Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

There are currently many topics about e-smoking that get discussed time and time again. For instance, you can find out various benefits of switching to e-cigs by simply doing a quick Google search: no second-hand smoke, no tar, and no odour –just rich flavoured e-juice and pure vapour. And you may have also heard how e-cigs are the perfect travel partner, giving you the freedom to smoke almost anywhere you want, and at a lower cost than traditional smoking. We keep reading that e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, they produce vapour.  The vapour that we inhale when smoking an e-cig does not contain any of the harmful chemicals contained in a traditional cigarette. E-cigs use a liquid mix of nicotine, distilled water, flavouring ingredients, and a few other chemicals that turn into vapour when inhaled.  These liquid ingredients will not cause any teeth discolouration, plaque build-up, or bad breath. One harmful effect is that nicotine inhalation inhibits your...

You have undoubtedly heard how vital it is to get a professional teeth cleaning to diminish the risk of cavities and gum disease, but how often do you really need to have a cleaning with a dental hygienist? If you have good oral hygiene habits and a healthy mouth, your dentist and dental hygienist will probably suggest professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year.  Many dental insurance policies will cover two cleanings per year, but few people take full advantage of their benefits. The twice-a-year recommendation isn't random; there are good reasons behind it. How often should I see a dental hygienist to have my teeth cleaned? This is a very good question and one, with variations, that has been asked hundreds of times. The answer to that question varies according to you – your level of oral hygiene, your genetic predisposition to decay or gum disease and any other habits you may have.  As a general rule, the intervals that are shown by studies to be optimal ...

Contrary to what you have been told, bleeding gums are not normal and shouldn't be ignored. Would you be concerned if your hands bleed every time you wash them?  Your gums are no different. Bleeding that occurs when you floss, brush, or eat is usually caused by a bacterial infection and characterizes one of the first symptoms of gum disease. Several links have been found between periodontal infection and other diseases of the human body .  Heart Disease, Diabetes, Respiratory Disease, Osteoporosis, Artificial Joints, and Pregnancy complications seem to be connected to your oral health. The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums breaks loose, travels through your bloodstream, and attaches itself to your heart or other body parts.  A recent study found that 85% of heart-attack patients have periodontal disease, making this connection higher than the relationship between high cholesterol and heart attacks. What Should You Do? Keep your mouth ...

Beautiful bright healthy teeth have long been associated with signs of youth. Many characteristics of our teeth and smiles can reveal the signs of aging. The colour, shape, and length of our teeth change over the years due to normal wear and tear. “Gravity”, and natural facial changes make our lower faces shrink and sink in, resulting in less of our upper teeth showing as we speak and smile. Loss of collagen and diminished muscle tone allow wrinkles to form around our mouth and lips. During the last generations, lost teeth were considered an inevitable consequence of aging. Now we know how to better care for our smiles as they age. With modern advances, you can have a comfortable, healthy smile for life! Must-Do, Ages 60+ For the most part, losing your teeth during your golden years has little to do with getting old and almost everything to do with gum disease or decays. It’s common as we age because our immune systems can’t fight off inflammation as easily. Regular ...

It has been estimated that over 20 percent of the population avoid going to the dentist out of fear. Some sources suggest that those who avoid the dentist may also suffer from poor health in general, which is no surprise given the links between poor oral health and heart disease, strokes, and diabetes, just to name a few. That’s why many dentists feel so strongly about prevention. It’s much easier to maintain a healthy body or fight against the early symptoms of disease than to treat it once it’s started. Tooth decay is reversible, but a cavity must be treated. Pre-diabetes is reversible, but diabetes, once you have it, must be managed for the rest of one’s life. When it comes to dental health and care, it’s always best to see the same dentist regularly. You’ll establish a relationship, and that dentist will get to know all your individual requirements, from concerns to allergies. In addition you’ll have a history together. “Your regular dentist will be familiar with wha...

Technological developments, such as digital imaging systems, have considerably improved the level of detailed information available to dentists. Dental X-rays are important in the diagnostic assessment of patients. Radiographic images help in the diagnosis, treatment planning and follow up of patients with conditions affecting the head, face, teeth and jaw. While some dentists have long relied on 2-D imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning, this technology typically requires multiple exposures, and with them, multiple doses of radiation. Computed tomography (CT) imaging, also referred to as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, involves the use of rotating x-ray equipment, combined with a digital computer, to obtain images of Jaws/teeth. Using CT imaging, cross sectional images of body organs and tissues can be produced. Though there are many other imaging techniques, CT imaging has the unique ability to offer clear images of different types of tissue. CT imaging can ...

Tooth bonding or cosmetic dental bonding refers to the use of special composite resins in order to rebuild part of a tooth’s missing structure.  The dental resins used for tooth bonding are quite durable. In addition, these composite dental resins are colour matched to your teeth so that they are virtually undetectable. Therefore It requires great expertise and an artistic eye to achieve optimal aesthetics. Tooth bonding is best suited to deal with minor chips and cracks on teeth that are cosmetic in nature and do not compromise the overall structure of a tooth. Cases of minor tooth discolouration or tooth stains can also be fixed through tooth bonding. For tooth damage along the biting surfaces of the teeth, composite bonding resins can be used to form inlays and onlays. The tooth bonding process is relatively simple and involves no pain or discomfort. A dental resin is selected that most closely resembles the natural colour of the tooth to be treated. The to...