levels of comfort, security and confidence
over traditional treatments. An implant is a small
“anchor” made of titanium that is inserted
into the jawbone to take the place of your missing
tooth root. After the surrounding bone has healed
to the implant, a replacement tooth is secured to
the top of the implant. This new tooth looks, feels
and performs similar to your natural teeth.
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How can fluoride
help my child’s teeth? Is it safe?
Fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more
resistant to decay by decreasing the formation of
acids caused by the interaction of plaque and sugars
in the mouth. Fluoride can also help repair teeth
in the early stages of decay when the decay has affected
the enamel only, a process known as remineralization.
In excessive doses, fluoride, like most other substances,
is toxic. It is important not to exceed recommended
doses. This is why fluoride toothpastes should be
rinsed out of the mouth and not swallowed. In the
correct concentrations, fluoride is recommended, safe
and effective.
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How best can I take
care of my child’s teeth? When should dental
visits begin?
Home care begins as soon as teeth first erupt. The
surface of the teeth should be wiped gently with a
soft cloth or a special toothbrush made for babies
and toddlers. Children should be taught and encouraged
to brush their own teeth when age appropriate. Brushing
must be supervised or done for them until they are
sufficiently skilled to do it on their own. Fluoride
toothpaste should not be introduced until the child
understands the concept of “spitting out”
and rinsing after brushing. Children should be taken
to the dentist beginning at the age of three. Visits
should be at regular six-month intervals and an early
start will prevent any major problems from developing.
First experiences should be fun and are important
in developing trust and positive behavior patterns
between the dental team and the child.
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Can
dental sealants protect my child's teeth from decay?
One of the most common places that tooth decay develops
is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth in the
indentations and grooves- called pits and fissures.
These pits and fissures are difficult to keep clean
because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the
microscopic grooves to remove plaque bacteria and
tiny particles of food increase the risk of decay.
A dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied
to a chewing surface of a back tooth. This sealant
acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from damaging
plaque and acids.
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