Blog Archives - PermaSmile! Dentistry@Slater

When Are Removable Prosthodontics Recommended?

If your teeth are badly damaged from decay or facial trauma, or if you have several missing teeth, your dentist may recommend removable prosthodontics to solve your dental problems. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), bone loss or serious tooth decay can leave you as a poor candidate for restorative options such as dental crowns, dental bridges or dental implants. Removable prosthodontics can restore your smile so that it looks and functions as it should and can restore your confidence as you eat, smile and laugh.

Just hearing the word “dentures” might give you pause, reminding you of your older relatives, but achievements in dental restorative therapies enable your dentist to craft a removable prosthodontic for you that will not only look, but will feel like your natural smile.

Removable prosthodontics include:

Partial dentures correct gaps when only a few of your natural teeth are missing. A partial denture may be the best choice if your remaining teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Overdentures provide restorations when one or more of your natural teeth are in place in an arch – typically two teeth for a bottom overdenture and four teeth for an upper overdenture.
Immediate dentures are put in place following an extraction, allowing the bone and gums to recover following an extraction procedure. They prevent the adjacent teeth from collapsing upon the empty space and affecting your bite.
Complete dentures are for edentulous patients (patients with no teeth at all) and are designed to replace all of the teeth in one or both arches of your mouth, restoring your smile and your ability to eat and speak clearly.

Because of advancements in materials and techniques, many dentures can be mistaken for natural teeth. Only you – and your prosthodontist – will know your secret. Talk to your prosthodontist today to see what removable prosthodontics can do for you. Don’t wait to begin enjoying your life with your new, healthy smile.

If you need a dentist in Ottawa contact us today

Signs You May Need a Root Canal Therapy

If you are dealing with ongoing tooth pain, you may be too fearful to go to the dentist to find out what’s going on. It’s important that you do, however, as you may need root canal therapy. Your dentist will need to evaluate you to see if that procedure is necessary, and will closely examine several factors: the signs the dentist can see personally, the results of any tests performed during your visit, and the symptoms you have been experiencing with the problematic tooth.

Your dentist may observe:

A tooth that is discolored
X-rays that reveal a tooth problem
A fistulous tract, or persistent or recurring gum pimple

Additional testing done by your dentist:

X-rays provide an extremely clear picture of the health of the tooth
Thermal testing can evaluate sensitivity through a careful application of hot or cold temperatures
Percussion testing evaluates pain response through gentle tapping

You may have been noticing:

A broken or cracked tooth obviously decayed or damaged
A discolored tooth, especially a grey tooth
A “bubble” in your gums, like a pimple. It may or may not have ruptured, leaking pus that smells or tastes awful
Pain that shoots out from one tooth to your jaw or ear, leading to earache symptoms
Pain that prevents you from living your life without painkillers
Pain, sensitivity or swelling on one certain tooth
Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold liquids that lingers and is very painful

In some cases, an infected tooth that requires a root canal treatment has no symptoms at all that could be discerned by you. Only a dental professional can confirm the need to undergo root canal therapies. If you are experiencing pain that disrupts your life, talk to your dentist or endodontist immediately. Root canal treatments are designed to relieve the pain you’re experiencing now and to restore your tooth to full form and function. Don’t wait to get your life and smile back!

We treat patients from Ottawa and the surrounding area

Reasons to Consider Dentures

Most of the time, the idea of dentures brings to mind elderly people who are missing a mouthful of teeth. The truth is that dentures are not just for old folks, but for people of all ages who have lost teeth for some reason. Gum disease, tooth decay, and trauma from an accident are all common reasons for tooth loss. There is no need to suffer through life with gaps in your smile, when you can opt for dentures to restore both appearance and function.

The main reasons that many people consider getting dentures include:

Eating – your teeth help you to chew and eat food. Dentures serve the same purpose, allowing you to eat a normal diet without having to stick only to soft foods or liquids.
Speaking – when the gaps in your smile have been filled, your ability to speak more clearly and easily is improved.
Smiling – replacing missing teeth gives you back your self-confidence to smile and laugh again. You will be proud of your new smile and be willing to display it more often. Also, your cheeks will have a fuller look and your appearance may look younger.

When you get dentures, expect that it may take some time to get used to them. They may feel strange at first, and you should be patient while you learn to talk and eat with them. Time will help you adjust to the dentures, but if discomfort lingers you should visit your dentist to make sure the fit is correct and no adjustments are necessary.

We look forward to seeing you in our Ottawa dental office

Cosmetic Dentistry Options at Your Family Dentist

Due to the increased interest in cosmetic dentistry, many family dentists are becoming trained to offer more extensive procedures and treatments geared to improve the appearance of your smile. Many of these treatments are quick and painless, and can offer almost instant results. Some of the cosmetic dentistry options offered by your family dentist may include:

Professional teeth whitening to improve the color and brightness of dark, dingy, or discolored teeth
Placement of dental veneers to improve the look of gapped, stained, or crooked teeth
Replacement of old or unattractive metal fillings with more natural, tooth-colored materials
Placement of crowns and bridges to repair and replace missing or severely damaged teeth
Correction of small spaces or gaps between teeth by bonding with tooth-colored composite resin
Insertion of dental implants to replace missing teeth
Straightening of teeth and correction of bite problems with braces or Invisalign

Because your family dentist is already aware of your family’s dental history, it will be simple to recommend treatment plans. With this knowledge, your dentist can also quickly and expertly assess if you or other members of your family are suitable candidates for the procedures you are seeking. Your family dentist can perform all the same services as both a pediatric dentist and a general dentist, and will be able to address the cosmetic dental concerns of every member of your family. Family dentists can provide advice as to which procedures are age appropriate and give guidelines for when treatment is recommended.

If anyone in your family is not pleased with the appearance of their teeth, consult first with your family dentist to find out what cosmetic dental procedures and treatments are offered to improve the quality of their smile.

If you need a dentist in Ottawa contact us today

Teeth Whitening Trends

Nobody is happy with yellow or brown teeth. Ugly stains from smoking or consuming foods and drinks prone to discoloring your teeth can make you a good candidate for teeth whitening. There are many techniques available to restore your bright smile. The main two categories of teeth whitening are either at-home kits or professional treatment in a dental office. Let’s learn about these to see which you’d like to use to brighten your smile.

At-home teeth whitening
There are a variety of products you can try yourself to whiten your teeth. These treatments usually take a few weeks of use before your teeth are noticeably whiter. Also remember that most of these products cannot achieve as high of a level of whiteness as those performed professionally.

Kits – whitening kits contain a tooth mold and gel to place inside the mold. You wear the filled mold for about 30 minutes for 2-3 weeks.
Strips – thin whitening strips are coated with peroxide gel, and then you apply the strips directly to your teeth for 30 minutes for 14 days. Results become evident in a few days and last about four months.
Toothpaste – brushing with whitening toothpaste must be done consistently and you must be patient because reaching the desired outcome usually takes a couple of months.

Professional teeth whitening
Treatments done by a dentist are the fastest and most effective way to regain your pearly whites.

Laser whitening – the dentist coats your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide solution and then shines a laser light on them. This oxidizes the stains and gives them a whiter appearance.
Porcelain veneers – if your teeth are severely stained and other whitening techniques haven’t done the trick, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. These shells permanently cover your teeth and provide a beautiful smile.

Teeth Whitening dentist in Ottawa

The Invisible Transformation: Unveiling the Secrets of Invisalign Treatment for a Stunning Smile

A beautiful smile can boost confidence, make a great first impression, and improve overall health.

A beautiful smile can boost confidence, make a great first impression, and improve overall health. One way to achieve a winning smile is through Invisalign treatment. Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces due to its convenience and discreet appearance.

Explanation of Invisalign as a dental treatment

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired position. The aligners are custom-made for each patient using 3D imaging technology. They are worn over the teeth and are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces.

Importance of having a beautiful smile

Having a beautiful smile can have positive effects on both physical and emotional health. A straighter smile can improve oral health by making it easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, smiling releases endorphins that can boost mood and reduce stress levels.

People who feel confident in their smiles are more likely to succeed in social situations such as job interviews or dating scenarios. Now that we have an understanding of what Invisalign is, its history, and why having a beautiful smile is important let’s dive deeper into how exactly this revolutionary dental treatment works in section II – “What is Invisalign?”

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. These aligners are made of a special thermoplastic material that is custom-fitted to your teeth. Invisalign works by applying a controlled amount of force on your teeth to move them into the desired position.

The Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment is designed to be a more subtle alternative to traditional metal braces. The custom-made aligners are virtually invisible, allowing patients to undergo orthodontic treatment without feeling self-conscious about their appearance. In addition, the aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing which makes them far more convenient than traditional braces.

Comparison to Traditional Braces

Compared with conventional metal braces, Invisalign provides several advantages. First and foremost being the aesthetics – since they are almost invisible on your teeth, people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

Additionally, patients who choose Invisalign enjoy greater comfort due to the materials used in creating the aligners- there’s no metal or wires that can irritate soft tissues in your mouth as with traditional metal braces. Unlike conventional braces which require frequent visits for adjustments or repairs – Invisalign generally requires much fewer office visits.

How It Works

Before starting treatment and getting fitted with your first set of custom-made aligners, you will meet with a dentist who will evaluate your teeth and determine how many sets of aligners you’ll need over the course of treatment. Each set of clear plastic trays gradually moves your teeth toward their final positions. You’ll wear each set for 20-22 hours per day for two weeks before switching to a new one (as prescribed by your doctor).

Every time you switch to a new set of aligners, your teeth will move slightly closer to their final position. Over time (usually 12-18 months), the Invisalign aligners will gradually shift your teeth into their proper place for an improved, healthy smile.

Benefits of Invisalign

Aesthetics and Appearance

One of the primary benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are virtually invisible. Unlike traditional metal braces, which can be unsightly and noticeable, Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic that blends in with your teeth. This means that people will hardly notice you’re wearing them, which is especially important for adults who don’t want to feel self-conscious about their appearance during treatment.

Comfort

Invisalign aligners are made using a special 3D digital scanning technology, which allows for a customized fit to your teeth. The smooth plastic material also eliminates any concerns about protruding wires or brackets irritating your cheeks or gums, making it a much more comfortable experience compared to traditional braces.

Convenience

Unlike traditional braces that require frequent visits to a dentist for adjustments, Invisalign treatment requires fewer appointments and adjustments. The aligners are designed to be removable, making it easy for you to eat what you want without worrying about food getting stuck in wires or brackets. You can also remove them when brushing and flossing your teeth.

Oral Hygiene

Because they’re removable, Invisalign aligners make it easy for you to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. With traditional braces, there is a risk of food particles getting caught in between the wires and brackets leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay. With Invisalign treatment, you simply remove the aligners before brushing or flossing your teeth as normal.

The Process of Getting Invisalign

Consultation with a dentist

Before starting the Invisalign treatment, it is important to schedule a consultation with a dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

This involves taking x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth. The dentist will also discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the treatment.

Customized treatment plan

Once our dentist has determined that Invisalign is right for you, they will create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs. This involves using advanced computer technology to create a 3D image of your teeth and jaws. The computer then generates a series of aligners that are specifically designed to shift your teeth into their proper positions.

Fitting and wearing the aligners

After the aligners have been created, you will need to return to the dentist’s office to have them fitted. The aligners are made from clear plastic material that fits snugly over your teeth, so they are virtually invisible when worn.

You will need to wear each set of aligners for around two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. It is important to wear them for at least 22 hours per day and only remove them when eating or cleaning your teeth.

Follow-up appointments

Throughout your treatment, you will need to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments. At each appointment, they will evaluate how well your teeth are moving and make any necessary changes to ensure that they continue shifting in the right direction.

Depending on how complex your case is, you can expect between 10-30 sets of aligners during a course of treatment that can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. The process of getting Invisalign involves several steps that are designed to ensure the best possible outcome for your teeth.

By choosing a certified dentist and following the customized treatment plan, you can achieve a beautiful smile and improved oral health. The fitting and wearing of aligners must be consistent, with follow-up appointments scheduled to keep track of progress and make adjustments as needed.

Hidden Details about Invisalign Treatment

While Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces due to their discreet appearance, there are several hidden details about the treatment that many people may not know. One of the most important aspects of Invisalign is the materials used in creating the aligners.

The Materials Used in Making The Aligners

Invisalign aligners are made from a thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, which was specifically designed for this treatment. This material is FDA approved and is free from BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten. SmartTrack plastic provides a comfortable fit and allows for gradual tooth movement over time.

Another advantage of using SmartTrack plastic is its transparency and resistance to staining. Unlike traditional braces’ metal or ceramic brackets that tend to stain easily with food or drink, Invisalign’s clear aligners remain transparent throughout the treatment process.

The Technology Behind the Creation of Aligners

The creation of each set of custom-made aligners requires advanced technology and expertise. First, a dentist will take digital impressions or physical molds of your teeth to create a 3D model using specialized computer software.

This digital model is then sent to an Invisalign lab, where technicians use 3D printing technology and robotic trimming machines to create each set of custom-made aligners for you.

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Invisalign Treatment?

The duration of an Invisalign treatment varies depending on your individual needs and case complexity. On average, a typical adult patient may complete their treatment in about 12-18 months with around 18-30 sets of aligners. Your dentist will provide you with a customized treatment plan that includes the number of aligners required based on your specific case.

It’s important to note that for Invisalign treatment to be successful, patients should wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day and switch to a new set of aligners every one or two weeks as recommended by their dentist. Failing to follow these instructions can lead to complications or lengthen the treatment duration.

Overall, understanding the hidden details behind Invisalign treatment can help you make an informed decision about whether this option is right for you. Consult with your dentist today and start your journey towards a beautiful smile!

FAQs about Invisalign Treatment

Can anyone get Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment is suitable for most adults and teenagers. However, not everyone is a good candidate for the treatment. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic cases such as gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, and crowded teeth.

Severe orthodontic issues may require traditional braces or other dental treatments. It’s important to schedule a consultation with a dentist to determine if Invisalign is the best option for your needs.

How often should I wear my aligners?

For the treatment to be effective, it’s recommended that patients wear their aligners 20-22 hours per day. Aligners should only be removed during meals or when brushing and flossing teeth. Failure to wear aligners as prescribed can result in longer treatment times or less effective results.

What happens if I lose or break my aligner?

It’s essential that patients take good care of their aligners as losing or breaking them can impact the effectiveness of the treatment. If an aligner is lost or broken, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately for guidance on what steps to take next. Depending on where you are in your treatment plan, you may need a replacement aligner or have to prolong your current step until a new one can be made.

It’s also important not to try and fix any broken aligner yourself as this could ruin it completely.

Overall these FAQs touch on some commonly asked questions regarding Invisalign Treatment but there are many more things one should consider before starting this process such as cost and lifestyle adjustments it requires during its usage period which I have discussed earlier in this article.

Conclusion: Why Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?

Summary of Benefits Discussed in Section III

Invisalign is an innovative treatment that offers numerous benefits over traditional metal braces. The aligners are virtually invisible, making it a discreet option for people who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to themselves. In addition, they are comfortable and convenient, allowing patients to eat and drink whatever they want without restrictions.

Oral hygiene is also much easier since the aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing. The cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces.

Affordability

While the cost of Invisalign may vary based on several factors such as severity, duration of treatment, and location, it is usually in line with traditional braces or only slightly higher. The cost includes the creation of customized trays for each stage of treatment and several follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor progress.

Invisalign may require fewer office visits than traditional braces since there are no adjustments needed. Therefore, patients save on transportation costs and time off work or school.

An Optimistic Spin on the Material

Choosing Invisalign over traditional braces provides a hidden way to improve your smile while maintaining confidence in your appearance during treatment. With all the benefits discussed above, including aesthetics, comfort, convenience in oral hygiene, affordability as well as lower maintenance requirements than metal brackets and wires – it’s easy to see why more people are choosing this innovative dental technology to achieve their dream smile.

Not only does this modern orthodontic solution deliver beautiful results but also preserves social confidence during treatment. It’s clear that Invisalign has revolutionized dental care by providing an alternative option that prioritizes comfort while ensuring patients can achieve their best smiles with ease!

Do you live in Ottawa or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.

« Older Entries